Chaminade University of Honolulu

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Gathering Together: Spring Commencement 2021

2021 Spring Commencement aerial photo

Hundreds gathered in person and virtually on May 8 to celebrate the many accomplishments of Chaminade’s Spring 2021 graduates with Commencement ceremonies on campus, closing out an academic year that brought no shortage of challenges with plenty of smiles, laughter, cheering and tears of joy.

“It was such an honor to celebrate Commencement with our 2021 graduates,” said Chaminade President Lynn Babington. “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 resilience and determination they showed during the pandemic.”

She added, “Look at all they have overcome—just imagine what they have yet to achieve!”

Two separate Commencement exercises were held outdoors to ensure attendees could socially distance. Not lost on anyone in attendance was the importance of the gatherings themselves: these were the first in-person graduation ceremonies held at Chaminade in more than a year.

In the morning, Commencement for graduates from the schools of Business and Communication; Humanities, Arts and Design; Natural Sciences and Mathematics; and Nursing and Health Professions was held. An afternoon Commencement was held for the School of Education and Behavioral Sciences.

2021 Spring Commencement

Approximately 200 graduates attended each ceremony and there was a limit of two guests per graduate. To ensure everyone’s wellbeing, all attendees at the ceremonies wore face coverings and followed COVID safety protocols. Hundreds more family, friends and loved ones from around Hawaii, the nation and the globe were able to watch the events—and cheer on their grad—remotely via livestreams.

Elijah Abramo was among those who walked across the stage in the morning ceremony.

He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and said the culmination of his academic journey was both joyous and just a bit bittersweet. “It was four years of fun, friendship, faith and formation,” he said, “wrapped up in the neat package that is my degree.”

Taylor Lui-Kwan was also at the ceremony to celebrate the completion of her MBA.

She said graduation is an ending—but also a beginning.

2021 Spring Commencement

“It’s the end for my MBA journey but a new start on my next chapter,” Lui-Kwan said, adding that she’s going to miss her peers and professors, the Chaminade campus and engaging class discussions. “I’m excited to see where my classmates and I end up in the business world five years from now.”

Dalton Alatan graduated in the afternoon ceremony with a Master’s in Education.

The full-time teacher said juggling his obligations at school with those at work and those at home—during a pandemic no less—hasn’t been easy. “But I am super grateful to be where I am today,” he said. “Graduating feels like a surreal moment in time. I am excited to continue my career as an elementary education teacher” as he looks ahead to securing an administrative role in Hawaii’s school system.

Alatan added that he’s going to miss his “amazing” professors at Chaminade the most. “They have guided and mentored me through my undergraduate and graduate studies … teaching me new skills that I can apply when I become a leader in the educational system,” he said.

As is tradition at Chaminade, the Commencement ceremonies were preceded by the Baccalaureate Mass on May 7. About 130 graduates, family members, faculty and staff attended the Mass, gathering in the Mystical Rose Oratory and an overflow area in the Clarence T.C. Ching Conference Center.

Wearing masks and socially distancing, attendees at the Mass came together in a strong spirit of thanksgiving, expressing gratitude for all that they have and seeking spiritual guidance for the future.

2021 Spring Commencement

Master of Pastoral Theology graduate Drexel Gregory said he sees Commencement as not only the beginning of a new chapter but as an opportunity to turn what he has learned into positive action. “All my education did was give me the knowledge and analytical skills that would help me do more,” he said.

Now, he said, “I need to put it into use.”

Marlowe Sabater, who also graduated with a Pastoral Theology master’s degree, agreed.

He dedicated his Commencement experience to the fellow members of his cohort in the Diaconate Formation Program at the Diocese of Honolulu. “Graduation is an affirmation of the loving support from my wife and kids, who through thick and thin never wavered from encouraging me to keep going,” he said, adding that the Marianist educational tradition at Chaminade also equipped him with a strong service-oriented mission “to carry out the things I’ve learned in the secular world.”

With his new degree in hand, Sabatar said, the hard work doesn’t end. “It’s just beginning.”

