Chaminade University of Honolulu

University Communications & Marketing

Scholars at Sea

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Students immerse themselves in culture and history

Seven days. Seven ports. And a lot of history, foreign cultures and sites to absorb in between. These were the main takeaways that Chaminade students, Remo Merlo, Hannah Dyer, Nicole Vontsolos and Kevin Dean, gleaned from their short-term study abroad program this past spring.

Organized by Kelly Treece, Ph.D., Director and Associate Professor of Criminology and Criminal Justice, and Lynn Haff, Director of Grants Development, the scholar-at-sea-like program offered students a glimpse into European, Islamic, Muslim, Jewish, Middle Eastern and Western Asian cultures. The seven-day itinerary aboard the Norwegian Jade embarked from Athens, Greece, and circled the Aegean, Marmara and Mediterranean seas, with Ports of Call in Kusadasi, Turkey; Patmos, Greece; Jerusalem (Ashdod) and Tel-Aviv (Haifa), Israel; and Limassol, Cyprus.

The ruins of Ephesus is 11 miles away from Kusadasi, Turkey, and it is one of the best preserved ancient cities of the world.

“We received a $13,000 Sidney Stern Memorial Trust grant, and we were all set to go in 2020 to Italy, Switzerland and Germany,” Treece says. “And then COVID happened.”

As travel restrictions began to relax in 2022, Treece charted a new course. This time would be different—in location and mode of travel. Also, rather than take a large cohort of students, who would have to pay their own way, Treece would use grant money to cover 90 percent of the program’s cost for four students: two females and two males.

“Coming out of COVID, we knew the students couldn’t afford to pay because they were still recovering from the economic impact of the pandemic,” Treece asserts. “We had limited funds, but we knew we could support four students.”

To qualify, each student was required to hold a current passport, to be in good academic standing and to write an essay explaining why he or she wanted to participate in this short-term study abroad, and how it would propel their future. The answers varied among the freshman, sophomore and two senior students. What was consistent, however, is that they all believed in the educational benefits of visiting different countries and gaining the exposure to foreign cultures.

“When Dr. Treece called and asked if I was still interested in going to Europe, I screamed, ‘Are you kidding me?’” recalls, Hannah Dyer, who was initially denied because she was a sophomore and preference was given to seniors. “It was my first time outside of the Americas so I was excited to see Europe and, technically, Western Asia because of Turkey.”

In preparation for the voyage, each student was assigned a country and tasked to create a travel brochure of sorts, providing details about the respective nation’s history, culture, socio-economic policies, political stability and religion.

“I learned more in the two weeks visiting each country than I would have learned in researching each one,” says freshman Remo Merlo. “They (Europeans) have such a different way of living, and we noticed this right away when we arrived in Athens.”

The Western Wall, also known as the “Wailing Wall” or the “Kotel,” is the most religious site in the world for the Jewish people.

Treece acknowledged her overall goal was cultural immersion for the students, allowing them to explore and develop their sense of curiosity and problem-solving skills. “I’ve chaperoned previous trips to London, England, when I was at another university, but those groups were much larger,” says the one-time police sergeant. “We brought together four complete strangers, and they formed a really tight-knit bond, each relying on the other for safety and awareness.”

And at no time was this more evident when they were in Israel. As peaceful protests choked the streets in Tel Aviv, Treece and Haff were stuck on a bus for several hours after returning from an excursion to Jerusalem. Meanwhile, Dyer and Vontsolos, who were on the same daytrip, had boarded an earlier bus, and only later learned of their chaperones’ predicament once they returned to the ship. 

“We were all texting them to see if they were OK,” Merlo says. “Dr. Treece reassured us they were fine, and everything was peaceful, which was another difference between what we saw in Tel Aviv and what we’ve seen in the U.S.”

Merlo and Dyer have already said they would definitely participate in a similar program should the opportunity again arise. “After college, I plan to move to Europe or Canada,” Merlo says. “And this trip even motivates me more to finish college early, and explore the next chapter of my life.”

Dyer returned to Hawaii on a traveling high, eager to take to the skies once again and return to Israel. “I wish I could have done more,” she says. “Visiting the different religious sights and learning about all the history was an immersive experience. 

“There were no emails and texts to respond to nor phones to answer,” Dyer adds. “We just all hung out and talked what we were seeing and what we were experiencing. It was great just to hang out and unplug.”

