Spirit Awards Once Again Recognize Deserving UConn Employees

Honorees in the eighth annual UConn Spirit Awards, which celebrate exceptional employees at the University, were announced in a virtual ceremony for the University community on Wednesday, March 9, 2022.

The ceremony recognizes the efforts of employees, especially staff, in building community and promoting civility. The Spirit Awards program was originally 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.

A total of 178 eligible nominations were received this year for the Spirit Awards, including 29 in the new “Behind the Scenes” category.

CLICK HERE to watch a replay of the ceremony.

“Husky Spirit is something we have all learned a great deal about over the last two years,” says UConn assistant vice president and chief human resources officer Chris Delello. “The challenges that faced us at every level were ones that none us of could have imagined. And not only did we meet those challenges, we overcame them together, as a community.

“The Spirit Awards are an opportunity to single out some of the outstanding staff members who demonstrate what it means to be a UConn Husky day in and day out. Our whole community is grateful to them always, but after the last two years that gratitude is even more profound.”

This year’s winners and finalists are:

Rising Star Award

Winner: Carly Koebel, Political Science

Finalist: Mikala Kane, School of Nursing/University Communications

Finalist: Lianne Lussier-Smith, Social Work Instruction and Research

Unsung Hero Award

Winner: Mary Margaret Smith, Animal Science

Finalist: Jessica Baker, School of Business, Graduate Programs

Finalist: Christin Donnelly, Geosciences

University Citizen Award

Winner: Cody Ryann, First Year Programs and Learning Communities

Finalist: Renee Constant, Student Health and Wellness