Week 1 – October 1, 2021

The nominee selected to receive the lunch this week is

Jo-Lianne (Lani) Moikeha, Student

Lani brought me a UHMC planner because we were talking in class about what a great tool it was to keep ourselves organized! She went out of her way to get one for me! I love how supportive my students are of each other’s success! Lani embodies that! Liana Horovitz

This week a staff member in the Kaiʻao Building made the selection.

Also acknowledging the kindness of:

Rebecca Alexander, Allied Health Nursing– I’ve been busy processing SQ’s and procurements the past weeks and Rebecca noticed that I haven’t been taking any breaks (lunch or water) and she purchased some “protein” shakes for me. She left a note on the shakes and it read, “You need to keep hydrated and remain healthy, if you have no time for lunch or water, drink these!”

Louis Escobar, IT/Media– Louis always come to action/help in time of need. We rely so much on his IT expertise to keep our facility operating. Mahalo for always taking the time to make things work for us! We so appreciate you! Theresa Tamanaha

Louis Escobar, IT/Media– Being away from the main campus, it not easy when we have IT difficulties, communicating back and forth trying to fix the problem. Louis always is so patience with us (no tech experience), especially for myself. He’s always there when we need him. Going above and beyond for the Molokai Education Center, He definitely deserves a lunch. Stephanie Dudoit

Thomas Hussey, CTE Automotive– Our golf cart was down and stalled near the Lawn. Thomas hauled our cart to his shop and repaired it without letting us know. He then brought it back to our storage, emailed me, and told me that he had repaired our golf cart and it’s all good.

Gloria So, ELWD/Coop. Ed/Career Link– Gloria is so amazing! She is always present to do her job, going above and beyond, following up on weekends with me on her days off to ensure I have things needed for me to do my job. I don’t expect this of her, she just does it. She is kind to tell me when she’s leaving the office, including she’ll be right back when going to the restroom or taking a personal phone call. Asking me if I need food, willing to buy food for me and pick up food for me because I’m busy with back-to-back Zoom meetings, etc… Very rare are we to find co-workers that exemplify additional qualities of true kind acts and for this, I feel extremely blessed to work with someone like her. Juli Patao

Rosie Vierra, Allied Health/Dental Health– Rosie has a sweet, welcoming disposition and greets everyone warmly. She also is giving and always shares with others. Kerry

Leslie Watson, Health Center– Leslie is the best!! I have contacted Leslie a few times this semester for a student who needed a Covid Test and she was always more than helpful. She answers the phone with a smile, assists with a smile, and never hesitates to accommodate.

You can see all the nominees – and their nominators – and read their inspiring stories here

Congratulations to Lani and mahalo to all UHMC Culinary Program “Acknowledge Kindness Today! Campaign” nominees!

Week 2 – October 8, 2021

Our very deserving winner is:

Kenny Hamada

(History 151 student) is so sweet. He remembered my 60th birthday and brought a bouquet of flowers and balloons to class to give to me. I was overwhelmed with gratitude for his kind gesture. Kenny has also been there by text or phone whenever I needed help on an assignment. I truly appreciate him. Thank you Kenny. Aloha, Lani Jo-Lianne (Lani) Moikeha

Also acknowledged for their kindness:

Linda Fujitani (Academic Counselor) cares about her colleagues. She organizes lunch celebrations and volunteers to drive. Linda recently took a vacation day to have the time to spend the day with retired UHMC friends. She makes everyone feel special.

Sonseeaya Holloway (ELWD) is always willing to answer questions and help with setting up rooms, Sonseeaya always checks in with the presenters who need access to the rooms to make sure whoever is using a room has the proper equipment for class and that it fits the needs of the event.

Darrin Ishihara (Friend of UHMC) volunteered and worked tirelessly at nearly every vaccination clinic held at UHMC and now at the COVID testing clinics. He is often seen doing the heavy lifting, such as putting away the signs and taking care of the trash. Darrin also taught us how to keep our cars clean. He is a cheerful presence and does all of this to help out.

You can see all the nominees – and their nominators – and read their inspiring stories here

Week 3 – October 15, 2021

We had just one nominee this week and so our very deserving winner is

Lee Nakanelua, Allied Health

DAILY Lee actively reaches out to students, staff and faculty, and contractors to help them succeed. She goes the extra mile routinely. For example, when we received two hospital beds from MMMC, she worked with the hospital, the movers, our nursing faculty, and O+M, to ensure the beds were in the right rooms and set up undamaged. Though there were definite challenges and some frustration, her support and accomplishment. She could have just stayed in her office and let them figure it out but she was alongside, actively facilitating and thanking them for their efforts on behalf of the nursing students. Mahalo, Lee!

