Chaminade University of Honolulu

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Students Welcomed on Move-in Day

Incoming freshmen spent the day settling into their new dorm rooms.

College move-in day can be an emotional experience, oftentimes marking the first time that many incoming students leave behind their family, friends and pets for a new adventure.

At Chaminade on Thursday, freshmen said they were excited to be moving into their dorms.

“When I first visited Hawaii with my family a few years ago, I knew my goal was to live here,” said Alexis Lopez, who was checking into her dorm room at Hale Lokelani with the help of parents, Denise and Efren Lopez, and younger sister Madeleine.

“I’m excited about my Forensic Sciences classes, exploring the campus and meeting new people.”

Efren and Denise, with youngest daughter Madeleine, accompanied Alexis to the Chaminade campus.
Efren and Denise, with youngest daughter Madeleine, accompanied Alexis to the Chaminade campus.

Often followed by New Student Orientation events and campus tours, move-in day introduces incoming freshmen to their roommates, hallmates and resident assistants, while also gives them a chance to learn the campus and school traditions.

“As a resident assistant, we take care of all the students,” said Temika Hemmings ’25, while writing a welcome message on a floor-to-ceiling blackboard wall. “We help spread the aloha and make them feel welcome. We help them grow to become the best version of themselves.”

Accompanied by grandparents Karen and Tom Perez and her dad Joey Cruz, Ha‘ane Cruz learned she was assigned a room just doors down from where the Perez’ son, Aleksander Perez ’22, roomed six years ago.

“I also have two uncles who came here, so I feel like I already know a little bit about Chaminade,” said Ha‘ane Cruz ’28, who plans to major in biochemistry.

“I’m looking forward to the next four years, and meeting new people.”

Also moving in at Hale Lokelani, Shailah Decoito is a new transfer student from Hilo.

“I started the nursing program at the University of Hawaii–Hilo, but it was too competitive. I heard a lot about the Chaminade nursing program and I decided to apply, and I was accepted. I feel lucky because almost all of my credits from UH–Hilo transferred over, so I’m not starting from scratch.”

Checking out the kitchen and common area at Hale Lokelani, Laureano Almada-Roa ’28 roamed the room with his mom, Nora Luna, and his little brother Emiliano Almada.

“I’m nervous, excited and sad all at the same time,” said Luna, an Argentinian native. “He’ll be so far from home, but this is where he wanted to go to college.”

After touring campus, Almada-Roa said he was convinced he chose the right university.

“I saw or read something about Chaminade, and it just felt comfortable,” said the Brooklyn native. “It is far away from home, but I’ve heard that this is a close and supportive community from the people whom I’ve already met here.”

Faculty Honored for Excellence, Scholarship

The Faculty Institute wrapped up with honors for three faculty members who exemplify the University’s commitment to excellence, innovation and mentorship.

Generative AI. Classroom tech. Enhanced teaching tools.

Those were just some of the instructional trends and pedagogical approaches that Chaminade professors tackled Aug. 13 as part of a daylong Faculty Institute.

But the day wasn’t all talk.

In the final hour of the institute, three Chaminade faculty members were honored for their strong commitment to academic excellence and innovation, scholarship, and mentorship.

Nominated by students Trachelle Iwamoto ’26 and Ava Barclay ’26 along with Forensic Sciences lecturer Kari Inda, Criminology and Criminal Justice program Director Dr. Kelly Treece was awarded the Chaminade Excellence in Teaching Award.

Nominees said Treece, in the strong tradition of Marianist education, tirelessly pursues projects of social justice—inside and outside of the classroom—and instills those same values in her students and peers.

Faculty members gathered for their annual Institute at Eiben Hall.
Faculty members gathered for their annual Institute at Eiben Hall.

“I know I may just be a little voice compared to others who are nominating other extraordinary professors, but one voice can go a long way, and that is just one small token of knowledge that professor Kelly Treece has taught me,” wrote Iwamoto, in her nomination. “She has shown so much strength and grace, and has surpassed the expectation of teaching in the Marianist values.”

