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University Communications & Marketing

Students Take Second in National Business Case Competition

May 19, 2022 by University Communications & Marketing

A big pizza brand wants to expand their reach to target more Generation Z customers.

How do you help them do it?

That was exactly the real-world challenge that participants of this year’s IACBE Business Case Competition tackled, putting together an in-person presentation that included a robust marketing plan, business analytics, and an overall strategy for delivery—and all in less than a month.

Chaminade team presenting to the judges at the IACBE Business Case Competition

A team of Chaminade students from the School of Business and Communication was up to the challenge. And after a lot of research and hours of planning, they traveled to the competition in Costa Mesa, California to make their pitch. The result? A second-place win and some excellent experience.

“Our team came up with a great business strategy,” said Chaminade senior Tyrone Rixie, after the awards were announced. “It included big improvements to their app, website, and an art contest. The enhancements were all about making the company more modern and digital-friendly.”

Chaminade junior Peyton Oshiro, who was also on the team, liked that the competition was reality-based. The business strategy was for Donatos Pizza, which serves customers across 400 locations in 30 states. Oshiro said developing a plan for an actual company made the competition all the more difficult.

“When we arrived, we were a little nervous,” Oshiro said.

“Overall, we really came together. It was a great experience and I think we really killed it.”

The Chaminade team posing in front of the IACBE banner at the IACBE Business Case Competition

Juniors Michael Rose and Ashley Yoshikawa were also on the team, which received support from lead faculty mentor Richard Kido, an associate professor of Accounting, and two team advisors: Wera Panow-Loui, who teaches Marketing, and Dr. Eddie Merc, an assistant professor in Business Analytics.

For their business presentation, the Chaminade team conducted a survey of more than 100 Gen Z students, polling them on what social media platforms they prefer and their habits online. At the core of their strategy was reimagining the brand to include a cutting-edge online experience that also highlighted the company’s family foundation given Gen Z values and social awareness.

They also pitched a strong Instagram presence designed to bolster engagement.

The judges praised the students for their professionalism, the strength of their presentation, and for weaving in innovative strategies to attract younger customers. One of the judges thought the Chaminade team put together the best package of strategies for a Gen Z profile.

Faculty mentors also said the judges appreciated the poise and confidence the Silversword team demonstrated during a question-and-answer session. The takeaway: it was clear they were prepared.

Yoshikawa, the junior, said that was particularly positive feedback.

“We did a lot of work. There was a definite lack of sleep and lots of late nights of preparation,” Yoshikawa said. “To be able to present our work to professionals, it was a really great experience.”

Filed Under: Business & Communication, Homepage Large, Students Tagged With: Honors and Awards

Chaminade Hosts Pacific Region Data Science Challenge

May 17, 2022 by University Communications & Marketing

Rewarding. Difficult. Inspiring. Those were some of the words student participants used to describe their experiences in the inaugural Advanced Computing for Social Change Challenge in the Pacific, hosted earlier this spring by Chaminade University’s Data Science, Analytics and Visualization program.

Dr. Rylan Chong, director of the program, said about 20 students from across the Pacific—including Saipan and Guam—participated in the remote, week-long event along with six undergraduate mentors.

The challenge in March was held in coordination with similar events scattered across the country, Chong said, and with support from Extreme Science and Engineering Discovery Environment (XSEDE) and Texas Advanced Computing Center, whose supercomputer was used by student participants.

Chong said the challenges are meant to test participants’ data analysis and interpretation skills, creativity, innovation, and ability to work under pressure. Participants also get invaluable training and mentorship—all as part of a broader effort to help them connect real-world data to actionable solutions.

Over the course of the week, students identified a research question, pored over the relevant data, arrived at results, created data visualizations, and then presented their work. Along the way, they also attended workshops on everything from statistics to text mining in order to hone their skills.

