Chaminade University of Honolulu

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Mom and Daughter Graduate on Same Day

Leila Morinaga and her daughter, Maelia Thomas, share a lot.

They both believe in hard work and they both have a passion for business and finance.

And at Chaminade’s Commencement on May 3, they both got to share the stage—accepting their respective degrees on the same memorable day. Morinaga graduated with her MBA and Thomas accepted her associate’s degree, earned through Chaminade’s Early College partnership with Sacred Hearts Academy.

She was among 17 Sacred Hearts students who completed their associate’s degrees this Spring—and part of the first cohort to achieve the milestone.

Maelia, 17 and a senior at Sacred Hearts, said her mother inspires her every day with her example.

For Morinaga, the feeling is mutual. She decided to go back to school and get her MBA after watching her daughter juggle the dual obligations of high school and college work.

“I’m just so glad that I get to share this special moment with her,” Morinaga said, before the Commencement ceremonies on May 3.

Added Maelia, “I’m really happy that I get to graduate with my mom. What really kept me going with this program was seeing my mom every night working on homework, staying up late. Seeing how she can do all this and still manage to get a master’s.”

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Morinaga is chief operating officer at KÉCO CAPITAL, an investment firm. She opted for Chaminade’s Professional MBA given her years of experience, and said she knew she’d made the right decision after meeting her fellow cohort members and professors.

“Everyone I’ve met in the program has been amazing,” she said. “They bring all kinds of strengths.”

She said networking was a weekly opportunity with her fellow students, executives from a diversity of fields. “Pharmacy, medical, tourism. It’s been very interesting to hear and see the way everyone works while we’re all trying to achieve the same goal,” Morinaga said.

Maelia said she decided to pursue the Early College program at Chaminade because of its cost-effectiveness, allowing her to graduate from high school with two years of college under her belt.

At Chaminade, she also found professors who challenged her to delve into ethics and social justice—topics that she believes will offer a strong foundation in her business career.

For now, though, her focus is on taking a moment to celebrate.

Her graduation party later in May will also mark another special occasion: Her 18th birthday.

Chaminade Celebrates 67th Commencement

Chaminade University celebrated its 67th annual Spring Commencement Ceremonies on May 3, recognizing the achievements of Class of 2025 graduates as they embark on their next big adventures and prepare to drive positive change in their communities.

In a commencement address at the morning ceremony for graduating master’s and doctoral students, Chaminade Board of Regents Chair Keiki-Pua Dancil, Ph.D., senior vice president of government affairs and strategic planning at Pulama Lana‘i, congratulated students and encouraged them to see completing their degrees “as not an ending but a beginning.”

“This is a moment of tremendous achievement. I am filled with joy, gratitude and pride—not just at what you have accomplished but the lives you are about to shape,” Dancil told graduates. “Success isn’t just about job titles. It’s not about degrees or promotions. It’s about impact. It’s about how we make others feel, the futures we help build and the joy we help create.”

She noted the world is changing rapidly. “We face climate change, healthcare inequality, challenges in education,” Dancil said. “These aren’t just headlines, they are calls to action and they require leaders like all of you—grounded in values, bold in purpose and committed to others. Will you be the leader who leads with integrity, humility and courage?”

The master’s and doctoral degrees ceremony kicked off at 10 a.m. at the Waikiki Shell, followed by Commencement for undergraduates. It was the first time Chaminade has held separate ceremonies and comes as graduate enrollment at the University continues to grow.

Altogether, some 250 graduates and 320 undergraduates were recognized.

“Our students are here with their families and we are so proud of them. It’s a wonderful day for everyone to celebrate,” said President Lynn Babington, Ph.D., before the morning ceremony began. “My message to graduating students would be: Don’t forget what you’ve learned here. You are future leaders so go out and make a difference in your communities.”

The featured speaker at the undergraduate ceremony was John Leong, co-founder, chairman and CEO of Pono Pacific Land Management and co-founder and CEO of nonprofit Kupu. In his address, he challenged students to think about the legacies they want to leave behind.

“If we don’t fulfill our purpose in life … we’re always going to think there’s a missing puzzle piece,” he said, adding that life is about taking risks and breaking free of your comfort zone.

Another highlight of the undergraduate ceremony was the conferral of an honorary doctoral degree to Bro. Ed Brink, S.M., vice president of mission and rector at the University since 2016 and a mentor to many students. The honor comes as Brink prepares to take on a new role this summer—as Director of Novices for the Marianist Province of the United States.

Lance Askildson, Ph.D., provost and vice president for Academic Affairs at Chaminade, described Brink as an “esteemed educator, mentor and servant-leader” who has devoted his life and vocation to “lead with compassion and to serve with humility.”