Catholic Schools Recognition Luncheon

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The Hawaii Catholic Schools Recognition Ceremony had already started, and St. Anthony School Maui’s Head of School David Kenney and music teacher Julia Golding were stuck on the tarmac at Kahului Airport. Unbeknownst to Golding, she was to be one of the luncheon’s guests of honor, and announced as the Hawaii Catholic Schools’ 2023 Teacher of the Year.

“It was a comedy of errors,” said Golding, referring to the hours-long delay at the Kahului Airport, which jeopardized her attending the luncheon. “Our first scheduled flight was cancelled because the plane that was supposed to come from Oahu never arrived. So, we got on another flight and that was delayed because of a medical emergency, which further delayed our arrival on Oahu because we lost the window of time to get to the Honolulu airport gate.”

St. Anthony School Maui’s music teacher Julia Golding with her Golden Pineapple.

Since 2019, Chaminade University and the Hawaii Catholic Schools have added an island twist to the national Golden Apple Awards, renaming it—fittingly—the Golden Pineapple Awards. “The Teacher and Administrator of the Year event would not be possible if it were not for our strong relationship with Chaminade,” said Llewellyn Young, Ph.D., superintendent of Hawaii Catholic Schools. “Chaminade is a Hawaii Catholic School, and we are tremendously grateful and blessed to have them as part of our Catholic schools ‘ohana.”

According to School of Education and Behavioral Sciences Dean, Dale Fryxell, Ph.D., nominations for Teacher and Administrator of the Year can be submitted by a fellow teacher or an administrator, and parent or student. A panel comprised of Chaminade and Hawaii Catholic Schools representatives then review the candidates on the following criteria:

1.  How the nominee has made a difference in the life of a student(s).

2. The nominee’s accomplishments as they relate to leadership.

3. The nominee’s accomplishments as they relate to service to the school and community.

4.The nominee’s accomplishments as they relate to spiritual development.

“Today’s winners exemplify everything that these awards stand for—a celebration of the impact teachers and administrators have on the lives of their students,” Fryxell said. “Their commitment to their students and to their Catholic faith are admirable, and certainly warrant recognition.”

In her address to the group of Hawai’i Catholic educators, Chaminade President Dr. Lynn Babington discussed the challenges that our K-12 education system faces, and how Catholic education, with its unique position, can effectively address many of these challenges.

One of the main challenges Babington identified was the emphasis on standardized testing, which can often lead to a narrow curriculum that neglects critical thinking, creativity and character development.

“Catholic education can offer an alternative approach by fostering a holistic education that values the whole person,” Babington said. “Catholic schools emphasize the development of character, moral values and social responsibility alongside academic excellence. By instilling these values in students, Catholic education prepares them not only for academic success but also for a meaningful and fulfilling life.”

Golding said she imparts three key values to her students: faith, respect of self and each other, and gratitude. “If you don’t have a deep sense of faith, you don’t have that central character,” said the Australian native, who has taught at St. Anthony’s for the past two years. “I try to instill in my students that where they live and where they go to school are privileges.”

Kenney described Golding as thoughtful and insightful, and has been an incredible support to him and the entire administrative team. “Julia has made a tremendous impact and has initiated multiple programs, including the return of musical theater to the school for the first time in many years,” he said. “Additionally, the plays she has chosen allow for all of our students—young and old—to participate together, underscoring our charism and focus on unity and ‘ohana. We are truly blessed to have her as part of our ‘ohana.”

Drs. Dale Fryxell and Chaminade President Lynn Babington, along with superintendent of Hawaii Catholic Schools, Dr. Llewelynn Young, far right, present Hawaii Catholic Schools’ Adminstrator of the Year to Margaret Rufo from Mary, Star of the Sea School.

This year’s Catholic Schools Administrator of the Year went to Margaret Rufo from Mary, Star of the Sea School. A dedicated and passionate administrator who has made a significant impact on her school community, Rufo regularly interacts with the students, even making herself available for one-on-one chats during lunch and recess. She’s also deeply involved in school events, such as International Day and the 24 Math Challenge Day.

“She is engaged in all aspects of the school, whether it’s a school dance, a basketball game, a parent meeting, an international festival or a poinsettia sale—she is there,” said Fryxell in announcing Rufo as this year’s Administrator of the Year. “In addition to her focus on academic achievement, Margaret also excels as a leader, serving as a role model for her staff and working tirelessly to create a supportive and collaborative environment.”

