Chaminade University of Honolulu

Campus and Community

Nonprofit Organizations Seminar

Everything from federal tax law changes for nonprofits to cybersecurity trends to the value of crowdfunding to raise supplemental operational funds were among the high-interest topics discussed at this year’s Nonprofit Organizations Seminar at Chaminade University of Honolulu.

The event, in its 18th year at Chaminade, attracted representatives from some 80 Hawaii nonprofits.

They came together Aug. 16 for a day of professional development and collaboration.

Shari Chang, CEO of Girl Scouts of Hawaii, delivered the lunchtime keynote speech. She’s a 35-year veteran of the hospitality marketing industry and is now using her strong business background to help oversee the expansion of her organization’s leadership development programs for girls.

Other speakers at the event included Spencer Lau, a two-time Chaminade University graduate and interim director of finance at the Honolulu Community Action Program, who talked about how more and more nonprofits are using crowdfunding to help cover institutional expenses or existing programs; and Trever Asam, a partner at the Cades Schutte law firm and an expert on tax law, whose presentation focused on important legislation and court rulings that effect tax-exempt organizations.

The nonprofit seminar is put on annually by Chaminade’s School of Business and Communication.

And the impressive slate of experts who made presentations at the event included several from the University’s own faculty and staff roster. Rylan Chong, co-director of Chaminade’s data science program, spoke about the risks of organizational identity theft and how nonprofits can protect themselves while three Chaminade accounting professors offered presentations on tax fraud prevention and auditing.

The day also included an engaging panel discussion, titled “To accept or not to accept, that is the question,” on the importance of gift acceptance policies that reflect the values and overall work of a successful fundraising charity or nonprofit. On the panel: Michael Coppes, senior executive director of estate and gift planning at the UH Foundation, and Hugh Jones, the foundation’s chief legal officer.

A Sustainable Campus

When Sister Malia Wong isn’t teaching, you’re likely to find her around campus gathering, protecting and identifying native plants.

The humanities professor has made it her mission to help heal those around her using traditional Hawaiian plants and medicine. From a friend battling cancer to a colleague suffering from a skin rash, Wong has a cure.

“My teacher, Kumu Levon Ohai from Kaua‘i, kahuna la‘au lapa‘au, taught me an important lesson,” says Wong. “The creator provides us with everything we need.”

“Chaminade is a district of Kalaepohaku in the Kapalama ahupua‘a,” she continues. “On campus, everything that we need can be found right here. That’s what makes our campus so sustainable.”

Sister Malia Wong making natural ointments

But it’s not just about picking and using plants, it’s about having a relationship with them.

“If you don’t include prayer, attention and respect, then you’re just playing with plants,” says Wong as she rummages through a bag of tinctures and ointments. “It’s about having the interrelationship with the plants that makes it so special. Our plants speak to us, and share their stories with us.”

She pulls out a mason jar full of naupaka leaves that she collected from upper campus soaking in coconut oil. “This is a great natural sunscreen. You can take the plant and rub it on yourself to protect your skin from the sun.”

Wong is constantly sharing her knowledge and gift with the rest of campus and those around her—from stocking the Center for Teaching and Learning with homemade loose-leaf teas for her colleagues, to hosting a mini weekend-long summer institute workshop for the public, to teaching classes and collaborating with other professors on curricula. Her office is full of plant tags and stakes that she plans to use to label plants around campus. She’s even created an online database and a campus map identifying all of the native plants, including those of other traditions, that have medicinal uses.

Last year, in her environmental ethics class, her students got really involved in protecting the native foliage in the oval at the entrance to campus. Professors from other departments have also expressed interest in partnering, including an English professor who wanted to share Hawaiian lore about plants with students. Even participants in this year’s Montessori summer institute became involved, with groups of visiting teachers searching for and learning to identify native plants around campus.

“We all have this interconnectedness with everything,” says Wong. “And we have the wisdom of our elders within us. Why not just remember we are all a part of this earth? If we balance ourselves with nature, then we’ll be okay.”

Data Science Summer Institute

Data science program summer institute, student doing research

What factors influence opioid addiction? Are fish ponds sustainable? What is the public opinion of Hawaii’s homeless population?

