Chaminade University of Honolulu

Alumni

A Head Start on Life: Chaminade University’s Early College Program 

While still finishing high school, Tiare Wong earned her associate’s degree at Chaminade—and discovered she was ready for college.

For most high school students, graduation means closing one chapter before beginning another.

For Tiare Wong, it meant earning two diplomas at once, something not all high school students are prepared to do.

This past spring, Wong graduated from Sacred Hearts Academy while simultaneously  earning an Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts degree through Chaminade University of Honolulu’s Early College Program. Now, she is preparing to head to the University of Oregon—with enough college credits to enter as a third-year student.

She already has an early jump on college, but Wong’s journey was about more than getting ahead academically.

Chaminade’s Early College Program, she said, taught her how to manage her time, take responsibility for her own education, and navigate the expectations of college-level coursework—all while she was still balancing the busy life of a high school student.

“I thought it would be a great opportunity to get a head start on what being a college student feels like,” Wong said. “I wanted to learn what it was like to be responsible and to have good time management.”

That lesson happened to come at a busy time in her life.

At Sacred Hearts Academy, Wong played volleyball for three years before switching to cheerleading as a senior. She served as president of the school’s Life Team, danced hula, and stayed active in numerous other ways throughout her high school years.

Somehow, she still found time to earn a college degree.

Wong first learned about Chaminade’s Early College Program when Sacred Hearts announced the opportunity near the end of her sophomore year. The program allows eligible high school students to enroll in college courses and earn Chaminade credits while completing their high school requirements.

“Tiare is one of many success stories at Sacred Hearts,” said Kimberlee Baxter, Director of Chaminade’s Early College program. “She learned a lot even outside academics, such as time management and life skills. The idea of the program is to get ahead with college, earn college credit, and experience more.”

Kapaʻa High on Kauai was the first high school to partner with Chaminade’s Early College program in the fall of 2021. Since then, Sacred Hearts Academy and Saint Louis School joined, and several cohorts have already risen through the program, with 108 students between all three schools currently enrolled. 

Students from any Hawaiʻi high school are eligible to participate. Enrolled high school students take a variety of general education courses, including English, communications, business, psychology, and religion.

For Wong, the program became an opportunity to experience the increased independence that comes with college and, in her case, earning a college degree.

“I feel like I got a little taste of what being a college student is like and what the expectations are, especially from my professors,” she said. “I had to learn how to be responsible for myself.”

Assistant Professor of English Justyn Wyble has been teaching for the Early College Program for two years. He said  students in the program are adept at rising to the occasion, taking college level courses all while maintaining positive and joyful attitudes. 

One of his courses involves reading “Homegoing” by Yaa Gyashi, “Night Watchmen” by Louise Erdrich, and “House of Many Gods” by Kiana Davenport, works selected because of their introspective storylines that intersect generations while drawing connections to students’ own journeys.   

“They are eager for that kind of rigorous curriculum and they want to be treated like college students,” Wyble said of the Early College students. “They are ready to be mature students who can engage in advanced material.” 

When a question arose in a course, Tiare learned she had to reach out. If an assignment was due, there was no one waiting to remind her repeatedly. She learned to be proactive in her own education.

“I really had to step up and grow up to learn how to do things myself,” she said, noting how she used study halls and breaks after school before heading to practices and then setting aside additional time to study at home.

The experience also challenged some of her assumptions about college.

Wong had heard stories about intimidating professors and demanding college classrooms. At Chaminade, she found something quite different. Her professors, she said, took the time to interact with their students and get to know them.

She admits to feeling some nerves about moving so far from home this fall–and she has never been to Oregon. But she is also excited about what comes next—and about continuing hula and joining the university’s Hawaiʻi Club.

Wong said her long-term goal is to start her own business and maybe become the  CEO of a company, expanding her enterprise internationally.

For high school students considering Chaminade’s Early College Program, Wong has one simple piece of advice: Go for it.

“I think it’s so much more than the diploma,” she said. “It taught me so many life lessons that I will not only use in college, but in the future.”

Chaminade Ties Continue as MBA Alumni Reunite

Laughter, smiles and renewed friendships filled the Oʻahu Country Club as alumni from Chaminade University of Honolulu’s Master of Business Administration program gathered for an evening of reconnecting.

For many in attendance, the evening on August 20 represented more than a reunion of MBA graduates. Several alumni had also earned undergraduate or other graduate degrees from Chaminade, making the gathering a true Silversword reunion—and a reminder that the connections formed at the University often continue long after students leave Kalaepōhaku.

