Chaminade University of Honolulu

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Future STEM Teachers Inspired by Leading Scientists, Engineers at NASA Institute

For the second consecutive summer, future teachers studying at Chaminade University gained a behind-the-scenes look at America’s space program. This during a five-day professional development institute conducted by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).

The training program, funded by NASA’s Minority University Research and Education Project, helped pre-service teachers enhance their STEM instructional practices. Field trips and other interactive events focused on the International Space Station, a planned mission to Mars and other major NASA initiatives.

Dr. Katrina Roseler, an associate professor with the Division of Education, applied for the program and took seven Chaminade students to Ames Research Center, a major NASA facility in California’s Silicon Valley.

Education students at NASA Research Park“For me, the most memorable part of the trip was watching the excitement of the students as they engaged in new activities,” Dr. Roseler said. “They developed their engineering design skills and had firsthand learning opportunities with some of the leading U.S. scientists and engineers.”

She pointed out that many elementary schools emphasize mathematics and language arts – because they’re highlighted on standardized tests – at the expense of science education. Moreover, pre-service teachers are only required to complete six hours of science-related coursework in their undergraduate studies.

“As a science educator, to me, this is unacceptable,” Dr. Roseler said, emphasizing that “science knowledge and practices are essential tools for engaging with the world.” NASA addresses this issue, she said, by providing learning experiences for future teachers “that can be directly applied to their future classrooms.”

Danielle Friend ‘18, a double major in Elementary Education and English, said she and the other six Chaminade students “got to go inside a wind tunnel, see how the NASA engineers prepare to send things up to the space station, and so much more.”

“I am excited to share what I learned at NASA with just about anyone who will listen to me,” Friend said. “But mostly, I hope to take what I learned and help encourage students to love science. Teach them that if they work hard, they really can become astronauts or even rocket scientists.”

Katie Grywczynski ‘18, an Elementary Education major, said she wanted to attend the training institute “because it sounded like a really fun opportunity to learn about NASA, their resources and STEM activities I can use in my future classroom.”

Education students at NASA Research Park“My most memorable part of the trip was getting to tour the facilities/labs and learning about everything that NASA does in our world,” Grywczynski said. “My biggest takeaway from the program was learning about all the amazing and free resources NASA has to offer.”

Elementary Education major Sara Castillo ‘19 said the training program was “jam-packed with so many sessions, tours and lessons.” This included meeting an astronaut, experiencing a mega-computer “that took up a whole upstairs building,” and exploring numerous NASA sites.

“I think my biggest takeaway – literally – is all the physical resources that we were given on the last day of the conference,” Castillo said. “Everyone was given pamphlets, lesson plans, posters for the classroom, stickers and just so many heavy resources – 20 pounds to be exact.

“Many of us were struggling to put it in our luggage without going over the airline’s weight limit,” she added.

Other Chaminade students participating in the training institute were: Angelica Louise Concepcion, Hannah Parker, Marisa Paz and Samantha Tufaga.

Chaminade’s Division of Education offers undergraduate programs in Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education and Secondary Education. The division also offers graduate programs leading to a Master of Education degree or Master of Arts in Teaching degree. 

Nursing Students Share TLC with Health Screenings, Wellness Education at Big Island Cultural Festival

In what has become a yearly outreach to Big Island residents, Chaminade University School of Nursing students conducted health screenings and offered wellness education at the Ho’oku’ikahi Establishment Day Hawaiian Cultural Festival.

The 45th annual event was held at the Pu’ukoholā Heiau National Historic Site, famous for its ruins of an ancient Hawaiian temple built circa 1790 by King Kamehameha I. The popular festival draws Native Hawaiians and other residents from throughout the Islands.

Nursing students participating in the 2017 Puukohola eventAlong with performing first aid and intake, the future nurses helped 150 festival goers by checking their blood pressure and Body Mass Index. Students also counseled local residents about the importance of making healthy lifestyle choices to prevent and treat common maladies such as diabetes, hypertension and obesity.

Joining students at the outreach was Chaminade President Lynn Babington, who holds doctorate, master’s and bachelor’s degrees in nursing. She also works to improve America’s health care system by serving as a Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Executive Nurse Fellow.

Chaminade Chief Nursing Administrator Dr. Edna Magpantay-Monroe said the annual outreach is in keeping with the school’s mission and the University’s Marianist values.

“We want the students to share their knowledge in a humble way that serves the people,” Magpantay-Monroe said, “and look at the people they serve from a unique perspective of body, mind and spirit.”

Nursing student Erin Ah Sue (‘18) said conducting the screenings was part of her kuleana as a Native Hawaiian scholar to promote health and wellness among other Native Hawaiians.

“I felt ‘re-rooted’ to my Native Hawaiian culture,” she said. “It helped me to re-focus and ensure that my goals after graduation are in line with what I have promised as a Ho’oulu scholar, which is to be a part of a lahui (group) of health practitioners ‘who are equally grounded in science and culture.’”

Student Jessica Jicha (‘18) said it was “humbling to be able to give back to the community.”

