DANBURY, CONN. — Western Connecticut State University’s Centennial Baby isn’t a baby anymore. On Friday, June 21, fifth-grader Alexandra Chakar will graduate from Stadley Rough Elementary School in Danbury.

Alexandra, the daughter of Charles and Mirta Chakar, was the first baby born at Danbury Hospital on Sept. 14, 2002, the day of the WCSU Centennial Kick-Off Celebration. The five-pound, five-ounce baby girl received a four-year scholarship to attend Western.

Charles Chakar is a 1994 graduate of Western and her mother, Mirta, also attended classes at the university. Her grandfather and uncle both received master’s degrees from WCSU.

Mirta Chakar said her daughter loves reading and writing and can’t wait to get to college.

“She thinks the scholarship is really cool. Sometimes we walk in the evening and go through the campus,” Mirta Chakar said. “The scholarship takes a lot of pressure off us and it’s a great story to tell people. It’s an amazing opportunity.”

Mirta Chakar also said that Alexandra is fascinated by Italy and hopes to move there one day. Her mother said she will be excited to know that Western has Italian language courses and offers trips to Italy.

“I’m hoping for a bright future for her.”

For more information, contact the Office of University Relations at (203) 837-8486.

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.