Relatively new to academia, Inda has been inspired by Treece’s dedication and passion to educate. “She knows how to keep her students wanting to learn,” Inda said. “She implements interactive assignments, and is constantly thinking about ways to improve her courses. I admire her consistency to always wanting to do better—and not just in the classroom—but as a person.”

Meanwhile, Dr. Peter Steiger was honored with the Fr. John F. Bolin Excellence in Scholarship Award.

In remarks at the Faculty Institute, Assistant Provost for Faculty Development Jim Heller Sutton said Steiger was selected for the award because of his outstanding contributions to scholarship and significant impact on the academic community at Chaminade University.

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An associate professor of Religious Studies, Steiger has presented his work internationally at conferences in Canada, Japan and Australia, further enhancing the reputation of Chaminade University across the broader academic community.

“Moreover, his commitment to sharing his expertise with the wider Catholic community in Honolulu through presentations to youth groups, Diocesan events and lecture series at St. Theresa’s Co-cathedral reflects his dedication to service and outreach,” said Sutton, who is also the director of the Center for Teaching and Learning. “His contributions embody the spirit of the John F. Bolin Excellence in Scholarship Award, and we are proud to honor him for his outstanding achievements.”

Dr. Koreen Nakahodo was named as the recipient of the Dr. Joseph Allen Collegiality Award, which recognizes a faculty member who demonstrates values of collaboration, mentorship and teamwork.

Nakahodo called the award a true honor.

“I was touched and humbled to be recognized by my colleagues,” she said.

Honoring faculty members with these rewards has a longstanding tradition at Chaminade. Not only do they foster a sense of community, but the awards also underscore Chaminade’s commitment to excellence, best practices, professional development and a positive academic culture.

“The selection process was done by a representative group of faculty from each school,” Sutton explained. “Each group then completed scoring rubrics based on the strength of the nomination letters against categories that aligned with the award descriptions.”

Early College: High Schoolers Get A Head Start

With Chaminade’s Early College program, students earn college credit while still in high school.

Sacred Hearts Academy junior Alana Travelstead wants to become an emergency room physician—and knows getting there will be a challenge academically. That’s why she jumped at the chance to take courses at Chaminade as part of the University’s innovative Early College program.

“This experience is preparing me for the real world,” she said, during a tour of Chaminade’s campus recently. “Getting started early on this college path can only help me. … I can do it.”

As part of a partnership, Sacred Heart students can earn an associate’s degree in liberal arts at Chaminade—technically, without ever stepping foot into a campus classroom. Students are exposed to college-level curricula and complete the necessary coursework to earn their degrees.

Interested in learning more about the Early College program? Click here.

While they take those classes at Sacred Hearts, 18 academy students were invited to Chaminade earlier this month to tour the campus and meet with faculty, staff and administrators. The students are members of the second cohort at Sacred Hearts to participate in the program.

The dual enrollment program is also offered to students at other private and public high schools.

The Early College program at Chaminade helps students save time and money, can boost their confidence, and can even help them determine what they want to pursue after high school.

“Students take Early College courses to get a taste of college, to see what college courses are like,” said Kim Baxter, Chaminade’s Early College director. “Others take the courses to see if college is even something they want to pursue.”

Mosi Manupele, 17, is grateful for the Early College program. “Not many students have this type of opportunity, which is advantageous to me,” she said. “I think earning college credit while still finishing high school will give me the advantage when I finally do attend university.”

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Both Manupele and Travelstead say they’re confident that they made the right decision by participating in the dual credit program.

“I just want the college experience,” said Manapule, who dropped her elective dance class so she could have more time in study hall to concentrate on her History 101 and CUH 100 classes at Chaminade.

“I just can’t wait for the day when I do finally graduate from university.”

Nonprofits Praised for Maui Relief

The Nonprofit Financial Seminar at Chaminade offers key resources to Hawaii charitable organizations.

On the one-year anniversary Thursday of the devastating Lahaina wildfire disaster, attendees of Chaminade’s 21st annual Nonprofit Financial Seminar were praised for their unwavering support to those in need on Maui, encouraged to search out innovative opportunities to serve, and offered resources on how they can leverage government support and tax laws to bolster their efforts.

