Chaminade University of Honolulu

Business & Communication

Students Reflect on MBA Experience

Graduating cohort members are excited to apply their new skills

Embrace the process—and cherish the time you have with your cohort.

That was a common piece of advice members of the Professional MBA graduating class had for incoming MBA students at a special Aloha Event on campus. The Sept. 14 event provided incoming and outgoing students an opportunity to share laughs, stories and, of course, some pearls of wisdom.

After more than two decades of being in the hotel and entertainment industry, Connie Kramer ’25 decided to pursue her Professional MBA at Chaminade, saying it had been a lifetime goal.

“Being in the program jarred my interest in academia,” says Kramer, who hopes to continue her Chaminade education by pursuing a Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership for Adaptation and Change. “It crept up on me, even though academia is in the fabric of my family.”

Designed in an innovative, accelerated format, the one-year Professional MBA aims to advance the skills of those who already have years of business experience in their respective industries. The degree puts a strong focus on strategic decision-making, career advancement and entrepreneurial innovation.

Completing the Professional MBA program are, from left, Jon Watase, Connie Kramer, Gustaf Soderholm, Jacob Murphy, Lauren Hamrick and Stacey Robinson.
Completing the Professional MBA program are, from left, Jon Watase, Connie Kramer, Gustaf Soderholm, Jacob Murphy, Lauren Hamrick and Stacey Robinson.

Chaminade offers a Professional MBA along with a traditional two-year MBA program.

A defining feature of the 12-month curriculum is its “lockstep” structure, which means that all students take the required courses together—as a cohort. Lauren Hamrick ’25 said that helped her build her confidence, along with relationships that she hopes to keep as she advances her career.

“It’s amazing to look back to see what we’ve learned and how to apply those theories into real life circumstances,” she said.

A farmer and small business owner, Jon Watase ’25 said that with the help of the Professional MBA program, he was able to expand his website, grow his company’s presence and participate in the Made in Hawaii Festival. He also learned about accounting principles and strategic decision-making.

Learn more about Chaminade’s MBA programs by clicking here.

In a “Shark Tank”-style presentation, Watase even pitched his idea to a panel of professors and won a business competition. “I actually received funding, which helped my business grow,” Watase said.

“I couldn’t have done any of this without being a part of this cohort.”

Graduating students said one of the biggest benefits of the Professional MBA is its one-year timeframe.

Additionally, classes are held on alternating weeks and supplemented by online coursework, offering flexibility. “The faculty is amazing,” added Stacey Robinson ’25, adding that you can also learn lots from your peers “who will help you see the bigger picture.”

Another attractive selling point of the Professional MBA program is an international trip that’s full of hands-on learning opportunities. “The international field experience in Japan was the biggest seller for me,” said Kramer, who was recognized with the Outstanding Student Award. “We met with so many consequential leaders and had so many thought-provoking conversations.”

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Entrepreneur Kicks Off Speaker Series

The co-founder of Kō Hana Distillers detailed how he overcame ‘roadblocks’ to go to market

Kō Hana Distillers co-founder Robert Dawson kicked off the fall Hogan Entrepreneurial Leadership Program Guest Speaker Series, detailing his journey from a business idea to a successful company.

Speaking to attendees, Dawson said he “didn’t know anything about sugarcane” and “didn’t even like rum” when he moved to Hawaii with his wife and son in 2008. He said his deep appreciation of history led him to Hawaii’s agriculture past and ultimately, “Native Hawaiian sugarcane,” called kō.

He teamed up with a scholar to learn more about Hawaii sugarcane, which was brought by ancient Polynesian seafarers to Hawaii more than 1,000 years ago.

Having spent a time in Brazil, Dawson told attendees at his talk Wednesday he had always been a fan of cachaça, the Brazilian rum made from sugarcane juice. This would be the direction he would take with his new venture, he said, growing and harvesting Hawaiian varietal sugarcane to distill rhum agricole.

Incorporating Kō Hana Hawaiian Agricole Rum in 2011, Dawson and business partner Jason Brand introduced their first agricole-style rum made entirely from Hawaii-grown sugarcane in 2014.

“It took time and getting over a lot of roadblocks,” Dawson said.

“But now we’re expanding to grow sugarcane across 1,600 acres on the North Shore, and our goal is to become an international boutique rum distiller.”

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The Hogan Guest Speaker Series is aimed at enriching the educational experience, connecting entrepreneurial-minded students with successful professionals from various industries and bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application.

