Chaminade University will celebrate its 2016 Fall Commencement on Monday, Dec. 12, starting at 7 p.m. at the Neal Blaisdell Arena, located at 777 Ward Avenue, Honolulu, Hawaii 96814. Approximately 260 students will graduate this semester. Family and friends will cheer them on with lei and aloha. Estimated to last for two hours, the free event does not require tickets. Parking at the Arena is $7.
The keynote speaker will be Chaminade alumna and Chief Executive Officer of Kapi’olani Medical Center for Women and Children, Martha B. Smith ’91. Smith serves as a member of Chaminade’s Board of Regents and is an alumna of the University. Her leadership role in healthcare and community service is expansive. A past president of the Hawai‘i Chapter of the American College of Healthcare Executives, she is a member of the Children’s Hospital Association Chief Executive Group. Smith also serves on the boards of Alohacare, Child and Family Services, Girl Scouts of Hawai‘i and Surgicare (ASC Pacific Ventures). In addition, she serves as chair of the board of Kapi‘olani Medical Specialists, a Physician Specialty Group of Hawai‘i Pacific Health.
Prior to joining Hawai‘i Pacific Health in 2004, Smith had worked in hospital operations and health care in Hawaii and Florida for 24 years. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Respiratory Therapy from the University of Central Florida, a Master of Public Health from the University of Alabama-Birmingham and a Master of Business Administration from Chaminade University. She is a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives.
Pacific Business News has recognized her as its American Savings Business Leader for 2016. She has been recognized by Girl Scouts of Hawai‘i as one of its 2015 Girl Scouts Women of Distinction and by the Healthcare Association of Hawai‘i as The Healthcare Leader for 2014.
The salutatorian speakers will be Sharmaine Borja Doles (undergraduate representative) receiving her bachelor’s degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice and Derek Kiyoji Santos (postgraduate representative) receiving his Master of Education in Educational Leadership.