Catholic

Enduring Memories

June 10, 2024

Chaminade Leaves Lasting Impression on Two Alumni

As they reminisced about their years at Chaminade, Clarke Antonio ’17 and Vanessa Ignacio ’18 vividly recalled their memories of laughter, professors, fellow Swords, classes, conferences, the Filipino Club and Extravaganza. Eight years later, the two alumni shared one last detail: they now bear the same last name.

“We got married on Oahu on May 11,” said Antonio-Ignacio with a wide smile during a ZOOM interview. “We have been together for seven years, and three of those were long distance. So, it has been a long road to get here.”

Their journey began by meeting through various classes, attending the same workshops and taking advantage of the many opportunities. One of the them was a chance to attend a Pre-Health Conference at UC Davis, where talks swirled about the two dating. Apparently, on the drive back to their hotel after a long day at the Conference, Ignacio had fallen asleep on the shoulder of Antonio, sparking rumors among other passengers and the driver, Dr. Amber Noguchi, Chaminade’s Program Director with the Undergraduate Research & Pre-Professional Programs.

“Yeah, we heard about that,” Antonio chuckled. “We can confirm that story is true, but we weren’t seeing each other at that point. We were seen together at different workshops so people thought we were a couple.”

Vanessa Antonio-Ignacio and Clarke Ignacio got married on May 11 on Oahu.
Vanessa Ignacio attended Clarke Antonio’s commencement ceremony.
Vanessa Antonio-Ignacio and Clarke Ignacio got married on May 11 on Oahu.
Clarke Antonio and Vanessa Ignacio danced the traditional Filipino tinikling during Extravaganza.
Clarke Antonio and Vanessa Ignacio shared their vows on May 11.
Clarke Antonio and Vanessa attended the Commencement Ball as a couple.
Fr. George Cerniglia (former rector at Chaminade) officiated the wedding of Clarke Antonio and Vanessa Ignacio.
Clarke Antonio gave Vanessa Ignacio a boquet of flowers when he asked her to the Commencement Ball.

Yet, it wasn’t until Antonio’s junior year and Ignacio’s sophomore year did they have their first official date. Over time, their bond strengthened, in part, because of their mutual commitment to the University’s mission of service, which they took to heart. Both take great interests in inter-professional collaboration, advocacy and serving underserved communities.

“Educating for service was the primary reason I chose to go to Chaminade,” said Ignacio, a Hilo native who is in her last year of residency with the Hawai’i Island Family Medicine Residency. “I remember coming to Chaminade on a college campus tour during my sophomore year in high school, and I really liked the intimate culture and student involvement.”

Antonio cited similar reasons. After graduating from Farrington High School, the Kalihi native recognized that he preferred smaller class sizes and with a better professor-to-student ratio. He didn’t want to attend UH precisely because of its sprawl and large population. Instead, Antonio scheduled a campus tour of Chaminade, unsure even if his family could afford the cost of a private university.

“I received the Merit Scholarship so that really helped,” Antonio said. “The experience was incredible. I was exposed to so many opportunities that helped me go beyond my initial dreams and ambitions.”

One opportunity in particular helped advance Antonio’s lifetime dream of becoming a physician in Hawaii. Through an articulation agreement with A.T. Still University–Arizona School of Health Sciences, he was able to pursue his Doctor of Physical Therapy (D.P.T). Meanwhile, Ignacio also entered into an articulation agreement with A.T. Still University, but with the school’s College of Osteopathic Medicine in Kirksville, Missouri, 1,300 miles away from Mesa, Arizona.

“We made it work since we were on the same academic calendar, and we had the same breaks,” said Antonio, a Board-Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist who now practices full-time at Hilo Medical Center. “We literally studied together virtually, with our laptops on one side of the desk and books on the other. Sometimes, it was just complete silence but it was comforting to see each other on screen.”

As Antonio-Ignacio completes her third and final year of residency, the couple has a lot to look forward to in the coming years. And they have a lot to look back on, including their recent marriage and their time on the Kalaepohaku campus.