Twenty one Chaminade students spent a month this summer trying to answer these questions and more. Their quest was part of the Supporting Pacific Indigenous Computing Excellence (SPICE) Summer Institute in Data Science Program, a partnership between Chaminade University and the Texas Advanced Computing Center held on campus from May 20 to June 14.

The students, all from diverse majors and backgrounds, joined together for four weeks to explore the field of data science and how it can be used to solve some of our most pressing problems.

They spent the first week choosing a topic to investigate—anything from social, political, environmental, economic and health issues. Choosing a good topic was essential.

Data science program summer institute, students doing research

“One month is a long program, and we didn’t want the students to burn out,” says Dr. Rylan Chong ’10, data scientist and postdoctoral researcher at Chaminade University. “We wanted to make sure they were passionate about what they were doing, and that they believed in their project.”

During the second week, the students collected their datasets. They learned to access publicly available data, using sources like the Department of Education, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the U.S. Census Bureau, among others.

Week 3 was spent interpreting the data and piecing together their story. And in week 4, they learned to present their data and turn it into graphical visualizations, easy for a lay person to understand.

Data science program summer institute, students doing research

The summer program served as a launchpad for the new data science major at Chaminade University, starting this fall. Upon completion of the month-long institute, several of the students are exploring adding a minor or certificate in data science, and some are even working with outside entities to continue their projects.

“Data science provides the tools to do things on a broader, bigger scale,” says Dr. Chong. “I’m excited to see how far these students take their projects, and to see the new projects that come out of the first cohort of students in the new data science program.”

To learn more about the new major in data science, the first of its kind at a Hawaii university, visit chaminade.edu/nsm/data-science.

Chaminade Celebrates 2019 Graduates at Commencement

The evening of May 13 was a time of celebration for Chaminade University of Honolulu’s class of 2019 as family, friends, faculty and staff gathered at the Neal S. Blaisdell Arena for Chaminade’s 61st Commencement ceremony.

Following the Oli chant, a traditional Hawaiian welcome and blessing, delivered by Chaminade class of 2014 graduate Kaipo Leopoldino, university president Dr. Lynn Babington welcomed graduates and guests to celebrate the work of faculty, new beginnings and to reflect on changes in the university since its founding in 1955.

In her welcome, Dr. Babington highlighted one of the five Characteristics of a Marianist education that Chaminade, the only Catholic university in the state of Hawaii, emphasizes: educate for adaptation and change. These values and Chaminade’s commitment to service proved to be a consistent theme throughout the evening’s exercises leading up to the graduation of nearly 500 students from 25 undergraduate and six graduate degree programs.

Among the honored guests in attendance were Governor David Ige and his wife Dawn Amano-Ige, who gave the Commencement address.

“You made it,” Amano-Ige said as she began her speech. “You own it. This is your moment. Tonight is your night as we honor you and your achievements.”

Amano-Ige became the first lady of Hawaii in December 2014 when her husband was sworn in as Hawaii’s eighth governor. She has also been an alumna of Chaminade since 1986 when she graduated with her master’s degree in business administration. In her address, Amano-Ige bestowed a few pieces of wisdom on the soon-to-be graduates. She encouraged them to make the most of every opportunity they’re given, to be realistic when starting off in their careers and to take action in moments of uncertainty instead of holding back or withdrawing. The first lady, similarly to Dr. Babington, emphasized how valuable a Chaminade education is because of its values.

“You are so fortunate to be graduating from a place where diversity is celebrated in culture-based learning and where ethical leadership is the focus,” Amano-Ige said. “The rich combination of the two gives you the power to make a difference. When done collectively with your classmates, that power is multiplied to have a great impact on our community.”

Savannah Lyn Relox Delos Santos, the Undergraduate Speaker, delivered an equally impactful speech in which she conveyed the gratitude she feels toward the Chaminade community and her family.

Delos Santos, who earned her bachelor’s degree in business marketing, has spent her years at Chaminade serving as a peer mentor and tutor, student office assistant and president of the Residence Hall Association—all while excelling in her classes, working and volunteering.

