The final installation phase is underway at Goodwin College, leading up to the November 9 dedication ceremony for the “Connecticut Fallen Star” Memorial, which honors the more than 30,000 Connecticut men and women who have given their lives in military service.

The centerpiece of the memorial is an enormous star imbedded in the earth. Three bronze sculptures of a man, woman, and child pay tribute to Connecticut’s Gold Star families. The entire installation will be located in the center of a specially designed courtyard, adjacent to Goodwin’s newly constructed manufacturing program annex and visible from Route 2.

The cost of the physical structure, installation, and a fund for perpetual care is $300K, about half of which has been raised to date by a volunteer, non-profit committee of veterans, government officials, business representatives, Gold Star families, educators, and others.

The dedication ceremony will take place on the Goodwin campus, 3 Pent Road, in East Hartford on Saturday, November 9, beginning at 1 p.m. Craig Jordan, Veterans Coordinators for Student Affairs at Goodwin, will serve as master of ceremonies.  Musical performances will include the 102nd Army Band Brass Quintet; Carolyn Grusse, national assistant soloist, VFW Auxiliary; Colonel James Shelmerdine, trumpeter and Korean War veteran; and Pat Whalen, bagpiper. In addition to the keynote address by Paul Bucha, U.S. Army, 1970 Medal of Honor recipient, remarks will be offered by Chaplain James Parnell; Thomas J. Saadi, Commissioner, Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs; Paul Barry, steering committee member, Connecticut Chapter 120 Vietnam Veterans of America; and Helen Keiser-Pedersen, president, Gold Star Mothers of Connecticut.

Expected guests include sculptor Will Hemsley, Congressman John Larson, and Goodwin president Mark Scheinberg.

Members of the public — especially veterans, currently serving military personnel, and their families — are warmly invited to this free event. The viewing area of the memorial is handicapped accessible. The media is especially encouraged to attend. A reception is scheduled to follow at the College.

Questions about the dedication and ways to financially support the memorial may be directed to Rich McCarty, 860-727-6904 or rmccarty@goodwin.edu.

Check out these local stories on the arrival of the Fallen Star:
Hartford Courant
https://www.wtnh.com/top-news/connecticut-fallen-star-memorial-now-under-construction-in-east-hartford/

WTNH
https://www.courant.com/community/east-hartford/hc-news-east-hartford-fallen-star-sculpture-20191024-t3kegeefmzcf7ak6cpuatcrqk4-story.html

Goodwin College

Goodwin College is a nonprofit institution of higher education and is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), formerly known as the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). Goodwin College was founded in 1999, with the goal of serving a diverse student population with career-focused degree programs that lead to strong employment outcomes.

http://www.goodwin.edu

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On Wednesday, February 5, 2020, from 8 am to noon, Goodwin University will host a comprehensive program on “Achieving Success: Navigating Career Obstacles with a Disability.” The event will be held in The River Room, 195 Riverside Drive, on the University campus in East Hartford, Connecticut. Admission is free of charge, and the event is open to the public.

A collaboration of Goodwin University’s Student Affairs department and the Occupational Therapy Assisting program, “Achieving Success: Navigating Career Obstacles with a Disability” provides: awareness of the challenges and successes faced by individuals with a disability when navigating employment; networking opportunities among students, colleagues, and community members in the human resources and disability support services fields; and resources for achieving career success with a disability.

Jon Slifka, Executive Assistant to the Commissioner of the Department of Aging and Disability Services for the State of Connecticut, is the keynote speaker. Mr. Slifka served as Gov. Dannel Malloy’s Liaison to the Disability Community. His accomplishments include developing multiple pieces of legislation; restructuring the Committee on Employment for Persons with Disabilities; creating initiatives for National Disability Employment Awareness Month; and fostering the creation of the Intellectual and Developmental Disability Partnership. In his current role, Mr. Slifka chairs the governor’s Committee on Employment for Persons with Disabilities and facilitates strategic planning work. He has been a member of the Board of Directors of the nonprofit Miracle League of Connecticut since 2011.

The Goodwin program is designed for anyone interested in exploring this topic and/or faces challenges in reaching career goals because of disabilities. Veterans in particular are encouraged to attend. RSVP at www.goodwin.edu/AchievingSuccess. For more information, contact Stephanie Hertz at shertz@goodwin.edu or 860-913-2272.