He said the projects students worked on included a study of COVID-19 in Hawaii and an exploration of native birds of Haleakala. “Each project provided data sets for participants to derive their project from,” he said. “The data sets included thousands of records and results were used to inform researchers.”

Sarah Caroll '24 poster for ASCS data science challenge

He added that the underlying theme of the challenge was about building capacity and learning communities in the Pacific to “harness the power of technology and data to address” challenges.

Chaminade Data Science student Sarah Carroll ’24 jumped at the chance to participate in the competition to build on her skills and apply them. She focused on COVID-19 in Hawaii, text-mining Twitter data to analyze community sentiment on the virus and the government response.

“It was very rewarding to see that I am capable of implementing what I learned,” Carroll said, adding that she was thrilled to be able to put together a project and get immediate feedback on her presentation. “This experience really boosted my confidence in working with data.”

Punohu Keahi '25 poster for ASCS data science challenge

Punohu Keahi is a first-year student at Chaminade, majoring in Environmental Studies, and participated in hopes of learning more about how to turn big data sets into results that communities can actually use to make decisions. “My biggest reason for joining this program was to step out of my comfort zone,” Keahi said. “Getting this experience is something I will never forget.”

Keahi opted to dive into data from the Haleakala National Bird survey.

“I love native birds and I’m interested in knowing more about the different factors that could have caused the fluctuations in the bird population,” she said. “My biggest challenge during this program was figuring out how to code and then create different scatter plot and bar graphs.”

One of the greatest thrills? Using a supercomputer for the first time.

Armando Luna's poster for ASCS data science challenge

Armando Luna, a Data Science student at Chaminade, said the competition was tough—but a worthwhile experience. “The biggest challenge was ensuring I would have a presentable and complete project in time,” Luna said. “However, we had fantastic mentors who helped us through the week.”

Mentors like Dairian Balai ’22, who said she wanted to volunteer because of her own positive experiences at Advanced Computing for Social Change Challenges on the mainland. She was in the 2019 ACSC cohort and said the mentors were key to ensuring the event was filled with both learning and fun.

She said many of the students participating in this year’s challenge didn’t have any experience with coding, programming or working with big data sets. That meant they needed some extra help to ensure they didn’t get overwhelmed. “The students persevered and created incredible posters,” she said.

She added that what she enjoyed most about being a mentor was watching students grow in the challenge. “You can tell how much confidence they gained,” Balai said. “I also like seeing those great ‘aha!’ moments when they’re running into issues and then they finally make a breakthrough.”

Filed Under: Campus and Community, Diversity and Inclusion, Homepage Large, Natural Sciences & Mathematics, Students Tagged With: Campus Event, Data Science

Celebrating Our Graduates: Spring Commencement 2022

May 16, 2022 by University Communications & Marketing

Value your ‘ohana, embrace your kuleana and remember that obstacles are meant to be overcome.

Suzanne Puanani Vares-Lum, president of the East-West Center, giving the commencement speech

That was the message East-West Center President Suzanne Puanani Vares-Lum had for Chaminade University’s Spring 2022 graduates at the university’s 64th annual Commencement exercises on May 7.

“When you walk out of here today, remember those who walked with you, remember all those who helped you get here, and remember what it means to be a servant leader—even when it’s tough,” said Vares-Lum, in her address graduates at the Waikiki Shell. “Be a light wherever you go, learn, listen, teach, encourage. … Embrace where you come from and don’t let others define who you are.”

Vares-Lum is the first woman and Native Hawaiian to be selected to lead the East-West Center. In speaking to graduates, she described her humble beginnings and her struggles at home and at school.

“Most people who knew me then would never have imagined that I would one day be standing before you—as your commencement speaker, a retired two-star general and now the head of one of our region’s most respected institutions of learning, the East-West Center,” Vares-Lum said.

“Fortunately, I spent many of my summers growing up with my grandparents on Maui. They knew everything about hard work and commitment. I watched and learned. We have so much to learn from our kupuna. It kindled a drive inside of me that said, ‘I refuse to be defined by life’s circumstances.’”

