University Communications & Marketing

Years of Service

April 22, 2024

Staff and faculty members recognized for their dedication

After acknowledging the efforts and dedication of staff and faculty during Chaminade’s year-end annual Employee Luncheon, Dr. Lynn Babington turned her attention to the day’s retirees, which included Drs. Bob Santee and Dave Coleman, and librarian Valerie Coleman and assistant professor Denise Cooper of the School of Nursing and Health Professions.

“I am so grateful for your years of service and commitment to Chaminade,” Babington said. “Bob, I’ll miss your deep-breathing exercises; Valerie, you’ve had such an impact on the success of our library; and Dave, you’ve played so many roles during your 50 years here.”

With only two weeks remaining until commencement, the event allowed employees to gather under the sails at the Sullivan Family Library Lawn for a bento lunch and cups of Asato Family Shop’s refreshing sherbert. Since this time of the year always equates to a rush of finals and year-ending responsibilities, the luncheon was a welcomed reprieve for many staff and faculty members, who congratulated honorees who were wearing a lei. The event highlights employees who have been with Chaminade starting with five years and then in additional five-year increments. This year, 31 employees were recognized for their years of service, which cumulatively amounted to 366 years.

Five Years of Service:

Paul Arakaki
Adam Joseph
Dani Masuda
Carolyn Nakamura
Jacky Sanqui
Fr. Martin Solma
Jennifer Tolentino
Kelly Treece

10 Years of Service:

Kacie Cohen
Genevieve Griffiths
Frederique Kandel
Julieta M. Rosado
Deneen Wong

15 Years of Service:

Sherry Bagoyo
Tammy Hohu
Bryan Moseley

20 Years of Service:

Allison Francis
Aulani Kaanoi
Debbie Murayama
Amy Takiguchi

25 Years of Service:

Ann Kishi

Retirees:

David Coleman Congratulations on your Retirement after 50 Years!
Valerie Coleman Congratulations on your Retirement after 35 Years!
Denise Cooper Congratulations on your Retirement after 11 Years!
Bob Santee Congratulations on your Retirement after 30 Years!

To watch a video of the honorees, click here.

2024 Hogan Entrepreneurial Program and American Savings Bank Nonprofit Business Plan Competition

April 18, 2024

The biennial event attracts various not-for-profits

From recycling and technology to mental health and publishing, the services delivered by the winners of the 11th annual Hogan Entrepreneurial Program and American Savings Bank Nonprofit Business Plan Competition are as diverse as the clients they serve.

“We narrowed it down to eight finalists from the 23 entries that were submitted,” said Chaminade President Lynn Babington, Ph.D., in her opening remarks. “It was not easy, but the objective of this competition is to encourage excellence and innovation. The work that nonprofits do is absolutely vital to our communities.”

Chaminade’s Hogan Entrepreneurial Program and American Savings Bank’s Nonprofit Business Plan Competition is held every other year and is open to Hawaii nonprofit organizations seeking to start new ventures that will benefit society. The competition aims to stimulate public interest and support in nonprofit organizations—and encourage excellence and innovation in socially-motivated entrepreneurs.

“This biennial competition aligns well with our Marianist mission,” said Dr. Roy Panzarella, director of the Hogan Entrepreneurial Program. “These nonprofits are doing a lot of good for their communities.”

WorkNet members, from left, Mo Kalaikai, Stephanie Ann and Chas Williams were congratulated by Chaminade President Lynn Babington, Ph.D., far left, and American Savings Bank’s President and CEO Ann Teranishi.

In all, the Hogan Entrepreneurial Program and American Savings Bank awarded $41,000 to nine Hawaii nonprofit organizations who participated in the competition this year. The first-place winner, Worknet Inc., walked away with the $15,000 prize.

“I’m overwhelmed and seldom am I at a loss for words,” said WorkNet Founder, Executive Director and President Chas Williams, upon receiving his award. “We rarely have a chance to revel in the work we do, so I am proud to be here. For once, we’re recognized for the work we do.”