“Chaminade holds so many great memories for us,” Antonio-Ignacio said. “We even asked Fr. George Cerniglia (former rector at Chaminade)—whom we got close to while we were students, and kept in touch even after he moved to Missouri—to officiate our wedding. He was thrilled and happy to see so many familiar Chaminade faces since we invited a lot of our Chaminade friends to the wedding.”

MEA Formation

May 31, 2024

Silverswords Commit to Being Marianist Education Associates

In 2005, members from Chaminade University, University of Dayton and St. Mary’s University of San Antonio responded to the call from Association of Marianist Universities Board to build a partnership among members of the Society of Mary, the sponsoring religious body. It would invite a cadre of lay collaborators, who would together sustain and renew the mission and identity that was Catholic, and that embodied the Marianist educational tradition.

Since then, faculty, staff and administrators have been invited each year to deepen their understanding of and their commitment to the traditions and beliefs that make each respective university a Catholic and Marianist community. Now known as the Marianist Educational Associates Formation, participants engage in a comprehensive program that includes readings, reflections and the sharing of insights.

“The program was well received and there was a lot of positive energy,” said Chaminade’s Chaplain and Special Assistant to the President, Fr. Martin Solma, of the varying talks and events during this year’s Formation at Chaminade, which last hosted the weeklong event in 2015. “Even all the rain was minor compared to the great presentations.”

In all, 27 staff, faculty and administrators—of which seven hailed from Chaminade—from the three Marianist Catholic universities participated in this year’s Formation. New Marianist Educational Associates now include Student Engagement Coordinator Andrew Ancheta ’21; Data Science Director and Assistant Professor Rylan Chong, Ph.D., ’10; School of Humanities, Arts and Design Dean Cheryl Edelson, Ph.D.; School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics Dean Gail Grabowsky, Ph.D.; Psychology Associate Professor, and Marriage and Family Counseling Clinical Director Dr. Abby Halston, MS ’05, Ed.D. ; Women’s Volleyball Head Coach Kahala Kabalis Hoke ’05, MS ’07; and Student Success Associate Director Pono Riddle ’18, MEd’ 21.

The inspiration for the Marianist Educational Associates (MEAs) stems from Blessed William Joseph Chaminade, the founder of the Marianists, who urged members and communities within the Marianist Family to engage in “dialogues of faith and culture.”

Chaminade recognized the need for conversation and action in response to the new social and cultural environment shaped by the French Revolution. He believed that examining this new world through the lens of a critically informed faith would help people understand the profound needs of the human heart and strengthen their personal commitment to the Christian faith. The MEAs draw their inspiration from this core element of our early tradition.

Golden Pine ‘apple’ Award

May 30, 2024

Teacher and Administrator of the Year Announced

In April, Sacred Hearts School Principal Tonata Lolesio received the coveted 2024 National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA) Lead, Learn and Proclaim Award, only one of 11 recipients chosen nationwide for their work upholding Catholic Education and Faith formation to the highest standards. A month later, the longtime Valley Isle educator was named Hawaii Catholic Schools’ Teacher of the Year, bestowing upon her the Golden Pine”apple” Award during a special Recognition Ceremony at Natsunoya Tea House on Oahu.

“Her dedication to teaching the whole student has profoundly impacted both Sacred Hearts School and the broader Lahaina community,” said Dr. Dale Fryxell, Dean of School of Education and Behavioral Sciences, when announcing Lolesio’s name. “One standout example of her commitment occurred in the aftermath of the devastating Lahaina fire, where she established a pop-up school at Sacred Hearts Mission Church in Kapalua, providing continuity of education and emotional support for her students and welcoming displaced children from the wider community.”

“We came together during a time of crisis to help students and families,” Lolesio told the Hawaii Catholic Herald. “It is our Catholic calling and mission. These experiences, especially my first two years as principal, have taught me much about entrusting my work and plans to God for his guidance and protection. It is ultimately his school, I am his servant in providing for its needs.”