Dr. Roy Panzarella, Hogan Entrepreneurial Leadership Program director, said guest speakers are selected based on the program’s objectives for the year. There are seven speakers on the schedule for the fall, including Better Sour and Shaka Tea co-founder Isabella Hughes, set to speak on Oct. 16.

“For many students, these are delightful opportunities to be exposed to and learn the power and value of networking,” Panzarella said, adding that speakers gives students invaluable real-world insights.

“Our wish is that all Hogan students, including those pursuing an MBA, will walk away from each lecture even more inspired to listen actively, read critically and speak effectively,” Panzarella said.

He also hopes the students leave the lectures, as well as the Hogan Entrepreneurial Leadership Program, more confident and excited about using their own talent and skills to start something new.

“Sometimes the Wednesday presentations have a long-lasting impact on our Hogan students, but I have found it is the lecturers themselves that have the most influence on them,” Panzarella said.

“Oftentimes, the personal narratives of the lecturers are so powerful they serve to inspire many students who doubt themselves and their capacity to achieve success.”

COMING UP:

An entrepreneurship teacher at Seabury Hall on Maui, Melissa Crounse Kaufman will be the next Hogan guest speaker on Sept. 18. Kaufman is the founding executive director of the Garage at Northwestern University and co-author of “Founded: The No B.S. Guide for Student Entrepreneurs.”

For the complete fall schedule, click here.

Nonprofits Praised for Maui Relief

The Nonprofit Financial Seminar at Chaminade offers key resources to Hawaii charitable organizations.

On the one-year anniversary Thursday of the devastating Lahaina wildfire disaster, attendees of Chaminade’s 21st annual Nonprofit Financial Seminar were praised for their unwavering support to those in need on Maui, encouraged to search out innovative opportunities to serve, and offered resources on how they can leverage government support and tax laws to bolster their efforts.

During his opening remarks at the event, Chaminade Provost Lance Askildson said Hawaii charitable organizations “were among the first to jump into the breach alongside regular people looking to help.”

“Government and the for-profit sectors have their roles to play in our communities,” he said. “But it is nonprofit organizations, like yours and Chaminade—guided by values-based missions and deeply connected to their local communities—that are among the first to arrive and the last to leave.”

Organized annually by Chaminade’s School of Business and Communication, the daylong seminar featured an impressive slate of presentations this year. Data House’s Clyde Shiigi and Kaleokalani Kuroda of HawaiiUSA Federal Credit Union discussed trends in artificial intelligence, while panelists with Make-A-Wish Hawaii, Hawaii Leadership Forum, Big Brothers Big Sisters Hawaii and Kupu tackled another pressing topic: “Attracting and Developing the next Generation of Nonprofit Leaders.”

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Representatives from more than 30 charitable organizations attended the event.

In her welcome address, School of Business and Communication Dean Annette Santos led a moment of silence to honor all those impacted by the Maui wildfires tragedy, which claimed 102 lives and left thousands displaced. One year later, the work of rebuilding Lahaina is just beginning.

Santos said in the wake of the disaster, shared Marianist and Hawaii values can be a guiding light, reminding the community of the importance of ‘ohana, resilience and the kuleana to care for one another.

“Our Marianist values are dedicated to education and community service so let us continue to be inspired to support and uplift those in need, demonstrating the aloha spirit through our compassion and collective efforts to rebuild and heal,” Santos told attendees, in her speech.

Organizers say the Nonprofit Financial Seminar aims to provide key guidance and resources on financial and operational issues related to leading and managing nonprofits. “As we embark on today’s seminar, it is important to recognize the added value that your participation brings,” Santos said.

“By attending this event, you are not only gaining valuable insights and knowledge but also playing a crucial role in providing Chaminade students with opportunities for growth and development.”

Trever Asam, a partner at the Cades Schutte law firm, spoke at the seminar on tax changes impact nonprofit organizations. “There are some years, when there aren’t many updates so my presentation is somewhat repetitive,” said Asam, a regular guest speaker at this event. “But this year, there have been a ton of updates the past 12 to 18 months, especially in relation to donor-advised funds.”

Also from Chaminade News:

Tax Foundation of Hawaii President Tom Yamachika also covered tax law changes that could impact nonprofits. Among them: Film tax credits. “If you don’t comply, you may lose the credits, which could amount to a loss of a lot of money,” he said. “It’s up to you, the taxpayer, to provide all the proof.”