Spring Commencement 2021

9:30 AM Commencement

School of Business and Communication
School of Humanities, Arts and Design
School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics
School of Nursing and Health Professions

2:30 PM Commencement

School of Education and Behavioral Sciences

Student Recognized as a 2021 Red Cross Volunteer Hero

In 2009, an 8.1 magnitude earthquake in the Pacific Ocean generated a massive tsunami that roared onshore in American Samoa and Samoa with wave heights of up to 55 feet. Nearly 200 people were lost and dozens of homes and buildings were destroyed. The price tag of the damage exceeded $200 million.

Timothy Dunstan, who grew up in American Samoa, remembers the unfathomable scale of devastation.

He also remembers the American Red Cross swooping in to help, bringing needed supplies, disaster management expertise and counseling support for families who had lost so much. He says the incredible work of the nonprofit, helping people when they needed it the most, inspired him to join the Red Cross as a volunteer himself when he moved to Hawaii in 2017 to attend Chaminade University. 

Timothy Dunstan volunteering with the Red Cross Hawaii

And he’s stuck with it ever since, putting in hundreds of hours of volunteer work even as he also completes the extensive studies needed to earn a double major in Psychology and Criminology and Criminal Justice.

Dunstan, who is set to graduate in December, has responded to dozens of crises and disasters for the American Red Cross. He’s helped families displaced by house fires and assisted in overseeing emergency shelter operations during several close calls from hurricanes and in the wake of major flooding.

In 2020, after the fatal shooting of two Honolulu police officers and an intentionally set blaze that destroyed several homes in Diamond Head, Dunstan worked with impacted residents and served as a liaison between families and the police. Also last year, he helped a family from Alaska who had been stranded in American Samoa for three months because of the territory’s COVID-19 lockdown.

The 22-year-old’s selfless work for the Red Cross has made him a hero to countless people.

And this year, he’s also been recognized as an American Red Cross of Hawaii “Volunteer Hero.” In naming him for the award, the nonprofit said Dunstan “embodies the heart of the Red Cross mission, stepping up to take the lead in a variety of casework” and ease the suffering of those in crisis.

Timothy Duston standing in front of the Red Cross van

Dunstan, who was born in New Zealand, said his family has always contributed to the community in “different roles of servitude.” And so when he moved to the islands to attend Chaminade, he decided to “give it a go” as a Red Cross volunteer “and see if it fits.” He found a nonprofit that allowed him to serve the community in a powerful way. And at Chaminade, he found a university that supported that work.

“A lot of our work is based on comforting clients. If people need help, we’re there,” Dunstan said.

He added Chaminade’s mission of public service has not only helped drive him in his Red Cross volunteering, but has also inspired him to apply what he’s learning in the classroom—especially in psychology—to his service for the community. “Having someone who has lost everything be able to just say, ‘Thank you,’ it’s when you know you’ve made a difference,” Dunstan said.

“It’s really something that opens your eyes to the world.”

After graduation, Dunstan hopes to pursue a career serving others. He’s weighing potential options now, but says he may consider law school—to become a prosecutor—or seek a career in forensic psychology. In the meantime, he said, he also wants to get others involved with Red Cross work. So he’s working with other students to start a Red Cross club at Chaminade and is recruiting new participants now.

Students Showcase Work at Annual Na Liko Na‘auao

Na Liko Naauao virtual event 2021 screenshot

Chaminade undergraduates across all disciplines gathered virtually in early April to present their ongoing research across a broad array of exciting areas, from Native Hawaiian traditional medicine to data science database development to the microbiome, coral bleaching and cancer cell research.

The undergraduate conference, Na Liko Na‘auao, is an annual event at Chaminade to showcase exceptional original work by students seeking bachelor’s degrees and underscores the breadth and depth of academic scholarship at the University. Fields represented at this year’s conference, which included 23 presentations in all, ranged from Biology to Data Science to the Forensic Sciences.

The Na Liko Na‘auao symposium was first held at Chaminade in 2002.

Among the impressive topics students tackled this year:

  • “Modeling The Microbiome Of Aa In Vitro Taro Digestion Model,” from Ava Dysarz
  • “Seasonal Difference In Carcass Decomposition On Oahu,” presented by Marietta Lee
  • And “Keawawa Water Analysis And Restoration,” from Dorie Sanborn and Trinity Young

Organizers say Na Liko Na‘auao not only gives undergraduates an opportunity to offer the broader University community a glimpse into what they’re working on. It also gives them a chance to hone their presentation and speaking skills, synthesizing their research for a general audience.

