BYU Marriott Employees Recognized at University Conference

PROVO, Utah – Sep 09, 2019 – BYU Marriott's own Michael P. Thompson, Deborah R. Auxier, and Catherine Lee Cooper were honored at this year’s University Conference, held on 27 August. All three were recognized for their service and personal sacrifice to the university.

“Michael Thompson, Debbie Auxier, and Catherine Cooper are wonderful individuals whom we appreciate and admire for their devotion to helping our students,” says Brigitte C. Madrian, dean of the BYU Marriott School of Business. “Their recognition at the University Conference was well deserved.”

Thompson, associate professor of management, received the Abraham O. Smoot Citizenship Award. This award recognizes faculty members who demonstrate qualities of service and personal sacrifice to the university similar to those exhibited by Abraham O. Smoot. Thompson, who has been with BYU Marriott since 1988, was the only recipient.

“It warms my heart to know that my department chair, deans, and colleagues see significant value in the efforts I’ve devoted to teaching,” says Thompson. “Being acknowledged by one’s peers and mentors is a special honor.”

Recognition was also extended to Deborah R. Auxier, MBA event coordinator, and Catherine Lee Cooper, associate director of the Romney Institute of Public Service and Ethics, who received the President’s Appreciation Award. Auxier and Cooper were two of eight faculty members who were awarded a President’s Appreciation Award, which honors staff and administrative personnel for exceptional sacrifice, creativity, and competence. 

“I appreciate the confidence my colleagues have for me,” says Auxier, “but I have only grown by watching others who have set examples for me at BYU Marriott."

“The past 18 years have flown by and the people I work with are as or more deserving of this honor than I am,” says Cooper. “I suppose that is true of nearly all the BYU employees—they are a dedicated group of people who genuinely care about students as individuals. Working here is a privilege extraordinaire.”