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True Blue Devils know the Central story runs deep in Connecticut. Throughout its 175-year history, Central alumni have changed the landscape of our state, often setting precedents for pedagogy and leadership throughout the country.
Our thriving alumni community carries on that tradition of leadership and demonstrates every day just how meaningful and transformative a Central education can be. Central graduates have made countless contributions to innovation and progress in this state and beyond, and they are fiercely loyal to their alma mater and to each other.
We asked our alumni to share their thoughts on their university experience and what it means to be a Blue Devil. Below, we share some of the responses we received. (Edited for length and clarity.)
Suzanne and Peter Berry ’74
Our CCSU experience was not only about academics but also about extra-curricular activities. We were thoroughly engaged in student government. We had two political parties on campus. We learned about campaigning on the issues in the dormitories, outside buildings, and in the Student Center. We honed our debating skills and how to conduct ourselves during a campaign. To this day, we will remember the 1974 student government election. Peter won by a slim margin, and the rest of our “party” lost, including Suzanne by seven votes. We have translated these experiences in so many ways. Working with people, listening to different points of view, negotiating as well as reaching consensus and compromise were just a few of the skill sets we have used in the business we created and in our personal lives as volunteers and parents. We are proud of our four years at CCSU.
Ciara Crinion ’10
My time at CCSU helped shape me into the person and professional I am today. Through my education at Central, and the many supportive staff and mentors I had along the way, I was able to build a foundation of success that has guided me throughout my entire adult life and career. Some of my proudest moments that will always live with me are winning a championship at CCSU with head coach Mick D’Arcy who brought me to New Britain from Ireland, to receiving my degree and then having Mick attend my wedding this past summer. Once a Blue Devil, always a Blue Devil.
Brian Cruess ’94, ’00
CCSU shaped my adult life both professionally and personally. I received a quality education that set me up for success in technology within the financial services and insurance field over the past 30 years. The network of graduates and faculty have been invaluable. Central introduced me to lifelong friends and sparked a love with my wife Kelly ’94 over the past 32 years, creating a family and a third-generation Blue Devil.
Molly DeNello ’16
CCSU provided me with the guidance and community necessary for me to cultivate the life I am so grateful for today. I quickly found a home within the Art Education department, where I was able to connect with like-minded yet unique individuals while exploring common passions. My professors and mentors curated my experience and equipped me with the skills in both art and education to help me facilitate meaningful experiences with my own students in West Hartford, where I have worked since
graduating in 2016. My experience at CCSU has been lasting and deeply influential.
Dr. Kristine Larsen ’84
As a first semester freshman in a general education astronomy class, I was offered an opportunity to learn how to run the planetarium and observatory. The next year I was a member of the inaugural class of the Honors Program and learned to appreciate the unique joys of interdisciplinary thinking. Both experiences shaped not only my career, but my worldview, and made me the teacher, scholar, and all-around person I am today.
Trinitee Williams ’22
From my time as an RA in Barrows and Gallaudet Hall to my days as an orientation leader and tour guide, CCSU provided me with experiences that ultimately gave me the skills needed to thrive in my career today as an admissions officer at Goodwin University! My Mom and Dad met at CCSU in the ’90s and my brother is now a CCSU senior! I am grateful for my time spent at CCSU and the forever memories that came along with it!