Awards

Introduction

The Administrative Professional Association's annual awards program recognizes outstanding job performance and service to the association by active APA members.

Deadline for 2023-2024 nominations: April 1, 2024

Recent award recipients

2022-2023 recipients as they appear left to right between APA President William McQuitty and President Montgomery: Karlee Pirrotta, Elena Wood, and Sara Volmering

  • Outstanding New Professional Karlee Pirrotta, Budget Analyst, WMUx

  • Outstanding Professional Elena Wood, Business Manager Associate, Graduate College

  • Tony Griffin Service Award Sara Volmering, Marketing Manager, University Libraries

Outstanding New Professional Award

An award presented to an outstanding administrator or professional with five or fewer years of service to Western Michigan University. Selection is based on the following criteria:

  • Recognized excellence in overall job performance.
  • Outstanding service to their specific department or division.
  • Contributions to department or division (presentations, committee work, projects).
  • Willingness to assist beyond normal expectations.
  • Dedication to the profession.
  • Shows initiative or creativity.
  • Nominee does not have to be an active member of the association.
  • Past Outstanding New Professional Award recipients

    Image of .

    Lindsey Palar with her trophy

    YearRecipient
    2021-22Mike Berdowski
    2020-21Nathan Nguyen
    2019-20Canceled due to COVID
    2018-19Alecia Chenault 
    2017-18Beth Northuis
    2016-17Lindsey S. Palar
    2015-16Jenna Gehl Jones
    2014-15Adam Arocho
    2013-14Jennifer C. Hsu
    2012-13Kerstan Ryan
    2011-12Kathy Purnell
    2010-11Daniela Schröeter
    2009-10Tom Krol
    2008-09Kirk Sundling
    2007-08Michael Vlassis
    2006-07Jennifer Bailey
    2005-06Laura Ciccantell
    2003-04Dr. Elizabeth Teviotdale
    2002-03Dr. Gary Kirk
    2001-02Felicia Crawford

Outstanding Professional Award

An award presented to an outstanding administrator or professional with five or more years of service to Western Michigan University. Selection is based on the following criteria:

  • Recognized excellence in overall job performance.
  • Outstanding service to their specific department or division.
  • Contribution to department/division (presentations, committee work, projects).
  • Willingness to assist beyond normal expectations.
  • Dedication to the profession.
  • Shows initiative or creativity in the profession.
  • Nominee does not have to be an active member of the association.
  • Past Outstanding Professional Award recipients

    Image of Tim Greene giving Derek Andree his award

    Derek Andree receives his award from Provost Tim Greene

    YearRecipient
    2021-22Denise Wheatley
    2020-21Laura Ciccantell
    2019-20Canceled due to COVID
    2018-19Andrea Bau
    2017-18Theresa Whitaker
    2016-17Derek Earl Andree
    2015-16Dr. Erika Carr
    2014-15Tim Holysz
    2013-14Suzanne Beals
    2012-13Judy Gipper
    2011-12Wayne Pushie
    2010-11Sheila Atherton
    2009-10Amy Seth
    2008-09Mary Ramlow
    2007-08Thom Myers
    2006-07Lynda Hunt
    2005-06Sue Oole
    2004-05Christine McDowell
    2003-04Richard McMullen
    2002-03Charlotte Giscombe

Tony Griffin Service Award

An award presented to an active member of the association. This award is named in memory of past president Tony Griffin. Selection will be based on the following criteria:

  • Active membership in the organization.
  • Outstanding service on an appointed committee or the Executive Board.
  • Significant contributions to the goals of the association.
  • Past Tony Griffin Service Award recipients

    Image of .

    Teri Schrimpf with her award

    YearRecipient
    2021-22Stephanie Radant
    2020-21William McQuitty
    2019-20Canceled due to COVID
    2018-19Malia Roberts
    2017-18Monica Liggins-Abrams
    2016-17Teri Schrimpf
    2015-16Michelle Loedeman
    2014-15Jeanne Baron
    2013-14Chris Voss
    2012-13Amy Seth
    2011-12Lynda Hunt
    2010-11Julie Nemire
    2009-10Joe Odehnal
    2008-09Gail Kurtz
    2007-08Faith Wicklund
    2006-07Tammy Boneburg
    2005-06Michele McLaughlin
    2004-05No Recipient
    2003-04Mary Ramlow
    2002-03Gail Kurtz
    2001-02Toby Boyle, Marilyn Kritzman
    2000-01Lisa Knutson
    1999-2000Joan O'Bryan
    1998-99Joe Odehnal
    1997-98Tony Griffin

Become a member

Interested in becoming a member of the APA?

It's easy. All WMU exempt staff are eligible to join.