Chaminade University of Honolulu

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2026 Golden Pine ‘Apple’ Awards

This year’s Teacher of the Year and Administrator of the Year were announced at the Hawaii Catholic Schools’ Recognition Luncheon, held at Natsunoya Tea House on May 8.

The apple has long been a symbol of educators and knowledge. The Golden Apple Awards program was created to honor exceptional individuals dedicated to teaching in Catholic schools, while the pineapple symbol adds a local spin to the award. The Augustine Educational Foundation gifted each awardee’s school $1,500 for staff development, and each recipient also received a check for $500.

Dr. Dale Fryxell, dean of the School of Education and Behavioral Sciences at Chaminade University, presented the awards.

Dr. Glenn Medeiros of St. Louis School received this year’s Golden Pineapple Award as Hawaii Catholic Schools Administrator of the Year.

“For nearly 25 years, Glenn has dedicated himself to Catholic education and has spent the last 11 years leading Saint Louis School as the longest-serving president in the school’s 180-year history,” Fryxell said.

Annicelia Agbayani of Our Lady of Good Counsel School received the Golden Pineapple Award as Hawaii Catholic Schools Teacher of the Year.

“Beyond her outstanding teaching, Mrs. Agbayani is deeply committed to faith formation, weaving prayer, kindness and Catholic values into the everyday experiences of even the youngest learners,” Fryxell said.

Most Reverend Clarence “Larry” Silva, Bishop of Honolulu, served as the keynote speaker for the event. He led the opening prayer and shared part of his journey to becoming bishop of Honolulu.

“About this time, 21 years ago, it was still a secret that I was going to be the bishop of Honolulu,” Silva said. “I found out May 5, 2005, but the public announcement wasn’t until May 17.”

Exiting Diocesan School Board members were applauded for their support of Catholic education.

Mahalo to Fr. Frankie De Los Reyes, Mrs. Betsey Gunderson, Dr. Elizabeth Park and Msgr. Terry Watanabe ’73, who served as chair of the board.

“I am so grateful for my 20 years of continuous Catholic school education,” Watanabe said. “Chaminade was so fabulous because you had tremendous access to the teachers, faculty and staff.”

New members Fr. Lusius Nimu and Mr. Mike Hernandes were recognized for joining the board.

Congratulations to the 2026 Golden Pine “apple” recipients!

Chaminade University’s 68th Commencement Ceremony

Friends and family gathered to celebrate their loved ones at Chaminade University’s 68th annual commencement ceremonies at the Waikīkī Shell on May 8 and 9.

This year’s undergraduate commencement address was delivered by Hawaiʻi Governor Josh Green, M.D., who offered graduates both congratulations and realistic advice about the future.

“The curvy road ahead should be exciting for you, but it is unpredictable,” Green said.

“Embrace the fact that this curvy road has gotten off to a great start for you tonight through your degree,” he continued.

More than 500 students with unique journeys and stories walked across the stage during the two-day celebration. Among them was undergraduate student speaker Trachelle M. L. S. Iwamoto ’26, who reflected on her experience at Chaminade.

“As a first-generation graduate, Chaminade has provided me with wonderful opportunities of growth within myself,” Iwamoto said. “Who knew this small-town girl would be able to break statistics, travel the world, transform into an outspoken woman, and be humble yet bold at the same time.”

Iwamoto received her Bachelor of Science in Criminology & Criminal Justice on Saturday.

At the ceremony for master’s and doctoral students on Friday, Retired Army General David A. Bramlett addressed graduates, encouraging them to harness the values they learned at Chaminade.

“You carry with you the reputation and the future of Chaminade University,” Bramlett said. “Use what you have learned from the classroom, whether on campus or online.”

Friday evening’s student speaker, Lauren Brooke Remular ’26, recognized the hard work and perseverance of her fellow graduates.

“Today is not just a celebration of our achievements,” Remular said. “It is a recognition of our capacity, who we have become, and who we are prepared to be.”

Remular earned her Master of Arts in Teaching on Friday. She reminded graduates of the lessons instilled in them throughout their education, from integrity and kindness to imagination and innovation.

Most Reverend Clarence “Larry” Silva, Bishop of Honolulu, was the recipient of an honorary Doctor of Letters degree. Silva serves as the spiritual and legal leader of the Roman Catholic Church in Hawaiʻi and oversees 66 parishes and 28 mission churches across the islands.

