Dr. Gracia Mui and her mother (Tina Encarnacion photo)

JAN. 8, 2026—UConn Health gathered for an Evening of Excellence, celebrating two of the institution’s most meaningful honors: the Dr. Peter J. Deckers Employee Appreciation Award and the 2026 Dr. Richard Simon Excellence in Neuroscience Award.

The ceremony recognized Leslie Bell (pictured above, accepting the award with her mother), psychiatry administrative director in nursing administration, as the 2025 recipient of the Dr. Deckers Award, and Dr. Gracia Mui, neurology attending and neurointensivist, as the recipient of the Dr. Richard Simon Award.

The Evening of Excellence also celebrated an exceptional group of nominees whose dedication and leadership reflect the highest standards of UConn Health. 

From left: Irene Cordilico, Dr. Richard Simon, Dr. Peter Deckers, Dr. Yasser Al-Baghdadi, Dr. Gracia Mui, Dr. Dirk Stanley, Leslie Bell, Kristy Smith, Mary Hernandez and Dr. Evan Jellison (Tina Encarnacion photo)

Watch the ceremony: