Professional Development Workshops

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By Caroline Lynch, UConn ECE Graduate Assistant, Master’s Student, UConn, Higher Education and Student Affairs

 

We’ve had yet another eventful semester for the UConn Early College Experience Program, including 22 unique professional development experiences for our certified ECE Instructors. A mix of on campus and virtual events were held, for our wonderful instructors from Allied Health, American Sign Language, Animal Sciences, Art, Asian & Asian American Studies, Digital Media and Design, Earth Sciences, Education, Educational Psychology, Environmental Science, French, German, History, Human Development & Family Sciences, Italian, Kinesiology, Latino & Latin American Studies, Political Science, Spanish, and Statistics as well as our Library Media Specialists. Please enjoy a brief overview of the professional development highlights from the Spring 2025 semester!

 

February 26, 2025: Political Science Workshop

 

For our first professional development event of 2025, we hosted a virtual conversation with our Political Science instructors on the theme Bringing Politics into the Classroom. The morning opened with a faculty discussion surrounding the effects of rising authoritarianism in world politics, with the goal of equipping instructors with strategies for teaching their students to understand and recognize harmful trends and their consequences. A major highlight of the day was a guest address by Denise Merrill, UConn alumna and former Connecticut Secretary of State.

 

March 12, 2025: Animal Sciences Workshop

Animal Science instructors met on the Storrs Campus in early March, where they had the opportunity to observe a class section of ANSC 1602: Behavior and Training of Domestic Animals. The true bonus highlight of the day was a trip to the UConn Dairy Bar, where instructors got to experience our world-famous UConn ice cream!

 

March 14, 2025: French Workshop

 

On March 14th, our ECE French Instructors convened on the UConn Storrs Campus for their annual professional development conference. The morning consisted of a lecture on the theme of childhood and its manifestations in French cinema, led by Assistant Professor in French Studies, Dr. Raphaël Koenig. Then, in the afternoon our instructors were given the opportunity to visit UConn’s Ballard Institute and Museum of Puppetry for a tour and a lecture on puppetry in France and French-speaking countries led by Dr. John Bell, Director of Ballard Institute and Museum of Puppetry and Associate Professor in the Dramatic Arts Department.

 

April 4, 2025: Italian Workshop

 

Our Italian instructors took a field trip to the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art in Hartford, CT for a private tour of the galleries. Following the tour, instructors got to experience an informative lecture courtesy of Stephanie Barnett, School & Teacher Programs Manager for the Atheneum.

 

April 11, 2025: Spanish Workshop

 

Marking our largest professional development workshop of the semester, over 85 certified Spanish instructors joined us on the Storrs Campus on April 11th. The group was joined by Professor Oscar Martin, chair for the Department of Languages and Literatures at Lehman College. Professor Martin delivered a lecture entitled “Estudiantes, hay camino y se hace camino al andar” (Translation: “Students, there is a path, and the path is made by walking”). Following the keynote address, instructors had the opportunity to work on a collaborative group project with their peers.

 

April 25, 2025: EDLR 2001 Workshop

 

It was a beautiful day in Storrs when we were joined by a group of 15 EDLR 2001: Contemporary Social Issues in Sport instructors. Thanks to the continued efforts of Dr. Danielle DeRosa, our Faculty Coordinator for Educational Leadership, this group has grown to include teachers from a variety of unique disciplines, including History, English, Health/Physical Education, and Social Studies. Each provides a unique lens through which to teach their students about the industry of sport. Instructors were given the opportunity to meet with Eric Schneider, Associate Director of Athletics and Compliance at UConn, to discuss the ever-evolving landscape of college athletics, including NIL (name, image, and likeness) policies. The afternoon was topped off by a walking tour of several of UConn’s athletic facilities, including Gampel Pavilion, the flagship site of the “Basketball Capitol of the World”, along with the baseball, softball, volleyball, and ice hockey facilities.

