The PAWS award celebrates UConn Health's best workforce, who consistently go above and beyond, embodying teamwork, positivity, a strong work ethic, and superior service. Through the PAWS award, we celebrate excellence and foster a culture of appreciation. 

Employees who receive four PAWS awards earn the distinguished Husky Hero designation, recognizing their consistent excellence and dedication to UConn Health's values.

To nominate outstanding colleagues who make a difference, complete the PAWS Award Nomination Form.

The TEAM award is a formal recognition of a team effort that furthers the mission of UConn Health. During the process, the team demonstrates Togetherness, Effort, positive Attitude, and Motivation. 

In addition, a specific outcome must have benefited UConn Health's mission, such as but not limited to programs that had a positive impact on education, patient care, or research. 

Teams may consist of special workgroups, cross-functional workgroups, task forces, special project teams, departments, or committees. 

To nominate outstanding teams to strive for excellence, complete the TEAMS Award Nomination Form. 

This formal, annual recognition acknowledges one outstanding employee consistently demonstrating specific attributes in support of the UConn Health mission. 

This is among the highest honors awarded to UConn Health employees. 

Nomination Period and Process:

Once a year, UConn Health invites managers to submit nominations aimed at recognizing and celebrating the outstanding contributions of our workforce. This inclusive initiative encourages submissions from across the organization, fostering a diverse and comprehensive acknowledgement of excellence. Nominations, reflecting the remarkable work of peers, undergo a thorough review by senior leadership. Subsequently, a finalist is selected from each division, advancing to the final selection process. 

Eligibility

Any UConn Health employee who consistently demonstrates the stated criteria is eligible. Prior awards nominees are eligible for nomination. Previous award recipients are not eligible to receive the award.

Ceremony

The Dr. Peter J. Decker Award is celebrated annually at a ceremony.

Award

Through the generosity of Dr. Deckers via the UConn Foundation, the awardees receives four lower field-level box seat tickets to a Red Sox game and a framed award certificate.