09/22/2026
Oh what a night! Please join us in congratulating UHart’s exceptional alumni who received Anchor Awards, including two of our very own: Bobbi McNeil' 94 and Shanell Farmer-Rowe ’18 (LEAD).
Bobbi McNeil ’94, a former radiology director at Hartford Hospital, served on the board of directors of The Women's Advancement Initiative, the university’s Board of Regents, Alumni Advisory Council, and the inaugural College of Education, Nursing, and Health Professions’ Board of Visitors. Although now retired, Bobbi intends never to retire from volunteering and philanthropic activity. She is dedicated to causes such as increasing scholarship availability for students and supporting programs that develop future leaders. Among the groups and boards on which she has served are the Association of Vascular and Interventional Radiographers and My Sister's Place, a nonprofit agency that provides transitional housing for women and children in need.
Shanell Farmer-Rowe ’18 (LEAD) is the London-based Director of Strategic Alliances at First Book, a national nonprofit that has delivered over 225 million books and resources to educators nationwide. A Brooklyn native, she built her early foundation in public relations, advertising, and business leadership while majoring in communications and minoring in business administration at UHart. Following her undergraduate studies, she earned an MBA in investment and portfolio management as a Forte Fellow at George Washington University, where she held leadership roles with the GW Graduate Finance Society and the National Black MBA Association. Today, Farmer-Rowe channels her strategic and financial background into expanding educational access for youth in underserved communities while staying actively involved in alumni governance and student mentorship.
The Anchor Awards are the University of Hartford's most prestigious alumni awards, recognizing and celebrating alumni who have excelled professionally and made significant contributions to their communities. Congratulations, and thank you for making a difference in the world by shining your light to illuminate the pathway for others.
