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The Sophomore Summit at Central, held on March 7, in Alumni Hall, made its mission clear from the outset: “Your success is our success.”
The summit aimed to help sophomores unlock opportunities and provide guidance on how to succeed in their academic and professional journeys.
The event began with a welcoming speech by Associate Director of Undergraduate Advising Montez Johnson, which energized the crowd and set the tone for the day. Following Johnson’s address, students broke into smaller groups for alumni panel sessions, each focused on different academic majors. These panels offered a chance for sophomores to hear directly from alumni who had walked the same path. The discussions covered a range of topics, including mentorship, networking, and the importance of staying connected with peers.
One major takeaway from the alumni panel was the value of building relationships and seeking guidance from others. The panelists were engaged and receptive, answering numerous questions from the students.
After the panels, students had the option to attend an opportunity fair with more than 12 different volunteer and internship organizations represented.
The fair was buzzing with excitement as students spoke with representatives about internships, volunteer opportunities, and how these experiences could shape their futures.
Vanessa Carson, a Political Science major, shared that she chose Central because of the community atmosphere. After transferring from UConn, she felt that the smaller environment allowed her to form deeper connections.
Kevin Sari, an Exercise Science major and first-generation student, explained that Central’s affordability and proximity to home drew him to campus.
In all, the Sophomore Summit was a success, with approximately 50 students in attendenace. Students left with valuable advice, opportunities to pursue, and the confidence to take on their next chapter at Central.
- Story by Julian Layne '25