Honors

UConn Health’s Dr. Peter Albertsen was named the recipient of the American Urological Association Distinguished Contribution Award the group’s annual meeting on May 6 in recognition of his impact on the management of screen-detected prostate cancer worldwide. Albertsen was one of three 2024 recipients of the Distinguished Contribution Awards, which recognize those who’ve made “outstanding contributions to the science and practice of urology in a subspecialty area,” contributions through military service, or contributions for the development of new technologies.

The American Association of Colleges of Nurses awarded visiting professor Tiffany Kelley the 2024 Excellence and Innovation in Teaching Award. The AACN Excellence and Innovation in Teaching Award recognizes significant innovation and excellence in teaching and learning approaches in nursing education. The award is given to educators with five or more years of experience in a faculty position, holding a doctoral degree in nursing or related discipline, or a master’s degree in nursing. Award recipients have demonstrated success in acting as a role model for creating and sustaining a culture in nursing education.

Dr. Cato T. Laurencin, University professor and Chief Executive Officer of The Cato T. Laurencin Institute for Regenerative Engineering, was inducted into the Plastics Hall of Fame on May 5. Laurencin was recognized for his work in pioneering the field of regenerative engineering and utilizing polymeric materials in medical devices, biologics, and pharmaceuticals, helping large numbers of people.

In Memoriam

Julia Barstow, 87, of Mansfield, Conn., a retired program associate of the Center for Latin American and Caribbean Studies, on April 9.

Arthur Daigon, 83, of Corte Madera, Calif., a former professor of curriculum and instruction in the School of Education, on June 12.

Donna Lonordo, 82, of Granby, Conn., a former UConn Health employee, on May 17.

James Mulvihill, 83, of Goose Rocks Beach, Maine, the former vice president, provost, and executive director at UConn Health, on May 15.

Kentwood Wells, 76, of Storrs, Conn., a former professor and head of the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, on May 23.