Chaminade University of Honolulu

Diversity and Inclusion

Chaminade Hosts Seattle Reunion

The event drew a diversity of attendees, from recent grads to professionals

Nikki Carrido MBA ’09 says attending Chaminade’s first reunion held in the Pacific Northwest was an opportunity she couldn’t pass up. She’d never met any of the other alumni in attendance, but immediately felt a special bond with her fellow Silverswords, she said.

“My biggest takeaway was the realization that Chaminade has such a strong and supportive alumni network,” Carrido said. “It was inspiring to see how successful and engaged our fellow graduates are, and how much we all value the education and experiences we received at Chaminade.”

The reunion in Seattle was held Sept. 26, and Chaminade President Lynn Babington was in attendance.

Alumni who came out ranged from recent graduates to experienced professionals.

Barbara Jeanne “BJ” Whitman ’74, MBA ’79 was initially afraid she would feel out of place at the event, held at Ivar’s Salmon House on Lake Union. “I thought they were going to be all these young alumni,” she said, with a chuckle. “But there was actually someone else who was a year older.”

Months in the planning, the Seattle reunion was organized by Chaminade Director of Alumni Relations Jodi-Anne Yoshida MBA ’23 and Director of Development Heidi Bow. They had modest expectations for the event, saying they hadn’t anticipated the appetite for a Silversword reunion in the Pacific Northwest.

The purpose of the gathering was to foster relationships, share university updates, and offer a networking opportunity, said Bow, adding that the event exceeded their expectations.

During the course of the evening, attendees introduced themselves and shared their favorite Chaminade memories. Meanwhile, Babington updated alumni on new initiatives at the University.

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She described the event as a success, noting the impressive diversity of the group—with class years from 1973 to 2009 in attendance.

Carrido thought the reunion was a “fantastic networking opportunity.” She even met a potential sponsorship connection for her nonprofit, all from a simple conversation.

“It truly showed me the power of the Chaminade community,” Carrido said.

Whitman and Carrido hope that another reunion will be organized in the future, a sentiment echoed by Rev. Kizzie Elizabeth Jones ’90. She said the event sparked an important memory for her from her time at Chaminade, when she learned in her classes about the impacts of inequality in society.

“It was a huge ‘aha’ moment for me as I realized it was my education at Chaminade that fueled my commitment to work for change,” Jones said. “I was in awe as I listened to each alumni as he or she shared where and how they were now serving in society.”

Nicole "Nikki" Carrido '19 MBA posed with Chaminade Vice President of Advancement Jilll Higashi.
Nicole “Nikki” Carrido ’19 MBA posed with Chaminade Vice President of Advancement Jilll Higashi.
Sabrina Sullivan '19 was thrilled that Chaminade President Lynn Babington, Ph.D, was able to attend the Seattle Reunion on Sept. 26.
Sabrina Sullivan ’19 was thrilled that Chaminade President Lynn Babington, Ph.D, was able to attend the Seattle Reunion on Sept. 26.
Kizzie Jones '90 updated alumni on her achievements and new projects.
Kizzie Jones ’90 updated alumni on her achievements and new projects.
Jacqueline Cano '15 addressed fellow alumni during a gathering at Iver's Salmon House on Lake Union.
Jacqueline Cano ’15 addressed fellow alumni during a gathering at Iver’s Salmon House on Lake Union.
Alumni and guests, including, from left, John "Jack" Culmer '73, Sue Bumgartner and BJ Whitman, '74 '79 MBA, shared stories and memories during the Seattle Reunion.
Alumni and guests, including, from left, John “Jack” Culmer ’73, Sue Bumgartner and BJ Whitman, ’74 ’79, shared stories and memories during the Seattle Reunion.
Kizzie Jones '90 is flanked by Chaminade Director of Development Heidi Bow, left, and Advancement Vice President Jill Higashi.
Kizzie Jones ’90 is flanked by Chaminade Director of Development Heidi Bow, left, and Advancement Vice President Jill Higashi.
Fourteen alumni showed their true Silversword blue when they attended a Seattle Reunion on Sept. 26 at Ivar's Salmon House on Lake Union.
Fourteen alumni showed their true Silversword blue when they attended a Seattle Reunion on Sept. 26 at Ivar’s Salmon House on Lake Union.

