On Saturday, the Student Union Ballroom at UConn Storrs was filled with Neag School of Education Alumni Board members, faculty, staff, administrators, friends, and guests as they gathered to honor eight outstanding alumni at the School’s annual Alumni Awards Celebration.
“Today, we are celebrating this event for the 27th consecutive year, thanks to the Neag School Alumni Board,” said Jason G. Irizarry, dean of the Neag School of Education. “A big thank you to all the Board’s past and present members for their continued support in making this annual celebration possible. It’s always wonderful to see you all and spend the afternoon together.”
Before the Alumni Awards presentation commenced, emcee and Alumni Board president TJ Neville ’06 MA, ’18 MA acknowledged a few additional special awards.
While only two recipients could join the event Saturday afternoon, the Alumni Board was thrilled to support three graduate students with its annual scholarship this year: John Burrell, a doctoral student in giftedness, creativity, and talent development; Joshua Sukumar, a doctoral student in research methods, measurement, and evaluation; and Damiao Zoe Xu, a doctoral student in learning, leadership and education policy.
Additionally, Giselle Ziegler ’22 6th Year, a music teacher at the Odyssey Community School in Manchester, Connecticut, was named the 2025 Rogers Educational Innovation Fund awardee. The late Professor Emeritus Vincent Rogers established the Rogers Educational Innovation Fund, through which one elementary or middle school teacher in Connecticut is chosen annually to receive a $5,000 award in support of an innovative classroom project. Ziegler’s project, “Harmony in Diversity: Building Cultural Awareness and Musical Equity,” seeks to promote cultural awareness and musical equity at Odyssey Community School by increasing access to instruments and culturally inclusive experiences.
“To have my work bringing cultural awareness and musical equity in the classroom supported in this way is both humbling and inspiring,” Ziegler said. “Thanks to the generosity of Professor Rogers and his wife Chris, teachers across Connecticut have the opportunity to bring creative ideas into their classrooms.”
Eight Neag School alumni were then recognized in the following categories, with each awardee being featured in a short video and then giving brief remarks:
Outstanding School Educator – Tracey-Ann Lafayette ’15 (CLAS), ’15 (ED), ’16 MA, ’22 6th Year
A four-time graduate of the University of Connecticut, Tracey-Ann Lafayette works as a middle school English Language Arts teacher at Illing Middle School in Manchester, Connecticut. With expertise in culturally responsive teaching, Lafayette integrates diversity, advocacy, and conflict resolution into daily lessons, ensuring a positive classroom climate. In May 2020, she co-founded Melanin Magic Educators, an international organization for educators of color that holds an annual virtual conference. Currently, she serves on the Malka Penn Award for Human Rights in Children’s Literature Committee, which reviews children’s book submissions for national awards.
While at UConn, Lafayette co-founded Leadership in Diversity, an organization that was created to support students of color interested in the field of education. After graduating, she was also a Neag School of Education Diverse Educators Making Outstanding Change (DEMO) program mentor, aiding pre-service teachers of color by providing insight into the field of education.
“I’m really honored to accept the Outstanding School Educator award,” Lafayette said. “This award is not just a reflection of my work but of the work of the incredible village that has shaped, supported, and uplifted me over the years.”
Outstanding Professional – Alicia Bowman ’01 (ED), ’02 MA, ’08 6th Year
As associate executive director of the Connecticut Association of Schools, Alicia Bowman champions visionary priorities for educational administrators through advocacy, coaching, and professional learning. Bowman spent most of her career at West Woods Upper Elementary School in Farmington, Connecticut, where she ultimately served as principal for nine years. In 2015, she received the Connecticut Elementary Principal of the Year and National Distinguished Principal awards.
Bowman’s commitment to educator preparation and development is noted through her involvement in statewide conferences, such as the New Leaders Academy and the Leadership Alumni Forum. Her continued involvement with the Neag School of Education through the University of Connecticut Administrator Preparation Program (UCAPP) demonstrates her dedication to advancing educational leadership.
