More than 800 employees, students, residents and volunteers turned out Thursday for the third annual UConn Health Fall Festival.

Even though the event was moved indoors because of cooler, cloudy conditions and the threat of showers, it did not dampen the spirits of those in attendance. They enjoyed the fall festivities along with some tasty treats served by administrative leadership including Dr. Andrew Agwunobi, interim executive vice president for health affairs.

Pumpkin Paloozza, the much-anticipated pumpkin decorating contest, proved to be a crowd favorite once again. Each year the competition gets better and better, and this year’s entries did not disappoint. From an intricate UConn-blue train ride to a crazy green techno gourd–and much more–all the pumpkins were true works of art.  Attendees kept commenting on how difficult it was to vote which ones should get best in show.

The Fall Festival was presented by the UConn Health Department Human Resources, which extended a special thanks to administrative leaders for their support, to the many volunteers, and to the departments of Education Technology & Multimedia Services, Food and Nutrition, and Facilities Management for producing another successful event.

2015 Pumpkin Palooza Winners

First Place: “UConn Health Express” – Kim Young, Karen Morris, Sally Hatzenbuhler, Deb Daversa, Immunology

Second Place: “Franken BOT” – Sheryl Rosen, Tina Encarnacion, Kristin Wallace, Education Technology & Multimedia Services

Third Place: “Baby Roast” – Rosalinda Pavano, Dariene Dubois, Stacey Fostervold and Jim Behme, Clinical Simulation

Honorable Mentions

“Pharmacy Chic” – Gauri Prabhu, Pharmacy

“Pumpkin Clock” – Kathy Lodovico, Department of Medicine

“Kitty Glam 5” – Sue Schwartz, Dental Clinic 5

Most Educational

“Quality ‘Pump’kin” – Alyce Ivey, Quality & Regulatory Compliance

 

–Alexandra Crean