Week 4 – October 21, 2021

Our very deserving winner this week is

Louis Escobar (IT/Media)

Selected randomly by an automotive instructor! Louis takes his work seriously and never makes us feel we are second on the list. His expertise has saved us so many times on Molokai, and we are grateful! TY Louis…. Theresa Tamanaha

Also recognized are Leslie Watson (Health Center) and Malia Ah Nee (IT)!

Leslie and the folks at the health center (as well as the COVID clinics) are amazing. They are there every day to ensure our students, faculty and staff are safe and healthy. No matter the situation, Leslie and her team remain friendly, sincere, and professional at all times. Their acts of kindness deserve acknowledgement and great appreciation. You rock Leslie!

Malia Ah Nee – We needed to order headphones and headphones splitters to accommodate a request from the Senators visiting this week (10/18-10/20).  Since we only found out about the need late Friday and I had many other things to set up and prep for the meetings, I wasn’t able to look to see who had them available until Saturday. I was able to find the 20 headphones and 10 headphone splitters at Office Max for pick up. I called Malia, apologizing for bothering her on her day off, and asked if she could order them for us and I could pick them up on Sunday or late Monday. Not only did Malia order them quickly, but she went and picked them up and left them in our control room for me for Monday. How awesome is that? Malia is AWESOME! Deanna

Mahalo, Louis, Leslie & Malia!

Week 5 – October 29, 2021

Our very deserving winner this week is

Thomas Hussey, Automotive

Thomas is always so helpful. This week he came to the rescue to charge our student assistant’s car battery so she could get to her class. Thomas is a “class act” for all he does for everyone! Mahalo for being such a great neighbor to our Health Center. Marlene Curtis

Week 6 – November 5, 2021

Our very deserving winner was

Misti Bell, ECS

Misti is always cheerful and a pleasure to deal with. She is responsive and handles her work with a can-do attitude. She sets a great example for her team and others around campus.

Also noted for their kindness are Beverly Agdeppa and Gemma Medina!

Beverly Agdeppa, HR – Despite never actually talking to Beverly this semester, she has shown great support to our program and students in guiding them through the employment process. While I think she may chalk it up to “just doing my job”, she definitely goes above and beyond mere duty by answering questions and giving guidance at all hours and doing so with kindness and patience. We truly appreciate Beverly’s presence here on campus. Craig Omori

Gemma Medina, Early Childhood – Thank you for brining the children to visit our campus last week. We commend the Head Start Preschool for your dedication and hard work in keeping the keiki safe during the unprecedented time.

Mahalo Misti, Beverly & Gemma!

Week 8 – November 12, 2021

Our very deserving winner was

Todd Mizomi, IT

I was struggling to use the Zoom equipment for the first time to bring in guest speakers. Todd came to the classroom to help and when he realized the guest speakers weren’t coming on until 7:15, he stayed late, returned to the classroom, and helped when there was a problem. Above and beyond in supporting an instructor and our students! Julie Powers

Also, noted for her kindness is Delena Fujioka!

Delena Fujioka, Business Office/Fiscal – Dee is always gracious to help our department with the many difficult procurement requests. She has also designed a valuable Procurement Matrix for all to use. We enjoy working with Dee as she is very patient, positive, and is always willing to teach us how to complete the difficult Forms – 95, 144, Sole Source, Super Quotes. Thank you Dee we so appreciate you.

Mahalo Todd and Dee!

Week 9 – November 26, 2021

Our very deserving winner is

Bryan Hieda, IT

I want Bryan and actually the whole IT team to be recognized for their extreme patience and efficiency but most importantly, their kindness to everyone as we have had to pivot this past two years of COVID. Bryan and his team have had a tremendous amount of responsibility put on them as we shifted to online learning; needing to ramp up internet access, computer accessibility, software improvements and everything IT-related dur to COVID. He has been responsive in addressing not only the faculty/staff needs but has also continually worked to improve the campus to meet the needs of the students as well. And I personally, have never heard him complain one time through it all. I wish I could nominate all of IT, but at least let Bryan and his team know how appreciative we all are for his team’s help and hard work.