Goodwin University

Goodwin University is a nonprofit institution of higher education and is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), formerly known as the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). Goodwin University was founded in 1999, with the goal of serving a diverse student population with career-focused degree programs that lead to strong employment outcomes.

www.goodwin.edu

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Like many aspects of life since the beginning of the pandemic, the ENet program experienced some transformations in the most recent cohort. However, the consistent factor of life-changing, inspiring stories was still present. 

Goodwin University excitedly anticipates the ENet presentation at our Pent Road open space each year; this year, our students presented via Zoom.  With some students still awaiting their release and others clocked in at work, this was the most efficient method for them to share their hard work. Other than the location, this year’s student presentations were delivered with the same heartfelt and well-researched pitch. After a joyous rendition of “Happy Birthday” was sung for Goodwin’s President Mark Scheinberg, and ENet program director, Matt Connell, shared a brief word about the students’ hard work, the first presentation was brought to the podium.

Nine students were able to share their business plans. No two businesses were the same. Each business stemmed either from the passion students identified from their childhood or from a goal to detour others from the mistakes they may have made.

Matt shared how most students attend their first class with a passion or business goal already in mind. “They knew coming into the program, ‘this is the business I want to start, ‘” Matt says. So, the courses teach budding business owners how to articulate their passion into a successful business model. “Our job is to take your passion and help you break it down into ‘chunk-able’, actionable units [to] get to be the next Jeff Bezos.”

One student was able to bring the real world into the classroom as he shared the contract for a global distribution deal offered to his independent publishing company. With ENet, some students participate even when their businesses are already off the ground. The open nature of this year’s cohort allowed students to learn from one another’s success and ideas.

Previous cohorts have successfully launched barber shops, kettle corn shops, and trauma support non-profits. These thriving alumni make the goals of this year’s cohort doable and well within reach: clothing lines featuring the prayer of serenity that brings light and awareness to the substance abuse among the youth; non-profit community centers that provide support to the whole family; a dumping truck organization that cleans the community while boosting diversity. Each of these dreams has the potential to meet the needs of communities throughout Connecticut. As President Scheinberg said, “So many of you are doing what the world needs.”

As the ENet students continue to re-enter their communities, they’re bringing their inspirations of change and positivity back with them. As Danielle Wilken, President of the University of Bridgeport, paraphrased Vivian Greene’s applicable statement, “Life is not waiting for the storm to pass but learning to dance in the rain.” Students of the ENet program are indeed dancing, with smiles and laughter to the beat. 

Goodwin University

Goodwin University is a nonprofit institution of higher education and is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), formerly known as the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). Goodwin University was founded in 1999, with the goal of serving a diverse student population with career-focused degree programs that lead to strong employment outcomes.

www.goodwin.edu

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On Thursday, May 19, Goodwin University and the Connecticut Legislative Black & Puerto Rican Caucus (BPRC) will welcome Ambassador Andrew J. Young to East Hartford for a co-hosted, in-person conversation on “Community Activism, Yesterday & Today.” Ambassador Young has earned worldwide recognition as a pioneer and champion of civil and human rights. His lifelong dedication to public service is illustrated by his extensive leadership experience of more than 65 years, serving as a member of Congress, the first African American U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, the mayor of Atlanta, and as an ordained minister. Speaking remotely in 2021, he was the University’s Commencement guest speaker. In this unique collaboration between Goodwin and the BPRC, he will share his thoughts with community members and will receive his Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters. The conversation will be moderated by columnist, radio and television host, and communications strategist Stan Simpson.

“We are so grateful that Ambassador Young will be joining us in person,” said Goodwin’s president, Mark Scheinberg. “In a historical sense, his perspectives are timeless. More importantly, in these challenging times, his practical insights on activism are critical, especially to our students, for building healthier communities.”

Geraldo Reyes, chair, and Bobby Gibson, vice chair of BPRC, provided these thoughts: “The breadth and scope of Andrew Young’s pioneering experience offer a treasure trove of wisdom to anyone with the chance to hear him speak. Ambassador Young has seen the world through every imaginable prism, whether it was the Civil Rights Movement, serving in Congress, leading one of America’s most prominent cities, or as a diplomat. His exemplary life of service spanning nearly 70 years is a template on how to make a measurable and tangible difference.”

