University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa custodian Kim Nishimura has been honored with the President’s Award for Excellence in Buildings and Grounds Maintenance. The award is given to an individual who has exhibited sustained superior performance in a maintenance, landscaping, custodial or trucking position.
Nishimura’s hard-working professional attitude represents the core of this award. The faculty, staff and students in the Keller Hall and Physical Science Building (PSB) offices praise her dedication, positive attitude and consistent drive to go above and beyond her assigned duties. Known as “Aunty Kim” and “Miss Aloha,” Nishimura is an undeniable asset to the UH Mānoa campus.
Here’s what her fans have to say:
- From the beginning, Kim’s work ethic, dedication and pride in a job well done were apparent. There was a dramatic transformation, from classrooms, offices and bathrooms that had for years received minimal attention, to facilities where even the door knobs are regularly polished.
- Kim has an open heart and an enthusiasm to help the people working and studying in Keller Hall which propels the level of care that she has for this building. Her love of the job shows in everything she does.
- Whether they need something cleaned or simply need directions, Kim goes about her job with a smile and good humor. I have known Kim to give food to our graduate students because she worries about them.
- Kim has become an indispensable fixture in our department. She shows aloha to everyone who passes Keller and PSB both in her personal interactions and by keeping these buildings at a peak level of cleanliness.
Several aspects of Nishimura’s work during the COVID-19 pandemic deserve special mention beyond her dedicated disinfecting of high-touch surfaces. Light classroom and office use has resulted in birds occupying window ledges. Nishimura maintains sanitary conditions and prevents corrosion by regularly removing nests and cleaning droppings. Also, with staff working from home, students looking for assistance often find department offices closed and Nishimura cheerfully helps them with directions, contact information and anything else she can.
Nishimura has an open heart and an enthusiasm to help the people working and studying in Keller Hall and PSB. Her love of the job shows in everything she does.