 

April 24 and 25, 2025: English at the 14th annual Conference on the Teaching of Writing

 

This semester, our ECE English instructors were invited to attend the 14th annual Conference on the Teaching of Writing, entitled “Joy to You and Me: Making Space for Joy in the Writing Classroom.” This conference challenged our instructors to embed joy into their pedagogy, finding it in unexpected places amongst upheaval and dread, and encouraging their students to embrace it. The keynote address, titled “Hell Yes, Joy is a Strategy: Reclaiming Play in Writing Assessment,” was delivered by Dr. Stephanie West-Puckett, Associate Professor of Writing & Rhetoric at the University of Rhode Island. Attendees of the conference were treated to a wide variety of sessions and workshops to choose from and had the opportunity to connect with individuals across the UConn First Year Writing community and beyond. It’s been an incredible semester! To find more information and photographs from these and the rest of our professional development events, please feel free to visit the “ECE PD Blog” on our website. As the spring comes to a close, we extend our thanks to our Faculty Coordinators, guest contributors, and instructors for their time and commitment to the ECE program. We’ll be back come Fall with plenty more professional development experiences, and we look forward to seeing many of you then!

Stakeholder Appreciation 2025

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By Carissa Rutkauskas

 

As part of our annual stakeholder appreciation efforts, the UConn Early College Experience program proudly recognized the invaluable contributions of school counselors, teachers, and principals who support and champion UConn ECE at their high schools. In celebration of National School Counseling Week (February), Teacher Appreciation Week (May), and Principal Appreciation Week (May), we honored those who go above and beyond to ensure student success within the program. For the first time, we launched School Counselor Appreciation Week to spotlight both our Site Representatives and the broader counseling staff who guide students through course selection and enrollment in UConn ECE. During Teacher Appreciation Week—now in its second year—we celebrated instructors who bring UConn courses to life in high school classrooms with passion and dedication. Principal Appreciation Week, also newly introduced this year, acknowledged school leaders who create a supportive environment that allows the program to thrive. This year, we received an overwhelming 300+ nominations for instructors, 132 for school counselors, and 16 for principals—each submission filled with gratitude and admiration for these outstanding educators and leaders. Selected recipients—defined by receiving two or more nominations in the counselor and teacher categories— were awarded UConn ECE merchandise of their choice, a printed poster featuring heartfelt quotes from nominators, and recognition on our social media platforms. These recognitions underscore the collaborative spirit and dedication of educators and administrators who help shape meaningful academic opportunities for students through UConn ECE. Below are some of the more powerful quotes from nominators:

 

Principal Appreciation (Mr. Kuckel, Cromwell High School)

 

• Principal Kuckel’s consistent message to students, families, and staff is that dual enrollment courses help students prepare for college and their future careers. He has increased our ECE student enrollment and course offerings during his administration by adding five new courses.

 

– Principal Kuckel is always promoting awareness about the value and accessibility of these courses in a variety of ways. He thinks about all of our students and understands the value for every student tohave college exposure in addition to earning credits. His availability, flexibility and unconditional support is appreciated by our instructors, our students, and myself!
– Alicia Melillo, UConn ECE Site Representative, Cromwell High School

 

School Counselor Appreciation
• Danielle Jurkiewicz, Fairfield Warde High School

 

– Mrs. J, my school counselor, played a pivotal role in my success by helping me stay focused on my path toward my early childhood education major at UConn. She worked with me to plan my senior schedule, supported my decision to take the ECE course, and reassured me when I doubted myself— and now I’m excelling in the class, grateful for her encouragement to follow my passion.
– Saylor, UConn ECE Student

 

• Janine Murdy, Woodland Regional High School
– Mrs. Murdy is a UConn alum who continually promotes ECE programs to our students. She starts promoting these programs when we register students in 8th grade and continues to challenge students to enroll in challenging courses throughout their high school years.
– Principal Mulligan, Woodland Regional High School

 

• Kate Kopylec, UConn ECE Site Representative; Lyman Hall High School
– Throughout the UConn ECE experience, Mrs. Kopylec has provided clear information on what ECE classes are, deadlines and requirements for registering (also visiting all ECE classes to assist in the registration process), and scholarship information. Her support has made my (and others) ECE experience less stressful/overwhelming.
– Anonymous UConn ECE Student

 

