Chancellor honors staff members for service

University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa
Contact:
Diane Chang, (808) 956-0391
Director of Communications, Chancellor's Office
Posted: Jun 21, 2010

Gary Rodwell
Gary Rodwell
Delia Gumayagay
Delia Gumayagay
Amelene Higashionna
Amelene Higashionna
University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Chancellor Virginia S. Hinshaw has bestowed 2010 Chancellor‘s Awards for Outstanding Service on Gary Rodwell, Delia Gumayagay and Amelene Higashionna. The annual award recognizes UH Mānoa staff members for outstanding work performance, service and leadership. Criteria include record of competence and efficiency, exceptional contribution toward the attainment of program objectives, finding creative solutions to difficult problems, and demonstrated integrity and dedication to the mission of a program.
 
“These three individuals are truly deserving of this award because they go above and beyond the call of duty. Our UH Mānoa ‘ohana is fortunate to benefit from their many contributions,” said Chancellor Hinshaw.
 
Rodwell is an information technology specialist with UH Mānoa’s Office of Undergraduate Education. Employed at UH Mānoa for 12 years, Rodwell took the campus Banner student information system and put a face on it, which is known today as STAR. With his foresight, expertise and can-do attitude, Rodwell continues to develop new access to information, including the development of Giving Tree, which keeps students current on timely scholarship information via the online process, and Data Matrix screens, which gives faculty and administrators timely access to course availability, enrollment information and student demands during registration. Rodwell’s work has fundamentally changed the way that students engage with the campus, and so empowered them with information that they now view themselves as participants in their academic journeys.
 
Gumayagay, with 19 years of service at UH Mānoa, currently serves as a janitor II assigned to various areas including Sinclair Library. Described as an “absolute gem,” she works around staff schedules to minimize disruption and meticulously strives to keep offices “exceptionally spotless.” Her special touches and conscientious way of keeping team members aware of safety issues, as well as cleaning areas from top to bottom and making surfaces sparkle, ensure that the staff’s work environment is a safe and productive one. Gumayagay’s genuine spirit of aloha, and her cheerful, positive attitude, are reflected in how she works and interacts with those around her.
 
Higashionna has been an office assistant III with UH Mānoa’s Office of International Student Services (ISS), serving the campus for over four years. Described as the “center of navigation, the core processor, (and) the heart of the ISS office,” she was instrumental in assisting the office in preparing for and maintaining compliance with new regulations and procedures issued by the Department of Homeland Security. ISS provides immigration advising and cross-cultural support to approximately 1,700 international students annually. Recognizing the immense responsibility, Higashionna diligently addresses the quality and speed of services to students, making sure that they are not compromised by changes in immigration law. She monitors requirements, and continuously safeguards processing efforts, improves efficiencies, and creates solutions to issues and challenges.
 
Rodwell, Gumayagay and Higashionna will be recognized for their achievements along with other UH award recipients at the annual Convocation ceremony held in the fall at the UH Mānoa campus. The ceremony is open to the public at no charge, and no reservations are needed. For more information, visit http://www.hawaii.edu/about/awards.