Throughout the evening, conversations turned to careers, families and life since graduation, but also to shared memories of classrooms, professors and the experiences that helped shape their Chaminade journeys. For many MBA alumni, the program was an important step in their professional development, providing opportunities to strengthen leadership and management skills while connecting with classmates from a wide range of professional backgrounds.

Those relationships, alumni said, often extend beyond the classroom. The connections made with faculty and fellow students can become part of a professional network and, in some cases, lasting friendships that continue to grow years after graduation.

“I am very thankful for the education I received at Chaminade,” said MBA alumna Betty Mastrantonio. “The close-knit community, experienced faculty and beautiful campus on the hill made the experience incredibly valuable and life-changing.”

Chaminade President Lynn Babington, Ph.D., welcomed guests and shared updates from campus before introducing Amir H. Toosi, DBA, the new dean of the College of Business, Innovation & Technology.

Toosi spoke about the intersection of art and science in business and his excitement about joining Chaminade and becoming part of the University community. Before coming to Chaminade, he served for 14 years as dean of the Division of Business and Security Studies at Rivier University in New Hampshire. Throughout his career, he has helped lead academic innovation, expand programs and develop partnerships that strengthen student learning and workforce development.

The College of Business, Innovation & Technology offers programs designed to prepare students for an evolving workplace and economy. Its programs span business administration, accounting, strategic marketing, sport and event management, interior design, computer science, data science, analytics and visualization, and the MBA program.

For working professionals, the MBA offers an opportunity to continue their education while building practical knowledge and leadership skills that can be applied to their careers and communities. The program also brings together professionals with different experiences and perspectives, creating opportunities for students to learn from one another as well as from faculty.

As the evening came to a close, guests enjoyed Chaminade favors and door prizes. But the gathering’s most lasting takeaway was the opportunity to reconnect with classmates, professors and the University that remains an important part of their lives.

The evening was also a reminder that graduation does not necessarily mark the end of a Chaminade journey. For the MBA alumni gathered at the Oʻahu Country Club, the friendships, professional connections and memories formed along the way continue to be part of the Silversword ʻohana.

One Phone Call Changed Adrianna’s Future

Empowered by You

When Adrianna Nichols called Chaminade University from her home in Minneapolis, Minnesota, she wasn’t expecting the conversation that would change her life. She had planned to attend a university in Florida, but the cost made that dream impossible. Looking for another option, she called Chaminade to ask a simple question: Was it too late to apply?

“They answered on the first ring,” Adrianna recalled. “Right away, I felt welcomed.”

That moment marked the beginning of a journey made possible through a Presidential Scholarship—and shaped by a community that believed in her potential.

At Chaminade, Adrianna majored in Business Administration with a minor in Sport and Event Management. She immersed herself in campus life, serving for four years as the Men’s Basketball Undergraduate Manager, supporting athletic operations, and helping plan Commencement ceremonies.

Along the way, faculty and staff mentors encouraged her to take on new responsibilities and discover her strengths as a leader.

“The smaller environment allowed me to build meaningful relationships, receive mentorship, and have opportunities to get involved that may not have been possible elsewhere,” she said.

Adrianna graduated in May 2026 and today is the Stadium Operations Intern at the University of Minnesota’s Huntington Bank Stadium, where she helps coordinate athletic competitions and large-scale events. She has also worked with NBC Universal during Minnesota Lynx broadcasts and supported fan experiences with the nationally touring Cosmic Baseball team.

Her long-term goal is to become a collegiate athletic director or professional sports executive, leading with the belief that student-athletes are people first.

“I want to create environments where athletes feel supported as students and as individuals—not just competitors.”

Beyond her professional aspirations, Adrianna continues to serve in leadership roles at her home church in Minnesota, mentoring children, teens, and young adults while sharing her faith.

Looking back, Adrianna says the opportunities she found at Chaminade began with people who believed in her.

That belief started with a scholarship.

And it continues today through donors whose generosity empowers students to discover their purpose, lead with compassion, and make a difference wherever life takes them. Donations to Chaminadeʻs Fund, means the University is able to allocate unrestricted funds to  vital needs that support and empower students. Unrestricted funds are vital to Chaminade’s growth and students’ success. Like Adrianna, today’s students, at different stages in their educational journeys, are grateful for Chaminade’s belief in their abilities and for the generosity of donors. 

Every gift to the Chaminade Fund helps create stories. Click here to support the journey of students like Adrianna.

Chaminade University Welcomes Amir H. Toosi as Newest Dean

When Amir H. Toosi was 18 years old, he was tasked with writing down the place that he would choose to live. He wrote: Hawaiʻi. 