WorkNet is an innovative nonprofit that prepares prison inmates for a successful re-entry into community living to reduce recidivism. The organization specializes in offender re-entry services, which include helping parolees find jobs, secure housing, obtain a driver’s license and restore identity documents so they can have a higher success rate with their reintegration into our communities.

“To be in this company (among other nonprofits), I feel rewarded beyond belief,” says Williams, pssionatley shaking his fist. “This institution (Chaminade) is the training ground, and I offer myself to share my knowledge and ideas with people who are in this field.”

The second-place winner was Mothers Against Drunk Driving, which received $11,000 toward its Teen Influencer Summer Institute, a five-week program that aims to educate today’s youth about the dangers and tragedies of drinking and driving.

Third place went to Pasefika Presence, a nonprofit magazine with a mission to provide a space for voices of the Pacific to share their stories through the publication of their writing and art.

“It’s not easy juggling school and running a nonprofit magazine at the same time,” said Epifania “Epi” Petelo ’23. “We aim to help preserve our stories through this publication and provide Pasefika people, especially youth, with a magazine that they can actually see themselves in.”

Fourth place went to Mood USA. All dressed in the same Mood USA logo T-shirts, Waioli Misajon and her family members—including her 2-year-old daughter—said she was inspired by the competition two years ago, adding that her nonprofit was then just a dream. “This award comes with much appreciation for all the supporters and consultants who have helped develop the nonprofit Mood USA,” said the Nanakuli native of Mood USA, which supports mental health for children in the Leeward area.

The remaining five finalists included Hear 4 Hope, Downtown Art Center’s Metal Lab, PAWsitive Adventures, ThriveHI and Two Times Recycling. Each received a $1,000.

“American Savings Bank is proud to be a sponsor of this competition for many years now,” said American Savings Bank’s President and CEO Ann Teranishi. “The work that you’re doing is not easy, but please continue the work of nonprofits. Our communities need you.”

International Education Week

April 18, 2024

Student clubs share ethnic cuisines and dances

With Chaminade’s diverse population, it’s only fitting that the University would celebrate International Education Week (April 8-12). Inspired by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization’s World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development, the series of campus events featured a melting pot of flavors, starting with the Spring 2024 Taste of Culture.

The Filipino Club served one of the national dishes of the Philippines—lechon, crispy roast pork.

“Our University is a mosaic of talents, backgrounds and experiences, and it is this diversity that makes our community truly exceptional,” says Chaminade President Lynn Babington, Ph.D. “International Education Week allows us to celebrate not only the richness of the world’s cultures, but also the essential role of intercultural dialogue for achieving peace and sustainable development.”

Participating clubs at this year’s Sixth Annual Taste of Culture included the TaoTao Marianas Club, World of Dance, Accounting Club, Office of Student Engagement, Chaminade Student Government Association, Micronesian Club, Lumana‘i O Samoa, Student Organization of Latinx, The Filipino Club, Office of the President, Chemistry Club and Restauranteers Club.

Observing cultural week not only offers the Kalaepohaku community a chance to experience the diverse cultures of our student body, but it also facilitates the dismantling of stereotypes while fostering mutual comprehension and acceptance. Through the International Extravaganza, students and local residents can listen to the musical rhythms, watch the graceful dances, and enjoy the traditional attire and unique customs of various cultures, cultivating a profound admiration for our campus diversity and fostering cross-cultural empathy.

“As advisors for The Filipino Club, Bro. Allen (Pacquing) and I ensure that the students are constantly receiving the support they need, ensuring that our activities run smoothly,” says Maritel Suniga, payroll specialist in the Business Office. “They put 100 percent of their time and energy into practicing the traditional tinikling dance, often rehearsing late into the night to perfect their moves.”

Wearing a traditional barong tagalog, Christian Raquepo’s first-time experience at Taste of Culture and International Extravaganza was memorable. “These events are a testament to Chaminade’s value of education in the ‘ohana spirit and inclusivity,” said the Silversword freshman. “As a proud first generation Filipino-American, representing my culture in food and dance with our University community makes me proud of my cultural heritage.”

