Celebrating Golden Bear Excellence at the 2025 Alumni Awards
WNE celebrated the outstanding achievements of three alumni at the annual Alumni Awards held on Monday, June 9, in the University Commons. This year’s event honored recipients recognized for their commitment to WNE and their communities, professional achievements,and their dedication to community service. Each honoree exemplifies the Golden Bear spirit through leadership, generosity, and impactful contributions across diverse fields.
Michael A. Serafino ’77 Alumnus of the Year Award
Jim Bedard ’83/G’87
With warmth, integrity, and lifelong dedication, Jim Bedard ’83/G’87 embodies the spirit of the Michael A. Serafino Alumnus of the Year Award. A respected leader in the insurance industry and a tireless advocate for education and community, Jim’s legacy of service and Golden Bear pride inspires all who know him.
Alumni Achievement Award
Brittany Decker ’11
Bringing passion, purpose, and heart to everything she does—on screen as a trusted evening news anchor and off screen as a tireless community advocate and mentor. A shining example of Golden Bear spirit and leadership, Decker is the proud recipient of the inaugural 2025 Alumni Achievement Award.
Young Alumni Outstanding Achievement Award
Dr. Allissa Long ’17/PharmD’19
A dedicated educator and clinical pharmacist whose leadership, service, and scholarship continue to inspire, Long was honored as Connecticut’s Young Distinguished Pharmacist and now receives WNE’s 2025 Outstanding Young Alumna of the Year Award for her remarkable impact.
