Josh Falcone – General Assignment Reporter
As part of the celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month at Southern Connecticut State University, the Multicultural Center along with Organization of Latin American Students and the SCSU Common Read Committee invited Connecticut Supreme Court Justice Carmen Elisa Espinosa to speak. Justice Espinosa is the first Latina woman to be appointed to the Connecticut Supreme Court.
University President Mary A. Papazian introduced Justice Espinosa and said it was a significant occasion for Southern.
“It is a particularly important event for us to mark Hispanic Heritage Month with such a figure of distinction in our community,” President Papazian said.
Espinosa was appointed to the Connecticut Supreme Court on Mar. 6 of this year. Before her appointment, Espinosa was a judge of the Appellate Court in Connecticut after being sworn in by Governor Dannel Malloy in 2011. Prior to that, Espinosa was a Superior Court Judge in the state having been appointed Jan. 10, 1992.
President Papazian said the visit by both Espinosa and the upcoming visit by United States Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor are both great chances for the Southern community to come in contact with stirring figures of the government.
“The visit of Justice Espinosa to our campus, like that of U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor on Oct. 21, provide two opportunities for our students to meet with, and hear from inspirational role models,” President Papazian said. “Women who are leaders in their professional fields and trailblazers for those who will follow their career path.”
Espinosa told the crowd that her appearance at Southern was a “homecoming of sorts” due to her starting her college career at the school in 1967, when it was still known as Southern Connecticut State College.
“It is very nice to be back, to celebrate this very wonderful event that recognizes histories, cultures, and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, Central, and South America,” Justice Espinosa said.
Espinosa described her family’s journey from Puerto Rico to New Britain, Conn. and her parent’s strong work ethic once in New Britain.
“From them I learned the value of hard work, perseverance, and determination,” she said.
Espinosa recalled how honored she along with her family were when she was named the first Hispanic Connecticut Supreme Court judge, and she said she would not have been able to do it without the support of her family.
“I could not have made it where I am today, without my parents, my siblings, my children, and my extended family,” Justice Espinosa said. “Everyday I think of the sacrifices, both my own and those of my family, that made possible all that I have achieved in my life.”
Espinosa implored the crowd to remember that the “American Dream” is alive and well.
“Naysayers will tell you the ‘American Dream’ is dead,” she said. “Well I’m here to tell you that it is very much alive. Provided that you as the future leaders of our country, step up firmly and with resolve, to make a difference.”
Espinosa said that it while it might be tough, everyone should not forget what those who came before him or her faced.
“Just remember, it was our ancestors who took the biggest step, when they chose to make a new start a long, long way from home,” Espinosa said. “I worked hard yes, but it was my parents who did the heavy lifting. So as we celebrate National Heritage Month, let us remember all the sacrifices that family members made before us, so that we could achieve our successes.”
Espinosa said that everyone in attendance owed his or her ancestors a thank you every day and that it was important to uphold a promise of continued success.
“We owe our ancestors thank you’s everyday of our lives and must uphold this promise,” Espinosa said, “we will not only achieve success to honor ourselves and them, but also ensure we leave the world a better place for future generations.”
