Diversity and Inclusion

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.

College Bound

May 28, 2024

Kapaa High Seniors Earn High School Diplomas and College Credits through Chaminade University’s Early College Partnership

Kapaa High School seniors who participated in Chaminade University’s Early College Program received their high school diplomas after also earning college credits from Chaminade University and being admitted to four-year higher education institutions.

Sixteen Kapaa High seniors enrolled in Chaminade’s Early College Program will graduate on Friday, May 24. The students will attend various higher education learning institutions, including Brown University, Columbia University, UCLA, Chaminade University, Adelphi University, BYU-Hawaii, University of Hawaii-Manoa, Kauai Community College, Lane Community College (Oregon), St. Ambrose University and Willamette University.

Chaminade and Kapaa High began the Early College program partnership in 2021. The program aims to provide high school students with exposure to higher education and the opportunity to jump start earning their college degrees. The students earn 25 college credits while juniors and seniors in high school.

“This program is really a part of Chaminade’s service-oriented mission, which is to make higher education accessible to all Hawaii students,” says Janet Davidson, Ph.D., Vice Provost of Academic Affairs.

Research shows that early college programs show strong and lasting evidence of effectiveness for all students. It promotes both postsecondary access and success. The data is undeniable that students who participate in such programs will be ahead of their peers and graduate from a four-year university either debt-free or with very little federal student loan debt. The latest data further supports the claim that students who participate in these programs are better prepared to transfer to a four-year university than students who attend the university without prior college experience.

The Kapaa High School 2024 Commencement will take place on Friday, May 24 at 5:30 p.m. at the Bryan J. Baptiste Sports Complex.

Alumni Return for Reunion

May 20, 2024

The rainy weather failed to dampen Silversword Spirit as alumni and guests returned to campus for the Recent Alumni Reunion on May 16 in the Ching Conference Center. The fun-filled event featured a photo booth for alumni to capture the special gathering in pictures, a delicious buffet and beverages with wine and beer for those age 21 and older. There was no shortage of laughter and conversation as the alumni and friends enjoyed each other’s company and seeing familiar faces, including Dean of the School of Education and Behavioral Sciences Dr. Dale Fryxell and faculty members Dr. Sean Scanlan, Dr. Darren Iwamoto, and Dr. Hans Chun. Director of Alumni Relations Jodi-Anne Yoshida announced the start of friendly games, including Gimme Gimme and trivia, with Chaminade prizes as incentives to win. The event was another one to remember for the growing Chaminade University alumni community.
For more information on alumni programs, email [email protected].

Attendees to the Recent Alumni Reunion enjoyed the camaraderie, the laughs, the games and the buffet dinner.
Recent 2024 alumna, from left, Haley Hayakawa and Naomi Noguchi sign up to win door prizes.
Drs. Hans Chun, Dale Fryxell and Saint Louis teacher Charlie Clausner, in the background from left, mingle with alumni Carina Lee MEd ’23, Be-Jay Kodama ’86 and MBS ’16, Brittaney Fitzgerald ’22, Nicole Kegine Aguinaldo ’24, Marlon Francisco ’24 and Audrey Pilar ’24.
Alumni, from left, Derek Liu ’17 and MBA ’19, Sabrina Hallabay ’19, Jennifer Tolentino ’18 and MBA ’19 and Christine Vergara ’19 show off their swag.
Ciena Alagao, MBA ’23, left, and Carina Lee MEd ’23 smile as they have their photo taken with their swag and photo booth image.
Drs. Dale Fryxell, from right, Darren Iwamoto and Hans Chun pose with alumni, from left, Derrick Liu ’17 and MBA ’19, Christine Vergara ’19, Jennifer Tolentino ’18 and MBA ’21 and Sabrina Hallabay ’19.
Attendees to the Recent Alumni Reunion enjoyed the camaraderie, the laughs, the games and the buffet dinner.
Alumni, from left, Derek Liu ’17 and MBA ’19, Jennifer Tolentino ’18 and MBA ’21 and Christine Vergara ’19 discuss social media.
Dr. Dale Fryxell shares a laugh with recent alumunae.
Paige Garcia shares a moment with fellow alumna.
Dr. Sean Scanlan opens his gift with alumna Nicole Sagapolutele watching on.
Attendees to the Recent Alumni Reunion ham it up in front of the photo booth.
Drs. Dale Fryxell and Hans Chun pose with alumnae, Jasmine Cho, left, and Nicole Sagapolutele, who both won hydroflasks.
Attendees enjoyed the games during the Recent Alumni Reunion.
Alumnae, from left, Sabrina Hallabay ’19, Ciena Alagao MBA ’23 and Sarah Carroll “24, catch up with Bro. Allen Pacquing, SM.

