Campus and Community

Business Olympics

April 26, 2024

Annual Games Challenge High School Students

Let the mental gymnastics begin. In 20 minutes, teams had to build the tallest free-standing structure, using only spaghetti, one yard of tape, one yard of string and one marshmallow, which needed to sit on top. During this “Marshmallow Challenge,” sitting on one side of the room, the Spartan, Trojan and Athenian teams from Maryknoll School and Nanakuli High & Intermediate School talked about teamwork, listening, communication and trust. On the other side, Silverswords spoke of flexibility, creativity and open-mindedness.

“The Marshmallow Challenge is used a lot in business schools,” said assistant professor Eddie Merc, Ph.D., Chaminade’s MBA Director and Program Advisor. “The participants learn about team building and how to adapt if your design isn’t working.”

The contest was just one of many during the Third Annual Business Olympics, which is organized by the School of Business and Communications. As part of his operations management class, MvFaden Iriarte ’25 was among the Silversword participants in the Marshmallow Challenge.

“There was only one rule: your finished structure had to sit on the slippery surface of a desk,” explained Iriarte, as he pointed to their design, which won the challenge for being the tallest. “I was really impressed with what the high-school kids came up, and how they worked together and listened to each other.”

Ethan Hendricks and Vaneah Dela Cruz develop their structure as Maryknoll School’s academic dean of science and English reviews the day’s schedule.
Nanakuli sophmore Saeota Fanuaea, far left, poses with Maryknoll School students, including senior Kainalu Szewczyk.
Ethan Hendricks poses with Vaneah Dela Cruz, left, and Megan Collado.
Nanakuli junior, Vai Fanuaea, flashing shaka, and Maryknoll School students pose with their trophy.
Dr. Eddie Merc with Drs. Annette Santos and Roy Panzarella pose with the Maryknoll Students after their Mini Shark competition.
Dr. Eddie Merc takes a selfie with Maryknoll School’s Kit-U Wong, who escorted the Trojans to Chaminade.

Now in its third year, the Business Olympics combines Merc’s efforts to reach out to high schools and his athletic background as a former collegiate tennis player. The event features five different stations or “challenges” that cover various subjects, including business fundamentals, management and teamwork, accounting and finance, marketing and a “Mini Shark” presentation.

“The event provided them insights of what topics they would study in business school,” said Kit-U Wong, Maryknoll’s Social Science and English Dean of Academics. “They especially appreciated being able to ask questions to Chaminade University professors and getting great advice. I would love for future students to get the chance to participate.”

Interim Dean Annette Santos was one of the four Mini Shark panel members, who listened and judged the five-minute business pitches. One team’s entrepreneurial idea was to develop a new eczema cream; another was to sell a protein ice cream after working out; and the third was to build a soundproof dog house.

“It’s quite impressive what students can come up within five minutes—really impressive,” Santos said. “It was a successful Business Olympics event and a wonderful opportunity to bring students to campus, engage with our faculty, and create memorable experiences that we hope will bring them back.”

Nanakuli High High School junior Vai and his freshman sister Saeota Fanuaea were encouraged by their mom, Rosa Fanuaea who attended Chaminade her freshman year, to join the Business Olympics event, telling them that this would be a good opportunity to visit the beautiful campus. Walking from the Sullivan Family Library to Hale Hoaloha, the siblings took in all the scenery, admiring the buildings and views.

“So far we’ve learned about team building,” said Saeota Fanuaea, after competing in the Marshmallow Challenge. “Our next class is accounting and finance, which I am looking forward to learning about.”

While the Trojans may have taken gold in the Mini Shark presentation, the Spartans and Athenians were also winners in their own sense. Maryknoll senior Ethan Hendricks felt he had already won after learning about SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats) analysis.

“My mom has her own business, Alinea Jewelry, and I want to help her with her marketing, which is so old school right now,” said Hendricks, with a boyish grin. “I already learned about some business concepts today, which I never knew about. I can now use that knowledge when I run my mom’s marketing.”

“I’m happy Ethan is exploring different avenues to educate himself about business and marketing,” said mom Andromeda Hendricks. “I support his endeavors and I think he is in good hands there at Chaminade.”

Years of Service

April 22, 2024

Staff and faculty members recognized for their dedication

After acknowledging the efforts and dedication of staff and faculty during Chaminade’s year-end annual Employee Luncheon, Dr. Lynn Babington turned her attention to the day’s retirees, which included Drs. Bob Santee and Dave Coleman, and librarian Valerie Coleman and assistant professor Denise Cooper of the School of Nursing and Health Professions.

