Andrea Dupras receives the NMU Outstanding Nontraditional Student Award
Andrea Dupras, the student receptionist for the Criminal Justice department at NMU, received the 2008 Outstanding Nontraditional Student Award as a part of the Board of Trustees Student Achievement Awards. The award recognizes her participation in extracurricular activities and projects, which have made significant contributions to enhancing the richness of the student experience at NMU, or benefiting the quality of life beyond the university community. A nontraditional student is defined as an undergraduate who is over the age of 25, or married, or a single parent, or is working full time, or has served time in the military prior to beginning their college studies. The Board of Trustees Student Achievement Awards was instituted to recognize the achievements of Northern Michigan University students in a broad range of out-of-classroom activities and projects.
Ms. Sue Young, Andrea’s supervisor, nominated her for this award based on her hard work, enthusiasm and professionalism displayed within the Criminal Justice Department. Andrea is a quick learner who promptly gained the trust of the faculty and they were pleased by her willingness to help with any task she was challenged to complete. Most noteworthy was Andrea’s assistance in managing the Criminal Justice department’s two Web sites. In the beginning, she quickly grabbed the concepts and wanted to be more involved. Recently, the web sites were converted to NMU’s new Web software. She was also helpful in assisting with the recruiting and implementation of NMU’s first completely online Bachelor in Loss Prevention Management degree. Andrea was influential in giving her perspective as a first time new student who did not understand the complexities of applying for admission and registering for classes. Andrea consistently demonstrates that she is a reliable, conscientious person capable of efficient and effective work worthy of recognition.
Andrea has worked full time since graduating from high school in order to be financially independent. She also finds time to volunteer for community events such as the U.P. 200 Sled Dog Races, and at the U.P. Children's Museum, in addition to being a full time student. Currently, she works at the NMU Criminal Justice department and the Marquette Shopko store. She is planning to graduate in 2010 with a Bachelor in Mechanical Engineering Technology degree, and then proceed to graduate school for Aeronautical Engineering.
Andrea will be recognized at the Leadership Recognition Banquet and the Board of Trustees recognition luncheon, and will be presented with a plaque. Her name, along with the other student achievement award recipients, will be added to the perpetual plaque located in the Wildcat Den on the Student Recognition Wall.
