{"id":75373,"date":"2018-02-22T11:44:11","date_gmt":"2018-02-22T21:44:11","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.hawaii.edu\/news\/?p=75373"},"modified":"2019-03-19T14:31:25","modified_gmt":"2019-03-20T00:31:25","slug":"construction-mentor-recognized-for-distinguished-service","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.hawaii.edu\/news\/2018\/02\/22\/construction-mentor-recognized-for-distinguished-service\/","title":{"rendered":"Longtime Big Island construction mentor recognized for distinguished service"},"content":{"rendered":"Reading time: <\/span> 2<\/span> minutes<\/span><\/span>

\"Gene<\/p>\n

\"Gene<\/a><\/div>\n
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David Lassner, Gene Harada, Jan Sullivan<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n

Â鶹´«Ã½<\/span> Community College<\/a> Professor Gene Harada<\/strong> has been recognized with the University of Â鶹´«Ã½<\/span> Willard Wilson Award for Distinguished Service. He is a proud Â鶹´«Ã½<\/span> CC<\/abbr> alumnus and has taught at the school for almost 27 years. He is described as a true mentor to his students, training them to be professional, to show up on time and to do things right the first time.<\/p>\n

Harada is the longtime coordinator of the highly popular Model Home Project<\/a> on the Big Island, which recently completed its 50th project<\/a>. The model home partnership with the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands provides affordable homes for local families and showcases the skills of Â鶹´«Ã½<\/span> CC<\/abbr> students.<\/p>\n

About two dozen of Harada\u2019s current and former students and some family members attended the award presentation at a Board of Regents meeting at UH<\/abbr> Hilo in February 2018. Harada called the moment “unbelievable,” and said he felt honored.<\/p>\n

He has completed hundreds of projects over the years with his carpentry students. He dedicates his summer vacations doing repair and renovation work at both Â鶹´«Ã½<\/span> CC<\/abbr> and UH<\/abbr> Hilo<\/a>, saving thousands of dollars in maintenance costs for the campuses, and giving students valuable hands-on experience.<\/p>\n

His affection for his students is evident. “They are my inspiration, let\u02bbs put it that way,” Harada said. “As long as they want to learn, I will be willing to teach them. If I cannot climb on the roof, maybe it is time to retire. I can still climb the roof.”<\/p>\n

Harada\u2019s colleagues say that “the professional manner in which his students conduct themselves, and their skillful workmanship is a testament to Gene\u02bbs tireless efforts to raise the bar on quality standards and instill in his students a sound work ethic. He is truly someone that practices \u02bbold school\u02bb work ethic, integrity and honesty.”<\/p>\n

He is described as a stellar and dedicated team player, a proud and loving grandpa and a dedicated fisherman.<\/p>\n

The Willard Wilson award,named in honor of a long-time former UH<\/abbr> administrator and secretary to the Board of Regents, recognizes exemplary service to UH<\/abbr> by an employee.<\/p>\n