In the spirit of recognizing extraordinary members among us, United Public Workers shines a spotlight on Shannon Asejo, a lead electrician at the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo and a proud member of our Hawaii Island Division. Recently, Shannon received the President’s Award for Excellence in Buildings and Grounds Maintenance in recognition of his dedication and hard work. This award is not only a personal achievement for Shannon but also a source of pride for all UPW members, as it has been four years since someone from the Hawaii Island Division received this award.
Shannon’s journey with UH Hilo began in 2017, and he quickly became the sole electrician for the entire campus. His responsibilities go far beyond just keeping the lights on; Shannon is the heartbeat of the campus’s electrical needs, handling everything from maintenance to innovative projects with a thoughtful and efficient approach. His dedication extends to assisting his co-workers and becoming a pivotal figure in supporting student-focused projects.
The recognition ceremony was not just a formality but a heartfelt acknowledgment of Shannon’s hard work and dedication. Our UPW staff from the Hawaii Division were in attendance, to witness this moment and to extend our warmest congratulations and present him with a lei, symbolizing our collective pride and support.
Shannon’s work ethic has been deeply influenced by his mother’s teachings. He is driven by a simple yet profound desire to make a difference in the community at UH Hilo, where he works. “I love my job and what I do,” Shannon remarked, underscoring his passion for contributing to a culture of care and support within the university. His approach is not just about fulfilling job duties but rather goes beyond to make a positive impact.
His nominators praised the exceptional quality of his work and his positive impact on campus life. Shannon’s contributions are varied and vital from creating an open-air cafe with accessible outlets to installing solar-powered charging stations and installing shelves for and maintaining the campus food pantry. He is an electrician, a problem-solver, and an innovator, constantly seeking cost-effective and creative solutions to enhance campus facilities and services.
As we celebrate Shannon’s achievements, we are reminded of the strength and potential within our UPW ohana. His story is a beacon of dedication, creativity, and community spirit, inspiring us all to strive for excellence in our endeavors. Congratulations, Shannon, on this well-deserved recognition. Your hard work does not go unnoticed, and it sets a high standard for all of us in the United Public Workers.
