Chaminade University of Honolulu

Campus and Community

Second Chance Pell Program

Following federal approval, Chaminade University will launch an innovative “second chance” Pell Grant program this fall that will give Halawa Correctional Facility inmates an opportunity to earn an associate’s degree in Business Administration.

While the Pell Grant will not fully cover the cost of tuition and fees, generous donations from Atherton Family Foundation, First Hawaiian Bank and Sidney Stern Memorial Trust to the University, will help fill some of the financial gaps to make the program a reality for the students.

As part of the initiative, inmates will be eligible for federal Pell Grants in order to seek the degree. The US Department of Education invited Chaminade to submit an application for its Second Chance Pell Experiment in January 2020, which waives Pell Grant restrictions for incarcerated students.

And this spring, the federal government gave Chaminade the green light to move forward.

“We are proud to offer this new Second Chance program to incarcerated students at Halawa Correctional Facility, giving them an opportunity to build their skills so they can seek to rebuild their lives,” said Dr. Janet Davidson, Chaminade’s Vice Provost of Academic Affairs. “We cannot thank all our donors enough for their generous support of this program and are also incredibly appreciative of our strong partnership with the Hawaii Department of Public Safety.”

The program will officially launch August 23, with a cohort of 15 to 20 students.

Chaminade professors will deliver instruction in a hybrid model—with in-person classes and supplementary learning through an online platform. In order to participate, the professors are getting special training from the state so they can safely teach at the medium-security prison.

The University is offering incarcerated students a significantly reduced tuition rate; with their Pell Grant awards, they will not be responsible for any out-of-pocket costs. Meanwhile, correctional staff are evaluating prospective students for college readiness, using various reasoning assessments.

The associate’s degree itself will be 60 credits, and take about two years to complete. In addition to completing their general education coursework, the students—attending full-time—will tackle Business Administration courses that cover everything from accounting to statistics to macroeconomics. “Students will move through the program as a cohort, graduating after two years with an associate’s degree in Business Administration,” Davidson said. “We are looking forward to working with this community to help them expand their skills so they can access new opportunities.”

Maryknoll School Teacher Receives Teacher of the Year Award

Hawaii Catholic Schools Teacher of the Year awardee Mary Vannatta

From working late to offer one-on-one tutoring to incorporating exciting new digital tools into her classroom to inspiring students to be passionate about learning, Maryknoll School seventh-grade math and religion teacher Mary Jane Vannatta goes above and beyond to make sure her students succeed.

And all that hard work hasn’t gone unnoticed, especially during the pandemic.

For her selfless dedication to students and tireless mentorship to fellow educators, the 40-year veteran of Hawaii Catholic schools was named the 2021 Hawaii Catholic Schools Teacher of the Year.

After being honored in a virtual ceremony May 27, Vannatta received the award in-person June 2.

Hawaii Catholic Schools Teacher of the Year awardee Mary Vannatta

In addition to accepting the Golden Pineapple Trophy from Chaminade University, Vannatta was awarded $1,000 from John C. and Marilou Brogan through Chaminade, a one-year car lease from Aloha Kia and $1,000 in gas gift cards from Hele-Par Hawaii. The Augustine Education Foundation also awarded $1,500 to Maryknoll School for faculty appreciation in recognition of Vannatta’s achievement.

Nominators said Vannatta is a caring, loving educator whose world revolves around her students.

One said that she incorporates a host of different tools to ensure students thrive in the subjects she teaches, including math. And during the pandemic, her workload increased exponentially as she learned new devices and programs to teach both distance learning and in-person students at the same time.

What she doesn’t know how to do, the nominator said, she’ll figure out so she can help her students.

Another nominator said Vannatta never hesitates to put in extra time for students—before school, after school and with remote help at all hours. If they need help, she’s there for them. And she’s done the same for her fellow educators, including as a mentor to new teachers and grade level chairperson.

Vannatta is an active member of the broader school community and of her parish.

And she can often be spotted at school events, many of which she has helped to plan.

Vannatta is also a lifelong learner, frequently attending professional development opportunities, looking to improve her religion instruction. She has completed courses to reach the Master Catechist level as she seeks to help guide her students to be thoughtful, ethical citizens of strong moral character.