“I am so grateful for your years of service and commitment to Chaminade,” Babington said. “Bob, I’ll miss your deep-breathing exercises; Valerie, you’ve had such an impact on the success of our library; and Dave, you’ve played so many roles during your 50 years here.”

With only two weeks remaining until commencement, the event allowed employees to gather under the sails at the Sullivan Family Library Lawn for a bento lunch and cups of Asato Family Shop’s refreshing sherbert. Since this time of the year always equates to a rush of finals and year-ending responsibilities, the luncheon was a welcomed reprieve for many staff and faculty members, who congratulated honorees who were wearing a lei. The event highlights employees who have been with Chaminade starting with five years and then in additional five-year increments. This year, 31 employees were recognized for their years of service, which cumulatively amounted to 366 years.

Five Years of Service:

Paul Arakaki
Adam Joseph
Dani Masuda
Carolyn Nakamura
Jacky Sanqui
Fr. Martin Solma
Jennifer Tolentino
Kelly Treece

10 Years of Service:

Kacie Cohen
Genevieve Griffiths
Frederique Kandel
Julieta M. Rosado
Deneen Wong

15 Years of Service:

Sherry Bagoyo
Tammy Hohu
Bryan Moseley

20 Years of Service:

Allison Francis
Aulani Kaanoi
Debbie Murayama
Amy Takiguchi

25 Years of Service:

Ann Kishi

Retirees:

David Coleman Congratulations on your Retirement after 50 Years!
Valerie Coleman Congratulations on your Retirement after 35 Years!
Denise Cooper Congratulations on your Retirement after 11 Years!
Bob Santee Congratulations on your Retirement after 30 Years!

To watch a video of the honorees, click here.

International Education Week

April 18, 2024

Student clubs share ethnic cuisines and dances

With Chaminade’s diverse population, it’s only fitting that the University would celebrate International Education Week (April 8-12). Inspired by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization’s World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development, the series of campus events featured a melting pot of flavors, starting with the Spring 2024 Taste of Culture.

The Filipino Club served one of the national dishes of the Philippines—lechon, crispy roast pork.

“Our University is a mosaic of talents, backgrounds and experiences, and it is this diversity that makes our community truly exceptional,” says Chaminade President Lynn Babington, Ph.D. “International Education Week allows us to celebrate not only the richness of the world’s cultures, but also the essential role of intercultural dialogue for achieving peace and sustainable development.”

Participating clubs at this year’s Sixth Annual Taste of Culture included the TaoTao Marianas Club, World of Dance, Accounting Club, Office of Student Engagement, Chaminade Student Government Association, Micronesian Club, Lumana‘i O Samoa, Student Organization of Latinx, The Filipino Club, Office of the President, Chemistry Club and Restauranteers Club.

Observing cultural week not only offers the Kalaepohaku community a chance to experience the diverse cultures of our student body, but it also facilitates the dismantling of stereotypes while fostering mutual comprehension and acceptance. Through the International Extravaganza, students and local residents can listen to the musical rhythms, watch the graceful dances, and enjoy the traditional attire and unique customs of various cultures, cultivating a profound admiration for our campus diversity and fostering cross-cultural empathy.

“As advisors for The Filipino Club, Bro. Allen (Pacquing) and I ensure that the students are constantly receiving the support they need, ensuring that our activities run smoothly,” says Maritel Suniga, payroll specialist in the Business Office. “They put 100 percent of their time and energy into practicing the traditional tinikling dance, often rehearsing late into the night to perfect their moves.”

Wearing a traditional barong tagalog, Christian Raquepo’s first-time experience at Taste of Culture and International Extravaganza was memorable. “These events are a testament to Chaminade’s value of education in the ‘ohana spirit and inclusivity,” said the Silversword freshman. “As a proud first generation Filipino-American, representing my culture in food and dance with our University community makes me proud of my cultural heritage.”

In addition to The Filipino Club, other participants included Ka Ipu Kukui Me Ka ‘ie ‘ie (Hawaiian Club), Lumana‘’i O Samoa and the Taotao Marianas Club.

“Cultural events allow me to be proud of who I am as a descendant of Filipino immigrants,” Raquepo said. “Dressing up in our cultural attire was my favorite moment.”

