Jean Takamura dedicated 42 years to the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, serving with professionalism, grace and a deep commitment to helping others succeed. Starting as a stenographer in 1960, she worked her way through increasingly trusted business support roles—serving deans, vice presidents and chancellors—before retiring in 2002 as secretary to the interim Chancellor Deane Neubauer.
On April 28, Takamura returned to campus to celebrate a new chapter in her legacy. She and her sons—Blake, Guy and Clete, all UH Mānoa alumni, son-in-law Joe Whittinghill and daughter-in-law Teri Takamura—attended the annual UH Mānoa Awards Ceremony, where the first recipients of the Jean Takamura Staff Excellence Award were honored. The endowment, established by her family in tribute to Jean and their father, Yukio, is the university’s first to recognize excellence among business support staff.
“The university holds a special place in my heart from my 42 years working there and that all three of my sons are alumni,” said Takamura. “I am thankful to my sons and family for establishing this important award that recognizes staff as key parts of the university. I met both award recipients. They are wonderful people and I am so happy for them to be recognized.”
Celebrating the inaugural honorees
The Jean Takamura Staff Excellence Award highlights the vital role of business support staff in the success of the University. Takamura was known not only for her attention to detail, but for her diplomacy, empathy and ability to build trusted relationships across campus.
The inaugural recipients are Michele Inouchi and Roy Tom, who both reflect the values that guided Takamura’s own career.
Inouchi, administrative officer in the Division of Student Success, began her career at UH Mānoa in 2001. Known for her “quiet but effective” approach, she plays a key role in fiscal operations, campus coordination and accessibility advocacy.
Tom, machinist in the Department of Physics and Astronomy, has served the university since 1967. His expert craftsmanship supports groundbreaking research, and his mentorship of student robotics teams has inspired generations.
- Related UH News story: From Moon dust to Antarctica: UH machinist approaches 60 years of service, July 30, 2024
“It’s unexpected,” said Tom. “Honestly, I don’t even have the words but it’s an honor.”
“It’s shocking—but I feel really appreciated,” said Inouchi. “I’ve been here for a couple of decades now, and this really touches me.”
Each honoree received a $1,000 staff grant in recognition of their contributions. Nominated by department leaders, the recipients were selected by Mānoa Staff Senate Chair Andrew Sesano and the UH Mānoa Provost Michael Bruno.
Through this endowment, Takamura’s legacy continues, recognizing and uplifting those whose work often happens behind the scenes, and is essential to UH Mānoa’s mission.
