ASCC employees celebrate on their 'Day'
January 17, 2014
By James Kneubuhl, ASCC Press Officer
Just prior to the start of the spring 2014 semester, American Samoa Community College (ASCC) staff at every level joined together for fun and fellowship during the College's Employee Appreciation Day held this past Friday, January 10th.
Administrators mingled with building and grounds staff, faculty participated in team competitions alongside business office personnel, counselors shared a meal with security officers, and employees from across the spectrum of professions all spent several hours enjoying each other's company during the College's celebration of each and every one of its hardworking staff.
The ASCC administration had hoped to hold an Employee Appreciation Day, or something similar, for the past several semesters, but for various reasons other priorities always ended up needing to take precedent. At most educational institutions, an event celebrating the work of the staff would typically take place at the end of a semester, but when ASCC instead decided to hold the Appreciation Day just prior to the current semester's beginning, the various components of the plan fell into place far more easily.
Describing the event as "a day of celebration in the spirit of sharing and cooperating amongst our employees and also a day for us to look forward to a New Year and new endeavors," Organizing Committee chairperson Tiare Tupua helped organize a program that included aerobic exercises led by Community and Natural Resources Exercise Physiology Assistant Ryan Taifane, games overseen by Mapusaga Luaao of the ASCC Physical Facilities and Maintenance Division, a dance competition, entertainment by both the Student Association for Faasamoa and the College Research Foundation Student Club, and finally a special singing performance by the duo of ASCC staff member Jason Hollister and guest Tonya Tuigamala.
The Organizing Committee worked under the guidance of the ASCC Office of Human Resources and its Acting Director Mrs. Sereima Asifoa. Mrs. Asifoa opened the proceedings with a speech that encouraged the assembled staff to "maintain a spirit of sharing and cooperation in whatever challenges, problems and opportunities we face throughout this year of working" before introducing ASCC President Dr. Seth Galea'i.
Reiterating Mrs. Asifoa's theme of unity, Dr. Galea'i expressed his appreciation for the work done by all of the College's employees, from the humblest maintenance staff, to the hardworking faculty, to the Deans and Directors directly under his own supervision. "I'm glad we've all come together to share this occasion," said Dr. Galea'i, "and now let's all relax and enjoy ourselves."
Both Mrs. Asifoa and Mrs. Tupua credited the resounding success of the Employee Appreciation Day to the efforts of many individuals on the ASCC staff as well as the generosity of businesses in the community that donated raffle prizes.
"We had volunteers from every division within the College," explained Mrs. Tupua, "and these individuals went the extra mile to ensure that every detail from the cooking to the organizing of the ASCC Gym to the planning of the program and much more was taken care of. Once the program got underway, everyone could concentrate on just having fun." Mrs. Tupua also noted that in the days following the event, the Organizing Committee and Human Resources Office have received continuous positive feedback from the College's staff. "Everyone seems to agree that this was a great way to begin a semester," she observed.