Pinning Ceremony

May 8, 2024

Seventy-one newly graduated nurses receive ceremonial Nursing Pin

For the past four years, Brittany Johnson quipped that “all I’ve ever known are the overly caffeinated nursing majors.” As the undergraduate student speaker during Chaminade’s 66^th Commencement Ceremony, the newly minted nurse took the opportunity to share the life lessons that she has learned during her years at Henry Hall. Earlier in the day, she and 70 of her fellow Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree candidates experienced another milestone: they received their symbolic pins during the Pinning Ceremony at Sacred Hearts Academy.

Seventy-one nursing students received their ceremonal Nursing Pins during the annual Pinning Ceremony that occurs the morning of commencement.

“Your position in life will change, so put your head down and work with pride in whatever position you may find yourself in in this life,” Johnson advised to her fellow graduates. “You never know where you might end up.”

The Pinning Ceremony represents a significant rite of passage for nursing students, marking their transition from nursing school to the professional world. It is a meaningful tradition with a rich history, symbolizing the nurses’ dedication to their field, their commitment to patient care and their readiness to join the nursing profession.

“A pinning ceremony is a time to welcome newly graduating nurses to the profession,” said Pamela Smith, Interim Co-Dean of the School of Nursing and Health Professions. “We gather for this occasion to mark the transition from student nurse to graduate nurse, and to celebrate the start of a professional practice in nursing.”

The tradition of pinning dates back to the 12th century, when the Crusaders received a badge to distinguish them for their service in caring for the sick and injured. Later in the 1860s, Florence Nightingale devoted herself to caring for casualties of the Crimean War. In recognition of her service, she was awarded The Red Cross of St. George.

Nightingale then extended the honor by presenting medals of excellence to the most deserving student graduates at The Nightingale School of Nursing in London. Today, nursing schools around the world give a Nursing Pin to represent a medal of excellence to their student nurses upon graduation. Each school of nursing pin has its own distinct design, which represents the symbols, colors and phrases that illustrate the mission and philosophy of the school.

“In addition to congratulating each member of our Class of 2024 nursing students, I would like to personally thank you all for your pledge to serve in this noblest of professions,” said Dr. Lynn Babington, Chaminade president, who is also a former nurse and healthcare administrator. “Nursing is a noble profession, requiring dedication of mind, body and heart. Nurses make a difference every day, touching lives and changing outcomes for the better.”

66th Annual Commencement Ceremony

May 6, 2024

The Class of 2024 graduates 600 students

A sea of people gathered inside and outside the perimeter of the Waikiki Shell to celebrate the many accomplishments of Chaminade’s Class of 2024, closing out an academic year that brought no shortage of challenges with plenty of smiles, laughter, cheering and tears of joy.

Waiting in line to enter the Waikiki Shell, Shandry Lopes said there was no way she was going to miss the graduation of her granddaughter, Kelli Lopes ’24, who earned her bachelor’s degree in Forensic Science. “Education is important to us,” said Lopes, holding an open umbrella to shield her from the sun. “I am so proud and happy for her.”

The same sentiments were echoed by Shanmarie and Paul Alferez, whose son Ryan Chang was conferred his bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, thanks to Bank of Hawaii’s College Assistance Program (CAP), which allows its employees to get back on the path to obtaining their first four-year undergraduate degree with tuition reimbursement.

“This means everything to us,” said Shanmarie of Ryan’s graduation, with Paul adding that the family has now “broken the family cycle by having a second generation of Alferezes graduate from university.”

“It was a great experience at Chaminade,” Chang said. “Through the University’s Flex program model, I was able to still work full time and earn my degree on my own time. I would not have been able to achieve this without the Bank of Hawaii’s CAP program. And I’m probably going to return to Chaminade to do my MBA.”