Dr. Lynn Babington, president of Chaminade University, introduced Silva during the ceremony.

“Bishop Larry has been a partner and good friend of Chaminade University for many years,” Babington said. “Since 2010, Chaminade University has provided academic formation for men preparing for ordination to the permanent diaconate, along with their wives.”

Celine Mesiona-Perez ’22 graduated Friday with a Master of Science in Criminal Justice Studies. She first enrolled at Chaminade in 2018 and previously earned a Bachelor of Science in Forensic Sciences. In addition to being an alumna, she is entering her third year working in the university’s Office of Admissions.

“A lot of people are wondering if I’m going to do my doctorate here as well,” Mesiona-Perez said. “I love learning here.”

Teachers also appreciate the advantages of a Chaminade education. Javein Nishihara, who graduated from the Master of Educational Leadership program Friday, said the program provided experience he could immediately apply in real life.

“It was very practical,” Nishihara said. “Everything that I learned in the classroom, I see in person and in action. I think that was the strength of Chaminade.”

Nishihara said his long-term goal is to move into a leadership role at a K–12 school.

“I’m continuing at Chaminade with a doctorate in education, so I’m really excited about that,” he added.

Laica Joy Cenence earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing on Saturday. Cenence said observing her family in the healthcare field made her want to further her education. Her mother works as a caregiver and growing up in that environment, inspired Cenence to pursue the healthcare field.

After graduation, Cenence plans to study for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX).

“I’m already working at the hospital, but hopefully I can get into the new grad [residency] program after I take the exam,” Cenence said. “If I pass — I will pass!”

Chaminade nursing graduates achieved a 96.97% NCLEX pass rate in 2024, more than five percentage points above the national average of 91.2%.

This year also marked the graduation of Chaminade’s inaugural EdS in School Psychology cohort. This is a groundbreaking achievement for the state, as it marks the first university program to produce our “homegrown” school psychologists here in Hawaii. The cohort included ten graduates representing a significant step forward for the local educational and mental health community.

Another milestone was the accomplishment of 16 Sacred Hearts Academy students enrolled in Chaminade’s second cohort of the Early College Program, who participated in the commencement ceremony and were recognized for earning their Associates of Arts degrees. These students, many who attend Sacred Hearts Academy, were enrolled in classes at Chaminade while still in high school, and now have earned enough college credit to begin their journey at a four-year university as a third year student. 

Congratulations to all Chaminade University spring 2026 graduates!

For more information or to watch the commencement ceremonies, visit:

https://chaminade.edu/commencement/

Commencement Mass and Blessing of the Graduates

Graduates, faculty, staff, family members and friends gathered at the Mystical Rose Oratory on May 7 for Chaminade University of Honolulu’s annual Commencement Mass and Blessing of Graduates, a longstanding tradition that celebrates academic achievement while giving thanks for the journey that brought students to commencement.

The liturgy brought together the Chaminade community in prayer and reflection ahead of commencement exercises, highlighting the university’s Marianist and Catholic traditions. The Mass was presided over by Bishop Larry Silva, with Rev. Christopher Wittmann serving as concelebrant.

In welcoming those gathered, Chaminade President Dr. Lynn Babington offered warm congratulations to the graduates and their families, recognizing the dedication, resilience and perseverance required to complete their academic journeys. She also acknowledged the support systems that helped students reach this milestone, including faculty mentors, loved ones and the broader Chaminade community.

During his homily, Bishop Silva shared reflections on growth, change and enduring love. He spoke about how people evolve throughout their lives, often becoming very different from who they once were in earlier chapters of life. Using the example of a couple happily married for 60 years, he described how the husband continued falling in love with his wife through every stage of her life — as a carefree young woman, a mother, a professional, someone navigating middle age and eventually a senior.

Bishop Silva noted that authentic love means embracing the person someone becomes over time, even as life changes them in expected and unexpected ways. He encouraged graduates to remain open to transformation in their own lives and to recognize that growth, maturity and new experiences will continue shaping who they are long after graduation.

The message resonated with graduates preparing to begin new careers, continue their education or embark on other life paths beyond Chaminade. His reflections underscored the importance of faith, compassion and openness to change as students move into new chapters of adulthood as he and the congregation blessed the graduates.

Music throughout the liturgy was provided by the talented voices and musicians of the Mystical Rose Choir, whose performances added beauty and reverence to the celebration. The choir’s music helped create a joyful and reflective atmosphere within the oratory.

