University Communications & Marketing

Doctoral Degree

May 24, 2024

Donna Kay Fisher is among the first cohort to earn her EdD

It started off as a great day for Kapolei Middle School teacher Donna Kay Fisher, ’16 MA, ’24 EdD. She was feeling good and in her typical element—surrounded by students. Mid-morning, she attended assembly with her eighth graders, played musical chairs on stage then returned to the classroom.

“Earlier in the morning, I felt a little weight on my neck, but I didn’t think anything of it,” said Fisher, a Hawaii Department of Education resource teacher in the Pearl City-Waipahu complex who earned her Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership for Adaptation and Change (EdD) in May. “But once I got to class, I started to feel dizzy.”

Not one to sit down while teaching, Fisher instructed her students that if she faints to get someone to help her. One of her students replied, “I think we need to get someone now.”

“I started to feel pain on my right arm,” Fisher recalled. “And then next thing I knew, I was on my way to Pali Momi in an ambulance with paramedics who were trying to stabilize me. The pain in my arm was so intense that I wanted the medics to cut it off.” By the way, that same right arm is now covered with a full-length tattoo of a koi swimming upstream against the current, which Fisher likens to her perseverance and strength to reach her destination.

Donna Kay Fisher '25 stopped by campus to pick up her cap and gown before Commencement. — Donna Kay Fisher ’25 stopped by campus to pick up her cap and gown before Commencement.

Diagnosed with a total occlusion, which is a complete or nearly complete blockage of one or more coronary arteries, Fisher saw the lights above her and thought to herself, “keep breathing, don’t end…not now.”

Meanwhile, her cardiologist explained that her chest pains meant she was experiencing a heart attack. Still conscious, Fisher combatively asked, “How do you know I’m having a heart attack, I am still awake.” But she wasn’t for long.

After undergoing a procedure to place two stents to unblock her arteries, Fisher was terrified of her chances—20 percent within five years—of suffering another heart attack, as warned by her physician. On the operating room table, she uttered, “but I never …” unable to complete her thought before being rendered unconscious.

Surgery was a success but now it was the long road to recovery. It would take Fisher a grueling six weeks before she even had the strength to shower on her own. In the meantime, her mood and thoughts spiraled into a series of “what ifs.” What if I never meet my grandkids? What if I can’t continue teaching? What if this is the rest of my life? What if I can’t move anymore?

But the one question that truly nagged at her was her inaction to upload and post her rap lessons—close to 200 of them—to YouTube.

“Now that I’ve had a heart attack, I have to stop chasing my dreams,” said Fisher, recounting her inner thoughts during recovery. “But instead of asking ‘Why me?’ I asked ‘Then who?’ I wouldn’t wish this on anyone.”

Now determined to attract some viewers on YouTube, the rap artist-teacher’s lessons were developed with the RhymeZone website, which helped her rhyme the words, and she chose a catchy beat on an automatic keyboard.

“Every lesson was crafted perfectly,” Fisher said. “I remember when I was a kid I would watch ABC’s ‘Schoolhouse Rock,’ and I can still remember the songs, ‘Conjunction Junction, What’s Your Function” and, of course, ‘I’m Just a Bill.’ I hope my rap lessons are just as enduring.”

However, the most pivotal moment that occurred was when Fisher received a random mailer from Chaminade, inviting her to apply to the University’s new Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership for Adaptation and Change (EdD). Being of Catholic faith, Fisher saw this as “God’s divine intervention.”

“I will never forget receiving that piece of mail,” Fisher said. “It completely changed my outlook on life. I was no longer going to limit myself and curtail my dreams. Instead, I was freeing myself from the chains of fear and reclaiming the pursuit of my dreams.”

In the years she spent pursuing her doctorate, Fisher was always the first in her inaugural EdD cohort to turn in every assignment—and always long before they were due. She finished with a 4.0 GPA, and she was chosen to be Chaminade’s 66^th Commencement Ceremony graduate student speaker. Her rousing speech described her Chaminade journey, and she praised the University for providing remarkable opportunities.

