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
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
Outstanding Alum: Impact on Social Responsibility/Civil Engagement
Executive director, Hartford Symphony Orchestra; musician
Lauren Fleming '13
Outstanding Alum: Exceptional Early Career Professional
Architect, Miller Dunwiddie
Ryan Gardner '01
Outstanding Alum: Exceptional Professional Success
Founding partner, Fiducient Advisors
Sonya Halpern M'90
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
Outstanding Alum: Exceptional Professional Success
Vice president for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at SiriusXM + Pandora
Alexa Keener '16 M'18
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
Outstanding Alum: Exceptional Professional Success
Executive director, Alliance Health at Braintree
Steven Minkler '86 M'00 D'08
Outstanding Alum: Exceptional Professional Success
CEO, Middlesex Community College
Jerell Parker '04
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