Following the Mass, graduates gathered with Bishop Silva for commemorative photographs, capturing a meaningful moment before commencement festivities continued. Students and guests also enjoyed fellowship and refreshments, including cookies hosted by Chaminade’s Office of Advancement. Thanks was extended to the Office of Campus Ministry for organizing the annual celebration and coordinating the details that made the evening possible.

The Commencement Mass serves as both a spiritual and communal tradition at Chaminade, offering graduates an opportunity to pause and reflect before officially crossing the commencement stage. Rooted in Catholic Marianist values, the celebration emphasizes gratitude, faith, service and community — ideals that graduates carry forward in their personal and professional lives.

As the Class of 2026 prepares to leave Chaminade and begin new journeys, the evening offered a meaningful reminder that education is not only about academic achievement, but also about personal growth, relationships and becoming the people they are called to be. The commencement ceremony for graduate students take place today, May 8 and for undergraduates tomorrow, May 9. Congratulations to all. 

Chaminade in HOME RUN Initiative, Education Award for Healthcare Students

University to receive $5 million over five years for education awards supporting healthcare professionals serving rural Hawaiʻi.

Chaminade University of Honolulu is participating in the statewide HOME RUN initiative, a major effort to strengthen Hawaiʻi’s healthcare workforce in rural and underserved communities through education awards, training and workforce development opportunities.

As part of the initiative, Chaminade will receive approximately $5 million over five years to support students pursuing graduate degrees in healthcare and behavioral health fields. The funding comes through Hawaiʻi’s Rural Health Transformation Program award, announced earlier this year by Governor Josh Green. The state received nearly $189 million in federal funding through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services RuralHealth Transformation Program to improve healthcare access and outcomes across rural Hawaiʻi.

HOME RUN — Hawaiʻi Outreach for Medical Education in Rural Under-resourced Neighborhoods — is designed to help recruit and retain healthcare professionals in communities facing workforce shortages. Students who receive HOME RUN education award support must commit to serving in a rural Hawaiʻi community for five years after completing their degree.

Students interested in receiving scholarship support should apply for the HOME RUN education award at the same time they apply for admission into an eligible Chaminade program.

Current eligible programs include (additional programs may be added in the near future):

  •   Master of Science in Counseling Psychology
  •   Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy
  •   Doctor of Marriage and Family Therapy
  •   Master of Science in Nursing
  •   Doctor of Nursing Practice
  •   Post-Graduate Nursing Certificates
  •   Doctor of Education in Educational Psychology

“This initiative represents an important investment in Hawaiʻi’s future healthcare workforce and in the well-being of rural communities across our state,” said Lynn Babington. “Chaminade is proud to help prepare compassionate professionals who are committed to serving communities where access to healthcare and behavioral health services remains limited.”

According to the Governor’s Office, healthcare services in Hawaiʻi remain heavily concentrated on Oʻahu, leaving many rural residents with limited access to specialty care, behavioral health services and emergency treatment. The initiative seeks to address those challenges by building a stronger local workforce pipeline and supporting students committed to remaining in Hawaiʻi after graduation.

The initiative aligns closely with Chaminade’s mission of service and community engagement. Through graduate programs in nursing, counseling, marriage and family therapy, and educational psychology, the university prepares students to serve diverse communities throughout Hawaiʻi and the Pacific.

The HOME RUN initiative is one of six components included in the state’s five-year Rural Health Transformation Plan, which also includes investments in telehealth expansion, emergency response systems and healthcare infrastructure modernization.

Additional information about eligibility requirements and application timelines is available by clicking here. For more information about Chaminade’s graduate healthcare and counseling programs, visit Chaminade University of Honolulu.

A Legacy Lives On

Remembering and Honoring “Mr. I”

The Chaminade University family is celebrating the life and legacy of a popular professor who left an indelible mark on his students and the campus community and who exemplified the high standards of academic excellence that is part of the University’s promise.

Ronald M. Iwamoto was a long-time biology professor at Chaminade. “Long-time” is putting it rather mildly: Mr. I, as his students called him, called the university home for 47 years, or nearly five decades. It’s not an exaggeration to say that he helped mold the university into the place it is today in very real, tangible ways.

Sadly, Iwamoto passed away in October of 2025, but his legacy endures both in the memory of Chaminade’s alumni, in the fund organized in his honor, supporting a teaching fellowship that bears his name.

