Chargers Honor Employees’ Devoted Service at Year-End Celebration

Soon after the conclusion of another successful academic year, University staff and faculty members gathered together to celebrate, recognize those who have reached milestone years of service, and honor this year’s Bartels Service Award winners.

“I have not met one person at this institution in my four years here who has a sense of entitlement,” said Sheahon Zenger, Ph.D., interim president. “That is one of the things I love about this place. We take care of one another. We are hard-working. And there is no ego.”

After thanking employees for their dedication, Dr. Zenger read citations prepared for Alice Fischer, professor of computer science, and Nancy Baker, senior associate University registrar for degree operations, who were celebrated for marking 40 years of service to the University.

In total, more than 250 employees were celebrated for marking anniversaries ranging from five to 40 years of service to the University over the last three years. For a complete list of service award recipients, see the embedded document at the bottom of this page.

‘An esteemed thought leader’

“A passionate educator and a groundbreaking technologist, Dr. Alice Fischer joined the University more than 40 years ago, and she soon created and launched the University’s undergraduate program in computer science,” the citation read. “From developing numerous courses to writing books about the components of programming languages and the C programming language, which was translated for use in Taiwan, Hong Kong, and the Republic of China, she has long been an esteemed thought leader in her field.

“Last year, Dr. Fisher and her husband, Michael, an equally accomplished professor of computer science, graciously made a transformational commitment to create the Alice E. and Michael J. Fischer Teaching Chair in Computer Science Endowed Fund to recruit and retain a prestigious faculty member who will teach core computer science skills and champion computer science education at the University. This is a most fitting way to continue her legacy of educating and inspiring students.”

'A pillar of the University community’

“A pillar of the University community for more than 40 years, Nancy Baker has been described by her colleagues as ‘one of those reliable heroes just behind the curtain, working her magic while avoiding the limelight,’” read Baker’s citation.

“She has been an integral part of every student information system upgrade and countless program initiatives. Those who work with her closest say her good judgment along with her deep concern, respect, and admiration for our students, our faculty, and the University are always at the forefront of everything she does. Nancy truly represents the perfect blend of professionalism, personable attitude, and creative expertise.”

Bartels Service Award Recipients

As part of the Chargers Celebrate event, a University tradition continued as the Bartels Service Awards were presented. Sponsored by longstanding University benefactors Philip H. Bartels, a member of the University of New Haven’s Board of Governors, and his wife, Susan, Bartels Service Awards are given to exemplary employees who have gone above and beyond in their dedication to the University. Each award winner receives a monetary award and a certificate.

This year, seven deserving employees were recognized.

Mylinda Adams
Associate Director of Financial Aid

Mylinda Adams, is well known for being a team leader who encourages others to lean into their strengths while providing them resources to address areas for growth. Her colleagues say she works to make sure all students and families are having the best possible experience.

“Mylinda strives to find every possible option for students and families, displaying empathy and patience while maintaining focus on customer needs and expectations,” wrote a nominator. “At the same time, she exudes a supporting and authentic attitude with peers, cross-training and mentoring others while solving problems and improving workflows.”

Heather Ennis
Director of Accreditation & Assessment, School of Health Sciences

Her colleagues say Heather is a transitional force for the School of Health Sciences. During the COVID-19 pandemic, and a change of leadership during a period of significant growth in the Fall of 2021, they say she was a main stabilizing presence.

“Several programs were seeking accreditation and Heather’s process management, report writing, and requirement tracking assured their success,” a colleague wrote. “Heather supports senior school administrators, faculty, fellow staff, and students, all of whom respect her focus on their success. Heather is also spearheading the school's Planetree certification with Dr. Yanice Mendez-Fernandez, which will lead to the school being certified in person-centered care. And person-centered care is what Heather is all about.”

Jennifer Pjatak
Executive Director for Alumni Special Events

Those who work closely with Jennifer Pjatak say she puts the “special” in her “special events” role.

She works with individuals who have a wide variety of connections to the University, from students, faculty, and staff to alumni, donors, the Board of Governors, and the greater community.

“Jen is the embodiment of ‘people first,’ a colleague wrote. “The events she delivers require her to be culturally competent, aware of the inner workings and hierarchies of the University and its communities, and the protocols for how events unfold.”

When planning events, colleagues say Jennifer ensures that all voices, particularly our students, are both heard and carefully considered. Those around her say no matter how complex the event or how complicated the logistics, she focuses on people first and providing exceptional experiences.

Diane Spinato
Senior Information Literacy Librarian

Diane Spinato stepped into the role of interim University librarian following the retirement of Hanko Dobi, and she excelled. She did this while also maintaining her information literacy duties, working long hours and weekends to ensure that students and faculty had uninterrupted access to the essential resources the library provides.

“Diane quickly came up to speed on the intricacies of being the library’s chief administrator, mastering staffing, maintenance, billing, vendor management, and many other responsibilities,” a colleague wrote. “Diane’s perseverance, initiative, commitment, and effort above and beyond expectations makes her a worthy award-recipient.”

Jason McCoy
Custodian

Jason McCoy, who works in our facilities department, received multiple nominations, and the common threads were unmistakable: a focus on customer satisfaction, friendly engagement with students, faculty, and staff, and support for his co-workers.

“Jason is a natural leader by example, who takes the initiative to find solutions, and who collaborates with his co-workers to help them find solutions as well,” a colleague wrote. “Jason excels at welcoming new staff members to the team and guiding them through learning the University’s culture and processes. He is active in campus events, both through work and his personal time, and his easy manner has allowed him to form relationship and make the campus community welcoming for all.”

Linda Goodall
University Police Department Dispatcher

Being a University Police Department dispatcher is not an easy job. Every phone call is a potential emergency requiring a calm, steady, professional response. University dispatch handles calls from faculty, staff, and students, many of which are critical in nature, and Linda handles each call with care.

“The words ‘Dispatcher Goodall. How can I help?’ are delivered in a way where the smile is somehow audible,” wrote a colleague. “Linda stays on the line until she either solves the problem or can send someone to assist, and she creates a bond of trust and integrity as soon as she picks up the call Linda is a wonderful ambassador for the UPD and the University, who lifts up everyone who she comes in contact with through her friendly, positive, and thoughtful demeanor. She is an example for all to follow.”

Koren Ballerini
Administrative Secretary, Department of Communication, Film, and Media Studies

There is no shortage of wonderful adjectives that colleagues use to describe the way Koren Ballerini, interacts with students, faculty, and staff.

Her interactions with students were described as “kind, caring, gentle, empathetic.” Her interactions with faculty were described as “efficient, intelligent, emotionally present.”

“In a role where people frequently come to her stressed out, she is never stressed and always ready to assist,” a colleague wrote. “Koren brings a strong, bright, passionate, and talented approach to every challenge or task. She anticipates the needs of the faculty and knows exactly how to help students navigate the University’s processes.”

University Service Milestones

Related Links

• University Honors Faculty Members' Excellence and Dedication to Student Success