Whether you are Class of 2017 or Class of 1957, still reside in Oahu or moved all the way to the East Coast, the annual Chaminade University Alumni Reunion is an exciting opportunity to return to campus. It offers alumni the opportunity to take a trip down memory lane while they reconnect with past mentors and former classmates.
Reflecting on this year’s reunion, Alumni Relations Director Be-Jay Kodama said, “Alumni returned to campus from near and as far away as Maryland, California, Guam, and Japan. The weekend was filled with smiling faces, inquisitive minds, love and laughter, and endless excitement as alumni, professors, students, and Marianist celebrated Chaminade University.”
This year’s Alumni Reunion, Siverswords Under the Stars, took place over the weekend of April 5-8 and kicked off Thursday, April 5, with a 50 Minute University Session followed by Cocktails and Conversation. The 50 Minute University Sessions allowed alumni to choose between one of three discussion sessions. Edward Orona, BBA ’79 and Damien Lorentz, BBA ’98, MBA ’00 lead the financial discussion, “Smart Money” while Dara Perreira, BA ’99, MBA ’03 led the discussion “Collaboration vs Cooperation.” The third discussion session option was “College Admission 101” presented by Cathy O’Rouke.
Once the discussion sessions ended alumni were invited to Cocktails and Conversation where they had the opportunity to meet the new president, Dr. Lynn Babington, and socialize with fellow alumni. A game of “mingle bingo” gave former students from different decades an opportunity to learn more about each other. Singer and songwriter, Dustin Pacleb, MSCP ’16 treated attendees to an acoustic performance.
The reunion festivities continued on Saturday, April 7 with a concert under the stars and street festival featuring popular food trucks. Chaminade graduates enjoyed drinks from Bros Brew and Nalo Made Lemonade, provided by Shawn Niwa Kadooka BBA ’91. Food trucks including Kapakahi Grindz, owned by Chardonnay Pao BA ’13, MBA ’15, and Peace Caféprovided the ono eats for the evening. Ekolu and DJ Crechton, BS ’07, provided the entertainment. Alumni were even treated to a student talent show, Silversword Stars, where five talented undergraduates performed.
An evening highlight was the spirit contest. Attendees were encouraged to creatively show their Chaminade pride and crowd favorites where selected and awarded special prizes.
The alumni reunion weekend concluded with Sunday Mass in the Mystical Rose Oratory with co-celebrants, chaplain, Fr. George Cerniglia, SM, and Msgr. Terrence Watanabe, BA ’73 celebrating his 45 Reunion year. After mass members of the Chaminade Student Government Association escorted alumni to the Ching Conference Center for a light brunch with President Babington. President Babington shared plans for Chaminade’s future while alumni, former classmates and newly made friends enjoyed one last chance to talk story and reminisce.
During the brunch program, members of Chaminade’s Silver Circle Alumni, those who graduated between 1959– 1967, were acknowledged. William Ferguson and Donna Estomago, members of the Class of 1968, celebrated their Golden 50 Reunion Year and were also honored.