Spring 2022 Commencement at the Waikiki Shell

The message was well-received by graduates, who were faced with a host of new COVID-related challenges and were able to tackle them all to achieve their goals. The Commencement included about 540 students in all, including 140 undergraduates who qualified for Honors recognition.

Melanie Kushi was graduating with her Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology (PsyD) degree, and said the graduation represented the end of a “long journey” and the beginning of a new adventure. She has been selected for a post-doctoral position at Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center.

“I couldn’t have done this without the love and support of my family,” she said. “It’s a lot of hard work.”

Fellow PsyD graduate Daniel Kinikini couldn’t agree more and added he’s thankful to his professors at Chaminade and his fellow cohort members for helping him get through the toughest days. “I’m looking forward to the future,” said Kinikini, adding that the pandemic has underscored the importance of a robust mental healthcare system in Hawaii. “Being able to work with, especially the underserved population, that’s something I’m really passionate about. Many doors are opened now.”

Educator Brandy Wilson was ecstatic after graduating with her Master of Arts in Teaching degree, and said she’s planning to bring her new skills to her current work. “I love preschool,” said Wilson, who teaches at Mokapu Elementary in Kailua. “Being at Chaminade has helped me so much to learn strategies for working with both general education and special education students. I will continue to do that.”

Dr. Lynn Babington speaking at Spring 2022 Commencement

The Commencement ceremony began with a special invocation from Bro. Edward Brink, vice president for Mission and Rector at Chaminade. President Dr. Lynn Babington then addressed graduates, congratulating them on all they have accomplished—including in the face of adversity.

“During the past two years, we have all lived with uncertainty. You had to pivot to online learning, missed seeing some of your friends, faculty and staff, and were never able to properly celebrate all of your accomplishments in the community,” Babington said, in her speech. “You have learned the power of sacrifice because you have made necessary ones to keep yourself and your families safe.”

She added that Class of 2022 has demonstrated not only resiliency, but tenacity and grace in responding to an ever-changing landscape of obstacles. “You give us all great hope for the future,” she said. “You are our future leaders and we are confident in your ability to succeed.”

In addition to graduates, two extraordinary members of the community were honored at the Commencement ceremony: Kitty Sullivan Wo and Vaughn Vasconcellos were this year’s recipients of Chaminade’s Doctor of Humane Letters honorary degree.

Kitty Sullivan Wo and Vaughn Vasconcellos receiving their Doctor of Humane Letters honorary degree

Sullivan Wo, director of the Sullivan Family of Companies, is a philanthropist and previously served on Chaminade’s Boards of Governors and as chair of the Board of Regents. In her support of Chaminade’s mission, Sullivan Wo was instrumental in a major fundraising campaign and dedicated the Sullivan Family Library. Vasconcellos, who founded Akimeka LLC, has worked throughout this career to bolster opportunities for young people. He also previously served as chair for Chaminade’s Board of Regents and currently serves on Chaminade’s Board of Governors and Hogan Entrepreneurial Program Advisory Board.

The undergraduate Commencement speaker was Albert Respicio, who majored in Communication. In celebrating his fellow graduates, he asked them to remember all those who made the day possible. “We didn’t do this alone,” he said. “Thank you to all our parents, friends, teachers and everyone else in between that believed in us when we didn’t. When we struggled to think that we could.”

undergraduate and graduate commencement speakers

Graduate speaker Kiana Dizon, who received her Master of Science in Counseling Psychology degree, encouraged her fellow Silverswords to make big dreams and then go for them—just like she did. “I never thought I could make my dreams a reality until I pursued a passion at an institution that empowered me to do so,” she said, adding degrees speak not only to a person’s intellect but to their character.

Nursing graduate Lara Domogma said she feels the same way.

She called the day “surreal” and said she was moved to be able to share it with her family.

