Brigham Young University–Hawaii is pleased to announce this year's recipients of the Faculty Awards for Teaching, Scholarship, Citizenship, and Adjunct, the Sione Feinga Award, the V. Napua Baker Award, and President's Appreciation Awards. These awards acknowledge exceptional employees who have demonstrated a strong commitment and dedication to their roles within the university.
Faculty Awards
The following award recipients have demonstrated exceptional care for students, leadership, mentoring, self-improvement, and teamwork skills.
Teaching: Jared Marcum, Faculty of Religious Education
Scholarship: Daniel Sharp, Faculty of Culture, Language & Performing Arts
Citizenship: Darren Duerden, Faculty of Culture, Language & Performing Arts
Adjunct: Rebekah Strain, Faculty of Religious Education, Faculty of Culture, Language & Performing Arts
President's Appreciation Awards
Vatau Bridges of Campus Security was one recipient of the President's Appreciation Awards.
Vatau Bridges is recognized for her dedication and leadership within her department. Her nominator described her as “someone that [guards] trust because of her loving nature and high standard of work ethic.”
She regularly supports her team, checking in on colleagues even when off duty and taking initiative to improve department operations. “She is always moving around campus, and often gets stopped by current and former student guards who just want to give her a hug and say hi.”
Vatau is also known for her generosity. Her nominator shared that when she learned a guard’s shoes had holes, “she gifted him with a new pair that she paid for herself.” She also personally organized a Christmas party when scheduling challenges prevented the department from having one.
“She never backs down when it comes to the safety of our students on campus,” her nominator said, highlighting her strong commitment to the university community.
The administrative recipient of the award was Marisa Aoki of Marketing and Communications.
Marisa Aoki is recognized for her leadership, innovation, and dedication to strengthening BYU–Hawaii’s brand. One nominator highlighted her role in ensuring “our brand is not only understood but embraced throughout the university,” crediting her with training employees to represent it with “clarity and consistency.”
Her work extends beyond her immediate responsibilities, inspiring colleagues to improve their own processes. “Many of the processes she has implemented in her area have sparked new ideas for me personally,” one nominator shared, adding that her creativity and focus have helped others become more effective in their roles.
Marisa is also known for her commitment to mentorship and education. “Her commitment to building leaders and disciples extends beyond her office, as she now teaches at BYUH,” another nominator stated. Her influence is felt across BYUH, as “no matter where you go on campus, you can feel the impact of Marisa's work.”
Her nominators praised her patience, work ethic, and deep understanding of the university’s mission. “She humbly helps all around her, constantly answering endless questions with exactness and patience,” one noted. Through her efforts, Marisa continues to positively shape the student experience at BYU–Hawaii.
V. Napua Baker Award
Daniel Maneha, Facilities Management services manager, received the V. Napua Baker Award.
Daniel Maneha is recognized for his dedication, professionalism, and leadership. One nominator described him as someone who “works very hard for his employees” and is “careful and considerate to those that work for him.”
He takes full responsibility for challenges, ensuring issues are addressed thoroughly. A colleague recalled an instance when, as a new FM services manager, he received a complaint about some of the facilities on campus. “Although he already did trainings with his team on that exact issue, he didn't make any excuses. Instead, he chose to own the problem and address it immediately,” later reinforcing expectations with additional training.
Daniel is also known for his integrity and support for his employees. “He continues to believe in others even when they fall short,” his nominator shared, adding, “My experience working here at BYU–Hawaii has been greatly blessed because of Daniel Maneha.”
Sione Feinga Award
The Sione Feinga Award was presented to Maria Feagai of the Academic Multimedia Lab.
Maria Feagai is recognized for her dedication to serving students, faculty, and staff with kindness and creativity. One nominator described her as “an example of exceptional service” who has been “always positive and the best example of a disciple of Jesus Christ.”
Her work in the Academic Multi-Media Lab has helped countless students bring their assignments and presentations to life. A colleague shared the story of a student who, unsure how to create a poster, sought Maria’s help. “Through Maria’s listening ear and patience, she guided the student to produce what was needed.” After his presentation, he returned to thank her, one of “thousands over the past 20 years” who have benefited from her expertise.
Maria’s colleagues praise her ability to handle last-minute projects with grace, mentoring students who, in turn, reflect her “love of Christ.” Another nominator shared, “She exemplifies the spirit of what BYU–Hawaii is all about—leading, learning, teaching, and having the pure love of Christ.” Whether assisting with last-minute projects or guiding her student employees, Maria’s impact is felt across campus through her talent, patience, and unwavering dedication.