By Rebecca Wyatt Thomas, OU Web Writer

Tricia Westergaard, coordinator of undergraduate advising in the School of Business Administration, was formally recognized on Wednesday, May 23, as the 2007 Outstanding Administrative Professional (AP). For the reception in her honor, Westergaard was joined by some of the most important people in her life. Besides her coworkers, Westergaard’s husband, two sons, mom, mother-in-law, sister-in-law and her best friend and her children were also able to attend. Westergaard said they are instrumental in supporting her career and allowing her to take on so much.

The Outstanding AP award is given annually to an AP who demonstrates outstanding achievement in his or her professional role. The award is also accompanied by a $1,000 stipend.

Westergaard was nominated by her coworkers Paul Battle, Julie Dermidoff and Kellie Klinck and was surprised by all of them with a celebration disguised as a meeting when they received word Westergaard had received the award.

“To be in the pool of people who have previously received this award is amazing to me,” Westergaard said. “I’ve been at Oakland University for nine years and I’ve always strived to be at this level in my career. I’m just fortunate and thrilled that it happened so early for me.”

The Outstanding AP award comes on the heels of Westergaard’s March 2007 Employee of the Month Award.

“There are so many people at Oakland who work so hard and that makes it mean even more to be recognized,” Westergaard said.

Westergaard said without her family, coworkers and supervisors, she wouldn’t be where she is today.

“I feel very lucky I’ve had wonderful supervisors who have taught me something along the way and shaped me into who I have become,” Westergaard said. “This has been a really nice time to reflect on where I’ve been in the last 10 years and where I’m going in the future."