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Alumni

Doctoral Degree

May 24, 2024

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Posted by: University Communications & Marketing Filed Under: Alumni, Catholic, Education, Homepage, Institutional Tagged With: Doctor of Education, Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership for Adaptation and Change, Honors and Awards

Alumni Return for Reunion

May 20, 2024

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

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

Posted by: University Communications & Marketing Filed Under: Alumni, Campus and Community, Diversity and Inclusion, Institutional Tagged With: Alumni, Campus Event

66th Annual Commencement Ceremony

May 6, 2024

The Class of 2024 graduates 600 students

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Posted by: University Communications & Marketing Filed Under: Alumni, Campus and Community, Diversity and Inclusion, Homepage, Institutional Tagged With: Alumni, Commencement, Guest Speakers, Honors and Awards

MSCP Alumni Reunion

May 3, 2024

On Friday, April 26, alumni with the School of Education and Behavioral Sciences’s Master of Science in Counseling Psychology (MSCP) program gathered for an evening of nostalgia, camaraderie, appreciation, good cheer, pupu and a lot of laughter. It also afforded School of Education and Behavioral Science Dean, Dr. Dale Fryxell, an opportunity to acknowledge Dr. Bob Santee’s contribution to the school for the past 30 years.

Posted by: alyssamori Filed Under: Alumni, Uncategorized Tagged With: Alumni

Festival of Honors

May 3, 2024

Business majors recognized during special event

In accepting her MBA Academic Achievement in Master of Business Administration Award, Caryl Tracy-Metz ’24 cited the words of poet and civil rights activist Maya Angelou, quoting, “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

“And that resonates with my experience at Chaminade; I will never forget how supportive and encouraging the people have been” said Tracy-Metz, who now holds a Chaminade MBA. “Iron sharpens iron; my peers have made me better and so have my professors.”

For the past three years, the School of Business and Communications has honored its business majors as they graduate from the program. Indeed, it’s a celebratory-worthy occasion that’s marked by the Festival of Honors, an event that highlights the efforts and achievements of prospective graduates.

  • School of Business and Communication Interim Dean Annette Santos and Assistant Dean Asoke Datta congratulate Caryl Tracy-Metz for her MBA Academic Achievement in Master of Business Administration Award.
    School of Business and Communication Interim Dean Annette Santos and Assistant Dean Asoke Datta congratulate Caryl Tracy-Metz for her MBA Academic Achievement in Master of Business Administration Award.
  • Drs. Eddie Merc, Asoke Datta and Annette Santos pose with Taisyn Kauhaahaa, winner of the Academic Achievement in Business Administration.
    Drs. Eddie Merc, Asoke Datta and Annette Santos pose with Taisyn Kauhaahaa, winner of the Academic Achievement in Business Administration.
  • Drs. Eddie Merc and Annette Santos present Gabriela Galarza with the Academic Achievement in Accounting.
    Drs. Eddie Merc and Annette Santos present Gabriela Galarza with the Academic Achievement in Accounting.
  • Liz Devine walks toward the podium to accept her Innovation and Entrepreneurship Award.
    Liz Devine walks toward the podium to accept her Innovation and Entrepreneurship Award.
  • Assistant Professor Dr. Maria Brownlow nominated Liz Devine for the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Award.
    Assistant Professor Dr. Maria Brownlow nominated Liz Devine for the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Award.
  • MBA lecturer Wera Panow-Loui and Taisyn Kauhaahaa participated in one of three games that was part of the festivities.
    MBA lecturer Wera Panow-Loui and Taisyn Kauhaahaa participated in one of three games that was part of the festivities.

“You now enter into a pantheon of Chaminade alumni,” said Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs Lance Askildson, Ph.D., in his remarks to the prospective graduates. “You’ve established a long relationship with people who deeply care about you. This moment is not a single flash in the pan; think of us as part of that journey of lifelong learning.”

Graduating with a business degree opens up a world of opportunities and prepares Chaminade alumni potential access to a diverse range of career paths. Through their education, students have cultivated their essential soft skills, such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, leadership and adaptability.

“These skills are highly valued by employers and will help our students succeed in any business environment,” said assistant professor Eddie Merc, Ph.D., Chaminade’s MBA Director and Program Advisor. “When we speak with our community partners, they tell us the types of skills that they would like to see from our graduates. And we’ll adapt our curriculum to respond to the business community’s needs.”

Co-emceed by the School of Business and Communication Interim Dean Annette Santos and Assistant Dean Asoke Datta, Festival of Honors, they said, is their favorite ceremony of the year because it marks a significant milestone in a student’s journey in business school.

“It will be a memorable and inspiring experience,” Santos said. “This event represents a journey of growth and excellence.”