The first time he visited Hawaiʻi was on his honeymoon in 2004. The second time was in 2024 with his wife and daughter to look at colleges. And the third time was in 2026 when he was named a finalist for the Dean of Chaminade Universityʻs College of Business, Innovation & Technology.

Now years later, he has been named dean of Chaminade University’s College of Business, Innovation & Technology, bringing nearly three decades of leadership experience in higher education, business consulting, and academic program development to the univeristy.

Toosi joins Chaminade after serving for 14 years as dean of the Division of Business and Security Studies at Rivier University in New Hampshire. Throughout his career, he has led academic innovation, expanded academic programs, and built partnerships that strengthen student learning and workforce development. 

“I am excited and thrilled to be joining the academic leadership of Chaminade University and look forward to building relationships within the University and throughout the broader community,” Toosi said. “Hawaiʻi has always been a special place for my family and me, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to continue growing the outstanding programs at Chaminade.”

At Rivier University, Toosi also served as program director and professor, overseeing academic affairs and contributing expertise in risk and crisis management, learning management systems, and program administration. He previously held leadership positions at Herzing University and American InterContinental University.  His applied approach to business practices is an ideal fit for Chaminade as well. 

“Dr. Toosi brings a wealth of experience as an innovative academic leader and a deep commitment to student success,” said Chaminade Provost Dr. Lance Askildson.  “His collaborative leadership style and vision for business education will strengthen our College of Business, Innovation & Technology as we continue preparing graduates to lead with purpose in an evolving global economy.”

In 2025, Toosi received the President’s Good Steward Award from the Education Alliance for New Hampshire and was recognized with the Greater Nashua Chamber of Commerce’s Chamber of Champions Eminence Award.

Born in Iran and growing up throughout the United States as his father is a college professor, Toosi earned his bachelor’s degree from Eastern Illinois University, a Master of Business Administration from Heidelberg University, and a Doctor of Business Administration in Management from Argosy University in Chicago.

Chaminade’s College of Business, Innovation & Technology offers undergraduate programs in Accounting, Business Administration, Computer Information Systems, Economics, Entrepreneurship, International Business, Marketing, and Sport and Event Management. The College also offers a 12-month Professional MBA program designed for working professionals and is home to the Hogan Entrepreneurial Leadership Program and the Economic Education Center for Excellence.

Alumna Tasha Castro Returns to Lead Campus Ministry at Chaminade

As an undergraduate at Chaminade University, Tasha Castro often walked the campus searching for something deeper than a degree. Like many students, she wrestled with questions about her purpose, her future and her faith.

Today, those same walkways on Kalaepohaku have taken on new meaning.

Castro has returned to her alma mater as Chaminade University’s new Director of Campus Ministry, bringing with her a passion for accompaniment, community and helping students discover that they don’t have to navigate life’s questions alone.

“It’s kind of surreal,” Castro said. “I remember being the student who was trying to figure things out. Now I have the opportunity to walk alongside students as they discover who they’re called to be.”

A first-generation college student and graduate of Sacred Hearts Academy, Castro received a Presidential Scholarship at Chaminade while earning bachelor’s degrees in elementary education and political science in 2009, followed by a master of education in Instructional Leadership from Chaminade in 2021. She served as president of the Native Hawaiian Club and credits the university’s faculty and Marianist community with broadening her understanding of faith, culture and service.

Those experiences shaped a career devoted to education.

After graduation, Castro became a cultural educator at Bishop Museum before joining Saint Louis School as its first kindergarten teacher when the school expanded to include elementary grades. Later, principal Christopher Casupang recognized her gifts for ministry and asked her to become the school’s religion teacher.

At first, she questioned whether she was ready, and then proved to everyone she indeed was.

When the opportunity arose to return to Chaminade as Director of Campus Ministry, those same self-doubts resurfaced. Yet, Casupang reminded her that she had been gaining the skills and honing her talents for this calling all along.

“He told me, ‘What are you talking about? We’ve been preparing you for this this whole time,'” Castro recalled. “‘For six-plus years, we’ve been helping you get to this point.'”

His encouragement echoed the advice he had offered years earlier when she stepped into religious education: “Take a leap of faith.”

That message has continued to guide her.

For the past five years, Castro served as a moderator for the Marianist LIFE program at Saint Louis School, an experience that provided her with the opportunity to walk alongside current and future leaders as they deepen their faith, discern their gifts, and accompany others on their own faith journeys. She believes this ministry has helped to bridge her journey from Saint Louis School to Campus Ministry at Chaminade.

One of Castro’s first priorities is simply building relationships. Rather than waiting for students to find Campus Ministry, she hopes to meet them where they are — whether through retreats, small gatherings or something as simple as taking a walk together.