During his opening remarks at the event, Chaminade Provost Lance Askildson said Hawaii charitable organizations “were among the first to jump into the breach alongside regular people looking to help.”

“Government and the for-profit sectors have their roles to play in our communities,” he said. “But it is nonprofit organizations, like yours and Chaminade—guided by values-based missions and deeply connected to their local communities—that are among the first to arrive and the last to leave.”

Organized annually by Chaminade’s School of Business and Communication, the daylong seminar featured an impressive slate of presentations this year. Data House’s Clyde Shiigi and Kaleokalani Kuroda of HawaiiUSA Federal Credit Union discussed trends in artificial intelligence, while panelists with Make-A-Wish Hawaii, Hawaii Leadership Forum, Big Brothers Big Sisters Hawaii and Kupu tackled another pressing topic: “Attracting and Developing the next Generation of Nonprofit Leaders.”

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Representatives from more than 30 charitable organizations attended the event.

In her welcome address, School of Business and Communication Dean Annette Santos led a moment of silence to honor all those impacted by the Maui wildfires tragedy, which claimed 102 lives and left thousands displaced. One year later, the work of rebuilding Lahaina is just beginning.

Santos said in the wake of the disaster, shared Marianist and Hawaii values can be a guiding light, reminding the community of the importance of ‘ohana, resilience and the kuleana to care for one another.

“Our Marianist values are dedicated to education and community service so let us continue to be inspired to support and uplift those in need, demonstrating the aloha spirit through our compassion and collective efforts to rebuild and heal,” Santos told attendees, in her speech.

Organizers say the Nonprofit Financial Seminar aims to provide key guidance and resources on financial and operational issues related to leading and managing nonprofits. “As we embark on today’s seminar, it is important to recognize the added value that your participation brings,” Santos said.

“By attending this event, you are not only gaining valuable insights and knowledge but also playing a crucial role in providing Chaminade students with opportunities for growth and development.”

Trever Asam, a partner at the Cades Schutte law firm, spoke at the seminar on tax changes impact nonprofit organizations. “There are some years, when there aren’t many updates so my presentation is somewhat repetitive,” said Asam, a regular guest speaker at this event. “But this year, there have been a ton of updates the past 12 to 18 months, especially in relation to donor-advised funds.”

Also from Chaminade News:

Tax Foundation of Hawaii President Tom Yamachika also covered tax law changes that could impact nonprofits. Among them: Film tax credits. “If you don’t comply, you may lose the credits, which could amount to a loss of a lot of money,” he said. “It’s up to you, the taxpayer, to provide all the proof.”

Santos said in addition to nonprofit professionals, Chaminade students benefit from the seminar

“This opportunity provides our students with invaluable, pragmatic learning experiences … and underscores the significant impact higher education has on our community,” Santos said.

Register now for New Student Orientation

The agenda includes breakout sessions for students and their families.

New Student Orientation is just around the corner—and the agenda is jam-packed.

The event for first-year, transfer and exchange students, along with their families, is set for Aug. 16. Check-in begins at 8:30 a.m. on Zuberano Lawn, while a welcome gathering will kick off at 9:30 a.m.

Attendees should register now to secure their spots and get full details on the agenda, which includes breakout sessions for students and parents, a special lunch, campus tours and more activities.

To register for New Student Orientation and see the full agenda, click here.

Jennifer Creech, vice president for enrollment management and associate provost for student success, said New Student Orientation is a “pivotal day designed to welcome and support new students as they transition into our campus community.”

She said students will get the chance to connect with peers, faculty and staff at the event. They’ll also be invited to explore campus and engage with student support services in a stress-free setting.

“This year, we are excited to offer special sessions for parents and guardians that will introduce them to campus resources and ways they can best support their students,” Creech added.

And before students head to dinner, all attendees are invited to a gathering on the Marianist Oval Lawn.