“Before enrolling in this doctorate program, I thought I was a leader,” Fisher said. “But I was not; I was a task master. I thought I had all the answers, but I didn’t.”

Fisher freely admitted that Chaminade changed her leadership style—for the better. “Going through the classes in this program, I learned the value of opposition, other people’s voices and different perspectives,” said the former active duty Army officer. “My leadership now has forever changed. Now I ask what is our mission? What is our vision? Everything now is intentional, and I see myself as the facilitator. Thank you Chaminade.”

Alumni Return for Reunion

May 20, 2024

The rainy weather failed to dampen Silversword Spirit as alumni and guests returned to campus for the Recent Alumni Reunion on May 16 in the Ching Conference Center. The fun-filled event featured a photo booth for alumni to capture the special gathering in pictures, a delicious buffet and beverages with wine and beer for those age 21 and older. There was no shortage of laughter and conversation as the alumni and friends enjoyed each other’s company and seeing familiar faces, including Dean of the School of Education and Behavioral Sciences Dr. Dale Fryxell and faculty members Dr. Sean Scanlan, Dr. Darren Iwamoto, and Dr. Hans Chun. Director of Alumni Relations Jodi-Anne Yoshida announced the start of friendly games, including Gimme Gimme and trivia, with Chaminade prizes as incentives to win. The event was another one to remember for the growing Chaminade University alumni community.
For more information on alumni programs, email [email protected].

Attendees to the Recent Alumni Reunion enjoyed the camaraderie, the laughs, the games and the buffet dinner.
Recent 2024 alumna, from left, Haley Hayakawa and Naomi Noguchi sign up to win door prizes.
Drs. Hans Chun, Dale Fryxell and Saint Louis teacher Charlie Clausner, in the background from left, mingle with alumni Carina Lee MEd ’23, Be-Jay Kodama ’86 and MBS ’16, Brittaney Fitzgerald ’22, Nicole Kegine Aguinaldo ’24, Marlon Francisco ’24 and Audrey Pilar ’24.
Alumni, from left, Derek Liu ’17 and MBA ’19, Sabrina Hallabay ’19, Jennifer Tolentino ’18 and MBA ’19 and Christine Vergara ’19 show off their swag.
Ciena Alagao, MBA ’23, left, and Carina Lee MEd ’23 smile as they have their photo taken with their swag and photo booth image.
Drs. Dale Fryxell, from right, Darren Iwamoto and Hans Chun pose with alumni, from left, Derrick Liu ’17 and MBA ’19, Christine Vergara ’19, Jennifer Tolentino ’18 and MBA ’21 and Sabrina Hallabay ’19.
Attendees to the Recent Alumni Reunion enjoyed the camaraderie, the laughs, the games and the buffet dinner.
Alumni, from left, Derek Liu ’17 and MBA ’19, Jennifer Tolentino ’18 and MBA ’21 and Christine Vergara ’19 discuss social media.
Dr. Dale Fryxell shares a laugh with recent alumunae.
Paige Garcia shares a moment with fellow alumna.
Dr. Sean Scanlan opens his gift with alumna Nicole Sagapolutele watching on.
Attendees to the Recent Alumni Reunion ham it up in front of the photo booth.
Drs. Dale Fryxell and Hans Chun pose with alumnae, Jasmine Cho, left, and Nicole Sagapolutele, who both won hydroflasks.
Attendees enjoyed the games during the Recent Alumni Reunion.
Alumnae, from left, Sabrina Hallabay ’19, Ciena Alagao MBA ’23 and Sarah Carroll “24, catch up with Bro. Allen Pacquing, SM.

Annual Conference and Assembly Meeting

May 13, 2024

Judges Praise Silverswords for Their Creative Results

A 15-year participant in the International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education’s (IACBE) Annual Conference and Assembly Meeting (ACAM)—which took place in Memphis, Tennessee this year—Chaminade University has consistently fared well against other mainland and international institutions, often winning several competitions or placing in the top three.

“As the coach, I help set up the teams and select the students who will compete in the Case Competition,” explained MBA Director and Program Advisor, Eddie Merc, Ph.D. “I oversee all the logistics for the trip, as well as help prepare the students to excel in their final presentation delivery.”

