Dedication Highlighted as Distinguishing Attribute Among Newest Bartels Service Excellence Award Recipients

Faculty and staff gathered at the annual Chargers Celebrate event to honor the accomplishments and dedication of fellow University colleagues whose commitment makes a lasting impact.

“Because of your commitment, your resilience, and your belief in the mission of transforming lives, the University of New Haven continues to inspire bright futures and light the flame of a better tomorrow,” said President Jens Frederiksen, Ph.D. “Your work is recognized by the thousands of students who will build the next great chapter of Charger impact on the world.”

Each year, the event honors milestone anniversaries and recipients of the Bartels Staff Excellence Awards, all chosen from the many nominations that are submitted before the conclusion of the spring semester.

Milestone Anniversaries

The 130 employees celebrating milestone anniversaries this year, combined, have dedicated more than 1,300 years of service to the University. Among those employees, two are celebrating 40 years of service at the University of New Haven.

“A gifted educator, a visionary department leader, and a steadfast champion of his students and colleagues, Dr. Golbazi embodies the highest ideals of academic life,” said President Frederiksen. “Under his guidance, the Electrical & Computer Engineering and Computer Science Department has grown to become the largest in the Tagliatela College of Engineering, offering a number of forward-looking undergraduate and graduate programs. His legacy is written not only in the programs he built and the accolades he earned, but also in the culture of excellence, collegiality, and purpose he has helped to create and sustain.”

“Dr. Orabi has educated scores of mechanical engineering students, equipping them with the analytical rigor, technical depth, and confidence that have served them exceptionally well throughout their careers,” President Frederiksen said. “If there is a single achievement that defines his legacy in the Tagliatela College of Engineering, it is his pioneering work in securing industry-sponsored capstone design projects for mechanical engineering students. Dr. Orabi has helped create a bridge between the classroom and professional life that has benefited countless students and, through them, the industries and communities they now serve.”

Phil Bartels Staff Excellence Awards

University leaders also continued the tradition of presenting the Phil Bartels Staff Excellence Awards as part of the Chargers Celebrate event.

Sponsored by longstanding University benefactors Philip H. Bartels ’11 Hon., a longtime member and former chair of the University of New Haven’s Board of Governors, and his wife, Susan, the Bartels Service Awards are given to exemplary employees who have gone above and beyond in their dedication to the University. Each award winner receives a monetary award and a certificate.

This year marked 20 years since the creation of these annual awards.

“My family and I are very proud to help recognize the individuals who are the backbone of the University who make this place run every single day,” Bartels said.

This year, seven deserving employees were recognized. The content below was prepared by Alan MacDougall, chair of the Administrative Staff Council, based on nominations submitted by staff and faculty. Each honoree was recognized for exemplifying one (or more) of the University’s Employee Core Competencies.

“Ric Baker exemplifies the very spirit of the Bartels Award through his unwavering commitment to the University of New Haven's mission, vision, and values. In his role, Ric consistently goes above and beyond‚ not only fulfilling the responsibilities within his portfolio but also stepping in wherever needed to support the broader University community. His willingness to contribute across functions reflects a deep sense of ownership and dedication to institutional success.

“As the first point of contact for new and prospective employees, Ric represents the University with positivity, professionalism, and grace. He takes the time to meaningfully connect with individuals, helping them understand why the University of New Haven is an exceptional place to work. Through these interactions, he clearly articulates how the institution supports career growth and how every employee plays a vital role in advancing the University's mission. His approach leaves a lasting impression and sets the tone for an engaged and mission-driven workforce.

“Ric truly exemplifies what it means to be a Charger. He is steadfast in his commitment to supporting students, recognizing that the work of staff is integral to shaping student experiences and outcomes. Drawing on his previous experience in student life, Ric brings a unique and valuable perspective to his work in Human Resources, bridging the connection between employee engagement and student success.

“Known for his collaborative spirit, Ric never turns away from a challenge. He approaches every project with curiosity and determination‚ taking the initiative to research, problem solve, and ensure the work is done thoughtfully and effectively. Whether it's leading the new employee onboarding program, reconfiguring our TOPS system, identifying professional development programs and reworking HR’s website to make them available to employees, or volunteering for the many events and activities across campus, he approaches all of this with a consistent smile and a positive attitude that uplifts those around him.

“Ric Baker is a true Charger Champion whose daily actions embody the university's core competencies. His contributions have a meaningful and lasting impact on the campus community.”

“For a University to thrive, its spaces must develop and nurture a sense of community. Reading through the six nominations the committee received for Walker, it is clear that the Makerspace has become a go-to community space because of his tireless effort, dedication, and ability to make meaningful connections with our students, faculty and staff.

“Walker goes far beyond his role. Whether he’s repairing equipment, mentoring the robotics team, supporting faculty research, or helping a student discover a new skill, he approaches each interaction with patience, enthusiasm, and genuine care. He doesn’t simply manage a space. He builds bridges between students and faculty, between departments, and across disciplines.

“Most college campuses have a Makerspace. Few bring in students and faculty from across the entire institution the way ours does. Walker makes people feel welcome, supported, and capable of more than they imagined. Students come into the Makerspace to learn a skill and leave with design and building skills that open new pathways for their future.

