CamelWeb

Staff honored with Presidential Recognition Awards

Four Connecticut College staff members were recognized for their valuable contributions to the College at the 12th annual Presidential Staff Recognition Breakfast and Awards Ceremony on May 9, 2025.

The awardees were selected from 92 nominations recognizing 60 individuals in the community, innovation, rising star, and service excellence categories.

The 2025 Presidential Staff Recognition Award winners are:

Camel Community Award: Kip Wilson, Senior Donor Relations Officer

President Andrea Chapdelaine surprises Kip Wilson with the Camel Community Award in their office.

President Andrea Chapdelaine, Kip Wilson, Merrill Collins, and Lynne Crider pose for a photo after awarding Wilson's Camel Community Award.

The Camel Community Award, which honors an individual who has enhanced the quality of life on campus and fostered an inclusive work environment, was awarded to Wilson for their creation of the LGBTQIA+ affinity group for faculty and staff.

"Kip, you are a relationship-oriented colleague who always takes the time to get to know the people that you work with," stated President Andrea E. Chapdelaine. "You go above and beyond to ensure that those you work with have access to needed information, and that has a direct impact on the work of the team."

Innovation Award: Stacey Flynn, Senior Assistant to Senior Administrator, Admission

Merrill Collins, Stacey Flynn, President Andrea Chapdelaine, and Lynne Crider pose for a photo after awarding Flynn's Innovation Award.

Stacey Flynn receives the Innovation Award from Merrill Collins.

The Innovation Award is presented to an individual who developed or implemented an innovative program, service, policy or process that has had a resoundingly positive impact on a specific department or the community. Flynn received this award for her work adding research sessions, residence house room tours, and an Ask a Student program to Camel Days, as well as personalized visits for prospective students who cannot make regularly scheduled admissions programming.

Flynn's nominator spoke highly of her willingness to assist, but also noted that the term did not come close to describing all she does on behalf of the Office of Admission. President Chapdelaine also remarked, "The energy and novel ideas that you put forth every day to enrich the lives of our prospective students is incredible ... Your innovations make our admission events better."

Rising Star Award: Jillian Heilman, Director of Student Accessibility Services

Lynne Crider, President Andrea Chapdelaine, Jillian Heilman, and Merrill Collins pose for a photo after awarding Heilman the Rising Star Award.

President Andrea Chapdelaine looks on as Merrill Collins hugs Jillian Heilman.

The Rising Star Award, which recognizes an individual who has worked at the College for less than three years and has made a recognizable impact, was awarded to Heilman for her work opening the Disability Cultural Center and the creation of the Helix orientation program.

Her nominators noted that she goes above and beyond to balance between encouraging disabled students to push themselves toward excellence, while knowing that excellence is about more than just academic performance.

"Your encouragement for the community to take care of themselves and each other knows no bounds, and it is appreciated that you freely offer support while being transparent and realistic about the ability to help in various situations," said President Chapdelaine.

Service Excellence Award: Rebecca McCue, Director of Community Engagement and Holleran Center Operations

Merrill Collins and President Andrea Chapdelaine give Rebecca McCue the Service Excellence Award.

Lynne Crider, President Andrea Chapdelaine, Rebecca McCue, and Merrill Collins pose for a photo after awarding McCue the Service Excellence Award.

The Service Excellence Award, which honors an individual who demonstrates distinction in the conduct of their responsibilities at the College, was awarded to Rebecca McCue for her continued work in the Holleran Center running a variety of successful events and programs.

"Rebecca is one of the 'go-to' people who makes the College tick and wears many, many hats that often go unrecognized," remarked President Chapdelaine. "[She] is one of those long-serving members of our community who frequently adds more to her plate. This past fall, she coordinated the October debate on campus, a highly successful event lauded by the community, the moderator and the candidates as the best-run debate they had done so far."

May 9, 2025

Staff honored with Presidential Recognition Awards

Camel Community Award: Kip Wilson, Senior Donor Relations Officer

Innovation Award: Stacey Flynn, Senior Assistant to Senior Administrator, Admission

Rising Star Award: Jillian Heilman, Director of Student Accessibility Services

Service Excellence Award: Rebecca McCue, Director of Community Engagement and Holleran Center Operations

Related News & Media

Recent News

January in Pictures

Conn hosts African American museum exhibit and Black History Month programs