Also acknowledged for their kindness are:

Brittany Bautista, Hoʻohui Club – Organized student-led events that centered around the Maui Food Bank, giving back to the community as a result. Has continued to help spread awareness of students with disabilities, and strives to lift people’s misconceptions of learning disabilities through Hoʻohui club.

Denice Griffith Gilman, OEP – Denice Gilman is a can-do, problem-solver who makes procurement pleasant. She is wonderful to work with and offers solutions for solving procurement challenges. Denice shows kindness and is generous in sharing her time and talents.

Liana Horovitz, History faculty – I am nominating my instructor, Liana Horovitz because she goes above and beyond to help her students succeed in her class. She helped with the technology for an assignment that I had recently. She helped me before class and after class. I know that it’s part of her job but she made an extra effort outside of class time to help me. I appreciate her making the extra effort for me to complete my assignment. History 151 student Jo-Lianne U Moikeha(Lani)

Mahalo, Brittany, Denice, Liana, Bryan and the UHMC IT Team!

Week 10 – December 3, 2021

Our very deserving winner is

Ann Emmsley, Agriculture/ Natural Resources

Every holiday season, Ann plans and implements our annual Poinsettia, Native plant, and vegetable sale. In an effort to raise money for our department while creating a learning experience in producing a greenhouse crop, Ann goes beyond the call to provide an opportunity for UHMC ʻohana and general public to purchase top-of-the-line Poinsettia varieties. She also passes on her ʻike hohonu by helping and supporting Agriculture students in our varied class assignments, outside of class time. She is an inspiration and mentor to both staff and haumāna, with her daily acts of kindness and her unparalleled commitment to training new and beginning farmers. For these reasons, I nominate Ann Emmsley to be the next deserving recipient of the Act of Kindness special lunch award… Lyons, PJ, Mach, Jake, & Nāone – Agriculture Dept. staff

Also, acknowledged for their kindness are:

Tomas Alday-Morales, UHMC Security – Tomas Alday-Morales from UHMC Security went above and beyond last week. Directional signage was needed for various holiday events on campus. Not only did Tomas locate A-frame traffic barricades to act as directional signs, he installed substrates for easier sign attachment. He then delivered everything to the Media Center with a smile and willingness to help even further. Mahalo Tomas, your assistance and kindness are greatly appreciated!

Ryan Daniels, Administration of Justice & Paul Thornton, History – Both Ryan Daniels and Paul Thornton took time out of grading to help the ECED program. They moved heavy furniture from hale classrooms upstairs to the new classroom in Ka Lama. Ryan literally moved heave, giant wood shelves up the stairs alone because they wouldn’t fit in the elevator! Julie Powers

Peter Fisher, STEM. Chemistry – Dr. Peter Fisher has worked as a lecturer and mentor for the college for many years. He is always willing to help out with events like the Science Olympiad or other student projects as well as assisting his peers in the STEM department. His patience, humor and enthusiasm for science makes working with him a joy. I think that he is one of the unsung heroes at the college who has truly committed his life to helping others where ever he is needed and shows kindness every day in his work. Sally Irwin.

Mahalo Ann, Tomas, Ryan, Paul and Peter!

Week 11 – December 10, 2021

Our very deserving winner is

Gay Gabuat (O&M)

Where should we start when expressing our gratitude and acknowledging Gary Gabuat? There are many times when he has gone above and beyond to have the Counseling Center ready for action each morning ensuring our safety as well the safety of our students by consistently providing clean and sanitized common area. Gary cheerfully greets us by name each morning which helps to start the day in the best way, so appreciated! He also works at keeping the Hoʻokipa Building quad and other outdoor areas beautiful. Recently we have noticed our office dehumidifiers emptied and running when we enter to start our day. This may seem like a small thing but it is so helpful in the process of opening and getting ready to work with our UH Maui College students each day! Mahalo nui for all that you do Gary!
– From all of us who have offices in Hoʻokipa Counseling

Also, acknowledged for their kindness are:

Thomas Hussey, Automotive – Thomas has been critical in keeping the campus security utility carts up and running, from engine repair, lights, to tire repair. We appreciate his willingness to help us despite his busy schedule and he truly is a team player! (Security Department)

Lawrence Martinson, Automotive – Lawrence organized a toy drive with the Valley Isle Automotive Club on campus. He dressed up as Santa and gifted the Head Start Keiki Christmas presents from his Santa sack. He came riding in on the back of a lifted Toyota. One child asked, “Where’s your reindeers?” He said, “They’re eating so my friends brought me in their truck.” He listened to all of their Christmas wishes and truly made their day! (Gemma Medina)

Barbara Ornellas, HR – Barbara’s kindness & willingness to always help me with HR questions big or small makes me want to want to extend aloha to others the way she does. Mahalo for being YOU Barbara (: (Leslie Watson)

Mahalo Thomas, Lawrence, and Barbara!

