The Music Department was well represented at the annual UH-Mānoa Awards Ceremony this year, with two faculty and one staff member being recognized for their achievements.
Donald Reid Womack, Regents’ Medal for Excellence in Research
The Regents’ Medal for Excellence in Research is awarded by the University of Hawaiʻi Board of Regents in recognition of scholarly contributions that expand the boundaries of knowledge and enrich the lives of students and the community.
Donald Reid Womack is a professor of music in the College of Arts, Languages & Letters. A faculty member at UH since 1994, Womack chairs the music department, and is faculty in Japanese and Korean Studies. He is the composer of more than 100 original works, which have been performed and broadcast in 25 countries and recorded on more than a dozen releases in the U.S., Korea and Japan. Ensembles around the globe have performed his works, including the Tokyo Metropolitan Symphony, Russia Ulan Ude Symphony, Hawaii Symphony, National Orchestra of Korea, among many others. Womack is the recipient of the Guggenheim Fellowship, two Fulbright Fellowships, two Artist Fellowships from the State of Hawaiʻi, and won numerous other national and international competitions. Widely recognized as a leader in intercultural composition, he integrates East Asian and western instruments. He has lectured on his work in Korea, Taiwan and Japan, and taught as visiting faculty at Seoul National University.
Donald Reid Womack is a professor of music in the College of Arts, Languages & Letters. A faculty member at UH since 1994, Womack chairs the music department, and is faculty in Japanese and Korean Studies. He is the composer of more than 100 original works, which have been performed and broadcast in 25 countries and recorded on more than a dozen releases in the U.S., Korea and Japan. Ensembles around the globe have performed his works, including the Tokyo Metropolitan Symphony, Russia Ulan Ude Symphony, Hawaii Symphony, National Orchestra of Korea, among many others. Womack is the recipient of the Guggenheim Fellowship, two Fulbright Fellowships, two Artist Fellowships from the State of Hawaiʻi, and won numerous other national and international competitions. Widely recognized as a leader in intercultural composition, he integrates East Asian and western instruments. He has lectured on his work in Korea, Taiwan and Japan, and taught as visiting faculty at Seoul National University.
Elina Asato Hamilton, Presidential Citation for Meritorious Teaching
The Presidential Citation for Meritorious Teaching recognizes University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa faculty members who have made significant contributions to teaching and student learning.
Elina Hamilton is an assistant professor of music in the College of Arts, Languages & Letters. Hamilton has discovered that many of her students relate with narratives from the margins, seeing parallels with their own marginalized identities. In today’s globalized context, she notes that descendants of colonized people often lead in creating profound and impactful music. Thus her teaching includes the traditional music “canon” and what she terms “contra-colonial” music expressions, working alongside Indigenous, Asian American and Pacific Islander colleagues to provide a more inclusive and diverse musical education, expanding students’ exposure beyond mainstream perspectives. Her colleagues view her as “the best of us” and say “she is an enthusiastic educator, thoughtful collaborator and passionate innovator in pedagogy.” A student said, “My respect is incredibly high for Professor Hamilton, I hope to become as enthusiastic and knowledgeable as a teacher.”
Cora Chik, Presidential Award for Outstanding Service
The Presidential Award for Outstanding Service honors UH Mānoa staff members who demonstrate outstanding work performance, service and leadership.
Cora Chik is a janitor with Campus Operations. She has 23 years of UH service, with 16 years serving the music department complex, which includes Orvis Auditorium and the numerous rooms that hold events and meetings for UH, the community and the general public. Chik is described as the “epitome of professionalism” who beautifies the highly visible music-related facilities with a high level of initiative, pride and work ethic. Her nominators shared that she has “an infectious smile that gives positive energy to those around her,” making “our community a better place.” Chik ensures the complex remains in the best condition, often taking on more responsibility when there is a staff shortage. She is self-motivated, handles unusual situations and “unfailingly tackles them quietly and without complaint.” Her dedication and hard work benefit the department, campus and the larger community. One nominator stated, “Cora is, by all accounts, well-liked and highly respected for the work she does, and her bright, positive attitude is an inspiration to students and faculty in the Music Department.”
Congratulations to all three awardees!