Rebecca Bjorkman, who works the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh’s Gruenhagen Conference Center as the building operations coordinator, has been named the recipient of the April 2021 STAR Award.

She was nominated by Marc Nylen, the center’s director.

Bjorkman’s nomination follows:

“During spring and summer 2019, Rebecca Bjorkman demonstrated exemplary and stellar service as a member of our residence life conference services staff team.

From January through August 2019, two members of the conference services team were on extended leaves due to FMLA. During this time, Bjorkman essentially assumed the equivalent of another full-time position in agreeing to serve in several new roles, those being university conference coordinator and operations manager.

She served in this role for  120 days and demonstrated exceptional service, dedication, commitment and skill. During our incredibly busy camp and conference season of summer 2019, she took the lead in the planning, coordination and execution of major conferences, including American Legion Auxiliary Badger Girls State; Wisconsin Football Coaches Association All-Star Football; UW Oshkosh athletic camp administration; and many others. She did so with an incredibly positive attitude and pleasant disposition that was equaled by her dedication, skill and precision in executing the broad, comprehensive details of events management.

Each and every day she approached her positional responsibilities with a sense of drive, and a fervor to excel. She committed herself to work countless hours in the months of January to August 2019, which allowed our Residence Life Conference Services operation to thrive, and to produce incredibly valuable relationships and revenue. She established a strong rapport with these clients and served their needs in an exceptional manner.

Bjorkman’s service to Gruenhagen and the broader residence life department demonstrate so profoundly the work ethic, integrity and commitment that she displays day in and day out. It is truly an honor to work with her, and I believe that she is most worthy of this distinguished campus honor. She has been a humble and selfless leader on the UW Oshkosh campus for the past five years and is so deserving of this honor.”