The UConn College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS) honors the accomplishments of our alumni through our Alumni Awards. These awards recognize outstanding alumni who demonstrate the benefits of a liberal arts and sciences degree and uphold the College’s values.
The nomination period for the 2026-2027 is now open.
Nominations must be submitted through the electronic nomination form by the deadline. A CLAS committee will review nominations, with final approval by the dean. Recipients will be celebrated in person at a ceremony in the spring.
Awards and Descriptions
The College will recognize four alumni during the 2026-2027 academic year. We will select one alum from the social sciences and humanities and one from the physical and behavioral sciences in each category.
Department Breakdown by Category
The College will present two awards in each category: one to an alum from a liberal arts department or program, and another to an alum from a science department or program.
Social Sciences and Humanities
- Anthropology
- Communication
- Economics
- English
- History
- Journalism
- Literatures, Cultures, and Languages
- Maritime Studies
- Philosophy
- Political Science
- Public Policy
- Social and Critical Inquiry (includes American Studies; Asian and Asian American Studies; Native American and Indigenous Studies; and Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies)
- Sociology
Physical and Behavioral Sciences
- Biological Sciences
- Chemistry
- Cognitive Sciences
- Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
- Earth Sciences (formerly Geosciences)
- Geography, Sustainability, Community, and Urban Studies (includes Geography; Urban and Community Studies; Environmental Studies; and Environmental Sciences)
- Human Development and Family Sciences
- Linguistics
- Marine Sciences
- Mathematics
- Molecular and Cell Biology
- Physics
- Physiology and Neurobiology
- Psychological Sciences
- Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences
- Statistics
CLAS Distinguished Alumni Award
This award honors individuals who have brought distinction to themselves and the College through exceptional achievements in their field, profession, or community, and who have made significant contributions to society. This award recognizes those who exemplify excellence, leadership, and a commitment to the College’s values, including community, creativity, dedication, diversity, empowerment, philanthropy, and integrity.One award is given each year. The recipient receives $1,000 to support research, teaching, or professional development.
Eligibility
Eligible nominees for the CLAS Distinguished Alumni Award:
- Must hold a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree from the UConn College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.
- Must have earned their degree more than 10 years ago.
- May be active or retired in their professional employment.
- Cannot be current faculty or staff at the University.
- Must be able to accept the award in person.
Nomination Criteria
Reviewers will consider the following criteria:
- Excellence in professional achievement: The nominee demonstrates exceptional accomplishments in their professional career, whether in academia, industry, government, or the nonprofit sector.
- Leadership and influence: The nominee has held leadership positions where they have inspired, mentored, and influenced others. They demonstrate the ability to lead with vision, integrity, and a commitment to ethical principles, making a lasting impact on their organization, industry, or community.
- Contributions to the field: The nominee has made significant contributions to their field of expertise, whether through research, innovation, publications, philanthropy, or the development of new methodologies or practices.
- Commitment to public service and social responsibility: The nominee engages in public service or community activities that reflect a deep commitment to social responsibility and the common good.
- Integrity and ethical conduct: The nominee serves as a role model for others, exemplifying the principles of honesty, fairness, and respect.
CLAS Emerging Leader Award
This award recognizes recent graduates who have demonstrated exceptional leadership potential; innovative thinking; and a commitment to making a positive impact intheir academic, professional, or community environments. This award honors individuals who, despite being in the early stages of their careers, have already begun to influence others, inspire change, and contribute meaningfully to their field or society at large. They are seen as the next generation of leaders who will continue to shape and influence their fields and communities.
Eligibility
Eligible nominees for the CLAS Emerging Leader Award:
- Must be able to accept the award in person.
- Must hold a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree from the UConn College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.
- Must have earned their degree within the past five years.
- Cannot be current faculty or staff at the University.
Nomination Criteria
Reviewers will consider the following criteria:
- Leadership potential: The nominee has shown strong leadership capabilities through roles in the workplace, community, or volunteer initiatives.
- Innovation and creativity: The nominee has introduced new ideas, approaches, or solutions within professional or volunteer experiences.
- Community engagement: The nominee has made significant contributions to their community and demonstrated a commitment to social responsibility and civic engagement.
- Ethical leadership: The nominee exemplifies integrity, ethical decision-making, and the ability to lead others with fairness, respect, and a sense of justice.
- Impact and influence: The nominee’s actions have had a measurable impact and are recognized by peers and mentors as an emerging leader.
2026 Award Recipients
CLAS Distinguished Alumni Award
Social Sciences and Humanities
Alan Bennett ’69 (CLAS)
Natalie Braswell ’00 (CLAS), ’02 MPA, ’07 JD
Life and Physical Sciences
David Salsburg ’66 Ph.D.
Richard Seewald ’81 Ph.D.
CLAS Emerging Leader Award
Humanities and Social Sciences
Brianna Régine Walston ’17 (CLAS)
Life and Physical Sciences
Christopher Hughes ’20 (CLAS)
Past Recipients
2025
CLAS Distinguished Alumni Award
Social Sciences and Humanities
Bryan Pollard ’85, Political Science
Michael Soltys ’81, Communications
Life and Physical Sciences
Kevin Bohacs ’76, Geology and Geophysics
Richard Piacentini ’84 MS, Botany
CLAS Emerging Leader Award
Social Sciences and Humanities
Prabhas KC ’22, Economics
Life and Physical Sciences
Tanisha Williams ’19 Ph.D., Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
Contact Us
For questions about the CLAS Alumni Awards or the nomination process, please contact Kim Lachut, Senior Director of Alumni Relations, at klachut@foundation.uconn.edu.