Anita Dupre, administrative coordinator for the Louisiana State University Eunice Athletic Department, was named the “2012 Administrative Professional of the Year” by the Eunice Rotary Club Wednesday afternoon.

Once, and still most often, called “Secretary of the Year”, the award has been given out by the Rotary Club since 1986 to recognize the individuals who make their offices and businesses run smoothly.

The name was officially changed in 2000 to reflect changing job titles and expanded responsibilities.

Over 175 employers and their administrative assistants were present at the St. Thomas More social hall for a special luncheon in honor of Administrative Professionals Day.

Cheerleaders and dance team members from St. Edmund and Eunice High served the food, which was prepared by Margo’s Catering.

LSUE Athletic Director Jeff Willis, who nominated Dupre for the honor, noted in his letter that Dupre began working for the university in 1974 in the Financial Aid office, and moved to the Athletic Department in 2007, and is the longest tenured employee on campus.

“One of the most impressive attributes Ms. Dupre has is her ability to welcome and make people feel as if they are at home.

“If you have ever had the pleasure to speak with or get to know her you would feel as if she is part of your family,” Willis said in the letter.

“In my ten years of employment by LSU Eunice, I know that the success of our Athletic Department is credited to the work she has put in. I also know that our athletic program doesn’t function without Ms. Dupre being a part of it,” Willis wrote.

Dupre spoke briefly after the letter was read, thanking Willis for the nomination.

The award comes with a five-day vacation to Branson, Mo., donated by KEUN AM and FM, a bottle of champagne donated by the Old Liquor Store, and $500 spending money from the Eunice Rotary Club.

For all those who didn’t receive the award, door prizes donated by several local businesses were raffled off following the award presentation.