Members of the public and media are invited to attend this conversation on May 19, 2 to 3:30 p.m., in the Goodwin auditorium at 211 Riverside Drive in East Hartford. There is no admission fee, however there is a capacity limit of 800. As of this writing, the University does not plan to enforce strict COVID protocols, but respectfully reserves the right to adjust its policies as conditions warrant.

Event: “Community Activism, Yesterday & Today” with Ambassador Andrew Young
Date: Thursday, May 19, 2022
Time: 2 to 3:30 p.m.
Admission: No charge
Location: Goodwin University Auditorium
211 Riverside Drive
East Hartford, CT 06118

PLEASE ALSO NOTE: On Friday, May 20, at 9:30 am, the World Affairs Council of Connecticut will host Ambassador Young for a discussion of current global issues including the war in Ukraine, the future of the UN, and global democracy. The event will be moderated by Jeffrey Ogba, professor of history at the University of Connecticut. The event open to the public and the media. There is no admission fee but reservations are recommended.

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Hartford community activist and gang intervention specialist Brother Carl Hardrick; healthcare industry leader and chair of the Robert and Margaret Patricelli Family Foundation Robert E. Patricelli; and Bloomfield native and stage (Tony Award for Caroline, or Change) and screen (The Princess and the Frog, Dreamgirls) actress Anika Noni Rose will be the featured speakers and honorary degree recipients at Goodwin University’s Commencement ceremony at 6 p.m. on Saturday, June 4, at Rentschler Field, Pratt & Whitney Stadium in East Hartford, Connecticut.

Goodwin president Mark Scheinberg will oversee the ceremony and Senior Vice President Todd Andrews will serve as master of ceremonies as an estimated 400 graduates receive their master’s, bachelor’s, and associate degrees.

Since the 1960s, Brother Carl Hardrick has served as a youth development leader, helping youths to stay away from gangs and providing them with life-changing alternatives. Currently employed by the Wilson Gray YMCA and in partnership with Hartford Communities That Care Crisis Intervention Team, Carl is a first responder to help shooting victims and their families. He coordinates his gang intervention strategies with Hartford Public Schools, Hartford Peace Builders, and Hartford Police Department. Carl was the founder and executive director of the Hartford Youth Peace Initiative, and has served on the boards of the Women’s League Daycare Center, the Upper Albany Neighborhood Collaborative, the Community Renewal Team, South Arsenal Neighborhood Development, the National Center for Neighborhood Enterprises, and the National Tenant Association. His numerous recognitions include Ambassador of Peace (National Leadership Council of Bridgeport), Achievement Against the Odds (National Center for Neighborhood Enterprise), and the Milton/Brown Equal Opportunity Award (Urban League of Greater Hartford). Brother Carl was also the first to pilot a Violence Free Zone (VFZ) gang intervention and reduction program in Connecticut during the 1990s. Today, VFZ strategies guide the work of countless other intervention specialists throughout the state of Connecticut.

Robert E. Patricelli has spent over 50 years in leadership roles in the health care industry and in public service. He began his business life in health care in 1987 at Connecticut General Corporation and its successor, Cigna Corporation, culminating as president of Cigna’s health care group. In 1997 he left Cigna to begin a 30-year career as a serial entrepreneur with the founding of Value Health, Inc., which he and his team grew from a scratch start-up to a Fortune 1000 NYSE company that was acquired by Columbia HCA. In 2000, Bob founded and led Evolution Benefits, a benefits debit card company until its sale to a private equity firm in 2010. He later founded and was CEO of Women’s Health USA until its sale in 2017. He currently serves as Strategic Advisor at InTandem Capital Partners, a New York-based private equity firm. Bob’s public service activities started fresh out of law school as a White House Fellow in the first year of that program, then as Minority Counsel to a U.S. Senate subcommittee, then as Deputy Under Secretary for Policy at the Department of Health, Education and Welfare, and finally as Administrator of the Urban Mass Transportation Administration under President Ford. Most recently, Bob has served as the co-chair of the Commission on Fiscal Stability and Economic Growth in Connecticut, appointed by Governor Malloy in 2017. He is currently a member of the boards of the Ocean Exploration Trust (chair), the Bushnell Memorial Hall (former chair), and Hartford Promise (co-chair). He has served on the boards of the Connecticut Business and Industry Association (chair), the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Curagen Corporation (chair), Newman’s Own Foundation, Northeast Utilities, and Hartford Life. He is a member of the National Academy of Medicine.

