On May 15, Chaminade staff and faculty gathered for their annual pau hana celebration. Typically held in person at the end of each academic year, this year’s event was virtual due to the new coronavirus.
The annual pau hana is a chance to celebrate the end of a successful year, and to honor those who will be retiring and moving on to new adventures. Six members of the Chaminade ‘ohana are retiring this year—together, they hold a combined total of 144 years of service.
Congratulations to all of this year’s honorees. Thank you for your dedication and service to Chaminade University. You will be sorely missed, and may you be blessed on all of your future endeavors.
Dr. Dorothy Bach, the mental health internship director for the Masters of Science in Counseling Psychology (MSCP) program and a professor of psychology, is retiring after 19 years of service to Chaminade. “She’s always had a students-first perspective,” said Bob Santee, director of the MSCP Program. “She’s gone out of her way to support and advocate for students and she’s quite compassionate.”
Brother Gary Morris, associate professor of performing arts, has served Chaminade for 17 years. Dr. Cheryl Edelson, dean of the School of Humanities, Arts and Design shared a heartfelt message. “Brother Gary, Chaminade has been blessed to have you leading our theatre program,” she said. “Throughout this time, you have fulfilled many roles at Chaminade. You’re a Marianist brother, a teacher, a mentor, a colleague, an actor, a director and a friend.”
John Morris, registrar, started at Chaminade 28 years ago. He joined Chaminade after retiring from the U.S. Marine Corps, and initially worked as a site coordinator and academic advisor to military students at Pearl Harbor. “We know John was the right person for the job [as registrar] because he stuck with it for almost 20 years,” said Lance Askildson, provost. “We are very happy to celebrate John and his 28 years of service to Chaminade. It’s been a service distinguished by an incredible work ethic and dedication to his integrity.”
As Dr. Edelson mentioned, Walter Takeda, professor of fine arts, is an institution within an institution—he has taught at Chaminade for 50 years. Chaminade itself is only 65 years old. When he started, Chaminade University of Honolulu was named Chaminade College. “For five decades, Chaminade, and the Humanities division in particular, has enjoyed the blessings of having Walter and his talent as an artist, his devotion as a teacher, his support as a colleague, and running through all these roles his keen and dry wit,” said Dr. Edelson.
Dr. John Webster, joined Chaminade 18 years ago after being recruited to start the Hogan Entrepreneurial Program. He came with an impressive background, but describes his work building the Hogan program as the best job of his career. “We are fortunate recipients of that best job of his career,” said Dr. Lynn Babington, president. “The success of the Hogan program is largely due to the many community partners John has recruited to serve as mentors and advisors.”
Finally, Bill Villa, athletic director, is retiring from Chaminade after 12 years of service. “Papa Bill’s positive nature, enthusiasm and overall love for Chaminade will be missed,” said Allison Jerome, vice president for student affairs. “He served as a mentor for many within the department and his spirit will forever be connected to silversword athletes.” He won’t be far though, as his grandson will be joining the Chaminade men’s basketball team this fall!