Instructor Appreciation
• Monika Fryc-Gabrys, Woodland Regional High School, MATH 1131Q: Calculus I
– “Monika inspires her students daily. She advises the Math Team and has generated huge participation in the Team… Recently she led a 14-hour math challenge at school and took students to a Jumanji math challenge… Her students have given such positive feedback on the UConn ECE exit survey. She has high standards and her students meet with great success. She continues to get letters from her former students thanking her! She is a true gem!”
– Andrea Gaetano, Math Department Chairperson

 

• Mr. Dalidowitz, Crosby High School, SOCI 1001: Introduction to Sociology; HRTS 1007: Introduction to Human Rights; & HRTS 2200: Introduction to Genocide Studies
– “My UConn ECE Instructor is awesome because they challenge us to think critically, push us beyond high school expectations, and genuinely care about our success. Their passion for teaching and real-world insights make learning both engaging and impactful!”
– Jasmine, UConn ECE Student

 

• Dr. Rabinsky-Ankrom, Robert E. Fitch High School, ASLN 1102: Elementary American Sign Language II
– “Dr. RA is a teacher every student wishes they had. She truly connects with each and every one of her students and pushes us to be ourselves while also learning a language that brings people together… I can confidently say that she has made a big impact on my life.”
– Anonymous UConn ECE Student

 

• Mrs. Norige, Torrington High School, SPSS 3230: Biotechnology- Science, Application, Impact,
Perception; BIOL 1107: Principles of Biology I; & BIOL 1108: Principles of Biology II
– “Mrs. Norige always promotes classes to students who are interested and has pushed to make UConn courses available for all incoming interested students.”
– Anonymous UConn ECE Student

 

• Mr. Brewer, Bristol Central High School, PHYS 1201Q: General Physics I & PHYS 1202Q: General Physics II
– “Mr. Brewer pours his heart out into teaching us physics and makes it extremely fun to learn about. He spends countless hours making sure each and every student understands what they are doing and enjoys their time in physics and is all around a fantastic teacher.”
– Amber, UConn ECE Student

New Faculty Coordinators

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By Carissa Rutkauskas

 

Faculty Coordinators are the essential academic bridge between UConn and our high school partner sites, upholding the standards and integrity of UConn Early College Experience. As UConn professors, they bring their disciplinary expertise and departmental values directly to UConn ECE Instructors by reviewing certification applications, leading professional development, visiting classrooms, and ensuring that each course mirrors its on-campus equivalent. Their work helps maintain academic comparability while cultivating strong collegial relationships with instructors across Connecticut. While some Faculty Coordinators serve for just a few years, others have dedicated decades to this role, shaping the quality and consistency of UConn ECE. With ongoing growth in program offerings and departmental shifts, we are proud to welcome our newest Faculty Coordinators and thank all who serve for their commitment to academic excellence. We also extend our heartfelt thanks to Gustavo Nanclares (Spanish), Laurie Wolfley (American Studies and Maritime Studies), and Matthew McKenzie (American Studies) for their years of dedicated service in the role of Faculty Coordinator, as they leave their position as Faculty Coordinator with UConn ECE.

UConn ECE Chinese Talent Show

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By Dr. George Chunsheng Yang | Photos by Gordon Daigle and Mike Illuzzi

 

March 14, 2025

 

On March 14, 2025, UConn ECE, in collaboration with UConn’s Language, Cultures, and Literature (LCL) Chinese program, hosted a Chinese Talent Show for both UConn ECE Chinese high school students and UConn Chinese students. Hosted at the UConn Student Union Theater, the event featured more than 20 student-led performances, and drew an audience of more than 150 students, instructors, and community members, all eager to witness the creativity and dedication of high school and college Chinese learners.

 

The event showcased a wide variety of performances, including solo and group singing, traditional and modern dance, Chinese poem recitations, and engaging sanju ban (a comic dialogue style popular in Chinese storytelling). Between the acts, UConn ECE Chinese instructors hosted interactive mini-games and cultural trivia sessions, keeping the audience entertained and engaged throughout the event.

