The Anchor Awards are the University of Hartford's most prestigious alumni awards, established to recognize alums who have distinguished themselves by achieving the highest levels of professional and community accomplishments. The awards are stewarded by the Alumni Advisory Council with nominations solicited from the full University community annually.
The awards are presented annually during Hawktober Weekend in Wilde Auditorium and virtually.
2024 Recipients
Distinguished Alum
Lee Ann Leahy '84 (Barney)
Outstanding Alum: Exceptional Professional Success
Antonio Javier Soler '86 (Barney)
Jon-Paul Venoit '96 (Barney)
Outstanding Alum: Impact on Social Responsibility & Civic Engagement
Ronald F. Barisano '74 (A&S)
Billie C. Scruse, MPA '92 (Barney)
Outstanding Alum: Impact on the University of Hartford
Carol A. Coppa '81 (CETA)
Posthumous Honor
Tiana Notice '07 (A&S)
Awards
The University of Hartford Anchor Awards recognizes outstanding, accomplished alumni in the following categories:
Distinguished Alum
Awarded annually to an alum who embodies the highest caliber of personal and professional accomplishments, strength of character, and representation of our University values.
Outstanding Alum: Early Career Professional
Recognizes an alum whose demonstrated exceptional early career success and future potential.
Outstanding Alum: Exceptional Professional Success
Recognizes an alum whose career accomplishments are exceptional.
Outstanding Alum: Impact on Social Responsibility and Civic Engagement
Awarded to an alum whose professional success is rooted in bettering community and has made significant and notable contributions in this space.
Outstanding Alum: Impact on the University of Hartford
Awarded to an alum who has had a remarkable impact on the University through their philanthropic support and/or service.
The UHart Alumni Advisory Council is accepting nominations for the 2025 Anchor Awards, a set of awards that recognize outstanding, accomplished UHart alumni. Nominations are open all year and reviewed annually in March for selection.