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University of Hawai'i |
(808) 956-8856 Telephone |
For Immediate Release: |
December 19, 2000 |
Contact: Jim Manke, University Relations, 956-6106
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Iona Iona, Jr. |
| UHWO custodian wins building and grounds maintenance award |
University of Hawai'iWest O'ahu custodian Iona Iona, Jr.'s skills as as a plumber, carpenter, electrician and groundskeeper has earned him the 2000 President's Award for Excellence in Building and Grounds Maintenance. He was presented with a $1,000 check during the awards ceremony on December 19 at UH Manoa.
Sixteen UHWO faculty and staff members nominated Iona for the award they say he deserves. Called an asset to UHWO, Iona's work ethic, pleasant personality and superior job performance were praised.
"Dependability, resourcefulnesss and attitude make him an invaluable member of the UHWO 'ohana. He gives more than 100 percent of himself in this job," says Phyllis Tsutsui, acting dean of Student Services.
Iona has been the school custodian for the past two years. He is responsible for the day to day cleaning and maintenance work of UHWO's facilities, which includes the grounds, restrooms, numerous classrooms and offices.
"He believes in not only doing the job right but also to do it well," says Michael Yano, director of Administrative Services.
Iona consistently goes beyond the call of his duties to maintain the campus. Using his carpentry and masonry skills, Iona has assisted with the expansions of walkways at UHWO to better accommodate wheelchair users. He took the intiative to build custom storage shelving for the custodial room. He also remodeled an existing deck and repaired the sprinkler system. He fixes leaky toilets, misfitted doors, troubled air conditioners and faulty switches.
Kapi'olani CC's Michael Dang, UH Manoa's Hatsuko Kaulukou, Leeward CC's
Jae Han and Windward CC's Xavier "Frank" Chang were the four
other finalists also honored at the awards ceremony.