The public forum also gives students an opportunity to take questions, giving them insight into their research strengths along with potential areas for improvement, further exploration and collaboration.

Also at Na Liko Na‘auao, the recipients of two prestigious Chaminade awards were announced.

Dr. Lynn Babington, Darian Balai and Dr. Rylan Chon

The President Sue Wesselkamper Prize, which recognizes a student who has displayed academic scholarship beyond the classroom and has a record of service learning volunteerism and leadership, was awarded to Data Science student Dairain Balai, who is also minoring in Biology and Criminal Justice.

In nominating her for the award, Data Science program Director Dr. Rylan Chong said Dairain has participated in a host of leadership and research growth opportunities—and excelled in each of them.

And her work is already getting noticed. To continue her research on Native Hawaiian women’s health, Dairain was selected for a competitive spot as a paid research assistant at the University of Texas in Austin Texas Advanced Computing Center, where she is also serves as a mentor to other students.

Chong said Dairian, who graduated from Waianae High and is a Ho’oulu Scholar, “represents what Chaminade is all about locally, in her community, and on the mainland by going beyond the expectations of her service to community and education, development of her moral character, personal competencies, and commitment to build a more just and peaceful society.”

Danson Oliva, Dr. Kate Perrault and Dr. Lynn Babington

Also announced at the event: the recipient of the President Mackey Prize, which recognizes a faculty member at Chaminade with a record of student mentoring and a strong, ongoing commitment to providing students with research or creative experiences that go beyond the classroom.

This year’s awardee: Dr. Kate Perrault, an assistant professor of Forensic Sciences and Chemistry.

Undergraduate researcher Danson Oliva nominated Perrault for the honor, saying the professor is “extraordinarily passionate about the course material and wants every student to succeed.” Oliva added that working in a lab under Perrault has been a wonderful growth experience, allowing her to flex her scholarship muscles while also getting helpful and instructive feedback and mentoring.

“As a research mentor, she guides us but also helps us troubleshoot problems when they arise,” Oliva wrote. “With the help of Dr. Perrault, I have gone on to give two conference presentations on my project. It wouldn’t have happened if Dr. Perrault didn’t truly believe in our ability to succeed.”

Under the Sea: Into Challenger Deep

Nicole Yamase '14 and Victor Vescovo during Challenger Deep expidition
Nicole Yamase and Victor Vescovo

Have you ever wondered what secrets can be found at the ocean’s deepest depths? 

So has Nicole Yamase ’14. And then she got to travel there.

In March, Yamase was invited to jump into a special submersible and journey 35,856 feet below the waves (or as she likes to say, about 700 coconut trees stacked on top of one another) into the Challenger Deep—the deepest known spot in the ocean, located in the Mariana Trench.

Yamase, who is Micronesian, is the first Pacific Islander ever to make the trip.

She describes the place as nothing less than “unbelievable”—like an alien world.

“Once we slowly got to the bottom, I couldn’t believe my eyes,” she said, adding that the expedition down with ocean explorer Victor Vescovo—who organized the special dive—started about 10 AM. Four hours later, they were there, staring into the murky, dark and deepest known depths of the ocean.

“It looks like a desert down there,” Yamase said.

Reinforcing passion for environmental studies

Yamase, who graduated from Chaminade with a B.S. in Environmental Studies and a B.S. in Biology and is now seeking a doctoral degree in Marine Biology from the University of Hawai‘i, was chosen for the journey because of her deep passion and previous work in helping to advocate for the oceans.

Nicole Yamase '14 (BS Environmental Studies, BS Biology) doing field work

Vescovo, she said, “thought it was time” that someone from the Federated States of Micronesia was invited down to the Challenger Deep, which can be found in their country’s waters. And not just “someone” was chosen, but a young leader who is studying diverse marine ecosystems.

She got additional support for the journey from the Waitt Institute and Micronesia Conversation Trust. 

Yamase said the experience of traveling to Challenger Deep was life-changing. It confirmed the incredible love she has for her research—she’s focused on studying the impacts of climate change on indigenous macroalgae important to Pacific reefs. And it underscored her other major academic focus: raising awareness about how climate change and rising sea levels are already impacting the Pacific.

