Meet the 2025 Madderom Staff Award Recipient
By Crown Family School
Celebrating Alex Helewa’s Outstanding Service to the Crown Family School
Each year, the Crown Family School takes time to recognize staff members whose work is essential to our operations and our community. This year, Alex Helewa, Associate Director of Facilities, was honored with the 2025 Keith Madderom Staff Award for his exceptional contributions.
Established in 2016, the award is named for Keith Madderom, former Associate Dean of Administration, who served the University and Crown Family School for 45 years. The Madderom Award “recognizes an administrative staff member who demonstrates classic Keith traits, performing above and beyond their responsibilities while advancing other necessary administrative tasks, with conscientious service and responsiveness.”
Helewa plays a vital leadership role in managing the physical infrastructure of the Crown Family School. His responsibilities range from overseeing building maintenance and equipment repair to ensuring compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations. He also directs custodial and groundskeeping services.
"He is a dependable and responsive colleague, who is a valuable asset to the Crown Family School community. I have truly appreciated his assistance over the years,” said Dean Deborah Gorman-Smith during the Staff Appreciation Celebration.
A skilled manager of large-scale projects, Helewa was recognized for successfully contributing to the integration of UEI staff into the 950 building—a complex transition that required an immense amount of coordination and attention to detail.
Colleagues consistently highlight his approachable leadership style and steadfast “can-do” attitude. Whether responding to requests for office moves, classroom space needs, or equipment issues, Helewa meets challenges—big or small—with calm assurance and a solution-oriented mindset. Nominators noted Helewa's reassuring responses of, “No problem," “I got it” or, “Of course,” to requests.
His work not only supports the day-to-day function of the school but also strengthens our community. The Crown Family School community is grateful for all he does. By recognizing him with this honor, the community celebrates his work and thanks him for the energy and professionalism he brings to campus every day.
