by Jessica Dunn
UConn Early College Experience and the University of Connecticut publicly recognize and thank outstanding Instructors and administrators whose dedication and commitment help make UConn ECE successful. Those recognized have exceeded program expectations and excelled in preparing their high school’s students for the next level in their education.
UConn ECE faculty, staff, and award winners look forward to the annual Professional Recognition Awards Ceremony each year as a momentous time to decompress and celebrate the accomplishments and successes of the community. This year, we were finally able to host a fully in-person Awards Ceremony for award winners, family, and friends on the UConn Storrs Campus, something we have not been able to do for the past four years. Our award winners and guests gathered for the Awards Ceremony at the UConn Alumni Center on April 21st for an elegant sit-down dinner where they were welcomed by OECP Executive Director, Christopher Todd as well as UConn’s Associate Vice Provost, Dr. Peter Diplock.
This year there were many outstanding nominees, who were nominated by colleagues, students, and UConn Faculty for their exemplary instruction and management of the UConn ECE Program. We had the great honor to select and recognize eleven Professional Recognition Award winners along with six award winners of the Silver Jubilee Award, newly recognized at this event. The Silver Jubilee winners were recognized for their dedicated partnership with the UConn Early College Experience Program for the last 25 years. These instructors have successfully maintained their certification by attending workshops and have remained engaged with the UConn ECE program as a dedicated partner, advocate, and ally. Recognizing partners with at least 25 years of service is the first step in rolling out our years of service recognition program, and we look forward to identifying and honoring those with long standing partnerships with the UConn ECE Program.
The UConn ECE Program would not be successful without the passionate and dedicated partners we are honored to work with, and we are grateful for all you do.
Thomas E. Recchio Faculty Coordinator Award for Academic Leadership
Dr. George Chunsheng Yang, Chinese, University of Connecticut
Principal Award for Program Support & Advocacy
Katelyn Miner, Manchester High School
Site Representative Award for Excellence in Program Administration
Kathleen Deane, Conard High School
Instructor Award for Excellence in Course Instruction
Sarah Lindstrom, Spanish, Bristol Central High School
Joseph Mancino, Physics, Glastonbury High School
Joshua Hersh, Political Science, The Spire School
John Lizzi, Political Science/Human Rights, Housatonic Valley Regional High School
Jennifer Todisco, American Studies, University High School of Science and Engineering
“Rookie of the Year” Award for Excellence in First-Year Course Instruction
Christopher Kerr, Educational Curriculum and Instruction, Newington High School
Joseph Tarantino, English, University High School of Science and Engineering
Award for Outstanding Research in the Field of Concurrent Enrollment
Pamela Peters, University of Connecticut/ Michigan State University
Silver Jubilee Award
David Bittel, Physics, Bristol Eastern High School
Joanne Choquette, Spanish, Portland High School
Richard Fritz, Biology, Marine Science Magnet High School
Michelle Graveline, Statistics & Mathematics, Conard High School
Margaret Kimmett, Chemistry, Valley Regional High School
Marcie Vázquez, Spanish, Lyman Hall High School