Rita Aponte, Senior Manager at Bank of Hawai‘i’s People Service Center, received her degree in Business Administration from Chaminade University on Saturday evening.
After graduating from Mililani High School 30 years ago, KerryLynn Vea was finally able to earn her bachelor’s degree, thanks to Bank of Hawaii’s College Assistance Program.
Commencement graduate student speaker Donna Kay Fisher waves at her fellow graduates before accepting her degree.
Gabriel Zapata Berrios shakes the hand of Dr. Lynn Babington.
Known for her advocacy and support, Jean Rolles was honored with a Doctor of Humane Letters to recognize her longterm contributions to the community.
Commencement undergraduate speaker Brittany Johnson spoke of eight life lessons that she has learned over the past 4 years while studying at Chaminade.
A first in Chaminade’s history, 14 graduate students were conferred their Doctor of Education in Educational in Organizational Leadership for Adaptation and Change degrees.
Despite having torn her miniscus, Bailey Ledesma used a crutch to attend the ceremony, which she said she would have never missed.
Four trolleys shuttled students, families and friends from Chaminade to the Waikiki Shell.
Franciscan Friar James Seiffert came to support longtime friend former United Airlines colleague Ana Giliberti.
Jerald Bagain and his mom and dad—who flew in from Guam—Paul and Hazel Bagain, and girlfriend Jannbel Bielza celebrate with Jannabel’s mom Annabel Bielza.
Graduating students took a selfie just inside the entrance of Waikiki Shell.
Ryan Chang poses with family members, including his grandfather, siblings and mom and dad, Shanmarie and Paul Alferez, far right.
Caitlin Bocobo poses with her two brothers, and mom and dad, Misty and Brian Bocobo.
Shandry Lopes, far right, waits in line with family members to enter the Waikiki Shell.

As the procession of faculty members and students filled the seats, the cheers and camera flashes came from every direction. Kaipo Leopoldino ’14 opened the ceremony with an oli (Hawaiian welcome and blessing), followed by the invocation delivered by Rev. Chris Wittmann, S.M., and the National Anthem and Hawai‘i Pono‘ī sung by Faith Leasiolagi ’15.

“It is such an honor to celebrate Commencement with our 2024 graduates,” said Chaminade President Lynn Babington, Ph.D., in her welcoming remarks. “Graduation is always a momentous milestone—an opportunity to mark achievements attained and look forward to new adventures ahead. But this year’s graduates can be doubly proud for the incredible determination they showed during the past four years.”

Indeed graduate student speaker Donna Kay Fisher, ’16 MA, ’24 EdD, shared her own struggles after she suffered a major heart attack in 2019. However, an invitation she received from Chaminade’s School of Education and Behavioral Sciences to apply for the Doctor of Education inaugural cohort became her lifeline.

“It was divine intervention at the most opportune time,” Fisher told fellow graduates. “We are testaments to the remarkable opportunities that Chaminade University has been able to give us. Our hearts echo with profound gratitude.”

The Commencement guest keynote speaker Dr. Kamanaʻopono M. Crabbe spoke of his own divine inspiration, which was derived from his kupunakane or granduncle Robert Kaho‘okele Na‘auao, who taught him the importance of ‘ohana, integrity, pride, courage, self-worth and “mana.”

“He was my divine intervention, my cultural professor, ‘ohana mentor, my inspiration that gave me something to believe in and a purpose for living,” Crabbe said. “We all need that Uncle Bob in our lives, and, for most of us, our life journey is trying to discover who we are, to find our kuleana, our gift, our special talent.”

This year’s graduating class included associates, bachelors and 36 doctoral students, including the first-ever cohort of 16 graduates in the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program, 10 of whom graduated with their DNP-Family Nurse Practitioner degrees, three earned their DNP-Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner degrees and another three received their DNP-Executive Leader degrees.

Another first in Chaminade’s history, 14 graduate students were conferred their Doctor of Education in Educational in Organizational Leadership for Adaptation and Change degrees. Another six students earned their Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology degrees. All of these programs were initiated to respond to the community’s needs, and exemplify the Marianist educational values of formation in faith, quality education, family spirit, service, justice and peace, and adaptation and change.

“As a University community, you have made all of us extremely proud. When you joined our Kalaepōhaku community, you could not have foreseen that you would be completing your degree requirements in the throes of a global pandemic,” Babington said. “And yet—despite the many adversities and restrictions—you adapted. Amid the uncertainty, you persevered. And through it all, you showed an exceptional capacity for resilience.”

In his remarks, Crabbe spoke of the future that lies ahead and to embrace the responsibility of supporting our local communities. “Pūpūkahi i holomua—Unite to move forward” encapsulates the spirit of collaboration, unity and collective progress deeply ingrained in our Hawaiian Culture,” he said. “As you stand on the threshold during these auspicious times, let us embrace the principle of ‘Pūpūkahi i holomua,’ recognizing that by standing united, we can overcome any obstacle and achieve our shared aspirations for a brighter future and a greater Hawai‘i.”

Also citing the same Hawaiian proverb in her speech, Fisher emphasized that “our greatest awakening is to understand that life is not an individual race, but it is a collective marathon of mind, body and spirit.” “Therefore, to foster a collective mindset, Chaminade’s faculty and staff taught us how to deliberately seek out and carefully draw out every voice,” she said. “They taught us how to earnestly value opposition, how to ardently appreciate our differences, and how to sincerely believe we are stronger together.”