“Humanity needs to improve its relationship with the world’s oceans,” Yamase said.

Because even the Challenger Deep wasn’t free of humanity’s fingerprint. When she was down there, nearly 7 miles below the surface, she saw boating tethers—human trash. “The fact that trash has made it all the way down to the deep is very alarming,” Yamase said. “It’s just a really pressing problem.”

Yamase knows that better than most.

Nicole Yamase '14 being a part of a beach clean up
Climate change is a problem now

When she returns to her hometown of Pohnpei in the Federated States of Micronesia, she sees the rising sea levels lapping up higher than they ever have before. Friends and loved ones post photographs on social media of ocean water going into homes and of cemeteries being washed away.

Climate change isn’t a future problem for her country, she says, it’s a problem now.

And it will take everyone, including her generation and future ones, to fix it.

Opening doors for Pacific Islanders

“Through this expedition, I really just want to promote STEM—because Pacific Islanders, we need us,” Yamase said. “We’re the ones who are going to be in the field. We need local mentors, local role models because that’s what we lack. It really has a huge impact to see your own succeed in the field.”

Nicole Yamase '14 and Dr. Grail Grabowsky
Dr. Gail Grabowsky and Nicole Yamase

As she continues to make her mark, Yamase is grateful to her own mentors, including those at Chaminade. She said it was Environmental Science and Studies Dr. Gail Grabowsky, dean of the School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, who encouraged her as a freshman to apply for a summer internship at UH-Mānoa focused on marine biology. “From that first experience, I was like, ‘oh my goodness, this is for me,’” she said. She continued to be selected for internships and other opportunities, including a chance to study macroalgae in Miami’s Biscayne Bay.

That research formed the basis of the dissertation she’s now working on.

She said Biology Professor Dr. Jolene Cogbill, her adviser in the department, was also hugely instrumental in getting her linked up with opportunities that honed her skills—and bolstered her confidence. “They both really pushed me out of my comfort zone,” she said. “My first year, I never raised my hand. I couldn’t do it. After these summer internships of really participating in these opportunities with other Pacific Islanders, I thought, ‘I’m not alone in this.’”

Nicole Yamase '14 showcasing her research at Chaminade's event in 2012

Yamase said she also got the chance to present her work at conferences and symposia.

She said she hopes to be that same inspiration to other young Pacific Islanders, especially those in environmental science, marine conservation and biology. She said her expedition into the Challenger Deep “was such a great opportunity to show young Pacific Islanders that we can do it.”

“There’s not that many of us in the science fields. Hopefully, this opens up doors.”

Heritage Awardees Honored During Founders’ Mass

Chaminade’s Heritage Awards recognize members of the Silversword community who accomplish outstanding work in pursuit of the University’s mission and make it a better place to learn and to work.

This year’s recipients are no exception.

Heritage Awardee, Chaminade Award - Eric Bovaird (Head Coach, Men's Basketball)

Men’s Basketball Head Coach Eric Bovaird received the 2021 Chaminade Award for remarkable contributions to the University by a member of the faculty or professional staff. Nominators described Bovaird as not only a coach, but as a mentor and community leader who cares deeply about ensuring his student-athletes succeed on the court and off—and go on to reach their goals.

“His willingness to take young men in from all walks of life and teach them how to be positive contributors to society through basketball, his experiences and faith have altered the life paths of so many and have made our community and their communities back home better places,” one nominator said. Another marveled at Bovaird’s ability to deliver as a winning coach while he also mentors and develops young men into high character adults, calling his value to the community “undeniable.”

In accepting the award, Bovaird said he was surprised to be selected and added that working at Chaminade “doesn’t feel like a job to me, it’s a passion.” He said that Marianist values and education continue to drive him, especially the commitments to building community around a common good and educating in the family spirit. “I’m very thankful for all the relationships we’ve developed over the years and, most importantly, I am so glad my family is heavily involved every step of the way,” Bovaird said.

Heritage Awardee, Marianist Award - Pisila Tukia (OSAL)

Meanwhile, the recipient of the 2021 Marianist Award—which honors a member of Chaminade’s support staff—was Office of Student Activities and Leadership activities coordinator Pisila Tukia, who was praised for her deep well of care for students and all she does to help them develop.

