An international educational organization recognized University of Hawai‘i–West O‘ahu student Mikaela “Mika” Briones Eaton — who serves as editor-in-chief of the campus’ student newspaper and student government vice president — with an award for being an outstanding student leader.
The Association of College Unions International (ACUI) Region I (Arizona, California, Hawai‘i, Nevada, New Mexico, Australia, and the Territory of Guam) awarded Eaton with its Matt Cameron Outstanding Student Award, which recognizes an outstanding student leader at a member institution who has served both Region I and their individual campus community. The award is Region I’s highest student honor.
“Throughout her student leadership endeavors, Mika has remained dedicated to serving others,” Dr. Jan Javinar, Faculty Director of Student Engagement and Assistant to Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, wrote in a letter of recommendation accompanying Eaton’s award nomination to ACUI. “Her willingness to devote the necessary time and energy to seeing the job done has been demonstrated time and again.”
ACUI, founded in 1914, is a nonprofit educational organization that brings together college union and student activities professionals from hundreds of schools in seven countries. Its members are students and administrators whose mission is to build campus community.
ACUI Region I announced that Eaton received the Outstanding Student Award at its 2023 Region I Conference, held Nov. 16-18 at California State University–Monterey Bay. Eaton was unable to attend, but provided a recorded acceptance speech that was shown at the awards ceremony.
Receiving the award is an extreme honor, said Eaton, who graduates this semester with a Bachelor of Arts in Creative Media with a Concentration in General Creative Media with Honors.
“Throughout my college years, I’ve been involved in our campus community for the sole reason of creating a sense of belonging and to bring more life to our campus,” Eaton said. “It’s one of those things where you continue to do it because you understand the importance and the results from it and I’ve had fun in my roles.”
Eaton’s various campus roles include editor-in-chief of “The Hoot,” UH West O‘ahu’s student newspaper; vice president for the Associated Students of the University of Hawai‘i–West O‘ahu (ASUHWO) 12th Senate; and team member of the Pueo Leadership Program. Eaton is also a student employee working as a graphics arts assistant for UH West O‘ahu’s Communications Department.
“Mika is very deserving of such recognition for her efforts in making Student Life happen again at UH West O‘ahu,” said Rouel Velasco, Director of Student Life. “Her skills in program planning and mobilizing a new team demonstrated a high level of leadership excellence and service.”
Velasco commended Eaton for her role as “The Hoot” editor.
“She helped build the team from zero members — herself only — to a strong team of 10 members and with three issues published this semester,” Velasco said. “That is a huge accomplishment.”
In his letter of support, Javinar said that in fulfilling her responsibilities, Eaton continues to demonstrate her commitment to improving the quality of campus life while maintaining her scholastic achievement.
He added that her willingness and ability to help others and to assume the lead when called upon continues to earn her the respect of many of her peers. Javinar noted that Eaton interacts effectively with others, initiating discussions and summarizing program goals, and readily identifies and encourages individuals to use their strengths and talents to serve and benefit others.
“Mika’s respect of, and appreciation for, different values and ideas foster a welcoming climate for many new students who have participated in our first-year experiences,” Javinar continued. “She represents the kind of student leader we value and look forward to working with in the higher education academy.”
Eaton said she is “extremely humbled” that what she has been doing at UH West O‘ahu has been recognized and appreciated.
“It just means so much to me to know that my involvement matters and to see that it’s reached the regional level where others recognize it, too,” she said. “I wanted to create a change and to leave with an impact on my campus and having been honored with this award means I’m doing something right.”
