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: Erica Glenn, Faculty of Culture, Language & Performing Arts
Scholarship: ‘Inoke Hafoka, Faculty of Culture, Language & Performing Arts
Citizenship: David Whippy, Faculty of Culture, Language & Performing Arts
Adjunct: Maclaine Day, Faculty of Culture, Language & Performing Arts, David O. McKay Center for Intercultural Understanding
President's Appreciation Awards
Monica Bannister of the Faculty of Education & Social Work was one recipient of the President's Appreciation Awards.
Monica Bannister is recognized as an exemplary employee who consistently demonstrates excellence, reliability, and integrity in her work. Known for her accuracy, attention to detail, and professionalism, she has successfully managed complex responsibilities with efficiency and precision.
During a period of staffing transition, Bannister willingly assumed additional duties while continuing to perform her own role at a high level. She later took the initiative to support and train a new employee, helping ensure a smooth and successful transition for the team.
Trusted and respected by her colleagues, Bannister communicates clearly, approaches challenges thoughtfully, and collaborates effectively to resolve issues. Her strong work ethic, willingness to serve, and dedication to the mission of Brigham Young University–Hawaii make her highly deserving of this recognition.
The administrative recipient of the award was Amelia Mauafu, of Assessment Services and Curriculum Services
Amelia Mauafu, of Assessment Services and Curriculum Services, is recognized as a steady and trusted leader who safeguards academic quality while keeping people at the center of her work. As University Assessment and Curriculum Manager, she oversees complex, high-stakes initiatives with precision—ensuring policy compliance, accreditation alignment, and the effective functioning of shared governance processes.
Known for her reliability, attention to detail, and collaborative approach, Mauafu works closely with faculty and administrators to strengthen academic programs and uphold institutional standards. Her thoughtful leadership style reflects a deep commitment to both excellence and service.
Through her quiet, service-oriented leadership, Mauafu advances the mission and values of Brigham Young University–Hawaii and makes a lasting impact on the university community.
V. Napua Baker Award
David Te’o, of the Office of Information Technology, received the V. Napua Baker Award.
David Te’o, of the Office of Information Technology, is recognized for his strong leadership and commitment to service. As his responsibilities expanded, Te’o successfully guided his team while fostering a culture of mentorship and growth among student employees. Under his leadership, students are entrusted with meaningful, real-world IT responsibilities—gaining valuable hands-on experience while strengthening the team’s customer-service focus.
During a critical campus network upgrade, Te’o led his team through an extended period of intensive work, ensuring systems remained operational through extraordinary effort and dedication. His resilience, steady leadership, and ability to motivate others were instrumental in the project’s success.
Te’o’s commitment to excellence, student development, and the university’s mission reflects the very best of Brigham Young University–Hawaii’s values.
Sione Feinga Award
The Sione Feinga Award was presented to Kawika Vendiola of Facilities Management
Kawika Vendiola is recognized as an exceptional leader who exemplifies the mission and values of Brigham Young University–Hawaii through his strong testimony of the gospel and commitment to developing others. He consistently supports and mentors his student employees, clearly communicating expectations and working closely with them as they learn, grow, and gain confidence in their roles.
Vendiola demonstrates genuine care for the whole person, valuing not only professional development but also students’ academic progress, church service, and family responsibilities. His thoughtful and attentive leadership creates an environment of trust, encouragement, and accountability.
Through his example of Christlike service, Vendiola fosters both individual growth and a culture of purpose-driven leadership within the university community.