One nominator said he marvels at Tukia’s ability to “connect with students on a deeper level and provide such strong support for their own development and wellbeing.” Tukia was also described as a collaborator and a tireless advocate, never shying away from long days to help students.

“Tukia has gone above and beyond, especially during this time of COVID-19,” a nominator said.

Tukia said she was humbled at learning she had been selected for the award. “It feels so good to know the work I do has a positive impact in our Chaminade community,” she said. “The Marianist values are very similar to my upbringing and the reason why Chaminade is my second family away from home.”

She said her Catholic upbringing and Tongan heritage underscored the importance of showing respect, humility, and loyalty to others and maintaining good relationships. Similarly, she said, Chaminade’s mission reminds her of the “awesome responsibility” she has as a lifelong educator.

“My position as a professional and community is that of a higher calling,” Tukia wrote recently, in accepting her award. “My hope is that the young adults and youth I continue to work with are inspired and reminded to give back to the next generation as leaders.”

Heritage Awardee, Founders' Award - Andrew Anchecta '21 (Biology)

Finally, the recipient of the 2021 Founders Award is Biology student Andrew Ancheta II.

In addition to his studies, Ancheta contributes to the University with a leadership role with the Chaminade Student Government Association, serving as an important voice and advocate for his fellow students. In fact, he has collaborated extensively with the Center for Teaching & Learning during the pandemic to communicate student questions and concerns and ensure student success.

One nominator called him the “exemplification of who a Chaminade student is.”

Another said that Ancheta is the “epitome of a servant leader and works to make the lives of others better, even when it may unnoticed. His commitment to others is unparalleled and I have been amazed by his willingness to help those in need.” In fact, one nominator recalled seeing Ancheta offering food to a man who was sifting through a trash bin at Kapiolani Park and then holding a conversation with him.

“He reached out to this man in need and provided a sense of comfort and human connection,” he said.

Ancheta said being honored with the award is a “reminder of the life God is calling me to live.”

“I am choosing to dedicate my life, my career and my purpose to creating an impact in the lives of others,” Ancheta said. “Receiving this award assures me that the work towards the fulfillment of this lifelong purpose is possible and that the journey has just begun.” He added that living Marianist values at Chaminade have informed his perspective and how he now acts—and reacts. “They have been critical in my maturation as a student, as a man, as a Catholic, and a as a human on this Earth,” he said.

The three honorees were recognized at Founders’ Day Mass in early April.

Eric Bovaird
Pisila Tukia
Andrew Ancheta II

Healthcare Forum: Building a Healthy Community after COVID-19

Chaminade President Dr. Lynn Babington hosted an engaging and timely forum at the University on April 6 to explore the post-pandemic healthcare needs of Hawai‘i’s communities, how innovation can play a role in addressing inequities in care, and what type of healthcare workforce the state should build to address gaps in services and ensure the best outcomes for patients and their families.

The University’s School of Nursing and Health Professions organized the event—called “Looking Forward: Building a Healthy Community After COVID-19″—to mark National Public Health Week. Lt. Gov. Josh Green, an emergency room physician and Hawai‘i’s COVID-19 Liaison, The Queen’s Health Systems President and CEO Dr. Jill Hoggard Green, Waimānalo Health Center CEO Dr. Mary Frances Oneha, and Hilton Raethel, Healthcare Association of Hawai‘i President and CEO, tackled key questions as the event’s panelists.

COVID’s exposure of vulnerabilities

All of them agreed the pandemic exposed significant vulnerabilities in Hawai‘i’s healthcare system, including a shortage of key medical professionals in disadvantaged and rural communities. The health impacts of COVID on the hardest-hit populations, they added, could be felt for years and years to come.

But, said Dr. Jill Hoggard Green, there is reason for optimism.

“As we step out of this, we have learned so much,” she said. “The innovation and the ability for us to lean in—between government, business leaders, healthcare and all of our communities—have helped us demonstrate we can do so much more. We need the next generation and we need a lot of innovation.”

Oneha added that it’s important to note that healthcare inequities don’t happen in a vacuum. Addressing social community needs, including unemployment, poverty, food insecurity, homelessness and education, are all part of working to ensure healthier outcomes.

