Chaminade University of Honolulu

Campus and Community

Prison Education Grads Celebrate Commencement

The Halawa Correctional Facility and Chaminade University held a special commencement ceremony May 10 for nine men earning their associate of arts degree in Business Administration. The graduates are the second cohort to graduate from Halawa’s Prison Education Program—offered at the facility through a partnership with Chaminade.

“Driving positive change and advocating for social justice is core to our Catholic, Marianist mission at Chaminade University, which is why we are so excited about the continued success of our rehabilitation-through-education partnership with the State of Hawaiʻi,” said Lynn Babington, Ph.D., president of Chaminade University.

“Our Spring 2025 prison-based education graduates exemplify the importance of second chances and personal development. These men have overcome so many obstacles that most of us can’t even imagine. They are well on their way to being resilient, to taking care of themselves and moving forward with their life’s path and we are so proud of that.”

The graduates included Eddieson Reyes, AA ’25, who said he never thought he would be able to attain a college degree.

“It’s an eye-opener for me, gaining more knowledge, more wisdom, more understanding of how the world works,” he said, adding that he is proud to be a positive role model for his two daughters, both of whom are also attending college.

“I’m trying to show them that if I can do it, they can do it. This program was so inspiring. I told myself that I didn’t like school, but really I love it.”

Oscar Kanoa, AA ’25 said he had “a lot of butterflies” at the commencement.

“It’s means a lot to me. It shows the perseverance we’ve had,” he said. “This is a second chance to achieve something.”

Through the program, Chaminade University faculty teach courses at the correctional facility.

The graduates completed 20 courses and accumulated 60 credits over five semesters to earn their associate’s degree. The AA in Business Administration includes foundational coursework in business principles, communication and critical thinking.

Tommy Johnson, director of the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, said the graduating class “represents the core mission of the department—providing programs and services in collaboration with our partners to those in our custody and care so they can successfully reintegrate back into society upon release.”

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“We are extremely proud of all the graduates,” he added.

After the ceremony, graduate Tyrone Molina said he was proud of himself—and his fellow Silverswords.

“This proves that I’m capable of doing things that I never thought I could,” the 38-year-old said.

“Growing up, I was pretty good in school but I just started following the wrong crowd. So this was a chance for me to redeem myself and get back out there and show the world what I’m capable of and be able to provide for myself and my family.”

Lance Askildson, Ph.D, senior vice president for academic affairs and provost at Chaminade University, told graduates that the commencement ceremony was a new beginning.

“The start of this new chapter is not defined by the past but by the purpose you have chosen, the values you carry with you and the choices that lie ahead of you,” he said.

Askildson added: “At Chaminade, we believe that every student deserves the chance to grow and learn to build a life of purpose. Our graduates in the prison education program have embraced this opportunity with courage and perseverance while also finding renewed purpose in their lives.”

Chaminade Celebrates 67th Commencement

Chaminade University celebrated its 67th annual Spring Commencement Ceremonies on May 3, recognizing the achievements of Class of 2025 graduates as they embark on their next big adventures and prepare to drive positive change in their communities.

In a commencement address at the morning ceremony for graduating master’s and doctoral students, Chaminade Board of Regents Chair Keiki-Pua Dancil, Ph.D., senior vice president of government affairs and strategic planning at Pulama Lana‘i, congratulated students and encouraged them to see completing their degrees “as not an ending but a beginning.”

“This is a moment of tremendous achievement. I am filled with joy, gratitude and pride—not just at what you have accomplished but the lives you are about to shape,” Dancil told graduates. “Success isn’t just about job titles. It’s not about degrees or promotions. It’s about impact. It’s about how we make others feel, the futures we help build and the joy we help create.”

She noted the world is changing rapidly. “We face climate change, healthcare inequality, challenges in education,” Dancil said. “These aren’t just headlines, they are calls to action and they require leaders like all of you—grounded in values, bold in purpose and committed to others. Will you be the leader who leads with integrity, humility and courage?”

The master’s and doctoral degrees ceremony kicked off at 10 a.m. at the Waikiki Shell, followed by Commencement for undergraduates. It was the first time Chaminade has held separate ceremonies and comes as graduate enrollment at the University continues to grow.

Altogether, some 250 graduates and 320 undergraduates were recognized.

“Our students are here with their families and we are so proud of them. It’s a wonderful day for everyone to celebrate,” said President Lynn Babington, Ph.D., before the morning ceremony began. “My message to graduating students would be: Don’t forget what you’ve learned here. You are future leaders so go out and make a difference in your communities.”

The featured speaker at the undergraduate ceremony was John Leong, co-founder, chairman and CEO of Pono Pacific Land Management and co-founder and CEO of nonprofit Kupu. In his address, he challenged students to think about the legacies they want to leave behind.

“If we don’t fulfill our purpose in life … we’re always going to think there’s a missing puzzle piece,” he said, adding that life is about taking risks and breaking free of your comfort zone.