Scholarly Research

April 9, 2024

Students present their thought-provoking research findings

Psychology major juniors Leila-Jayne Casison and Clara Slate-Liu are on their way to the National Conference of Undergraduate Research (NCUR) in California. But before presenting their findings on a national stage, the two Silversword athletes presented their research at the annual Na Liko Na‘auao Symposium, allowing them to fine tune their presentation and to anticipate any questions they may have to field.

“I think today was a good trial run for us in terms of getting used to discussing our study with others, especially those who we’ve never met before,” Casison said. “I also think we’re getting better with having meaningful conversations with those who find interest in our study on our athletes.”

Titled “The Sleep of University Student-Athletes,” Casison’s and Liu’s study looked at sleep patterns of fellow Swords, and they concluded that soccer players have the worst sleeping habits of all the athletes.

“Their practices start at 6 in the morning and they go to bed late,” Casison and Slate-Liu said. “So, of course, they’re going to experience daytime fatigue. It should be an issue that our coaches and athletic director are made aware of.”

A Silversword tennis player, Sydney Danielson was tireless in her pursuit of learning about avian malaria and avian pox effects on Hawaiian birds, such as the ‘amakihi, apapane and ‘i‘wi. A passionate naturalist, the Minnesota native looked at the two diseases and their impact on native birds’ population.

“Symptoms include swollen, tumor-like lesions on unfeathered parts of a bird’s body, such as the feet, legs, eyes and base of the bill,” Danielson explained of avian pox. “Both diseases are very difficult to manage, and the continued viability of our native forest birds depends on the preservation of their habitat.”

Sarah Carroll explains her research to Fr. Martin Solma during the Na Liko Na’auao Symposium.

Professor Tracy Trevorrow, Ph.D., discusses the research findings of Clara Slate-Liu, left, and Leila-Jayne Casison.

Brittany Johnson commented on Brandon Koskie’s research project on Kalauhaihai Fishpond and Kanewai Spring.

Lindsey Dimaya, left, a junior at Sacred Hearts Academy and a participant in Chaminade’s early college program, presented her findings to Joleigh Ballesteros-Magdaro.

Brandon Koskie, right, discusses his research findings on two fishponds with Anson Ekau, who developed a dashboard for the Maunalua Fishpond Heritage Center.

Katelyn Salcedo’s hypotheses posed the question: Is Literacy Affected by the Home Environment.

Sydney Danielson explains the effects of avian malaria and avian pox to attendees at the Na Liko Na’auao Symposium.

Dr. Lynn Babington listened to what Kole Nagai had to say about his research findings during the 22nd Annual Na Liko Na’auao Symposium.

Leila-Jayne Casison, left, and Clara Slate-Liu, studied the sleeping patterns of Silversword athletes.

For the past 22 years, student scholars have presented their yearlong work during this annual Symposium, allowing them to explain their research and answer questions from faculty, peers and at-large community members. In the past, students’ presentations have focused on mental health—especially the impact of COVID—physical health problems, substance abuse and even “climate monstrosities.”

According to Amber Noguchi, Ph.D., Undergraduate Research and Pre-Professional Programs director, undergraduate and graduate research experience can look like a number of things. It can range from formal and clinical studies to data analysis, and creative works and beyond.

“All of these presentations stem from research projects that have been collaborations between the student researchers and their faculty mentors,” Noguchi explains. “This undergraduate conference celebrates student scholars from across all academic disciplines.”

For the past several months, Lindsey Dimaya has locked herself in her room, unwilling to share with her parents the project that she was working on for the Na Liko Na‘auao Symposium. An avid reader, the 17-year-old teenager chose to do research on adult literacy and its impact on mental health.

Pointing to her presentation, dad Don Dimaya quipped that Lindsey finally explained why she isolated herself in her bedroom for all those hours. “Now it makes sense,” he said with a laugh. “Instead of getting her driver’s license last summer, she was busy with this.”

“I looked at the correlation between adult literacy and mental health,” said Dimaya, a junior at Sacred Hearts Academy and a participant in Chaminade’s early college program. “One of the reasons I was interested in this research was because of a story I had heard about a mother who wanted to bake her daughter a birthday cake, but she couldn’t because she didn’t know how to read.”

Dimaya’s research yielded some interesting findings, including a connection between improved reading skills and better mental health, and regaining childhood memories that emerged as a result of enhanced literacy.

“The breadth and depths of these projects have blown me away,” said President Lynn Babington, Ph.D., in her closing remarks at the Symposium. “I have been truly impressed walking around the room, and listening to your presentations and your interests.”

In his oral presentation, Anson Ekau ’25 demonstrated a beta dashboard that he developed for the Maunalua Fishpond Heritage Center, helping the nonprofit to monitor the health of the pond and its inhabitants.

