Ballard Institute Advisory Board member emeritus Vivian Putnam has been awarded a “Outstanding Volunteer of the Year” award from UConn’s School of Fine Arts for her long and notable record of service to the School of Fine Arts and to the University of Connecticut as a whole. The award was presented April 24th at the UConn School of Fine Arts Awards Ceremony in the Jorgensen Center for the Performing Arts, where Ballard Institute Advisory Board member Patricia Verde accepted it on Vivian Putnam ‘s behalf. On May 16, at Ballard Institute Director John Bell celebrated the award again at an informal gathering with family and friends at the Village at Buckland Road in South Windsor.
Vivian Putnam and family
Vivian first came to UConn from the Midwest before World War Two, with her husband, who taught as a member of the UConn faculty for many years. Vivian Putnam then taught textile courses at UConn’s School of Home Economics for years. As a member of the Ballard Institute and Museum of Puppetry Advisory Board, and a tireless and visionary supporter, Vivian Putnam’s volunteer work has been central to its sustenance and growth.