Tony Award winner Anika Noni Rose is currently the lead of Showtime’s Let The Right One In. She drew notice for her acclaimed performance as Regina in Netflix’s Maid, for which she was nominated as “Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Television Movie, Limited-Series or Dramatic Special” at the 2022 NAACP Image Awards. She also appeared in Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey, Lena Waithe’s horror anthology Them, and Little Fires Everywhere. Anika led the cast of BET’s The Quad for two seasons and starred in the film Everything, Everything based on the young adult novel by Nicola Yoon. Anika also hosted the third season of the I Podcast. Previously, Anika starred in History Channel’s adaption of Roots as Kizzy (NAACP Image Award nomination). Other television credits include Power, The Good Wife, The Simpsons, and The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency for HBO. Her film credits include Dreamgirls (AFI Ensemble Award, SAG Award nomination, Grammy Award nomination), For Colored Girls, Half of A Yellow Sun, Everything, Everything, and Assassination Nation. Anika voiced Princess Tiana in Disney’s The Princess and The Frog, featuring the first African American Disney Princess. The film received three Oscar nominations and Anika became the youngest inductee to ever be honored as a Disney Legend. Anika won the Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Musical for her role in Caroline, or Change. Additional Broadway credits include A Raisin in the Sun, Cat On A Hot Tin Roof, and Footloose. Additional stage credits include Carmen Jones for which she won a Lucille Lortel Award, an AUDELCO award, and received Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle nominations and the New York Philharmonic’s production of Company. A nine-time NAACP Image Award nominee, she has voiced many audiobooks, and has performed all over the world, including singing at Carnegie Hall and the Vatican.

Students speakers include undergraduate representative Cheryl Joseffy (Bachelor of Science, Pubic Safety and Security) and graduate representative Marthe A. Annan Kingsley N. (Master of Science in Organizational Leadership). As of this writing, the University does not plan to enforce strict COVID protocols for graduates and their guests. Proof of vaccination or testing, wearing masks, or social distancing will not be required. The University respectfully reserves the right to adjust its policies as conditions warrant. Rain date for the event is Sunday, June 5 at 6 pm.

Further details about Commencement at https://www.goodwin.edu/commencement/

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by Robin Young-Cournoyer, Associate Professor, Goodwin University

In 2019, Johnson and Johnson sponsored the inaugural SONSIEL Nurse Hackathon, the most inspiring conference I had ever attended, full of health care professionals who had innovative spirit and were looking to improve aspects of health care. During that weekend, my continuous question was, “How can I incorporate spirit into the classroom as a learning opportunity?”

In 2021, when reviewing the Student Learning Outcomes (SLO) for the professionalism course I was about to teach, the program outcomes, and the 2021 AACN Essentials, I realized a hackathon could be a perfect enhancement for this experience. And so, on December 16, 2021, Goodwin University celebrated its first nurse hackathon, where students present a hack or solution to a problem or gap they see in the nursing field.

Following that success, in December 2022 Goodwin’s ABSN nursing students welcomed healthcare professionals back to campus for a second hackathon.

The more we connect students with each other and with their learning, the better equipped they will be to become lifelong learners and critical thinkers. At this second hackathon, the focus was on “How can we provide support to the healthcare team of professionals?”

This cohort of ABSN students were in the first semester of their nursing program and had just begun their clinical rotations at extended care facilities (ECF). For their hackathon presentations, the students collaboratively selected topics which included employee retention, improving EHR interoperability, community health resource integration, a traveling nurse rating system, enhancing communication, a recharge room, and mental health First Aid training of health care workers. Each group presented to a panel of administrators from their ECFs, affording the students an opportunity to meet the management teams from their clinical settings as well as other clinical mangers and volunteers from different business organizations. The students impressed the panelists, their peers, and other participants with prevalent issues and topics relevant to the current state of health care.

As their nursing professor, I am extremely grateful to all the students in this class who were so immersed in their topics. When they divided into their groups during class, there was such excitement in the air. I loved hearing their topics and watching them evolve into amazing presentations. My hope for my students is that they continue to look for the gap in the field if nursing and become the change agents needed in health care. When presenting a problem, it is crucial they come with potential solutions. I wish that all of you reading this consider attending a hackathon in your field of work or consider holding one at your facility. It is an event that promotes collaboration and robust learning opportunities for everyone involved. My takeaway from this assignment is that we are provided with the best ideas from our beginner nurses, because they are seeing the world through a clear lens and can enlighten us to what is possible. We need to invite everyone to the table and collectively solve the gaps in health care.