In addition to The Filipino Club, other participants included Ka Ipu Kukui Me Ka ‘ie ‘ie (Hawaiian Club), Lumana‘’i O Samoa and the Taotao Marianas Club.

“Cultural events allow me to be proud of who I am as a descendant of Filipino immigrants,” Raquepo said. “Dressing up in our cultural attire was my favorite moment.”

The Everlasting Marlene Baker

April 12, 2024

Campus mom to some and Beloved Friend to All

He is not sure if she ever saw the text he sent her of a picture of his newly born son. But, two days later, Keegan Tomita ’13 learned that his “campus mom” had lost her battle to cancer. Marlene Baker was more than just an administrator for Tomita, whose family grew close to the affable longtime Silversword, inviting her to stay with them on Mercer Island in Washington during the summer and even inviting her to Keegan’s wedding.

“Who invites their counselor to their wedding,” quips Tomita, chuckling as he utters those words. “She was truly my mom away from home who was just like family. I still think that I can pick up the phone and hear her voice.”

Jennifer Creech can. The Vice President for Enrollment Management and Student Success kept the last voicemail Baker ever left her just before she was admitted to the hospital in July 2022. Her voice weakened from chemotherapy treatment, Baker told Creech that she “had to go to the hospital, but not to worry, and that she would be back in the office in a couple of days.”

“She knew all the secrets of Chaminade and they were in her vault,” says Creech, gesturing to her temple. “She would get here every day by 6 in the morning, placing flowers on peoples’ desks and waiting for students to visit her in her office. Chaminade was truly her home.”

Marlene Baker enjoyed spending time with Jennifer Creech’s two sons, from left, Parker and Connor.

Marlene Baker was a beloved friend to many of her colleagues.

Marlene Baker pictured with colleagues from the Office of Student Success.

Marlene Baker would frequently socialize with former Dean of Chaminade’s School of Business and Communication, Scott Schroeder, Ph.D., his spouse Dr. Koreen Nakahodo and Linda Iwamoto.

Marlene Baker was friends with many Silverswords, including, to her right, Koreen Nakahodo and Linda Iwamoto.

Keegan Tomita, like all Silverswords, enjoyed the full support of Marlene Baker.

And it was Baker’s home for more than 50 years, dating back to a time when she left Maui as a 17-year-old college-bound student, eager to pursue a bachelor’s degree at the Kalaepōhaku campus. She would eventually attain her BA in Social Studies in 1972, later earning a master’s in Counseling Psychology in 1988. Not only was Baker an empathetic listener but she was a consummate student, a trait that wasn’t lost on English professor Linda Iwamoto.

“My first memory of Marlene was as a student erectly sitting in the first row,” says Iwamoto, who would enjoy a five-decade-long relationship with Baker and would serve as Baker’s matron of honor at her wedding. “She was always attentive, very shy, and she had beautiful handwriting.”

These days, the art of cursive writing has given way to dexterous texting and instant messages, such as the one Pono Riddle received from Baker on July 28, 2022. After sending her a text noting that he would see her when he returned from a trip, Baker wrote “I love you and miss you.”

“I first met Marlene online when she made my schedule my freshman year,” says Riddle ’18 (BS), ’21 (MEd), Associate Director of the Office of Student Success. “One day I was working at Macy’s and I saw a woman wearing a name tag with the name Marlene in the Bridal Registry department. We got to talking and it turned out that I was the Andre Riddle whom she created the class schedule for. That day sparked a forever friendship throughout my time at Chaminade. I still miss hearing the Hawaiian music coming out of her office.”

It wasn’t unusual for Baker to receive invitations to people’s homes or to be asked to become a godmother. Koreen Nakahodo, Ph.D., made the request twice: once for herself and another for her daughter. “I’ve known Marlene since I was 21 years old,” says the Chaminade Assistant Professor of English. “Since she was from Maui, she took care of all the Neighbor Island kids, feeding them at times and even inviting them to her home for the holidays when they wouldn’t fly home.

