In September 2012, a diverse Planning Committee composed of higher education officials, advocates and students, used a Casey Foundation grant to sponsor, “Retention to Postsecondary Graduation”, at Goodwin College — attended by 120 representatives of Connecticut colleges, and other from throughout New England.  Attendees heard a panel of students talk about their retention challenges, and heard descriptions of several cutting-edge programs in Connecticut and one from Boston. The Keynote Speaker was Jennifer Keup, CDO of National Center for First Year Experience.