Danielle has been instrumental in making the Human Resources Department what is today.  Every single person who has worked in this area, has made contributions to make it functional, but Danielle has brought it forward to its true capabilities.  This area touches every aspect of UConn Rec that involves student staff, which means that all our supervisors have engaged with Danielle at some point during her time with us. 

One of Danielle’s strengths is her math skills and that has been so helpful when describing our student staff to the Administration.  She was able to set up the schedules of interviews, and she was able to tell how many interviewers were needed within minutes!   Another of her strengths is her strong work ethic.  She has never backed down from any of our deadlines, working efficiently within her office hours, and always following up with her supervisor if she received emails from the staff during the weekends. 

Every task that Danielle has performed for the Human Resources Department, Danielle has done with professionalism and a friendly smile (albeit that we were not able to see it while we were wearing masks!)  You could feel the friendly attitude from her as she dealt with everyone.  

Even though Danielle is an undergraduate student, she has demonstrated maturity beyond her years, as she has dealt with our student and professional staff on a daily basis for 2 years.  Many of the examples, speak to her leadership, strong work ethics and her professional integrity that this award represents.  Danielle is an amazing representative of this award and that is why she deserves it! Congratulations Danielle! 

Emma is the epitome of customer service. She is kind, patient, knowledgeable, approachable, and someone that anyone will instantly feel comfortable talking to. She is always committed to delivering the best customer service at the CSA desk, going out of her way to help people with questions and enforce policies in a pleasant, positive manner no matter what. Some would even call her the greatest CSA when it comes to customer service (can you say this girl should work at Disney any better?!). Emma works at an apple orchard at home, and it explains a lot. She makes patrons and her co-CSAs feel like they are at an apple orchard every day. That energy is contagious and makes everyone around her better. The SRC customer service desk would not be the same without Emma Hurley as part of the team. Congratulations Emma! 

Tyler started working for UConn Rec’s Administration team at the end of the Fall 2021 semester, coming to us as a Senior. I knew he would not have a lot of time to work with us, but he has made every minute that he can be with us count! Tyler is the first person to pick up any shift that a fellow employee cannot make, he is always on time, and he truly shows up to do the work. In addition to working with the Administration team, Tyler has also joined the Fitness team as a Fitness Attendant. Some days Tyler pulls double duty and works both areas in the same day, leaving the Rec Center after a 10-hour day!! Tyler is loyal, hardworking, and committed to providing excellent customer service. He is known by our entire professional staff and is highly regarded for the work he has done in the short time he has been with UConn Rec. Tyler is someone that I know I can count on, regardless of the work that he is given – he will get it done. It is very hard to teach anyone to have a good work ethic – it is something that is engrained in you – and Tyler has proven that he is definitely an ace-in-the-hole! This award recognizes outstanding work ethic and someone that is committed to a job well done – I cannot think of a better student employee than Tyler to receive this award! Congratulations Tyler! 

If you have climbed at the Climbing Center, you must know Nadya! Nadya is one of our most dedicated staff, and she helps us foster a positive and welcoming community. Nadya’s ability to interact with anyone who walks through the door is a skill that cannot be taught.  From interacting with first time patrons, to interacting with our regular climbers, she promotes the culture and community of the Climbing Center! Nadya actively turns one-time climbers into everyday climbers because of her great interactions!  Not only does she promote coming to UConn Recreation to get physically fit, but her positive reinforcement creates a welcoming work environment.  Through her interaction with others, she has greatly contributed to a strong team spirit that exudes throughout the Climbing Center! Congratulations Nadya! 

Cameron always seems to be in a good mood and is willing to help in any way he can when at work. Whether we are asking him to check towel bins for us, sweep stairs, or anything in between, Cameron never hesitates to do a job and always does it to the best of his abilities. He can even be found going above and beyond his regular responsibilities even without request of an MOD. Cam is always asking questions and wanting to learn so he can best serve the UConn Rec community. He also extends his work beyond his shifts as a Facility Attendant by being part of our Hiring Team and Open House operations. This year, he took on a leadership role as part of our Open House operations and has been tasked with coordinating our team’s efforts on some of the busiest days on campus. In his first year with us, Cam has proven to be someone we can rely on and trust with even the biggest tasks! Congratulations Cameron! 