This year’s Spring 2024 IACBE’s Live Case Competition featured Tennessee-based organization Viralish, which set forth the challenge to students with this theme: “The 90 Day Creator: A Fast-Track Program and Planning Tool to Help Content Creators Generate $5,000 per Month.” The project tasked student teams to develop an innovative way for Viralish to help business owners and content creators monetize their digital content effectively. Among the participants from schools all around the U.S., Chaminade’s team included seniors Liz Devine, Alexander Hernandez, Ross Reeves and Kelsey Sablan. They were mentored by professors Wera Panow-Loui and Richard Kido. “The team of four undergraduate business seniors delivered creative results that were actionable, unique and thought provoking,” according to the competition’s judges.

Wera Panow-Loui and Dr. Eddie Merc flank students, from left, Alexander Hernandez, Liz Devine, Kelsey Sablan and Ross Reeves.
Dr. Eddie Merc presents his research during the Peregrine Best Practices Poster Competition.
Chaminade team members included, from left, Alexander Hernandez, Liz Devine, Kelsey Sablan and Ross Reeves.
Dr. Eddie Merc stands prepare to present his research findings in the Peregrine Best Practices Poster Competition.
Wera Panow-Loui and Dr. Eddie Merc were mentors to students, from left, Ross Reeves, Alexander Hernandez, Liz Devine and Kelsey Sablan.
Dr. Eddie Merc gives two thumbs up after winning the Peregrine Best Practices Poster Competition. Students, from left, Kelsey Sablan, Liz Devine, Alexander Hernandez and Ross Reeves congratulated their professor.
Chaminade School of Business and Communication faculty members, from left, Asoke Datta, Richard Kido, Wera Panow-Loui and Interim Dean Annette Santos attended the IACBE Annual Conference and Meeting Assembly with students, from left, Ross Reeves, Alexander Hernandez, Liz Devine and Kelsey Sablan.
Students, from left, Alex Hernandez, Liz Devine, Ross Reeves and Kelsey Sablan rehearse their presentation in their hotel room.

“Chaminade finished in third place, but I think our students had the most comprehensive business analysis of the company,” Merc said. “The synergy of the team was excellent, and they were proud of their research and their presentation delivery.”

The IACBE accredits business programs—including Chaminade’s—that lead to degrees at the associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral levels in institutions of higher education nationwide and around the world. Specialized programmatic accreditation by the IACBE is a means by which students, parents, the business community and other stakeholders of the institution can be assured that the academic business unit complies with high principles of excellence and follows best practice in business education.

“The number one priority for attending the IACBE Competition and Conference is to stay in touch with students,” Merc said. “It allows me to gauge what our students excel in and the areas where we may have gaps in our curricula.

“It’s a great conference to determine if our program is up to date,” Merc added. “It’s also a good thermometer of current trends at business schools around the world and U.S.”

For the second consecutive year, Merc walked away with the top prize. And for the second year in a row, he hasn’t kept the winnings, instead donating the prize money to two local nonprofit organizations.

Merc’s first-place finishing poster competition at the IACBE’s ACAM looked at “The Role of Social Integration and Sense of Connectedness in Online Courses, and Their Influence on Learning and Academic Performance Among Military Students.”

“I wanted to focus on non-traditional students who were serving in the military and pursuing their degrees,” said Merc, who serves in the Hawai’i Air National Guard during weekends. “I myself was a non-traditional student when I was obtaining my doctorate in education, so I can definitely relate.”

Senior Showcase

May 9, 2024

Environmental + Interior Design seniors’ final presentation

The Senior Showcase Exhibit for Chaminade University’s Environmental + Interior Design (E+ID) program presented a remarkable culmination of the hard work and creativity from the 2024 graduating seniors. Each project not only demonstrated the technical skills and design prowess of the students but also revealed their sensitivity to the impact of design on human behavior, emotion and experience.

