Recognition Program

Division of Student Affairs Recognition Ceremony

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic and its uncertain timeline, the Division Recognition Ceremony has been cancelled. We look forward to gathering as a Division, once we are allowed to come together on campus, to celebrate the outstanding work of our employees and our ongoing commitment to students, especially during this trying time.

Welcome to the Division of Student Affairs Recognition Program!

The Division of Student Affairs Recognition Program honors annually individuals who best exemplify the unique combination of dedication and passion in service to our students and the larger UConn community. Nominees must demonstrate outstanding work and display an enthusiastic/inspiring attitude toward their responsibilities and the students they serve. The recipients show a commitment to students through their job responsibilities, actions that support their department, Division and/or University by engaging in collaborative efforts with others. Nominees should contribute toward job excellence with performance that is consistently outstanding and frequently outside the normal scope of prescribed duties and that demonstrates independent action and resourcefulness, encouraging new ideas and creativity and exhibiting leadership.

The Division of Student Affairs is a complex organization providing a wide-range of staffing levels, multiple representative labor organization memberships, and various categories of staff including, but not limited to: administrative, custodial and maintenance, and professional staff. For this reason, the selection committee may elect to recognize more than one recipient in any category. Nominations can come from any Student Affairs staff member.

Submit a Nomination
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Recognition Categories:

Assessment

This recognition celebrates the use of assessment to inform practice, improve services and/or enhance the student experience.

Husky School Spirit

This recognition is for the individual or group who exhibits a positive attitude in their work; demonstrates teamwork, creativity, and cooperation; and takes pride in being a member of the UConn community.

Innovation

This recognition is for an individual or a group who has creatively addressed a student or UConn community need in an innovative way.

Diversity, Inclusion and Equity

This recognition is for an individual or group who demonstrates an exemplary commitment to the values of diversity, inclusion and equity in their work.

3C - Collaboration, Communication and Community

This recognition is for an individual or group who achieves desired outcomes through outstanding collaboration and communication with others for the benefit of the UConn community.

Students First

This recognition is for unique or extraordinary efforts and/or a sustained commitment to the philosophy of "Students First." Please describe the rationale for your nomination.

Outstanding New Staff

This recognition is presented to a staff member hired after January 1, 2018, who has demonstrated exemplary performance.

Outstanding Graduate Student

This recognition is presented to a graduate student employed by a department within the Division of Student Affairs who has gone above and beyond expectations, and/or demonstrated an extraordinary effort.

Unsung Hero

This recognition is awarded to a staff member who consistently goes above and beyond, without fanfare or public recognition, for the benefit of students, the Division of Student Affairs, and/or the University of Connecticut.

Employee of the Year

This recognition is for an individual employed by the Division of Student Affairs who has gone above and beyond expectations to provide outstanding service to students, the Division of Student Affairs, and/or the University of Connecticut. Please describe the rationale for your nomination.

Weller Award

The Gerald N. Weller Award recognizes individuals in the UConn community beyond the Division of Student Affairs who serve students and support the efforts of the Division in the true spirit exemplified by Gerry Weller, Director of Dining Services at the University of Connecticut from 1981-2005.  Gerry was professional, caring, generous of spirit and embodied a sincere commitment to service and always putting students first.  He was always determined to find a way to say “Yes” to any request.

2019 Winners

Assessment:

UConn Recreation

Outstanding New Staff:

Kymberley Hendricks, Residential Life

Graduate Student:

Brianna Gavigan, Student Activities

Innovation:

Padma Srimatkandada, Student Affairs Information Technology

- and -

CreateAT Team, Center for Students with Disabilities

Diversity:

Phillip Coontz, Residential Life

Husky School Spirit:

Irene Benza, Student Health and Wellness

3C:

Valerie Puffet-Michel and Michael Roberson, Student Affairs Information Technology

- and -

Accommodations Team, Center for Students with Disabilities

Students First:

Ashlee Stone, Student Health and Wellness

- and -

Shannon Schmeding, Residential Life

Employee of the Year:

Claudia Arias-Cirinna, Residential Life

Weller Award

Michael Kirk