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Staff honored with Presidential Recognition Awards

Four Connecticut College staff members were recognized for their valuable contributions to the College at the 13th annual Presidential Staff Recognition Breakfast and Awards Ceremony on May 5, 2026.

During her opening remarks, President Andrea E. Chapdelaine praised the winners and nominees, commenting, “I see your hard work each and every day on this campus, and I’m truly grateful to lead and serve you as best I can in the good work you do for our students, for each other, and, of course, for our beloved College. … Together, you can and do create a community where people thrive.”

The awardees were selected from 82 nominations recognizing 53 individuals in the community, innovation, rising star, and service excellence categories.

The 2026 Presidential Staff Recognition Award winners are:

Camel Community Award: Clare O’Brien, Social Media Strategist

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 Clare O’Brien for her contributions to last year’s InDOGuration of First Dog Koda, and her continued work on Conn’s sustainability-minded Green Team and the “Celestial Happenings” YouTube series featuring Associate Teaching Professor of Astronomy Alex Gianninas.

"Clare, you have been described as a ray of light, and that comes through in everything your nominator shared about you," stated Chapdelaine. "You are upbeat, enthusiastic and genuinely committed to being part of this community. You remind us of what’s possible when enthusiasm meets intention and when one person chooses again and again to make things brighter for others. You are the best of what it means to be a Camel."

Innovation Award: Summar West, Director of Assessment for Support Programs and Writing

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. Summar West received this award for her extraordinary ability to envision, implement and scale innovative programs that have transformed the Office of Academic Support.

Chapdelaine remarked, "Your path, from Learning Specialist to Director of the Roth Writing Center to your current role, tells the story of someone who doesn’t just adapt to challenges, but reimagines what is possible. But what truly sets you apart is your enthusiasm for the hard stuff. You approach complex problems with genuine intellectual curiosity, and you model for all of us what it looks like to think outside the box and to turn ideas into impact.”

Rising Star Award: Robert Dunlap, Campus Safety Supervisor

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 Robert Dunlap for his work building trust and genuine relationships with the College community, and his calm leadership and sound judgment under pressure.

"Rob, in just one year at Connecticut College, you have made an impact that would be impressive for someone with a decade of tenure," said Chapdelaine. “You bring an extraordinary background to this role, but what stands out most in your nominations—and you were nominated across multiple categories—is how much you care. You show up to athletic events not because you have to, but because you want to. You make people feel safe not just because it’s your job, but because it matters.”

Service Excellence Award: Liz Cahn, Assistant Athletic Director for Marketing & Events

The Service Excellence Award, which honors an individual who demonstrates distinction in the conduct of their responsibilities at the College, was awarded to Liz Cahn for her outstanding work in coordinating athletic practices, games and events.

"Liz, your nominators called you the glue of the Athletic Department, the essential force who quietly holds everything together without seeking the spotlight," Chapdelaine said. "You know what a game day should feel like, and you always keep students at the center of your work. Across 28 teams and countless events, you are the steady hand behind it all. You coordinate people, places and details. On event days, you are everywhere at once. You are, indeed, service excellence bar none.”

May 12, 2026

Staff honored with Presidential Recognition Awards

Camel Community Award: Clare O’Brien, Social Media Strategist

Innovation Award: Summar West, Director of Assessment for Support Programs and Writing

Rising Star Award: Robert Dunlap, Campus Safety Supervisor

Service Excellence Award: Liz Cahn, Assistant Athletic Director for Marketing & Events

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