For seniors like Nicole Cacacho, Jenna Dahl, Erin Kelly, and Camryn Pedro, the showcase was an opportunity to share their journey with industry professionals, family and friends. This final hurdle before commencement highlighted their achievements and the profound sense of pride in seeing their projects come to life.

“It is a celebratory event for E+ID seniors, which every E+ID student looks forward to,” says E+ID Associate Professor Junghwa K. Suh, D.Arch, Arts and Design Discipline Coordinator. “All the former E+ID graduates and design professionals come to congratulate and recruit students. Also, family and friends come to celebrate the evening with them.”

In the four years that she has been in the program, Cacacho’s projects have ranged from industrial to residential, including the Normal School Apartments and Chaminade’s Presidential Residence.

“The Normal School Apartments transformed an old school building to seamlessly combine a contemporary and industrial-style interior with a carefully preserved historic exterior, resulting in a captivating blend of historic charm and modern comfort,” explained Cacacho on her presentation board. “These conversions preserve the architectural character of the original structures, boasting features like large windows, high ceilings and exposed materials, all of which infuse the space with a distinctive character.”

In her presentation, Dahl came up with the title “Art Arc: Prefab Quonset Studio.” But this is no lightweight prefabricated structure of corrugated galvanized steel with a semi-circular cross-section that we’ve been accustomed to seeing since World War I. Prefab steel Quonset studios are indeed gaining popularity for several compelling reasons. Their modular design, cost-efficiency, and versatility offer a unique alternative to traditional housing and commercial structures.

“Each piece of the ArtArc is completely manufactured off site for any specific design,” Dahl wrote. “Inspired by the Quonset Hut, this design uses panels that can be infinitely expanded linearly, making the design adaptable to any site it may be placed.”

The mission of Chaminade’s E+ID program is to educate, engage and empower students to optimize design of the built environment as it relates to our global, multi- cultural, multi-generational living and working communities. Graduates are prepared to make the transition to entry-level professional practice and to collaborate with architects and related industry professionals.

The Bachelor of Fine Arts in E+ID granted by Chaminade meets the educational requirement for eligibility to sit for the National Council for Interior Design Qualification Examination (NCIDQ Exam), which licenses professional credentialed interior designers.

“Seniors get to curate how to showcase their last four years of design work,” Suh said. “Each student displayed the culmination of various design projects that they have created over their four years of academic work.”

The B.F.A. in E+ID provides a learning environment that fosters creativity and collaboration with art, design and technology. The program equips graduates with the knowledge and skills required for successful careers in interior design. This studio-based program allows students to work on a range of project types from small-scale residential to large commercial spaces.

The Senior Showcase is a testament to the students’ commitment to solving world issues through innovative design solutions, and bettering communities and their world in an inclusive and equitable manner. Students select the work to be displayed, carefully chosen from studio projects, visualization technique courses, custom designed and fabricated furniture, as well as fine art and sculpture. Students’ presentations are premised on deep and meaningful research, thought provoking development of design, spectacular imagery and the creative solving of societal issues.

Pinning Ceremony

May 8, 2024

Seventy-one newly graduated nurses receive ceremonial Nursing Pin

For the past four years, Brittany Johnson quipped that “all I’ve ever known are the overly caffeinated nursing majors.” As the undergraduate student speaker during Chaminade’s 66^th Commencement Ceremony, the newly minted nurse took the opportunity to share the life lessons that she has learned during her years at Henry Hall. Earlier in the day, she and 70 of her fellow Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree candidates experienced another milestone: they received their symbolic pins during the Pinning Ceremony at Sacred Hearts Academy.

Seventy-one nursing students received their ceremonal Nursing Pins during the annual Pinning Ceremony that occurs the morning of commencement.

“Your position in life will change, so put your head down and work with pride in whatever position you may find yourself in in this life,” Johnson advised to her fellow graduates. “You never know where you might end up.”

The Pinning Ceremony represents a significant rite of passage for nursing students, marking their transition from nursing school to the professional world. It is a meaningful tradition with a rich history, symbolizing the nurses’ dedication to their field, their commitment to patient care and their readiness to join the nursing profession.

