The Connecticut State Conference of NAACP Branches recently named six individuals at UConn as being among the “100 Most Influential Blacks” in the state: Sanford Cloud Jr., chair of the UConn Health Center Board of Directors; Carolle Andrews, chief administrative officer of the Health Center; Warde Manuel, director of athletics; Kevin Ollie, men’s basketball head coach; Salome Raheim, dean of the School of Social Work; and Sharon White, director of the University’s Stamford campus.
Salome Raheim, PhD, ACSW
Dean and Professor
“UConn is immensely proud to have such talented professionals in our midst, and I’m thrilled they are being recognized for their remarkable accomplishments,” said University President Susan Herbst. “Each of these individuals approaches their work with dedication and heartfelt commitment to our students, and to the well-being of the entire University community.

“We’re very proud of the diversity in UConn’s undergraduate student body, and having skilled leaders from a multitude of backgrounds in our faculty, staff, and university administration is essential to our success as an institution,” she added.

They will be honored at a luncheon in New Haven on Dec. 21. more…

A celebration in honor of Catherine Havens was held to mark the occasion of her return to faculty.  Cathy has held several leadership positions at the School of Social Work; most recently as Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and Director of the MSW Program.

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Alumni, faculty, staff, family and colleagues filled the Zachs Community Room to celebrate Cathy’s numerous leadership accomplishments.  Among those who participated in the program were Dean Salome Raheim who said “I extend my sincere gratitude and heartfelt appreciation to former Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and MSW Program Director Catherine Havens for her many years of dedicated service.  She has been an excellent leader, colleague and Associate Dean, who has worked tirelessly for and with faculty, students, staff, alumni and friends of the School of Social Work.”

Other speakers included, Professors Lynne Healy, Louise Simmons, Kay Davidson, and Antonia Cordero, Christopher Donovan MSW ’80, Bruce Parkhurst, Director of Finance and Administration at the SSW and Kathy Fischer, Associate Director of the UConn Women’s Center where Cathy began her career with the University.

A high point of the evening was the presentation of a proclamation from Pedro Segarra MSW ’82, Mayor of the City of Hartford, naming November 18 Catherine Havens Day.  The evening concluded with a group of faculty and staff performing a musical parody in honor of Cathy set to the tune of “Sunrise, Sunset.”