“As I reflect, I realize that it is in the times of discomfort that I have felt most alive,” Bowman said. “It’s in those moments when I have stepped outside of certainty and complacency that I found the greatest fulfillment, the deepest learning, and the most meaningful accomplishments.”
Outstanding Early Career Professional – Paul Singleton II ’17 MA, ’24 Ph.D.
Paul Singleton II holds a master’s in school counseling and a Ph.D. in educational psychology with a focus in counselor education from the Neag School, where his research examined how psychoeducational groups influence the career readiness of African American male college students. At the Potomac School in McLean, Virginia, Singleton serves as a counselor for grades seven through 12 and as diversity, equity, and inclusion coordinator. Additionally, he is the founding director of the Learning & Engagement at the Potomac School (LEAP) Program, a groundbreaking initiative designed to strengthen student engagement and leadership through personalized support and mentorship.
Previously, Singleton was the interim faculty director of UConn’s ScHOLA²RS House, focusing on retention and success for Black male students. He has taught graduate courses in school counseling and collaborated with UConn as a research assistant for ScHOLA²RS House and as a college and career prep instructor for First Star Academy.
“I am able to stand here today due to the community members, due to my mentors, due to my champions, and more importantly, the Huskies,” Singleton said. “I am very grateful for the opportunities the University has provided me.”
Outstanding School Administrator – Lori Leibowitz ’19 Cert.
Lori Leibowitz, a distinguished administrator, educator, and advocate for equity in gifted education, holds a graduate certificate in gifted education and talent development from the Neag School. For over two years, Leibowitz has worked in the Norwalk School District, beginning as a classroom teacher and ultimately becoming the district administrator of gifted and talented and the arts. As a published author, Leibowitz has contributed to scholarly works on gifted education, talent development, and social justice for multilingual learners.
A sought-after presenter, Leibowitz shares her expertise at national conferences, including the National Association of Gifted Children (NAGC), the National Association of Bilingual Educators (NABE), and UConn’s Confratute. Her contributions have earned her prestigious honors, such as the Gifted Coordinator Award (NAGC, 2020) and the Outstanding Dissertation Award (NABE, 2024).
“Throughout my career, I have been fortunate enough to work alongside so many dedicated and passionate educators, administrators, and students,” Leibowitz said. “This award is not a reflection of my individual efforts but of the collective work we’ve done together in shaping the lives of young people and fostering environments where both students and staff can thrive.”
Outstanding School Superintendent – Howard Thiery III ’91 MS, ’07 ELP
As a graduate of the Neag School’s Executive Leadership Program, Howard Thiery III has over three decades of educational experience, including K-12 and higher education. Since 2019, as superintendent of Regional School District 10, he has led initiatives to foster student creativity, expand access to college-credit courses, and enhance special education services. Under his leadership, the district has established a systemic leadership development system, restructured administrative frameworks to prioritize high-quality learning, and introduced personalized learning opportunities.
Thiery has continuously worked with the Neag School as an adjunct faculty member and a member of the program development team for the Advanced Instructional Leadership Program in Amman, Jordan. He serves on the Commission on International Education for the New England Association of Schools and Colleges and announced his retirement earlier this year.
“I want to congratulate my fellow nominees,” Thiery said. “It’s such a profound privilege to be recognized here today with people who are really impacting, in powerful ways, schools and the educational community every single day.”
Outstanding Higher Education Professional – Daniel Burkey ’23 MA
Daniel Burkey is a distinguished chemical engineer, educator, and academic leader. Holding degrees from Lehigh University, MIT, and UConn, he specializes in chemical engineering and educational psychology, with a focus on research methods and innovation in engineering education. He serves as associate dean for undergraduate education, outreach, and diversity at UConn’s College of Engineering and as an associate professor of chemical and biomolecular engineering. Burkey co-developed the College’s new Ph.D. in Engineering Education program and introduced innovative undergraduate teaching initiatives. He incorporates cutting-edge methods like game-based learning into his teaching.