Mary Jane Vannatta was also featured in MidWeek. Read the article here.

Beyond Academics: Co-Curricular Awards

2021 Co-Curricular Awards at the Silverswords Student Appreciation event

Every year, the Co-Curricular Awards recognize members of Chaminade’s student body, clubs and organizations, and staff and faculty members whose efforts to make the campus and the community a better place go above and beyond—and embody the University’s mission of public service.

This year’s in-person awards presentation was particularly poignant, honoring those who truly exemplified the Silversword spirit despite the challenges presented by the pandemic. Honorees were recognized during a Silversword Student Appreciation event on April 28, which was also an opportunity to thank all students for their resilience and flexibility in grappling with COVID’s many impacts.

This was the 16th annual Co-Curricular Awards event.

The recipient of the Silversword Award, which recognizes a student-athlete who represents the Marianist philosophy with sportsmanship, integrity and respect for others, was Chaminade women’s tennis captain Catrina Liner. In addition to her hard work on the court, Liner serves as president of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and has also provided input on COVID safety procedures and protocols as the student-athlete representative at athletic department meetings on the topic.

Her efforts in the classroom are also impressive. She is a three-time member of the Pac-West All-Academic, which recognizes student-athletes who maintain a cumulative 3.0 GPA after completing at least two semesters at their institution while participating in regular season competition.

Silversword Student Appreciation event and Co-Curricular Award presentation

Meanwhile, there were two recipients this year of the Service Award: Connor and Lillie Flynn. The Service Award acknowledges those who demonstrate outstanding servant leadership, specifically in the areas of restorative justice and service for the people and lands of Hawaii. And the Flynn twins have done just that, working on countless community service projects to make a positive difference.

Both are part of the Chaminade Scholars program, through which they have sought to pursue their shared passions of protecting Hawaii’s environment while using what they’ve learned to help others.

Student leader Reyna Riesgo was honored with the Outstanding Peer Mentor Award, which recognizes upper-class students who work tirelessly as peer mentors to ensure that first-years feel supported as new members of the Chaminade ‘ohana. Peer mentors commit significant hours of their time as co-teachers of CUH 100 First-Year Experience Seminar, and prepare for the position with training and class preparation.

Riesgo has not only shown herself to be an outstanding peer mentor. She has served as a leader, collaborating with her fellow CUH 100 team members to make the first-year experience even better.

This year’s Tutor of the Year is Rachel Reedy, a student-athlete who has managed to help her fellow students make progress in their academic journey as she also juggles her own studies and excels on the volleyball court. The Tutoring Center has lost count of the number of students she’s helped.

Dominic Coffey was honored with the Dean of Students’ Special Recognition Award for his strong leadership skills, including as a Resident Assistant. The award spotlights those whose contributions have helped build a better community. Coffey has done that while preserving his affable leadership style.

Five students were recognized with the Bro. Joseph Becker Award of Excellence. The award acknowledges undergraduates who display exceptional leadership, demonstrate strong initiative and motivation, and show outstanding character, service, integrity and scholarship.

The freshman honoree was Sean Lorenzo, whose peers and Chaminade mentors can attest to his uncanny ability to motivate others around community service, including through his tireless work with the Student Government Association and Office of Student Activities and Leadership.

There were two sophomore honorees: Pamela Oda and Montserrat Lanfranco. Mentors say Oda has provided exceptional Office of Student Activities and Leadership virtual programs during the pandemic to ensure members of the Chaminade can connect and feel supported. Lanfranco, similarly, has demonstrated a tireless work ethic—and is always willing to help a fellow Silversword.

The Junior honoree was Celine Mesiona-Perez, who has proven to be a key asset to both Campus Ministry and the Office of Student Activities and Leadership. She has embraced her role as a servant leader, stepping up to the responsibilities before her and making sure she isn’t leaving anyone behind.

Finally, the senior honoree was Keahealailani Takushi, who has put in innumerable hours as part of student leadership activities since her very first year at Chaminade. Takushi, who has secured several internships and conducted research projects, has also been recognized for her scholarly achievements.

