Recipients of Faculty and Staff Awards

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University of Hawaiʻi System Level Awards
UH Hilo Annual Campus Level Awards
UH Hilo Biennial Campus Level Awards

University of Hawaiʻi System Level Awards

UH Board of Regents’ Medal for Excellence in Teaching

2024: Kerri Inglis, History
2023: Lincoln “Dr. G.” A. Gotshalk, Kinesiology & Exercise Sciences
2022: Bryan S. Kim, Psychology
2021: Justina Mattos, Performing Arts
2020: Kirsten Mollegaard, English
2019: Supakit Wongwiwatthananukit, Pharmacy
2018: Steven P. “Steve” Lundblad, Geology
2017: Adam Pack, Psychology
2016: Mazen Hamad, Chemistry
2015: Norman Arancon, Horticulture
2014: Alice Davis, Nursing
2013: Kalena Silva, Hawaiian Language
2012: Yucheng Qin, History
2011: Robert Pelayo, Mathematics
2010: Karla McDermid Smith, Marine Science
2009: Michele Ebersole, Education
2008: Mark Panek, English
2007: Raina Ivanova, Mathematics
2006: Judith Gersting, Computer Science
2005: Rebecca Ostertag, Biology
2004: Ronald Amundson, Philosophy
2003: David Hammes, Economics
2002: Michael Bitter, History
2001: A. Didrick Castberg, Political Science
2000: Terrance Jalbert, Finance
1999: William “Pila” Wilson, Hawaiian/Hawaiian Language
1998: Craig Severance, Anthropology
1997: Thomas Paradise, Geography
1996: Brian Tissot, Marine Science
1995: Joseph Halbig, Geology
1994: April Komenaka, English
1993: William Sakai, Horticulture
1992: Mitchell Anderson, Mathematics
1991: Michael Tanabe, Plant Science
1990: Miyoko Sugano, English
1989: Leon Hallacher, Biology
1988: Lorna Arita-Tsutsumi, Entomology/Plant Protection
1987: Jan Mejer, Sociology
1986: Jackie Johnson, Drama
1985: Stephen Damron, Animal Science
1984: Kenith Simmons, English
1983: Lawrence Heintz, Philosophy
1982: Carole Miura, Mathematics
1981: Walter Dudley, Oceanography/Marine Science
1980: Barry Curtis, Philosophy
1979: James Kelly, Geography
1978: Gary Best, History
1977: Richard Fleischman, History
1976: Don Hemmes, Biology
1975: Tazuko Monane, Japanese
1974: Jerry Johnson, Psychology
1973: Frank Nelson, English
1972: James Juvik, Geography
1971: David Purcell, History
1971: John Chan, Biology
1966: William Bonk, Anthropology

UH Board of Regents' Medal for Excellence in Research

1998: Garry A. Rechnitz, Chemistry

Frances Davis Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching

2024: Jennifer Turner, Psychology
2023: Leanne Day, English
2022: Tarisi Vunidilo, Anthropology
2021: Lissa Tsutsumi, Agriculture
2020: John Burns, Marine Science
2019: Matthew “Matt” Knope, Biology
2018: Patricia Hensley, Nursing
2017: John Hamilton, Physics and Astronomy
2016: Barbara Meguro, Computer Science
2015: Norman Purves, Physics and Astronomy
2014: Lisa Tostenson, Nursing
2013: Faith Mishina, Spanish
2012: Marianne Takamiya, Astronomy
2011: Sarah Marusek, Political Science
2010: Jonathon Awaya, Biology
2009: Lisa Parr, Marine Science
2008: Todd Belt, Political Science
2007: Jason Turner: Marine Science
2004: Seri Luangphinith, English
2002: Yoshiko Okuyama, Japanese/Linguistics
2001: Peter Mills, Anthropology
1999: Regina Titunik, Political Science
1985: Marlene Hapai, Natural Science

Willard Wilson Award for Distinguished Service to the University

2021: Frederick Dela Cruz, Auxiliary Services
2016: Mitchell Anderson, Mathematics

President’s Award for Excellence in Building and Grounds Maintenance

2024: Shannon Asejo
2015: Neal Nagao
2003: Frederick Dela Cruz

View more information and nomination forms for UH System Faculty and Staff Awards.

