Exemplary staff recognized with 2021 Division of Student Affairs STAR Awards
The annual STAR awards recognize leaders and role models at the UH Hilo Division of Student Affairs.
In a June 29, 2021, email to the University of Hawai‘i at Hilo community, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Farrah-Marie Gomes announced this year’s recipients of the Staff That Are Remarkable (STAR) awards, an annual event of the Division of Student Affairs:
Last Friday, I had the pleasure of presenting Staff That Are Remarkable (STAR) awards to eight individuals and two teams at our annual UH Hilo Division of Student Affairs retreat. Multiple awardees were selected in each category this year since there were so many individuals who fully embraced the opportunity to serve deeply and meaningfully. For pictures of the 2021 awardees and more information, please visit the Division of Student Affairs STAR Awards website.
Maile Boggeln from Campus Center and Sarah Lips from Upward Bound were presented the Go To Award. This award exemplifies a person whom others turn to for help or support. Characteristics of a “Go To” person include: diligent, selfless, consistent, pitch in to help, reliable, gets it done, team player, behind the scenes, If can…can!
Jeri Ilar from Office of the Registrar and Sarah Juran from the Advising Center and Office of Admissions were presented the Positivity Award. This award exemplifies a person whose positive attitude and outlook directly affects students and the greater campus community. Characteristics of a “Positivity” person include: positive energy, inspiring, aloha spirit, optimistic, cheerleader, encouraging, happy, calm in a crisis, collaborative, fun, takes lemons and makes lemonade.
Kenneth Kubojiri from University Housing and Chelsy Rapozo from Upward Bound were presented the Work Smarter Award. This award exemplifies a person who directs their time and energy for the greatest impact by incorporating new ideas, technology, and other strategies to maximize a positive impact on the campus community. Characteristics of a “Work Smarter” person include: creative, thinks outside the box, innovative, change agent, fearless, cutting edge, idea person, progressive.
The casual hire team of Maria Vicente, Keola Callo and Natalie Quinajon from Office of Admissions and Nikki Orevillo from Upward Bound were presented the Rising STAR Award. This award exemplifies casual hire staff who demonstrate a quality of performance that indicates they will continue to develop into an exemplary employee. Characteristics of a “Rising STAR” include: shows passion for their work, professional, dedication to their department and the college.
Dolly Roth from Office of the Registrar and Kīpuka Native Hawaiian Student Center were presented with the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Leadership Award. This award exemplifies a person or team whose management skills and interpersonal style inspires and motivates others to achieve their full potential or helps groups, teams and/or units achieve a common goal. Characteristics of a “Leadership Award” recipient include: “first among equals”, mentor, respected, leads by example, ethical, principled, inspiring, advocates on behalf of others, mediator, bridge builder, courageous and forward thinking.
Please join me in congratulating all of this year’s Division of Student Affairs STAR Award recipients. I look forward to continuing the great work that we all do together as UH Hilo and thank all of our faculty and staff for their many contributions.
