Chaminade University of Honolulu

Diversity and Inclusion

Medical School Honors Chaminade Graduate Jacquelynn Pratt with ‘Diversity Excellence Award’

Jacquelynn PrattChaminade University alumna Jacquelynn Pratt has received the “Diversity Excellence Award” from A.T. Still University’s College of Osteopathic Medicine in Kirksville, Missouri, where she graduated this spring. The annual award recognizes her commitment to diversity and inclusion in graduate healthcare education.

Born and raised on Oahu, Pratt majored in Biology and English at Chaminade. She earned both bachelor’s degrees in May 2006, while receiving the “Outstanding English Graduate” award.

Pratt participated in numerous research programs at Chaminade in the fields of psychology, cancer biology, ecology and epidemiology. She was also highly involved with campus clubs and organizations, including the Delta Epsilon Sigma and Sigma Tau Delta honor societies.

After graduating from Chaminade, Pratt worked with the Ministry of Health on the Cook Islands to computerize patient data and thereby more accurately calculate the incidence and prevalence of cancer among the native Maori population.

She later returned to Chaminade and served as the Assistant to the Associate Provost in the Office of Health Professions Advising and Undergraduate Research.

$1 Million Awarded to Chaminade in Recognition of National Excellence in Science Programs

Chaminade joins select group of 24 universities nationwide recognized for inclusivity and quality in STEM programs

NSM Student in LabChaminade University of Honolulu today announced a grant of $1 million from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) as an awardee in the 2017-22 ‘Inclusive Excellence’ program. Chaminade was selected as one of 24 awardees from a pool of over 500 universities who applied for the prestigious recognition as a Howard Hughes Undergraduate Institution. The program will fund culture-based STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) education programs, Hawai‘i-centered research, and activities that link science to family and community for Hawaiian and Pacific Islander students.

Dr. Helen Turner
Dr. Helen Turner

“Chaminade has been building excellence in STEM for a decade with support from agencies such as National Institutes of Health (NIH), National Science Foundation (NSF) and Kamehameha Schools, and this award recognizes the tremendous progress we have made in preparing the next generation of Hawai‘i and Pacific scientists” says Dr. Helen Turner, Chaminade’s Dean of Natural Sciences and Principal Investigator of the HHMI Program. “This award takes us to the next level of national recognition for the curriculum and cutting-edge teaching methods our faculty have developed. The HHMI program confronts the challenge of connecting STEM education with culture, family and community – which are critical for our local students to be successful and to build a strong Hawai‘i for the future.”

“Finding a way to include all students, from all backgrounds, in STEM is critical for building future generations of American scientists”, says David Asai, HHMI Senior Director for Science Education. “HHMI recognizes that science excellence depends on having a community of scientists that is rich in diversity of people and perspectives. This national experiment expects that the selected universities will produce useful models to address inclusivity in STEM.”

ABOUT THE HOWARD HUGHES MEDICAL INSTITUTE
The Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) is the largest private, nonprofit supporter of science education in the United States. The Association of American Colleges and Universities (AAC&U) has created an Inclusive Excellence Commission whose role will be to evaluate the outcomes of this national experiment, and to disseminate to the broader community what is being learned.

Chaminade University Celebrates 2017 Spring Commencement

Hundreds of exuberant graduates celebrated their achievements with their families, friends, faculty, staff and colleagues at Chaminade University’s 59th Commencement. Approximately 429 students graduated this spring semester with nearly 335 participating in the May 15 ceremony held at Neal Blaisdell Arena.

The program featured as its keynote speaker Shelley J. Wilson, the president and chief executive officer of Wilson Homecare and vice chair and secretary of Chaminade University’s Board of Regents. In 1996, Wilson founded Wilson Homecare, one of Hawaii’s largest private-duty home health care agencies. Wilson Homecare provides in-home health care services island-wide. Also in 2013, Wilson Senior Living Kailua, a state-licensed Adult Residential Care Home opened in the Aikahi neighborhood.

Wilson inspired the audience with her story.  She found her passion during one of the most difficult times of her life.  Returning to civilian life as a wounded warrior, Wilson had to deal with the challenges of recovery in the home.  Her experiences gave her empathy for in-home-care patients. In response to those hard times, she founded Wilson Homecare.  She encouraged the soon-to-be graduates to find a cause and to dedicate themselves to that cause with a passion as a way to find purpose and meaning.

