Girl Scouts of Connecticut's 2011 Breakfast Badge Honors Eastern Connecticut State University President Elsa M. Núñez

Girl Scouts of Connecticut’s 2011 Breakfast Badge Honoree, Dr. Elsa M. Nunez, president of Eastern Connecticut State University, received a one-of-a-kind Girl Scout badge during a special breakfast event on December 2 at The Hartford Club. Nunez was honored by Girl Scouts of Connecticut for her courage, commitment, and dedication to education. More than 200 friends and supporters were on hand to acknowledge Nunez’s uncommon leadership for the common good, while supporting Girl Scouting’s programs for young women.

As the 2011 Breakfast Badge honoree, Nunez received a personalized Girl Scout badge depicting strength, character, and education. The unique badge was specially designed to reflect her tireless efforts to increase Eastern Connecticut State University’s visibility – both regionally and nationally.

 “I want to thank Girl Scouts of Connecticut CEO Jennifer Smith Turner, Board President Teresa Younger, and my other colleagues on the Board of Directors for honoring me today with this special Girl Scout Badge,” Nunez said in accepting her award. “My colleagues at Eastern and I are continually seeking ways to expand educational access so that more people can see their educational dreams come true. That same spirit of support and growth is happening across the ranks of Girl Scouts in our state, thanks to the efforts of the staff and volunteers of Girl Scouts of Connecticut, and the girls and young women we support.”

Nunez has more than 20 years of experience as a senior administrator in higher education and is the first Hispanic college president at a state university in Connecticut. Her commitment to education is best seen in the many accomplishments during her six years as Eastern’s president. Nunez has forged closer ties to the local community and led a campus-wide strategic planning process, resulting in various campus improvements and a ranking among the top 30 public regional liberal arts universities in the North in U.S. News and World Report’s 2011 list of Best Colleges.

Proceeds from this year’s Breakfast Badge will help support the Girl Scout Leadership Experience, which offers girls the lifetime skills they need to discover their personal best; connect with others to build healthy relationships; and take action in their communities to make the world a better place.

The 2011 Breakfast Badge was supported by Eastern Connecticut State University, QSP/Ashdon Farms, Hartford Hospital, Hartford Steam Boiler/Munich Re, Yankee Gas, Lockton Companies LLC, Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, Sullivan & LeShane, Inc., SINA, ConnectiCare, and Webster Bank.