Among the faculty and staff members recognized was School of Nursing and Health Professions Professor Denise Cooper, who received the Rev. David Schuyler Award. The award acknowledges faculty or staff members who advise a student organization, supporting them in their endeavors, expanding their horizons and demonstrating a commitment to meeting the community’s needs.

Cooper serves as an advisor to Chaminade’s HOSA-Future Health Professionals chapter, and has helped to expand its membership significantly and bolster participation in innovative projects. HOSA members are particularly excited about the organization’s future growth and community service opportunities.

2021 Co-Curricular Awardees:

Male Athlete of the Year: Isaac Amaral-Artharee
Female Athlete of the Year: Randi Fontes
Athletics’ Silversword Award: Catrina Liner
Campus Ministry Award: Edward-James Adachi
Liturgy Award: Kamaile Aipa and Taylor Skye Diego
Retreat Leader of the Year: Keanu Whitfield and Sierra Murobayashi
Service Award: Connor Flynn and Lillie Flynn
Outstanding Orientation Leader: Martina Segura
Outstanding Peer Mentor: Reyna Riesgo
Tutor of the Year: Rachel Reedy
Resident Assistant Award of Excellence: Tihani Rivera
Residence Hall Association Award of Excellence: Marianna Oka
Dean of Students’ Special Recognition: Dominic Coffey
Bro. Joseph Becker Award of Excellence: Sean Lorenzo, Pamela Oda, Montserrat Lanfranco, Celine Mesiona-Perez and Keahealailani Takushi
Bro. Elmer Dunsky Outstanding Student Organization Award: Chemistry Club
Rev. David Schuyler Advisor of the Year Award: Professor Denise Cooper
Fr. Stephen Tutas Program Award for Excellence: Taste of Culture (CSGA)
Frederick K.K. Kauhane, Sr. Aloha Spirit Award: Kamaile Aipa
Henry Halenani Gomes Alaka‘i Award: Edward-James Adachi

Gathering Together: Spring Commencement 2021

2021 Spring Commencement aerial photo

Hundreds gathered in person and virtually on May 8 to celebrate the many accomplishments of Chaminade’s Spring 2021 graduates with Commencement ceremonies on campus, closing out an academic year that brought no shortage of challenges with plenty of smiles, laughter, cheering and tears of joy.

“It was such an honor to celebrate Commencement with our 2021 graduates,” said Chaminade President Lynn Babington. “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 resilience and determination they showed during the pandemic.”

She added, “Look at all they have overcome—just imagine what they have yet to achieve!”

Two separate Commencement exercises were held outdoors to ensure attendees could socially distance. Not lost on anyone in attendance was the importance of the gatherings themselves: these were the first in-person graduation ceremonies held at Chaminade in more than a year.

In the morning, Commencement for graduates from the schools of Business and Communication; Humanities, Arts and Design; Natural Sciences and Mathematics; and Nursing and Health Professions was held. An afternoon Commencement was held for the School of Education and Behavioral Sciences.

2021 Spring Commencement

Approximately 200 graduates attended each ceremony and there was a limit of two guests per graduate. To ensure everyone’s wellbeing, all attendees at the ceremonies wore face coverings and followed COVID safety protocols. Hundreds more family, friends and loved ones from around Hawaii, the nation and the globe were able to watch the events—and cheer on their grad—remotely via livestreams.

Elijah Abramo was among those who walked across the stage in the morning ceremony.

He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and said the culmination of his academic journey was both joyous and just a bit bittersweet. “It was four years of fun, friendship, faith and formation,” he said, “wrapped up in the neat package that is my degree.”

Taylor Lui-Kwan was also at the ceremony to celebrate the completion of her MBA.

She said graduation is an ending—but also a beginning.

2021 Spring Commencement

“It’s the end for my MBA journey but a new start on my next chapter,” Lui-Kwan said, adding that she’s going to miss her peers and professors, the Chaminade campus and engaging class discussions. “I’m excited to see where my classmates and I end up in the business world five years from now.”

Dalton Alatan graduated in the afternoon ceremony with a Master’s in Education.

The full-time teacher said juggling his obligations at school with those at work and those at home—during a pandemic no less—hasn’t been easy. “But I am super grateful to be where I am today,” he said. “Graduating feels like a surreal moment in time. I am excited to continue my career as an elementary education teacher” as he looks ahead to securing an administrative role in Hawaii’s school system.