Chaminade alum Angela Maroun ʻ76, who majored in biology during her time as a student on campus, remembers Iwamoto fondly. She says she first met “Mr. I” after enrolling in his Biology 203 course.

“It was his class that made me decide to be a Biology major and love science,” Maroun shared with us. “He made biology fun. He was a tough but fair and caring teacher.”

Iwamoto graduated from Punahou School in 1959, earned a BA in history from Northwestern University, and later an MS in Zoology and an MEd with a focus on Educational Foundations from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. He joined Chaminade’s faculty in 1967, barely a dozen years after the University’s founding in 1955.

The long track of his academic career means Mr. I literally touched the lives of thousands of Chaminade University students, mentoring them through their studies and coursework and lining them up for successful careers post-graduation.

Though she originally hails from Syracuse, New York, Maroun said Iwamoto helped her experience the best of Hawaiʻi and its natural beauty as a local would. He went out of his way to help me feel at home, she said.

“He went the extra mile to both challenge and support each student so that they could succeed,” she recalled.

Maroun said she took other biology courses that he taught and also worked as a laboratory assistant for several of his classes. She babysat his children and introduced Mr. I to her family when they visited from Syracuse. In fact, he shared time with her and her family on a number of occasions. “He always made time for lunch, dinner, or just a visit,” she said.

Maroun said she especially remembers the island adventures Mr. I took her and her classmates on for his ecology course, the ultimate experiential learning opportunities.

“Ecology was a favorite since we went on many field trips, hikes, and ocean adventures,” she recalled. “Through him, I experienced nighttime on the reef collecting specimens for the lab, catching crabs in the mangroves, and walking during low tide for a picnic.”

Iwamoto was recognized for his excellence by both students and faculty alike.

He was honored with a prestigious Heritage Award during Founders’ Week 2000, bestowed with the Chaminade Award that year by his fellow faculty and staff members. 

Later, Dr. Iwamoto helped establish a legacy that would endure well past his own lifetime.

In 2018, he and other Chaminade community members formed a committee and established the Ronald M. Iwamoto Teaching Fellowship in Biology, the first teaching fellowship established at the university.

Donors came forward to seed the fellowship with a $50,000 endowment. The fellowship was first awarded to Chaminade Assistant Professor Frederique Kandel in 2019, recognized for her commitment to professional development in teaching and pedagogy.

Ron Iwamoto left our world on October 21, 2025, but he lives on through the mark he left on Chaminade University, his legacy establishing the university’s science curriculum, and in his students and colleagues’ cherished memories.

“He was just so much fun and a joy to be around,” Maroun said. “How lucky I was to cross paths with Mr. I.”

If you would like to make a gift in support of the Ronald M. Iwamoto Teaching Fellowship in Biology, please click here.

Silverswords Reunite for Fun Night

Graduating seniors in the Class of 2026 and recent alumni gathered on May 1 for ALUMNIGHT, an evening of connection, laughter, and friendly competition at Dave & Buster’s, transforming the popular entertainment venue into a hub of Silversword pride. The event drew recent graduates eager to reconnect with classmates, meet fellow alumni, and unwind over games, food, and shared memories.

As guests filtered in, the energy quickly picked up. Alumni greeted one another with excitement—some reconnecting after only a year apart, others reuniting for the first time since graduation. 

The program began with a warm welcome from Director of Student Engagement Andrew Peter Anchetta II ’21, who thanked attendees for staying connected to the university and to one another. He emphasized the importance of the young alumni community and encouraged guests to make the most of the evening—not just by enjoying the activities, but by strengthening the relationships that began on campus. Following the welcome, Fr. Martin Solma, SM offered a prayer, grounding the gathering in gratitude and shared purpose.

Guests made their way to the food line, as alumni shared updates about careers, graduate school, and life beyond campus. Alumni enjoyed classic arcade games, basketball shootouts, racing simulators, and interactive challenges. The step-and-repeat photo area was a popular feature throughout the night, as friends captured moments together. 

Door prize drawings were an exciting and fun part of the evening with prizes provided by the Office of Admissions, Office of Advancement, and Office of Student Engagement. Items included Chaminade-branded bags, a commemorative 70th anniversary Yeti water bottle, and exclusive collaboration pieces from Aloha Collection. Each prize reflected both school pride and appreciation for the alumni community.

The alumni event at Dave & Buster’s was more than a night of games and good food—it was a celebration of community, shared experiences, and the enduring ties that continue long after graduation.