“There were so many people that Marlene touched,” Nakahodo adds. “And it gives me great pride and joy—as I am sure it will with others—to contribute to the Chaminade Fund in honor of Marlene. She truly brought so much meaning and joy in so many people’s lives here at Chaminade.”

Scholarly Research

April 9, 2024

Students present their thought-provoking research findings

Psychology major juniors Leila-Jayne Casison and Clara Slate-Liu are on their way to the National Conference of Undergraduate Research (NCUR) in California. But before presenting their findings on a national stage, the two Silversword athletes presented their research at the annual Na Liko Na‘auao Symposium, allowing them to fine tune their presentation and to anticipate any questions they may have to field.

“I think today was a good trial run for us in terms of getting used to discussing our study with others, especially those who we’ve never met before,” Casison said. “I also think we’re getting better with having meaningful conversations with those who find interest in our study on our athletes.”

Titled “The Sleep of University Student-Athletes,” Casison’s and Liu’s study looked at sleep patterns of fellow Swords, and they concluded that soccer players have the worst sleeping habits of all the athletes.

“Their practices start at 6 in the morning and they go to bed late,” Casison and Slate-Liu said. “So, of course, they’re going to experience daytime fatigue. It should be an issue that our coaches and athletic director are made aware of.”

A Silversword tennis player, Sydney Danielson was tireless in her pursuit of learning about avian malaria and avian pox effects on Hawaiian birds, such as the ‘amakihi, apapane and ‘i‘wi. A passionate naturalist, the Minnesota native looked at the two diseases and their impact on native birds’ population.

“Symptoms include swollen, tumor-like lesions on unfeathered parts of a bird’s body, such as the feet, legs, eyes and base of the bill,” Danielson explained of avian pox. “Both diseases are very difficult to manage, and the continued viability of our native forest birds depends on the preservation of their habitat.”

Sarah Carroll explains her research to Fr. Martin Solma during the Na Liko Na’auao Symposium.

Professor Tracy Trevorrow, Ph.D., discusses the research findings of Clara Slate-Liu, left, and Leila-Jayne Casison.

Brittany Johnson commented on Brandon Koskie’s research project on Kalauhaihai Fishpond and Kanewai Spring.

Lindsey Dimaya, left, a junior at Sacred Hearts Academy and a participant in Chaminade’s early college program, presented her findings to Joleigh Ballesteros-Magdaro.

Brandon Koskie, right, discusses his research findings on two fishponds with Anson Ekau, who developed a dashboard for the Maunalua Fishpond Heritage Center.

Katelyn Salcedo’s hypotheses posed the question: Is Literacy Affected by the Home Environment.

Sydney Danielson explains the effects of avian malaria and avian pox to attendees at the Na Liko Na’auao Symposium.

Dr. Lynn Babington listened to what Kole Nagai had to say about his research findings during the 22nd Annual Na Liko Na’auao Symposium.

Leila-Jayne Casison, left, and Clara Slate-Liu, studied the sleeping patterns of Silversword athletes.

For the past 22 years, student scholars have presented their yearlong work during this annual Symposium, allowing them to explain their research and answer questions from faculty, peers and at-large community members. In the past, students’ presentations have focused on mental health—especially the impact of COVID—physical health problems, substance abuse and even “climate monstrosities.”

According to Amber Noguchi, Ph.D., Undergraduate Research and Pre-Professional Programs director, undergraduate and graduate research experience can look like a number of things. It can range from formal and clinical studies to data analysis, and creative works and beyond.

“All of these presentations stem from research projects that have been collaborations between the student researchers and their faculty mentors,” Noguchi explains. “This undergraduate conference celebrates student scholars from across all academic disciplines.”