“This is really happening,” she said, beaming. “I’m here. I can’t believe it.”

While the Commencement ceremony was the main event of the weekend, the celebrations for graduates actually started on May 6 with a special Baccalaureate Mass at the Mystical Rose Oratory. The gathering, an annual tradition, is an opportunity for the Chaminade community to reflect on the accomplishments of the term’s graduating class and give thanksgiving for all they have.

graduates standing at the Spring 2022 Commencement

Kaimaile Leopoldo, a Master’s in Teaching graduate, said she’s most grateful for the positive impact she’ll have on young people’s lives. Leopoldo said she went into preschool teaching because she loves working with very young children and serving as one of their very first teachers. “This degree means so much,” she said. “Having students take what I teach into their lives, that’s what I’m excited about.”

Joseph Durocher was at Commencement to celebrate the completion of his bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry. But he won’t be away from Chaminade for long: He’s hoping to apply to the university’s One Year MBA program and is interested in pursuing a future in biotechnology.

For now, though, he’s letting his newest title—college graduate—sink in.

“Being here right now,” he said, “it definitely feels amazing.”


Watch the Commencement recap here.

Watch the full Commencement here.

Filed Under: Campus and Community, Featured Story, Institutional, Students

2022 Co-Curricular Awards: Making a Positive Impact Across Campus

May 6, 2022 by University Communications & Marketing

They go above and beyond—and their work doesn’t go unnoticed.

Students clapping during the 2022 Co-Curricular Awards

Last month, students, student organizations and clubs, and faculty members and staff whose commitment to putting Chaminade’s mission into action every day were recognized at the 17th annual Co-Curricular Awards. The event was a chance to thank awardees for their tireless efforts and showcase the positive difference they’re making across campus and the community.

In all, 19 awards were presented, including for service, scholarship and to outstanding student-athletes.

One member of each undergraduate class was selected to receive the Bro. Joseph Becker Award of Excellence, which recognizes those who display exceptional leadership skills through involvement in co-curricular activities. The awardees, with a diversity of scholarly ambitions, were: freshman Moanna Blaksteen, sophomore Andrew Nishitomi, junior Kobe Ngirailemesang, and senior Josephine Iose.

The Bro. Elmer Dunsky Outstanding Student Organization Award went to the Chaminade Student Programming Board, which works to organize events and promote a sense of community on campus. The award recognized the organization’s outstanding contributions to helping create a positive and welcoming campus environment that embraces service and fosters a true sense of ‘ohana. 

Students pose with the Co-curricular Awards

Meanwhile, two winners were selected for the Fr. Stephen Tutas Program Award of Excellence, bestowed on a student or student organization for exceptional creativity, planning and execution of a university program that contributed to the quality of life at Chaminade. Ashley Yoshikawa and Kayleen Lau were recognized for their Field Day Fundraiser for the Our Kupuna Foundation, a nonprofit that connects kupuna with sponsors who can help them with errands. And Melissa Dela Cruz was also honored for her My Culture is Not a Costume event to bolster cultural understanding.

The Rev. David Schuyler Advisor of the Year Award went to Malo Sipeli’i, for outstanding service mentoring a student organization. The award recognizes members of the faculty, staff or administration who seek to encourage and support students in leadership development and campus involvement.

Sipelii was also honored for a strong commitment to helping students greatly bolster their life skills, embrace innovative challenges, and balance and excel at their school, life and co-curricular obligations.


