Chaminade University of Honolulu

Campus and Community

A “Homecoming” Away From Home

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On a chilly February evening in Washington, D.C., a group of about 50 people — donning lei and armed with pupu — gathered for a pau hana party with a purpose.

At first appearances, the turnout might have been described as eclectic: Some young up-and-comers, some mid-career professionals and some retirees.

But it wouldn’t take an observer very long to figure out their common source of pride: Drinks in hand, attendees sported Silversword athletics gear or waved pennants.

The Alumni Meet-up in DC is among a number of gatherings Chaminade organizes each year in Hawaii and on the mainland as a way of keeping grads connected — to one another and to the university.

The DC event on Feb. 2 attracted alumni from the immediate area and from as far away as New Mexico, Delaware and upstate New York. And it gave attendees a chance not only to catch up with each other — but with the latest plans for their Honolulu alma mater.

Dr. Lynn Babington attended the alumni meet-up to outline her vision as Chaminade’s president and to hear from alumni about their hopes for the university. And at the end of the night, several attendees made gifts or donations to Chaminade to support programming.

Those donors included Dr. Christine Carter, who received her bachelor’s degree in biological sciences from Chaminade in 1973 before getting a doctoral degree in genetics from the University of Hawaii.

At the meet-up, Carter pledged to help support a teaching fellowship named after retired Chaminade Professor Ron Iwamoto, who she credits with sparking her passion in biology, genetics and physiology.

“When I was in BIO 101 and listening to Mr. Iwamoto tell us what we were going to cover and the field trips we were all expected to go on, I changed my major that day from pre-nursing to biology,” Carter said, in an email.

Carter added that her experience at Chaminade was defined by excellence in teaching — by professors who serve as mentors, educational guides and, sometimes, even cheerleaders, encouraging students forward.

“The quality of the education has more to do with the teachers that you find yourself listening to than with the size, status or ranking of the school itself,” she said.

Chaminade professors, she said, gave her and her classmates “the confidence to explore beyond what we learned, to visualize ourselves getting the highest degree possible in a field or topic that we alone knew best.”

The DC meet-up was organized by Be-Jay Kodama, director of alumni relations at Chaminade and a graduate of the university, too. She received her bachelor’s from the university in 1986, and completed her master’s in business administration from Chaminade in 2016.

Kodama said despite the frigid temps outside, the atmosphere at the event was warm — full of aloha and, of course, lots of Chaminade pride.

And there were plenty of Hawaii touches: The tables were adorned in tropical flowers, some of which were plucked by attendees to put behind their ears, and mac nuts were wrapped up in blue for guests to take home.

Kodama said that alumni gatherings — like the DC meet-up and this April’s reunion on campus — are about making sure alumni remain connected to a campus and a community that considers them part of the family.

The meet-ups are also a chance for graduates — regardless of when they attended — to meet current students and serve as examples of how far a Chaminade education can take you, Kodama said.

“Alumni want to be kept informed,” she said, in an email, “and these events are a wonderful platform for the university to share updates in a more personal way. Chaminade is a common experience they share.”

All alumni are invited back to campus for the 2018 Alumni Reunion, April 5-8. The unique selection of events will make the return to Chaminade unforgettable. It’s a time to reconnect with old friends and make new ones.

First Employer Breakfast Strengthens Chaminade’s Partnerships With Local and National Companies

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To better connect Chaminade University with local and national companies, the campus Office of Advising and Career Development recently hosted its first Employer Breakfast at Clarence T.C. Ching Hall.

The event drew 68 visitors – including human relations managers – from companies such as Bristol Hospice Hawaii, Aflac Hawaii, Whole Foods Market and ProService Hawaii.

Career Specialist Megan Robison, who organized the breakfast, said the gathering was a way to “connect with employers face-to-face, to let them know what was happening with the university and how they could partner.”

“We spend so much time connecting electronically,” Robison said, “and I wanted the in-person connection. This will create more meaningful relationships with our employers and hopefully set us apart from other institutions on island.

“From these connections, we hope to facilitate relationships that will provide future internship and job opportunities for our students,” Robison added, “while helping employers participate in career-related events at Chaminade.”

Robison noted that reaching out to employers is often “confusing and daunting” for students.

“If we create partnerships with reputable employers across many industries, we make the connection piece that much easier for students,” she said, “and we assist in filling workforce needs for our employers. It’s a win-win situation.”

