Honorees in the third annual employee recognition program, the UConn Spirit Awards, received their awards at a ceremony March 25.
The annual tradition recognizes the efforts of employees, especially staff; building community; and promoting civility. The Spirit Awards program is the result of a survey conducted by the Something’s Happening Committee, which found a significant correlation between supportive interactions among colleagues and productivity on the job.
“There is a wealth of data to support the thesis that a happy workplace is a more productive and beneficial workplace,” said President Susan Herbst, who presented the awards. “When we have an environment marked by civility, mutual respect, and camaraderie, we all work harder and take more pleasure in our work.
“I am proud that at UConn, we take the time to pay tribute to those among us whose examples are testimonies to the quality of our university community.”
This year’s winners were:
Rising Star Award
Winner: Omar Andujar, Office of Audit, Compliance, and Ethics, Minor Protection
Finalist: Amelinda Vazquez, Center for Career Development
Finalist: Nicole Bruno, Student Activities
Unsung Hero Award
Winner: Melissa Foreman, First Year Experience and Learning Communities
Finalist: Karen Bresciano, Dean of Students
Team Award
Winner: CLAS Business Services Center. Kane Lynch, Michelle Cahill, Amanda Cobb, Melissa Gugliotti, James Ouellette, Caroline Jadovich, Beth Bernobich, Allison Goldsnider, Francesca D’Antonio, Gabrielle Fish, Kyle Lewis, Nick Franconi.
Finalist: Core E. Diane Bartlett, Linda Cunningham, Brian Delventhal, Chris Kelly, Irvin Cruz, Juan Perez.
Finalist: Expanded Food and Nutritional Program. Mike Puglisi, Heather Peracchio, Sharon Gray, Heather Pease, Angela Caldera, Doris Little, Mickey Taylor, Zoraida Velazquez, Toni Ellis, Dianisi Torres, Erica Benvenuti.
Outstanding Peer Award
Winner: John Armstrong, Off Campus Student Services
Finalist: Michelle Pereira Lopes, Office of the Vice Provost for Research, Sponsored Program Services
Finalist: Milagros Marrero-Johnson, School of Social Work