2022 Co-Curricular Awardees

  • Male Athlete of the Year: Isaac Amaral-Artharee
  • Female Athlete of the Year: Alexia Byrnes
  • Silversword Award: Kayleen Lau
  • Campus Ministry Award: Alia Mercado and Amber Sablan
  • Liturgy Award: Liam Sullivan and Kobe Ngirailemesang
  • Retreat Leader of the Year: Celine Mesiona-Perez and Kara Grace Joves
  • Service Award: Kaitlin Derouin and Tiffany Rivera
  • Outstanding Peer Mentor: Dimitrius Dominguez and Sharon Cain
  • Resident Assistant Award of Excellence: Kelsey Sablan
  • Residence Hall Association Award of Excellence: Cayenne Gabaylo and Jason Nowak
  • Bro. Joseph Becker Award of Excellence:
    • Freshman: Moanna Blaksteen
    • Sophomore: Andrew Nishitomi
    • Junior: Kobe Ngirailemesang
    • Senior: Josephine Iose
  • Bro. Elmer Dunsky Outstanding Student Organization Award: Chaminade Student Programming Board
  • Rev. David Schuyler Advisor of the Year Award: Malo Sipeli’i
  • Fr. Stephen Tutas Program Award for Excellence: “Field Day Fundraiser for Our Kupuna Foundation” (Ashley Yoshikawa & Kayleen Lau); “My Culture is Not a Costume” (Melissa Dela Cruz)
  • Frederick K.K. Kauhane, Sr. Aloha Spirit Award: Aloha Lei Garo and Sean-Zacharry Lorenzo, Jr.
  • Henry Halenani Gomes Alaka‘i Award: Alia Mercado and Alaina Mercado

Filed Under: Campus and Community, Diversity and Inclusion, Featured Story, Student Life, Students Tagged With: Office of Student Activities and Leadership

Healthy and Sustainable Hawaii Speaker Series

May 4, 2022 by University Communications & Marketing

A series of speakers exploring everything from climate change resilience to indigenous wisdom to healthcare equity helped launch the new United Nations-affiliated CIFAL Honolulu Centre at Chaminade University.

The events in April were aimed at underscoring the mission of the center, an exciting partnership between Chaminade and the United Nations Institute for Training and Research. CIFAL Honolulu is designed to serve as a hub in Hawaii and the Pacific Region for leadership, training and education around key sustainable development goals—convening and empowering people to maximize their positive impact.

Lt. Gov. Josh Green speaking at the United Nations CIFAL Honolulu Centre speaker series

The Healthy & Sustainable Hawaii Speaker Series kicked off on April 12, with Lt. Governor Josh Green.

Green, a practicing physician, discussed his vision for bolstering the health and wellbeing of people in Hawaii and the Pacific, encouraging attendees to consider how a plethora of social issues—drug addiction, domestic violence, homelessness, poverty—are all connected to health metrics.

“Systems are complex and they require complex thought,” Green said, adding COVID has both complicated the state’s healthcare landscape and introduced new opportunities, like broadening the availability of telehealth services. “The consequences of health disparities are great. There’s no choice but to address them. What we now know is that your zip code matters more than your genetic code.”

In his speech, Green talked about how he came to the islands from Pennsylvania to serve as a rural doctor on Hawaii Island and then decided to run for office in hopes of bringing attention to healthcare disparities he was seeing first-hand. Fast forward to 2019 and he was in the lieutenant governor’s office and having a conversation with the government of Western Samoa about a huge measles outbreak.

Lt. Gov. Josh Green speaking at the United Nations CIFAL Honolulu Centre speaker series

They asked Green, “Could you come and vaccinate our entire country?”

Green wasn’t sure how he was going to accomplish it, but he corralled resources in lightning speed. Hundreds of Hawaii healthcare professionals volunteered to assist. Airlines donated travel. And vaccines were provided free of charge. Over just 48 hours, some 37,000 measles vaccinations were administered.

And just a few months after that ordeal, Green and his team started getting wind of a worrisome new coronavirus making people sick in China and spreading to U.S. cities. “There was a problem on the horizon and we just witnessed what a virus could do,” Green said. “I knew we better get ready.”

Within weeks, a pandemic was declared and the state was shut down.

Green said COVID-19 underscored the power of working together, especially in emergencies, to shepherd resources and keep people safe. He said that same approach is necessary to grapple with some of the biggest crises facing Hawaii, many of which have significant implications on health.