Feedback

A special thank you to all the students and panelists who participated, including:

Laurie Cianci (panelist)
Parkville Care Center, Hartford, Connecticut

Dr. Sandi Coyne-Gilbert (panelist)
Master of Science in Organizational Leadership, Goodwin University

Lucia Dike (panelist)
Riverside Health & Rehabilitation, East Hartford, Connecticut

Dana Lowes-Hobson (student)
Goodwin University
“[My takeaway is to] start simple and small with your hack. I think the panel was receptive to our Recharge Room idea because it was simple and easy to understand. If you want to be successful, start early gathering your info, let everyone have some input, let people express their concerns on how the project is going, and gather the best estimated cost information you can find. Management or administration will not listen if you don’t have the cost information available for your project or ‘hack’ for a problem.”

Patrick Neagle (panelist)
Touchpoint Rehab, Manchester, Connecticut
“[My takeaway is] the creativity of the presentations. Each topic is a huge challenge in today’s healthcare setting so touching on all of them was extremely helpful. We may look to implement something with the behavior education. We have something in-house, but with our population, the more education the better. I would love to be invited to the hackathon again!”

Judy Resnick (panelist)
Connecticut Business, and Industry Association (retired)

Ashley Soyka (panelist)
Ingraham Manor, Bristol, Connecticut
“Thank you so much for including me in the hackathon. I am so impressed with folks who are so early in their careers coming up with innovative solutions to the challenges we face in health care. My takeaway is that each of us has the ability to make changes to improve our profession. I intend to make a wellness room at the facility where I work to continue to support our nurses’ wellbeing. I would love to host a hackathon at my facility. I know the nurses at Ingraham Manor have so many creative ideas and this is a way to think and talk about them.”

Click here to take a sneak peek into this year’s Hackathon, and be sure to learn more about the Nursing programs at Goodwin University.

Robin Young-Cournoyer was born in Revere, Massachusetts, and grew up in Nashua, New Hampshire. She and her husband, Tony, met in college and have raised three amazing young men. She launched Nurse Consultants LLC, an independent childcare consulting company in 1990. This has enabled her to work with children, childcare teachers, owners, and directors. She has had the opportunity to work in many specialty areas. She is passionate about our seniors and making sure they have access to the resources in the community. She is a board member on the council on aging, GSSSI, and the Holland Helpers. In 2019, she launched a second company, Advocates for Senior Independence. Her goal after graduating from UConn was to obtain employment as a college professor working with a diverse group of students. Robin feels it is such an honor to be part of the very welcoming Goodwin University community and all it has to offer to students.

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Honorary degree recipients and student speakers share passions for improving lives of others

Guest speakers and student representatives are expected to follow common themes as they address the graduates, trustees, faculty, staff, families, and friends at Goodwin University’s 2023 Commencement ceremony on Saturday, June 3, at Dunkin’ Park, 1214 Main St, Hartford, Connecticut. The ceremony will begin at 4 pm as an estimated 450 students receive their certificates and associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees. President Mark Scheinberg will deliver remarks to the graduates and provost Dr. Michael Pardales will serve as master of ceremonies.

Leading the graduate procession will be Damaris Elizabeth Florian, who will receive her Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration. A native of El Salvador, Ms. Florian proudly represents the Latino community and first-generation college students and is passionate about immigrant and minority rights. She has improved the lives of Salvadorean families by collecting funds, donating clothes, and helping them access clean water. Ms. Florian has served an integral member of Goodwin’s Educational Opportunity Program, where she led the Adult Advisory Committee, tutored peers, and volunteered at the on-campus Ann B. Clark Co-op.

The guest Commencement speakers, who will also receive honorary degrees from the University, are renowned civil rights attorney Ben Crump and Fairview Capital Partners co-founder JoAnn H. Price.

