Natu Tuatagaloa, a principal at BEI Construction, recently received the Golden Bell Award for Trustee of the Year for his service as a member of the School Board for San Rafael City Schools. The Golden Bell Awards honor teachers and others for their contributions to education in Marin County. This year’s ceremony took place on the campus of Dominican University and honored more than 100 people. Tuatagaloa was one of four people to receive the special attention that comes with receiving an “Of the Year” award.
“It’s humbling to be recognized for my contributions as a trustee alongside the teachers and others who devote their entire careers to young people,” says Tuatagaloa. “Receiving a Golden Bell Award is an honor.”
A history of community service and excellence
Tuatagaloa was first elected as a trustee for the School Board of San Rafael City Schools in 2001. He has served as Board President and Vice President during his time on the board. Serving on the School Board is a natural fit for Tuatagaloa, who has long history of community involvement and a love for San Rafael, which is where he grew up.
Tuatagaloa attended San Rafael High School, where he was a four-sport, student athlete and standout football player. He went on to play for the Golden Bears while at the University of California at Berkeley, and then enjoyed a six-year career as a defensive lineman in the NFL. Following his NFL career, Tuatagaloa applied his talent for bringing people together and leadership to the engineering, renewable energy and technology infrastructure industries.
“Natu Tuatagaloa is a valued member of the BEI Construction team,” says BEI Construction President Mike Rantz. “We congratulate him for receiving the much-deserved Golden Bell Award. Natu is someone who values community and people. That shines through in everything he does, from serving on the School Board to working with BEI clients.”