Welcoming in a new era at Central

The Central family gave a big welcome to a special new campus space on Aug. 5.

Campus leaders hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Central Welcome Center (CWC) in the building formerly occupied by Charter Oak Community College, which has since moved to downtown New Britain. The CWC is on Manafort Drive, immediately next to the Willard-DiLoreto parking garage. 

Several university departments moved into the CWC in November 2023, including the Office of Admissions and Enrollment; Institutional Advancement; and Alumni Relations, among others. Campus tours can also begin at the Welcome Center, where visitors can enjoy an engaging digital experience with a visual display in the lobby before they meet their guide or admissions counselor.

Other upgrades to the building focused on creating team-oriented and collaborative spaces for guests, alumni, and university staff. 

“The Welcome Center is a beacon of our shared aspirations and a symbol of the bright future we are building together,” said Central President Zulma R. Toro. “This space is designed to be a welcoming and engaging environment for everyone—students, families, alumni, and staff. It is a place where ideas will flourish, relationships will grow, and our collective vision for the future will be realized.” 

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Central Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Kimberly Kostelis; Vice President of Operations Sal Cintorino; President Zulma R. Toro; Vice President for Institutional Advancement Jennifer Destefani; Associate Vice President for Enrollment Management Christina Robinson; and Director of Admission Larry Hall prepare to cut a ceremonial ribbon at the Central Welcome Center. (Photo by John Henninger)