Festival of Honors

May 3, 2024

Business majors recognized during special event

In accepting her MBA Academic Achievement in Master of Business Administration Award, Caryl Tracy-Metz ’24 cited the words of poet and civil rights activist Maya Angelou, quoting, “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

“And that resonates with my experience at Chaminade; I will never forget how supportive and encouraging the people have been” said Tracy-Metz, who now holds a Chaminade MBA. “Iron sharpens iron; my peers have made me better and so have my professors.”

For the past three years, the School of Business and Communications has honored its business majors as they graduate from the program. Indeed, it’s a celebratory-worthy occasion that’s marked by the Festival of Honors, an event that highlights the efforts and achievements of prospective graduates.

School of Business and Communication Interim Dean Annette Santos and Assistant Dean Asoke Datta congratulate Caryl Tracy-Metz for her MBA Academic Achievement in Master of Business Administration Award.
Drs. Eddie Merc, Asoke Datta and Annette Santos pose with Taisyn Kauhaahaa, winner of the Academic Achievement in Business Administration.
Drs. Eddie Merc and Annette Santos present Gabriela Galarza with the Academic Achievement in Accounting.
Liz Devine walks toward the podium to accept her Innovation and Entrepreneurship Award.
Assistant Professor Dr. Maria Brownlow nominated Liz Devine for the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Award.
MBA lecturer Wera Panow-Loui and Taisyn Kauhaahaa participated in one of three games that was part of the festivities.

“You now enter into a pantheon of Chaminade alumni,” said Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs Lance Askildson, Ph.D., in his remarks to the prospective graduates. “You’ve established a long relationship with people who deeply care about you. This moment is not a single flash in the pan; think of us as part of that journey of lifelong learning.”

Graduating with a business degree opens up a world of opportunities and prepares Chaminade alumni potential access to a diverse range of career paths. Through their education, students have cultivated their essential soft skills, such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, leadership and adaptability.

“These skills are highly valued by employers and will help our students succeed in any business environment,” said assistant professor Eddie Merc, Ph.D., Chaminade’s MBA Director and Program Advisor. “When we speak with our community partners, they tell us the types of skills that they would like to see from our graduates. And we’ll adapt our curriculum to respond to the business community’s needs.”

Co-emceed by the School of Business and Communication Interim Dean Annette Santos and Assistant Dean Asoke Datta, Festival of Honors, they said, is their favorite ceremony of the year because it marks a significant milestone in a student’s journey in business school.

“It will be a memorable and inspiring experience,” Santos said. “This event represents a journey of growth and excellence.”

Five awards are handed out each year, including the Academic Achievement in Business Administration, Academic Achievement in Accounting, Academic Achievement in Master of Business Administration, Marianist Values and Business for Good, and Innovation and Entrepreneurship.

Being awarded the Academic Achievement in Business Administration, Taisyn Kauhaahaa ’24 thanked the professors in his acceptance speech, remarking that they are here, not just for a paycheck, but for all the right reasons. “I didn’t prepare any formal remarks tonight because I want this to come from the heart,” said Kauhaahaa, pointing to his chest. “You truly care about learning and sharing your knowledge with us.”

Presented to the graduating senior who has best exemplified academic excellence in the Accounting program, the Academic Achievement in Accounting winner was Gabriela Galarza ’24, who has demonstrated exceptional work in class and has shown her capabilities for critical thinking through her coursework.

“I am grateful to be here,” Galarza said. “When I applied to Chaminade, I was stepping out of my comfort zone, and I didn’t think I would stay all four years. I am glad I did.”

Recognized for her commitment to academic excellence and exemplifying the MBA program’s core values of personal integrity, social responsibility and family spirit, Tracy-Metz summoned the words of one of her all-time heroes, Rell Sunn, who defined the aloha spirit as real simple: “You give and you give and you give . . . and you give from here (the heart), until you have nothing else to give.” That’s leadership, Tracy-Metz concluded.

The Marianist Values and Business for Good Award was given to Chaminade’s Enrollment Management Assistant Vice President, Lisa Trumbull ’24, who finally earned her MBA after starting it a decade ago. “It has been a long and challenging journey,” Trumbull shared. “There were a lot of early mornings and weekends, but I gained great insight and knowledge in how to use business as a force for positive change.”

A go-getter with a can-do attitude, Liz Devine ’24 received the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Award for her creativity and entrepreneurial spirit in her academic and extracurricular activities. “I just showed up one day with no expectations,” said the Iowa native. “‘Life is short, the world is wide and I wanna make some memories’ is a famous line in ‘Mama Mia’ and it’s what I have been able to do during my four years here at Chaminade.”