BYU–Hawaii employees gathered during the first weekend of March to express appreciation for each other’s work, enjoy some good food together, and jam out to some local tunes.
Each year, BYU–Hawaii holds an appreciation banquet to thank the staff and faculty members who contribute to the university’s function and success. Rewards are given for good work ethic and for the time in service as an employee.
Yifen Beus, a professor in the department of international cultural studies, received an award for teaching at BYU–Hawaii for 15 years.
She explained the distinctive atmosphere of the work environment on campus. “I’ve worked at other universities in the library, full-time work, but not as a faculty member. So, overall, the academic atmosphere is similar, but because it’s a Church school, there are significant differences, such as the way people address their teachers as ‘sisters’ and ‘brothers,’ that’s pretty common; that’s very different from other places. But, overall, because it’s an academic setting, to me it’s not that much different.”
Workers from other departments were also recognized at the event. Marilou Lee, Food Services manager, has worked at BYU–Hawaii for 19 years. She said, “BYUH is a good working place, and there’s a lot of benefits, not to mention the values that we have here…it’s pretty awesome. I’ve been outside and seen how people work, and how their language is not helpful to me.”
Kawika Vendiola, an employee of the facilities management department from Laie, also expressed his appreciation of the positive work environment at BYU–Hawaii.
“The one thing I really appreciate is that it’s a church entity. In the morning we have an opening prayer, we have a spiritual thought, we have a morning exercise. Other jobs I’ve had, we don’t have a spiritual thought or opening prayer; you just got into the grind. The environment too, you don’t hear a lot of cuss words like you do working on the outside.
“Also, working on the outside is a lot busier. Over here, it’s more forgiving, which sometimes can be a handy-cap, but I like it, it’s close to home, a good environment, and I work with good people here. It’s always nice when they show appreciation for what you do, and having free food is always a good thing.”
Recent graduates of BYU–Hawaii who have stayed on campus to work were also invited to the event. Brian Lekhac, an employee who works with the IT database from Vietnam, said, “I really love working at BYU–Hawaii. It helps me a lot because I found a job already. There is a different spirit here. I appreciate all the staff that helps me to improve myself and to expand my knowledge. Right now, at my current job, the environment is so friendly, so I really love and appreciate them. As an employee, I’ve been working for one year since I graduated.”
Kapena, a popular Hawaiian band, provided lively entertainment for the event. Vendiola explained, “Kapena is an awesome group. Kapena is one of the legends here in the islands and I always love hearing them. You can never get tired of listening to Kapena. This group is so versatile. They sing reggae, they sing local, they sing Hawaiian music, and they sing old school music. They know how to get the party going.”