With the support of John C. and Mary Lou Brogan, The Augustine Educational Foundation, Hawaii Catholic Schools and Chaminade, the Teacher of the Year and the Administrator of the Year awards recognize excellence in outstanding teachers/specialists and administrators within the Catholic Schools in the State of Hawaii.

“The Golden Pine’apple’ celebrates the best of Catholic education by recognizing talented, service-oriented and faith-filled professionals within the ranks of our Catholic schools,” said Llewellyn Young, Ph.D., superintendent of Hawaii Catholic Schools. “The apple has long been associated with education and wisdom. For our Catholic schools, we use the Pine’apple” to place a cultural spin on the uniqueness of Hawaii and the special roles of our teachers and administrators.”

For the past four decades, St. Anthony School on Maui preschool teacher Kathleen DeLima has demonstrated her dedication to the spiritual development of her students through her incorporation of prayer, song and storytelling into her lessons, nurturing their faith and understanding.

“She is such a great person who has passed on so much wisdom to me, and has really shared so much of the Catholic Faith with all of our staff,” said St. Anthony School Preschool Director Kim Smith. “She is a pillar to St. Anthony Church and School. Not only has she made a significant impact academically but also spiritually. An award like this 100 percent boosts our moral and pride in being recognized for the dedication and work put into the children.”

The Golden Pine”apple” Award—otherwise known as the Golden Apple Award on the mainland—holds significant prestige in the field of Catholic education in Hawaii, serving as a symbol of excellence and dedication among educators. It’s designed to honor outstanding teachers who exhibit exemplary performance in their field. Recipients are recognized for their commitment to teaching, innovative methods and positive impact on students.

“Each year, a panel of distinguished professors reviews each nominee,” Young explained. “Scores are tallied by Chaminade’s School of Education and Behavioral Sciences under the leadership of Dr. Dale Fryxell, and the winners are selected to be presented with the awards at the Hawaii Catholic Schools End-of-the-Year Recognition Luncheon.”

Teachers who receive the Golden Pineapple Award are often those who have made a substantial impact on their students’ learning experiences. This recognition highlights the importance of student-centered teaching and the positive outcomes of effective education. The award also brings attention to the critical role that teachers play in shaping future generations. It further raises public awareness about the importance of quality education, and the need to support and invest in educators.

Doctoral Degree

May 24, 2024

Donna Kay Fisher is among the first cohort to earn her EdD

It started off as a great day for Kapolei Middle School teacher Donna Kay Fisher, ’16 MA, ’24 EdD. She was feeling good and in her typical element—surrounded by students. Mid-morning, she attended assembly with her eighth graders, played musical chairs on stage then returned to the classroom.

“Earlier in the morning, I felt a little weight on my neck, but I didn’t think anything of it,” said Fisher, a Hawaii Department of Education resource teacher in the Pearl City-Waipahu complex who earned her Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership for Adaptation and Change (EdD) in May. “But once I got to class, I started to feel dizzy.”

Not one to sit down while teaching, Fisher instructed her students that if she faints to get someone to help her. One of her students replied, “I think we need to get someone now.”

“I started to feel pain on my right arm,” Fisher recalled. “And then next thing I knew, I was on my way to Pali Momi in an ambulance with paramedics who were trying to stabilize me. The pain in my arm was so intense that I wanted the medics to cut it off.” By the way, that same right arm is now covered with a full-length tattoo of a koi swimming upstream against the current, which Fisher likens to her perseverance and strength to reach her destination.

Donna Kay Fisher '25 stopped by campus to pick up her cap and gown before Commencement. — Donna Kay Fisher ’25 stopped by campus to pick up her cap and gown before Commencement.

Diagnosed with a total occlusion, which is a complete or nearly complete blockage of one or more coronary arteries, Fisher saw the lights above her and thought to herself, “keep breathing, don’t end…not now.”

Meanwhile, her cardiologist explained that her chest pains meant she was experiencing a heart attack. Still conscious, Fisher combatively asked, “How do you know I’m having a heart attack, I am still awake.” But she wasn’t for long.

After undergoing a procedure to place two stents to unblock her arteries, Fisher was terrified of her chances—20 percent within five years—of suffering another heart attack, as warned by her physician. On the operating room table, she uttered, “but I never …” unable to complete her thought before being rendered unconscious.