“A pinning ceremony is a time to welcome newly graduating nurses to the profession,” said Pamela Smith, Interim Co-Dean of the School of Nursing and Health Professions. “We gather for this occasion to mark the transition from student nurse to graduate nurse, and to celebrate the start of a professional practice in nursing.”

The tradition of pinning dates back to the 12th century, when the Crusaders received a badge to distinguish them for their service in caring for the sick and injured. Later in the 1860s, Florence Nightingale devoted herself to caring for casualties of the Crimean War. In recognition of her service, she was awarded The Red Cross of St. George.

Nightingale then extended the honor by presenting medals of excellence to the most deserving student graduates at The Nightingale School of Nursing in London. Today, nursing schools around the world give a Nursing Pin to represent a medal of excellence to their student nurses upon graduation. Each school of nursing pin has its own distinct design, which represents the symbols, colors and phrases that illustrate the mission and philosophy of the school.

“In addition to congratulating each member of our Class of 2024 nursing students, I would like to personally thank you all for your pledge to serve in this noblest of professions,” said Dr. Lynn Babington, Chaminade president, who is also a former nurse and healthcare administrator. “Nursing is a noble profession, requiring dedication of mind, body and heart. Nurses make a difference every day, touching lives and changing outcomes for the better.”

66th Annual Commencement Ceremony

May 6, 2024

The Class of 2024 graduates 600 students

A sea of people gathered inside and outside the perimeter of the Waikiki Shell to celebrate the many accomplishments of Chaminade’s Class of 2024, closing out an academic year that brought no shortage of challenges with plenty of smiles, laughter, cheering and tears of joy.

Waiting in line to enter the Waikiki Shell, Shandry Lopes said there was no way she was going to miss the graduation of her granddaughter, Kelli Lopes ’24, who earned her bachelor’s degree in Forensic Science. “Education is important to us,” said Lopes, holding an open umbrella to shield her from the sun. “I am so proud and happy for her.”

The same sentiments were echoed by Shanmarie and Paul Alferez, whose son Ryan Chang was conferred his bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, thanks to Bank of Hawaii’s College Assistance Program (CAP), which allows its employees to get back on the path to obtaining their first four-year undergraduate degree with tuition reimbursement.

“This means everything to us,” said Shanmarie of Ryan’s graduation, with Paul adding that the family has now “broken the family cycle by having a second generation of Alferezes graduate from university.”

“It was a great experience at Chaminade,” Chang said. “Through the University’s Flex program model, I was able to still work full time and earn my degree on my own time. I would not have been able to achieve this without the Bank of Hawaii’s CAP program. And I’m probably going to return to Chaminade to do my MBA.”

Rita Aponte, Senior Manager at Bank of Hawai‘i’s People Service Center, received her degree in Business Administration from Chaminade University on Saturday evening.
After graduating from Mililani High School 30 years ago, KerryLynn Vea was finally able to earn her bachelor’s degree, thanks to Bank of Hawaii’s College Assistance Program.
Commencement graduate student speaker Donna Kay Fisher waves at her fellow graduates before accepting her degree.
Gabriel Zapata Berrios shakes the hand of Dr. Lynn Babington.
Known for her advocacy and support, Jean Rolles was honored with a Doctor of Humane Letters to recognize her longterm contributions to the community.
Commencement undergraduate speaker Brittany Johnson spoke of eight life lessons that she has learned over the past 4 years while studying at Chaminade.
A first in Chaminade’s history, 14 graduate students were conferred their Doctor of Education in Educational in Organizational Leadership for Adaptation and Change degrees.
Despite having torn her miniscus, Bailey Ledesma used a crutch to attend the ceremony, which she said she would have never missed.
Four trolleys shuttled students, families and friends from Chaminade to the Waikiki Shell.
Franciscan Friar James Seiffert came to support longtime friend former United Airlines colleague Ana Giliberti.
Jerald Bagain and his mom and dad—who flew in from Guam—Paul and Hazel Bagain, and girlfriend Jannbel Bielza celebrate with Jannabel’s mom Annabel Bielza.
Graduating students took a selfie just inside the entrance of Waikiki Shell.
Ryan Chang poses with family members, including his grandfather, siblings and mom and dad, Shanmarie and Paul Alferez, far right.
Caitlin Bocobo poses with her two brothers, and mom and dad, Misty and Brian Bocobo.
Shandry Lopes, far right, waits in line with family members to enter the Waikiki Shell.