“This fishpond once stretched all the way to Mauanlua Bay,” Ekau said. “Now you can walk around it in two minutes. However, fishponds are crucial to the survival of native species, and they also allow us to promote and preserve Native Hawaiian culture.”

The Symposium concluded with a presentation of the President Sue Wesselkamper Award, which acknowledges a student who has demonstrated extensive community and university service. In order to qualify for the prize, a student must have a minimum 3.5 GPA, show scholarship beyond classroom requirements by undertaking their own independent research or study, and must have presented their work both on and off campus. This year’s award went to Victoria Francois ’25, who gave a presentation on chronic pain among young adults and the effects of mindfulness.

“I would do this again in a heartbeat,” said Francois of her research. “In doing research, I found that the world is your oyster, and that everything is open to you.”

Provost Speaker Series

April 2, 2024

Kupu co-founder founder John Leong shares his entrepreneurial journey

After finishing his degree at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, John Leong had three options: to accept a job offer in New York City, to enter seminary school or to return to Hawaii. He chose the latter, deciding that he wanted to come home to lead conservation efforts. And that was 25 years ago.

As the guest speaker of the Provost Speakers Series, Leong shared his arduous journey that started when he and his wife, Julianna, established Pono Pacific in 2000. The company had a sole mission to assist conservation managers and landowners with the monumental task of protecting Hawaii’s natural resources. It would eventually lead him to co-find Kupu, now one of the most impactful environmental leadership organizations in the Pacific.

“My call to return to Hawaii was strong,” Leong said. “If you’re created to do something, and if you don’t follow that calling, the world loses out.”

Hawaii certainly would have had Leong not adhered to his vision, one of three primary tenets that he cited as being pivotal to his journey. The other two are character and moral fortitude. Growing up in one of the most isolated archipelagos in the world, Leong didn’t fully appreciate Hawaii’s environmental vulnerabilities. It was not until he participated in Chaminade adjunct professor Althine Clark’s youth conservation program—which provided an opportunity for Hawaii’s youth to make positive change and contribute to our islands’ long-term sustainability—did he see Hawaii’s environmental perils.”

John Leong shared his entrepreneurial journey that led him to establish Pono Pacific and Kupu.

“It gave me a sense of Hawaii’s challenges with the environment and our endangered species,” Leong said. “It gave me a sense of my kuleana to care for Hawaii’s natural resources, which was work that was under-resourced and an uphill battle at that time.”

With Pono Pacific, the Leongs sought to provide cost-effective natural resource management services, working with private and government land owners to activate working lands, create sustainable food systems, restore sensitive ecosystems, protect both endemic and indigenous species, protect vital watersheds, manage conservation lands, and repair, construct nature trails.

“We charged like $15 an hour, which yielded more like $2 in profit,” Leong said laughingly. “It cost more to do the work, but this was our responsibility. I remember once builidng a conservation fence line around a Big Island trail, hauling large jugs of water for miles, waking up early and finishing late; it was hard work for sure. I would get calls from my Wharton classmates—some of whom were working at JP Morgan—and they would ask me: “What is it that you are now doing?”

It was during that time on the Big Island that Leong came across the kupukupu, an endemic sword fern that would sow the seed for his next nonprofit enterprise with his spouse Julianna and best friend Matt Bauer. Together, the trio started Kupu in 2007, a local 501(c)3 nonprofit organization with a mission “to empower youth to serve their communities through character-building, service-learning and environmental stewardship opportunities that encourage pono (integrity) with ke Akua (God), self and others.”

“When you do things of consequence, there are consequences,” Leong said. “But if you don’t do anything, then it’s inconsequential. Change doesn’t happen overnight nor is it linear, and you have to have the tenacity to move forward, to be the light.”

For four years, Kupu strove to establish what is now known as the Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Hoʻokupu Center in Kewalo Basin. Seeking the support of community board members and approval from government officials, Leong and his team spent hours on end to secure land rights to a valuable piece of waterfront property. It would certainly be difficult and almost defeating.

“But I look back now and think, what would have happened had we just quit and given up?” said Leong of all the work and effort that was put into the Kakaako community center. “What if we had not listened to that little voice inside that kept saying ‘just keep at it,’ and instead listened to our anxieties and fears?”

