Spirit Award Winners Honored for Contributions to UConn
Honorees in the annual employee recognition program received their awards on Thursday, at the Alumni Center.
Honorees in the fifth annual employee recognition program, the UConn Spirit Awards, received their awards at a ceremony in the Great Hall of the UConn Alumni Center on Thursday, March 28.
The annual tradition 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.
“I think we all learn something new about our university each time we gather for these awards,” said UConn President Susan Herbst. “The amount of impressive work that goes on here every day is truly outstanding. When we know that our contributions are recognized by our peers, the work we do improves as a result. Far from being frivolous, the identification and celebration of exceptional work is a key ingredient in any successful workplace.
“This is also an opportunity to remember that, despite the broad diversity of our roles and assignments, ultimately we have the same, single goal in mind,” she added, “securing UConn’s place among the best public universities in the country.”
Cinnamon Adams of the Graduate School poses with Jonathan the Husky after receiving the university citizen award at the UConn Spirit Awards ceremony held at the Alumni Center on March 28. (Peter Morenus/UConn Photo)
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Cinnamon Adams of the Graduate School poses with Jonathan the Husky after receiving the university citizen award at the UConn Spirit Awards ceremony held at the Alumni Center on March 28. (Peter Morenus/UConn Photo)
Helena Debald was the winner of the rising star award. (Peter Morenus/UConn Photo)
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Helena Debald was the winner of the rising star award. (Peter Morenus/UConn Photo)
Helena Debald, center, poses for a photo with First Year Programs and Learning Communities colleagues following the Spirit Awards ceremony. (Peter Morenus/UConn Photo)
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Helena Debald, center, poses for a photo with First Year Programs and Learning Communities colleagues following the Spirit Awards ceremony. (Peter Morenus/UConn Photo)
Jonathan the Husky, left, Ellyssa Eror of Student Health Services, and Mary Ann Phaneuf of the School of Pharmacy wait as President Herbst announces the winner of the unsung hero award during the Spirit Awards ceremony. (Peter Morenus/UConn Photo)
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Jonathan the Husky, left, Ellyssa Eror of Student Health Services, and Mary Ann Phaneuf of the School of Pharmacy wait as President Herbst announces the winner of the unsung hero award during the Spirit Awards ceremony. (Peter Morenus/UConn Photo)
Ellyssa Eror of Student Health Services poses with Jonathan the Husky after receiving the unsung hero award at the Spirit Awards ceremony. (Peter Morenus/UConn Photo)
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Ellyssa Eror of Student Health Services poses with Jonathan the Husky after receiving the unsung hero award at the Spirit Awards ceremony. (Peter Morenus/UConn Photo)
President Susan Herbst, right, presents the team award to staff of Veterans Affairs and Military Programs during the Spirit Awards ceremony. (Peter Morenus/UConn Photo)
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President Susan Herbst, right, presents the team award to staff of Veterans Affairs and Military Programs during the Spirit Awards ceremony. (Peter Morenus/UConn Photo)
Staff of Veterans Affairs and Military Programs pose with Jonathan the Husky and their team award, after the Spirit Awards ceremony. (Peter Morenus/UConn Photo)
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Staff of Veterans Affairs and Military Programs pose with Jonathan the Husky and their team award, after the Spirit Awards ceremony. (Peter Morenus/UConn Photo)
This year’s winners were:
University Citizen Award
Winner: Cinnamon Adams, Graduate School
Finalist: Mary Boston, Student Health Services
Finalist: Pamela Heath-Johnston, Human Resources
Rising Star Award
Winner: Helena DeBald, First Year Programs and Learning Communities
Finalist: Sarah Aggarwala, Student Health Services
Finalist: Emily Zangari, University Communications
Team Award
Winner: Veterans Affairs and Military Programs
Finalist: Center for Career Development, Diversity and Inclusion Committee
Finalist: International Student and Scholar Services