Listed amongst the Most Influential People of 2021 by TIME100, Mr. Crump has established himself as one of the nation’s foremost lawyers and advocates for social justice. Mr. Crump’s tireless advocacy has led to legislation preventing excessive force and developing implicit bias training and policies. He has represented families in high-profile civil rights cases including Trayvon Martin, Michael Brown, Stephon Clark, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and George Floyd. He represented nine of the black women in the Holtzclaw Oklahoma City Police rape case in 2015 and worked on the precedent-setting U.S. Supreme Court case involving excessive police force against Robbie Tolan. Mr. Crump also represented the residents affected by poisoned water in Flint, Michigan, as well as the family of Henrietta Lacks in a landmark reparations case. Mr. Crump is president of the National Civil Rights Trial Lawyers Association and past-president of the National Bar Association. He was the first African-American chair of the Florida State University College of Law Board of Directors and is the founder and director of the Benjamin Crump Social Justice Institute. In 2021, St. Thomas University College of Law announced the Benjamin L. Crump Center for Social Justice in his honor. He is a frequent contributor to MSNBC, CNN, and USA Today and author of Open Season: Legalized Genocide of Colored People.

Ms. Price is co-founder and managing partner of Fairview Capital Partners, Inc. She is a member of Fairview’s investment committee and manager of all Fairview-sponsored funds. Prior to co-founding Fairview, Ms. Price served as president of the National Association of Investment Companies headquartered in Washington, D.C. Ms. Price serves on a number of national advisory committees and private equity advisory boards. Ms. Price also currently serves on the Howard University School of Business Board of Visitors, on the YMCA of Greater Hartford Board of Trustees, on the Wilson-Gray YMCA Board of Advisors, and on the Amistad Center for Art & Culture Board of Trustees. Additionally, Ms. Price serves on the boards of the Apollo Theater Foundation in New York City, Trinity Health of New England, Blue Hills Civic Association, 4-CT, and recently completed her term as chairperson of the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving.

Also delivering addresses at the Commencement ceremony will be graduate student Margaret Guillory-Allen and undergraduate Leslie Argueta Linares. Ms. Guillory-Allan enrolled at Goodwin in 2012 to pursue an associate degree. She went on to earn a bachelor’s in human services with honors and secured a position in housing assisting the homeless and those struggling with substance issues. At the June 3 ceremony, she will receive her master’s degree in education.

Ms. Argueta Linares came to Goodwin in 2019 through the Summer Bridge Program. She has been the recipient of the Outstanding Contribution to Student Life award, received her associate degree and will now graduate with her bachelor’s degree in Human Services. She has been heavily involved in the Goodwin community, helped organize Fresh Check days, food drives, service-learning activities, and outreach for the Ann B. Clark Co-op. Of her many experiences at Goodwin, Ms. Argueta Linares notes that her work at the Co-op was the most meaningful. She has gone on to be an instructor in the Goodwin University Magnet School System, where she continues to advocate for her students, their families, and her colleagues.

Note: members of the media are welcome to attend. Parking information at https://www.goodwin.edu/commencement/information-parents-guests. Media is requested to enter through the Charter Oak Community Room entrance at the corner of Main St. and Pleasant St. to pick up press packets and directions.

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Congratulations on your upcoming commencement! You should be proud of all of your hard work and accomplishments! Sharing your moment with loved ones across your social media channels is something you’ve earned!

Believe it or not, we’ve grown with you! Goodwin’s commencement looks a bit different this year. The ceremonies will be held at Dunkin’ Park in Hartford, CT, on Saturday, June 3, 2023, at 4 p.m.

While planning your commencement photos, don’t forget that Goodwin University is an open campus, and you’re welcome to come down to campus in your commencement regalia and snap those celebratory photos at any time!

To help you plan ahead, we’re giving you the top 5 places on Goodwin’s campus to take your commencement photos.

The Butterfly Garden

Behind our main campus building at One Riverside Drive, you’ll find a wildflower garden built to attract pollinators of all kinds. This time of year, with the spring flowers in bloom and the river as your backdrop, you can take some lovely photos to celebrate your achievements!

The Fallen Star Memorial

Created by artist and sculptor Will Hemsley, The Fallen Star Memorial pays tribute to our fallen heroes and Connecticut gold star families. Adjacent to the Manufacturing building on Pent Rd, the Fallen Star Memorial provides the perfect backdrop for our veteran students and their families.

The Goodwin Bell

The courtyard off of our main campus building at One Riverside Drive is a beautiful location for some unique commencement photos. You’ll find benches, river views, and the Goodwin Bell. One word of caution, if you have your heart set on being photographed by the Goodwin Bell, come early. Sometime right before commencement, the bell will be brought to Dunkin’ Park for the ceremonial ringing of the bell.

