Dean Nader Nadershahi presents Ike Vargas with the 2019 Cavanaugh Distinguished Service Award on Dec. 9 at the San Francisco Campus.

The San Francisco Campus recognized Lead Building Operations Technician Ike Vargas as the 12th annual Cavanaugh Distinguished Service Award recipient during a ceremony on Dec. 9, 2019.

The Cavanaugh Distinguished Service Award recognizes an outstanding staff member who has contributed to the San Francisco Campus’s vision, mission and values. The winner of this award receives $500 and an award plaque. Former vice president for business and finance Patrick Cavanaugh and his wife Janita funded the award.

Vargas has been with Pacific since 2002. He became the lead building operations technician in 2010. “Receiving this award is very humbling because working for a university that has a family-first mentality makes working here such a privilege,” Vargas said. “I am very thankful to work with the UOP family.” During the award ceremony, his colleagues praised him by saying that no one deserves this award more than Vargas, who works hard every day for everyone on campus without seeking recognition.

“Ike is selfless, a born leader, creative, thoughtful and a natural at sports data," said Drew Malimban, Building Operations manager. “Words can’t express how fortunate we all are to have Ike lead the Building Operations department and as a part of the university."

Director of Building Operations Neil Kingston said Vargas keeps focus on Pacific’s dedication to the success of students. He helps staff and faculty in any way possible and gives the best he can to everyone on campus, whether they are new to the campus or are decades-long veterans, Kingston said.

“Ike has always shown the qualities that align with UOP’s values, particularly the defining characteristic of our education model—humanism,” said Ruben Recoder, Building Operations coordinator. “He is constantly supporting team members and other staff to fulfill their potential, whether it be working side by side with them or giving them the knowledge to excel in their position.”

In October, Jonallie Parra and Rodney Blankenship were the recipients of the 2019 Cavanaugh Distinguished Service Awards recipients on the Stockton Campus, which recognizes one exempt and one-non-exempt employee. The Sacramento Campus recipient will be announced at a later time.