 

At the end of the event, three standout performances were honored with special awards. The Best Language Expression Award went to Amity High School for their flawless Mandarin poem recitation. The Best Performance Award went to Norwich Free Academy for their powerful Taiji dance. The most Popular Award went to Amity High School for their popularity among the audience.

 

The event was proudly sponsored by UConn ECE Office and UConn Chinese Program. The Talent Show reflects a broader community-wide initiative to foster cultural understanding, confidence in Chinese communication, and global competence through language education.

High School Engagement

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By Jessica Dunn / Image by Carissa Rutkauskas

 

In the winter 2024–2025 edition of our magazine, we introduced a map showcasing the Connecticut high schools that participated in UConn ECE student events during the Fall semester. Since then, the map has been expanded to capture the full scope of the 2024–2025 academic year—including all student events held throughout the Spring semester.

 

This updated version reveals an even broader level of engagement, with many additional high schools now represented. The growth in participation highlights the increasing enthusiasm among schools across the state to connect with UConn ECE student enrichment opportunities with a deep investment and emphasis on access for all students. From large urban districts to small rural communities, the updated map tells a compelling story of how academic curiosity and opportunity continue to spread.

We’re proud to see such strong involvement from our partner schools and applaud the efforts of instructors, students, and UConn ECE Faculty Coordinators who make these valuable learning opportunities possible. We look forward to continuing this momentum and encourage all high schools to take advantage of the valuable opportunities available to students across various disciplines.

UConn ECE MELD

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By Dr. Michael Kienzler, Assistant Professor UConn Chemistry

 

Dr. Fatma Selampinar UConn ECE Faculty Coordinator for Chemistry, Associate Professor in-Residence UConn Chemistry

 

UC MELD

May 2025

 

More than 240 students from 12 high schools—Rocky Hill High School, O.H. Platt High School, Enfield High School, Berlin High School, The Woodstock Academy, University High School of Science and Engineering, Jonathan Law High School, Joseph A. Foran High School, Daniel Hand High School, Bristol Eastern High School, Academy of Information Technology & Engineering, and Lewis S. Mills High School—across Connecticut gathered at the University of Connecticut’s Chemistry Building for the annual ECE Chemistry Lab Day. Held over two sessions on May 20 and May 22, 2025, the event provided students with immersive, hands-on laboratory experiences that offered exposure to UConn lab environments and research practices.

 

The MELD (May ECE Lab Day) event was coordinated by the UConn Early College Experience Program Office and Dr. Fatma Selampinar, Professor in Residence and UConn ECE Chemistry Faculty Coordinator. Science activities were hosted by Assistant Professor Dr. Michael Kienzler. Following Dr. Kienzler’s presentation, students transitioned to six undergraduate teaching laboratories, where they conducted a series of experiments designed by Dr. Kienzler. These sessions were supervised by graduate students, providing participants with hands-on experience in a collegiate laboratory setting. This collaborative effort offered high school students an immersive introduction to advanced chemical research and methodologies, fostering early engagement with the scientific community at UConn. Students synthesized three different derivatives of the dye azobenzene, a compound known for its photoswitching properties—changing structure when exposed to specific wavelengths of light. The students then investigated the properties of the azobenzene they made using ultraviolet/visible spectroscopy and thin-layer chromatography. These experiments mirror ongoing research going on in Dr. Kienzler’s lab.

 

Beyond the laboratory work, participants engaged with UConn’s advanced scientific equipment. Dr. Selampinar coordinated sessions introducing students to Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, while graduate students provided insights into mass spectrometry techniques. These experiences aim to familiarize students with tools and methodologies prevalent in modern chemical research. The UConn ECE Chemistry Lab Day not only enriches students’ understanding of chemistry but also fosters connections between high school students and UConn faculty and graduate students. Such initiatives underscore the UConn ECE and Chemistry Department’s commitment to bridging secondary education with higher learning, inspiring the next generation of scientists.