Lucy Lee '23 and Ramsay Taum posing for the camera with Diamond Head in the background
Lucy Lee ’23 and Ramsay Taum

Also on April 12, the CIFAL Centre hosted Life Enhancement Institute of the Pacific Founder and President Ramsay Taum and Hōkūleʻa student navigator Lucy Lee ’23 for a conversation about cultural and historical connections across the Pacific that could guide the way for sustainable development.

In considering climate change resilience and sustainability, Taum told attendees we must begin by “considering the empty chair”—our ancestors, loved ones who have departed and relatives who have not yet been born but also those we are trying to protect. “Who is it that you are accountable to?” Taum said, adding that he writes a letter every night to the people who will become his great-great grandchildren to answer their question, “What did you do when you had the chance?”

Taum said it’s also important to understand our priorities as an island community. “When we take fertile lands that we grow food in, and grow cement in them instead, what we’ve suggested is that we’ve shifted a priority—we’re OK with shipping our food in rather than growing it,” he said.

“Imagine if we created policies on caring. Do you think the carrying capacities will follow? I think so.”

Ramsay Taum speaking at the CIFAL Honolulu speaker series

He added that it’s important to understand the difference between wisdom and knowledge and recognize the importance of each in creating resilient, sustainable communities. “Maybe our success living on this island called Earth could be supported by talking to islanders,” Taum said.

In her address, Lee also touched on the value of place-based solutions.

A solution for one community, she pointed out, might not work for another. She added that communication and dialogue are also central ingredients in making headway on some of society’s biggest obstacles. To underscore the point, Lee recalled her first navigation experience onboard the Polynesian voyaging canoe Hōkūleʻa. She and other students were charged with finding Nihoa island.

At the time, the Environmental Studies major said, Polynesian Voyaging Society President and Master Navigator Nainoa Thompson told her that he didn’t care if she found the island in the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument.

What he cared about was whether she was leading her crew. “You can be the best navigator in the world. If no one wants to be on crew with you, you’ll be sailing solo for the rest of your life,” she said.

Josh Stanbro, Dr. Chip Fletcher, Dr. Gail Grabowsky, Chris Benjamin, Scott Glenn and Aimee Barnes
Josh Stanbro, Dr. Chip Fletcher, Dr. Gail Grabowsky, Chris Benjamin, Scott Glenn and Aimee Barnes

The final event in the speaker series, on April 18, was a panel discussion on climate resiliency and mitigation. The talk was moderated by Alexander & Baldwin CEO Chris Benjamin and included scientists, policy leaders and others discussing the stakes for Hawaii, the fight ahead, and how the Hawaii Executive Collaborative is seeking to drive change for the better with its Climate Coalition.

“We’re here today because our planet is in peril,” Benjamin told attendees. “Hawaii will experience climate change particularly acutely. This can’t just be a government solution or a nonprofit solution. It’s not just about educating people. It’s about all of these things. We’re trying to connect the dots.”

Dr. Charles “Chip” Fletcher, a panelist and dean of the School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, said climate change is an immense problem with no easy solutions. But he’s optimistic about how Hawaii will tackle global warming’s many challenges.

“We have the cultural and economic and social framework with which we can thrive in this century,” Fletcher said. “Our community in Hawaii can by strongly unified. That is a community that can be prepared for the shocks and stresses of climate change. But we have a lot of work to do.”

The Hawaii Executive Collaborative panelists speaking to the audience

Aimee Barnes, founder and CEO of Hua Nani Partners, said despair and doom are frequent and unfortunate themes in climate change circles. As she told attendees, however, there is an antidote: action. “The work that we’re doing really does matter. It’s going to help,” she said.

And, said Elemental Excelerator Policy Fellow and former city Resilience Officer Josh Stanbro, sustainable action also adds up—especially at the local level. “When we’re talking about turning these islands into a climate resilient place, I think we have a better shot than most,” he said.