Five awards are handed out each year, including the Academic Achievement in Business Administration, Academic Achievement in Accounting, Academic Achievement in Master of Business Administration, Marianist Values and Business for Good, and Innovation and Entrepreneurship.

Being awarded the Academic Achievement in Business Administration, Taisyn Kauhaahaa ’24 thanked the professors in his acceptance speech, remarking that they are here, not just for a paycheck, but for all the right reasons. “I didn’t prepare any formal remarks tonight because I want this to come from the heart,” said Kauhaahaa, pointing to his chest. “You truly care about learning and sharing your knowledge with us.”

Presented to the graduating senior who has best exemplified academic excellence in the Accounting program, the Academic Achievement in Accounting winner was Gabriela Galarza ’24, who has demonstrated exceptional work in class and has shown her capabilities for critical thinking through her coursework.

“I am grateful to be here,” Galarza said. “When I applied to Chaminade, I was stepping out of my comfort zone, and I didn’t think I would stay all four years. I am glad I did.”

Recognized for her commitment to academic excellence and exemplifying the MBA program’s core values of personal integrity, social responsibility and family spirit, Tracy-Metz summoned the words of one of her all-time heroes, Rell Sunn, who defined the aloha spirit as real simple: “You give and you give and you give . . . and you give from here (the heart), until you have nothing else to give.” That’s leadership, Tracy-Metz concluded.

The Marianist Values and Business for Good Award was given to Chaminade’s Enrollment Management Assistant Vice President, Lisa Trumbull ’24, who finally earned her MBA after starting it a decade ago. “It has been a long and challenging journey,” Trumbull shared. “There were a lot of early mornings and weekends, but I gained great insight and knowledge in how to use business as a force for positive change.”

A go-getter with a can-do attitude, Liz Devine ’24 received the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Award for her creativity and entrepreneurial spirit in her academic and extracurricular activities. “I just showed up one day with no expectations,” said the Iowa native. “‘Life is short, the world is wide and I wanna make some memories’ is a famous line in ‘Mama Mia’ and it’s what I have been able to do during my four years here at Chaminade.”

Posted by: University Communications & Marketing Filed Under: Alumni, Business & Communication, Diversity and Inclusion, Homepage, Institutional Tagged With: Alumni, Honors and Awards

Hogan Graduation, Induction Ceremony

May 1, 2024

Rites of Passage for Incoming Students and Graduates

In his opening address, Hogan Program Director, Dr. Roy Panzarella quipped that this ceremony would be brief, brilliant and gone. “A shooting star often appears unexpectedly and just like life, it is full of unexpected twists and turns, reminding us to embrace spontaneity and to live in the present,” said Panzarella during his closing remarks. “Finally, in the words of Peter Drucker—often considered the father of modern management theory—‘The best way to predict the future is to create it.’”

Funded by the Hogan Family Foundation, the eponymous Entrepreneurial Program, aims to educate Chaminade students how to be successful in business through a series of lectures with experienced Hawaii leaders, study abroad missions, community service projects, academic coursework and mentorship. Each year, a new cohort of students from all majors, including undergraduate juniors and seniors and graduate students, are accepted into the one- or two-year certificate program.

“This program allows students to question who they are and where do they want to be,” said President Lynn Babington, Ph.D. “We encourage our students to engage with and in their communities. We want them to be able to step into any position, and become social entrepreneurs.”

Social responsibility has been a key theme since the Hogan program was founded, complementing its time-honored motto of “Do business things that make social sense and social things that make business sense.”

It’s a mantra that first-year Hogan MBA student, Voris Crooms, embraces and one that motivated him to enroll in the MBA program, as well as earn a Hogan Entrepreneur certificate. A U.S. Army veteran and registered nurse, Crooms is a “verbal maestro,” who waxed eloquently about Chaminade and his time thus far at the University.

  • Drs. Lynn Babington and Roy Panzarella welcome the Hogans, including, from left, Christine, Gary and Glenn.
    Drs. Lynn Babington and Roy Panzarella welcome the Hogans, including, from left, Christine, Gary and Glenn.
  • Clara Slate-Liu, left, speaks to Connie Kramer about her reason for becoming a Hogan Entrepreneurial Program participant.
    Clara Slate-Liu, left, speaks to Connie Kramer about her reason for becoming a Hogan Entrepreneurial Program participant.
  • Yazmine Esquivel holds up her One-Year Certificate after learning she had been named this year's Aloha Spirit Award.
    Yazmine Esquivel holds up her One-Year Certificate after learning she had been named this year’s Aloha Spirit Award.
  • Jon Watase shared his reason for enrolling in the Hogan Entrepreneurial Program.
    Jon Watase shared his reason for enrolling in the Hogan Entrepreneurial Program.
  • Dr. Lynn Babington presents Voris Crooms with this year's inaugural Hogan Leadership Award.
    Dr. Lynn Babington presents Voris Crooms with this year’s inaugural Hogan Leadership Award.
  • The Hogans and Drs. Lynn Babington and Roy Panzarella pose with this year's awardees, including, from left, Waioli Misajon, Leah Carrington, Liz Devine, Yazmine Esquivel and Voris Crooms.
    The Hogans and Drs. Lynn Babington and Roy Panzarella pose with this year’s awardees, including, from left, Waioli Misajon, Leah Carrington, Liz Devine, Yazmine Esquivel and Voris Crooms.
  • The Hogans and Drs. Lynn Babington and Roy Panzarella welcomed the incoming Hogan Entrepreneurial cohort of students.
    The Hogans and Drs. Lynn Babington and Roy Panzarella welcomed the incoming Hogan Entrepreneurial cohort of students.

