Music professor Michael Belnap (on the right in photo to the left) was recognized as the BYU-Hawaii 2007 Teacher of the Year by the President's Council during the annual BYU-Hawaii 'ohana [faculty and staff "family"] meeting held Friday, 24 August, in the McKay Auditorium. Ten university staff members were also recognized for their "exemplary service."
Before presenting the awards, BYU-Hawaii President Steven C. Wheelwright pointed out that many were nominated for the annual honors. The President's Council carefully considered and then selected awardees who are "exemplary in every respect — in terms of their testimony, their diligence in carrying out their work, their attitude, the spirit they bring to the office or the classroom."
"I found it very difficult to do this," Wheelwright continued. "Partly because I didn't know all of those who had been nominated, but also because there are so many who are exemplary in so many different ways. We're grateful to all of you for that effort and the wonderful spirit you bring to the campus."
In presenting the Teacher of the Year Award, President Wheelwright cited Professor Belnap's many accomplishments during the BYU-Hawaii Concert Choir tour to China and Mongolia in May. "He blended musicality and presence to such a degree that audiences from Urumqi to Ulaanbaatar were often overwhelmed. The students sang like angels, according to the audience response in all venues."
Wheelwright added that the vice director of the Mongolian choir the BYU-Hawaii group performed with said Professor Belnap's students "were more than anyone ever expected." The choir director "voiced the sentiments of many as he extolled not only the professionalism of the performance, but the passion for the music evident in all that they did."
"Michael Belnap's devotion to musical excellence, and his unwavering commitment to the unique mission of BYU-Hawaii, and especially to the students themselves, was evident throughout the long preparation for and the actual presentation of more than three dozen tour performances, exchanges, and devotionals internationally," Wheelwright continued. "The choir not only raised the visibility of the university through their music, but also by their actions during the many one-on-one contacts with audiences and students alike."
On behalf of the Polynesian Cultural Center, Les Steward, assistant to the president, presented Belnap with a check for $1,000. "You're part of our 'ohana, too," he said. To the new faculty and staff in the audience, he added that the PCC "will continue to support this great university in various and many ways so students from all over the world will receive a world-class education."
The respective members of the President's Council presented the exemplary service awards to:
• Lupe Piena, international student and honor code counselor. "The students love her because she truly is their advocate," said Isi Kongaika, BYU-Hawaii vice president of student affairs.
• Kevin Schlag, director of web development and IT projects. "He has the exceptional talent of being able to bring people together and accomplish goals," said Chief Information Officer Jim Nilson.
• Brian Blum, director of financial services. "A man of great integrity and loyalty, he is always mindful of BYU-Hawaii's mission and that we're dealing with sacred funds," said Mike Bliss, BYU-Hawaii vice president of administrative services.
• Tessie Faustino, director of human resources. "She has helped mold HR into what it is today," Bliss said. "Tessie constantly goes above and beyond the call of duty."
• Connie Moffat, health center medical assistant. "She is very thorough and dedicated. Her special gift is she makes the patients feel at ease and at home," Bliss said.
• Rochelle Uperesa, food services catering manager. "Rochelle always demonstrates an outstanding work ethic, hard work and dependability, regardless of the circumstances," Bliss said.
• Michael Sudlow, assistant dean of international students and admissions. "Mike Sudlow is a dedicated team player and a wonderful asset to the admissions department," said Keith Roberts, BYU-Hawaii vice president of academics. "He's always available to any student who seeks his help, and gives them quality time."
• Meli Lesuma, director of academic internships. "Meli's exceptional services are evident in the positive outcomes of the academic internship office," Roberts said. "He has an incredible desire to do what is best for each student."
• Vernelle Lakatani, registrar. "Her efficiency as a supervisor and her tremendous work integrity is a great example to all who know her," Roberts said. He adding everybody is also impressed with Lakatani's ability to correctly pronounce the names of BYU-Hawaii graduates during commencement exercises.
• Sherrie Bangerter, CITO program coordinator. "Sherrie represents BYU-Hawaii exceptionally well in all areas," Roberts said. "She is an emissary for Christ with her strong, spiritual foundation."
