Five University of Hartford staff members have been honored as recipients of Outstanding Staff Member Awards. They are: Christopher Kane (Mail/Print Services), Sean Parke (University Libraries), Lynn Thibodeau (ITS), Samantha Urban (OMC/DAA), and Mayra Valverde (Financial Aid).
Recipients were honored at the Faculty-Staff Kickoff for the spring semester on Feb. 4 in Millard Auditorium.
The Outstanding Staff Member Award recognizes staff members who demonstrate exceptional dedication to the University and play a critical role in the success of this institution and its students. The outstanding staff member honorees have a record of outstanding job performance and often go beyond their job descriptions to help students, parents, faculty, colleagues, and the public.
Meeting this year’s honorees:
Christopher Kane, mail and print services manager, surpasses all expectations on behalf of UHart's non-stop shipping and receiving needs. From tracking down packages, to helping departments prepare large shipments, Kane does it all—and he does it as one of the friendliest and most personable staff members on campus. In fact, anyone can reach him and his department at any time, including new students during the often anxious and confusing move-in period.
University Archivist Sean Parke, is a true unsung hero. Though his office may be tucked away in the library, his impact is felt across the entire campus. Parke is a master storyteller and historian who preserves the legacy of UHart. From overseeing the Keller Lecture Series to meticulously preparing archives for reunions, his attention to detail ensures that UHart's history is both protected and accessible. Parke manages the delicate balance of handling antique artifacts while creating modern digital legacies.
Lynn Thibodeau, a business analyst in Information Technology Services, proves her value to the University time and again as a forward-thinking innovator who eagerly takes on new approaches to UHart's vast IT needs. She is a true problem-solver, with a knack for breaking down complex challenges into manageable pieces, and then implementing simple and straightforward solutions. Thibodeau also provides effective training and writes the clearest instructions—and her friendly, approachable manner is appreciated by many across the campus community.
Samantha Urban, a marketing communication manager, is the heartbeat of the Office of Development and Alumni Affairs. She has become a vital driver of UHart's alumni engagement, from revolutionizing its social media presence with “Spirit Wednesday” shorts to her instrumental role in the success of the Hawktober 5K. This past year, Urban's marketing efforts for the University's milestone reunions led to a direct uptick in registrations and earned glowing compliments from alumni. She has a true “team-first” mentality and is the true embodiment of a positive office culture.
Mayra Valverde, senior assistant director of scholarship management, has blossomed from a financial aid counselor into an invaluable leader who combines technical expertise with a deeply human touch. She is the quiet force behind hundreds of student success stories. Valverde manages a massive portfolio of donor scholarships with meticulous care, ensuring that every dollar is awarded to a deserving student—often making the critical difference in a student’s ability to stay at the University. Her empathy, creativity, and dedication are felt far and wide by students, families, and colleagues.