Chaminade University of Honolulu

Diversity and Inclusion

New Student Retreat

Before the fall 2019 semester got into full swing, Campus Ministry treated incoming and transfer students to a weekend retreat on the beach to make sure their welcome to Chaminade was done right.

New Student Retreat 2019

The retreat August 30 and 31 was held at a beach house in West Oahu and included lots of opportunities for play and fun — along with some chances for reflection, spiritual growth and relationship building.

Jeremiah Carter, director of Campus Ministry at Chaminade, said the gathering was designed to make sure students who are new to the Chaminade ‘ohana feel supported on campus.

“I think it’s one of the most important aspects for college students,” he said.

Carter, who started at Chaminade over the summer, is working to broaden the events Campus Ministry offers in hopes of attracting more students — along with members of the faculty and staff.

He said the retreat helped students prioritize their goals for the year and get an introduction to the Marianist philosophy, which is central to Chaminade’s mission. He said it was also a way to build friendships that have the potential to last through their college experiences — and beyond.

New Student Retreat 2019

Jacqueline Martinez ’23 was among the incoming students who attended the retreat.

Martinez, who is pursuing a degree in Communications, said the weekend allowed her to get to know her classmates better and hear from older students who are doing exciting things at the University.

“The part I enjoyed the most was how inviting the retreat staff was. Their attitudes were the main reason the retreat felt so fulfilling,” she said.

Martinez added that she’s looking forward to Campus Ministry’s next retreat.

So is International Trade student Christopher Grant DeVera Diego ’23.

Diego said the retreat was just good fun, complete with spooky stories and a bonfire.

“The retreat made me open up to many new people,” he said, “and see a side of people who I didn’t really know yet.”

Scholars Welcome Dinner

With oli and inspirational speeches, a special welcome dinner this month celebrated 27 recipients of competitive Chaminade scholarships geared toward those interested in STEM-related careers.

Students and families at scholars welcome dinner

The dinner Sept. 6 honored Ho’oulu scholars and awardees of the National Science Foundation S-STEM scholarship.

In addition to the scholars and their families, attendees included previous recipients of the Ho’oulu Scholarship, representatives from Chaminade University and Kamehameha Schools, and invited guests.

The Ho’oulu scholarship was made possible thanks to an innovative partnership with Kamehameha Schools, and is geared toward helping those interested in STEM fields achieve their career goals.

Awardees receive 100 percent tuition assistance to Chaminade along with access to career-preparation opportunities and programs that help students ensure they stay on track to graduate in four years.

Current and previous recipients of the scholarship have worked toward careers in a broad cross-section of STEM fields, from data science and medicine to forensic sciences and biotechnology.

Eighteen incoming Ho’oulu scholars were recognized at the welcome dinner.

Also in attendance: Nine students who received the National Science Foundation S-STEM scholarship this school year. The $10,000 merit scholarship is distributed over four years, and also includes innovative development programs, from research opportunities to internships. Speakers at the event included Dr. Helen Turner, vice president of Strategy and Innovation at Chaminade, Kamehameha Schools CEO Jack Wong, and Lauren Nahme, vice president of strategy and transformation at Kamehameha Schools.

From Student to Servant: Chaminade Graduates Commit to a Year of Service in Ohio

In May, Chaminade University celebrated the graduating class of 2019. Degree in hand, most graduates will go on to secure jobs and begin their careers. Others will continue to pursue higher education through graduate school. And a few will put their professional endeavors on hold and dedicate their post-graduate life to service.

Claire Riggan and Andrew Ines, 2019 Chaminade graduates, are part of the few.

Claire Riggan and Andrew Ines

At the end of July, Riggan and Ines will say goodbye to friends and family for a year of unknown challenges and transformative experiences in Dayton, Ohio, as volunteers in the Marianist Partners in Urban Leadership, Service and Education (PULSE) program.

PULSE is a post-graduate initiative geared toward graduates with a desire to grow as servant leaders, learn about social justice issues and positively impact an urban community. Volunteers commit to one or two years of service to a local Dayton nonprofit organization where they gain real-world experience in their field of study while being immersed in the community they’re aiding.

“To be able to serve the community, it’s best if you live in the community,” Ines said.

This is the first time the 22-year-old Kalihi native will be living away from home and he couldn’t be more excited. Ines and Riggan will be living in intentional community with 8-12 other PULSE volunteers, most of whom they don’t yet know from the two other Marianist universities, St. Mary’s University and University of Dayton.

Ines first heard about PULSE through Campus Ministry in 2017 when two of his friends from Chaminade were participating in the program. After hearing about the impact that they were making on the Dayton community and gaining first-hand insight into the program, Ines knew that when his senior year came along, he would apply.

“I’m most excited to learn about other people and social issues that are being dealt with in Dayton, just to broaden my perspective on the world,” Ines said.

The business administration major and computer information sciences minor will be putting his degrees to good use at his nonprofit assignment, Brigid’s Path, where he will be volunteering full-time as a communications and marketing intern. Brigid’s Path is a recovery center for newborns suffering from opioid addiction, which is a common issue in Dayton. Ines’ primary roles will be to connect with donors and spread the word about Brigid’s Path through its website and social media.

In addition to working at their assigned nonprofits, Ines and the other PULSE volunteers are expected to share meals and meet for prayer, live in solidarity with the marginalized Dayton community, participate in a Marianist formation program held every week and share their experience with a spiritual mentor.

Ines hopes to walk away from his year in Dayton with a refined ability to empathize with others without any biases. He expects that his time at Brigid’s Path will help to solidify his future career goals, and is currently considering using his degree for community outreach once his year of service comes to a close.“When I bring the spirit of aloha from Hawaii to Ohio, I hope that people will get the chance to have their voices heard and people will get the chance to receive opportunities that they probably never thought they could,” Ines said.