“A common thread in the nominations was the depth of dedication Walker provides. From small club projects to multi-section labs, he is available and willing to support every step, from the initial planning to the final stage. He continues to evolve and improve the capabilities of the space in order to meet the constantly expanding needs of the university community.”

“For a University to feel like our home away from home, it relies on individuals who quietly but consistently keep everything running, ensuring our community can learn, work, and succeed in comfort without interruption.

“What stood out immediately about the nomination for Kevin was his unwavering commitment to service, problem solving skills, and the genuine care he brings to his work every single day.

“Kevin is a highly skilled HVAC mechanic. Working second shift in a 24/7 environment, he plays a critical role in keeping our campus operating smoothly. By proactively addressing issues, improving communication across teams, and developing cost-saving solutions for the University, Kevin consistently goes above and beyond what is expected.

“What truly sets Kevin apart is both his approach and his approachability. He is known for his positive attitude, and communication skills, as well as his attention to detail, and the respect he shows to everyone he interacts with. Kevin is someone people trust.”

“Todd is an integral part of the Office of Information Technology (OIT) team and to the University as a whole. He works with almost every administrative office on campus, including Human Resources, Payroll, Finance, Purchasing, Financial Aid, the Registrar, Housing, just to name a few. He is always looking for ways to make our systems more efficient and autonomous. He seeks to improve processing efficiencies between and within departments. Although his work is often invisible to end users, it has a great impact on the work that they do every day.

“Within OIT, Todd has streamlined the process to provision new Linux servers. He created scripts to automate installation of software onto servers which has greatly reduced the time needed to bring up new Banner servers (and other servers) for test and production, if needed. He is also working in collaboration with other departments on finding the best solution for implementing a Student Information System for the new Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, campus.

“As a leader and manager, Todd encourages his employees to look for ways to improve efficiency and help other departments process data. Currently, he is helping Financial Aid with processing data feeds to external vendors. A process that usually would take users 12 hours of time to manually process has been automated and reduced to less than two hours of user time.

“Not only has Todd worked with the administrative offices, but he also volunteers his time to serve on the Commencement Committee each year. He plays a vital role in getting the Tassel application ready each year for our graduating students to have a successful and memorable graduation ceremony. He also volunteers his time at Commencement to make sure things are running smoothly and troubleshoot any problems that arise during each ceremony.

“These are only a few examples of what Todd does for the University. All of his process improvements help employees throughout the University meet departmental needs and allow all of us to focus on what is most important: our students.”

“Ensuring public safety is a core mission at a University, and it depends on individuals who build trust, foster connection, and create a strong sense of safety and belonging across our community.

“Officer Mroczka brings a constant, positive presence to his duties, and his engagement with our students is always meaningful and impactful.

“In his role, James is required to deal with situations that can be stressful or uncertain. He consistently meets these moments with a calm professionalism and a genuine concern for the students he serves. Our students know they can rely on him to be attentive to their needs and to provide reassurance when it is needed most, while maintaining a clear focus on achieving appropriate resolutions that serve the community as a whole.

“In addition to responding to calls, he serves the community through trainings and demonstrations. Most notable is his work educating students on the dangers of impaired driving so they are equipped and prepared to make informed and responsible decisions. He also works to break down barriers and build stronger relationships between students and public safety personnel. His leadership of the student patrol program includes mentoring students, and this inspires many to pursue careers in public service.”

“The academic mission of a university depends on individuals who bring structure, clarity, and care to the work that supports every part of that mission.

“Joanne’s central role within the Dean’s Office ensures that the Pompea College of Business operates with precision, consistency, and professionalism, and this role was described in her nomination as ‘foundational.’

“Joanne is responsible for coordinating complex and high-visibility initiatives that require careful planning and thoughtful execution. From advisory board meetings to major college events and international collaborations, she ensures that each effort is organized, aligned, and reflective of the high standards of the Pompea College and the University.

“Joanne’s work is defined not only by her organizational expertise, but also by her ability to navigate complexity with an empathetic, steady, and solution-oriented approach. She brings a level of professionalism and awareness that supports faculty, staff, and students alike, and her contributions are felt well beyond the office in which she works. She is a trusted colleague across campus. She is someone who approaches her responsibilities with focus, care, and a clear understanding of how her work enables the broader success of the institution.”

“The continued success and growth of any university depends on individuals who help shape how the community is understood and experienced, and how it connects with others. Talented individuals are needed to communicate that vision to someone long before they come to campus.

“Colby embodies a thoughtful approach to communication and the role it plays in helping prospective students and their families feel informed, welcomed, and confident as they consider the University of New Haven.

“In his work, Colby brings clarity to complex information, ensuring that messages are accessible, relevant, and meaningful to a wide range of audiences. His communication style is defined by care, intention, and a strong awareness of the needs and concerns of students and families, especially as they navigate the enrollment process.

“Colby’s leadership is also evident in how he brings people together. He fosters collaboration across teams, ensuring that communication is consistent, aligned, and reflective of the University’s values. At the same time, he creates an environment within his own team that supports growth, encourages cooperation, and values each person’s contributions.

“By building trust with students, colleagues, and those he leads, he embodies the idea of ‘communicating with’ rather than ‘communicating to.’ He is a thoughtful collaborator, a supportive leader, and someone who remains focused on creating a positive and meaningful experience for others.”