“Maybe students are struggling at school, but they need someone to talk to, and they don’t know who to reach out to,” Castro said. “Just having someone who can walk around campus with them could be a source of support.”

The idea was inspired by Chaminade’s beautiful campus and by the example of the Marianists.

“I think about Jesus and how he walked to find his disciples,” she said. “There’s something meaningful about that idea of walking with people and inviting them into the community.”

Outside of Chaminade, Castro is also a respected cultural practitioner, serving as kumu hula for Ka Ulu Lehua i ka Wai Māpuna, a hālau whose members range from young keiki to kūpuna. She sees no separation between her cultural leadership and her ministry. Both are rooted in cultivating relationships, honoring tradition and helping others grow.

As she begins this new chapter, Castro carries deep gratitude for the professors and mentors who shaped her journey, including Dr. Henry Halenani Gomes, Dr. Regina Pfeiffer, Dr. Frank Bailey and Kumu John Keola Lake. Their guidance, she says, helped her see faith not as something confined to a classroom or chapel, but as something lived every day through service, compassion and community.

She is equally excited to embrace the Marianist charism, extending its spirit of hospitality beyond the Campus Ministry office and into every corner of campus. She is also thankful to  be working with newly appointed campus minister Andrew Peter Ancheta II, who graduated from Chaminade in 2021, recently served as Chaminade’s director of student engagement and is also a beloved member of the Chaminade ‘ohana..

For the student who once walked through campus searching for direction, coming home is less than returning to the past and more stepping into a vocation she was preparing for all along.

“I have to say that it has to be part of the plan,” she said. “I’ve literally moved within this circle my whole life — Sacred Hearts, Chaminade, Saint Louis, and now back to Chaminade.”

Welcoming New Members to Boards of Regents and Governors

Chaminade University has appointed five respected business and community leaders to its Board of Regents and Board of Governors, adding a breadth of experience in business, finance, education, ministry and nonprofit leadership to the University’s governing boards.

The appointments come as Chaminade continues to expand its academic offerings, strengthen enrollment and deepen its commitment to serving Hawaiʻi and the Pacific.

“We are honored to welcome these distinguished leaders to the Chaminade community,” said Chaminade President Lynn Babington. “Each brings valuable expertise, thoughtful leadership and a commitment to service that will help advance the University’s Catholic Marianist mission. We look forward to working with them as Chaminade continues to grow and serve our students and community.”

Board of Regents

Emily Fukunaga is Chief of Staff, Digital Strategy at Servco Pacific Inc., one of Hawaiʻi’s largest privately held companies. A fourth-generation Servco leader, she has held leadership roles in supply chain management, operations and strategy at Servco, adidas and DFS Group. Fukunaga serves on the boards of Servco Pacific Inc. and Fender Musical Instruments Corporation and is an Omidyar Fellow. She earned a bachelor’s degree in economics from Colorado College and an MBA from Columbia Business School.

Bro. Robert Metzger, S.M. has devoted more than four decades to financial leadership within the Marianist community. He currently serves as Director of Finance for the Marianist Province of the United States and Assistant for Temporalities/Treasurer for the Province. Previously, he served with the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and has held numerous leadership roles within the Society of Mary, including service on the Board of Trustees at the University of Dayton.

Bro. Allen Pacquing, S.M. serves as Vice President and Executive Director of the Marianist Center of Hawaiʻi and is Director of Advising in Chaminade’s School of Education and Behavioral Sciences. A longtime Marianist educator and administrator, he has served in leadership positions at both Chaminade University and St. Mary’s University in Texas. He also serves on the Board of Directors of Chaminade College Preparatory in California and is active in parish ministry at St. Stephen Catholic Church in Honolulu.

Board of Governors

Michael Camacho ’92 is President and CEO of PFC Investments and former President and CEO of PFC Finance in Guam. A 1992 Chaminade graduate, he has spent more than three decades in banking and financial services and remains active in civic and nonprofit organizations throughout Guam, including Rotary and Big Brothers Big Sisters.

Kanakolu Noa is founder and executive director of Kūkolu, a nonprofit organization that supports Native Hawaiian and Indigenous entrepreneurship, with a particular focus on women-owned businesses. She previously held leadership roles at Kamehameha Schools, where she helped advance sustainable industries and food systems initiatives. Noa also serves on several nonprofit boards and was recognized by Hawaiʻi Business Magazine as one of its “20 for the Next 20” honorees in 2023. She holds graduate degrees in Indigenous Studies and business administration.

The Board of Regents provides fiduciary oversight and governance for the University, while the Board of Governors serves in an advisory capacity, supporting Chaminade’s mission and strategic priorities through community engagement, advocacy and philanthropy.