The Goodwin Sign

In front of Goodwin’s main building, you can stage a photo with the ‘Goodwin University’ sign above you. You can snap an iconic jump shot with your friends and family here.

Goodwin University Walking Trails

The Goodwin University trails along the Connecticut River and the woodlands along the river’s edge provide the perfect setup for a commencement portrait. Bring your entire family and make a day of it, enjoying the river views on the paved or natural walking trails.

We’re so proud of you and your accomplishments and wish you the best in your future endeavors. Whether you come back to campus to pursue an advanced degree or simply want to enjoy the river views from campus, you will always be a part of the Goodwin family!

For more information on commencement 2023, visit www.goodwin.edu/commencement

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On Saturday, June 3, 2023, the Goodwin University Commencement Ceremony took place at Dunkin’ Park in Hartford, Connecticut. The ceremony celebrated the Class of 2023, who resiliently persevered in their pursuit of higher education.

Attended by staff, faculty, and the friends and families of graduates, the Commencement began at 4 p.m. The ceremony started with an introduction by Faculty Senate president Phillip Fox, who announced the Bell Ceremony— the annual start of the Processional. The bell was rung by valedictorian Damaris Elizabeth Florian, BS in Business Administration.

Following the Goodwin University Board of Trustees and Goodwin Foundation Board of Directors, the Class of 2023 walked the field to “Pomp and Circumstance,” accompanied by the proud cheering of eager attendees. After the Class of 2023 took their seats, Michael Pardales, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, delivered welcoming remarks.

Pardales introduced Clifford Thermer, Dean of the School of Business, Technology, and Advanced Manufacturing, who delivered the ceremony’s invocation, which was followed by the singing of the National Anthem by Goodwin alumni Shane Davis (BS Human Services, ‘17).

Welcoming remarks were then offered by Board of Trustees Chair Maria Ellis, MD, and Goodwin University president Mark E. Scheinberg. In his remarks, Scheinberg emphasized the great potential held by every Goodwin graduate. “Sitting where you are,” Scheinberg stated, “everything in front of you is a canvas. You can make a painting of any sort you care to make.”

Scheinberg stressed the importance of using one’s education not only for personal benefit, but to better the lives of others as well. “You’re considered college graduates now,” he remarked, “which brings you an lot of privilege. Your job is to turn around and make sure you use the privilege in a way that elevates those around you and makes of your community something more because you live there.”

President Scheinberg then introduced Senator Richard Blumenthal, who offered his congratulations to the Class of 2023, extending a special thanks to Goodwin’s student-veterans and Veteran Services Coordinator Craig Jordan.

Blumenthal further commented on the perseverance of the Class of 2023, who pursued higher education in the face of a global pandemic, a national mental health crisis, and other frightening and uncertain times. “You have proven, Class of 2023,” Blumenthal offered, “that you have all the makings of the next Greatest Generation.”

President Scheinberg and Maria Ellis then returned to confer the honorary doctoral degrees of JoAnn H. Price, cofounder of and managing partner of Fairview Capital, and Ben Crump, renowned American jurist and Civil Rights lawyer. Both honorary degree recipients delivered their remarks to the Class of 2023.

Price extended her congratulations to the graduates, reminding them of the importance of maintaining humility throughout their professional journeys. “Be sure to be able to extend to others what you have been able to accomplish,” Price advised.

Ben Crump then addressed the Class of 2023, advising graduates to continue defying adversity as they leave their own unique marks on the world. “It’s not enough to dream at night while you slumber,” Crump offered “You must dream every day with your eyes wide open.”

Following Crump’s address, President Scheinberg introduced student speaker Leslie Argueta Linares, BS in Human Services. Speaking of her experiences as a first-generation immigrant, Linares emphasized the importance of remaining resilient.

“Class of 2023,” she offered, “give yourself a round of applause. Getting a degree — whether it’s a certificate, associate, bachelor’s, or master’s — is incredibly hard, and we don’t talk about that enough. A lot of sacrifices are required, especially when you’re a first-generation student, an inner-city student, a traditional age student, a non-traditional student, a veteran student, DACA students, and dreamers.”