For the past several months, Lindsey Dimaya has locked herself in her room, unwilling to share with her parents the project that she was working on for the Na Liko Na‘auao Symposium. An avid reader, the 17-year-old teenager chose to do research on adult literacy and its impact on mental health.

Pointing to her presentation, dad Don Dimaya quipped that Lindsey finally explained why she isolated herself in her bedroom for all those hours. “Now it makes sense,” he said with a laugh. “Instead of getting her driver’s license last summer, she was busy with this.”

“I looked at the correlation between adult literacy and mental health,” said Dimaya, a junior at Sacred Hearts Academy and a participant in Chaminade’s early college program. “One of the reasons I was interested in this research was because of a story I had heard about a mother who wanted to bake her daughter a birthday cake, but she couldn’t because she didn’t know how to read.”

Dimaya’s research yielded some interesting findings, including a connection between improved reading skills and better mental health, and regaining childhood memories that emerged as a result of enhanced literacy.

“The breadth and depths of these projects have blown me away,” said President Lynn Babington, Ph.D., in her closing remarks at the Symposium. “I have been truly impressed walking around the room, and listening to your presentations and your interests.”

In his oral presentation, Anson Ekau ’25 demonstrated a beta dashboard that he developed for the Maunalua Fishpond Heritage Center, helping the nonprofit to monitor the health of the pond and its inhabitants.

“This fishpond once stretched all the way to Mauanlua Bay,” Ekau said. “Now you can walk around it in two minutes. However, fishponds are crucial to the survival of native species, and they also allow us to promote and preserve Native Hawaiian culture.”

The Symposium concluded with a presentation of the President Sue Wesselkamper Award, which acknowledges a student who has demonstrated extensive community and university service. In order to qualify for the prize, a student must have a minimum 3.5 GPA, show scholarship beyond classroom requirements by undertaking their own independent research or study, and must have presented their work both on and off campus. This year’s award went to Victoria Francois ’25, who gave a presentation on chronic pain among young adults and the effects of mindfulness.

“I would do this again in a heartbeat,” said Francois of her research. “In doing research, I found that the world is your oyster, and that everything is open to you.”

Sustainable Entrepreneurship

April 2, 2024

New ENV 490 Sustainability Innovation class stimulates paradigm shift

Aside from being tongue twisters when said in succession, the terms sustainability and entrepreneurship are indeed big words, as pointed out by ’Inana Sustainability Entrepreneurship Program’s coordinator, Mariane Uehara. Tasked with creating a curriculum for the inaugural ENV 490 Sustainability Innovation course, Uehara admitted that she “jumped into the unknown” when she joined the United Nations’s CIFAL Center at Chaminade University.

At the core of the ENV 490 is a student-driven project that’s in partnership with a local company. The goal was to balance the triple bottom line—people, planet and profit—while addressing the long-term impact of business activities on the environment and society. Sustainable entrepreneurship recognizes the interdependence of economic development, social well-being and environmental health, and seeks to create value in a way that is responsible and ethical.

Lyla Gonsalves, left, and Jasmine Mondelo discussed possible solutions for Ten Tomorrow to become more sustainable.

Sarah Carroll '25 identified potential partners that could help Re-use Hawaii and its sustainable efforts.

Sarah Carroll identified potential partners that could help Re-use Hawaii gain greater community support.

Ten Tomorrow designer Summer Shiigi, center, liked the ideas presented by Chaminade students, from left, Ka‘I‘inipu‘uwai “Mini” Keli‘iho‘omalu-Holz ’24, Lyla Gonsalves ’25, Jasmine Mondelo ’25 and LaVelle White ’26.

Re-use Hawaii’s Workforce Development Coordinator Nathaniel Pak saw value in Chaminade students’ sustainable efforts for the nonprofit. Team members included, from left, Sarah Carroll ’25, Katherine “Kat” Liu ’26, Kaila Frank ’24 and Sano Tanna ’24.

“All the students’ projects had to align with at least one of the United Nations’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),” Uehara explained. “Although the vision was blurry at first, we figured out the puzzle together, and we had fun while doing so.”

