Lyssa Murray, an international business/Spanish and human resources management double major at the University of Oklahoma Michael F. Price College of Business, recently received a national 2018 Heroic Hospitality Stars Award for Front Desk Employee of the Year from Best Western®. Murray is an employee at the Best Western Plus Norman. She was honored with the award at Best Western Hotels and Resorts’ 2018 North American Convention, held recently in Grapevine, Texas, in front of approximately 2,700 industry peers.
The Heroic Hospitality Stars Award is a special honor that recognizes and celebrates individuals who provide exceptional customer service and demonstrate superior professionalism in their everyday line of work. Winners also must be associated with the top performing hotels within the brand.
“The Heroic Hospitality Stars Award recognizes exceptional employees at our hotels who are committed to delivering outstanding service and creating memorable experiences for our guests,” said James Cosgrove, chairman of the Board of Directors for Best Western Hotels and Resorts. “I am pleased to honor Lyssa Murray with this award, as she is an extraordinary member of the Best Western Plus Norman and our overall brand, whose professionalism, hard work and compassion for others is a leading example to all.”
Murray was one of only seven hotel employees to receive this award, out of all staff at the brand’s 2,100 properties in North America. In addition to her front desk duties, Murray is credited with creating an internship program at Best Western Plus Norman for international students.
David Kong, president and CEO of Best Western, said Murray was nominated for the award because of her “outstanding performance and commitment to providing an exceptional experience” for guests.
“When I reviewed the award nomination submitted on her behalf, I was impressed by her commitment to create opportunities at [her] hotel for others to grow,” Kong said. “Through the internship she created at her hotel for international students, she is fostering tomorrow’s hospitality leaders, and I commend her for devoting her time to instill invaluable skills in others.”
Additionally, Kong spoke well of Murray delivering hand-written notes of encouragement to those visiting the nearby hospital and checking in on them to ensure they had a restful stay.
“Her work ethic and compassion for others are tremendous assets to our brand, and I’m grateful for her contributions,” he said.
“Connecting with customers through uncompromising service, attention to detail and empathy are foundational concepts Lyssa and her classmates are learning at the University of Oklahoma,” said Daniel Pullin, dean of the Price College of Business. “We are proud to see her applying her skills and work ethic in the private sector to benefit so many in our community and beyond.”
Murray graduated from Yukon High School with honors and lives in Union City, Oklahoma.