Week 12 – February 11, 2022

Our very deserving winner, who has 2 nominations, is

Kehau Newhouse, University Center/UHM Coordinator/Advisor

Kehau is truly a team player. Her vision always includes her counterparts on Molokai and her kokua to go above and beyond displays her dedication and kindness. She jumped in to help us solve a problem and we appreciate her! (Theresa Tamanaha)

Kehau Newhouse, UH Mānoa Transfer – When I initially came on campus and didn’t know who to ask what, she was very helpful in helping me understand the campus here and the larger UH campus and programs. Wow! That was a lot. She always continues to answer any question and her positive support and smile is always so welcoming!

Also, acknowledged for their kindness are:

Lori Chiasson, English – Lori goes above and beyond to support the English department and the BOSP. She’s so thoughtful and always has a kind word, a good joke, and a jar of candy (da good kine) at the ready.

Van Ho, Nursing – Van supports the first year students and fellow faculty with a kindness and gentleness that promotes success in stressful situations. Her eyes are warm and her voice is soothing while giving specific and well organized directions. She easily laughs and gives even constructive criticism with full hopefulness and belief in the receiver’s ultimate success. She is so empowering and KIND.

Thomas Hussey, Automotive Technology – Always willing to take the time to help keep the Security carts up and running. One of our carts had severely corroded electrical connections due to the recent rain, and although he was not at work at the time, he took time out to repair the problem immediately.

Jocelyn Watari, Library – She always goes above and beyond to help out the students, whether it be tech issues, library things, or just academic information. If a student has a question that she doesn’t have the answer for, she will look it up and call other departments for the answer and then she will get back to the student. She keeps the library running 🙂 (TT)

Jocelyn Watari, UHMC Library – She does everything she can to help out student as well fellow co-workers without thinking twice and doesn’t expect anything in return. WE LOVE having her here and she always brings up great ideas to help out students for the library feel more welcome. She’s literally the reason why the library is running! (TT)

Joyce Yamada, Professional Development/Faculty – I am nominating Joyce because she does so much for our campus. Everyone knows who Joyce is and knows of her persistence and dedication. But more importantly, of her kindness and generosity. She has an awesome team, but she sets a good example as a leader who is all about team work and positive encouragement. I don’t think “cannot” is a part of her vocabulary because she always has a “can do” attitude. She get things done and works hard for our campus, for the faculty and for the staff. Thank you.

Mahalo Lori, Van, Thomas, Jocelyn and Joyce!

Week 13 – February 18, 2022

Our very deserving winner is

Leslie Watson, Allied Health

Leslie has been manning the health center since 2015, Despite the many pressure of working in an active pandemic she always answers the phone with a smile in her voice. She also goes above and beyond when it comes to trying to assist someone whether it be getting a test, a vaccine or treatment. (Denise Cohen)

Also, acknowledged for their kindness are:

Moana Kahoʻohanohano, Counseling – Moana is a powerful advocate for inclusion and equity, reminding us that we all have varied life experiences and to never pass judgement on anyone before truly understanding their situation and needs. Moana deserves to be honored for her patience, grace, and positive attitude in refocusing how we see and serve students requiring accommodations.

Jocelyn Watari, Library – Access to tech is critical for online courses and for submitting work electronically. Jocelyn goes out of her way to accommodate students in their access to and borrowing of tech devices. She takes into consideration individual circumstances when making decisions and flexibility applies rules to support students’ academic efforts. Jocelyn is incredibly gracious. She helped me with extending a loan on a device so I could finish an assignment for which an instructor reset a deadline past the end of the fall term. I really appreciate staff members like Jocelyn who put students first.

Mahalo Leslie, Moana and Jocelyn!

