2024 Recipient: Gabriella Araya ’19

Social Work Case Manager at the World Trade Center Mental Health Program at Mount Sinai Hospital

As an undergraduate, Gabriella was involved in everything from youth mentorship to the women’s rugby team to the Women’s Empowerment Initiative. That willingness to share and give back carries on in her career with Americorps VISTA and as a social worker at the Mount Sinai World Trade Center Health Program. Her work aiding 9/11 first responders and survivors in accessing mental health care and management services has had a genuine impact on their lives. Gabriella is fiercely protective, compassionate and genuine in all her endeavors.

My thoughts on being a Camel:
Immersing myself in community engagement and advocacy at Conn led me to become a licensed social worker with a passion for social justice.

2024 Recipient: Jamie Glanton Costello ’89

Associate Vice President and Dean of Students, Massachusetts College of Art and Design

Jamie exemplifies a passion for all things Conn and has a longstanding commitment to volunteerism. Jamie has helped shape our community in numerous ways—as a mentor, a fundraiser and a Board of Trustee member. She also served on the Alumni Association Board of Directors, breaking boundaries as the first person of color to serve as president. She continues to be a beacon of encouragement and knowledge for our alumni community. 

When I think about Conn:
It’s not a memory, it is a feeling—a sense of belonging and friendship. The Class of 1989 is a wonderfully unique group that has supported one another over the years and I am blessed to be a part of the magic.

2024 Recipient: David Grann ’89

Author

David is a No. 1 New York Times bestselling author and staff writer at The New Yorker. His novels continue to enthrall readers and his writing tackles intimidating, complex topics. Additionally, David is a frequent speaker who has given talks about everything from the importance of historical memory to the dangers of complicity in unjust systems to the art of writing. 

How my Conn experience shaped me:
The broad liberal arts education made me endlessly curious about the world and laid the foundation for me to be a writer.

2024 Recipient: Ann Napolitano ’94

Author

Ann has been recognized by top critics for several of her recent works. Her novel Hello Beautiful was an instant New York Times bestseller and the 100th Oprah Book Club pick. Dear Edward, another New York Times bestseller, was adapted for the screen on Apple TV+. 

Conn’s lasting impression:
Professor Blanche Boyd was a seminal figure in my becoming a writer. I took classes in English Literature—a Henry James seminar and a Finnegan’s Wake seminar in particular—that had a huge impact on me.

 

2024 Recipient: Saveena Dhall ’94

Educational Leader, Consultant & Coach 

Saveena is a passionate and deeply committed volunteer at Connecticut College, currently serving as an Alumni Association Board of Directors Vice President. She has served on numerous committees on the Board including the Unity and Engagement Committees. With her commitment to DEIA-minded work, she has helped our community flourish.

Looking back at my time at Conn:
I found my voice here. There were so many incredible, powerful women of color—juniors and seniors—who mentored me and widened their circle to include me. I learned so much from them, as well as from my professors and the staff who gave their gifts to the Conn community.

2024 Recipient: Warren Erickson ’74

Retired VP of Human Resources, MassMutual Financial Group

Warren’s commitment to Connecticut College is unwavering and admirable. He has served the College in many noteworthy ways including the Board of Trustees, Rosemary Park Society, Class Gift Officer, Alumni Association Board of Directors, and most recently, on his 50th Reunion Committee as the Class Gift Chair. Warren inspires others to give back to Connecticut College  — his joy and enthusiasm are contagious.

Lasting legacy:
My fondest memories are singing with Gamut, the College’s first coed a cappella group; taking religion courses with Professor Garrett Green; and serving as a Housefellow in Lambdin House. Conn helped build my self-confidence and instilled in me the belief that I could do anything I put my mind to. I was a scholarship student at Conn; without the financial aid I received, I would not have been able to attend. I will never feel as if I’ve repaid the College for all it gave me.

2024 Recipient: Annie Scott ’84

Director of Information Technology, Connecticut State Community College Middlesex Campus

Annie is a champion for diversity, equity, and inclusion. Her commitment to supporting alumni and students of color is laudable. Annie has served Connecticut College in many capacities including the Board of Trustees, Presidents Council on Equity and Inclusion, HERD Mentorship program, Reunion Committee, Class Gift Officer, Alumni Association Board of Directors, and most recently, as the Chair of the 50th Anniversary of Unity Committee 

Why give back?
At Conn, I felt the initiative and inspiration to speak my truth and to advocate not only for myself but for those who were less able. I felt comfortable at any table. I want everyone to have the experience that I did—the FEELINGS of belonging, being welcome, being heard, being seen, being valued and being an integral part of the herd!