In her closing remarks, Babington congratulated Golding and Rufo, acknowledging their commitment to educating young people in the Catholic tradition.

“I commend you for the good work you do for these K-12 students,” Babington concluded. “You prepare them to be productive members of society, and to be successful in furthering their academic journeys through higher education.”

Hawaiian Leadership Values

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’19 MBA graduates co-author book for future leaders

Dressed in a tank top, shorts and slippahs, Nolene Gega ’19 scouted the streets of Kalihi, shopping around for a commercial printer. She finally found one that agreed to print a book, which she and nine other then-MBA Chaminade students co-wrote for their Island Business Po‘okela capstone project. “Hawaiian Values for Future Leaders: Definitions & Stories” was born from the idea that no reference book exists that highlights the importance of Hawaiian leadership values.

“The intent was to make a book that could be shared and approachable,” says Gega, a military veteran who was deployed to Kuwait from 2011-2012 and embedded as a civilian in Afghanistan from 2012-2014. “Every single book on Hawaiian values is so dense, and we wanted ours to be a sort of quick guide.”

Spearheaded by Gega, the 50-page book covers a series of key Hawaiian values, including Aloha, Cooperativeness (Kūpono), Humility (Haʻahaʻa), Helpfulness (Kōkua), Generosity (Lokomaikaʻi), Patience (Hoʻomanawanui), Hospitality (Hoʻokipa), Unity (Lōkahi), Courage (Koa), Responsibility (Kuleana) and Dignity (Hanohano). According to Gega, these 10 values were chosen based on the commonality of Lili‘uokalani Trust Trustee Thomas K. Kaulukukui’s journal Hūlili Vol. 10 and George S. Kanahele’s book Kū Kanaka–Stand Tall: A Search for Hawaiian Values.  

Shawn Uehira, left, and Nolene Gega co-wrote a book about Hawaiian leadership values.
Shawn Uehira ’19, left, and Nolene Gega ’19 co-wrote a book about the importance of Hawaiian leadership values among local businesses.

“It’s a tool for storytelling,” said Gega’s fellow MBA graduate and co-author Shawn Uehira ’19, who tapped retired Hawaiian Electric executive and current President of the Collaborative Leaders Network, Robbie Alm, for his mo’olelo about Aloha, Lōkahi and Pu’u (sharing with future leaders). “We didn’t want our book to turn into a MLA-style manual. We even included blank pages in between the chapters so people could write down their own stories to share for future generations.”

In addition to Gega and Uehira, other contributing MBA cohort members included Tiana Brede ’19, Auli‘I Mafi ’19, Jeffrey Pi‘imauna ’19, Cliffton Pires ’19, Dan Scroggins ’19, Faisha Solomon ’19, Kim Spring ’19 and Xiao Yi ’19. Each was responsible for choosing one of the values and finding a storyteller who would be willing to share his/her perspectives regarding that particular value. Among the storytellers and community leaders are Cindy Asada, Director of Guest Relations at Four Seasons Hualalai;  Esben Borsting, Chaminade’s Director of Native Hawaiian Partnerships; Ed Demello, owner of Emerald Isle Plumbing; Kristiana Kahakauwila, “This is Paradise: Stories” author; Hinaleimoana Wong-Kalu, O‘ahu Island Burial Council; Anne Matute, Cromwell owner; Elizabet Sahtouris, Chaminade professor; Lilette Subedi, Director of Resource Development for the Whitmore Economic Development Group; Ramsay Taum, owner of Life Enhancement Institute of the Pacific; and Michael Toyama, Senior Principal with Bowers & Kubota.

“I contacted Lilette, a Native Hawaiian practitioner and Indologist, whom I met while she was a Navy contractor,” Gega said. “We met in ‘Aiea under a tree, and we just talked for hours about what it meant to be a Native Hawaiian. It was truly inspiring.”

When asked about the meaning of Haʻahaʻa, Subedi offered an anecdote, relating to a past event during which she was asked to speak about her role as the Sex Equity Coordinator for the state of Hawai‘i.

“I thought, ‘Oh my God! I need to sound smart,” Subedi recalled. “I prayed on it and went up and spoke. It didn’t matter the number of people because you start don’t look at that, you speak from the heart and just be who you are. It was well received.”

