Mary Ann Phaneuf, Assistant Director of Experiential Education at UConn’s School of Pharmacy, was a finalist in UConn’s annual employee Spirit Awards in the Unsung Hero category.  Phaneuf is the cornerstone to every pharmacy student’s experiential education. Her job is to match students with introductory and advanced pharmacy practice experience rotations that meet and grow their interests. She graciously responds to inquiries from students, faculty, and site preceptors, making long lasting connections all the while keeping an eye on policies, procedures and requirements.

“Mary Ann always looks to improve systems both in our office and at the university level,” said one nominator.  “She collaborates with the schools of nursing and other professional programs to solve issues that are applicable to both. She has served diligently on the Clinical Compliance Committee, helping to streamline systems and processes for clinical programs, and she has served on many searches and  reappointment committees.  In fact, it was the faculty and staff of the school who elected her to serve in this capacity.  They obviously trust her to represent them and the school well.”

“We truly appreciate Mary-Ann’s contribution to our program’s success,” said C. Michael White, Professor and Head  of Pharmacy Practice.

“… I want to give a special thank you to my team who nominated me for the Spirit award – Kate Wheeler, Jill Fitzgerald, Mary Morytko, and Joshlyn Lucas-Nash.  I was truly surprised, honored, and most humbled when I received the email notifying me of being a finalist.  My mother was a nurse and was always helping others.  She would often tell me – ‘Mary Ann success is not measured by the amount of money you make but the amount of lives you impact.’  I am hopeful in my almost 36 years here at the University that I have made such an impact…” – Mary Ann Phaneuf