Pat receiving her award

Originally Published 23 March 2001

Coventry woman Pat West, one of the University of Warwick's shyest and most modest members of staff has been given a lifetime achievement award by her colleagues in the Hospitality Services Department of the University of Warwick.

Pat, from Queensland Avenue in the Chapelfields area of Coventry, is a catering assistant in the University's Sutherland Suite. She is one of the longest standing members of staff at the University. Starting work in the the 1960's but only taking on a permanent contract in 1990. One of her managers , Kirsty Woodward declared:

"Pat is unlike anyone else I know is Hospitality Services - her customer service is outstanding - the word NO does not appear in her vocabulary. She has a gift for making each and every customer feel completely special and an individual. Nothing is ever too much trouble for Pat. She is well liked and well respected by her colleagues and customers and is often requested to serve senior members of the University personally."

Pat received her award in the first of what will be an annual Gala Awards Dinner for Hospitality Services staff at the University. Three other awards were awarded to hospitality staff during the dinner:

• Gold Award Patricia Harris, Domestic Assistant, Jack Martin Halls Pat applied for a job as a Domestic Assistant in April 1994 at the age of 64. She was recruited as a Casual member of the Team. One year later, Pat wanted to stay on after her retirement date. Her mangers noted that "She has not, to my knowledge, had a day off through illness. At the age of 70 years young, working 35+ hours per week, running a very busy home life, she puts the majority of us to shame."
• Silver Award Kevin Lock (from Radford in Coventry) Porter/Driver with Hospitality Services.
• Bronze Award Emma Ferguson, (from Whestone in Leicester) Event Manager.

Further information about this press release and other media services at the University of Warwick can be obtained from:

Peter Dunn, Press Officer
Public Affairs Office
Senate House
University of Warwick
Coventry, CV4 7AL
West Midlands
Tel: 024 76 523708
Email: puapjd@warwick.ac.uk