UH Hilo Annual Campus Level Awards

Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching

2024: Kevin Emmons, Nursing
2023: Nicholas “Nick” Krueger, Agriculture
2022: Susan Wackerbarth, English
2021: Benjamin Zenk, Business
2020: Patsy Iwasaki, English
2019: Heng “Helen” Tien, Marketing
2018: Lisa B. Parr, Marine Science
2017: Alexander Nagurney, Psychology
2016: Celeste Staton, Dance
2015: Colby McNaughton, Education
2014: Monica Minnitt, Spanish
2013: Rayna Morel, Communication
2011: Lauri Sagle, English
2010: Amy Gregg, Women's Studies
2009: Michael Skinner, History
2008: Nadine Wolff, Mathematics
2007: Karla Hayashi, English
2005: Samuel Gaison, Hawaiian/Hawaiian Language
2002: Robin Takahashi, Health/Physical Education
2001: Sue Aki, Anthropology/Women's Studies
2000: Cheryl Ramos, Psychology
1999: Becky Thurston, Psychology
1998: Grant Gerrish, Biology
1997: Faith Mishina, Spanish
1996: Kamila Dudley, French
1994: Brian Tissot, Biology
1993: Sherryll S. Mleynek, English
1991: Dan Brown, Anthropology
1991: Judith Hora, Business
1990: Michaeal Tanabe, Plant Science
1989: Miyoko Sugano, English

Koichi and Taniyo Taniguchi Award for Excellence and Innovation

2024: Kananinohea “Kanani” Mākaʻimoku, Kahuawaiola Indigenous Teacher Education
2022: Kea Kapahua, Dance
2021: Norman Arancon, Horticulture
2020: Larry Kimura, Hawaiian Studies
2019: Cheryl Gansecki and Steven “Steve” Lundblad, Geology
2018: Patsy Y. Iwasaki, English and Communication
2017: Lara Gomez, Pharmacy
2016: Mahavir Chougule, Pharmaceutical Sciences
2015: Kaleonui Hui and John Coney, Physics and Astronomy
2013: Philippe Binder, Physics, and Ramon Figueroa-Centano, Mathematics
2012: Lorna Tsutsumi, Entomology
2011: Keiki Kawaiʻaeʻa, Kahuawaiola Indigenous Teacher Education
2010: Richard Crowe and Shawn Laatsch, Astronomy
2009: H. Keith Edwards, Computer Science
2008: Cheryl Ramos, Psychology
2007: Errol Yudko, Psychology

Outstanding Advisor/Mentor Award

2024: Celia Bardwell-Jones, Philosophy
2023: Lissa Tsutsumi, Agriculture
2007: Cheryl Ramos, Psychology
2005: Alton Okinaka, Sociology
2004: Jon-Pierre “JP” Michaud, Chemistry
2003: Judith Gersting, Computer Science
2001: Michael Parsons, Marine Science
2000: Craig Severance, Anthropology

Outstanding RCUH Employee Award

2023: Paula Gealon, RAPD Fiscal/Post Award Administrator

View more information and nomination forms for UH Hilo Faculty and Staff Awards.

Student Employee of the Year

2023-2024: Nawai Makua, Campus Center
2022-2023: Lillian Lewis, First Year Experience
2021-2022: Sheadon Freitas, Office of the Registrar

View more information about the Student Worker of the Year awards.

UH Hilo Biennial Campus Level Awards

Award for Excellence in Scholarly/Creative Activities

2023: Adam Pack, Psychology and Biology
2021: Shugeng Cao, Pharmaceutical Sciences
2019: Tracy Wiegner, Marine Science
2017: Leng Chee Chang, Dianqing Sun, and Supakit Wongwiwatthananukit, Pharmacy
2015: Susan Jarvi, Pharmaceutical Sciences
2011: Rebecca Ostertag, Biology
2009: Philippe Binder, Physics
2007: Thomas K. Pinhey, Sociology
2005: Wayne A. Miyamoto, Art
2003: Don E. Hemmes, Biology
2001: Daniel E. Brown, Anthropology
2000: James O. Juvik, Geography
1994: Gary D. Best, History
1993: Kevin D. Hopkins, Aquaculture
1992: William S. Sakai, Horticulture
1991: Ronald A. Amundson, Philosophy
1990: John Hseueh-li Cheng, Philosophy