Commencement student speakers were Taylor Seth Stutsman, the undergraduate representative, and Rezettakahealani Eric Mulitalo, the post-graduate representative.

Stutsman graduated with his B.S. in Forensics Sciences, Cum Laude.  That night his family came from five different states to cheer for him. He moved to Hawaii from Pennsylvania and appreciated the diversity of Chaminade. “Hawaii has taught me more about acceptance and tolerance than I could have imagined,” he said, appreciative of the multi-cultural experiences made available to him at Chaminade.

Mulitalo graduated that night with her M.S. in Criminal Justice Administration. Raised in Western Samoa, she graduated with a bachelor’s degree from the University of Wellington, New Zealand. “You do not have to know what you are going to do with the rest of your life yet,” she reassured the graduating students. She advised them to remember what the Scottish scholar William Barclay had said. “’There are two great days in a person’s life –the day we are born, and the day we discover why,’” she quoted. “Watch your choices, follow your dreams and love what you do.”

International Extravaganza 2017 Showcased Chaminade’s Rich Diversity

A spring tradition at Chaminade, the annual International Extravaganza on April 7, 2017, featured student-led performances of dance and song. Seven cultural clubs with 120 participants shared their talents with the campus community. The campus organizations involved were the Filipino Club, Ka Ipu Kukui Me Ka ‘Ie ‘Ie (Hawaiian Club), the Indigo Lotus Club, Lumana’i O Samoa (the Samoan Club), the Marianas Club, the Micronesian Club, and the Temana Tahitian Club.

“This event is an important opportunity for students to showcase their clubs and their culture to the Chaminade and Oahu communities. As one of the most culturally diverse universities in the nation, we host this event to showcase and celebrate the diversity of our students and staff,” said Jay Spenser Darden, the director of the Office of Student Activities and Leadership.

The Office of Student Activities and Leadership sponsored the event, which took place on the Sullivan Family Library lawn. Dressed in elaborate cultural wear, students sang, chanted and danced traditional numbers from the represented geographical locations. Students had to not only the learn the songs and dances, but they also had to learn the stories and the meanings behind their performance numbers. The student-led performances exhilarated the crowd for hours.

There was an opportunity to honor and thank Chaminade president Bro. Bernard Ploeger, SM with applause and love. Bro. Ploeger, who has been a foundational pillar for the university for decades will conclude his service as president on June 30, 2017, after having served the university for 23 years: eight years as its president plus the prior 15 years in other leadership capacities.

The Office of Student Activities and Leadership (OSAL) offers Chaminade students opportunities to participate in co-curricular activities and out-of classroom experiences that promote personal development and leadership training. OSAL has over 30 student clubs, wellness programs, recreation and intramural sports, various campus activities throughout the year, and more.

Chaminade Now Accepting Applications for Ho’oulu STEM Scholarships

Chaminade University is currently accepting applications for its full-tuition Ho`oulu STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) Scholarships. The scholarships are open to first-year and transfer students and give preference to applicants of Native Hawaiian ancestry. Apply now for early consideration. For more details on the Ho`oulu STEM Scholarship, visit the Ho`oulu STEM Scholarship webpage or call (808) 739-8551.

In partnership with Kamehameha Schools, Chaminade University created an opportunity for students pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree to receive full tuition assistance (100%) and the opportunity to apply for living expense assistance for four years. It also provides wraparound academic support services, access to post-graduate career paths via Chaminade’s suite of articulation agreements, paid internships for professional development, and financial support for career development activities.

Hooulu STEM Scholarship, First Cohort

In the fall of 2016, Chaminade University welcomed its first Ho`oulu cohort of first-year and transfer students in the following Bachelor of Science degree areas: Biology, Biochemistry, Forensic Sciences, Environmental Studies, Nursing, and Pre-Med/Pre-Health.

“The impact of Ho`oulu is far-reaching,” said Chaminade President Bro. Bernard J. Ploeger, SM, Ph.D. “Careers in STEM-related fields are projected to be some of the fastest growing segments of tomorrow’s workforce.”

Chaminade’s Dean of Natural Sciences and Mathematics Helen Turner, Ph.D. agreed. “Solutions to health, environmental and justice challenges are to be found in science and technology, and we envision Ho‘oulu students leading the community in the future to strengthen the lāhui.”