Establishing these partnerships will also help Chaminade create an Employer Advisory Board that will share best practices from various industries and thereby assist faculty and staff in developing career-ready students.

“My biggest goal is to get our name out in the community,” Robison said. “Chaminade University has amazing students. We are worth talking about and our students are worth hiring!”

Chaminade Holds Inauguration for 10th President, Lynn M. Babington, Ph.D.

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Chaminade University is relevant, innovative and contributing to the betterment of society.

Those are the three pillars of Dr. Lynn Babington’s vision for the institution she now leads.

Babington outlined that future at her inauguration ceremony January 20 at the Richard T. Mamiya Theatre, during which she was formally installed as the university’s 10th president in front of an audience of religious leaders, community dignitaries, and university regents and faculty.

In her inaugural address, Babington made clear that in forging an ambitious and bold path forward, Chaminade — celebrating its 62nd anniversary in 2018 — isn’t seeking to forget its rich heritage or leave behind its Marianist traditions. At the same time, she said, Chaminade must lean into headwinds and make no small plans in an increasingly competitive landscape.

“We are driven by a deep commitment to reach new heights,” she told attendees. “Unified together, we will find ways to not only meet the high expectations we have for ourselves, but exceed those our community and our world have for us. Because if not us, then who?”

Babington started at Chaminade on August 1 after serving as interim president and in other leadership roles at Fairfield University in Connecticut. In her first few months at Chaminade, Babington sought to focus on listening — to all sorts of university stakeholders— about where the institution is, what makes it special, and where it should be headed in the 21st century.

And even as she’s pledged to usher in a new era of innovation, growth and opportunity, Babington has stressed that she intends to only further strengthen Chaminade’s core mission — to serve as a service-oriented institution focused on social justice, building community and preparing tomorrow’s leaders to take on some of the world’s greatest problems.

That commitment to honor the past while looking ahead to the future was on display at the inaugural mass and installation celebration — and the pa’ina festivities that followed, where scores gathered at Chaminade Plaza for an afternoon of food, fellowship, gift giving and hula.

At the inauguration, several symbolic items were presented to Babington, including the university’s presidential medallion, made of kukui nut and suspended on a four-strand Niihau shell lei.

Fr. Thomas J. Fitzpatrick, S.J., staff chaplain of Fairfield University read a poem he wrote asking God to guide Dr. Babington and to let “all our spirits mingle and soar as we reach for truth, wisdom, justice and peace.”

Bro. Ed Brink, Chaminade’s Vice President of Mission and Rector, present a framed blessing from Pope Francis, wishing Dr. Babington a successful tenure as president.

The Marianist Province of the U.S. gave Dr. Babington a depiction of Our Lady of the Pillar, one of only three like it in the world. The other two are housed at Chaminade’s sister schools — the University of Dayton in Ohio and St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, Texas. Presenting the depiction were Dr. Steven R. Neiheisel, executive director of the Association of Marianist Universities; and the presidents, Dr. Eric F. Spina of University of Dayton and Dr. Thomas M. Mengler of St. Mary’s University.

Also presented to Babington: A royal walking stick with a strong link to Chaminade’s roots.

Brother Dennis Bautista, a Chaminade University alumnus and a professor at St. Mary’s University, told inauguration attendees the walking stick engraved with King David Kalakaua’s name was found in the national archives of the Marianist Province at St. Mary’s.

In fact, it was discovered in the Brother Gabriel Bertram Bellinghausen collection at the archives. Bellinghausen was part of the first group of Marianists to come to Hawaii in 1883, became the first director of then-Saint Louis College (later Saint Louis School and Chaminade), and struck up a friendship with the king, who would attend plays and other events on campus.

“Since walking sticks … had been presented to those entrusted in leadership positions as symbols of authority,” Bautista said, “we felt that it would be appropriate for the king’s walking stick to come full circle — from Brother Bertram to Dr. Lynn Babington and return the royal artifact home to Hawaii.” At the inauguration, the Kalakaua walking stick was ceremonially presented to Babington before it was formally gifted to ‘Iolani Palace for public display.

Before the presentation of gifts, Babington sought to outline her vision for Chaminade.

She said the university must be “excellent and relevant,” underscoring the value of its educational opportunities to current — and prospective — students and the community.

It must also be innovative, seeking out partnerships and looking for opportunities to grow.

And it must always seek to contribute to the common good, to make life better for others.