After giving this talk, Subedi learned not to be shy. “I fought and changed my path,” she added. “I learned to be assertive, not aggressive. I learned to stand and be who I am, as who I always was. Not in the mindset of being Hawaiian, just being me!”

A common question posed among all the interviewees was: Is there anything you feel is important to share today with future leaders? While the answers varied, from individual kuleana to community lōkahi, all believed in sharing aloha.

“Aloha means so many different things for each person,” Gega noted. “There’s no one true definition. I believe Aloha is that thing when all of the right things happen at the right time, and the right place for our good and the good of others, which means it comes from within you. It is something you have to bring to the situation as much as you receive in the situation.”

Second Chance Pell

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Seven Halawa inmates earn their Associate’s

Graduations are no doubt a milestone achievement. And for seven Halawa Correctional Facility inmates, Commencement meant even more than simply receiving their Associate’s degree in Business Administration. The occasion truly marked a new beginning—and literally a second chance. 

In her opening remarks, Chaminade President Dr. Lynn Babington invoked the fundamental question about the role of prison: Is it designed for punishment or rehabilitation? 

“At Chaminade, one of our primary Marianist values is to advocate for social justice for transformative change,” Babington said to the newly-minted graduates and their families. “We support a rehabilitation-through-education narrative, which we know is essential to incarcerated individuals finding a pathway to a second chance and a better future.”

First established in 2015 by the Obama-Biden Administration, the Second Chance Pell Experiment was to provide Federal Pell Grants—which is the nation’s largest federal grant program for low-income undergraduates enrolled in Title IV colleges and universities—to incarcerated individuals to allow them to participate in postsecondary education programs. According to statistics released by the U.S. Department of Education, to date, students have earned more than 7,000 credentials, building new skills and improving their odds of success through this initiative.

Graduates hold on to the Commencement program.
Raphael Holley embraces his parents, Robert and Lory.
Dr. Annette Santos congratulates Albert Batalona.
Father Marty Solma shakes the hand of John Granger.
Earning their Associate’s degree while incarcerated.
Graduates prepare to flip their tassles.
Dr. Lynn Babington congratulates Albert Batalona
Commencement program
Drs. Janet Davidson and Lynn Babington share a light-hearted moment.

Providing education in prison has indeed proven to reduce recidivism rates, and is associated with higher employment rates, which will improve public safety, and allow individuals to return home to their communities and contribute to society. Moreover, a 2018 study from the RAND Corporation, funded by the Department of Justice, found that incarcerated individuals who participated in correctional education were 48 percent less likely to return to prison within three years than incarcerated individuals who did not participate in any correctional education programs. RAND also estimated that for every dollar invested in correctional education programs, four to five dollars are saved on three-year, re-incarceration costs.

“This is the first college degree graduation in a Hawaii correctional facility,” said Public Safety Department (PSD) Director Tommy Johnson. “Today, we are here for the commencement of seven individuals who have strived hard and applied themselves under difficult circumstances to obtain their Associate’s degree from Chaminade University of Honolulu while incarcerated. Doing so is an outstanding achievement that should be celebrated, like we’re doing here today.”

Flying in from Fort Myers, Florida, with his spouse Lory, Robert Holley couldn’t contain the emotions of the moment. Tears trickling down his cheek, he said he hasn’t been able to hug his son, Raphael, for six years. “All I want to do is hold him tight and kiss him,” Holley sobbed. “This has so much meaning, and he now has a second chance to change the trajectory of his life.”

The success of this pilot program—between Chaminade University of Honolulu and the Hawaii Department of Public Safety—demonstrates that partnerships can lead to transformative change.

Dr. Janet Davidson, Chaminade University Vice Provost

Parents of Kelson Akeo, Marlene and Daniel Akeo of Kona, Hawaii Island, expressed the same sentiments, adding that they were amazed when their son first received his GED in Arizona. “He never liked school,” Marlene Akeo said. “So, for him to get his Associate’s degree is exciting and a big deal.”

Meanwhile, Daniel Akeo offered his son some fatherly advice: “You can choose to use your brains … or your back.” The younger Akeo has chosen his mind.

“We are the founders of a new path here at Halawa,” said Kelson Akeo, in a pre-recorded video message. “We want to show the future cohorts that a higher education is obtainable just as long as they’re willing to commit.”

Chaminade Vice Provost Dr. Janet Davidson, along with the support of many faculty members, committed to this Second Chance program back in the Fall of 2021. And despite the challenges of COVID, Davidson was determined to see this program through its completion.