Week 14 – March 18, 2022

Our very deserving winner is

Regina Corniel, Academic Affairs

Regina Corniel displays kindness every day in her welcoming smile and readiness to help. Recently, Regina represented the state autism advocates in raising awareness of autism issues with all four members of our Congressional delegation. Regina’s kindness extends to her colleagues at Maui College and her community. Mahalo, Regina for all that you do!

Also, acknowledged for their kindness are:

Kealiʻi Ballao, TLC–  Kealiʻi goes above and beyond when it comes to assisting students struggling with their assignments. He takes the time to get to know the individual circumstances of each student and is always willing to go the extra mile to accommodate them. On several occasions I noticed that he was working after hours on his own time to help students with their assignments. He is such a positive role model to the students that he mentors, and he deserves recognition for his unwavering commitment to student success.

Mahalo Regina and Kealiʻi!

Week 15 – March 25, 2022

Our very deserving winner is

Jessica Thyne McGuire

Also recognized are Talia Purdy and Cindy Yamamoto!

Talia and Jessica are always willing to help. Hosting a Job Fair and overseeing grants take a lot of work and without Support Staff professionals; we cannot complete tasks without them. They have been super helpful in verifying costs and overlooking Kuali entries to help me keep track of Employer Partners. Mahalo to you both for going the extra mile! Also, thanks to Cindy Yamamoto for allowing Talia and Jess to help me with this project too. (Juli Patao)

Mahalo Jessica, Talia, and Cindy!

Week 16 – April 1, 2022

Our very deserving winner is

Tikki Bisbee, TRIO SSS

Tikki goes above and beyond with our students who are facing challenges. Most recently, Tikki took the time to help a student who was going through personal challenges. Although this is a busy time for our team, Tikki patiently worked with this student and provided the help the student needed. She is always kind and compassionate. I am so proud to work alongside Tikki and for her great example. (Luana Kawaʻa)

Also, acknowledged for their kindness are:

Chalysse Young-Uʻu, ELWD–  Unending patience and kindness assisting hundreds of trades apprenticeship students with obtaining their UH UserIDs for the first time. (Karen Hanada)

Mahalo Tikki and Chalysse!

Week 17

Our very deserving winner, having 4 nominations, is

Melissa Yoshioka

Melissa consistently displays a kind demeanor. When trying to replicate some difficult compliance documents, Melissa answered my email on the weekend to keep me moving. She supported us during the review of 133 applicants by supplying required outside data with efficiency and expertise. All semester she has helped us problem solve and thrive using the classroom in the TLC building. Thank you Melissa: your kindness has made us stronger! She is an unsung hero.

Melissa is my proctoring hero.. Always there to answer and rescue me with different exam type questions. Her ongoing act of kindness is displayed daily. She has mentored me through all the proctoring processes, and she continues to be there for all my last minute calls. Mahalo for your expertise and kokua! Mahalo Melissa!!! (Theresa Tamanaha)

Melissa has many times taken other employees under her wing. I have seen Melissa not only give her time and knowledge to staff and faculty and students throughout the campus but also the community many times over. She has a heart of gold and helps others not only realize that they have potential but also helps them reach their potential against any kind of adversity that may come their way. Most recently, it was Melissa that was able to recruit multiple employees to come and be a part of the opening ceremony/greeting for the WASCUC committee. In Melissa’s presence, everyone feels welcome and a part of the something special.

Melissa has been a constant source of support for UHMC! Her helpful, cheerful assistance to faculty, lecturers, staff members and especially students is AWESOME! Academic Affairs and academic departments couldn’t do it without her. Mahalo Melissa! (Kim)

Mahalo Melissa!

Week 18

Our very deserving winner is

April Furst!

April Furst, Senior Unit Clerical, Sodexo Campus Services – April and Kevin work for Sodexo and Doug at Paina Bldg., they are all amazing and so willing to help customers from making sure we picked up our food orders during takeout service, informing customers of Paina operating hours/schedule, collecting our $$$, providing a bag if we have too much food to carry. They are simply kind, outstanding and very customer service oriented to our UHMC Ohana. Doug is also so accommodating of our campuses needs with hosting events such as Job Fair dates using Paina Bldg. Likewise, Mike Asami is so quick and efficient with the ins/outs of Paina Bldg. equipment, cleaning, setting up tables, and coordinating the details as we are thankful for having a well-kept manicured building. We appreciate you all and thank you for being our colleagues 🙂 (Juli)

Mahalo April, Kevin, Douglas and Mike!