“Nurses can be more than nurses, we can be leaders,” said Crooms, the Ceremony’s student speaker, while looking in the direction of Dr. Babington, who was a one-time healthcare leader and a strong advocate of the nursing field. “My message to staff, advisors and graduates is simple: We all have a voice; speak up and speak out.”

In attendance, Gary Hogan spoke up, remarking that this entrepreneurial program is “extremely important” to his family, including his late parents Ed and Lynn, and siblings Glenn and Christine Hogan who flew in from California just to attend the ceremony and were flying out the next day. “I am proud of this graduating class,” said Hogan to attendees. “These new inductees will now receive the same mentorship as our graduates, and they represent another group of Hogan entrepreneur students ready to become tomorrow’s leaders.”

During the ceremony, the graduating Hogan students were honored for completing the program and the incoming Hogan students were inducted in front of their Chaminade community, friends and family. Five awards were presented, including the Outstanding Hogan Entrepreneur of the Year Award, the Outstanding First Year Student Award, the In the Arena Award, the Aloha Spirit Award and the inaugural Hogan Leadership Award, which was inspired by the Vaughn Vasconcellos and Suzie Martin Leadership Institute.

“I spent 32 years with the Army as a safety and occupational manager,” said Crooms, who was named the Hogan Leadership Award. “I enrolled in Chaminade’s MBA and Hogan programs because I want to enhance my healthcare leadership skills, and do justice by my community.”

This year’s “In the Arena” winner is sophomore Leah Carrington ’26, who established PAWsitive Adventures, a non-profit online service dedicated to enhancing the health and well-being of shelter dogs and community members while also enriching the adoption experience.

Wearing an infectious smile, Yazmine Esquivel ’20, MBA ’24, won the Aloha Spirit Award, which goes to an individual who most represents important principles of the program by fostering goodwill within the group and by his or her independent leadership initiatives throughout the year.

The Outstanding First Year Award went to Elizabeth Devine ’24, who embodies the principles of the business program and has achieved excellent academic results. “It’s rare to find someone at such a young age who already possesses most of the basic attributes of an effective entrepreneurial leader,” said Panzarella of Devine. “She has confidence, humility,  humor, creativity and initiative. If I was at my old job with Lockheed Martin, I would hire her in a heartbeat.”

For the second consecutive year, Nanakuli native Waioli Misajon was recognized for her academic excellence and community spirit. Last year, she took home the Outstanding First Year Award and this year, she walks away with the Outstanding Second Year Award for her work with Mood USA, a nonprofit she founded that stands as a transformative solution to the pressing educational and mental health challenges faced by students in Nanakuli.

After the awards ceremony, graduates and inductees were announced. Graduates of the One-Year Certificate included Carrington, William “Tino” Colello, Devine, Esquivel, Christopher Flores, Carol An Nacario, Aliikamanaekahi “Alii” Napoleon, Allure Padilla, Epifania “Epi” Petelo, Kaitlin “Kat” Priem, Sano Tana and Alexander Korpela. Meanwhile, Christina Dinh, Jacob Fernandez, Misajon and Michael Rose were presented with their Two-Year Certificates.  

The new Hogan Entrepreneurs included John Barayuga, Mikhail Bobylev, Voris Crooms, Jacob Escuza, Lauren Hamrick, Connie Kramer, Mathew Lober, Lizanyela “Lizzy” Lopez, Justin Monroe, Jacob Murphy, Clara Slate-Liu, Devon Tsai, Easterlei “Easter” Tuitasi, Jon Watase and LaVelle White.

“I decided to go down this entrepreneurial avenue because I want to create something good for local residents,” said Barayuga ’25, a Hogan student worker, when asked why he entered the program. “I will learn the fundamentals here and I will be able to use what I learn to benefit the greater good of the community.”

Posted by: University Communications & Marketing Filed Under: Alumni, Business & Communication, Diversity and Inclusion, Hogan Entrepreneurial Program, Homepage, Institutional Tagged With: Campus Event, Hogan Entrepreneurs Program, Honors and Awards

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