“The success of this pilot program—between Chaminade University of Honolulu and the Hawaii Department of Public Safety—demonstrates that partnerships can lead to transformative change,” Davidson said. “With the support and guidance of Chaminade’s distinguished faculty and support staff, and the cooperation and backing of Halawa Correctional Facility, these individuals have embraced the opportunity to redefine their futures. This program is part of Chaminade’s mission to educate for service, justice and peace. We hope that with their newly gained education, these students will have the skills needed to rebuild their lives upon reintegration into society.”

The youngest among the graduates, Raphael Holley, 23, plans to continue his education, hopefully to one day pursue a doctorate in business with a concentration in accounting. “This is just the beginning to a new life,” Holley said with a wide smile. “This is my greatest accomplishment so far and I’m going to have many more.”

As a Nation of second chances, it is critical that the United States’ criminal and juvenile justice systems provide meaningful opportunities for rehabilitation and redemption. Every year, more than 640,000 people are released from State and Federal prisons, according to a White House briefing. And more than 70 million Americans have a criminal record that creates significant barriers to employment, economic stability and successful reentry into society.  

As the U.S. Commander in Chief, President Joe Biden has supported educational access for incarcerated students, declaring in A Proclamation on Second Chance Month, 2022: “My Administration recognizes that making the criminal and juvenile justice systems more equitable, just, and effective requires a holistic approach.” 

Words that resonate with Babington. “The Catholic, Marianist education you have experienced has prepared you well for these challenges,” she told the graduates. “You have received an excellent, integrative education—holistic by design with a strong focus on the importance of serving others for the common good.”

In his closing remarks, Johnson asked Dr. Babington two questions: “When will the next program begin? And can we expand to other facilities?” 

Without hesitation, Babington responded, “The next class starts in the Fall and, yes, we want to expand this program to other facilities.”

Now that’s good news, and it means more second chance commencement ceremonies to come.

BDK-Fujitani Interfaith Program

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Discussing ‘Spirit in the Time of Radical Change’

What is faith? What is spirit? And, how do you approach climate change from the different spiritual traditions? These were the three primary questions addressed during a discussion sponsored by the BDK-Fujitani Interfaith Program, which marks its 20th anniversary this year at Chaminade University. Originally named the Bukkyo Dendo Kyokai Reverend Fujitani Interfaith Program, the curriculum’s purpose is to bring together the Buddhist community with all other religious communities in Hawaii to promote interfaith dialogue, and to provide opportunities for understanding and action for peace and justice in our communities.

In a conversation themed, “Spirit in the Time of Radical Change,” panelists included Native Hawaiian practitioner Manulani Aluli Meyer, Buddhist David Atcheson, Indian Vedic specialist Akhilesh Tiwari and Mary Anne Magnier of Honolulu Friends Meeting, which is an open and affirming congregation that welcomes everyone.

“I’ve never moderated anything in my life,” says Chaminade sophomore La‘a Gamiao ’25, who was tasked to lead the discussions. “I was really nervous, but I knew I had to be myself.”

Chaminade sophmore La’a Gamiao ’25 moderated the discussion themed “Spirit in the Time of Radical Change.”

Established in 2003 and named in honor of Yoshiaki Fujitani, a past president of BDK Hawaii, the program in the past has featured lectures, which were either usually based on a single speaker or based on panel discussions during which each panelist is given the floor to present his/her religious perspectives. The presentations would be followed by discussion among the panelists, and later opened to the audience for a Q&A session. 

“I was involved with the BDK-Fujitani Interfaith program years before Brother Bernie (Ploeger, Chaminade’s fomer President) stopped me in the hallway of Henry Hall and asked me to take over the program,” recalled Sr. Malia Wong, D.Min, Program Director for Chaminade’s BDK-Fujitani Interfaith Program. “He knew of my long involvement with the interfaith community in Hawaii and globally, but I felt I wasn’t ready to assume the position—especially moderating—and I deferred the position to Regina Pfeiffer.

In 2017, Cheryl Edelson, Dean of the School of Humanities, Arts and Design, asked associate professor Pfeiffer, D.Min., to fill the role as the head of Religious Studies. “Thus, I formally became program director of the BDK-Fujitani Interfaith Program, finally fulfilling Bro. Bernie’s wishes,” Wong laughed.

