Jewett ’81 P’17 Honored with Naming of Center for Community Partnerships

On Feb. 26, Wesleyan honored Ellen Jewett ’81, P’17, a former trustee and incoming co-chair of the Patricelli Center for Social Entrepreneurship, for her many years of service to the university with the naming of the Jewett Center for Community Partnerships (JCCP) during a ribbon-cutting ceremony outside of the center, located on the third floor of the Allbritton Center. The ceremony was part of the university’s Board of Trustees reception.

The event was attended by more than 150 guests, including Wesleyan President Michael Roth ’78, outgoing board chairman Joshua Boger ’73, P’06, P’09, and JCCP director Cathy Lechowicz, as well as by current, former and emeriti trustees; faculty, staff, students, alumni and local community members; and Jewett’s family and friends.

“Ellen Jewett is a smart, accomplished woman who believes deeply in the liberal arts and the value of experiential learning,” said Lechowicz. “She is a champion of Wesleyan, and it is an incredible honor for our center to bear her name.”

Jewett has served in many capacities at Wesleyan over the years, including as a member of the Campaign Council for the Wesleyan Campaign, the Development Committee and as an original tri-chair of the THIS IS WHY campaign. As trustee, Jewett served as chair of the Investment and University Relations Committees; as a member of the Facilities Working Group, Finance Committee, and Equity and Inclusion Task Force; and as senior vice chair of the board. In addition, she served on the Presidential Search Committee that led to the hiring of Michael Roth, has volunteered for reunions, served as a WESeminar speaker, hosted and attended scores of Wesleyan events, and mentored many students and alumni.

“I am humbled to receive this honor,” said Jewett. “The center’s commitment to actively engaging with the surrounding community through project-based learning and practical idealism helps Wesleyan students better understand the social challenges we all face and creates positive changes in our community.”

The Jewett Center for Community Partnerships connects the Wesleyan campus with Middletown and the broader world. The center includes the Office of Community Service and Volunteerism, the Green Street Teaching and Learning Center, WESU 88.1FM, and the Center for Prison Education.