Young scholars discover potential through Holster grants

November 21, 2011

By Cheryl Cranick, Honors Program

In September, Robert Holster ’68 witnessed the culmination of his generosity: the first Holster Scholar presentations. His $1 million gift, given jointly by his wife Carlotta ’68, funds the Holster Scholar First Year Project, sponsoring Honors student research. But it has a unique qualification: the grants are given to first years.

Holster felt giving back was an “obligation,” crediting UConn Honors as “fundamental to getting me off to a good start,” he said. He was a member of the inaugural Honors class in 1964. (more…)

Rowe Researcher: Social Interaction and Anxiety in Mice

August 16, 2011

Spring 2012: Social Interaction and Anxiety in Mutant BXD29 Mice

By A.C.Bonet¹ , D.T.Truong² , R.H. Fitch, PhD¹

The purpose of this research was to observe anxiety and social interaction in the BXD29 mice strain. BXD29/Ty -wild type and BXD29-Tlr4^lps-2J/J -mutant mice have never been tested for social interaction or anxiety related behaviors, thus this research offers a preliminary observation of the behaviors. The BXD29-Tlr4^lps-2J/J mice have subcortical heterotopias formed by neurons destined for layers 2-4 of the neocortex as well as partial callosal agenesis. (more…)

Rowe Researcher: Transition from NICU to Home

Stephanie Jorge in the NICU.

Summer 2011: Family Empowerment in the Transition from NICU to Home: Evaluating the March of Dimes Family Support Program

By Stephanie R Jorge, Regina M. Cusson, Ph.D., NNP-BC, APRN, FAAN

The University of Connecticut Health Center’s (UCHC) March of Dimes Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) Family Support Program (MODFSP) provides families of NICU patients with programs, support specialists, educational materials, and community resources to aide in the emotional and physical adaptation to a new life with a premature infant. (more…)

Honors Student Wins Fourth Major National Scholarship

July 21, 2011

By Cindy Weiss, CLAS Today

Colin Carlson ’12 (CLAS), the young environmental activist who began his college career at UConn when he was only 12, has won a fourth major national scholarship, the Pearson Prize.

He is one of 20 students around the country to receive the $10,000 prize, which is awarded to students who demonstrate leadership in community service.

Earlier this year, Carlson won a prestigious Goldwater Scholarship, given for academic merit in the sciences, mathematics, and engineering, and a Truman scholarship, which acknowledges college juniors for their leadership and dedication to careers in public service. Last year, Carlson received a Udall Scholarship for his commitment to the environment. (more…)

UConn Honors Student Receives Young Botanist Award

July 13, 2011

Nikisha Patel and her advisor, Greg Anderson — Nikisha Patel ’12 and her advisor, Professor Greg Anderson. (Photo: Sean Flynn/UConn)

By Sheila Foran

Though still an undergraduate, Nikisha Patel has already made an impression on the world of botany. Patel was recently named a winner of a 2011 Young Botanist Award from the Botanical Society of America, one of about 30 students chosen nationally for this recognition, which is usually restricted to graduating seniors. (more…)

2011 Distinguished Alumni Award: Nicole M. Lindsay

April 30, 2011

Nicole Lindsay is Executive Director of New York Needs You (NYNY), a start-up non-profit which supports first-generation college students in realizing their college and career ambitions. Ms. Lindsay joined NYNY in September 2009 as the first staff person. Now the organization has a six-person staff and an operating budget of $1.2 million. NYNY closes the opportunity gap through the most intensive career mentorship program in New York City, enabling high-potential, first-generation college students to realize their college and career aspirations. NYNY is the only non-profit in NYC that focuses exclusively on first-generation college students. The primary components of the NYNY curriculum are life planning, career development, and community leadership. The first class of 50 NYNY Fellows began the two-year program in June 2010 and recruitment for the second class is underway. Previously, she was the Vice President of Talent Development at Management Leadership for Tomorrow (MLT), overseeing all program-related activities. (more…)

2010-11 Faculty Member of the Year Award: William F. Bailey

April 26, 2011

Dr. William F. Bailey was born at the vanguard of the “Baby Boomer” generation on December 8, 1946, in Jersey City, New Jersey. His father was the proprietor of a plumbing business in Jersey City. Dr. Bailey spent his Saturdays and summers from the age of 12 to 22 years old learning the business as he rose to the status of a journeyman plumber. However, this was not to be his calling.

Dr. Bailey graduated from St. Peter’s College in 1968, escaping both the plumbing business and the Garden State. He received his Ph.D. from the University Notre Dame in 1973 and completed a two-year postdoctoral position at Yale University. In 1975 he began his independent career at the University of Connecticut where he is now Professor of Chemistry. (more…)

2011 Distinguished Alumni Award: Robert M. Holster

April 25, 2011

Robert M. Holster has been Chairman of the Board of HMS Holdings Corp. (HMS) since 2006. He was also President from 2001 to 2005 and CEO from 2005 until 2009. HMS (which trades on NASDAQ under the symbol HMSY) is a leader in providing cost containment solutions for government-funded, commercial, and private healthcare payors. HMS helps clients ensure that healthcare claims are paid correctly and by the responsible party, and that those enrolled to receive program benefits meet qualifying criteria. HMS is headquartered in New York City, employs more than 1500 associates nationwide, and this year will report revenues in excess of $300 million. HMS was ranked tenth on Fortune’s 2010 “100 Fastest-Growing Companies” list and first on Crain’s 2010 list of the fastest growing companies in New York. (more…)

Class of 2011: Isabella Pilato

April 20, 2011

By Sheila Foran

Isabella Pilato speaks thoughtfully and with perfect diction. She is eloquent when she defends the importance of a liberal arts education. And when she talks about her love of music, or the role that home schooling played in preparing her for college, or living off campus with her sister – a UConn sophomore majoring in music history – she does so with an easy, self-deprecating sense of humor. (more…)

Class of 2011: Alexandra Kuehnle

April 18, 2011

Alexandra Kuenhle — Alexandra Kuehnle ’11 (CLAS) (Photo: Peter Morenus)

By Jenni Saunders ’11 (CLAS)

Ever since she was young, Alexandra Kuehnle has dreamed of serving her country.

“In eighth grade, I wanted to be an astronaut,” she says, “but my grandfather said I had to be in the military for that. Since then, I’ve wanted to serve.” (more…)