Known as a hard worker who nevertheless knew the importance of humor, Tessie Faustino is retiring from a 33-year career at BYU-Hawaii’s Human Resources Department.
“I came in quietly, and I want to leave quietly,” said Faustino. Perhaps because of this, her staff surprised her with a retirement party on her last day, Feb. 26, 2016. They also compiled a book of photos of Faustino’s time at the HR office. “I love it,” she said.
Assistant Director Jeannie Soliai was hired by Faustino 20 years ago and has been working with her for the entirety of the time. “She’s a really hard worker. She held the whip, we used to joke about. Yet she’s fair. She has a humor side, too,” said Soliai.
Faustino said of her staff, “I’m close to my staff. We can joke and no one gets offended. It’s important to have fun at work but also work. I’m going to miss this place.” She continued, “At first when I hired them, they’d say ‘I was so afraid of you.’ But I’m not mean. I’m just doing what I’m supposed to do. I teach them work ethic.”
Soliai continued, “She’s like a mother hen, too. We are not just her workers; we are her family too. When things come up in our lives, she doesn’t pry but offers her shoulder for us. She’s been a good friend and mentor.”
Faustino worked at the Polynesian Cultural Center before becoming an administrative assistant in the HR office. Then she became the benefits manager, assistant director, and director. “I climbed the ladder slowly. Didn’t go up the elevator,” she said with a laugh. “It’s really a good ride.”
Soliai said, “She’s one of those bosses who gets right in there with you and gets her hands dirty. She’s there early and stays late. We can count on her. She watches over us like her flock.”
Faustino’s daughter, Sonya Law, said, “She doesn’t bend the rules for anyone.” She said when she and her siblings were in grade school, her mom would pick them up and bring them to campus. They would play at the pool until she was done with work, and then they would go home.
“So this is part of our life–having both parents work here. It feels like home.” Their father and husband, Jaime Faustino, worked in Financial Services.
Faustino said, “I’ve already been recruited to be an ordinance worker in the temple.” Her husband has been working in the temple since his retirement last year. She said she plans to travel to Alaska, the British Isles, France and other places now that she is retired.
“You earned every minute of that travel time. You’ve worked very hard,” said Ivona Mills, an International Students Office employee.