Panelist Scott Glenn, the state’s chief energy officer, agreed and said fighting climate change and mitigating its impacts shouldn’t be seen simply as good for the environment or for communities but should be considered the right thing to do. “For all of us, it comes down to the opportunities we have to be a good person, to be a decent human. Fighting poverty, planting a tree is about making life better.”

For more details on the speaker series and on CIFAL Honolulu, click here.

Filed Under: Campus and Community, CIFAL Honolulu, Featured Story, Institutional, Student Life Tagged With: Guest Speakers

School of Nursing and Health Professions Launches Parish Health Program

May 2, 2022 by University Communications & Marketing

One of the biggest obstacles to health education and prevention screening is access.

And a new Parish Health program at Chaminade University is focused on addressing that.

The program, unique on Oahu, gives Chaminade Nursing students the opportunity to work one-on-one with parishioners after Mass or via telehealth appointments to offer blood pressure, nutritional or other types of screenings, make assessments on determinants of health and connect them with resources.

The students receive critical hands-on experiences with members of the community. And parishioner participants, who are 55 and older, are equipped with tools they can use to improve their wellness.

“We really wanted to develop a Parish Health program to serve the needs of the community with education, health promotion and even healthcare,” said Dr. Pamela Smith, School of Nursing and Health Professions associate dean. “Many of our students enjoy the fellowship and ministry part of school, and this was an opportunity to blend it into nursing-related education and public health-related education.”

Smith said a Marianist Sponsorship Ministries Foundation grant helped cover costs for the program’s launch, including health promotion items for participants like pedometers, blood pressure monitors and gift cards farmers markets. The program was also made possible in part, by Kaiser Permanente through the Catholic Care Coalition.

After conversations with community stakeholders, the program officially kicked off in the Fall Term in partnership with the Co-Cathedral of St. Theresa of the Child Jesus in Kalihi. Nursing students offered screenings and health education to parishioners at the co-cathedral after each Mass. They also connected with parishioners via telehealth appointments—over the phone and through virtual meetings.

The program was expanded in the Spring to include a focus on exercise—a virtual Walk to Jerusalem that focused on the importance of movement to overall health. Participants signed up for the walk online and then tracked their progress with others along the way.

The next step for the program, Smith said, is growth.

Chaminade nursing student taking a parishioner's blood pressure for the Parish Health Program

There’s hope it can be expanded to more parishes on Oahu and even to the Neighbor Islands. The School of Nursing and Health Professions is also focused on increasing the number of students offering Parish Health services, including through one-on-one telehealth screening appointments.

Nursing student Zane Biscocho was among those who participated in the program. As part of the telehealth rotation, he held 30- to 60-minute screening interviews with parishioners to discuss everything from healthy eating to the importance of taking prescribed medication on time.

“One thing that I enjoyed most about being a part of the Parish Health program was learning how to be adaptable, utilize telehealth and education fairs, and also getting the chance to educate my patients about their appointments and concerns they may have had,” Biscocho said, after completing the experience. “My biggest takeaway is that healthcare expands far beyond the hospital.”

He added that Parish Health is not only making a difference, but adapting to meet participant needs.

That’s what Nursing student Tyler Insillo appreciated the most.

“It is always so important to meet people where they are,” she said. “We have to listen to what the community feels their needs are and address those needs accordingly, with consideration to not only their resources and time but their readiness to learn and accept the education we are sharing.”

As part of the program, Insillo delivered telehealth surveys along with in-person lessons on cardiovascular health. She said working one-on-one with participants was a rewarding experience. “I enjoyed working the community and helping them see the importance of a healthy lifestyle,” she said.

For details on the Parish Health program, click here.

Filed Under: Campus and Community, Catholic, Diversity and Inclusion, Featured Story, Innovation, Nursing & Health Professions, Students Tagged With: Experiential Learning, Nursing

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