News @ UOW
Opinions & Experts
Multimedia
Campus News & Events
Resources
 |
UOW’s Phil Smugreski wins Office Star of the Year title |
Phil shines as Office Star of the Year
When prizes are handed out at UOW’s Intelligent Polymer Research Institute (IPRI), the Director Professor Gordon Wallace is the usual recipient – but not on Friday May 1.
On this occasion, Professor Wallace’s Administrative Assistant, Phil Smugreski, was named Office Star of the Year at a special breakfast event held at City Beach Function Centre.
He was one of 12 finalists in the awards (selected from an initial group of 70) who were interviewed by a panel after he was nominated for the award by Professor Wallace who has been Phil’s boss for more than 10 years. He first joined IPRI as a part-time administration assistant 14 years ago.
The judging panel said it was one of the best nominations they have received. Phil, 35 from Lake Heights, defeated 11 females to win the award. Testimonials from visiting international academics helped play a major part in his win with one academic describing Phil as the “most effective administrator” he had dealt with in 25 years.
Phil said it was usually his boss who bags all the prizes so this was a real surprise.
He received a trophy, framed certificate and prizes including a tandem skydive, gift vouchers and a weekend for two in Sydney.
The runner-up at the awards was also from UOW – Sharon Wilson from the School of Nursing, Midwifery and Indigenous Health.
Monica Florez from UOW’s Wollongong College Australia was one of the winners of the “Most Loved” office stars category.
Radio station 96.5 Wave FM organised the event.