As the procession of faculty members and students filled the seats, the cheers and camera flashes came from every direction. Kaipo Leopoldino ’14 opened the ceremony with an oli (Hawaiian welcome and blessing), followed by the invocation delivered by Rev. Chris Wittmann, S.M., and the National Anthem and Hawai‘i Pono‘ī sung by Faith Leasiolagi ’15.

“It is such an honor to celebrate Commencement with our 2024 graduates,” said Chaminade President Lynn Babington, Ph.D., in her welcoming remarks. “Graduation is always a momentous milestone—an opportunity to mark achievements attained and look forward to new adventures ahead. But this year’s graduates can be doubly proud for the incredible determination they showed during the past four years.”

Indeed graduate student speaker Donna Kay Fisher, ’16 MA, ’24 EdD, shared her own struggles after she suffered a major heart attack in 2019. However, an invitation she received from Chaminade’s School of Education and Behavioral Sciences to apply for the Doctor of Education inaugural cohort became her lifeline.

“It was divine intervention at the most opportune time,” Fisher told fellow graduates. “We are testaments to the remarkable opportunities that Chaminade University has been able to give us. Our hearts echo with profound gratitude.”

The Commencement guest keynote speaker Dr. Kamanaʻopono M. Crabbe spoke of his own divine inspiration, which was derived from his kupunakane or granduncle Robert Kaho‘okele Na‘auao, who taught him the importance of ‘ohana, integrity, pride, courage, self-worth and “mana.”

“He was my divine intervention, my cultural professor, ‘ohana mentor, my inspiration that gave me something to believe in and a purpose for living,” Crabbe said. “We all need that Uncle Bob in our lives, and, for most of us, our life journey is trying to discover who we are, to find our kuleana, our gift, our special talent.”

This year’s graduating class included associates, bachelors and 36 doctoral students, including the first-ever cohort of 16 graduates in the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program, 10 of whom graduated with their DNP-Family Nurse Practitioner degrees, three earned their DNP-Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner degrees and another three received their DNP-Executive Leader degrees.

Another first in Chaminade’s history, 14 graduate students were conferred their Doctor of Education in Educational in Organizational Leadership for Adaptation and Change degrees. Another six students earned their Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology degrees. All of these programs were initiated to respond to the community’s needs, and exemplify the Marianist educational values of formation in faith, quality education, family spirit, service, justice and peace, and adaptation and change.

“As a University community, you have made all of us extremely proud. When you joined our Kalaepōhaku community, you could not have foreseen that you would be completing your degree requirements in the throes of a global pandemic,” Babington said. “And yet—despite the many adversities and restrictions—you adapted. Amid the uncertainty, you persevered. And through it all, you showed an exceptional capacity for resilience.”

In his remarks, Crabbe spoke of the future that lies ahead and to embrace the responsibility of supporting our local communities. “Pūpūkahi i holomua—Unite to move forward” encapsulates the spirit of collaboration, unity and collective progress deeply ingrained in our Hawaiian Culture,” he said. “As you stand on the threshold during these auspicious times, let us embrace the principle of ‘Pūpūkahi i holomua,’ recognizing that by standing united, we can overcome any obstacle and achieve our shared aspirations for a brighter future and a greater Hawai‘i.”

Also citing the same Hawaiian proverb in her speech, Fisher emphasized that “our greatest awakening is to understand that life is not an individual race, but it is a collective marathon of mind, body and spirit.” “Therefore, to foster a collective mindset, Chaminade’s faculty and staff taught us how to deliberately seek out and carefully draw out every voice,” she said. “They taught us how to earnestly value opposition, how to ardently appreciate our differences, and how to sincerely believe we are stronger together.”