Santos said in addition to nonprofit professionals, Chaminade students benefit from the seminar

“This opportunity provides our students with invaluable, pragmatic learning experiences … and underscores the significant impact higher education has on our community,” Santos said.

Annual Conference and Assembly Meeting

Judges Praise Silverswords for Their Creative Results

A 15-year participant in the International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education’s (IACBE) Annual Conference and Assembly Meeting (ACAM)—which took place in Memphis, Tennessee this year—Chaminade University has consistently fared well against other mainland and international institutions, often winning several competitions or placing in the top three.

“As the coach, I help set up the teams and select the students who will compete in the Case Competition,” explained MBA Director and Program Advisor, Eddie Merc, Ph.D. “I oversee all the logistics for the trip, as well as help prepare the students to excel in their final presentation delivery.”

This year’s Spring 2024 IACBE’s Live Case Competition featured Tennessee-based organization Viralish, which set forth the challenge to students with this theme: “The 90 Day Creator: A Fast-Track Program and Planning Tool to Help Content Creators Generate $5,000 per Month.” The project tasked student teams to develop an innovative way for Viralish to help business owners and content creators monetize their digital content effectively. Among the participants from schools all around the U.S., Chaminade’s team included seniors Liz Devine, Alexander Hernandez, Ross Reeves and Kelsey Sablan. They were mentored by professors Wera Panow-Loui and Richard Kido. “The  team of four undergraduate business seniors delivered creative results that were actionable, unique and thought provoking,” according to the competition’s judges.

  • Wera Panow-Loui and Dr. Eddie Merc flank students, from left, Alexander Hernandez, Liz Devine, Kelsey Sablan and Ross Reeves.
    Wera Panow-Loui and Dr. Eddie Merc flank students, from left, Alexander Hernandez, Liz Devine, Kelsey Sablan and Ross Reeves.
  • Dr. Eddie Merc presents his research during the Peregrine Best Practices Poster Competition.
    Dr. Eddie Merc presents his research during the Peregrine Best Practices Poster Competition.
  • Chaminade team members included, from left, Alexander Hernandez, Liz Devine, Kelsey Sablan and Ross Reeves.
    Chaminade team members included, from left, Alexander Hernandez, Liz Devine, Kelsey Sablan and Ross Reeves.
  • Dr. Eddie Merc stands prepare to present his research findings in the Peregrine Best Practices Poster Competition.
    Dr. Eddie Merc stands prepare to present his research findings in the Peregrine Best Practices Poster Competition.
  • Wera Panow-Loui and Dr. Eddie Merc were mentors to students, from left, Ross Reeves, Alexander Hernandez, Liz Devine and Kelsey Sablan.
    Wera Panow-Loui and Dr. Eddie Merc were mentors to students, from left, Ross Reeves, Alexander Hernandez, Liz Devine and Kelsey Sablan.
  • Dr. Eddie Merc gives two thumbs up after winning the Peregrine Best Practices Poster Competition. Students, from left, Kelsey Sablan, Liz Devine, Alexander Hernandez and Ross Reeves congratulated their professor.
    Dr. Eddie Merc gives two thumbs up after winning the Peregrine Best Practices Poster Competition. Students, from left, Kelsey Sablan, Liz Devine, Alexander Hernandez and Ross Reeves congratulated their professor.
  • Chaminade School of Business and Communication faculty members, from left, Asoke Datta, Richard Kido, Wera Panow-Loui and Interim Dean Annette Santos attended the IACBE Annual Conference and Meeting Assembly with students, from left, Ross Reeves, Alexander Hernandez, Liz Devine and Kelsey Sablan.
    Chaminade School of Business and Communication faculty members, from left, Asoke Datta, Richard Kido, Wera Panow-Loui and Interim Dean Annette Santos attended the IACBE Annual Conference and Meeting Assembly with students, from left, Ross Reeves, Alexander Hernandez, Liz Devine and Kelsey Sablan.
  • Students, from left, Alex Hernandez, Liz Devine, Ross Reeves and Kelsey Sablan rehearse their presentation in their hotel room.
    Students, from left, Alex Hernandez, Liz Devine, Ross Reeves and Kelsey Sablan rehearse their presentation in their hotel room.

“Chaminade finished in third place, but I think our students had the most comprehensive business analysis of the company,” Merc said. “The synergy of the team was excellent, and they were proud of their research and their presentation delivery.”