She was also an active participant in Campus Ministry, student government and Chaminade’s Hogan Entrepreneurial Program. Her commitment to service and the university’s Marianist values earned her the prestigious Founders’ Award earlier this year. Delos Santos’ dream is to be the second and youngest Native Hawaiian fashion designer to present their work at New York Fashion Week and plans to move to the Philippines after graduation to pursue her professional goals and learn more about her roots.

“Our differential advantages are the Marianist values and the Aloha Spirit,” Delos Santos said. “We are the only university with both and we all live it in our Chaminade community. So embrace it, use it, because we are so blessed.”

Both Amano-Ige and Delos Santos were the first college graduates in their families and shared how education and Chaminade were significant contributors to who they are today.

And finally, after many semesters of hard work and sacrifice, the Chaminade class of 2019 turned its tassels and became alumni, forever part of the Chaminade family.

“Your passion, along with your education and experiences here at Chaminade, will be part of the sometimes messy but beautiful process we call life,” Amano-Ige said. “So tonight be jubilant, be proud, go out and celebrate—safely of course—the joy of your achievement. Tomorrow, your focus shifts to putting your college education to good use for your community, for our Hawaii, for the world and for generations to come.”

Commencement 2019 (short version)
Commencement 2019 (long version)

Bridges to the Future Celebration

Chaminade donors, faculty, staff and board members gathered on Tuesday, April 23 to celebrate the capping of the Bridges to the Future campaign.

Several students spoke at the event about the impacts the campaign has had on their time at Chaminade, including second-year ‘Aulani Oka who received a scholarship because of the campaign.

“I may have only been here for two years, but as a beneficiary of this campaign I can honestly say it’s changed my life,” she said. “I would not be standing here right now without your help. You have made a difference in my life, and the lives of many other students. I will do my best to prove myself worthy of this honor, and hopefully pay it forward to others in the future.”

The campaign was the university’s most ambitious fundraising campaign, raising $118 million. Funds raised supported student access and success, academic excellence, athletics programming, a vibrant campus environment and impacts in the community. Some notable impacts from the campaign include:

  • The creation of 46 new privately funded scholarships
  • A brand new School of Nursing, now tied for No. 1 due to it’s 100% pass rate of the national licensure exam
  • A new Silversword Athletics Training Center and Locker Rooms and renovated athletics facilities
  • Renovations to 100% of the major buildings on campus
  • 34,650 meals served to homeless individuals and families at the Next Step Shelter

Mahalo to all who helped make this campaign a success! In the words of fourth-year student Antonio Bonnetty, “Your contributions have an impact on students here because they allow students to achieve their dreams; they allow for change, and they allow students like me to breathe again.”

Student Leaders are Recognized at Co-Curricular Awards

To acknowledge members of the Chaminade community that go above and beyond in their contributions to the university and the community, Chaminade hosted its 14th Annual Co-Curricular Awards dinner on April 17 in Clarence T.C. Ching Conference Center. Twenty seven awards were presented to three student organizations, one staff member and 18 students.

The Division of Student Affairs, Campus Ministry and the Office of Advising and Career Development presented the awards at the celebration. Every recipient demonstrated outstanding leadership by playing an integral part in making Chaminade a better place to learn.

A few of the awards presented included the Male and Female Athlete of the Year awards, the Dean of Students’ Special Recognition award and the Brother Joseph Becker Awards of Excellence, which are presented to one freshman, sophomore, junior and senior each year who have displayed exceptional leadership in co-curricular activities throughout the academic year.

In addition to honoring outstanding individuals, awards were given to the Chaminade Student Nurses Association and the Rotaract Club, student organizations that have fostered a positive environment at the university.

The students, staff and student-run organizations recognized at the Annual Co-Curricular Awards, and others that share the same commitment to leadership and service, are what make receiving an education at Chaminade so special.

