On Monday, September 26, 2005 the Center for Academic Programs Student Support Services (CAP/SSS) had their third annual 3.0 Recognition Reception. The Reception is held in order to recognize and pay tribute to those SSS students who had achieved a 3.0 GPA in the past academic year. We are proud to note that more than 180 students were included in this group. Being distinguished amongst their peers as 3.0 achievers has become a goal as well as a mark of respect for the SSS students and this is exactly what the Reception is meant to encourage. Faculty and staff from across the university were present to lend support or serve as keynote speakers including Vice Provost of Academic Affairs, Veronica Makowsky; Assistant Vice Provost for Multicultural Affairs, Damon Williams; Assistant Vice Provost for the Institute for Student Success, Steve Jarvi; CAP Director, Maria D. Martinez; and SSS Director, Bidya Ranjeet.

Additionally this year, awards were presented to faculty and staff as a new component to the 3.0 Reception. These awards are given to those individuals that have consistently supported the mission of CAP as well as advocated for the students in their various roles on campus. This year two professors, Ron Sabatelli and David Gross, were honored.

In 1983 Ron Sabatelli joined the University of Connecticut as a professor for the Human Development and Family Studies program. With the exception of a three year period, as a professor at the University of Wisconsin, he had spent his entire academic career at UConn where he received his B.A. in Psychology, M.A., and PhD in Family Studies. By getting his education at UConn as well as returning to join the faculty he is in the unique position of having experienced all aspects of life at UConn. It may be because of this relationship with the university that he has been so quick to respond to his student's academic and professional needs. Specifically, Professor Sabatelli has exhibited a high amount of dedication to the Student Support Services mission. This is exhibited through his work, in conjunction with the Student Support Services (SSS) Peer Advisors, in the creation of a special discussion group for the SSS students that are in his HDFS classes. These discussion groups exist as a means of augmenting the student's educational experience as well as providing the necessary support in order to ensure their academic success. Professor Sabatelli also takes the time to provide one on one advising on possible career paths for the SSS students who major in Human Development and Family Studies. To this end he often goes out of his way to help the students secure appropriate internship opportunities.

David Gross received his B.S. from SUNY-Binghamton and Ph.D. from the University of Virginia. Before coming to the University of Connecticut's Math department in 1994 he had taught previously at both Stockton State College in New Jersey and Marshall University in West Virginia. From the onset of his time at UConn David has played an active role in supporting the Student Support Services program. For example, from 1995-1998 he was the Coordinator for the math section of the summer SSS precollegiate program. This position required that he assist in the hiring of the programs' instructors and creation of the courses' curriculum. The precollegiate experience is an essential part of the SSS program and in his role as Coordinator David played a vital role in ensuring the students success in transitioning to college life. He has also served on the Center for Academic Programs Advisory Board for SSS since its inception in 1999. As a member of the Advisory Board, David aids in the creation of initiatives and activities to augment the academic and social experience of CAP students in addition to providing support and advocacy for CAP, which houses SSS. Also through his work on other committees, David has shown the depth of his dedication to and belief in SSS's mission. Even while serving as a member of the CLAS Undergraduate Council, chair of the Mathematics Basic Skills Committee of Connecticut, member of the Department of Mathematics Undergraduate Program Committee, and as a University Hearing Officer David has shown that he keeps the interests and goals of SSS in mind.