Introduction to New Pre-College Summer Director

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By Bobbi-Jo Wathen

 

In February, Dr. Bobbi-Jo Wathen joined UConn full time as the Director of Pre-College Summer. She is no stranger to UConn’s Office of Early College Programs as she has been a Site Representative for the UConn Early College Experience program since 2014. Dr. Wathen has also been teaching in the UConn Counselor Education Master’s program since 2018 when she started her doctoral studies at the University. As a doctoral student from 2018 through 2023 her research focused on supporting black males through post-secondary transitions. Her mentors created opportunities to publish several works on this topic, contributing to the academic discourse. Her desire to engage in this research began when she was a high school counselor, and she witnessed the inequities in college access.

 

 

In 2011, she earned her master’s degree in Counseling Psychology with a concentration in School Counseling from Cambridge College and started a wonderful career in school counseling. Since then, she has worked in a variety of school settings and supported numerous students as they explored careers and made postsecondary plans. She has been a longtime advocate for high quality rigorous education for all and worked alongside organizations like the Legal Defense Fund, The Sheff Foundation, and NCWIT’s Counselors for Computing to create a real impact for students and families.

 

In her most recent position, she was the School Counseling Department Head at a large title one school district in CT. In this leadership role, she was able to adjust her service to supporting school counselors and district leaders with the same goal in mind, providing exceptional rigorous education for students that lead to positive postsecondary outcomes. During this time, she worked closely with CT Rise to create functional systems that evaluate school level data to impact student success as students transition into high school and out of high school.

 

Becoming a full-time Husky has brought much joy. From Johnathan sightings, basketball games, the beautiful sunsets, and a lively quad on a warm day are the things that make UConn special to her. More than that, she has really enjoyed preparing for her first summer welcoming high school students from around the globe to UConn’s Pre-College Summer program. She can’t wait to watch young high school students fall in love with UConn and build the confidence they need to find a sense of belonging in college. She believes every young person should have a champion telling them they CAN and SHOULD pursue higher education if they want to. This program has the opportunity to give that to the young people who find their way to campus.

2025 Annual Site Representative Conference

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By Todd Blodgett

The annual Site Representative Conference was held this May at the UConn Avery Point campus in Groton, CT. The Early College Experience Program Staff hosted 170 Site Representatives from 135 partner high schools. The morning kicked off at The Branford House where attendees, many of whom were visiting the Avery Point campus for the first time, got to take in the breath-taking views of The Long Island Sound over breakfast with colleagues from across the state. After moving to the Academic Building for the core content of the day, and being officially welcomed by UConn ECE Executive Director, Christopher Todd, representatives from Newington High School, Norwich
Free Academy, and Robert E. Fitch High School took the stage. Leading a panel discussion, the Site Representatives discussed ways they are expanding concurrent enrollment opportunities at their schools. They shared their experiences of implementing new UConn ECE courses into their schools and how they promote the courses to their students, families, and instructors. Participants then received programmatic updates before choosing from six breakout sessions, offered across two time slots. The conference was a great opportunity for our Site Representatives to discuss ways to enhance their concurrent enrollment offerings at their high schools and meet with colleagues and counterparts from across the state. We appreciate all the work that our Site Representatives do to make their UConn ECE programs successful at their schools and are excited to continue offering a diverse selection of course offerings to their students!

Recognizing the 2024-2025 UConn ECE Student Scholarship Winners

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By Jessica Dunn

 

The UConn Early College Experience (ECE) Office is proud to announce the seven exceptional recipients of the 2024–2025 UConn ECE Student Scholarships. Following a highly competitive and rigorous review process, these outstanding high school seniors were selected for their academic excellence, thoughtful project submissions, and future aspirations.

 

Each recipient has been awarded a $1,000 scholarship, applicable to any institution of higher education. To be eligible, students must have successfully completed at least one UConn ECE course and demonstrated a strong commitment to academic growth.

 

We congratulate the 2024–2025 scholarship winners and commend them for their achievements and dedication to learning. Their accomplishments reflect the values and academic standards of the UConn ECE program, and we look forward to seeing their continued success in the future.

 

Excellence in the Arts, Humanities, or Social Sciences

 

Winners demonstrate academic achievement and a potential for future academic and professional accomplishments in a field focusing on the Arts, Humanities, and/or Social Sciences.

