University Celebrates Employees’ Devoted Service and Passion for Their Work

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

“In my short time at the University, I have found a vibrant and engaged community of doers who are passionate about serving the University and our students. Your enthusiasm is inspiring, and your energy is infectious,” said President Jens Frederiksen. “I hope you continue to find your work to be meaningful and rewarding and that you take great pride in being part of our Charger community. Thank you for all you do to maximize our students’ investment, enrich their experiences and outcomes, and power their most ambitious goals and dreams.”

After thanking employees for their dedication, Dr. Frederiksen read a citation prepared for Ray Pulaski ’73, ’78 M.S., a network administrator with the Office of Information Technology who was celebrated for marking 50 years of service to the University.

In total, more than 100 employees were celebrated for marking anniversaries ranging from five to 50 years of service to the University. Combined, this group of individuals has dedicated more than 1,200 years of service to the Charger community.

For a complete list of service award recipients, see the embedded document.

‘Always been available’

A (nearly literally) lifelong Charger, Ray Pulaski joined the University’s Department of Information Technology in 1973 after earning his degree in computer science. His first role was as an administrator for the University’s server,” the citation read.

“Through Ray’s time at the University, he has seen the network installed from nothing, buildings interconnected via fiber optics, the IT department’s move to Echlin Hall (after it served as an AT&T hub location), terminals replaced by desktop computers, the birth of the internet, and the surge of wireless technology.

All the while Ray, a two-time graduate of the University, with a master’s degree in computer and information science, has consistently learned and adapted to evolving network technologies. He has always been available to the University, regardless of the day or hour, willing to take on any project, problem, or whenever needed.

Above all, his colleagues say Ray is faithfully committed to the university mission and best interests. And, they maintain, he’s the only one on campus who knows where everything is.”

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. The content below was prepared by Alan MacDougall, chair of the Administrative Staff Council.

Brian Wells
Media Production Specialist

“As someone who works with the entire University community, Brian has been praised by students, faculty, staff, and senior-level administrators. Over the past year, Brian’s projects have included videos, livestreams, and recordings for SOAR, active-shooter training, SURF conversations, the University’s new hire program, the Prison Education Program, the Holocaust Remembrance Ceremony, alumni testimonials, 9/11 Ceremony, President’s Public Service Fellowships videos, Instagram Live conversations with President Frederiksen, and Charger 360.

“Most recently, Brian’s work with the Commencement Committee on the successful return to campus of the University commencement exercises included successful live streams of all four ceremonies, setting a new standard. His wonderful and moving videos for the Advancement Division have had strong impact at events and in personal appeals to donors, especially his work on the Prison Education Program fundraising event in April. To quote one nominator, ‘he delivers exactly what we need, and makes us look good!’”

Brett Mahoney
Deputy Police Chief

“Deputy Chief Mahoney has brought a number of new ideas and technology solutions to enhance the safety and security of students, faculty, and staff at the University of New Haven. He has built a strong team rapport with departments across the institution and takes a collaborative approach to solving problems and finding ways to improve safety and security at the University. He also continues to work with officers in their own professional development and leads by example when it comes to trust and integrity.

“The Deputy Chief was instrumental in the identification and implementation of Zeroeyes (an AI-based gun detection system), a safety enhancement we are the first university in Connecticut to adopt. Deputy Chief Mahoney was able to get the system operational ahead of schedule and has made our community safer as a result. Deputy Chief Mahoney is an excellent example of an officer who truly cares about the community he serves.”

Helena Cole
Director of Centers for Academic Success and Advising

“Helena’s nominator said, ‘I have worked in higher education for over 30 years, and Helena Cole is by far the most passionate and dedicated colleague I have known. I have observed Helena spend countless hours problem-solving situations for our students.’"

“Helena consistently goes above and beyond the call of duty to see that our students are prepared ‘to lead purposeful and fulfilling lives in a global society.’ She has demonstrated outstanding commitment to student success. She is passionate about her work, believes in our students, serves on high-level administrative and faculty committees that are focused on the student experience, and gives of her time to support student activities and athletics teams. The positive impact she has had on the well-being of our students and our community is praiseworthy and should be recognized.”

Noah Swatt ’22
Director of University Scheduling and Events Management

“Noah received nine nominations, many of which mentioned his journey from University of New Haven student to facilities and events management. Nominators described Noah as calm, reassuring, resourceful, thorough, engaged, collaborative, detail-oriented, and a dedicated problem solver who finds ways to make events both large and small well-coordinated and successful.

His grace and kindness were also mentioned multiple times. His work touches the entire community on a daily basis – from student groups and organizations to academic departments, enrollment needs, and more – requiring him to frequently be on campus on nights and weekends.

Noah’s work with the Commencement committee was mentioned many times. One nominator said, ‘Everyone saw the Commencement Committee pulling together to pull off the largest event that this campus has seen in years, welcoming more than 15,000 people over a three-day time period for Commencement, but what they didn't see was Noah making sure EVERY little detail was taken care of behind the scenes.’

“Another colleague summed up Noah perfectly: ‘Noah's friendliness and polite demeanor allow him to work strategically across departmental lines and with external vendors, making him a true problem solver and master of the puzzle that is university event management.”

Robbie Ossenfort
Purchasing Director

“Robbie was nominated four times, and a recurring theme was that he is conscientious, intelligent, and very personable."

“Nominators repeatedly mentioned that the high level of service and dedication to successful outcomes is something he makes accessible to all of the University’s consistencies, from small student organizations to units working with the largest contracts on campus. Nominators also noted that Robbie consistently volunteers at numerous student events on campus. Most recently he acted as ‘captain’ for student check-in at all of this spring’s Commencement ceremonies. Summing it all up, was this quote: ‘Robbie has gained a reputation for being reliable, responsive, professional, hard-working and collaborative.’”

Sadartha DiNello
Administrative Coordinator, Student Financial and Registrar Services

“Sardatha was nominated four times. One Nominator said: ‘Sadartha is an integral part of the One Stop office, and she is the first staff member students and families meet when they visit Bergami Hall. Visitors are always greeted with a smile and professionalism from Sadartha, and her ability to remain calm even in the most intense and overwhelming situations is incredible.’

“Sardatha not only possesses excellent customer service skills, she is also a fantastic colleague. One nominator said: ‘Sadartha's enthusiasm and passion for the University is infectious, and she is the reason so many of her colleagues like coming to the office to work. Sadartha is the ‘glue’ of the One Stop. With so many employees in one office it can be difficult to keep track of who is who and who does what, but Sadartha does it effortlessly. She is one of the main reasons I returned to work at the University. People like Sadartha that make this institution a special place to work, and she should be recognized not just for her contributions to the students and families, but also the University staff.’”

Sue Pranulis
Senior Executive Director of Marketing and Communications

“Sue was nominated three times. If I just said ‘Power On’ I’m sure everyone would understand why. Undertaking a branding initiative is always challenging, but almost nowhere more so than in higher education, where there are many competing needs, and finding a single theme that resonates across diverse constituencies can be extremely challenging. And managing the agency RFP, the focus groups and surveys, the messaging and artwork, and coming up with a successful brand and its many assets only brings you to the starting line of the institutional process. Getting that brand off the ground with a successful launch event and seeing it implemented across the University is the real battle.

“A nominator said: ‘Sue is highly respected across the University, and she puts her team members in position to succeed and to be able to build on their skills and increase the impact of their work.’ And finally: ‘Her can-do attitude and spirit makes her a colleague, mentor, and friend you are excited to collaborate with in order to produce outstanding work.’”