Andy Schumacher, Experimental Aircraft Association AirVenture and Oshkosh Placement Exchange Reservation Manager/Assistant Desk Manager at Gruenhagen Conference Center, has been named recipient of the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh November 2011 STAR Award.
Schumacher was nominated by Gruenhagen Director Marc Nylen. Portions of his nomination submission follow:
“Andy Schumacher is an exceptional staff member and a true asset to the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh. In serving as the Reservation Manager for the Experimental Aircraft Association AirVenture Lodging Program and the Oshkosh Placement Exchange Program, and as the Assistant Desk Manager for Gruenhagen Conference Center, Andy has demonstrated an exemplary and laudable commitment to the service of UW Oshkosh students, staff, faculty and literally thousands of university guests who take advantage of the resources and services provided by Gruenhagen Conference Center. He is recognized as a leader, motivator, and awesome resource by all current GCC student and professional staff members, as well as the guests we are privileged to serve. In his position, he assists in the deployment and day to day oversight of major events that bring recognition and pride to the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh. These two events bring approximately 5,000 total guests to the campus on an annual basis. The economic impact on the University and broader local community is significant.
Said Nylen: “We recently hosted the 32nd Annual Oshkosh Placement Exchange. This event brought 1,200 guests to our campus from 159 colleges and universities representing 39 states. As the Oshkosh Placement Exchange Guest Reservations Manager, Andy demonstrated an incredible commitment to serving our guests. He made a significant impact and impression on many of them. We received thank you notes, and e-mails that addressed how much of an impact Andy had on these individuals, and how the success of our event was predicated on his dedication, responsibility, kindness and hard work. This is consistent with the feedback we receive from guests who attend the Experimental Aircraft Association Annual Convention and lodge on the UW Oshkosh campus. Andy approaches his position each and every day with a desire to improve, serve our guests better and to make a lasting impression on our clients. He is succeeding in doing so.
Lastly, Andy oversees the day to day management of our Gruenhagen Conference Center Front Desk. This operation is open every day of the year from 7 a.m. to 12 midnight, and is a portal, point of entry and information center for the campus. The staff who work at our GCC Front Desk are all students at UW Oshkosh, and they are tremendous people who are lead by an excellent leader. Andy’s oversight of the selection, hiring and ongoing training of these critical staff members demonstrates his commitment to excellence. Our student staff members see Andy as a leader and guide who is approachable at all times.”
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 may be presented each month to a member of the classified staff who has worked at least six months at UW Oshkosh.
The CSAC Awards & Recognition Committee submitted this announcement. Faculty, staff and students are encouraged to contribute calendar items, campus announcements and other good news to UW Oshkosh Today.