7I

#21. Find an art installation or sculpture on campus. Describe it in detail, note where it is located, who the artist is, and any other relevant information. Include a photo.

Southern Connecticut State University has many sculptures located all around campus.  They are all interesting in their own way for different reasons. 

The attached picture is a statue in Engleman Hall where classes are held.  It is a sculpture of Finis E. Engleman and a plaque reads as follows:

 “Finis E. Engleman

First President

New Haven State Teachers College

1937-1943

Gift Of The Class Of

1938

Sculptor - Tony Bonadies

Dedicated

May 1998”

After viewing this sculpture and reading the plaque, I realized that I needed to research the New Haven State Teachers College and Finis E. Engleman and I found the following website:http://scsuhistory.wordpress.com/the-early-years/

“The New Haven Normal School was the third such institution in Connecticut, the first being the New Britain Normal School and then the Willimantic Normal School.”  These are colleges for those who want to earn a degree in Education to become certified teachers in the State of Connecticut. 

“The emergence of industry after the Civil War brought change to life in the United States and compelled Connecticut to begin the addition of another Normal School. Families abandoned agricultural life for employment in urban factories, and children were no longer educated at home. Children needed schools, and they needed teachers who were trained. In 1887, a second Normal school was opened in rural Willimantic.”

“The New Haven State Normal School opened its doors on September 11, 1893 with Principal Arthur B. Morrill” 

“The legislation also changed the name of the school, from its official (if rarely used) name Teachers College of Connecticut, New Haven Unit to New Haven State Teachers College.”

Therefore, the New Haven State Teachers College has become Southern Connecticut State University because of the expansion of majors and a more diverse learning institution. My Grandmother graduated from New Britain Teachers College in 1950, which is now known as Central Connecticut State University.