The Chronicle - 10/18/2018 Page : 10

Copyright (c)2018 Chronicle Media LLC 10/18/2018October 18, 2018 4:40 pm (GMT +4:00) Powered by QContent

10 the Chronicle, Willimantic, Conn., Thursday, October 18, 2018

FOCUS ON

MICHAEL ROULEAUEASTERN CONNECTICUT STATE UNIVERSITY

WILLIMANTIC — The biggest change to the Eastern Connecticut State University campus this fall has been the opening of the newly renovated Communication Building.

For the 14 months, the building remained shuttered while under construction, but reopened in August with a modern-ized design and a number of improve-ments to efficiency and technology.

Originally con-structed in the early 1970s, the building’s extensive renovations include new state-of-the-art facilities for tele-vision production, sound recording, audio production and video editing.

“It is as impor-tant to refresh our existing facilities as it is to build new ones,” said Eastern President Elsa Nú-ñez. “In using such state-of-the-art technology, students in our commu-nication and new media studies majors can better prepare for careers in the media world of the 21st century.”

All of the classrooms have been upgraded with new equipment. The television studio and radio sta-tion have been revamped and three new computer labs were constructed.

“These new media production spaces provide unique opportunities for communication majors to practice and hone the skills that they learn in class,” said communication professor Andrew Utterback. “The faculty are thrilled to be teaching in such a modern, up-to-date space.”

“The physical environment has a powerful effect on students’ ability to learn,” said communication

professor Edmond Chibeau. “This new building is an example of East-ern’s dedication to giving students an ergonomically designed state-of-the-art learning en-vironment.”

Subtler improve-ments to the build-ing include effi-ciencies in sustain-ability. The renova-tions follow high-performance build-ing standards set by the state, including utilizing recycla-ble materials for a portion of the con-struction, as well as

materials sourced within 500 miles of the work site. Improvements have also been made to water conser-vation, energy conservation and insulation.

One of the building’s most distinct changes is a glass-encased facade on the north end. This ground-level area was once an outdoor concrete tunnel, but now is a vibrant foyer furnished with contemporary furniture.

The Communication Building at Eastern Connecticut University recently reopened after 14 months of refurbish-ments, including state-of-the-art facilities and a glass-encased facade on the north end. Contributed photo

Communication building reopens

ED OSBORNEASTERN CONNECTICUT STATE UNIVERSITY

WILLIMANTIC — The fall’s fresh-man class at Eastern Connecticut State University is larger than last year’s class and has strong academic credentials.

The freshman class of 967 full-time students is 5 percent larger than the freshman class of fall 2017.

The academic standing of entering freshmen also increased, with average SAT scores up 15 points.

In addition, the average grade-point average has gone up for the third con-secutive year.

The percentage of Eastern freshmen this year who were in the top 10 per-cent and top 25 percent of their high school class went up 3 and 4 percent-

age points, respectively.“The size of high school graduat-

ing classes in Connecticut and across New England has been declining the past few years due to changing demo-graphics,” said Chris Dorsey, directorof admissions.

“With colleges and universities challenged to maintain enrollments, having an increase in our freshman class is gratifying. It tells us that stu-dents continue to see Eastern as an excellent educational opportunity.”

While more than 85 percent of Eastern students come from Connect-icut, the university’s incoming class also includes students from 20 other states, as well as many countries, suchas Norway, Ghana, Venezuela andUzbekistan.

Eastern Connecticut State University’s fall freshman class is 5 percent larger than the freshman class of fall 2017. Contributed photo

A big freshman class at ECSU

Xclusive’sClothing & Sneakers

Open M-F 11-7 • Sat 12-6

860-423-4060Bape • Nike • Supreme • Stone Island • Jordan

Polo • Adidas • Puma • Anti Social • Yeezy

@xclusiveswilli@xclusivesclothing

721 Main Street, Willimantic, CT

1/2 Price on Smoothies and Fruit Salad Sundaes

18 Watson St., Willimantic, CT 860-423-2444Limited time offer. No Other discounts apply.

ALL COSTUMES & ACCESSORIESMake-Up Wigs Hats Fishnet Stockings

Masks Hair Paint & More

ALL ½ OFF!

HalloweenHeadquarters

Open Mon-Sat 9:30-5:30786 Main St.,Downtown Willimantic, CT

860-423-8331