Another highlight of the undergraduate ceremony was the conferral of an honorary doctoral degree to Bro. Ed Brink, S.M., vice president of mission and rector at the University since 2016 and a mentor to many students. The honor comes as Brink prepares to take on a new role this summer—as Director of Novices for the Marianist Province of the United States.

Lance Askildson, Ph.D., provost and vice president for Academic Affairs at Chaminade, described Brink as an “esteemed educator, mentor and servant-leader” who has devoted his life and vocation to “lead with compassion and to serve with humility.”

Watch: Chaminade’s 67th Commencement Ceremony-Undergraduate Programs

Watch: Chaminade’s 67th Commencement Ceremony-Graduate Programs

“For nearly a decade in his capacity as vice president for mission and rector, he has exercised transformative leadership over Campus Ministry, the Chaminade Scholars program, the Marianist Education Associates and so much more,” Askildon told attendees.

He added: “Honorary degrees are granted to individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to their professional fields and their local communities. While the university confers such degrees to honor the recipient, it is also the recipient who honors the university.”

Student speakers were a special highlight of both Commencement ceremonies.

Kelly Marie Dolan-Sapp, Ed.D. ’25 said she switched to Chaminade from a different doctoral program because she was looking for an educational institution that valued her as a leader, a student and a person. “We all want to feel seen, heard, valued,” she said, encouraging her fellow graduates to remember that as they seek to advance their careers and impact.

She said to lead is to “open our eyes and see the common humanity among us.”

In her address during the undergraduate ceremony, Madison Makishima ’25 told her story of overcoming personal challenges to get to graduation day.

Makishima was born prematurely and she said doctors gave her less than a 10% chance of survival.

“Today I am before you—16 life-saving surgeries later—as your fellow Chaminade student who is graduating with a Bachelor’s of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice,” she said, as her graduates cheered her on.

In her speech, Makishima also thanked all those who helped her over the past four years, including members of Campus Security who assisted her with getting around campus.

She told her fellow graduating students that to get through life’s challenges “fight and fight hard for yourself in everything you do.”

Chaminade Mourns Passing of Pope Francis

A message from Chaminade President Lynn Babington, Ph.D.:


Chaminade University of Honolulu joins with communities around the islands and the globe in mourning the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis on Easter Monday.

Pope Francis was a defender of the marginalized, an inspirational advocate for our Earth, and a beacon of hope to people from all walks of life. He will be greatly missed.

Pope Francis also challenged us to give of ourselves to ease the suffering of our neighbors and underscored the responsibility we all have to use our skills to make the world a better place for everyone. He believed fiercely in the transformative power of education to lift communities, and leaves us with a legacy of service and selflessness.

Prayers for Pope Francis will be offered at various events on campus this week, and we invite you to join us.

In his writings, addresses, and homilies, Pope Francis encouraged us to be people of hope, reconciliation and mercy. Those attributes are needed in our world at this time. We are grateful for his guidance, wisdom and compassion, and know he will continue to serve as an inspiration.

Community Gathers for ‘International Extravaganza’

It was an evening of cultural celebration and Silversword pride.

Scores of students, faculty, staff and members of the community gathered at Chaminade’s campus April 11 for “International Extravaganza,” which featured performances from Ka Ipu Kukui Me Ka ‘ie ‘ie: the Hawaiian Club, the Taotao Marianas Club, the Filipino Club, and Lumana‘i O Samoa.

The annual event on the Sullivan Family Library Lawn is always a big hit.

And this year was no exception.

Victoria Zembik ’26, who is president of the Chaminade Student Government Association, said student cultural clubs spent months preparing for the special evening.

“A lot of the performers are seniors and this was their big send-off,” she said. “One of the biggest highlights of this year’s event is that they always top their performances from previous semesters, which I absolutely love.”

International Extravaganza aims to showcase the cultural traditions and diversity of the Chaminade community through performances. Zembik said lots of time, passion and sweat go into preparing for and organizing the event.

“It gives students, regardless of their major or cultural background, a chance to meet, connect, and build community,” the Nursing major added.

“It’s a space where they bring a piece of themselves, their families, and their heritage to the stage.”

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Zembik added her focus for the event was making sure everything went smoothly behind the scenes so that the spotlight was on the performers.

“They’re the ones who really seal the deal and make this event as extravagant as it is,” she said. “This event wouldn’t be as successful without the dedication and commitment of the students. That’s why I work hard to make sure it’s worthy of their time—because they give so much of theirs to make it unforgettable.”

Photo Gallery: Taste of Culture

Chaminade students, faculty and staff gathered this week for the seventh annual Taste of Culture event.

The celebration spotlights Chaminade’s cultural diversity with foods from around the world.

The event April 9, organized by the Chaminade Student Government Association, was held on the Sullivan Family Library Lawn from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

For more Chaminade events, click here to go to our online calendar.