Michelle Fernandez, LMU Event Management manager, is the 2024 Barbara Bonney Staff Member of the Year Award recipient. Announced at the Staff Senate Staff Appreciation Week BBQ luncheon on Friday, May 17, this award recognizes the contributions of a Westchester Campus staff member who displays excellence in their professional area.
Fernandez handles internal events, such as LMU’s Family Weekend and Special Games, as well as external events such as weddings. She was nominated by her supervisor, Kathryn Turner, assistant director for Event Management, who lauded Fernandez, saying, “She’s just someone who has always gone above and beyond what is kind of expected of her, and she’s really passionate about her work. She’ll pour her heart and soul into it to make sure that the client has everything that they need and everybody at the event is OK.”
Fernandez has been with LMU for nearly two years and has quickly become a valuable member of the team. “Michelle is one of our newer event managers, but every time she has worked with a client, they have been happy with her, even if something goes wrong,” Turner said. “In the event industry, things can go wrong, sometimes out of your control, but she’s always really good at managing those things and trying to prevent them from happening.” In addition to Fernandez’s work ethic, her energy stood out. Her clients and colleagues “all love her enthusiasm and her personality, and when calls for nominations were announced, I thought that should be recognized at a university level. I’m glad that other people voted for her and chose her to win,” Turner said.
Two weeks after winning the award, Fernandez said she’s still in shock. “My manager, Kat, signed me up for the award and I had no idea that I won until she went up there and started talking, and I was like, hold on a second. What?” she humorously said.
Fernandez credits her Cuban-born immigrant parents for her work ethic and success. “My mom always said, ‘I don’t care what you do in life, just make sure you’re the best at it and give 110 percent.’ I try to put my best foot forward and make sure that everyone sees that I’m positive,” she said. Fernandez also shared that being a cancer survivor makes her grateful. “I realize that life is short and when things are happening in my life, I always choose to be positive and smile and be grateful I’m living. I’m alive, and I have health, so I’m thankful.”
When in Xavier Hall feel free to congratulate Michelle, and be greeted with a warm, engaging personality and welcoming smile.