Peer Mentors Offer Listening Ear

Mentors help peers with stress management, school-life balance and more

In addition to comprehensive individual, crisis and group counseling for students, Chaminade has also trained a cadre of peer mentors as part of an innovative program aimed at offering another layer of support to Silverswords who may feel uneasy seeking help or don’t need intensive services.

Earlier this year, five Silversword juniors—now all seniors—went through 16 hours of rigorous QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) suicide prevention training, learning the signs and warnings of what to look for in their classmates as part of their preparation for Chaminade’s Peer Mentorship Program.

Director of Counseling Services Leilani Harness says a Marianist grant helped start the mentorship program in Fall 2023, and she was able to add five paid peer-mentor positions this semester.

Brit Hall, second from left, is doing an internship with the Counseling Center for her Master of Science in Counseling Psychology. She is surround by Peer Counselors, from left, Claire Heffernan, Mya Dawkins, Annie Kramer, Megan Nakamura and Micah Sanders.
Brit Hall, second from left, is doing an internship with the Counseling Center for her Master of Science in Counseling Psychology degree. She is surrounded by Peer Counselors, from left, Claire Heffernan, Mya Dawkins, Annie Kramer, Megan Nakamura and Micah Sanders.

Harness adds she has always valued peer-to-peer mentorship and jumped at the chance to start the initiative.

As NASPA-certified peer educators in the Counseling Center, Annie Kramer ’25, Micah Sanders ’25, Megan Nakamura ’25, Mya Dawkins ’25 and Claire Heffernan ’25 have helped their fellow Silverswords struggling academically, emotionally or mentally. Some of those they’ve helped are worried about grades, while others are concerned about personal relationships.

(Historically, NASPA stood for National Association of Student Personnel Administrators. However, the organization updated the name of the association to NASPA, Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education.)

According to Kramer and Sanders, students many times want more information about school-work-life balance, followed by stress management and coping skills.

“We saw between 10-12 clients last semester,” said Kramer, who is now the administrative assistant at the center and peer mentor co-lead with Sanders and Nakamura.

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Kramer said the peer mentoring program is effective because some students feel more comfortable sharing thoughts with people “who are their same age and who look like them.”

The peer mentors lend an empathetic ear to any student who needs support. They seek to build trust, create a safe environment, and show compassion. Sometimes, they just hang out.

“It feels more organic,” said Sanders, who spent hours under the supervision of Harness.

“Having a program like this peer mentorship is extremely important, especially on campus where students might feel anxious and homesick.”

Sanders said his biggest piece of advice to students is: Go out, meet new people and get out of your comfort zone. “The Counseling Center is a lifeline to the different departments,” he adds.

As the school year progresses, Harness emphasized that the Counseling Center is available for individual sessions, couples therapy and small friend groups Mondays through Fridays, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

“I am always available after hours, so feel free to contact me at any time,” Harness adds. “That’s literally my job—to be here for students and employees 24 hours a day, seven days a week.”

For a full list of crisis resources available to anyone in need, click here.

All five peer mentors say they appreciate the hands-on experience of talking with fellow students and, most importantly, being able to help.

“This program really aligns well with what I want to do, which is to become a high school or college counselor,” Kramer says. “And Chaminade is providing the opportunity for me to reach that goal.”

Chaminade Convenes for Spiritual Convocation

The tradition celebrates ‘religious and spiritual roots’ of Chaminade life

One of the pillars that characterize a Marianist education is to educate for formation in faith. And there is perhaps no better example of this than during the Fall Spiritual Convocation.

A longstanding tradition at Chaminade, the Spiritual Convocation marks the beginning of the academic year, formally welcoming students, faculty and staff to the University community.

“It also affords the opportunity to ask for God’s blessing on our Chaminade ‘ohana as we come together as a community to live and learn,” said University President Lynn Babington.

“During this celebration, we take the time to pause and be mindful of each other.”

This sentiment of family spirit aligns with the Marianist approach to education, which seeks to nurture students’ unique talents and fosters a lifelong commitment to learning.

“Last Friday we took part in the Academic Convocation for this new academic year, emphasizing the hopes and aspirations, and taking our A‘a Pledge,” said Fr. Martin Solma S.M., during his sermon. “Today, fittingly, we touch upon the religious and spiritual roots of our University life.”

