Debbie Patrenets, a university conference coordinator for Gruenhagen Conference Center, has been named the recipient of the STAR Award for March 2010. She has served the University since 1977.
Marc Nylen, director of Gruenhagen Conference Center, nominated her. His nomination letter follows:
“For the seventh consecutive year, Debbie Patrenets and her fellow university conference coordinator in Gruenhagen Conference Center were directly responsible for the planning, coordination and total oversight of the Badger Girls State Annual Convention, held on the UW Oshkosh campus from June 21 to 26, 2009. The Badger Girls State Convention brings 800 female high school leadership delegates and 60 staff members to our campus to participate in a governmental leadership conference, which is sponsored by the American Legion Auxiliary in the State of Wisconsin. Debbie has provided exceptional leadership and conference coordination for this group over the past seven years and is seen as a dedicated, committed and passionate staff resource by the Badger Girls State staff member team and delegates.
“For the nine days the Badger Girls State Convention staff members are hosted by Gruenhagen Conference Center on the UW Oshkosh campus and the six days the Badger Girls State high school delegates are hotsted, Debbie is vital and instrumental to looking after every need of this important and distinguished client. She fully and completely commits herself to the service of the group, all day and night. She insures that all details related to space management, food service, safety and security, program management, technical assistance for sound and lights, guest lodging and recreation management are provided at the highest and most professional level. She places an extreme and significant emphasis on customer service and retention, which is reflected and evidenced by this group having been a client of Gruenhagen Conference Center/UW Oshkosh for seven consecutive years and having made a commitment to return in 2010. Debbie is admired, revered and very valued by the Badger Girls State Executive Staff team.
“During the Badger Girls State Convention week in 2009, we hosted a recognition celebration for the executive staff to thank them for being valued clients of UW Oshkosh. During this recognition, the members of the executive staff team shared how much they valued, appreciated and respected the great work of Debbie as well as that of Carol Kozlowski on the GCC staff team. They pointed out that Debbie and Carol provide outstanding service and always do so with a smile on their face.
“Debbie and Carol were instrumental in recruiting Badger Girls State to the UW Oshkosh campus, and for the seven consecutive years, we have served the needs of this valued client, they have committed and dedicated themselves fully to our hosting a successful event. The event management and coordination for a group of this size and with such distinct and ongoing needs could not be served by better staff members. Debbie and her colleague, Carol Kozlowski, are exceptional at their work as is evidenced in their service to Badger Girls State.”
Winners of the STAR Award receive a framed certificate, a reserved parking space for one month and a gift from University Books & More. The award for exceptional performance is presented each month to a member of the classified staff who has worked at least six months at UW Oshkosh.
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