Three College of Social Sciences faculty members and two CSS students were recognized for outstanding service to campus at the 2025 UH Mānoa Awards Ceremony at Kennedy Theatre on April 28.
Recognized were:
Board of Regents Medal for Excellence in Teaching
Jamaica Heolimeleikalani Osorio, an associate professor in Political Science. As a Kanaka Maoli wahine (Native Hawaiian woman) scholar educator born and raised in Pālolo Valley, her teaching is grounded in “an aloha ʻāina pedagogy,” with a strong ethic of care and trust.
Frances Davis Awards for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching
Margaret Colleen Rost-Banik, an instructor of Sociology, who sees the classroom as a reflection of society, shaped by the wide range of backgrounds, experiences and perspectives that students bring.
And
Sara Maaria Saastamoinen, a PhD student in Political Science, who is an exhibiting artist, abundant futures consultant and community organizer. Coming from a long line of Karelian teachers, she credits her family with inspiring her early passion for political inquiry and creative expression.
Robert W. Clopton Award for Distinguished Community Service
Maya Soetoro-Ng, an associate specialist in the Matsunaga Institute for Peace in the School of Communication and Information. She exemplifies international peacebuilding and academia in a culturally and communally connected way.
Student Employee of the Year Award
Shayla Spotkaeff, undergraduate research assistant at the Center for Oral History in the Department of Ethnic Studies. Her strong work ethic and attention to detail have had a significant impact on oral history projects and contributed consistently to the center’s efforts.
For full profiles on the winners, see the website at https://manoa.hawaii.edu/president/awards/#regents-teaching