Creech said New Student Orientation offers new students a chance to begin a new chapter right. “Your attendance is essential for a smooth and successful start to this new academic journey,” she said.

Student Research on Display

The Summer Research Institute Symposium was an opportunity for undergraduate scientists-in-training to get feedback on their work.

In his final presentation during the Summer Research Institute Symposium, Zach McClellan ’25 decided to pursue the correlation between the effects of occupational stressors on the quality of life among firefighters.
Zach McClellan ’25 presented his findings during the Summer Research Institute Symposium.

Zach McClellan ’25 comes from a long line of firefighters—and has seen first-hand the trauma these first responders can experience.

So as a participant in this year’s Summer Research Institute at Chaminade, the Psychology major decided to study how occupational stressors correlate to quality of life indicators for firefighters.

He presented his findings July 23 at the Summer Research Institute Symposium on campus, an annual showcase of cutting-edge undergraduate research at Chaminade conducted under the mentorship of professors.

“I sent out my first survey that comprised of demographics, the Firefighter Assessment of Stress Test (FAST), and the Quality of Life Enjoyment and Satisfaction Questionnaire Short Form (Q-LES-Q-SF) back in March,” said McClellan, pointing out the number of respondents shown on his poster board.

“This was my capstone project with Dr. (Darren) Iwamoto, and I want to take it as far as I can take it. The end goal is to get the study published.”

Organizers say the symposium reflects Chaminade’s strong commitment to advancing academic excellence while fostering close collaborations between faculty and student researchers.

A two-time participant in the Summer Research Institute Symposium, Grace Helmke ’25 built on last year’s “Climate Monstrosities” with this year’s “Climate Tricksters in an Indigenous Future.”

Mentored by Assistant Professor of English Dr. Justin Wyble, Helmke said she chose the subject for a couple of reasons. “The no. 1 reason was that I believe Indigenous peoples to have an incredibly important perspective on society—one that’s largely dismissed and unseen by the masses,” the English major said.

“Their viewpoints surrounding the ways in which to combat colonialism, preserve culture and fight for a greater future, are all concepts that each of the texts I focused on examined. I believe that discussing these concepts, principles and cultural beliefs, from an Indigenous perspective, has the potential to lead society into a future that rejects the colonial systems, and instead seeks equity and healing of the people.”

Amber Noguchi, program director for Chaminade’s Undergraduate Research and Pre-Professional Programs Office, said the symposium allows Summer Research Institute participants to not only showcase their work—but get feedback and questions from attendees to expand their research inquiries.

The institute is funded by a joint federal Title III grant with Kapiolani Community College.

A two-time participant in the Summer Research Institute Symposium, Grace Helmke ’25 built on last year’s “Climate Monstrosities” with this year’s “Climate Tricksters in an Indigenous Future.”
Grace Helmke ’25 explained her theories to a group of attendees.

“We just completed our fourth SRI,” Noguchi said, adding that participants also present at Kapiolani Community College’s Student Undergraduate Research Fair each semester.

Participant Georgeanna Flook is a rising senior and double majoring in Historical and Political Studies, and Criminology and Criminal Justice. Her research looked at the influence that education has on crime. Titled “Support Instead of Control: Education as a Unique Approach to Crime,” Flook’s study explored the possibility of reducing crime outside of traditional policing methods.

She credited her professors, Drs. Abby Halston and Kelly Treece, and lecturer Collin Lau, J.D., for their guidance as she conducted her research. Flook said she found that education, “acting as a means of formal social control and providing social support, can effectively reduce crime—regardless of the academic ability of the individual.”

“Future studies should focus on further articulating what effective social support means in the context of criminology and use working examples of social support to compare against crime trends,” concluded Flook, who aspires to go into criminal justice policy analysis.

Other Summer Research Institute participants at Chaminade this year included Ku‘ulei Koko ’26, who presented “Feeding Hawaii’s Future: Evaluating the Effectiveness of Culturally Tailored Programs for Native Hawaiians,” and LaVelle White ’26, who looked at “Student Food and Nutrition Security.”

For details on undergraduate research opportunities at Chaminade, click here.