Surgery was a success but now it was the long road to recovery. It would take Fisher a grueling six weeks before she even had the strength to shower on her own. In the meantime, her mood and thoughts spiraled into a series of “what ifs.” What if I never meet my grandkids? What if I can’t continue teaching? What if this is the rest of my life? What if I can’t move anymore?

But the one question that truly nagged at her was her inaction to upload and post her rap lessons—close to 200 of them—to YouTube.

“Now that I’ve had a heart attack, I have to stop chasing my dreams,” said Fisher, recounting her inner thoughts during recovery. “But instead of asking ‘Why me?’ I asked ‘Then who?’ I wouldn’t wish this on anyone.”

Now determined to attract some viewers on YouTube, the rap artist-teacher’s lessons were developed with the RhymeZone website, which helped her rhyme the words, and she chose a catchy beat on an automatic keyboard.

“Every lesson was crafted perfectly,” Fisher said. “I remember when I was a kid I would watch ABC’s ‘Schoolhouse Rock,’ and I can still remember the songs, ‘Conjunction Junction, What’s Your Function” and, of course, ‘I’m Just a Bill.’ I hope my rap lessons are just as enduring.”

However, the most pivotal moment that occurred was when Fisher received a random mailer from Chaminade, inviting her to apply to the University’s new Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership for Adaptation and Change (EdD). Being of Catholic faith, Fisher saw this as “God’s divine intervention.”

“I will never forget receiving that piece of mail,” Fisher said. “It completely changed my outlook on life. I was no longer going to limit myself and curtail my dreams. Instead, I was freeing myself from the chains of fear and reclaiming the pursuit of my dreams.”

In the years she spent pursuing her doctorate, Fisher was always the first in her inaugural EdD cohort to turn in every assignment—and always long before they were due. She finished with a 4.0 GPA, and she was chosen to be Chaminade’s 66^th Commencement Ceremony graduate student speaker. Her rousing speech described her Chaminade journey, and she praised the University for providing remarkable opportunities.

“Before enrolling in this doctorate program, I thought I was a leader,” Fisher said. “But I was not; I was a task master. I thought I had all the answers, but I didn’t.”

Fisher freely admitted that Chaminade changed her leadership style—for the better. “Going through the classes in this program, I learned the value of opposition, other people’s voices and different perspectives,” said the former active duty Army officer. “My leadership now has forever changed. Now I ask what is our mission? What is our vision? Everything now is intentional, and I see myself as the facilitator. Thank you Chaminade.”

Co-Curricular Awards 2024

April 29, 2024

For the past 19 years, the Co-Curricular Awards have celebrated outstanding members of Chaminade University’s student body, clubs and organizations. These accolades honor individuals whose exceptional contributions exceed expectations, enriching both campus life and the wider community. Their dedication reflects the University’s commitment to public service and embodies its mission of making a positive impact on society.

“We had a total of 50 students who were nominated for the various awards,” says Allison Jerome, Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students. “We also had our first graduate student award since we opened the awards this year to all students and not just undergraduates.”

One member of each undergraduate class was selected to receive the Bro. Joseph Becker Award of Excellence, which recognizes those who display exceptional leadership skills through involvement in co-curricular activities. The awardees, with a diversity of scholarly ambitions, were: sophomore Selena Buttery ’26, junior Tyanna Hemmings ’25 and senior Pam Oda ’24.

Co-curricular activities, also known as out-of-class activities, are any events that you participate in outside of your regular academic coursework. They can be anything from sports and clubs to volunteering and part-time work.

“As an institution, it is our goal to educate students to be whole-rounded individuals who intentionally contribute to society through action-oriented critical thinking,” says Andrew Ancheta, Chaminade’s Student Engagement Coordinator. “To emphasize the importance of being involved in co-curricular activities on campus, the Co-curricular Awards are meant to celebrate the dedication our students have to contributing to our community. It’s important for us to show them our gratitude and appreciation for it.”