Jerardo Gomez has proven to be someone to count on since his first day working with us. As easy as it can be for our facilities staff, you never see Jerardo stop doing something that provides value while he is at work. There are so many things he does on a daily basis that go WELL beyond what our facility attendants are asked to do. He steps in when needed, is always willing to help with special projects, and does what is needed even when not on shift (yes, he did once report a gruesome injury to our MODs while participating as a patron and not working and we know he would do it again). If you ask Jerardo to do something, he has probably already done it and more. The word that came up most amongst our MODs when talking about Jerardo is reliable. He can always be counted on, and we know no matter what he is going to do his job and do it well. Jerardo’s presence on a shift is always felt and makes UConn Rec a better place. Congratulations Jerardo! 

Alex Breinan is the Employee of the Year from UConn Rec’s Outdoors Program. Over the years Alex has been instrumental to the operation in the Outdoors Program. In the Adventure Center he arrives to every shift ready to work. He takes pride in keeping the equipment organized, cleaned, and ensuring the accuracy of our inventory. He takes the extra steps to ensure that patrons are served to the highest level. Beyond the front desk, Alex brings knowledge, skills, and confidence to improve the execution of our many varied programs. Since the first semester he had worked for UConn Rec, he has proved time and time again that he is trustworthy, and reliable. Alex has been with the Adventure Center since before moving to the SRC, he has assisted in moving to the new building, organizing, and maintaining the equipment, and setting an example as a leader for the new staff. He has worked as a trip leader on many off-campus programs, assisted on extended break trips, and even worked a bit at the climbing center when needed. He has been a consistent and reliable employee for over three years during the semester as well as during summer and winter breaks. He has put his whole heart into the countless hours spent working with us and has demonstrated excellence for many to follow. Congratulations Alex! 

Michael Johnson II is the Employee of the Year from UConn Rec’s Competitive Sports Program. Michael has been great all year. One of our veteran staff, Michael is not only dependable, but also is a great leader for our newer site managers, and sport officials. Michael is always very helpful in his willingness to work a variety of events, and he provided weekend coverage when needed. Michael is an overall joy to work with, and he will be somebody that will be missed in the department. Congratulations Michael! 

Emma Baxter is the Employee of the Year for Supportive Services.  Emma has been one of our top employees, always willing to work, help out, and has been an incredible teammate to her peers and professional staff.  Emma is knowledgeable in all areas of the Rec Center and is a self-proclaimed gym rat and loves to share her journey and experiences with others - making her a well-rounded staff member. Emma has dedicated her time to UConn Rec with both Admin 1 and the HR team - she has stayed late to get the job done, come in early to prepare, and spent breaks working with us. Emma is one of the hardest working students I've ever met, not only holding down her studies and job at UConn, but also continuing to work outside of UConn - Emma is the epitome of what an Employee of the Year represents!! 

Hannah Aseltine is the Employee of the Year from UConn Rec’s Fitness & Wellness Program. Hannah is the epitome of encouragement and commitment to the UConn Rec Group Fitness program. She has truly shined in her role as lead instructor over the last year, while also balancing her studies in STEM. It does not matter what time of day you see her; she has a glowing smile on her face. A mentor, leader, coach, and teacher, her participants have followed her day in, and day out. Her participants excitedly wait to see what her group fitness/pack schedule is to fit around their academic schedule. She has played a vital role in our instructor-in-training course this Spring, encouraging, supporting, and making sure our program stays as strong as it started in the old BodyWise studio. Her positive attitude radiates, and it carries over to her participants and mentees that take her class. Congratulations Hannah!