“Higher education with a higher purpose is the life led here at Chaminade,” she said, in her inaugural address. “Our faculty and students are involved in not only community service but … opportunities to engage with and give back to the community as part of their course work.”

Her words spurred a standing ovation.

And the occasion of her inauguration also inspired poetry — literally.

At the inauguration day’s pa’ina celebrations fronting Sullivan Library, Dr. Allison Paynter stepped up to the microphone to recite a poem she wrote to mark the day called “Hopscotch” that begins like the playground jumping rhyme but then takes listeners on a journey with Babington.

The associate professor of English at Chaminade read, referring to the president:

Now, she feeds her soul
on the aina
embraces a new ohana
commits to living pono
brandishing her own sword
of inspiration on
this mighty hilltop.

For more of the Presidential Inauguration highlights, click here.
Watch the Inaugural Mass and Installation here.
Read Dr. Babington’s inaugural address here.

Dean Schroeder, Minister Fineisaloi, Biology Student Ignacio Receive Founders’ Week Heritage Awards

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As a highlight of Founders’ Week activities at Chaminade University, Vice President for Mission and Rector Bro. Edward Brink, S.M. presented the annual Heritage Awards to faculty and staff members and a student for their continuous commitment to Marianist values.

Receiving the Chaminade Award at the Founders’ Eucharist for exhibiting “traits of openness, hospitality, graciousness and faith in a loving God” was School of Business and Communication Dean Scott Schroeder.

“Colleagues describe Scott as gracious and welcoming,” Bro. Ed said. “His openness to new ideas and suggestions points to his collaborative style of leadership.” Students who worked with Dr. Schroeder describe him as “thoughtful, caring and approachable” and able to motivate and inspire them, Bro. Ed added.

A Marianist Educational Associate since 2014, Dr. Schroeder was a postdoctoral fellow in the Management and Leadership in Education Institute at Harvard University. He received his Ph.D. from UCLA, an M.B.A. from Arizona State University and a B.A. from Santa Clara University.

Dr. Schroeder donated the $250 cash award he received to the Accounting Student Scholarship Fund. This in memory of founding accounting faculty member and longtime Chaminade trustee James Wong, who attributed his success in life to the influence and hospitality of the Marianists dating back to his high school days.

Receiving the Marianist Award was Maimoa Fineisaloi, Minister for Peace and Justice with the Campus Ministry team. Bro. Ed praised her for “drawing others into the challenge of building a collaborative community, and commitment to the vision and mission of Chaminade University.”

“A nominator of Maimoa pointed to her work with the Feeding the Hungry program at Next Step Shelter as an example of her advocacy for justice,” Bro. Ed noted. “She is quiet and yet consistent in her efforts. She hopes to lead others to take action in support of those who are in need within our local community and beyond.”

Fineisaloi, who became a Marianist Educational Associate in 2014, earned a M.S. in Counseling Psychology and a B.A. in Psychology from Chaminade. She donated her cash award to the campus Micronesian Club and the Tales and Treats program, in which students read to children at community centers and provide them with nutritious snacks.

Presented with the Founders’ Award was student Vanessa Ignacio, who maintains a 3.4 Grade Point Average while majoring in Biology major and minoring in Chemistry. After graduating from Chaminade, Ignacio will attend A.T. Still University School of Osteopathic Medicine in Kirksville, Missouri. She eventually intends to practice family medicine on the Big Island.

“One of Vanessa’s nominators referred to her as the ‘epitome of a servant leader’ and indicated that Vanessa was able to see the presence of God in the people who are part of her journey here at Chaminade,” Bro. Ed said.

“Vanessa knows that it is a privilege to journey with others towards God,” and friends describe her as “devoted, faithful, loving, caring, down-to earth, strong, independent and reliable.”

A member of the Eia Kou Makuahine Student Marianist Lay community, Ignacio serves as the Filipino Club social chair. She also served as a Vice President for Student Government and as Rectoress on the university’s Awakening Retreat.

Ignacio designated her cash award to support Campus Ministry, which has “given me priceless memories, unending joy and a lifetime family,” she said.

Hogan Students Help Homeless With Resumes, Interviewing Skills at Job Preparation Workshop

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For homeless men and women, getting hired can be a daunting task – even when Hawaii boasts the lowest unemployment rate in the nation.

