The University of Hartford honored the 2021 Anchor Awards recipients in a virtual ceremony on Thursday, Oct. 14, during Hawktober RE:Connect. The Anchor Awards were established to recognize alumni who have distinguished themselves by achieving the highest level of professional and community accomplishments.
Vincent "Vin" Baker '93
![Vin Baker '93](img-2021-anchor-awards/vin-baker_wb.jpg)
Distinguished Alum
Assistant coach for the 2021 NBA champion Milwaukee Bucks; former NBA All-Star player; member of the 2000 U.S. Men's Olympic Team; author; philanthropist
Steve Collins '89
![Steve Collins '89](img-2021-anchor-awards/steve-collins-aa_wb.jpg)
Outstanding Alum: Impact on Social Responsibility/Civil Engagement
Executive director, Hartford Symphony Orchestra; musician
Lauren Fleming '13
![Lauren Fleming '13](img-2021-anchor-awards/lauren-fleming-aa_wb.jpg)
Outstanding Alum: Exceptional Early Career Professional
Architect, Miller Dunwiddie
Ryan Gardner '01
![Ryan Gardner '01](img-2021-anchor-awards/ryan-gardner-01.jpg)
Outstanding Alum: Exceptional Professional Success
Founding partner, Fiducient Advisors
Sonya Halpern M'90
![Sonya Halpern M'90](img-2021-anchor-awards/sonya-halpern-aa_wb.jpg)
Outstanding Alum: Impact on Social Responsibility/Civil Engagement
Senator, District 39, State of Georgia; former chair appointed by Barack Obama, President's Advisory Committee on the Arts
Nicole Hughey M'99
![Nicole Hughey M'99](img-2021-anchor-awards/nicole-hughey-aa_wb.jpg)
Outstanding Alum: Exceptional Professional Success
Vice president for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at SiriusXM + Pandora
Alexa Keener '16 M'18
![Alexa Keener '16 M'18](img-2021-anchor-awards/alexa_keener_wb.jpg)
Outstanding Alum: Impact on the University of Hartford
Human resources business partner CVS Health; founder Aetna Hartford Alliance; selectman, City of Torrington; vice chair, Torrington Democratic Town Committee
Aymsley Mahoney '06
![Aymsley Mahoney '06](img-2021-anchor-awards/aymsley_mahoney_wb.jpg)
Outstanding Alum: Exceptional Professional Success
Executive director, Alliance Health at Braintree
Steven Minkler '86 M'00 D'08
![Steven Minkler '86 M'00 D'08](img-2021-anchor-awards/steve-minkler-aa_wb.jpg)
Outstanding Alum: Exceptional Professional Success
CEO, Middlesex Community College
Jerell Parker '04
![Jerell Parker '04](img-2021-anchor-awards/jerrell-parker-aa_wb.jpg)
Outstanding Alum: Impact on Social Responsibility/Civil Engagement
Senior vice president/Midwest regional manager, CBS Media Ventures; director, First Step Youth Foundation; coach, Mac Irvin Fire AAU Program; board member, Chicago State Foundation; philanthropist