Alatan added that he’s going to miss his “amazing” professors at Chaminade the most. “They have guided and mentored me through my undergraduate and graduate studies … teaching me new skills that I can apply when I become a leader in the educational system,” he said.

As is tradition at Chaminade, the Commencement ceremonies were preceded by the Baccalaureate Mass on May 7. About 130 graduates, family members, faculty and staff attended the Mass, gathering in the Mystical Rose Oratory and an overflow area in the Clarence T.C. Ching Conference Center.

Wearing masks and socially distancing, attendees at the Mass came together in a strong spirit of thanksgiving, expressing gratitude for all that they have and seeking spiritual guidance for the future.

2021 Spring Commencement

Master of Pastoral Theology graduate Drexel Gregory said he sees Commencement as not only the beginning of a new chapter but as an opportunity to turn what he has learned into positive action. “All my education did was give me the knowledge and analytical skills that would help me do more,” he said.

Now, he said, “I need to put it into use.”

Marlowe Sabater, who also graduated with a Pastoral Theology master’s degree, agreed.

He dedicated his Commencement experience to the fellow members of his cohort in the Diaconate Formation Program at the Diocese of Honolulu. “Graduation is an affirmation of the loving support from my wife and kids, who through thick and thin never wavered from encouraging me to keep going,” he said, adding that the Marianist educational tradition at Chaminade also equipped him with a strong service-oriented mission “to carry out the things I’ve learned in the secular world.”

With his new degree in hand, Sabatar said, the hard work doesn’t end. “It’s just beginning.”

Spring Commencement 2021

9:30 AM Commencement

School of Business and Communication
School of Humanities, Arts and Design
School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics
School of Nursing and Health Professions

2:30 PM Commencement

School of Education and Behavioral Sciences

Student Recognized as a 2021 Red Cross Volunteer Hero

In 2009, an 8.1 magnitude earthquake in the Pacific Ocean generated a massive tsunami that roared onshore in American Samoa and Samoa with wave heights of up to 55 feet. Nearly 200 people were lost and dozens of homes and buildings were destroyed. The price tag of the damage exceeded $200 million.

Timothy Dunstan, who grew up in American Samoa, remembers the unfathomable scale of devastation.

He also remembers the American Red Cross swooping in to help, bringing needed supplies, disaster management expertise and counseling support for families who had lost so much. He says the incredible work of the nonprofit, helping people when they needed it the most, inspired him to join the Red Cross as a volunteer himself when he moved to Hawaii in 2017 to attend Chaminade University. 

Timothy Dunstan volunteering with the Red Cross Hawaii

And he’s stuck with it ever since, putting in hundreds of hours of volunteer work even as he also completes the extensive studies needed to earn a double major in Psychology and Criminology and Criminal Justice.

Dunstan, who is set to graduate in December, has responded to dozens of crises and disasters for the American Red Cross. He’s helped families displaced by house fires and assisted in overseeing emergency shelter operations during several close calls from hurricanes and in the wake of major flooding.

In 2020, after the fatal shooting of two Honolulu police officers and an intentionally set blaze that destroyed several homes in Diamond Head, Dunstan worked with impacted residents and served as a liaison between families and the police. Also last year, he helped a family from Alaska who had been stranded in American Samoa for three months because of the territory’s COVID-19 lockdown.

The 22-year-old’s selfless work for the Red Cross has made him a hero to countless people.

And this year, he’s also been recognized as an American Red Cross of Hawaii “Volunteer Hero.” In naming him for the award, the nonprofit said Dunstan “embodies the heart of the Red Cross mission, stepping up to take the lead in a variety of casework” and ease the suffering of those in crisis.

Timothy Duston standing in front of the Red Cross van

Dunstan, who was born in New Zealand, said his family has always contributed to the community in “different roles of servitude.” And so when he moved to the islands to attend Chaminade, he decided to “give it a go” as a Red Cross volunteer “and see if it fits.” He found a nonprofit that allowed him to serve the community in a powerful way. And at Chaminade, he found a university that supported that work.

“A lot of our work is based on comforting clients. If people need help, we’re there,” Dunstan said.