2019 CO-CURRICULAR AWARDS

AWARDS PRESENTED BY THE OFFICE OF STUDENT ACTIVITIES AND LEADERSHIP (OSAL)

Bro. Joseph Becker Awards of Excellence:

Awarded annually to a freshman, sophomore, junior, and senior who displayed exceptional leadership through involvement in co-curricular activities.
Freshman: Amber Sablan
Sophomore: Symone Perez
Junior: Shane Cobacha
Senior: Claire Riggan

Bro. Elmer Dunsky Outstanding Student Organization Award:

Awarded annually to a student organization who has gone beyond the bounds of their membership by helping to create a positive campus environment for all students and made an outstanding contribution to Chaminade University as an organization.
Chaminade Student Nursing Association
Rotaract Club

Fr. Stephen Tutas Program Award for Excellence:

Awarded annually to a student or student organization who has exceptional creativity, planning, and execution of a university program which significantly contributed to the quality of life at Chaminade.
Tales & Treats (Lumanai O Samoa/Micronesian Club)

Rev. David Schuyler Advisor of the Year Award:

Awarded annually to a member of faculty, staff or administration who advises a student club/organization and consistently helped to identify, encourage, and support students in their leadership development and campus involvement, repeatedly demonstrated a commitment to the community and its needs, and expanded the horizons, skills and value systems of Chaminade students by providing support and guidance within co-curricular life.
Dr. David Carter

AWARDS PRESENTED BY ATHLETICS

Male Athlete of the Year:

Awarded annually to a student-athlete who represents Chaminade University in a prideful and honorable manner during his season.
Grant Dressler (Men’s Basketball)

Female Athlete of the Year:

Awarded annually to a student-athlete who represents Chaminade University in a prideful and honorable manner during her season.
Emma Tecklenberg (Women’s Volleyball)

Silversword Award:

Recognizes an act or series of acts associated with an athletic activity that represents the spirit of the Marianist philosophy to include sportsmanship, integrity, honesty, truthfulness and respect for self and others.
Erik Schieve (Men’s Basketball)

AWARDS PRESENTED BY CAMPUS MINISTRY

Campus Ministry Award:

Awarded to a student who has participated in all areas of Campus Ministry (liturgy, community service and retreats). This person is an all-around amazing member of the Campus Ministry ‘ohana.
Adam Perez

Liturgy Award:

Awarded to an individual who has willingly volunteered his or her time and talent to contribute to the quality and spirituality of our weekend and special liturgies and prayer experiences.
Savannah Delos Santos
Andrew Ines

Retreat Leader of the Year:

Acknowledges the overwhelming commitment and dedication shown by a retreat leader in creating communities of support, faith, and love on campus.
Claire Riggan

Service Award:

Acknowledges outstanding servant leadership in the area of restorative justice and service for the people and the `āina (land) of Hawaii.
Antonio Bonnetty

AWARDS PRESENTED BY THE OFFICE OF ADVISING AND CAREER DEVELOPMENT

Distinguished Tutor of the Year:

Acknowledges the outstanding commitment and dedication shown by a tutor to serve the Chaminade University of Honolulu community.
Spencer Lee

Outstanding Orientation Leader:

Awarded to an Orientation Leader who has displayed exemplary performance of their duties.
Adam Perez
Nicole Sagapolutele

Outstanding Peer Mentor:

Awarded to a Peer Mentor who has displayed exemplary performance of their duties.
Savannah Delos Santos
Marvin Trantham

AWARDS PRESENTED BY RESIDENTIAL LIFE

Residence Hall Association Award of Excellence:

Awarded to a Resident Hall Association Representative who is a role model for other representatives, has demonstrated strong leadership skills and who positively impacted the organization and residential community.
Je’sha-Ariana Outlaw-Pila

Resident Assistant Award of Excellence:

Awarded to a Resident Assistant who has a high-level of maturity, exhibits the ability to work as an individual community leader as well as an active participant on the Residential Life team.
Jamie Beesley-Wadzinsk

AWARDS PRESENTED BY DEAN OF STUDENTS

Dean of Students’ Special Recognition:

Recognizes a student who in his or her time at Chaminade has continuously contributed to the betterment of the overall community.
Andrew Trapsi

Frederick K.K. Kauhane, Sr. Aloha Spirit Award:

Antonio Bonnetty

Awarded annually to students who exhibit a humble, cheerful, and generous spirit; a dedication to fostering a sense of `ohana around campus and the ability to raise other’s spirits by consistently improving the environment around them.
Antonio Bonnetty
Savannah Delos Santos

Henry Halenani Gomes Alaka‘i Award:

Recognizes a Chaminade undergraduate student who has demonstrated excellence in leadership and service to the Native Hawaiian community.
Ryan Kawena Phillips