NCURA to present Georgette Sakumoto with Distinguished Service Award

University of Hawaiʻi
Contact:
Carolyn Tanaka, (808) 956-8109
External Affairs & University Relations
Posted: Aug 3, 2009

HONOLULU, Hawai‘i – The National Council of University Research Administrators has chosen Georgette Sakumoto, administrative officer for the Office of Research Services at the University of Hawai‘i, to receive its 2009 Distinguished Service Award.

The National Council of University Research Administrators (NCURA) established the Distinguished Service Award in 2001 as a way to recognize members of NCURA who have made sustained and distinctive contributions to the organization.

“Georgette is a strong believer of NCURA’s mission and has devoted herself to NCURA through regular attendance and service on various committees over the past 18 years. We are proud of her accomplishments and her contributions to the NCURA community, which benefit the entire UH research infrastructure,” said Director of Office of Research Services Yaa-Yin Fong. “I am delighted that her dedication and years of service to NCURA will be recognized at this year's annual meeting. The award is well deserved.”

Sakumoto has been a member of NCURA since 1991 and has served in many different capacities, including her current position on the NCURA Board of Directors. She also has been a participant in the 2005, 2007 and 2009 Leadership Conventions, has contributed articles to the NCURA Magazine, and she has served on many national committees, including the Travel Award Committee, Membership Committee, Budget and Finance Committee and the Minority Participation Task Force.

She has also served as an advisor for NCURA’s Leadership Development Institute and, within her region she has served as secretary/treasurer, chair elect and chair. She also has chaired the regional Meeting Program Committee and the Nominations Committee and has served on the regional Advisory Committee, Meeting Site Selection and Program Committee and Travel Award Committee. Additionally, Sakumoto has presented at numerous NCURA regional and national meetings and conferences.

NCURA’s Executive Director Kathleen Larmett notes, “Georgette Sakumoto exemplifies the very best in volunteerism. She has unselfishly given back to the profession for many years and her colleagues throughout the research community have benefited from her knowledge and wisdom. Beyond that, she is not afraid to roll up her sleeves and pitch in to help whenever she is needed. I cannot think of a more fitting recipient of NCURA’s Distinguished Service Award, and I am pleased that the membership is recognizing Georgette at this year’s Annual Meeting.”

Sakumoto will receive her award at the NCURA 51st Annual Meeting during a special recognition ceremony on October 22nd at the Washington Marriott Wardman Park Hotel in Washington, D.C.

Other 2009 recipients include James Casey, Jr., University of Texas at San Antonio; David Mayo, California Institute of Technology; Pamela Webb, University of Minnesota; and Pamela Whitlock, University of North Carolina at Wilmington (retired).

NCURA is a 7,000 member professional society dedicated to advancing the field of research administration through education and professional development programs, the sharing of knowledge and experience, and by fostering a professional, collegial and respected community. The Council’s Annual Meeting takes place October 21 – 24, 2009. For more information: www.ncura.edu.