“Not only did I get to indulge myself in my own culture,” Jicha said, “it is an experience that I can integrate into my bedside manner when working with patients of the Native Hawaiian culture.”

Nursing students participating in the 2017 Puukohola eventJohn Aiwohi (‘19) called the outreach experience “life changing.”

“I will take what I have learned and incorporate that in my future career as a nurse professional,” Aiwohi said. “The ability to work well and efficiently with other professions ensures quality care, continuity, promotes client safety as well as advocacy.”

Tiana Sula (‘19) described the outreach as “an amazing experience” that “challenged me to step outside of my comfort zone and explore different parts of myself.”

“As a future nurse, I plan to use what I’ve learned to serve the people of Hawaii to the best of my ability,” Sula said. “Hawaii is such a unique place, so full of culture and tradition. As a nurse I want to be sensitive to these different aspects, and provide care that is unique to each patient.”

Guam native Danielle Balajadia (‘18) said the Big Island trip helped her “learn and understand the Hawaiian culture through their history and traditions.”

“From watching the shooting stars at 4 in the morning to listening to the Hawaiian chants of the people, I could feel the emotions and connections among the people, land and waters,” Balajadia said.

“Just being in that moment and releasing all the worries and stressors of life was such an incredible feeling,” she added. “Truly a great refresher to start off senior year.”

Helping underwrite the Hawaii Island trip were School of Nursing graduates Michael Ono (‘14), Genalyn Agustin (‘15), Annette Pakele-Chang (‘16), Hailey Hema (‘17) and Alaina Cabreros (‘17). Additional donors include: Grissel Benitez-Hodge, Dr. Stephanie Genz, Jeanette Peterson, Bryan Arce, Eva Gallegos and the Filipino Nurses’ Organization of Hawaii. An anonymous donation also supported the outreach.

Chaminade’s School of Nursing is a four year, full-time undergraduate program that offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. The unique program immerses students in nursing preparation with educational curriculum, human-patient simulations, community outreach projects, and service-learning and supervised clinical experiences. The curriculum for our undergraduates program is consistent with the Baccalaureate Essentials of Nursing produced by the American Association of Collegiate Nursing. The nursing program is fully accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

New Silverswords: Chaminade Welcomes Class of 2021, Transfer Students to Campus

Chaminade University enthusiastically welcomed 214 first-year students and 123 transfer students to campus prior to the start of fall classes on Monday, August 28. The 2017-18 academic year starts later at Chaminade than at most other Hawaii colleges and universities.

Among the orientation highlights for new students was a Sunday-morning hike to the summit of Diamond Head led by Dr. Lynn Babington, who began her tenure August 1 as Chaminade’s tenth President. More than 100 people took part in the strenuous climb, including many students and their families from the Neighbor Islands and Mainland cities.

Another highlight was the academic convocation held at the campus Mamiya Theatre. This traditional ceremony featured a procession of faculty to formally introduce students to their educational journey.

Other well-attended orientation activities included: trolley tours of Chaminade’s Kaimuki neighborhood, a mystery bus ride, a resource fair and social at Henry Hall with shave ice and a photo booth, and a colorful “Tastes of Hawaii” luau on the Sullivan Family Library lawn.

During a “Burgers with the Brothers” informal luncheon at Hale Malia, students and parents excitedly mingled with Chaminade’s Marianist community. Among those on hand were University Rector Bro. Ed Brink, S.M., and Bro. Allen Pacquing, S.M., the recently appointed director of Campus Ministry.

Students also became acquainted with members of the Silversword women’s soccer team, who warmly greeted newcomers by helping them move into their Hale Lokelani campus apartments.

Chaminade’s Class of 2021 reinforces the University’s distinction as one of the most multicultural campuses in America. Student ethnicities include: Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander (40.2 percent), Asian (30.8 percent), Caucasian (10.7 percent), Hispanic/Latino (4.2 percent), African American (1.4 percent) and two or more races (5.1 percent).

The incoming class drew students from 17 states, three U.S. territories and two foreign countries. Notably, 43.9 percent of these freshmen are first-generation college students.

Bro. Allen Pacquing New Director of Campus Ministry

Bro. Allen Pacquing, S.M.Chaminade University has a new director of Campus Ministry: Bro. Allen Pacquing, S.M. The Kalihi native and Saint Louis School graduate succeeded Danny O’Regan, who held the position since 2012.

Prior to his current role, Bro. Allen served as Chaminade’s Minister of Liturgy and Worship and coordinated the Tutoring Center at the Office of Retention, Advising and Career Preparation.

“I’m honored and excited to lead Campus Ministry,” said Bro. Allen, who took his vows as a Marianist in 2015. “College provides a wonderful opportunity for personal and spiritual growth. Accordingly, our team offers support and guidance to students of all faiths and traditions.”

Bro. Allen previously served as a liturgical ministry assistant at St. Mary’s University (Chaminade’s sister campus in San Antonio, Texas) and as a pastoral associate at Co-Cathedral of Saint Theresa of the Child Jesus in Honolulu. Also in Honolulu, he directed religious education at St. Anthony Church and School and taught religion at Damien Memorial School.