Outstanding University Support Employee Award

2023: Dori Yamada, Performing Arts Center
2021: Annette Sugimoto, Human Resources
2019: Marsha Oshiro, College of Agriculture, Forestry, and Natural Resource Management
2017: Janet Lindsey, North Hawaiʻi Education and Research Center
2015: Davelyn Cruz, Social Sciences Office
2013: Shana Kaneshiro, Financial Aid Office
2011: Kirk Mikami, Business Office
2009: Erlinda Walker, Financial Aid Office
2007: Yolanda Belog, Social Sciences Division, College of Arts and Sciences
2005: Debra Lynn Scott, Natural Sciences Division, College of Arts and Sciences
2003: Michelle Miyagi, Library
2001: Carole Kuba, Humanities Division, College of Arts and Sciences
1992*: Susan Kalima, Office of Academic Affairs
1992*: Miri Francis, Office of Student Services
1992*: Lisa Takahashi, Office of Administrative Affairs
1991*: Chiyono Kinoshita, Office of the Chancellor
1991*: Audrey Hirayama, Office of Student Services
1991*: Jean Shimose, Office of Administrative Affairs
1990*: Barbara Jean Saito, Office of the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs
1990*: Cynthia Reis, Library
1990*: Gail Inouye, Trade and Industry
1988*: Coreen Ishimaru, Library
1988*: Jane Mitsuda, Administrative Affairs
1988*: Irene Matsuura, Humanities Division, College of Arts and Sciences

*1988-1992 Staff Recognition Award - Staffers of the Year

Professional Staff Award

2023: Christina M. Requelman, Pharmacy Practice
2021: Malia Callo, Office of Registrar
2019: Sherrie Padilla, Financial Aid Office
2017: Lo-li Chih, Facilities Planning and Construction
2015: Nadine Hara, Fiscal Office, College of Pharmacy
2013: Corinne Tamashiro, College of Continuing Education and Community Service
2011: Kolby Santiago, Financial Aid Office
2009: Wesley Tanoue, Office of Campus Technology
2005: Jeff Scofield, Financial Aid Office
2003: Gail Makuakāne-Lundin, Office of Student Affairs
2001: Junko Nowaki, Library
1994: Winifred Tatsuta, Student Services
1993: Corinne Tamashiro, College of Continuing Education and Community Service
1992: Barbara Heintz, Office of Student Affairs
1991: Liane Sing. Graphics
1991: Susan Yugawa, Graphics
1990: Benelle Reeble, Learning Lab Coordinator

Excellence in Building & Grounds Maintenance Award

2024: Gene Okamura
2022: William Walters
2020: Levi Mangiboyat
2016: Kevin Hand
2014: Neal Nagao
2012: Gordon Mitchell
2010: Janice Ho Chee
2008: Neal Nagao
2006: Dean Miyose
2004: Alvin Miyashiro
2002: Wesley Kahakua
1992*: Gilbert Masu
1991*: Albert Yoshitsugu
1990*: Richard Urasaki
1988*: Paul Daikawa

*1988-1992 Staff Recognition Award - Staffers of the Year - Auxiliary Services

Excellence in Service Award

2024: Francis Ray Cristobal, Computer Science
2022: Comfort Sumida, Advising
2020: Norman Arancon, Horticulture
2018: Miles K. Nagata, Housing
2016: Mitchell Anderson, Mathematics
2014: Gary Nekoba, Information Technology Services
2012: Seri Luangphinith, English
2010: Barbara Leonard, Accounting, and Sevki Erdogan, Computer Science
2006: Marilyn Brown, Sociology
2004: Jackie Johnson, Performing Arts
2002: Alton Okinaka, Sociology
2000: Judith Gersting, Computer Science
1994: Don Hemmes, Biology
1994: Craig Severance, Anthropology
1993: Larry Joseph, Theater
1992: J. Anthony Fernandez, College of Agriculture
1990: Jeff Crane, Sociology
1989: Don Hemmes, Biology
1988: George Akahoshi, Director of Auxiliary Services

Pūlama ʻIke Award

2024: Patsy Iwasaki, English
2022: Seri Luangphinith, English
2020: Francis Dumanig, English
2018: Lee Barnette-Dombroski, Manager, Performing Arts Center
2016: Gail Makuakāne-Lundin, Interim Vice Chancellor, Student Affairs
2014: Emily Tarring, Counselor, Financial Aid
2012: Tim Moore, Director, Department of Campus Recreation
2010: Lorna Tsutsumi, Entomology, College of Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Resource Management
2008: Lynette Egusa, Counselor, Financial Aid Office
2002: Haunani Bernardino, Hawaiian Studies, Ka Haka ʻUla O Keʻelikōlani College of Hawaiian Language

Distinguished Service Award for Improving Student Life

2024: Lissa Tsutsumi, Applied Agricultural Sciences
2022: Matthew Kalahiki, Campus Center
2020: Mackenzie “Kenzie” Slayton, Campus Recreation
2018: James P. “Jim” Mellon, Global & Intercultural Education Programs
2016: Kaliko Trapp, Hawaiian Language
2014: Tom DeWitt, Marketing
2010: Iva Goldman, Communications
2008: Lorna Tsutsumi, Entomology
2006: Gail Makuakāne-Lundin, Kīpuka Native Hawaiian Student Center

View more information and nomination forms for UH Hilo Faculty and Staff Awards.