#BalanceforBetter on International Women’s Day

In celebration of International Women’s Day, Chaminade University faculty and students take a minute to weigh in on what a gender-balanced world means to them:

Joe AllenDr. Joe Allen
Associate Professor, Criminology and Criminal Justice
“A gender-balanced world recognizes the differences and the similarities between and within various genders and celebrates them. This celebration means the provision of equal opportunity, sharing the gifts that each of us brings to the table and embracing the idea that all individuals should be treated with fairness and dignity. Gender is a lesser category of one’s humanity. This should not be forgotten.”

Ke'alohi CanadyKeʻalohi Canady ’20
Business Marketing major from Honolulu, Hawaiʻi
“I believe we should live in a world where men and women have an equal opportunity to achieve their greatest dreams. A gender balanced world looks like everyone embracing inclusivity and being more open-minded.“

 

Kate PerraultDr. Katelynn Perrault
Assistant Professor, Forensic Sciences and Chemistry
“A truly gender-balanced world is not purely a numbers game. It is about creating a culture of gender balance. We need to actively work to create space in which women no longer feel the need to live in hyper-awareness—where we do not need to be on guard for subtle comments or behaviors that undermine our expertise, opinions or view that we deserve a spot at the table.”

Kiso SkeltonKiso Skelton ’21
Historical and Political Studies major from American Samoa
A gender-balanced world serves as a community where people embrace diversity and value all genders. It is important to have a gender-balanced world because we are stronger when we come together as one, and our purpose in this gender balanced world is to lift each other up, not the other way around. Furthermore, all genders are entitled to all opportunities that will positively impact them.

Dr. Lynn BabingtonDr. Lynn Babington
President
“A gender-balanced world is one where gender equality is a given—where people, regardless of their gender preference, have the same access to education and good jobs, and are equally represented in leadership positions and decision making. Gender balance, along with diversity and equality, in all sectors of society is critically important if we hope to build a strong and sustainable world.”

Skye HaragaSkye Haraga ’21
Biochemistry major from Kāneʻohe, Hawaiʻi
“Gender diversity is about representing all genders. ʻAʻole pau ka ʻike i ka hālau hoʻokahi.’ (Knowledge is not limited to one school). You are not limited by your gender.”

 

Ashely HillAshley Hill ’22
Education major from Kāneʻohe, Hawaiʻi
“To me, gender balance is something that everyone should be entitled to. As our society is changing we need to continue to shed light on the importance of gender equality. I believe that if we maintain this shift toward gender balance, not only in the workforce but in our communities, the world will be a more efficient society.”

Andrew InesAndrew Ines ’19
Business Administration major from Kalihi, Hawaiʻi
“Gender equality is important because women deserve just as much credit as us men do. Women can be just as strong as men.”

STEM Students Learn About The Power of Hawaiian Sea Salt

STEM Students learning about Hawaiian Sea SaltHoʻoulu Scholarship Program students gathered a workshop about The Power of Paʻakai at Chaminade University on Feb. 13. The workshop featured a presentation, given by Kamehameha Schools representatives, exploring the traditional practices surrounding paʻakai, or Hawaiian sea salt, and its relevance today.

Recipients of the Hoʻoulu Scholarship, which is funded by Kamehameha Schools and Chaminade, are interested in careers in STEM and are passionate about the Hawaiian culture. They generally pursue degrees in Biology, Biochemistry, Forensic Science, Data Science, Environmental Studies, Nursing or Business.

Kamehameha Schools presenters Kimo Chun, program manager, and Sandra Tanaka, employer engagement coordinator, drew from ʻike kupuna, or wisdom of our ancestors, to explain to the 25 attendees how the power of paʻakai is applicable to them and their career development. Paʻakai serves a variety of purposes in Native Hawaiian culture. It is used in blessings, cleansings, medicine, food preservation and cooking. The rock salt is the product of a great deal of preparation including hours of physical labor done mostly in the summer months. Regardless of the amount of hard work that goes into cultivating paʻakai, the presentation emphasized that it is to be shared and given freely with aloha.

 

 

Cardinal Turkson Visits Campus

Cardinal Peter Turkson

On January 15, Chaminade University was pleased to welcome Cardinal Peter Turkson at Mystical Rose Oratory as part of his larger Hawaii visit. Cardinal Peter Turkson is a top Vatican official and advisor to Pope Francis. He has been appointed by Pope Francis as the first Prefect of the new Dicastery for promoting Integral Human Development.

The Cardinal spoke to Chaminade students, faculty and staff about climate change, labor and education in light of Catholic social teaching.

Cardinal Turkson grew up in Ghana in West Africa. His father was a carpenter and his mother grew vegetables. From a young age, his family instilled in him a deep relationship with the environment. We are all made from the earth’s elements, teaches Cardinal Turkson. God intended us to be co-creators of this earth, but somewhere along the way with consumerism and economic growth, we have become irresponsible co-creators.

Cardinal Peter Turkson

Cardinal Turkson advocated for a return to a tender relationship with creation. Our concept of labor and work need to be reviewed. Labor, he said, refers to the way we exercise our talents and creativity. It is an expression of our dignity. It is through tender, peaceful, creative work that we can create transformation and truly become God’s co-creators.

“The future of the world is not just in the hands of the politicians,” says Cardinal Turkson. “Change can come from each of us.”

The event was live-streamed on Chaminade University’s Facebook page. To watch Cardinal Turkson’s full talk, visit facebook.com/ChaminadeUniversity.