Following Linares, Master of Education graduate Margaret Guillory-Allen offered her remarks. “For people like myself and many others,” she recounted, “Goodwin is a school of second chances.” Recalling her journey from struggling with addiction to earning her master’s, Guillory-Allen emphasized how the supportive environment at Goodwin University helps foster student success. Following Guillory-Allen’s remarks, the Awarding of Degrees and Certificates began. The Conferral was led by Michael Pardales, Clifford Thermer, Dean of the School of Applied Liberal Arts and Social Sciences Diana J. LaRocco, and Interim Dean of Nursing and Health Professions Vivienne Friday. Over 300 certificate and degree recipients came forward to the celebratory sound of applause and cheers — proudly accepting the credential they worked so hard to earn.

For more information about Goodwin University’s Commencement ceremony, visit www.goodwin.edu/commencement.

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On Tuesday, November 7, Goodwin University will host Thanksgiving for All. A tradition in the Goodwin community, Thanksgiving for All is a holiday turkey drive held in cooperation with Connecticut Foodshare. Collecting donations from 7:30 a.m.- 12:30 p.m. at the Ann B. Clark Co-op, the Goodwin community has set the goal to gather 150 turkeys and $1,500 in monetary donations.

Read on and discover how you can help Goodwin give back this Thanksgiving!

Aiding against hunger for the holidays

Although Connecticut may be one of America’s wealthiest states, food insecurity remains a distressing reality for many of its residents. According to Connecticut Foodshare, 1 in 10 people statewide struggle to access affordable and nutritious food. Within that demographic, over 20% of food-insecure individuals are children.

While those struggling to afford necessities may have access to services such as SNAP, program stipulations can limit the efficacy of these supports. While some SNAP recipients don’t receive enough assistance to meet all their needs, others are unable to access any of these benefits. SNAP bases eligibility on factors such as income, yet many people in need face extenuating circumstances that are not accounted for when determining whether they qualify. Medical bills, housing costs, student debt, and other significant expenses are often not weighed into the equation.

Food insecurity is always a significant stressor for those experiencing it, but the holiday season further exacerbates this anxiety. With pressures to entertain and participate in festivities and pastimes, the cost of partaking in holiday traditions weighs heavily on wallets — turning celebration into distress for many individuals and families. By donating to holiday turkey drives like Goodwin’s, you can make a meaningful difference in negating some of the hardships your community will face this Thanksgiving season.

The Ann B. Clark Co-op and you

Through the Ann B. Clark Co-op, our University works year-round to combat food insecurity within the Goodwin community.

Unlike your average food pantry, the Co-op is a brightly lit community stop where those in need can pick up their necessities. In addition to dry goods, clothing, and toiletries, the Co-op partners with organizations such as Connecticut Foodshare to provide fresh produce to clients.

Isamar Rodriguez, Community and Educational Service Learning Coordinator, takes the helm at the Ann B. Clark Co-op. In addition to managing the logistics, she aims to create a safe haven on Riverside Drive.
In partnership with Connecticut Foodshare, Goodwin’s annual turkey drive ensures that the Co-op’s community spirit will spread far and wide during the holiday season.

“It’s not only important to help and support our families here at the Ann B. Clark Co-op but also to help out our neighbors and families in the surrounding area. That’s why we partner with Connecticut Foodshare to host our annual turkey collection drive,” Rodriguez shares. “I believe every family should have the opportunity to take a break from life stressors, eat good food, and spend time with each other without having to worry. At the co-op, we strive to provide that to our families year-round, so it’s such an honor to be able to partner with Connecticut Foodshare and provide our families in Connecticut with that same Ann B. Clark Co-op warmth and vibe!”

Check out how you can place an order with the Ann B. Clark Co-op today!

How to help this Thanksgiving season

Interested in learning more about Thanksgiving for All? Here are the essentials you’ll need to know:

• The drive will take place on Tuesday, November 7, from 7:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
• The collection spot will be in front of the Ann B. Clark Co-op at 167 Riverside Drive, East Hartford.
• To participate, drive up to the collection spot and give your donations to our volunteers.
• For all other questions or additional information, contact Isamar Rodriguez at 860-913-2185 or irodriguez@goodwin.edu

Goodwin University is more than a college — we’re a community called “home” to a diverse family of students, faculty, and staff. With career-ready programs, flexible classes, and comprehensive support services, Goodwin will help you achieve your personal and professional goals. Begin your Goodwin journey today! Call 800-889-3282 or text 860-467-1511.

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