August Pelliccio – Features & Opinions Editor
New Haven Mayor Toni Harp said, at the New Haven tree lighting ceremony, it is important Connecticut invests in its young people.
The mayor celebrated the university not only for its 125th anniversary, but for its achievements, last Thursday.
Harp said she and her office are excited to have a university like Southern in New Haven.
“It provides a great opportunity for so many first generation students to go to college,” said Harp, “and become a part of our overall economic community throughout south-central Connecticut.”
Harp said not only is the university as important as an educational institution, but as an employment opportunity in the city.
“We are thrilled that they are there providing the jobs for now and the future,” she said, “and the training that goes with that.”
Harp said because of the financial burden for most college students, she would like to encourage the state to make more resources available to prospective students.
“One of the things that I would really love to see is that the state support them more,” she said, “and that there be more opportunities for scholarships… so that they don’t have to spend so much of their future paying off college.”
She said provisions for such a plan would be incorporated into her future legislative packages. “Hopefully, the general assembly, as it rethinks where we’re going as a state,” Harp said, “recognizes how critically important it is that we prepare the workforce for today and tomorrow, now.”
President Joe Bertolino said he was surprised by the invitation from the mayor, only hearing about this part of the ceremony the week prior. He said he never would have expected such an honor.
“It’s great to be honored for our 125th and our contribution to the community,” he said.
Bertolino said he is happy such a partnership between local government and the school exists.
“It is always great,” he said, “to be recognized by the mayor.”
Photo Credit: August Pelliccio
