On October 25, the Chaminade University Criminal Justice Program received the Outstanding Organization Award at the Top Cop Hawaii 34th Annual Law Enforcement and Security Awards Banquet. Each year, The Law Enforcement and Security Coalition of Hawaii presents the award to a security or safety organization or professional association that demonstrates initiative and innovation in promoting law enforcement, security and safety in the State of Hawaii.
Chaminade has the largest and most respected undergraduate criminal justice program in the state of Hawaii, and the only master’s degree in criminal justice. Chaminade graduates can be found in law enforcement agencies throughout the state as police chiefs, correctional agency directors, government attorneys and federal, state and county law enforcement personnel.
Ronald Becker, director of the criminology and criminal justice program at Chaminade, accepted the award on behalf of the university. “When I received the award, I asked all of our Chaminade graduates to stand up,” says professor Becker. “A large number of people stood up. It really helped visualize the extent of our program and our reach. This award helps validate what I already knew, but now I can share it with others.”
The ASIS International Hawaii Chapter and Cindi Flating also presented two Chaminade students with the Bob Flating Scholarship at the event. The award is given each year to individuals who are pursuing a degree in law enforcement or security. Both Sydney Thyen and Yaron Fernando received the $1,000 scholarship to use toward their course tuition.
“We were thrilled to see our students being recognized for their commitment and hard work,” says Allison Jerome, dean of students. “The generous gifts from ASIS will help our students pursue their academic goals and share their gifts and talents with the community.”