Watch: Chaminade’s 67th Commencement Ceremony-Undergraduate Programs

Watch: Chaminade’s 67th Commencement Ceremony-Graduate Programs

“For nearly a decade in his capacity as vice president for mission and rector, he has exercised transformative leadership over Campus Ministry, the Chaminade Scholars program, the Marianist Education Associates and so much more,” Askildon told attendees.

He added: “Honorary degrees are granted to individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to their professional fields and their local communities. While the university confers such degrees to honor the recipient, it is also the recipient who honors the university.”

Student speakers were a special highlight of both Commencement ceremonies.

Kelly Marie Dolan-Sapp, Ed.D. ’25 said she switched to Chaminade from a different doctoral program because she was looking for an educational institution that valued her as a leader, a student and a person. “We all want to feel seen, heard, valued,” she said, encouraging her fellow graduates to remember that as they seek to advance their careers and impact.

She said to lead is to “open our eyes and see the common humanity among us.”

In her address during the undergraduate ceremony, Madison Makishima ’25 told her story of overcoming personal challenges to get to graduation day.

Makishima was born prematurely and she said doctors gave her less than a 10% chance of survival.

“Today I am before you—16 life-saving surgeries later—as your fellow Chaminade student who is graduating with a Bachelor’s of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice,” she said, as her graduates cheered her on.

In her speech, Makishima also thanked all those who helped her over the past four years, including members of Campus Security who assisted her with getting around campus.

She told her fellow graduating students that to get through life’s challenges “fight and fight hard for yourself in everything you do.”

Nursing Students Mark Pinning Ceremony

Graduating Nursing students at Chaminade gathered Friday for the time-honored Pinning Ceremony, which commemorates the completion of their Bachelor of Science in Nursing degrees.

Some 74 Silverswords received their BSN stoles and nursing pins at the gathering, held at Chaminade’s Richard T. Mamiya Theatre. They also recited the International Pledge for Nurses, “sparing no effort to conserve life, to alleviate suffering, and to promote health.”

“It’s really important to bring these nurses into the workforce. At the moment, we have a strong need in our community and we prepare nurses for all walks of nursing,” said Lorin Ramocki, DNP, RN, interim dean of the School of Nursing and Health Professions.


Natasha Gourlay ’25 is among the graduating students who participated in the Pinning Ceremony.

“It’s a super important part of completing Nursing school, probably even more than Commencement. Pinning is kind of the end of the road, but also the beginning of our new chapter as nurses,” said Gourlay, who plans to pursue a career in public health nursing.

The Pinning Ceremony symbolizes the end of students’ formal education and the beginning of their nursing careers and serving the community. The roots of the Nursing Pinning tradition date to the 1860s, when Florence Nightingale—the founder of modern nursing—was awarded the Red Cross of St. George. Pinning ceremonies later grew to mark the beginning of a nurse’s career.

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“The pinning ceremony is a heartfelt tradition that symbolizes students, hard work and dedication throughout their coursework and clinical training,” said Chaminade President Lynn Babington, Ph.D., a nurse herself. “Healthcare is more than just a profession. It’s a calling and a passion.”

Babington continued, “We congratulate our nursing students and hope they will become transformational and compassionate leaders in the medical community.”

Graduating With a Bachelor’s—While in High School

Veronica “Bonnie” Nagahisa ’25 doesn’t believe in wasting time.

On May 3, the 18-year-old will graduate from Chaminade University with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. And three weeks later, she’ll walk again at Kapa’a High to accept her high school diploma.

Hawai’i Department of Education officials say she is the first student on Kaua’i to be awarded a high school diploma and bachelor’s degree at the same time.

“For most students, earning a high school diploma is the goal. But for Bonnie, it was just the beginning,” said Kapaʻa High Principal Tommy Cox. “She’s a great example for our students, showing them that nothing is impossible with the opportunities available at Kapaʻa High.”

Nagahisa’s college journey began after eighth grade, when she started taking online courses at Kauaʻi Community College.

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Her mother, Kimi Nagahisa, an early college counselor at Kanu o ka ʻĀina Charter School, helped guide her through the process.

“We try our best to mold and raise our kids but in many ways, they teach us patience, grace, and kindness. I am just so proud of her,” Nagahisa said.

By the end of her sophomore year, Bonnie had completed the requirements for her high school diploma and associate’s degree.

Still “super young,” as she put it, she enrolled full-time in Chaminade’s FLEX program to pursue her bachelor’s degree fully online.

“I’ve always loved school, reading, writing—all things education,” she said.