Burkey has earned numerous accolades for his contributions at UConn, including the 2024 Provost’s Award for Excellence in Community Engaged Scholarship and the 2018 University Teaching Fellowship. He was also named the American Institute of Chemical Engineers’ (AIChE) Chemical Engineering Educator of the Year in 2011-2014 and 2019. Beyond academia, his mentorship and advocacy for diversity and inclusion continue to shape the next generation of engineers.
“It took me three years of working through COVID to get my master’s in education,” Burkey said. “But it was a fantastic experience, one that taught me a lot and enabled me to continue to do some of the work we’re doing in the College of Engineering in the educational space.”
Outstanding Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Professional – Fany DeJesús Hannon ’08 MA
Fany DeJesús Hannon, as the dean of students at the University of Connecticut, spearheads initiatives on crisis management, free speech, and student equity, fostering inclusive engagement and retention across diverse populations. With over 18 years of leadership in higher education, Hannon has advanced programs that strengthen cultural identity, leadership, and academic success, notably boosting Latinx/a/o retention and graduation rates as the former director of UConn’s Puerto Rican/Latin American Cultural Center. She helped build the Mentoring, Educating, and Training for Academic Success (METAS) Program, which was designed to assist first-year, transfer, and international students from Latin America with their college transition.
Grounded in Paulo Freire’s scholarship, Hannon’s teaching philosophy emphasizes student engagement and diverse learning approaches. A recognized leader, she has received honors such as the Nuestro Orgullo Hispano award and has presented nationally on diversity and mentorship. Fluent in multiple languages, she blends strategic vision with cultural competence to inspire and empower future leaders.
“I’m still shocked, honored, happy, and feeling all the emotions at once,” Hannon said. “I have the opportunity to do something I love, supporting and empowering our students at UConn, across all our campuses.”
Distinguished Alumnus – Mark Daigneault ’07 (ED)
Head coach of the Oklahoma City Thunder, Mark Daigneault started his journey as a student manager for UConn’s men’s basketball team. After receiving his bachelor’s in education from the Neag School, Daigneault began his coaching career at Holy Cross, followed by an assistantship at the University of Florida, where he was involved in scouting and working with players off the court. During this time, the Florida Gators achieved three Southeastern Conference (SEC) titles and four Elite Eight appearances.
From 2014 to 2019, Daigneault was the head coach of the Oklahoma City Blue, the G-League affiliate of the Oklahoma City Thunder, before transitioning to head coach of the NBA team. At the time of his hiring, he was the second-youngest head coach in the league. During the 2023-2024 season, Daigneault led the Thunder to the best regular season record in the NBA’s Western Conference, making them the youngest team in league history to achieve this feat. His efforts earned him the NBA Coach of the Year award.
Daigneault was unable to attend Saturday’s ceremony in person as it is the middle of the NBA season, so he instead shared a video to show his gratitude, and his parents accepted the award on his behalf.
“Ironically enough, I was an education major, but I’ve never set foot in a classroom as a teacher,” Daigneault said in his acceptance video. “But I’ve tried to make our court, our locker room, and our huddles my own classroom, and that has served me well since I left. Thank you everyone, sorry I couldn’t be there, but I am very touched with this honor.”
To close out the afternoon, the awards ceremony included a video performance of Neag School music education students singing and playing “HOT TO GO!” by Chappell Roan.
“Thank you to our amazing music education students,” Neville said. “We’re fortunate to have such talented artists in our School. To conclude this afternoon, I would like to thank our University Events staff and Neag School alumni relations director Emily Murray, who has done an outstanding job with today’s event.”
“Congratulations to all the award recipients, and thank you for joining us this afternoon,” he said.
Learn more about the Neag School Alumni Board on the Neag School website.
