Honorees in the 11th annual UConn Spirit Awards, which celebrate exceptional employees at UConn, were announced at a ceremony for the University community on Thursday, April 10, 2025, at the UConn Alumni Center.

Every year, the ceremony recognizes the efforts of employees, especially staff, in building community and promoting civility at the University. 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.

A total of approximately 180 eligible nominations were received this year for the Spirit Awards. Starting this year, a special citation was an optional add-on to a nomination across any category. Nominators could choose to add an optional special citation to their nomination, if their nominee met the parameters of the overall award and did so through the lens of the special citation.

“These are my favorite events, because we get to stop and pause and think about what really makes UConn incredible,” said Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer Lakeesha Brown, who hosted the event. “Every single person that has been nominated is truly an exemplary Husky. You are the spirit of the champion DNA that we have here, and you bring something extra to the table. You are unique and bring something special no matter where you work at this institution. That makes me very proud of everyone here.”

Their ceremony was also live-streamed and an archived version is available for viewing.

This year’s winners and finalists are:

Rising Star Award

Winner: Karima Jackson, With Inclusive Excellence Citation, ISS First Year Programs and Learning Communities, UConn Waterbury

Finalist: Halie Shea, Department of Extension Services, New Haven

Finalist: Michael Melnik, With University Citizen Citation, Department of Communication

Unsung Hero Award

Winner: Sharon Daggett, Facilities Operations-Custodial Services

Winner: Josue Zapata, With University Citizen Citation, Facilities Operations-Custodial Services

Finalist: Mary Boston, Student Health and Wellness

Finalist: Lara Chiaverini, With Inclusive Excellence Citation, Engineering Undergraduate Programs

Finalist: Katie Halbruner, With Inclusive Excellence Citation, Center for Students with Disabilities

Finalist: Christine Scott-Dougan, With University Citizen Citation, UConn Waterbury

Finalist: James Walker, With Inclusive Excellence Citation, Community Standards

Team Award

Winner: The Office of Early College Programs Team: Jessica Dunn, Melanie Banks, Nella Quasnitschka, Stefanie Malinoski, Carissa Rutkauskas, Todd Blodgett, Erin Blanchette, Christopher Todd

Winner: Greenhouse Studios Team: Brooke Foti Gemmell, Wes Hamrick, Tom Scheinfeldt, Isabell Sluka, Sara Sikes, Thomas Lee, Clarissa Ceglio, Gregory Colati

Finalist: Administrative Team of School of Mechanical, Aerospace, and Manufacturing Engineering, With University Citizen Citation: Tina Barry, Kelly Tyler, Victoria Neel, Jennifer Simmons, Tracy Brunette, Thomas Mealy

Finalist: CT Transportation Institute’s Training and Technical Assistance (T2) Team: Mary McCarthy, Regina Hackett, Bethany Greene, Jason Hughes, Shawn Barry, Shannon O’Loughlin, Vanessa Corraro, Lisa Knight

Finalist: SHaW Regional Nurse Navigators Team: Troy Carlson, Beth Lafleche, Karina Giangos, Dax Sousa, Elena Tamayo Heitz

Finalist: Center for Students with Disabilities Team, With Inclusive Excellence Citation: Christine Wenzel, Allison Knight, Tim Smagacz, Jennifer Lucia, Christopher Scott, Lara Smith, Bryanna Anderson, Benjamin Briskin