He added Chaminade’s mission of public service has not only helped drive him in his Red Cross volunteering, but has also inspired him to apply what he’s learning in the classroom—especially in psychology—to his service for the community. “Having someone who has lost everything be able to just say, ‘Thank you,’ it’s when you know you’ve made a difference,” Dunstan said.

“It’s really something that opens your eyes to the world.”

After graduation, Dunstan hopes to pursue a career serving others. He’s weighing potential options now, but says he may consider law school—to become a prosecutor—or seek a career in forensic psychology. In the meantime, he said, he also wants to get others involved with Red Cross work. So he’s working with other students to start a Red Cross club at Chaminade and is recruiting new participants now.

Students Showcase Work at Annual Na Liko Na‘auao

Na Liko Naauao virtual event 2021 screenshot

Chaminade undergraduates across all disciplines gathered virtually in early April to present their ongoing research across a broad array of exciting areas, from Native Hawaiian traditional medicine to data science database development to the microbiome, coral bleaching and cancer cell research.

The undergraduate conference, Na Liko Na‘auao, is an annual event at Chaminade to showcase exceptional original work by students seeking bachelor’s degrees and underscores the breadth and depth of academic scholarship at the University. Fields represented at this year’s conference, which included 23 presentations in all, ranged from Biology to Data Science to the Forensic Sciences.

The Na Liko Na‘auao symposium was first held at Chaminade in 2002.

Among the impressive topics students tackled this year:

  • “Modeling The Microbiome Of Aa In Vitro Taro Digestion Model,” from Ava Dysarz
  • “Seasonal Difference In Carcass Decomposition On Oahu,” presented by Marietta Lee
  • And “Keawawa Water Analysis And Restoration,” from Dorie Sanborn and Trinity Young

Organizers say Na Liko Na‘auao not only gives undergraduates an opportunity to offer the broader University community a glimpse into what they’re working on. It also gives them a chance to hone their presentation and speaking skills, synthesizing their research for a general audience.

The public forum also gives students an opportunity to take questions, giving them insight into their research strengths along with potential areas for improvement, further exploration and collaboration.

Also at Na Liko Na‘auao, the recipients of two prestigious Chaminade awards were announced.

Dr. Lynn Babington, Darian Balai and Dr. Rylan Chon

The President Sue Wesselkamper Prize, which recognizes a student who has displayed academic scholarship beyond the classroom and has a record of service learning volunteerism and leadership, was awarded to Data Science student Dairain Balai, who is also minoring in Biology and Criminal Justice.

In nominating her for the award, Data Science program Director Dr. Rylan Chong said Dairain has participated in a host of leadership and research growth opportunities—and excelled in each of them.

And her work is already getting noticed. To continue her research on Native Hawaiian women’s health, Dairain was selected for a competitive spot as a paid research assistant at the University of Texas in Austin Texas Advanced Computing Center, where she is also serves as a mentor to other students.

Chong said Dairian, who graduated from Waianae High and is a Ho’oulu Scholar, “represents what Chaminade is all about locally, in her community, and on the mainland by going beyond the expectations of her service to community and education, development of her moral character, personal competencies, and commitment to build a more just and peaceful society.”

Danson Oliva, Dr. Kate Perrault and Dr. Lynn Babington

Also announced at the event: the recipient of the President Mackey Prize, which recognizes a faculty member at Chaminade with a record of student mentoring and a strong, ongoing commitment to providing students with research or creative experiences that go beyond the classroom.

This year’s awardee: Dr. Kate Perrault, an assistant professor of Forensic Sciences and Chemistry.

Undergraduate researcher Danson Oliva nominated Perrault for the honor, saying the professor is “extraordinarily passionate about the course material and wants every student to succeed.” Oliva added that working in a lab under Perrault has been a wonderful growth experience, allowing her to flex her scholarship muscles while also getting helpful and instructive feedback and mentoring.

“As a research mentor, she guides us but also helps us troubleshoot problems when they arise,” Oliva wrote. “With the help of Dr. Perrault, I have gone on to give two conference presentations on my project. It wouldn’t have happened if Dr. Perrault didn’t truly believe in our ability to succeed.”