Three UH Manoa faculty receive Chancellor's award for service

University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa
Contact:
Mia Noguchi, (808) 956-9095
External Affairs and University Relations
Posted: Aug 8, 2008

HONOLULU — The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa has selected three individuals as recipients for the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Chancellor‘s Award for Outstanding Service. This award recognizes sustained and exceptional leadership and service to departments and campus. The awards are presented to an outstanding APT (Administrative, Professional and Technical), Civil Service and Building & Grounds employee.

Sandra Enoki is secretary of the American Studies Department in the College of Arts and Humanities. As the department‘s secretary for 26 of her 31 years at UH, Enoki is indeed the "center and heart" of the department. She is highly respected by current and former chairs, faculty and students for her initiative, knowledge and dedication. As the "command center," she ensures the department operates in an effective and harmonious manner by providing calming advice and navigating through the bureaucracy. Her positive outlook, remarkable sensitivity and excellent problem solving skills contribute to a collegial atmosphere where all place "absolute trust" in her judgment.

Kyle Hamada, a Preservation Specialist at Hamilton Library, is responsible for the paper conservation and pest management activities. During his five years of service, Hamada has been an "unsung hero" and critical team member in the preservation and re-building of library resources after the 2004 flood and many rainy seasons. In anticipation of the heavy rainfall in Mānoa, Hamada continuously checks existing and new leaks during weekends to minimize damage and establishes appropriate protocols. His creativity and problem solving skills have ranged from building drying racks used to treat and quickly dry materials to the "Hamada canopy," which diverts water and protects library resources. Hamada works collaboratively with fellow staff and is able to quickly rally staff and student assistants in times of emergency. His dedication, knowledge and initiative are instrumental in the protection of library collections.

Wesley Seto is a Buildings and Grounds Maintenance employee at the Institute for Astronomy. With a positive, "can do" attitude, Seto keeps the Institute looking at its best and is always willing to assist with a variety of matters. He enthusiastically participates in various aspects of life at the Institute and has taken an active role in the annual open house, including organizing and coordinating parking for the general public. He is described as an ideal employee who is hardworking and conscientious. Seto is also active in community affairs, as he is a volunteer with Hawai‘i Civil Defense. His dedication and commitment during his 15 years at UH has been greatly appreciated by everyone with whom he has worked.

These three individuals will be recognized for their achievements along with other UH award recipients at the annual Convocation ceremony to be held September 9, 2008 at 10:00 a.m. at Kennedy Theatre on the UH Mānoa campus. The ceremony is open to the public and no reservations are needed.