 

Excellence in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics

 

Winners demonstrate academic achievement and a potential for future academic and professional accomplishments in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and/or Mathematics.

 

Excellence in Civic and Community Engagement

 

Winners demonstrate academic achievement and already making a positive difference in their town or neighborhood and are inspiring others to do the same. The students chosen for this award are UConn ECE Students who demonstrate ambition and self-drive evidenced by outstanding achievement in both school and their community.

News to Know

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By Carissa Rutkauskas, New England Alliance of Concurrent Enrollment Partnerships (NEACEP) Conference

 

The 2025 Annual NEACEP Conference, Something More Than Dual Credit, was held on May 30 at Middlesex Community College in Bedford, MA, convening over 100educators, administrators, and stakeholders from across New England and beyond. The conference focused on advancing dual credit programs through improved student advising and pathways, expanded access for underrepresented students, and stronger academic and non-academic supports. Dr. Amanda Sterk opened the event with a compelling keynote on empowering students and families to navigate dual enrollment successfully. Among the 14 breakout sessions, UConn ECE’s Chris Todd presented on using concurrent enrollment partnerships as a strategy to attract, recruit, and retain educators, while UConn ECE Instructor Amy Bigelow (Franklin Academy) shared insights on supporting students with learning disabilities in dual enrollment math courses. Amy reflected on her experience, saying, “My first NEACEP conference highlighted the wide variety of ways high school students earn college credit nationwide. It deepened my appreciation for UConn’s dual enrollment model, offering college courses in a familiar, small-class setting. I was also honored to present about Franklin Academy’s success in providing executive functioning coaching and accommodations for neurodiverse students taking ECE courses.” UConn’s Office of Early College Programs was well represented by Chris Todd, Carissa Rutkauskas, and Jess Dunn from UConn ECE, along with Dr. Bobbi-Jo Wathen and Yamileth Lopez-Ramos from UConn Pre-College Summer. UConn ECE instructors Catalina Peñafiel Rincón (Kennedy High School) and Dawn Marie Conroy (Waterbury Arts Magnet School) also attended, with Dawn Marie recently certified to teach ECE courses. Catalina noted, “Thank you, NEACEP, for a well-organized and informative conference. I particularly appreciated the engaging sessions, insightful speakers, and the opportunity to network with
other professionals.” The conference proved to be a dynamic and collaborative event, reinforcing the value of partnerships in shaping the future of dual credit education.

UConn ECE Instructors Honored with Nation’s Highest Award in STEM Teaching

 

UConn Early College Experience is proud to announce that two of our outstanding certified instructors, Joseph Mancino of Glastonbury High School and Susan Palmberg of Edwin O. Smith High School, have been named recipients of the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST). The awards were officially announced on January 13, when President Biden honored seven exemplary educators from Connecticut with this prestigious national recognition. The PAEMST is the highest award in the United States for K–12 STEM teaching. It recognizes teachers who have demonstrated both outstanding subject mastery and a deep commitment to fostering student achievement in science and mathematics. Each year, up to 110 educators nationwide are selected to receive this honor.

 

Awardees receive a certificate signed by the President of the United States, a $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation, and an invitation to Washington, D.C. for a series of recognition ceremonies and professional development opportunities. Mr. Mancino is certified to teach UConn ECE courses PHYS1201Q: General Physics I, PHYS1202Q: General Physics II, and PHYS1401Q: General Physics with Calculus I. Ms. Palmberg is certified in MATH1131Q: Calculus I, MATH1132Q: Calculus II, and MATH2110Q: Multivariable Calculus. Their dedication to academic excellence and student success exemplifies the mission and impact of the UConn ECE program.

 

We congratulate Joseph Mancino and Susan Palmberg on this well-deserved honor and thank them for their continued contributions to STEM education and the UConn ECE community.

