By Jessica Dunn
On April 23, 2026, the UConn Early College Experience (ECE) community gathered at the UConn Alumni Center in Storrs to celebrate a milestone year for the program and to recognize the outstanding educators and partners who make its success possible. This year’s Professional Recognition Awards Ceremony was especially meaningful as it marked the 70th anniversary of UConn ECE and included the presentation of the inaugural Founders Award to the program’s original eight partner high schools.
The event opened with remarks from Christopher Todd, Executive Director of the Office of Early College Programs, and Dr. Tadarrayl Starke, Vice Provost for Undergraduate Student Success, who reflected on the program’s growth over seven decades and its continued impact on students across Connecticut and beyond. Both speakers emphasized the essential role that instructors, administrators, and school partners play in expanding access to college-level opportunities and supporting student achievement.
A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Founders Award, which recognized eight high schools whose early partnership helped establish and shape the UConn ECE program: Bristol Central High School, Bristol Eastern High School, Manchester High School, New Britain High School, Nonnewaug High School, Norwich Free Academy, Rockville High School, and Valley Regional High School. Their decades-long commitment has been foundational to the program’s success and lasting impact. The ceremony also celebrated excellence across the UConn ECE community, recognizing individuals and schools for their leadership, innovation, and dedication to academic excellence. Award recipients were nominated by colleagues, students, administrators, and UConn faculty, and selected for their meaningful contributions to student success and the strength of the program.
In addition, the Silver Jubilee Award honored long-standing partner Instructors for 25 years of dedicated service and collaboration with UConn ECE, reflecting the depth and longevity of the program’s partnerships across the state.
As UConn ECE celebrates 70 years of partnership and progress, the ceremony served as both a reflection on the program’s strong foundation and a celebration of the individuals and schools who continue to shape its future. Congratulations to all of this year’s honorees, whose dedication and commitment continue to set the standard for excellence within the UConn ECE community.
Thomas E. Recchio Faculty Coordinator Award for Academic Leadership
Shannon E. Weaver, Human Development & Family Sciences — University of Connecticut
Principal Award for Program Support & Advocacy
Thomas J. Pompei, Holy Cross High School
Site Representative Award for Excellence in Program Administration
Jasmine Zubek, Robert E. Fitch High School
Jan Pikul Award for Continued Excellence in Instruction
Brendan Wilkosz, Chemistry — Berlin High School
Instructor Award for Excellence in Course Instruction
April O. Kelley, Environmental Science
— Academy of Our Lady of Mercy, Lauralton Hall Kathleen M. Mack, Maritime Studies & US History
— Stratford High School
Kaylee Manning, English— Bacon Academy
Drew Mizak, Economics — Harvard H. Ellis Technical High School
John F. Pitrelli, Physics — Immaculate High School
“Rookie of the Year” Award for Excellence in First-Year Course Instruction
Jake P. Rowe, Earth Sciences — The Morgan School
Library Media Specialist Award for Excellence in Enrichment & Collaboration
Brynden Mutch — Coventry High School
Silver Jubilee Award
Karyn D. Hill, Statistics — Hall High School
J Mark Peters, European History
— Shepaug Valley High School
Founders Award
Bristol Central High School
Bristol Eastern High School
Manchester High School
New Britain High School
Nonnewaug High School
Norwich Free Academy
Rockville High School
Valley Regional High School