Chaminade University of Honolulu

Alumni

Alumna Spotlights Importance of Public Health

Alexandrea Cole Patino ’24 enjoyed studying Nursing at Chaminade and excelled in her studies.

But after clinching a prestigious summer research opportunity at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore—with the help of Chaminade’s Undergraduate Research & Pre-Professional Programs office—Patino realized her passion was addressing society’s health challenges in a different way.

“I loved how research questions tied into so many other areas—science, exploration, demographics,” she said. “I went to my Nursing program advisor and explained what I was thinking. He was so helpful and helped me transition into the Public Health program at Chaminade and I wholeheartedly never looked back. Public health was absolutely the right choice for me.”

In pursuing a Bachelor’s of Science in Public Health, Patino found similarities with her advanced studies in nursing. She even realized that her experiences in patient care were valuable, including for a competitive population health internship she secured at Hawaii Pacific Health.

Never miss a post! Follow Chaminade University on Facebook and Instagram.

She said Undergraduate Research & Pre-Professional Programs also helped her secure that opportunity, and she was grateful to find real-world applications for what she was learning in her classes. “We were doing hypertension monitoring,” she said. “It was all about public health.”

National Public Health Week is April 7 to 13 and for Patino, who is a fellow with Elevate Us Studios, it’s an opportunity to underscore the critical importance of public health in a world still recovering from the impacts of the COVID pandemic. She said public health can inform policy, research and patient care—and ultimately help build stronger, healthier communities.

As a fellow with Elevate Us, a national nonprofit, Patino is focused on developing a culturally-inclusive menstrual health education course for Hawai’i schools. During her internship at Johns Hopkins, Patino participated in research on menstrual health and she also explored the topic for Chaminade’s Summer Research Institute, an undergraduate research internship.

Patino said menstrual health education is a personal research passion in part because of her personal experiences. When Patino had her first period, at age 12, “I thought I was dying.” She remembers struggling to get answers about what she was experiencing.

Her goal is to prevent other girls from going through what she did, she said.

While she completes her fellowship, Patino is also looking for other employment opportunities, including with government and not-for-profits. She hopes to secure a job in public health research.

In the meantime, she’s championing Chaminade’s Public Health program.

She says in addition to small class sizes, the program features an “integrated, close-knit community” led by professors who “truly want to see you succeed.” She added, “They have your interests at heart and they want to encourage you to pursue opportunities.”

“I wouldn’t trade the experiences I had at Chaminade for anything.”

MBA Alumnus Sees Community Service as Essential

As vice chair and chief operating officer at Central Pacific Bank, David Morimoto, MBA ’97 keeps a breakneck schedule, overseeing banking at 27 branches along with CPB’s business and commercial banking, commercial real estate and wealth management lines of business.

But no matter how busy Morimoto gets, he still makes time to give back.

It’s a “good habit” he says was instilled in him growing up in the islands and working hard to make an impact.

“I think Hawai’i is more philanthropic than most states. Part of that comes from our upbringing and the spirit of aloha,” he said.

“Giving to those who are less fortunate—I hope that is what my two daughters see in me. “

Morimoto started at Central Pacific Bank in 1991, and has served across the company. Before being promoted to chief operating officer in March, Morimoto was senior executive vice president and chief financial officer of Central Pacific Financial Corp. and Central Pacific Bank.

Never miss a post! Follow Chaminade University on Facebook and Instagram.

In the community, Morimoto has long been active with Aloha United Way and homeless services nonprofit Institute for Human Services (IHS).

At IHS, he is the nonprofit’s board chair—a role that he says has afforded him the opportunity to better understand the complexity of Hawai’i’s homeless crisis. “Homelessness is a large and growing problem,” he said. “It’s about helping as many people as you can to improve their situation.”

Also in a volunteer capacity, Morimoto serves with the U.S.-Japan Council, a nonprofit dedicated to strengthening U.S.-Japan relations. Morimoto said as a yonsei, or fourth-generation Japanese-American, the council’s mission of education and relationship-building has resonated with him.

Chaminade’s mission of service also struck a chord with Morimoto while he pursued his MBA.

Central Pacific Bank Chief Operating Officer David Morimoto volunteers at homeless service nonprofit Institute for Human Services.

He attended classes at night to attain his MBA—as online learning wasn’t an option at the time. Morimoto recalled that many of his fellow students were professionals or members of the military and he appreciated learning about their unique perspectives to business and the community.

“I enjoyed the diversity,” he said.

It’s one of the reasons that when he has a chance to talk to younger people, especially college students, he encourages them to get outside of their comfort zones and seek out opportunities that will challenge them—and help them to grow.

“Work ethic has also been a lot of what I think has led to my success,” he added. “I waited tables in college and carried that work ethic into the day job. It served me well.”

Silverswords in CA Reconnect at Alumni Meet-ups

Silverswords in the Golden State came together earlier this month to reconnect and reminisce about their time at Chaminade, from playing sports to the joys of life in the residence halls.

With the help of alumni, Chaminade organized two gatherings in California—one in Huntington Beach and the second in San Jose. The last alumni get-together in Southern California was in 2017, while alumni in Northern California last met up in 2016.

