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2015 ‘Best of’ awards for Danbury, WCSU

‘Best of’ list for Danbury, WCSU continues to grow
 

DANBURY, CONN. —It’s a challenge to pick up any “best of” story these days without finding Western Connecticut State University or its hometown, Danbury, at — or near — the top of the list.

According to a just-released 24/7 Wall Street study, the second-best city in which to live in the United States? Danbury.

The subject of two Wall St. Journal articles — one in 2012 and one this year — about a great city to live and work in? Danbury again.

The New York Times also chimed in about the advantages of living in Danbury in an October 2014 article, “Affordability in Danbury, Conn., Just Over the Border.”

According to the Times, one of Danbury’s many advantages (described in the story under the heading “What To Do”), is what WCSU brings to the arts and culture of the community.

“The Westside Campus of Western Connecticut State University just opened a new Visual and Performing Arts Center with an art gallery, concert hall and 350-seat theater. The campus amphitheater, the Ives Concert Park, hosts a summer musical lineup,” the Times reporter wrote.

Danbury is also located within one of “The Ten Most Artistic States in the U.S.” according to Bloomberg.com.

Speaking of the arts and Western’s Visual and Performing Arts Center. Here we have collected four — count ’em — four major awards:

Connecticut Magazine – Best of Connecticut: “Best Performing Arts Venue: College

Collegedegreesearch.net – “The 25 Most Amazing Campus Arts Centers” – No. 9 on list

OnStage – “Top 10 Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Arts programs” – No. 10 on list

AIA New England – Peoples’ Choice Awards: “The space where I’d most like to study” – Finalist

The university itself has racked up many distinctions lately, as well.

SmartAsset – “The Colleges Providing the Best Value in Connecticut” – No. 4 on list

CollegeNET and PayScale – “Social Mobility Index” – No. 1 in Connecticut and No. 11 nationwide

PayScale – “Return on Investment” – No. 2 among all in-state public colleges and universities in Connecticut

President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll – Recognized two years in a row

Morris Media – “Green Award”

Plus, Western has accumulated countless student and alumni recognition and awards in fields ranging from social work to meteorology, education to performance, debate, athletics and more.

What makes Danbury such a great place to live? A significant percentage of our graduates live and work in Fairfield County and contribute to the growth and vibrancy of the region.

 

 

 

Western Connecticut State University offers outstanding faculty in a range of quality academic programs. Our diverse university community provides students an enriching and supportive environment that takes advantage of the unique cultural offerings of Western Connecticut and New York. Our vision: To be an affordable public university with the characteristics of New England’s best small private universities.