Upon the suggestion of Manulani Meyer, a moderator would be appointed to ask the question to the panelists, who would then be given a chance to respond. Wong explained that this format took a lot more preparation on the back end, not being quite sure how to organize the program so that it flows.

“Thus, I designed it with La‘a as the host and at the helm asking questions, and allowing discussions to grow organically.” Wong said. “The last part of the program included networking and continuing the conversation on the lanai with vegan pupu. It was like being with family and friends with the ease of interaction among guests of the different faith traditions. This will be our new format going forward—open to adaptation and change, a Marianist characteristic of education.”

For someone who has never moderated a discussion, La‘a was grateful that he was chosen as the first student host, despite his initial fears and nervous shakes.

“If you don’t answer, you’ll never know your character,” said Gamiao of agreeing to be the discussion’s moderator. “I put myself out there and the fact that I said yes, I think, says a lot about my character.”

Pathway to Success

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Articulation Agreements help advance careers in healthcare

A 2018 alumnus, Hyo Park graduated with his Doctor of Medicine from George Washington University earlier this month. And he credits Chaminade with helping him get there. Thanks to the university’s Articulation Agreement program with The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Park was able to secure an early admission spot at the institution. And he recently learned that his first choice of residency at Hilo Medical Center (HMC) was approved. He will start later this summer.

“While at Chaminade, I learned the importance of dedicating myself to something greater than my personal ambitions—through service,” said Park, who attributed his successes to the connections, mentorships and support he received from the university. “I’m happy to return to Hawaii to serve the community.”

At its essence, an Articulation Agreement document is between two colleges or universities, and lays out a transfer plan between two program offerings. Depending on the program and degree, students can set an early course to advanced studies as an undergraduate—establishing a strong academic record and completing prerequisites while at Chaminade. The agreement helps the student by ensuring all completed classes (credits) transfer and shows a clear pathway for continued advancement.

Amber Noguchi met with Dr. Hyo Park while visiting Washington, D.C.

“Each agreement differs by institution, as well as degree,” explained Amber Noguchi, Ph.D., Chaminade’s Program Director with the Undergraduate Research & Pre-Professional Programs. “And each agreement represents a binding legal contract between the universities.”

Students who want to take advantage of participating in an Articulation Agreement, for example with Boston University or George Washington University, should apply in January of their sophomore year. “This timeline avoids any gap year between undergraduate and graduate programs,” Noguchi noted. “They would learn of their acceptance by April, and invited to take summer courses after their sophomore year. They would return to Chaminade for their junior year and then move to Boston for their senior year.”

Articulation Agreements streamline the transfer process for everyone involved. This will help alleviate the stress surrounding the application process, the credit transfer process and several other issues students might encounter when applying to a graduate program. By simplifying this process with transfer agreements, it is beneficial to all parties involved. 

In an editorial that she wrote for the Hawaii Dental Association Journal, Dr. Nora K. Harmsen shared Chaminade’s Healthcare Articulation Agreement Programs with her fellow dentists, citing that she was interested in the programs because many times her patients or staff members would discuss their goals of becoming a hygienist, dentist, occupational therapist or pharmacist.

“Chaminade University’s pre-professional program places students on a path that will lead them to a position in one of the much-needed healthcare fields here in Hawaii,” Harmsen wrote. “The student works with the profession’s counselors, and follows the required curriculum and requirements to graduate from Chaminade. They will then apply to one of the graduate programs, following the requirements for the program’s application process, which may include an interview and required GPA or DAT, MCAT, etc.

“As a result, these students will be on a direct path to the program of their choice, at one of the Programs with which Chaminade has a current Articulation Agreement,” Harmsen further noted. “Using this plan, the student does not have to apply to multiple programs to achieve their vocational dreams. I am always skeptical about the ‘too-good-to-be-true’ programs or ideas, but Chaminade has multiple graduates from these programs who have come back to encourage other students to use this plan for their future.”

Chaminade currently has Articulation Agreements with 11 different healthcare graduate schools across the nation, including A.T. Still University, Boston University, George Washington University, Pacific University, Samuel Merritt University, Tufts, University of Dayton and Western University. A recent contract with St. Mary’s University School of Law marks the first Articulation Agreement outside of the medical field.

“Since our pre-health program was established in 2010, we’ve seen tremendous growth,” Noguchi said. “Forty percent of our students, who apply to a health professional program, now do so with one of our 11 Articulation Agreements.”