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During the Convocation, Bro. Ed Brink, Chaminade’s vice president of mission and rector, outlined the origins of the Marianist Educational Associates program. In 2005, representatives from Chaminade, the University of Dayton, and St. Mary’s University of San Antonio responded to a call from the Association of Marianist Universities Board to form a special partnership.

“This initiative invited lay collaborators to help sustain and renew the mission and identity of the universities, rooted in the Catholic and Marianist educational tradition,” Brink said.

“For students, faculty and staff who are new members of our community, it will give you another opportunity to learn about the rich traditions of the University.”

This past summer, seven Chaminade faculty and staff members participated in the MEA Formation in Dayton; the seven-day program involving readings, reflections and shared insights.

The MEA cohort includes:

  • Andrew Ancheta ’21, student engagement coordinator
  • Dr. Rylan Chong ’10, Data Science director and assistant professor
  • Dr. Cheryl Edelson, School of Humanities, Arts and Design dean
  • Dr. Abby Halston, MS ’05, Marriage and Family Counseling clinical director
  • Kahala Kabalis Hoke ’05, MS ’07, women’s volleyball head coach
  • Pono Riddle ’18, MEd’ 21, Student Success associate director
  • Dr. Gail Grabowsky, School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics dean

“These individuals are part of a community committed to strengthening and developing the Catholic and Marianist identity of this University,” Brink said, after calling the cohort’s names.

“I now ask you to affirm your commitment as Marianist Educational Associates.”

Brink also recognized the 23 Chaminade staff members and faculty who made their first commitment in previous years, asking them to stand and renew their commitment as Marianist Educational Associates.

In unison, the MEAs pledged to uphold and advance the Catholic and Marianist mission and identity of Chaminade University. They committed to ongoing reflection, collaboration, and the continuation of programs that reinforce Chaminade’s identity as a Catholic and Marianist University.

They also promised to support others in growing in their understanding and appreciation of the Catholic and Marianist traditions, aiming to embody and witness these traditions for the benefit of the world.

By offering a quality education and searching for truth through human wisdom and faith, Solma said students are able to expand their minds and hearts, and helps them become servant-leaders.

“And, all of this within our Chaminade ‘ohana, where respect, acceptance, appreciation and encouragement are palpable,” Solma added. “As Fr. Chaminade wanted—a genuine family spirit.”

New Student Orientation a Success

Incoming freshmen got a Silversword welcome at the daylong event.

With fists pumping in the air and boisterous “woo-hoos,” freshmen walked through a gauntlet of Chaminade faculty members dressed in full academic regalia, clapping loudly as students filed out after the Academic Convocation during New Student Orientation on Friday.

Held at Mamiya Theatre, this formal ceremony officially marks the beginning of the academic year—and holds significant meaning for both the University and incoming students.

A nursing major, freshman Rex Paguirigan poses with Chaminade Student Government Association President Victoria Zembik.
A nursing major, freshman Rex Paguirigan poses with Chaminade Student Government Association President Victoria Zembik.

“We gather to welcome new families and students,” said Chaminade President Lynn Babington, in her opening remarks at the convocation.

“You will meet new people and form new bonds, and you will laugh with each other and struggle with each other. You will learn new ways of thinking and discerning who you are and who you want to be.”

New Student Orientation is designed to acquaint incoming freshmen, transfer and exchange students with the campus and the many resources available to them—both for their academic success and personal development.

Orientation activities focus on several important areas, including the curriculum, academic advising, college success, scholarships and financial aid, campus activities, student services, student organizations, Silversword Spirit and campus facilities.

Also from Chaminade News: Students Welcomed on Move-in Day

“College is a new chapter in your life, an unwritten page in your book,” said Chaminade Student Government Association President Victoria Zembik, in her address at the Academic Convocation.

“As you embark on this journey at Chaminade, remember that college is not just about the classes you take or the grades you earn. It’s about the experiences you have, the challenges you overcome, and the person you become along the way. Embrace every moment—the highs and the lows—and know that each day is an opportunity to grow, to learn, and to become a better version of yourself.”

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Starting college life successfully can be challenging. But NSO gatherings were designed to set the right tone for incoming students, encouraging them to embrace curiosity and try new experiences.

“We see in you transformation through education,” said Provost Lance Askildson. “This is an inflection point in your life. You will struggle and even fail at times to achieve your goals—and that is OK. You’ll have untold opportunities to grow, learn and push yourself beyond your comfort zone. Our kuleana, our duty is to support you, to guide you and teach you. You are not alone in this journey.”

