CT State Community College Gateway Celebrates the Grand Opening of the Melton McAvay Center for Equity and Social Justice
On January 23, 2025, CT State Gateway proudly cut the ribbon to open the Melton McAvay Center for Equity and Social Justice—a transformative space designed to foster inclusion, equity, and community connection. Faculty, staff, students, and members of the Greater New Haven community gathered in the Curran Community Room to celebrate this milestone – a testament to Gateway’s commitment to social justice and student success.
A Celebration of Purpose and Progress
The event opened with a lively speaking program featuring a rousing keynote address by Kevin Powell that highlighted the Center’s mission to support equity and access for all. Attendees were introduced to the Center’s Four Pillars; Gender Equity, Racial Ethnic & Social Justice, Pride, Dreamers Immigrants & Refugees, which guide its efforts: These principles will serve as a framework for driving meaningful change on campus and beyond.
Following the ribbon-cutting ceremony, guests were invited to tour the Center. The space is thoughtfully designed to serve as a hub for collaboration, learning, and growth. Equipped with modern technology and welcoming spaces, the Center is poised to be a resource for students and a platform for building stronger connections with the surrounding community.
Honoring Our Partners and Speakers
The event would not have been possible without the support of Ruby Melton and Gail McAvay who provided seed funding; key community partners and inspiring speakers.
Community Partners and Speakers:
Dr. Licella Arboleda – Director, Melton McAvay Center for Equity & Social Justice Dr. Thomas Coley- CEO, CT State Gateway
Opening Remarks
Dr.John Maduko – President, CT State Community College
Dr.John Paul Chaisson-Cardenas – Vice President Diversity, Equity and Inclusion,
CT State Community College
Presenters
CESJ Fellow
Nuha lmbrahim
Diversity and Culture Committee
Adrien Esdai/e and Sandra Mastropetre
Black Professional Affinity Group
Fentyshia Daniels
UNIDOS: Hispanic, Latine, Afro-Latino, and Indigenous Professional Affinity Group
Monica Madeux
Community Partners
Patricia Nicolari – Founder, PROUD Academy, Inc.
Juancarlos Soto – Director, New Haven Pride
Keynote
Kevin Powell – Grammy Nominated Poet & Activist
A Future Built on Equity
The Melton McAvay Center for Equity and Social Justice represents more than a physical space—it’s a symbol of Gateway’s mission to create pathways for success and advocate for fairness and opportunity. Whether through student scholarships, community engagement, or initiatives designed to foster inclusion, the Center is poised to make a lasting impact.
You are invited to support programs and activities of the Melton McAvay Center for Equity and Social Justice with your designated gift to the Gateway Foundation via the linked donation form or by mailing your contribution to: gateway Foundation/CESJ, 20 Church Street, New haven, CT 06510