After earning a master’s degree in pastoral ministry at Santa Clara University, Bro. Allen completed additional graduate studies at Washington Theological Union. He also received a bachelor’s degree in justice administration from Hawaii Pacific University.

The mission of Campus Ministry is to intensify Chaminade’s Catholic and Marianist identity throughout the campus community. Activities include religious retreats, liturgies and opportunities for community service.

Chaminade Students, Faculty and Staff Welcome Dr. Lynn Babington as University’s 10th President

Students, faculty and staff from all divisions and schools at Chaminade University enthusiastically greeted Dr. Lynn M. Babington Aug. 1 when she officially began her tenure as the institution’s tenth President.

The colorful welcoming ceremony featured a traditional Hawaiian “oli” (chant) by members of the campus ‘ohana clad in Chaminade blue clothing. Following a gift presentation to Dr. Babington and her husband, Dr. Randall Carpenter, Chaminade Rector Bro. Ed Brink, S.M. delivered a blessing.

Dr. Lynn BabingtonDr. Babington, whose appointment was announced last December by Chaminade’s Board of Regents, most recently served as Interim President at Fairfield University in Connecticut. Her previous roles at this Catholic university included Provost and Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs.

“Our new President is a highly regarded educator, administrator and thought leader who will further the progress we’ve made over the past two decades at Chaminade,” according to Board of Regents Chair Vaughn G.A. Vasconcellos.

“Dr. Babington’s fresh perspective and personal warmth will lead to new ways of invigorating the campus and all the communities we serve,” he said.

“Joining the Chaminade ‘ohana is a tremendous honor and privilege,” Dr. Babington said. “The university has a well-deserved reputation for its strong liberal arts foundation and Marianist mission of creating a more just and peaceful society.”

Having begun her career working with disadvantaged populations, Dr. Babington said Chaminade’s continued commitment to improving the community it serves “speaks to her passion” by addressing disparities in healthcare, education and the criminal justice system.

Dr.  Babington also praised Chaminade as having “tremendous growth potential” and looks forward to “building on the university’s solid foundation” by working closely with the campus community and supporters in the public and private sectors.

Welcome Ceremony at Clarence T.C. Ching Hall“As for our students,” Dr. Babington said, “I’m inspired by their pursuit of academic excellence and their outreach to needy populations through service learning projects. Moreover, the wonderful diversity of our student body makes Chaminade one of the most multicultural campuses in America.”

In addition to her positions at Fairfield, Dr. Babington held leadership roles at Northeastern University from 2003 to 2011 and studied as a Fulbright Scholar at Ben Gurion University in Israel.

In 2013, she was selected for the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Executive Nurse Fellows program, a three-year leadership development experience designed to enhance the nation’s healthcare system.

Dr. Babington received her master’s and doctorate degrees in nursing from the University of Washington and a bachelor’s (magna cum laude) in nursing from the University of Michigan.

More information on Dr. Lynn Babington can be found on her academic profile.

Dr. Helen Turner Named as Chaminade’s Inaugural Vice President for Innovation

Dr. Helen TurnerChaminade University President Dr. Lynn Babington has named Dr. Helen Turner, an internationally-regarded cellular immunology researcher, as the institution’s first Vice President for Innovation. The appointment is in addition to Dr. Turner’s responsibilities as Dean of Natural Sciences and Mathematics.

“Creating this new leadership role reflects Chaminade’s growth trajectory and commitment to providing cutting-edge academic and research programs that benefit our students, faculty and all the populations we serve,” Dr. Babington said. “Moreover, this appointment supports Hawaii’s critical transition to an innovation economy.”

Chaminade Board of Regents Chair Vaughn Vasconcellos describes Dr. Turner as a respected leader in the scientific and higher education communities with a “proven track record of innovation,” thus making her well qualified for the new position.

“Along with representing the campus on numerous scientific advisory boards, Dean Turner attracted grants and developed programs that placed Chaminade on the map for STEM education,” Vasconcellos pointed out. “She also helps students gain admission to prestigious graduate and health professional programs nationwide.”

In her new role, Dr. Turner said she’ll focus on “student readiness for the workplace, for leadership and for making contributions to their communities.”

“Our innovative programs and cutting-edge approaches draw on our deep faculty expertise,” Dr. Turner emphasized, “and will position our students to lead in Hawaii’s economic development.”

A biology professor, Dr. Turner conducts immunology research on pathologies such as asthma and eczema. She receives funding from the National Institutes of Health, National Science Foundation and U.S. Department of Defense, as well as private foundations.

Dr. Turner recently obtained a $1 million STEM education grant from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. She also developed the $9.6 million Ho`oulu STEM Scholarship program with Kamehameha Schools.

Prior to joining Chaminade in 2007, Dr. Turner was an associate director at The Queen’s Center for Biomedical Research in Honolulu. She earned her Ph.D. at the University of London and performed post-doctoral work at Beth Israel Medical Center and Harvard Medical School.