Attendees said the reconnect was long overdue.

“My Chaminade experience was amazing and gathering with fellow silversword alumni feels like home,” said Ryan Ashton ’02, who majored in Historical and Political Studies and is now vice president of philanthropy at Aquarium of the Pacific.

“It’s also great to learn about everyone’s journey beyond graduation. I’m always inspired by my fellow alumni.”

Ashton said the Southern California get-together gave him an opportunity to share stories—and hear some—all while reminiscing about Chaminade. “I loved the small school aspect and the Catholic tradition,” he said. “It was the best decision I made for my college career and really helped me discover my purpose and the impact I wanted to make.”

He added that his time at Chaminade also helped him develop a passion for the ocean, which guided him in his career and to current role at Southern California’s largest aquarium.

Jodi-Anne Yoshida, MBA ’23, director of Alumni Relations, said the Southern California meet-up was held at Wahoo’s Fish Taco in Huntington Beach. Alumni and guests shared a taco bar and lots of conversation. Tom ’73 and Barbara ’76 Orbe were the group’s hosts.

Meanwhile, Sam Kong Kee, MBA ’10 helped plan the gathering in San Jose at Noelani’s Island Grill, where attendees enjoyed a buffet of island favorites. Yoshida said alumni at the gathering ranged from a psychologist who serves in private practice to a scientist at a biotech company.

That scientist is Chelsea Saito Reis ’12, who majored in Biology at Chaminade.

She was overjoyed to attend the Northern California gathering and share her professional journey with fellow alumni.

“The opportunities I received at CUH through biomedical research internships helped me pursue and obtain my Ph.D. in biomedical science,” she said. “I credit my experience at Chaminade for helping me achieve my goals.”

Reis grew up on O’ahu’s North Shore and chose Chaminade so she could remain in the islands.

“Ultimately, I was drawn to Chaminade for the warm aloha the faculty, staff and students made me feel once you step foot on campus,” Reis said.

Never miss a post! Follow Chaminade University on Facebook and Instagram.

“I would recommend Chaminade to others for the many opportunities each program has to offer to help you gain experience to achieve your career goals. I always felt extremely supported by the faculty and staff with coursework and was amazed by all the academic resources available.”

She added, “I will forever be proud to be part of the alumni community.”

Yoshida said both get-togethers underscored the importance of returning again soon.

“The California alumni gatherings were a beautiful reminder of the deep connections that unite our Chaminade family,” Yoshida said. “Seeing alumni make the time and effort to come together, reconnect, and celebrate their shared experiences was inspiring.”

She added, “As the director of Alumni Relations, I am in awe of the true spirit of Chaminade—the love for our school, the cherished memories, and the lifelong friendships that continue to grow and thrive, no matter where we are in the world.”

Find the latest Chaminade alumni events by clicking here.

Silversword Sets High Bar for All Her Students

Sara Koide ’18, M.Ed. ’19 teaches kindergarten on the campus she also attended—Lihue’s Wilcox Elementary. Several of her former teachers are now colleagues.

And Koide says while many things haven’t changed since she was walking the halls as a student, one thing has: How inclusion classrooms are managed.

She should know. Koide is a co-teacher in her special education inclusion kindergarten class. The model is designed to help lift up all types of learners, building lessons that break up concepts and allow for extra help.

Koide says co-teaching isn’t for everyone, but she loves what she does—even on the toughest days.

Of the 18 students in her class, about half are in special education.

“I’ve worked with a co-teacher for three years now and in the past, the teaching load has been shared,” Koide said.

“But this year, it’s been different based on need. I’ll do primarily the bulk of the teaching and she’s there for that extra support, whether it’s pulling a child on the side or parallel teaching.”

Koide was born and raised on Kauaʻi. After graduating from Kauaʻi High School, she opted for Chaminade University because she didn’t want to get lost in a crowd. She was quickly grateful for the warm environment on campus, the opportunities for academic growth, and for how her professors stressed hands-on learning.

After graduating with her bachelor’s degree and as she got started in the classroom, Koide also decided to advance her skills with a master’s degree in education from Chaminade.

“If I had to do it again, I would go to Chaminade,” she said. “I needed those opportunities.”

Never miss a post! Follow Chaminade University on Facebook and Instagram.

In particular, Koide said, she appreciated the care that went into her student teaching experience. She recalls spending a significant amount of time in an actual elementary school classroom, building her confidence under the guidance of a teacher mentor.

Along the way, she also got vital feedback from her professors.

After graduating with her bachelor’s degree, Koide returned to Kauaʻi and quickly got a job at Wilcox Elementary.

She was a little surprised, though, when she was assigned kindergarten. She had been planning to teach an older grade, but didn’t let the pivot discourage her.

“It’s about understanding that you’re in a different environment, but in the same vein, still pushing. You still want to succeed as best as you can,” she said.

In her second year at Wilcox, Koide got another surprise: She was assigned to teach a SPED inclusion class.

“It felt like another brand new year,” she said.