According to Uehara, the three goals of the ’Inana Program are: 1) To develop and implement programs for the education and training of undergraduate students in subjects directly relating to successful entrepreneurship; 2) To support minority business enterprises (MBEs), including building a diverse entrepreneurial pipeline to grow the number of MBEs; and 3) to create a UN Certificate program in sustainability entrepreneurship.

Divided into three teams, 14 students presented their final entrepreneurial projects, working alongside with Ten Tomorrow, Re-use Hawaii and Plantoem. Under the mentorship of Uehara, and Cort Isernhagen and Jamie Lui of Diamond Head Research—a company that helps small companies track and assess their activities to identify trends and innovative business models that best support Corporate Social Responsibility, Environmental, Social and Corporate Governance, and philanthropic initiatives—the aspiring entrepreneurs demonstrated their ability to think outside the box.

“First of all, who are you guys,” rhetorically asked Lui after listening to the students’ presentations. “You’re a completely different group from when we started this class a few months ago.”

Exuding confidence, Sarah Carroll ’25 proposed a “Hanau Hana Aloha Event,” which would advertise Re-use Hawai’i as a community-based nonprofit worthy of long-term patronage and donation. Additionally, it would also pose these solutions: Engage an eco-conscious audience; showcase Re-use Hawaii’s mission beyond social media; and connect with long-term donors through a captivating experience.

“Hosting an upcycle consignment event for Re-use Hawaii would present an innovative solution to address several pressing challenges,” the Data Science and Visualization major said. “It would help Re-Use connect with the community and give it more visibility, as well as broaden its donor pool.”

Other Re-use Hawaii members included Katherine “Kat” Liu ’26, Sano Tanna ’24, Lihau Keoneula ’24 and Kaila Frank ’24.

Pairing with Ten Tomorrow designer Summer Shiigi, Jasmine Mondelo ’25, Ka‘I‘inipu‘uwai “Mini” Keli‘iho‘omalu-Holz ’24, Lyla Gonsalves ’25 and LaVelle White ’26 aligned their entrepreneurial proposals with the local clothing company’s line of modern resort wear. An Environmental Studies major, Keli‘iho‘omalu-Holz identified the problem of having to bring in fabric, which contributes to carbon emissions, microplastics and landfills.

Keli‘iho‘omalu-Holz’s solution was to source fabric that would be less harmful to the environment. She cited such alternatives as hemp, organic cotton, bamboo, recycled material and Tencel fabrics, which are produced with environmentally responsible processes from sustainably sourced natural raw wood fibers. Tencel textiles are also certified biodegradable.

“I have a really keen interest in fashion, which is why I chose Ten Tomorrow ,” Keli‘iho‘omalu-Holz noted. “I wanted to find cost-effective solutions and sustainable fabrics that didn’t have a negative impact on our environment.”

Alexandra Zingarelli ’24, Sydney Danielson ’25, Pūnohu Keahi ’25, Aleeyah Lemons ’24 and Conor McMahon ’24 partnered with Zoe Zhang of Plantoem, a portmanteau of plant and poem, and suggested a “Plantoem’s Appreciation March 2024.” Each week would tackle a different aspect, from the significance of native plants and “Aloha ʻĀina: Environmental Health Talk Story Event” to carbon offset, plant therapy and sustainable living workshops.

“They really listened to what I had to say,” said Zhang, who founded Plantoem because of her love for plants and poetry. “Their proposal to me is highly viable. Since we came up with the awareness month idea during their second visit, I have already been in touch with some of the speakers who are interested in participating. The basic structure of the event month has already been sketched out. And the students are coming back to help work on the events in March.”

In his closing remarks, Isernhagen commented on the diversity of ideas and the prototypes the students developed. “I liked the fact that you met the businesses where they were,” he concluded. “Your lenses were all sharply focused around sustainability. And I liked the fact that you collectively approached one problem but each of you came up with your own individual solution.”