Photo by Kevin Hinchey,
UNH Human Resources

"Conrad epitomizes what hard work and a good attitude are all about. He works with sincerity and he has his people's belief in him." Those are the words of Gerry Friel (Senior Director of Major Gifts) when speaking of Conrad Fredette.

Conrad began working in Parking Services at UNH in 1995 and has been the Phonathon Supervisor for the Foundation/Annual Fund for most of the past four years. As the person responsible for hiring, training and managing the 60 student Phonathon staff (who work to raise financial support for academic and scholarship funds) it's the sincere caring he has for the students that most stands out. "Some of the students have been with me for my entire four years working with this program," Conrad says. "It's a tough job for them - calling people and asking for money. Though we send letters to the folks they call beforehand, you never really know how the request is going to be received. And many of these students also have a second part-time job in addition to their studies. That work ethic will serve them well later in life."

A good work ethic is what Conrad Fredette is all about. In addition to the responsibilities of his position(s) at UNH he has also been a member of an AOP session "Moving On Up: Professional Advancement at the University", served for three years on the Operating Staff Council, and has been the official scorer for the UNH Men's basketball teams home games for the past two years. "You have to give back," says Conrad. "In my position I see alumni giving back and it makes me feel good to do it also. There is no obligation to do it but it's a chance to get involved."

When asked what he finds most satisfying about his position as Phonathon Supervisor, Conrad's response was "The genuine interaction and friendships I build with the students, past and present, who have worked so very hard to raise record breaking amounts of money for their school.

When asked who at UNH has had an impact on him, Conrad replied "I always thought Joan Leitzel was a very personable leader. She always took the time to speak to students, often ate breakfast with them in Stillings and listened to them. She was genuine and caring. I learned a lot by watching her. If you work here and don't take advantage of all the people and their great examples of how to work and live life, you're really missing something."

Conrad resides in Rochester with his wife and three children. Watching UNH athletic events and camping are a big part of their lives. "We have teenagers and they still camp with us and enjoy it," he says. "It's great that even as they get older they still want to be around us and stay involved in family activities. Keeping the family unit together is very important to all of us."