Bonnie, the oldest of seven siblings, says she was able to tackle her advanced studies along with her family and social life by maintaining a good balance.

“That balance looks different for everyone — the key is to find what works for you, especially when chasing big goals. At the end of the day, whatever you’re striving for, it’s essential to make space for joy, peace, and connection. Those things help ease the stress that often comes with pursuing your goals.”

Despite her demanding schedule, Nagahisa stayed active at Kapaʻa High, taking electives and study halls to stay connected with friends and campus life.

She is a National Honor Society member and a regular at volunteer events like Relay for Life, Toys for Tots, and campus beautification. She also made time to support nearly every school sporting event. “Staying engaged and showing school spirit was important to me, even with a full plate,” she said.

After graduating with her bachelor’s degree, Bonnie plans to continue her studies at Chaminade. She has been admitted into the Master’s of Arts in Teaching program.

Undergraduate Researchers Shine at Symposium

“Investigating human mast cell degranulation and membrane alterations due to nanoplastic exposure”

“Tiktok and the age of digital propaganda”

“Evaluating the effectiveness of culturally tailored diet programs for indigenous Hawaiians”

Those are just a handful of the more than two dozen projects Chaminade students presented on at this year’s Na Liko Na’auao, an annual symposium aimed at showcasing undergraduate research.

Amber Noguchi, Ph.D., assistant provost for Undergraduate Research and Pre-Professional Programs at Chaminade, said participating students each worked closely under the mentorship of a faculty member.

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“Na Liko Na’auao not only represents a milestone accomplishment for our students, but a stepping stone for those who plan to pursue careers in various sectors,” she said, adding the April 16 symposium was also an opportunity to celebrate the hard work of undergraduate researchers and their scholarship.

“This venue celebrates their hard work. They are able to practice their communication skills, explore their strengths and identify areas for improvement, and get feedback on their work from faculty, staff and peers.”

Hailey Kekumu ‘25, a biology major who is also minoring in biochemistry, presented her research on nanoplastic exposure.

“The focus of my research is on how exposure to nanoplastics, which are less than 1 micrometer in size, affects our immune system, an important mediator between us and our environment,” said Kekumu, who also presented at Hawaii’s INBRE Undergraduate Research Symposium.

“My project is more immunology based, which was my primary interest when I first started here at Chaminade. My mentor also mentioned that research on nanoplastics is still relatively new, so our research serves as a sort of foundation on future studies looking into nanoplastics,” she said.

Kekumu added that she hopes to continue her research and potentially pursue medicine.

Zach McClellan ’25, who is majoring in psychology with a minor in criminal justice, studied the impact of occupational stressors on firefighters. He said the feedback from fellow student researchers, faculty members and others at the symposium was incredibly valuable—and positive.

“At first, I was a little nervous, but I was able to remind myself that I’m having a conversation with others about what I’m passionate about which kept me grounded. There were a lot of graduate programs that I was able to speak to about their programs and learned a lot through that,” he said.

McClellan added that he hopes to continue his research with a doctoral degree in neuroscience or clinical psychology. “I am excited about pursuing this study because I come from a family of firefighters,” he said.

“I also enjoy doing research in general because I am able to chase my own ideas and back them up with strong statistical data. Firefighter mental health is a very under-researched issue, which I aim to add to.”

Students Investigative ‘Crime Scene’ in Waikiki

The “crime scene” in Waikiki drew more than a few curious glances from beachgoers and passersby.

But it wasn’t police investigating the site. Instead, Chaminade University Forensic Sciences students—in official CSI gear—were the ones collecting evidence and documenting the scene.

The mock crime scene was set up in early April as a hands-on learning opportunity, allowing students to practice critical forensic skills.

“They feel the reality of being in an actual crime scene,” said Carlos Gutierrez, D.F.S., assistant professor of Forensic Science. “They’re applying all the skills they learned during the semester in a more specific and realistic scenario.”



Chaminade’s Forensic Sciences program is known for its practical approach, blending rigorous academics with real-world applications. The setup in Waikiki demonstrated Chaminade’s commitment to hands-on learning, giving students a chance to navigate complex investigative procedures under faculty supervision, Gutierrez said.

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The major in Forensic Sciences includes instruction on the techniques used for recognizing, documenting and analyzing physical evidence, reviews of the legal system and ethical guidelines that govern forensic sciences, and hands-on applications of the scientific method in a lab.

All Forensics Sciences students are required to complete a rigorous, 135-hour internship. Students have completed internships with a variety of entities, including the Honolulu Department of the Medical Examiner, police departments in Hawaii and Guam, and the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command’s Central Identification Laboratory.

To learn more about Chaminade’s Forensic Sciences program, click here.