 

UConn ECE Instructor Jessica Chapman Receives 2024-25 Milken Educator Award

 

UConn Early College Experience proudly celebrates Jessica Chapman of Norwich Free Academy, a certified instructor for SOCI 1001: Introduction to Sociology, who was honored with the 2024-25 Connecticut Milken Educator Award on November 12, 2024. Chapman, a passionate and innovative social studies teacher, received the surprise of a lifetime during a schoolwide assembly filled with students, colleagues, dignitaries, and media. The award, presented by Dr. Jane Foley, Senior Vice President of the Milken Educator Awards, and Connecticut Commissioner of Education Charlene M. Russell-Tucker, includes a $25,000 unrestricted prize and recognizes Chapman’s excellence in teaching and potential for even greater impact. As Connecticut’s only recipient this year—and one of just 45 educators nationwide—Chapman joins a distinguished network of education leaders celebrated for their dedication, creativity, and influence. Often called the “Oscars of Teaching,” the Milken Educator Awards shine a spotlight on outstanding educators who are shaping the future of education. We are proud to recognize Jessica Chapman among UConn ECE’s remarkable instructors.

 

Aaron Hull: Advancing Civic Education Through UConn ECE and the Spirit of the James Madison Fellowship

 

UConn ECE Instructor Aaron Hull of Greenwich High School has been inspiring young minds through the UConn Early College Experience program since 2010. Certified to teach UConn POLS 1202: Introduction to Comparative Politics, POLS 1402: Introduction to International Relations, POLS 1602: Introduction to American Politics, and SOCI 1001: Introduction to Sociology, Hull consistently brings depth, rigor, and civic engagement into his classroom. In recognition of his outstanding commitment to civic education, Hull was named the 2025 James Madison Fellow for Connecticut by the James Madison Memorial Fellowship Foundation—a national honor given to educators dedicated to improving the teaching of the U.S. Constitution. Hull’s work exemplifies the mission of both UConn ECE and the Foundation, as he continues to empower students with the knowledge and critical thinking skills needed for engaged citizenship.

 

Michelle Henry: Championing AAPI Education and Empowerment in Greater Hartford

 

As part of the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving’s “100 Influencers of Greater Hartford” centennial campaign, Michelle Henry is being recognized for her groundbreaking contributions to education and equity. A high school English teacher at Simsbury High School and certified UConn Early College Experience Instructor in UConn AAAS 2201: Introduction to Asian American Studies, Michelle created Connecticut’s first concurrent enrollment Asian American and Pacific Islander history course through the UConn Early College Experience program, in collaboration with UConn’s Asian and Asian American Studies Institute. Her course not only allows students to earn college credit while still in high school, but also equips them with tools to confront racism and xenophobia through deeper cultural understanding. With Connecticut’s K-12 AAPI curriculum mandate beginning in 2025–26, Michelle’s course has become a blueprint, now adopted by schools across the state. Her work reflects a commitment to creating inclusive, transformative learning experiences that amplify underrepresented voices and empower the next generation to lead with empathy, awareness, and action.

 

Arri Weeks: NCTE Annual Conference

 

Arri Weeks, UConn ECE Instructor of ENGL1007: Seminar and Studio in Academic Writing and Multimodal Composition, from New Cannan High School was awarded Conference Funding through UConn ECE and had this to say about her experience:

 

Thanks to a grant from the Office of Early College Programs I was fortunate enough to attend the National Council of Teachers of English annual conference in Boston in November. What an incredible four days! It was inspiring to hear from people like Bryan Stevenson from the Equal Justice Institute and United States Poet Laureate Ada Limón and attend sessions by fellow English teachers. The topics in these sessions ranged from the teaching of poetry to approaches to Generative AI in the English classroom. I came away with tons of notes, presentations, and ideas for my classroom and practice.

 

Additionally, Emily Genser, Ramona Puchalski-Piretti, and I led a session, “Multimodal at the Heart of the Essay,” featuring the work we do with our ECE students. For my part, I shared one of my assignments that asks students to curate a visual gallery of images that has informed their ways of seeing. Through the process of creating this show, students critically engage with images from their world and reflect on the impact these images have had in forming how they see. Our panel session was well-attended and receiving feedback from high school level and First Year Writing educators was wonderful. However, one of the most affirming experiences was collaborating with Emily and Ramona; I learned so much from them as they shared their assignments and practices with their own students. Thank you to OECP for providing the grant!

