Middlesex Grad Builds Path in Public Service
Tyler Eckstrom, a Middletown native, graduated from Xavier High School in 2016 with plans to enter the military full time. When those plans did not work out, he found himself searching for direction.
He already knew about CT State Middlesex, then Middlesex Community College. His mother, Eileen Daniels, who changed careers by getting an accounting degree, graduated from there in 2013. That familiarity helped guide his decision to enroll full time in Fall 2016. He balanced classes with part-time work, including a job on campus.
Tyler earned an associate degree in general studies in August 2018, followed by a business studies transfer degree.
He described his time at Middlesex as his most formative years.
“I had a sense of belonging,” he said. “My experience was amazing.”
Several professors and mentors shaped that experience. Among them was Prof. Michael Rotondo, assistant professor of accounting and program coordinator of business, whose structured lessons and real-world examples made the subjects engaging. Tyler said Prof. Rotundo engaged in a light atmosphere grounded in mutual respect, and the two remain in touch.
“As Tyler’s former professor, I’m very proud of all he has accomplished academically and in the community. From his service as an officer in the Coast Guard to now serving the city of Middletown,” said Prof. Rotondo. “Tyler was great to have in class as he always recognized the value of learning and recognized the importance of service and of setting a good example for others.”
Prof. Victor Triay, Ph.D., who taught history, explained events through storytelling that drew students into the material, Tyler added. Political science instructor Prof. Tad Lincoln prepared them for “the realities of the world” and routinely stayed after class to answer questions. Prof. Patricia Raymond was also influential, as was former administrative assistant Lillian Baruffi, who Tyler said was consistently supportive.
English professor Eva Jones, Ph.D., who directed the Honors Program at that time, led Tyler and fellow honors students on campus visits and activities that helped them with the transfer process. The group also tackled academic challenges together, including public speaking. His Academic Convivium project focused on the history of automobiles.
He also took elective courses in pottery and drawing, an interest he still pursues.
Outside the classroom, Tyler served as president of the campus car club, participated in the Red Moon Gala fundraiser and spent time in the student lounge.
After graduating from Middlesex, Tyler transferred to Central Connecticut State University, majoring in marketing. Thanks to extra transfer credits, he attended only three semesters, completing many courses online during the pandemic, and graduated with a bachelor of science in December 2020.
In 2022, he became involved in an effort to save Pameacha Pond that Middletown planned to drain and turn into a park. Neighbors were concerned it would eliminate a sanctuary for wildlife. He attended public meetings, spoke with residents on both sides of the dispute and eventually addressed the Middletown Planning and Zoning Commission.
Because of this exposure, members of the Middletown Republican Town Committee invited him to fill an open alternate seat on the P&Z Commission. He was nominated by the Common Council Deputy Minority Leader Anthony Gennaro and approved in November 2022 with three years remaining in the term.
The P&Z Commission, a nonpartisan body that reviews building proposals, typically works well together, Tyler said. When a full seat opened in 2025, he ran for the position and was elected on November 4, receiving the most votes among candidates of the minority party. With P&Z Commission Chair Thomas Pattavina now leading the board, Tyler became the vice chair.
He now participates in regular meetings, reviewing proposals for new homes and renovations, listening to presentations and weighing neighbors’ feedback before voting on outcomes. The commission occasionally works with the town’s land-use director to update zoning laws and conducts public hearings to gather community input. Members also help guide long-term planning and conservation efforts.
Tyler is now president and founder of the nonprofit group, Save Pameacha Pond. The organization works on preservation efforts involving historic features, native species, and local fish and bird populations of the pond, which was ultimately not drained.
His service-oriented commitments date back to Middlesex, where he joined the military color guard under former veterans director Peter Galgano. Today he remains active in the Coast Guard Auxiliary and Connecticut’s Second Company Governor’s Footguard, a historic ceremonial military unit. He holds the rank of sergeant and has participated in Gov. Ned Lamont’s inauguration and former Gov. Jodi Rell’s funeral.
In his free time, Tyler pursues hobbies that reflect his interests: antique cars, historical military artifacts and drawing.
What advice does he have for prospective Middlesex students?
“Enter with an open mind and be ready to learn new things,” said Tyler. “You’ll make friends, and the community is great.”
Also serving Middletown on the Board of Education is Middlesex Prof. Kimberly Riordan, who coincidently was Tyler’s middle school math teacher at St. John.
November 2025
Article by Thea Moritz