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Staff honored with Presidential Recognition Awards

Six Connecticut College staff members were recognized for their valuable contributions to the College at the 11th annual Presidential Staff Recognition Breakfast and Awards Ceremony on May 10.

The awardees were selected from 156 nominations recognizing 58 individuals in the citizenship, inspiration, rising star and service excellence categories, along with a special commendation.

The 2024 Presidential Staff Recognition Award winners are:

Citizenship Award: Lorraine McKinney ’09, Acquisitions & Collection Services Supervisor

The Citizenship Award, which honors an individual who has enhanced the quality of life and made a substantial difference for the College community, was awarded to McKinney for her tireless work to improve the lives of faculty, staff and students every day.

She goes beyond the obligations of her job, taking on additional projects to better serve those who use the library. She has been described as “unfailingly professional and skillful” in her work, and those characteristics carry over into all that she does for the College.

Besides McKinney’s day-to-day work, she has been a member of and chaired the Information Services social committee, which works to find ways to improve morale among the staff. For many years, she has represented Information Services on Staff Council, where she advocates for staff concerns and, more recently, she served as a student adviser.

“The level of care you infuse into all of these extra endeavors is admirable and greatly enhances the whole campus community. Lorraine, you truly exemplify what it means to be a citizen of this College,” said Interim President Les Wong.

Inspiration Award: Justin Mendillo ’18, Director of Gender and Sexuality Programming

The Inspiration Award, presented to an individual who excels at building relationships and motivating others to higher levels of performance, was awarded to Mendillo for his fierce dedication to students, passion for work in social justice and commitment to creating a community of inclusion and belonging.

Mendillo is described as a “ray of light on campus.” Not only is he a tireless advocate for marginalized communities, but he is also committed to his own personal and professional growth, setting a fantastic example for students as they move through and beyond their time at Conn.

During the recent re-dedication of the Women’s Center as the F.R.E.E Center, Mendillo developed a stellar strategic plan, inviting community members in to both learn about the history of the Women’s Center on Conn’s campus and envision together an inclusive space for women and supporters of women from all backgrounds and identities.

Wong said, “You are a born leader with the heart of a genuine person who will continue to flourish and grow. Justin, you truly are an inspiration!”

Rising Star Award: Sean Elliot, Photographer

The Rising Star Award, which recognizes an individual who has worked at the College for less than three years and has made a recognizable impact, was awarded to Elliot for his enthusiasm, dedication and talent, which have already made him an indispensable resource to the College. Somehow, he manages to be everywhere, capturing the beauty, strength, activity and joy across campus.

Elliot’s prolific camera work has vastly improved the way Conn’s “story” is told on the College website and in its marketing materials, visually showing why it is such a special place. His popular “Month in Pictures” series captures the vitality of everyday life on campus, and his work jumps off the pages of CC Magazine, the College’s flagship publication.

Elliot’s nominators also praised his unparalleled work ethic and describe him as conscientious, humble, courteous and as a self-starter eager to build strong relationships.

“These are qualities we should all strive for, and they exemplify a true rising star,” Wong said.

Service Excellence Award: John Nugent, Director of Institutional Research and Planning

The Service Excellence Award, which honors an individual who demonstrates distinction in the conduct of his or her responsibilities at the College, was awarded to Nugent for providing exemplary service to this College for over 20 years, first as a visiting assistant professor of government and then as the director of institutional research.

“One can hardly find any administrator, faculty or staff member who has not been a recipient of, or contributor to, your work,” Wong pointed out. “Your diligent focus on all types of data and analysis is critical to the success of the College’s mission. It is a mammoth task to supply accurate data in a timely manner, yet you somehow accomplish it all with enthusiasm.”

In addition to his exemplary daily work, Nugent has also served on various campus committees, including PPBC, Staff Council and curricular groups, and is always prepared to supply the data necessary to make the best decisions. Every week, he meets with major stakeholders on campus for data-related discussions, gathering and tabulating data to enhance their work.

His deep level of service to the College has provided critical support to so many over the years. And while his work is often done behind-the-scenes, it can be directly connected to practically every successful moment on campus.

Service Excellence Award: Keleigh Wagner, Program Coordinator

A second Service Excellence Award was given to Wagner for her incredible work ethic, endless dedication to her colleagues and students, and her collaborative spirit. She is a master of budgeting, graphic design, alumni relations, web management, social media, communications, event planning and student advising—all things that have contributed to the great success of the Goodwin-Niering Center.

What stands out most from her nomination is her willingness to go above and beyond, oftentimes after hours, to ensure that students, faculty, staff and alumni have the very best experiences and service.

Wong said, “You have deeply engaged with the campus community by serving as a First-Year Seminar adviser, as a member of the President's Climate and Culture Committee, and as a leader on the FAST team, as well as by providing valuable input on the recent dining proposals and by always looking to lift others up to be recognized and celebrated.”

Special Commendation: Jeff Gada, Assistant Director of Media Services and Technology Planning

Gada, whose work touches every corner of campus, received 20 award nominations from 11 different people, including students who work for him, his department colleagues and the faculty and staff who rely on the services he provides. All noted his deep commitment to excellence, his generous spirit and his unwavering patience in challenging situations. In recognition of his unique contributions to the Conn community, Gada was awarded a Special Commendation.

Gada took on a more prominent role in Media Services this year after a colleague’s retirement, and he never let the added responsibility daunt him. Gada provides creative solutions to tech challenges and always has the right adaptor or dongle in his pocket.

Besides the incredible work he does on campus, he also has found fun ways to enrich the community. During the pandemic, he initiated Camel Jam, an online open mic experience for the College community and encouraged colleagues to join him on the ice in Dayton Arena during open skate times.

Wong said, “You have been an inspiring leader for your team, showing care and compassion and modeling an exemplary work ethic. The students who work for you are not only learning technical skills, but also how to be a good human. They have said that their memories of working with and being mentored by you will be some of their fondest of their College experience. That’s quite an honor.”

June 6, 2024

Staff honored with Presidential Recognition Awards

Citizenship Award: Lorraine McKinney ’09, Acquisitions & Collection Services Supervisor

Inspiration Award: Justin Mendillo ’18, Director of Gender and Sexuality Programming

Rising Star Award: Sean Elliot, Photographer

Service Excellence Award: John Nugent, Director of Institutional Research and Planning

Service Excellence Award: Keleigh Wagner, Program Coordinator

Special Commendation: Jeff Gada, Assistant Director of Media Services and Technology Planning

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