The Upward Bound/ConnCAP program is pleased to announce its upcoming Summer Orientation presentation, an essential event designed to introduce students and their families to the exciting opportunities and resources available through our summer and academic year programming. This orientation aims to provide comprehensive information about program objectives, activities, expectations, and support services, ensuring that participants are well-prepared and motivated to make the most of their experience. During the session, attendees will learn about the various components of the program, including academic tutoring, college readiness workshops, cultural enrichment activities, and summer enrichment programs. We will also discuss important logistical details, such as attendance requirements, program schedules, and how families can stay involved throughout the year. Additionally, the orientation will serve as a platform for students and families to ask questions, meet program staff, and connect with peers. Our goal is to foster a welcoming environment that encourages engagement, motivation, and a shared commitment to academic success and personal growth.

The Upward Bound/ConnCAP Field Day is a dynamic, action-packed event held during the summer program, designed to provide students with a fun and engaging way to build teamwork, develop leadership skills, and foster a sense of community. This event takes place outdoors and features a variety of physical activities, games, and challenges that encourage students to work together, stay active, and have fun. Throughout the day, participants will rotate through different stations featuring team-building games such as relay races, obstacle courses, tug-of-war, and other competitive activities. These games are not only designed to promote physical fitness, but also to help students develop important life skills such as communication, collaboration, and problem-solving. The focus is on participation, sportsmanship, and creating lasting memories with peers. The Field Day also provides a chance for students to take a break from academics and engage in recreational activities in a positive and supportive environment. Throughout the event, students will have the opportunity to bond with their fellow participants, make new friends, and enjoy the outdoors while staying active and engaged.

OLLI celebrates its second Juneteenth Celebration for the Waterbury and UConn community. The event is free to everyone. We will host keynote speaker, John Mills, President of the Alex Breanne Corporation. Their mission is to use research and broader context to identify and address the many reverberating effects of chattel slavery. John will speak on stories representing the life experience of the American enslaved, presented from an African American perspective. His presentation will include the story of Fortune, an enslaved African-American who lived in Waterbury, CT. After the presentation, there will be lunch catered by local soul food restaurant, Southern Tree, and music from Ross & Bost. Please contact osher@uconn.edu for more information and details on how to register.

To learn more and register for this symposium: https://uconnuecs.cventevents.com/event/NAPS25/summary (https://uconnuecs.cventevents.com/event/NAPS25/summary)

To learn more and register for this symposium: https://uconnuecs.cventevents.com/event/NAPS25/summary (https://uconnuecs.cventevents.com/event/NAPS25/summary)

To learn more and register for this symposium: https://uconnuecs.cventevents.com/event/NAPS25/summary (https://uconnuecs.cventevents.com/event/NAPS25/summary)

Representatives of three Abrahamic faiths (Christianity, Judaism and Islam) share their learning, friendship, humor and values on a variety of religiously oriented subjects. Rabbi Eric Polokoff, Monsignor Joseph Donnelly, and Imam Gazmend Aga, will discuss faith and community from the point of view of Judaism, Catholicism, and Islam. Imam Gazi said, "'The Three Amigos' is an interfaith initiative to build bridges of peace among people, regardless of their faith, through joy, prayer, and spiritual reflection". The Three Amigos have been highly popular guests at many venues. The inception of the concept began when Trinity Health of New England acquired a heritage version of the St. John's Bible and sent one volume to Waterbury St. Mary's Hospital. That volume was the Pentateuch, the first five books of the Bible, and the foundational text for all three monotheistic religions – Judaism, Christianity and Islam. Rabbi Eric Polokoff, Imam Gazmend Aga, and Monsignor Joseph Donnelly were invited to a ceremony at the hospital to welcome the text. The conversation among the three was so energetic and enlightening that the trio believed they should expand their conversation, open it to the public, and take it on the road. OLLI is delighted to welcome them back for a third time, and to host their engaging and fascinating perspectives for all members of our community. Admission is free to OLLI members and UConn faculty, staff, and students. Registration will be available on the OLLI website in September 2025.