Today, the center is also home to the Kupu Community Program, which prepares under-resourced youth for the workforce by providing them with life skills training, green jobs, volunteer opportunities and encouragement to consequentially impact their local communities through service. To date, the yearlong program has served thousands of Hawaii’s youth, who participate in significant and demanding work to rehabilitate Hawaii’s ecosystems and increase the sustainability of the ʻāina.

“We give them an ʻāina-based model upon which to build a common community,” Leong said. “We give these under-privileged youth a purpose and a pathway to lead a meaningful life.”

In the final minutes of his talk, Leong spoke of the importance of being selected as an Obama Foundation Fellow, and having the opportunity to spend time with Barack and Michelle Obama, who taught him that character is shaped by adversity, and to surround yourself by supportive people who push you “to become a better version of yourself.”

“The last lesson I want to share is this: that we’re just one part of a bigger body,” Leong concluded. “You have to have humility. We can only do our part, but it’s important that we do that part.”

Matching Tuition

March 13, 2024

Chaminade’s Hawaii Guarantee Program matches UH Manoa’s resident tuition

Chaminade defies the age-old adage that nothing in life is guaranteed. Unless it concerns tuition. Last fall, the University assured that all incoming freshmen from Hawaii would pay the resident undergraduate rate of $11,304—the same amount students shell out at the University of Hawaii at Manoa—a steep discount on Chaminade’s typical tuition price of $29, 970. In subsequent years, Chaminade’s resident tuition will change if and only when UH Manoa’s does.

“After we launched the Hawaii Guarantee program, we saw a 30 percent increase in Hawaii applications/deposits,” says Jennifer Creech, Vice President for Enrollment Management and Student Success. “And we’ve also seen an increase of 27.36 percent from Fall 2022 to Fall 2023. Overall, we’re trending in the right direction.”

School of Humanities, Art and Design Dean Dr. Cheryl Edelson walks through Henry Hall with senior Sean Lorrenzo. — School of Humanities, Art and Design Dean Dr. Cheryl Edelson walks through Henry Hall with senior Sean-Zacharry Lorrenzo.

The cost of college has become a subject of significant concern and discussion in recent years. Rising tuition fees, along with additional incidental expenses such as textbooks, housing and meal plans, have made pursuing higher education financially daunting for many individuals and families.

This, of course, has led to concerns about accessibility and affordability, particularly for low-income and middle-class families. In response, policymakers, educators and advocacy groups have been exploring various strategies to address the issue, such as increasing need-based financial aid, expanding access to community colleges and trade schools, and implementing tuition-free or reduced-cost college programs at the state or national level.

“This effort is really a part of Chaminade’s service-oriented mission, which is to make higher education accessible to all Hawaii students,” says President Lynn Babington, Ph.D. “Across the country, less than half of students graduate on time. Our Hawaii Guarantee is designed to help students map out their academic journeys, and receive the course offerings and advising support needed to get them there. They will have a clear path to a four-year graduation.”

In addition to the predictable tuition rate, the Hawaii Guarantee amount of $11,304 can be reduced with various financial aid opportunities, including scholarships, grants and work-study programs, to further stem the financial burden on students, and to ensure that all students have access to the resources they need to succeed academically and professionally. However, to receive the Hawaii Guarantee rate, freshmen must be continuously enrolled at Chaminade for consecutive semesters and graduate in four years.

“We are committed to helping make the dream of higher education attainable,” Babington asserts. “Today’s students hold the power to change the world for the better—and we are proud to develop that next generation of leaders right here at home.”

When asked about the impetus for the new tuition schedule for local students, Creech said the University wanted to strengthen its commitment to the community. “Chaminade is a community-first University,” she added. “We wanted to remind our local residents that Chaminade is here and that the school is a good option to pursue their higher education.”

Enrollment at Chaminade has remained strong in recent years, and this Fall’s 484 incoming students represents the largest number in 20 years. The Hawaii Guarantee program is designed to offer students a transparent and predictable tuition structure, helping them plan for their educational expenses more effectively. Through this program, Chaminade pledges to keep tuition costs stable for students throughout their four years of undergraduate study, providing peace of mind and financial stability for both students and their families.

Furthermore, Chaminade is committed to providing a supportive learning environment that fosters student success. Through small class sizes, personalized attention from faculty and staff, and a strong sense of community, students can thrive academically and personally while pursuing their educational goals.

“Education is transformative,” Babington said. “Overall, the Hawaii Guarantee program exemplifies Chaminade’s dedication to making higher education affordable for all students in Hawaii. By removing financial barriers and providing comprehensive support services, Chaminade empowers students to achieve their full potential and make meaningful contributions to their communities and society at large.”