Hello, Blue Devils! Welcome back to another episode of your favorite campus news podcast. Let's dive into the latest happenings at Central Connecticut State University. First up, exciting news from the School of Engineering, Science, and Technology. On July 9, Central welcomed the inaugural cohort of the new Robotics & Mechatronics Technician Apprenticeship Program. Nine newly hired apprentices from TRUMPF Inc. spent the day on campus, marking the beginning of this innovative program designed to bridge the gap between education and industry. In leadership updates, Dr. Toni Ryan has been appointed as the director of the Center for Excellence in Social and Emotional Learning, starting this fall. Dr. Ryan brings a wealth of experience to the center, which focuses on promoting emotional intelligence and well-being among students and faculty. Additionally, Dr. Xudong Jia has been named the new dean of the School of Engineering, Science, and Technology. With a strong background in engineering education and research, Dr. Jia is set to lead the school into a new era of innovation and excellence. Central has also been recognized for its commitment to mental health and well-being. The university is one of 70 recipients nationwide of the 2025 Excellence in Mental Health and Well-Being Award from Insight Into Academia magazine. This accolade highlights Central's dedication to supporting the mental health of its community. In financial news, Central has received a federal TRIO Student Support Services grant totaling $272,364. These funds will bolster the university’s efforts in student retention and degree completion, providing essential support to students from disadvantaged backgrounds. On the academic front, the Career Closet at Central received a significant donation thanks to a recent Business Clothing Drive hosted by the state Department of Transportation's Employee Engagement Group. This initiative aims to provide students with professional attire for interviews and career opportunities. In sports, the Central Connecticut Blue Devils men's basketball team had an impressive season, finishing with a 25–7 record and clinching the NEC regular-season championship. However, they fell short in the NEC tournament final against Saint Francis. Despite the loss, the team's performance has set a high bar for the upcoming season. That's all for this week's update. Stay tuned for more news and stories from around campus. Go Blue Devils!