November 9, 2024 | Mike Enright '88 (CLAS), University Communications

UConn People – November 13, 2024

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

Manisha Sinha, professor of history and James L. and Shirley A. Draper Chair in American History, has been awarded the 2024 John W. Blassingame Award for her significant contributions to the field of African American history.  The honor is awarded to an individual every three years by the Southern Historical Association. The prize recognizes and celebrates Sinha’s distinguished scholarship in African American history and dedicated mentorship of African American students.

Retirement

Gaye Sward, loan coordinator and Federal programs specialist in the Office of Student Financial Aid Services, retired on Nov. 1 after 39 years and seven months of service to the State of Connecticut, She began her career in 1985 at the Eastern Connecticut State University Police Department before joining Office of Student Financial Aid Services at UConn in December 1997.   Her analytical skills, exceptional customer service, and unwavering kindness were invaluable, which positively impacted countless students, families and staff.

In Memoriam

Gerhard Austin, 85, of Storrs, Conn, a professor in German from 1971-1997 and founder of the Mannheim Program for Bilingual Careers and the American-German Association for Business and University Relations, on Oct. 18.

Dorothy Belli, 93, of Columbia, Conn., a former administrative assistance in the CAP program, on Oct. 31.

Joseph Harbaugh, 85, a former faculty member and inaugural director of the first clinic at the UConn Law, on Oct. 11.

Barry Rosenberg, 81, of Wilton, Conn., a former professor in the School of Fine Arts and director and curator of the Contemporary Art Galleries, on Oct. 21.

Tim Tolokan, 79, of South Kingstown, R.I., who had a lengthy and successful career overseeing the sports information/athletic communications office. on Nov. 3. He joined the UConn staff in 1980, became the Director of Athletic Media Relations in 1983, and Associate Director of Athletics/Communications in 1986. He launched the UConn Licensing/Merchandising Program and Marketing Corporate Partners programs in the 1990s. He became the Associate Director of Athletics-Licensing and Traditions in 2001 before retiring from his full-time role in 2009. Post-retirement, he continued to serve UConn on a part-time basis as special assistant to the athletics director as curator of the J. Robert Donnelly Husky Heritage Sports Museum until 2018.