May 24, 2025 | Mike Enright '88 (CLAS), University Communications

UConn People – May 28, 2025

If you would like to submit a passing, retirement, notable birthday, achievement or a family event of a UConn employee or retiree for consideration, please email to work@uconn.edu.

Achievement

Andy Kelly, associate director of logistics in Facilities and Operation, will retire from the Connecticut Air National Guard on June 7 after more than 24 years of uniformed service in both the active and reserve components of the Air Force. Kelly retires as the rank of colonel after most recently serving as the Commander of the 103rd Medical Group at Bradley Air National Guard Base.  Kelly deployed multiple times in support of Operations Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom, and in support of relief efforts following Hurricane Maria.  Additionally, he was activated to lead the Medical Planning and Response Cell at Connecticut Joint Force Headquarters during the COVID-19 global pandemic.

Dr. Steven Lepowsky, dean of the School of Dental Medicine, received the Connecticut State Dental Society (CSDA) Presidential Award, the highest recognition from group. The award is given to a CSDA member, dentist, group, or any other contributor that has enhanced the image and professionalism of dentistry. Dr. Afroditi Pita, assistant professor of general dentistry, received the Rising Star Award. This award recognizes advocacy, philanthropy, or community service, and excellence entrepreneurial skills, or ethical behavior.

Fasheng Xu, a professor of operations and information management in the School of Business, has been awarded the 2025 Chelliah Sriskandarajah Early Career Research Accomplishments Award, a global honor bestowed on just one person annually. The award, presented by the Production & Operations Management Society, recognizes exceptional research contributions by a scholar who completed his or her doctorate in the last six years.

In Memoriam

Ann Hamlin, 65, of Hampton, Conn., an employee drug testing unit and later a lab technician for the physiology and anatomy teaching labs. on Feb. 7.

Henry Krisch, 93, of Mansfield, Conn., a retired political science professor, on May 23.

Stephen Leach, 81, of Mansfield, Conn., a former rugby coach and the husband of former Secretary of the State and State Representative Denise Merrill, on May 23.

Juia Shiao, 87, of Amherst, Mass., a former librarian, on Feb. 25.