RELATED STORIES:

But Koide approached the challenge like any other—she was determined to excel and ensure her students did the same. “Everyone’s different but that doesn’t mean you don’t set high expectations,” she said, adding that kindergarteners already come with all types of skills based on their previous school experience.

“You have to navigate how to reach all of them,” she said.

Koide has now been teaching for seven years and says it was only at the four- or five-year mark that she realized she’d found her rhythm. And after overcoming more than a few “bumps along the way” in sharpening her practice, it also dawned on Koide that she had found her passion in life.

“You look at these kids and you realize, they need this help and they’re growing,” she said.

Koide added that she is also grateful to the many mentors who have helped her along the way.

“Having that support system is important,” she said. “It’s somebody to be that ear when needed.”

Alumna ‘Answering a Call’ as Nonprofit’s CEO

Tina Andrade ’05, MPT ’14 is the first woman and Native Hawaiian to lead Catholic Charities Hawaiʻi in the organization’s 77-year history.

But as she takes the helm of the nonprofit at a moment of great change for the islands, she isn’t focused on herself. She’s working to lift up her employees and her community.

“A major theme I have is helping our employees understand the ‘why’ of their work. We’re here to create a better path for people in life,” she said. “We’re here to make sure that when people leave our services, they’re better off than when they came to us.”

It’s an ambitious goal, but one Catholic Charities, as one of Hawaiʻi’s largest social service agencies, is living up to—thanks in no small part to Andrade’s leadership. While she officially became president and CEO at Catholic Charities in January, Andrade has been on the nonprofit’s executive team for years and previously served as chief operating officer.

Andrade says her drive to serve has been a lifelong one.

It’s why she chose to pursue a bachelor’s degree at Chaminade when she decided to return to school. At the time, Andrade was teaching religion part-time at a Catholic school while also tackling obligations at home and remaining active in the community.

“I went to Chaminade because of the values and the education they provide,” Andrade said.

Never miss a post! Follow Chaminade University on Facebook and Instagram.

About the same time, Andrade was invited to assist Catholic Charities with efforts to embrace their mission. She was later named vice president of mission integration at the nonprofit, a role that allowed her to spotlight the nonprofit’s service-focused goals.

Andrade graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Religious Studies from Chaminade in 2005, and returned to campus several years later to pursue a master’s degree in Pastoral Theology. She graduated with her master’s in 2014, and recounts the educational experience helping her embrace her own religious foundation and her role as a community leader.

Today, Andrade said the pursuit of social justice is what keeps her passionate and engaged. “This work has transformed me,” she said. “We are answering a call together.”

She added that her time at Chaminade not only allowed her to build on her academic knowledge, but gave her the chance to meet new people and broaden her perspectives. She also forged strong relationships with her professors and stays in contact with several.

As she looks to the year ahead, Andrade says she is concerned about the economic headwinds the state and nation are facing. At the same time, she is optimistic about everything her agency is poised to bring to island communities—and embracing those “firsts” that her leadership brings.

“The journey of Native Hawaiians has been a challenging one,” she noted.

“From that standpoint, this role really is growth and opportunity for all of us.”

Alumna Receives Prestigious Educator Award

At an assembly Tuesday morning at Kalihi Uka Elementary, students and teachers gathered with Schools Superintendent Keith Hayashi and Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke to celebrate the school’s rising test scores and academic achievement.

Then a surprise visitor took the stage with another reason to celebrate: Kristy Inamasu ’12, MAT ’14, who teaches kindergarten at Kalihi Uka, was announced as a recipient of the prestigious 2024-25 Milken Educator Award. Inamasu is the sole Milken honoree in Hawai’i this year—and didn’t know about the honor until it was announced at the assembly.

Milken recipients get a $25,000 unrestricted award and invaluable mentorship opportunities.

After Inamasu’s name was called, the school gathering erupted in cheers and applause.

Never miss a post! Follow Chaminade University on Facebook and Instagram.

Inamasu couldn’t hold back her tears of joy.

“When I heard my name, I couldn’t believe it,” she said, after the ceremony.

“Definitely something that I did not expect but just so thankful for.” The Silversword added she loves fueling her students’ curiosity, joy for learning and “just teaching them to be kind, responsible humans who will eventually grow and make a positive impact on our community.”

Often called the “Oscars of Teaching,” the Milken Educator Awards recognize truly outstanding educators who not only serve as a role model to their students but to their colleagues. Inamasu is just the 83rd Hawai’i recipient of the Milken Educator Award since the Aloha State joined the program in 1990, program organizers said.



Milken Educator Awards Senior Vice President Dr. Jane Foley made the surprise announcement at the assembly and called Inamasu “nurturing and inspiring.” She added, Inamasu’s work “to make a tangible impact in her classroom and school is commendable.”

“Thank you, Kristy, for your exemplary dedication to the profession.”

Schools Superintendent Keith Hayashi echoed the sentiment, saying that Inamasu is an “exceptional educator who cultivates critical thinking skills, communication, self-awareness and empathy in her kindergarteners.”

“Her classroom serves as a model for new teachers entering the profession and we are very lucky to have an outstanding teacher like her leading the way,” Hayashi said.