English Professor Sherman Han was honored for working 40 years at BYU–Hawaii at the annual employee appreciation event, called Ho’omaika’i, which means “to thank” in Hawaiian. It was held on Jan. 28 via Zoom due to COVID-19 restrictions. BYUH honored, celebrated and recognized the years of service provided by employees and presented exemplary employee awards at the event.
A part of the Faculty of Arts & Letters, Han said, “I am very grateful to have the opportunity to serve in this great University which has been like a dear family to me. As happy times go fast, 40 years feels like only a very short time to me.”
During the event, President John S.K. Kauwe III, said, “It’s just humbling to sit here and hear about the decades of dedicated effort and exceptional commitment that all of you made to our students.”
Kauwe said the videos and comments shown from the award winners and those nominated were inspiring, exciting and heartwarming.
“BYU–Hawaii exists for our students, and I just want to thank each of you that was recognized today. … I’m just grateful to be counted among you in this sacred and important effort,” Kauwe added.
30 years of service at BYUH
Taliana Pasi, Employee Relations & Policy manager, announced during the online event the employees who have worked at BYUH for 30 years.
Feao Heimuli, who works in Campus Property Services, was honored. He said, “Working here in BYU[H] helped me to know that I am [a] son of Heavenly Father.” Heimuli said he is thankful to have met many people from all over the world through the school and said he learned how to get along with other people while working at BYUH.
Salote Lautaha, of the Office of Registrar, has also worked at BYUH for 30 years. She said she feels blessed to work for BYUH because it is only a two-minute drive from her house. She has seen many changes throughout her years working at the University, such as the different buildings, school policies, curriculum and an increase in student population. It is a blessing to work with people who have the same beliefs as hers, she added.
Lena Tyau has been a part of BYUH Health Services for 30 years. Royden Christensen, a physician at BYUH Health Services, said, “I worked with Lena for four years and she’s our University nurse. Lena has impacted my work experience here in a very positive way. As a physician, if you do not have a great nurse, you are in trouble.” He said Tyau drives over an hour to get to work and another hour to drive home. Christensen said this shows her dedication to the clinic.
25 years of service
Laura Tevaga of University Communications and assistant to the president, announced the employees who have worked at BYUH for 25 years.
Craig Nakayama - Print Services
Lome Toluono - Facilities Management
Sonny Ah Puck - Information Technology Operations – Event Services
Kimber Brothers - Office of Information Technology
Paul Hurst - Faculty of Math & Computing
Phillip McArthur - Faculty of Culture, Language & Performing Arts
Ara Meha - International Student Services
Ualani Mo’o Nagy - Student Life
Rowena Reid - Faculty of Sciences Cindy Tutor - Information Technology Operations
Daryl Whitford - Office of the Registrar
20 years of service
During the Zoom event, Pasi announced the following employees who have worked at BYUH for 20 years.
Yifen Beus - Faculty of Arts & Letters
Darren Duerden - Faculty of Culture, Language & Performing Art
David Keala - Food Services
Leeann Lambert - Campus News
Mele Lavulavu - Campus Property Services
Rusia Mamea - Travel Services
Rochelle Uperesa - Food Services
Mele Vave - Campus Property Services
Eric Orr - Faculty of Sciences
15 years of service
Tevaga announced the employees who have worked at BYUH for 15 years during the online event.
Benson Chan - Enterprise Information Systems
Jennifer Chen - Faculty of Business & Government
Tevita Kaili - Faculty of Language, Culture & Performing Arts
Ramond Brothers - Information Technology Infrastructure
Mark Cannon - Faculty of Sciences
Chad Ford - Faculty of Language, Culture & Performing Arts
Michelle Fuluvaka - Enterprise Information Systems
Jennifer Lane - Faculty of Religious Education
Jamie-Lynn Meredith - Information Technology Infrastructure
Jared Nikora - Information Technology Operations
Braden Sika - Campus Property Services
10 years of service
The following employees were announced by Pasi on Jan. 28, as having worked at BYUH for 10 years.
Onjana Khamwong - Food Services
Lisa Faonelua - Faculty of Culture, Language & Performing Arts
Kellie Sailusi - Facilities Management
Mamoe Sanerivi - Financial Aid & Scholarship
Ted Guildner - International Student Services
Georgi Lukov - Faculty of Sciences
David Preece - Faculty of Business & Government
Russel Carlson - Faculty of Math & Computing
Gailyn Bopp - University Archives
Colby Weeks - Faculty of Sciences
Five years of service
During the Zoom event, Tevaga announced the employees who have worked at BYUH for five years.
Naomi Sellers - Faculty of Sciences
Shogo Falevai - Campus Property Services
Adriane Fonoimoana - Residential Life
David Fonoimoana - Campus Store & Auxiliary Services
Emelita Foxx - Food Services
Melissa Walker Glenn - Faculty of Culture, Language & Performing Arts
Alohalani Housman - Language & Performing Arts
Sung Do Jean - Financial Services
Jess Kohlert - Faculty of Sciences
Jihae Kwon - Faculty of Arts & Letters
Edward Maiava - Ho’okele Department for Admissions, Career & Alumni Services
Justin Marshall - Joseph F. Smith Library
Amelia Mauafu - Academics
Robert McConnell - Faculty of Arts & Letters
Renon Moors - Financial Services
Lenisi Pasi - International Student Services
Taliana Pasi - Human Resources
Marie Rodriques - Health Services
Leola Solis - Faculty of Education & Social Work
Aurie Sorensen - Edward D. Smith Center for Learning & Teaching
Gordon Tilley - Campus Safety & Security
Brent White - Faculty of Business & Government
Aniruth Bunmee - Food Services
James Brown - Planning, Design & Construction
Richard Cornwall - Faculty of Sciences
John D. Bell - Academics