Student leader John Iose was honored with the Outstanding Peer Mentor Award, which recognizes upper-class students who work tirelessly as peer mentors to ensure that first-year students 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.

The Liturgy Award is given to an individual who has willingly volunteered his or her time and talent to contribute to the quality and spirituality of Campus Ministry’s weekend, and special liturgies and prayer experiences. This year’s honoree is Nathaniel Leomiti ’25. Meanwhile, Easton DelaCruz ’26 was awarded the Campus Ministry Award, and Isaiah Atalig ’24 was honored with two awards: the Frederik K.K. Kauhane Senior Aloha Spirit Award and Retreat Leader of the Year. Moanna Blaksteen ’24 took home The Service Award.

This year’s Tutor of the Year is Kaulana Navares, while two Silverswords were acknowledged as Outstanding Orientation Leaders—Caitlin Bocobo ’24 and Josh Dumas ’24. Epifania Petelo ’24 was recognized with the Resident Assistant Award of Excellence. Graduate student Megan Kosaka won the Henry Halenani Gomes Alaka‘i Award.

Male Student Athlete of Year Award went to Silversword basketball guard Ross Reeves ’26, while softball infielder/catcher Keaolani Takemura-Brehme ’24 was named the Female Student Athlete. And 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 Soccer goalkeeper Naomi Takata ’24.

“Being involved allows students the opportunity to build a support system, refine practical skills and broaden their experiential wisdom,” Ancheta says. “Co-curricular opportunities are the moments students can one day look back on and think, ‘Wow, I had a great time at Chaminade.'”

Baccalaureate Mass

April 29, 2024

As a Catholic, Marianist University, a vital part of graduation weekend is the celebration of the Baccalaureate Mass. This year’s Mass for the Class of 2024 will take place on Friday, May 3, at 6 p.m. at the Mystical Rose Oratory.

“This celebration is an opportunity for our Chaminade ‘ohana to come together in thanksgiving and prayer to honor and thank God for the blessings given to the Fall 2023 and Spring 2024 graduating students and to their families,” says Fr. Chris Wittman, S.M. “It’s a way to celebrate our graduates in context of faith, and acknowledging that God has been part of this experience.”

The Baccalaureate Mass holds a special significance in the culmination of a student’s academic journey. It’s a time for reflection, gratitude and spiritual connection as graduates prepare to embark on the next chapter of their lives. Chaminade’s tradition of hosting this Mass underscores the importance of faith and community in the educational experience. It’s a meaningful way to honor the achievements of the graduating class, and to acknowledge the support of their families and loved ones.

Graduating students are honored during the Baccalaureate Mass at Mystical Rose Oratory.

Steeped in history within Catholic education, the Baccalaureate Mass date back centuries, and its origins can be traced to medieval universities in Europe, where it served as a religious ceremony for graduating students. The term “baccalaureate” itself is derived from the Latin “baccalaureatus,” which originally referred to the laurel berries (baccalaureus) worn by graduates in ancient times.

The Baccalaureate Mass serves several purposes:

Spiritual Reflection: It allows graduates to reflect on their academic journey within the framework of their faith. The Mass provides a moment of prayerful contemplation, giving thanks for the gifts of knowledge, growth and community experienced during their time at the institution.

Blessing and Sending Forth: The Mass invokes God’s blessings upon the graduating class as they prepare to enter the next phase of their lives. It serves as a formal commissioning, sending forth graduates with the support and encouragement of their faith community.

Celebration of Achievement: In addition to its religious significance, the Baccalaureate Mass is a celebration of academic accomplishment. It honors the hard work, dedication, and perseverance of students who have successfully completed their studies.

Community Gathering: The Mass brings together students, faculty, staff, families, and alumni in a spirit of unity and fellowship. It reinforces the sense of belonging and connection within the school community, fostering bonds that extend beyond graduation.

While the format and traditions associated with the Baccalaureate Mass may vary from one Catholic institution to another, its fundamental purpose remains consistent—to recognize the holistic development of students, encompassing both intellectual and spiritual growth, as they transition to the next stage of their lives.