 

More information on UConn ECE Conference Funding can be found here: https://ece.uconn.edu/instructors/funding

 

Celebrating Achievement with UConn ECE Honor Cords

 

UConn Early College Experience (ECE) proudly celebrates the academic accomplishments of high school seniors through the UConn ECE Honor Cords program. Following a successful pilot with several partner schools last year, the program expanded significantly. This spring, 76 of our 193 partner high schools distributed UConn Honor Cords to their eligible seniors. These cords, in UConn’s signature blue and white, symbolize the achievement of successfully completing a rigorous UConn course while still in high school. Graduating seniors who have taken at least one UConn course through ECE and are in good standing with the program are invited to wear the cords at graduation. The colors themselves are steeped in university history: “National Flag Blue” (Pantone 289), a tradition dating back to the 1950s under President Albert N. Jorgensen, with further refinement by Athletics Director Tim Tolokan, who helped standardize uniforms and institutional branding. Congratulations to the high school Class of 2025—wear your UConn ECE Honor Cords with pride!

 

Celebrating Catalina Peñafiel Rincón: A Voice of Bilingual Wisdom

 

UConn Early College Experience proudly celebrates Catalina Peñafiel Rincón of John F. Kennedy High School, who has recently added “published author” to her many accomplishments. Certified to teach UConn SPAN 3177: Composition & Reading for Spanish Speakers, SPAN 3178: Intermediate Spanish Composition, and SPAN 3179: Spanish Conversation: Cultural Topics, Catalina released her first book in 2024, Sabiduría: Poems and Reflections on Life (Wisdom: Poemas y Reflexiones sobre la Vida). A winner of the 2025 International Impact Book Awards: Poetry- Contemporary Poetry and The Regal Summit Book Award, this bilingual collection blends poetry, self-reflection, and instant writing inspired by everyday life, aiming to connect readers through shared struggles, dreams, and aspirations. Drawing inspiration from her family, students, colleagues, and friends, Catalina encourages readers to pause, reflect, and find hope and serenity in their own journeys. Her work is a beautiful testament to the power of language, culture, and connection in an ever-evolving world.

 

Laurie Wolfley’s Legacy

 

After over a decade and a half of dedicated service as a UConn Early College Experience Faculty Coordinator, Laurie Wolfley is retiring, leaving behind a legacy of mentorship, academic rigor, and unwavering support for high school educators and students. As the coordinator for Maritime Studies and American Studies, Laurie has played a vital role in certifying teachers, observing classes, and maintaining strong connections between UConn and its partner high schools. Her leadership has helped ensure that students across Connecticut experience college learning that is both challenging and relevant. In 2017, she was honored as ECE Faculty Coordinator of the Year—a testament to her
impact and commitment.

 

Laurie’s contributions have shaped countless student journeys, and her presence will be greatly missed in the ECE community

 

Congratulations to the following UConn ECE Faculty Coordinators on their promotions:

 

Chunsheng (George) Yang (Chinese) Promotion to Professor

 

Ingrid Semaan (Sociology) Promotion to Professor In-Residence

 

Concetta (Tina) Chiappetta-Miller (Italian Literature and Cultural Studies) Promotion to Associate Professor In-Residence

 

OECP Team Honored with 2025 UConn Spirit Team Award

 

We are thrilled to announce that the Office of Early College Programs (OECP) Team—encompassing both UConn Early College Experience and UConn Pre-College Summer—has been awarded one of the 2025 UConn Spirit Team Awards! This prestigious recognition celebrates teams that exemplify collaboration, civility, and community across UConn’s campuses. The OECP team was recognized for its dedication to fostering meaningful connections, supporting student access to college-level learning, and maintaining a positive workplace culture. This award is a reflection of the incredible efforts of our Faculty Coordinators, Site Representatives, Instructors, and staff who make our work possible. We proudly share this honor with fellow recipients, including the Greenhouse Studios Team, Karima Jackson from First Year Programs and Learning Communities, and Unsung Heroes Sharon Daggett and Josue Zapata from Facilities Operations. Thank you to everyone who helps advance our mission—your contributions matter!