The IACBE accredits business programs—including Chaminade’s—that lead to degrees at the associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral levels in institutions of higher education nationwide and around the world. Specialized programmatic accreditation by the IACBE is a means by which students, parents, the business community and other stakeholders of the institution can be assured that the academic business unit complies with high principles of excellence and follows best practice in business education.

“The number one priority for attending the IACBE Competition and Conference is to stay in touch with students,” Merc said. “It allows me to gauge what our students excel in and the areas where we may have gaps in our curricula.

“It’s a great conference to determine if our program is up to date,” Merc added. “It’s also a good thermometer of current trends at business schools around the world and U.S.”

For the second consecutive year, Merc walked away with the top prize. And for the second year in a row, he hasn’t kept the winnings, instead donating the prize money to two local nonprofit organizations.

Merc’s first-place finishing poster competition at the IACBE’s ACAM looked at “The Role of Social Integration and Sense of Connectedness in Online Courses, and Their Influence on Learning and Academic Performance Among Military Students.”

“I wanted to focus on non-traditional students who were serving in the military and pursuing their degrees,” said Merc, who serves in the Hawai’i Air National Guard during weekends. “I myself was a non-traditional student when I was obtaining my doctorate in education, so I can definitely relate.”

Festival of Honors

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.”

Business Students Lead Career Fair

Inspiration comes full circle

Chaminade students volunteered to organize LEI Career Fair.
Chaminade students volunteered to organize LEI Career Fair.

Students in the Senior Field Experience Class helped organize an event to help high school students learn more about working in Hawaii’s tourism industry, yet the experience resulted with the Chaminade students becoming inspired themselves by the people they encountered.

One of 16 students with the University’s School of Business and Communication Senior Field Experience class, Elizabeth Devine ’24  helped organize and lead an event that was both high-energy and deep-diving. The event was the Exposure Fair at the Hawaii Convention Center, which opened doors to the tourism industry and post secondary opportunities for more than 550 high school students. The fair was a highlight of LEI (Leadership Exploration Inspiration) 2024, which brought public high school students from 20 schools to the Hawaii Convention Center on April 22. 

LEI is a partnership between ClimbHI and the Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA), and is a workforce development project that aims to inspire Hawaii’s youth to select careers in the Hawaii visitor industry by providing them with the necessary means to achieve success. For students, LEI represents an opportunity for leadership, exploration and inspiration. For the hospitality industry, LEI provides an opportunity to Lead, Expose and Inspire Hawaii’s youth.  In addition to Oahu, LEI 2024 events took place on Maui, Kauai and the Big Island, and included more than 100 businesses.

“Participating in the 2024 LEI Program was an enriching experience on multiple fronts,” said Gabriela Galarza ’24. “Not only did it prove beneficial for the local high school students involved, but it also left a lasting impact on all of us who coordinated the event.”

At the Exposure Fair, students heard guest speakers—such as Gov. Josh Green, ClimbHi Founder Julie Morikawa and Hawaii Tourism Authority Board Chair Mufi Hannemann—and attended Hawaiian culture and sense of place presentations. They also took field trips to different hotels for an overview of the hotel industry, including a dining etiquette piece for lunch. Students then returned to the Hawaii Convention Center for the career Exposure Fair, during which they heard from various representatives from the hospitality industry, as well as post-secondary education opportunities. 

Seniors, from left, Liz Devine and Gabriela Galarza were among Chaminade student volunteers.
Seniors, from left, Liz Devine and Gabriela Galarza were among Chaminade student volunteers.

“Having this opportunity really helped me gain a better understanding and perspective of how to attack my future and find a job, wherever it may be,” Devine said. “Overall I am grateful for the experience, and I am glad I got the opportunity to work with ClimbHI and such a great group of classmates”

No wonder these Chaminade business students came away from class with such positive experiences. Their teacher, Dr. Wendy Lam, is an Associate Professor of Business and has been teaching since 1986. She has more than 20 years of professional experience in food manufacturing and retail business with clients from major airlines and hotels. She also conducts training programs and prepares marketing plans for major corporations in the United States.

Teaching is more than a career to her. It is her life passion. Lam has presented at various domestic and international conferences, and published in the field of tourism, marketing and education. She is active in the business community and serves as a board member of several nonprofit organizations in Honolulu.

“It was amazing to learn from the local companies here on the island,” said Ross Reeves ’24, Silversword Male Athlete of the Year. “Graduating this May, I am thankful to have heard from experts in different industries. The main takeaway I learned was to not overstress the job search and to do what you love. The businesses emphasized that when you do what you love, you are going to be good at what you do because of the passion that you have.”