More than 100 teenagers and adults gathered at Gateway Community College on Oct. 17 to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the Youth Development Training and Resource Center in New Haven. The celebration highlighted 20 years of strong youth and adult relationships in the region. The keynote speaker was Frank Brady and the Honorable Mayor Toni Harp spoke insightfully to a crowd of volunteers and program participants. 

Professor Carol Brutza (Peace Studies) and eight Gateway students volunteered to work and participate in the event: Kathleen Callahan, Ivor Jones, Anthony Streater, Bill Nelson, from the DARC Club, and Linny Marzullo, Lindsey Rochette, Linny Marzullo, and Jean Lorenz from the Peace and Conflict Studies class. 

When asked about the event, Callahan said, "It was an excellent event, well organized and executed and so very powerful. The mix of entertainment and serious discussion and networking in breakout sessions and table talk truly represented a celebration of work done and commitment toward the future. I met with some youth and adults and was impressed with the connections and communication already in place.”

Speakers emphasized the importance of seeing potential in others and willingness to take on leadership roles.