Search | Menu Madison College student Aubrey Frazier earns Wisconsin Restaurant Association Student Achievement Award
Aubrey Frazier, a Hospitality Management student at Madison College, has been selected as the inaugural recipient of the Wisconsin Restaurant Association’s Student Achievement Award.
The new statewide honor recognizes a student who demonstrates exceptional academic commitment, professionalism, leadership potential and passion for the hospitality industry. Frazier was selected from a competitive group of nominees representing some of Wisconsin’s most promising future hospitality professionals.
“Aubrey represents what the future of hospitality leadership should look like, grounded in both skill and humanity,” said Dr. Lynea LaVoy, Hospitality Management department chair, program director and faculty member. “She is bright, dedicated, accountable, authentic and remarkably resilient. Aubrey does not simply talk about making people feel seen and valued. She lives that commitment through her work, her learning and the way she treats others.”
While carrying a full course load and working two jobs, Frazier has maintained a 4.0 GPA and participated in a global entrepreneurship study experience in Italy. Her hospitality experience includes work as a line cook, food runner, host, server and wedding coordinator assistant.
Frazier was formally recognized during the Wisconsin Restaurant Association's Women in Hospitality Conference on Sept. 28, 2026, at Monona Terrace in Madison.
Q & A with Madison College Hospitality Management student Aubrey Frazier
What does receiving this award mean to you, and what are you most proud of when you look at your journey to this point in your education and career?
Being the inaugural recipient of the Wisconsin Restaurant Association Student Achievement Award is an incredible honor. When I look at my journey so far, I’m especially proud of the growth I’ve experienced through my work as an event planner. Over the past year, I’ve been given more responsibility and opportunities to step outside of my comfort zone.
One experience that stands out was a wedding event last January. My boss was sick and needed me to take charge of the day. I had never led a wedding solo, but I trusted the skills and experience I had developed and felt confident I could handle it. The wedding went smoothly, and that experience showed me how much I had grown. I was proud of myself for stepping up, trusting my abilities, and successfully handling a situation that once would have felt intimidating.
How has your experience at Madison College helped shape the hospitality professional and leader you are becoming?
Madison College has been incredibly supportive throughout my education and played a big role in shaping the hospitality professional I am becoming. I’ve gained knowledge and skills through my classes, but I’ve also gained confidence and a support system that has encouraged me to believe in myself.
Dr. Lynea Lavoy has had an especially meaningful impact on my journey. She has given me so much support, reassurance, and guidance throughout my time at Madison College. She has taken the time to get to know me not just as a student, but as a person. She wants to know my story, where I want to go, and how she can support me along the way.
What I admire most about Dr. Lavoy is that she genuinely cares about all of her students and wants to understand their individual stories and help them succeed. That kind of support has made a lasting impression on me and has shown me what meaningful leadership looks like: someone who sees the person behind the role, takes the time to listen, and makes others feel supported and valued.
You’ve worked in so many different hospitality roles. What have those experiences taught you about the industry and about yourself?
Every role I’ve had has given me a different perspective on the industry and has helped me understand how many pieces have to come together to create a great guest experience.
Working in different areas of hospitality has also taught me how important it is to be adaptable. No two days are the same, and things don’t always go according to plan. I’ve learned to stay calm and communicate. Those lessons have been especially valuable in my work as a wedding planner, where there are so many moving parts and the ability to adapt is essential.
Most importantly, these experiences have taught me a lot about myself. I’ve learned that I’m capable of balancing a lot of responsibilities while still holding myself to a high standard. Maintaining a 4.0 GPA while working in the industry has challenged me, but it has also shown me how dedicated and hardworking I am.
You’ve said that hospitality is built through relationships, not transactions. How have your experiences influenced that philosophy?
My experiences in hospitality have taught me that people may not remember every detail of their experience, but they will remember how you made them feel. That is why I believe hospitality is built through relationships, not transactions.
Working in service and bartending showed me how important it is to take the time to connect with guests and make them feel genuinely welcomed. Sometimes it’s as simple as remembering someone’s name. Working in the kitchen gave me a different perspective, showing me that relationships aren’t just with the guests; they are also about the people you work alongside. Hospitality is a team effort and taking care of your coworkers is just as important as taking care of your guests.
Wedding planning has probably strengthened this philosophy the most. Weddings are incredibly personal, and couples trust you with one of the most important days of their lives. It isn’t just about coordinating a timeline or making sure everything runs on schedule; it’s about listening and understanding what matters to them.
These experiences have shown me that the best hospitality comes from genuinely caring about people.