Lt. Gov. Josh Green agreed that addressing the healthcare provider shortage is key to helping communities meet post-pandemic needs, and said the surge in telehealth services because of COVID-19 could be a real opportunity to expand access to care. “It’s particularly good that programs like Chaminade are ramping us up and creating more nurses, nurse practitioners,” he added.

Raethel said the healthcare system also needs more investment, including from government, and a renewed focus on preventative care centered around innovation. “We need to move in that direction. We need to invest in communities,” he said. “It’s a real challenge getting equal access to care.”

Preparing for tomorrow

So how can the state prepare a healthcare workforce to meet Hawaii’s needs today and tomorrow?

Babington noted that the “team-based” model to care has shown the best outcomes, stressing collaboration between primary care physicians and other healthcare professionals, including nurses, mental health counselors or psychologists, specialists, and healthcare educators or coaches.

Dr. Jill Hoggard Green also expressed support for the team-based model, saying that focus will be especially vital as Hawai‘i healthcare organizations and their patients “catch up” on health screenings—for everything from cancer to diabetes—that were missed because of the pandemic.

Oneha expressed similar concerns, pointing out that many families are also behind in childhood immunizations and wellness screenings and that health maintenance efforts also need to be addressed.

“We need to be lifetime partners to individuals,” Green said.

She noted the success of telehealth during the pandemic is a real high point—and a “dramatic opportunity for us to improve access” to underserved areas. Before the pandemic, Queen’s was getting about 400 telemedicine visits a month. But in April 2020, that surged to 14,000.

“We know we can use technology. I believe it’s one of our greatest opportunities.”

Raethel also underscored the promise of telehealth in improving health outcomes and broadening access. “The pandemic has created these alternative ways of providing care. So many more people have tried telemedicine,” he said. “It really demonstrated how effective telemedicine can be.”

Importance of healthcare professionals

In discussing how to improve health outcomes, Babington also touched on the importance of community health workers—health educators, coaches, advocates and others who serve as partners to patients and help support them “to achieve their highest level of wellness.”

Oneha said those professionals are a vital part of the healthcare workforce. Healthcare information needs to be provided in a diversity of languages, she said, and delivered by trusted health partners. She said the community also needs to be part of the conversation—”and part of the solution”—in discussions about expanding care and delivering innovations in health and wellness.

During a question-and-answer session, the panelists tackled more elements of Hawai‘i’s healthcare response to the pandemic and what the future could hold. One participant asked about the potential for burnout among healthcare workers on the frontlines of the pandemic and how to support them.

Dr. Jill Hoggard Green, of Queen’s, said during the height of the pandemic healthcare workers were moving quickly to learn whatever they could about the disease, improve patient care and get all the necessary supplies. She held back tears as she recalled the “inspiring courage and great compassion” of healthcare teams who came into work, day after day, despite the personal health threats they faced.

“When you think about the amount of pain and suffering our caregivers saw, of course there is a dramatic potential for burnout,” she said. “Most of our caregivers put all of their energy into taking care of the person.” Throughout the pandemic until today, she added, Queen’s has been providing a significant amount of mental health and other supports to its healthcare workers.

“Our teams are working extraordinarily hard,” she said.

Investing in Hawai‘i’s healthcare

Raethel added that while Hawai‘i must expand access, invest in healthcare and embrace innovation, the state should also be proud of its response to COVID. Throughout the pandemic, Hawai‘i has had the nation’s lowest infection and death rates. He noted that early estimates put the number of possible fatalities from COVID in the islands at between 2,000 and 8,000 in a year.

Instead, Hawai‘i is currently below 500.

He attributes that to the response of healthcare workers, mitigation measures and on a sense of community responsibility in the islands. “It’s one of the great things about Hawai‘i: That sense of ‘ohana, the aloha spirit,” he said, adding that gives him great hope for Hawai‘i’s healthcare system in the future.

“I believe a number of the issues that we’re talking about are solvable in the state of Hawai‘i, whether it’s homelessness, whether it’s mental health. These are finite problems and there are solutions to these problems. It’s going to require collaboration and cooperation between the public and private sector, but there’s an incredibly strong desire to address these issues. We can make these things happen.”

Looking Forward: Building a Healthy Community after COVID-19