February 4, 2002

Faculty, Staff Recognized for Many Years of Service
Clinton Sanders, a sociology professor, was surprised to hear that he has been teaching at the University for 25 years. He says it doesn't seem that long, because he's enjoyed it so much.

Sanders is one of the 449 faculty and staff being recognized in 2002 for their years of service at the University.

Employee Appreciation Week, Feb. 4-8, celebrates the accomplishments of all UConn employees, but each department specifically recognizes those who have been here for 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, and 40 years, says Donna Rossi, a human resources assistant.

"UConn has provided me with the time and resources that I've needed for professional growth, I am a big fan of the University," says Sanders of his recognition.

Michael Accorsi, a professor of civil and environmental engineering, will also be honored by his department. "It has been a real pleasure to work with so many talented students and faculty in the School of Engineering at UConn during the last 15 years," he says.

Roberta Lusa, an assistant in the honors program has been here for 20 years. She is grateful to all the people at the University who have helped her grow professionally over the years. "I appreciate everything UConn has done for me," says Lusa, "but I am most proud that my two children earned bachelor's degrees at UConn."

"The recognition program is designed to give supervisors an opportunity to acknowledge all the effort their workers contribute to the success of the University," says Dennis Dion, director of employee benefits.

The UConn Health Center has a similar recognition program each year for long-serving employees. An employee recognition dinner held in the fall makes special note of employees celebrating 10, 15, or 20-plus years of service.

By Mary Clang

Funding Available for Human Rights Programs
Competitive grants to fund human rights programming for the 2002-2003 academic year are now available and applications are invited. At the end of the fall, which was deemed the Human Rights Semester, Chancellor John D. Petersen announced that the emphasis on human rights will continue and provided $15,000 to support the work. The Graduate School and the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences also contributed funds, bringing the total available to $19,000.

The continuing human rights emphasis has been named UConn Human Rights Initiative: From Ideas to Action. Students and faculty are encouraged to apply for funding for their human rights programming. Application forms and program criteria are available at http://www.humanrights.uconn.edu.

The deadline for applications is March 15. Applications will be reviewed by a committee of faculty and students, and winners will be announced in late April.

For information contact Tom Wilsted, director of the Thomas J. Dodd Research Center and chair of the Human Rights Committee, at tom.wilsted@uconn.edu.