In her concluding remarks, Zembik offered some sage advice. “Every day is a new day,” she advised. “No matter how good or bad today was, tomorrow is different. Just like a sunset, no two days are the same.”

Student Research on Display

The Summer Research Institute Symposium was an opportunity for undergraduate scientists-in-training to get feedback on their work.

In his final presentation during the Summer Research Institute Symposium, Zach McClellan ’25 decided to pursue the correlation between the effects of occupational stressors on the quality of life among firefighters.
Zach McClellan ’25 presented his findings during the Summer Research Institute Symposium.

Zach McClellan ’25 comes from a long line of firefighters—and has seen first-hand the trauma these first responders can experience.

So as a participant in this year’s Summer Research Institute at Chaminade, the Psychology major decided to study how occupational stressors correlate to quality of life indicators for firefighters.

He presented his findings July 23 at the Summer Research Institute Symposium on campus, an annual showcase of cutting-edge undergraduate research at Chaminade conducted under the mentorship of professors.

“I sent out my first survey that comprised of demographics, the Firefighter Assessment of Stress Test (FAST), and the Quality of Life Enjoyment and Satisfaction Questionnaire Short Form (Q-LES-Q-SF) back in March,” said McClellan, pointing out the number of respondents shown on his poster board.

“This was my capstone project with Dr. (Darren) Iwamoto, and I want to take it as far as I can take it. The end goal is to get the study published.”

Organizers say the symposium reflects Chaminade’s strong commitment to advancing academic excellence while fostering close collaborations between faculty and student researchers.

A two-time participant in the Summer Research Institute Symposium, Grace Helmke ’25 built on last year’s “Climate Monstrosities” with this year’s “Climate Tricksters in an Indigenous Future.”

Mentored by Assistant Professor of English Dr. Justin Wyble, Helmke said she chose the subject for a couple of reasons. “The no. 1 reason was that I believe Indigenous peoples to have an incredibly important perspective on society—one that’s largely dismissed and unseen by the masses,” the English major said.

“Their viewpoints surrounding the ways in which to combat colonialism, preserve culture and fight for a greater future, are all concepts that each of the texts I focused on examined. I believe that discussing these concepts, principles and cultural beliefs, from an Indigenous perspective, has the potential to lead society into a future that rejects the colonial systems, and instead seeks equity and healing of the people.”

Amber Noguchi, program director for Chaminade’s Undergraduate Research and Pre-Professional Programs Office, said the symposium allows Summer Research Institute participants to not only showcase their work—but get feedback and questions from attendees to expand their research inquiries.

The institute is funded by a joint federal Title III grant with Kapiolani Community College.

A two-time participant in the Summer Research Institute Symposium, Grace Helmke ’25 built on last year’s “Climate Monstrosities” with this year’s “Climate Tricksters in an Indigenous Future.”
Grace Helmke ’25 explained her theories to a group of attendees.

“We just completed our fourth SRI,” Noguchi said, adding that participants also present at Kapiolani Community College’s Student Undergraduate Research Fair each semester.

Participant Georgeanna Flook is a rising senior and double majoring in Historical and Political Studies, and Criminology and Criminal Justice. Her research looked at the influence that education has on crime. Titled “Support Instead of Control: Education as a Unique Approach to Crime,” Flook’s study explored the possibility of reducing crime outside of traditional policing methods.

She credited her professors, Drs. Abby Halston and Kelly Treece, and lecturer Collin Lau, J.D., for their guidance as she conducted her research. Flook said she found that education, “acting as a means of formal social control and providing social support, can effectively reduce crime—regardless of the academic ability of the individual.”

“Future studies should focus on further articulating what effective social support means in the context of criminology and use working examples of social support to compare against crime trends,” concluded Flook, who aspires to go into criminal justice policy analysis.

Other Summer Research Institute participants at Chaminade this year included Ku‘ulei Koko ’26, who presented “Feeding Hawaii’s Future: Evaluating the Effectiveness of Culturally Tailored Programs for Native Hawaiians,” and LaVelle White ’26, who looked at “Student Food and Nutrition Security.”

For details on undergraduate research opportunities at Chaminade, click here.

Harnessing the Power of Supercomputers

In an innovative summer research institute, Chaminade students used data science to tackle big research questions.

