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Governor Ned Lamont’s office recently issued a proclamation to the City of New Britain for efforts by Central Connecticut State University and the Consolidated School District of New Britain to promote digital equity and innovation in education through Esports.
After receiving the proclamation, Central President Zulma R. Toro, Superintendent of Schools of the Consolidated School District of New Britain Dr. Tony Gasper, and Executive Director of World Wide Youth Networks Duane Pierre took a tour of the Esports center on Sept. 25. Pierre also serves as varsity Esports coach for Central and the New Britain schools.
“We thank Governor Lamont for this thoughtful recognition,” says Central President Zulma R. Toro. “I almost must thank Mayor Erin Stewart—a leader we are proud to call a Central alumna—for cultivating this dynamic relationship with the Consolidated School District of New Britain.”
The proclamation cited “the success of the collaborative efforts of Central Connecticut State University, the Consolidated School District of New Britain, and Worldwide Youth Networks (in creating an) innovative ecosystem for experiential learning suitable for advancing education and growing business.”
Gasper noted, “Embracing the future of education means recognizing diverse pathways to success. The Esports Center at Central offers students a cutting-edge platform to cultivate teamwork, strategic thinking, and innovation. We look forward to connecting our high school students engaged in Esports with exciting opportunities at Central.”
Central’s Esports Center opened on campus in 2019—the first facility of its kind at a public or private university in the state. It is located in the lower level of Memorial Hall.
The center supports academic and recreational Esports programs at Central. It is equipped with Respawn gaming chairs, Dell Alienware Computers, Xbox, Nintendo and PlayStation consoles, a multimedia shoutcasting booth, and ADA-compliant tables and controllers. Since its opening, the university has launched three varsity-level Esports teams.
“The Esports Center is more than a video game lounge,” Toro added. “It is a place where academics, research, and gaming meet. Equipped with the latest in technology, this facility expands Central’s mission to be a driving force of the economic, cultural, and intellectual development in Connecticut.”