But thanks to volunteer efforts by 16 Chaminade University students, finding gainful employment got easier for homeless individuals who attended the 13th annual Job Preparation Workshop conducted by the Hogan Entrepreneurs Program.

Hogan Homeless WorkshopLeading the event were Chaminade instructor and Hogan board member Denny McDonough, along with Ed Nakamura, an employment specialist with the Institute for Human Services nonprofit organization.

Students helped attendees with interviewing techniques, shared information about job resources and created resumes that were sent to more than 500 potential employers.

The homeless people were “eager to learn,” said volunteer Savannah Lyn Delos Santos, a junior preparing for a career in business marketing.

“They were all hungry for growth and it was so evident in their actions, curiosity and enthusiasm,” Delos Santos said. “I gave my business card to a few participants and told them to keep me updated on the progress of their job hunt.”

Among the challenges in conducting the workshop, Delos Santos said, was assisting attendees with limited English skills. A personal challenge, she said, was witnessing the pain and desperation of homeless people struggling to survive.

“Many of them shared the stories of their lives and what led to their homelessness,” she said. “It made me happy to know that I was making a difference, but also sad that many people do not get the chance to see what life is like on the other side.

“While most of society shuns them because they have nothing, they are just doing what they can to move forward and rise up. They made me realize how sometimes one chance is all someone needs to create a better life for both them and their families.”

Other students volunteering for the workshop were: Monique Gomes, Bonita Dydasco, Mokihana Maldonado, Clarke Velasco, Caitlin Martinez, Sarah Cervantes, Fabian Patterson,
Jackie McGreal, Antonio Bonnetty, Ally Alvarez-Stratton, Chris Ortiz, Grant Okazaki, Nate Cassion, Taletha Manigo and Tyler Taydus.

The Hogan Entrepreneurs Program provides Chaminade students with the knowledge, skills, motivation and networking opportunities to succeed in business ventures. This one- or two-year certificate program is open to all students, regardless of their majors. The Hogan motto is: “Doing business things that make social sense. Doing social things that make business sense.”

Chaminade Students Inspire School Children at Annual ‘Astronaut Lacy Veach Day of Discovery’

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By sharing their knowledge and love of science, two teams of Chaminade University students encouraged children to pursue STEM educations and careers at the “2017 Astronaut Lacy Veach Day of Discovery.”

Held Oct. 28 at Punahou School, this 16th annual event honored the life and legacy of NASA astronaut Charles Lacy Veach, who flew on Space Shuttle missions in 1991 and 1992 and developed robotics for the International Space Station. The Punahou alumnus and U.S. Air Force Academy graduate died of cancer in 1995 at the age of 51.

2017 Lacy Veach Day - anchialine pools activity

One team of Chaminade students conducted a workshop on the tiny opae`ula Hawaiian red shrimp and the ecologically fragile anchialine pools where they live. Anchialine pools are enclosed bodies of water with underground connections to the ocean.

“The kids we worked with made a habitat for the shrimp and were really excited to take them home,” said English major Kalei Ehlers from the Hogan Entrepreneurs Program. “Kids are excited by science and I had a blast teaching them something new.”

Also conducting the workshop were students Aulani Oka, Martina Segura, Tara Supit and Luwella Leonardi.

A team of students from the “I Am A Scientist” mobile outreach program showed children how to dust and “lift” latent fingerprints.

2017 Lacy Veach Day - fingerprint activity

“We got to educate kids and parents about the different characteristics in fingerprints that are unique to the individual person,” said Nursing major Heather Carvalho. “We also taught them that fingerprints are how they catch criminals.”

Carvalho said she enjoyed encouraging parents and children “to engage in science education together as a family.”

“It was an awesome way to get the kids outdoors,” she said, “instead of in front of the television and internet devices.”

Forensic Science major Kaitlyn Castillo said she initially thought young children “wouldn’t really think about doing science-related things.”

“After this event, I know that I was wrong and that some kids really do enjoy science so much,” Castillo said. “A few parents I talked to said they had bought their kids fingerprint kits and they would be dusting for prints all over the house.

“I liked knowing there were kids that got interested in forensic science by actually doing things related to forensic science,” Castillo added, “rather than from a TV show.”

Working with Carvalho and Castillo at the fingerprint booth were students John Aiwohi, Chante Carter, Doris Sanborn and Samantha Williams, along with alumna Cassandra Song and biology lecturer Dr. Eric Umemoto.