For four intensive weeks this summer, 25 Chaminade students used supercomputers at the Texas Advanced Computing Center to analyze complex data sets. They were looking to test hypotheses to complex research questions. And along the way, they got valuable hands-on experience in data science, one of the nation’s fastest-growing fields in a long list of sectors, from climate science to healthcare.

The Alliance Supporting Pacific Impact through Computational Excellence (ALL-SPICE) Data Science Summer Institute allows students to take a deep dive into their research interests, giving them access to tools and supercomputers that can help synthesize complex data sets into understandable, manageable variables.

“This is not theoretical learning,” says Connor Flynn ’21, a data scientist with Chaminade’s School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics. Flynn participated in ALL-SPICE as a student and now serves as a group leader. “This is literally experiential since some of the students’ research projects require that they go to actual sites to verify what they’ve captured in their data is accurate.”

ALL-SPICE, now in its sixth year, is the product of an innovative Chaminade partnership with the University of Texas at Austin’s Texas Advanced Computing Center. ALL-SPICE is one of just four new National Science Foundation INCLUDES Alliances, and organizers say the ALL-SPICE program helps level the playing field for Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (NHPI) students, who are woefully underrepresented in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields.

“The program is transformative for students from Hawaii and the US-affiliated Pacific, from Chaminade and many other colleges,” said Dr. Helen Turner, biology professor and principal investigator for Chaminade’s NSF ALL-SPICE program.

“Students come in with curiosity and a passion to solve their islands’ challenges. They leave as card-carrying data scientists with a high-demand skill set that they can use to change the future.”

Wilneris Carrion-Colon ’25 and Johnny Bae ’26 were among the students who participated in this year’s ALL-SPICE summer intensive program. They are both excited about pursuing careers in STEM.

In the summer program, the two Data and Computer Science majors used imaging technology to detect marine debris found off Windward Oahu. Carrion-Colon said satellite technology has become a valuable tool for detecting and classifying environmental phenomena on both land and aquatic environments.

The data science classroom was the main hub for the ALL-SPICE Summer Institute.
Thirty-two students were divided into three groups then into sub-groups as they pursued their research interests.
For four weeks, students researched their interests in environmental management and health disparities.
Students share their research with Kumu Kahoa Keahi-Wood.
Kumu Kahoa Keahi-Wood serves as the Environmental Project Lead and has been with SPICE's first cohort since 2019.

“By analyzing reflectance and absorption of light, spectral bands enable machines to differentiate material classes,” said Carrion-Colon, during her final presentation.

“Notably, the Windward side was chosen because it is particularly susceptible to marine debris accumulation due to prevailing ocean currents.”

Carrion-Colon noted there are limitations to her analysis, but added that’s reason to do more research.

In his research, Bae mapped out ocean plastics using machine learning in waters northeast of Oahu.

Also using multispectral satellite imagery and statistical learning algorithms to detect floating marine debris, Bae sought to underscore the critical role of technology in environmental management.

“Ultimately, this work contributes to protecting marine ecosystems, supporting economic stability and safeguarding public health,” said Bae, in presenting his findings.

“Future research and initiatives—stemming from detecting and mitigating plastic marine debris in Hawaii’s ocean using machine learning and AI—can significantly contribute to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, specifically SDG 12, which focuses on responsible consumption and production; and SDG 13, which involves evaluating the carbon footprint of plastic debris.”

Open to all majors, from nursing and business to biology and interior design, the ALL-SPICE Data Science Summer Institute also teaches students how to code and use other cutting-edge tech.

Organizers say ALL-SPICE participants represent the region’s diversity, and include significant numbers of women and veterans. Students work in thematic areas that are of central importance to the Hawaii-Pacific region, including climate analytics, health inequity and the impacts of misinformation.

The summer institute also has a strong cultural component and culminates in a ho‘ike—a showcase of student projects). SPICE mentors include faculty, analysts and peers. To learn more, click here.

The SPICE program was funded by NSF INCLUDES ALL-SPICE Alliance #HRD-1744526. Student places were sponsored by ALL-SPICE and the following additional grants (Primary Investigator Dr. Helen Turner): NSF EPSCoR Hawaii (#OIA-2149133), the Pacific Intelligence Innovation Initiative, the Sullivan Family Foundation and NIH grant 3U54GM138062-03S1 (Primary Investigator Dr. Youping Deng, University of Hawaii).