Chaminade University of Honolulu

Education

Faculty Award Winners

Faculty Institute Awardees Drs. Chong, Halston and Mukina honored for their work

Acknowledging the tragedy that befell Maui residents and visitors alike, Chaminade President Dr. Lynn Babington asked faculty and staff to take a moment of silence to honor the victims of the worst natural disaster in U.S. history in more than a century. “Let’s keep them in our thoughts and prayers today and in the coming days,” she said, before delivering her welcoming remarks.

As the new academic year begins, Babington first looked back at the University’s many “points of pride” during the past year, including another successful Commencement at the Waikiki Shell, as well as the inaugural graduation ceremony of eight Halawa Correctional Facility inmates. It was indeed, as she said a “chicken-skin moment” for all those in attendance.

Chaminade President Dr. Lynn Babington delivered a welcoming address to faculty and staff on the Sullivan Family Library Lawn.
Chaminade President Dr. Lynn Babington delivered a welcoming address to faculty and staff on the Sullivan Family Library Lawn.

Looking ahead, Chaminade University will welcome one of its largest incoming classes of new students with a projected 1,572 undergraduate students and 642 graduate students for a total of 2,214 student enrollment. The incoming class of freshmen and transfer students amounts to 481.

“This will be one of the largest incoming classes in recent history,” Babington said. “It’s gratifying to see so many local high school graduates and others selecting Chaminade as the institute to pursue their higher education. We also have the highest graduation rate of Hawaiʻi colleges, according to the National Center for Education Statistics, and that’s something of which we’re really proud.”

During lunch at the Sullivan Family Library Lawn, Jim Heller Sutton, Assistant Provost for Faculty Development and Director, Center for Teaching & Learning, was proud to announce the three faculty winners of the Chaminade University of Honolulu (CUH) Excellence in Teaching Award, the Fr. John F. Bolin Excellence in Scholarship Award and the Dr. Joseph Allen Collegiality Award.

Education Assistant Professor, Travis Mukina, Ph.D., was honored with the CUH Excellence in Teaching Award, recognizing his approach to teaching mathematics that involves challenging and reshaping students’ pre-conceived beliefs about the subject.

“My goal is to ‘un-teach’ the negative beliefs that students hold towards math,” Mukina said. Rather than traumatize them, I want to ease their fears of numbers and calculations, guiding them to find their own solutions.”

Faculty members gather for a group shot on the steps of Eiben Hall.
Faculty members gather for a group shot on the steps of Eiben Hall.

“Clearly, Dr. Mukina is making a positive and lifelong impact on his students,” wrote Katrina Roesler in her nomination of Mukina. “And it is our great privilege to present him with this award.”

Designed to recognize a full-time faculty member for achieving excellence in scholarship, the Fr. John F. Bolin Excellence in Scholarship Award went to Dr. Abby Halston, Ed.D, NCC, LMFT. Dr. Halston’s research philosophy centers on the transformative power of scholarly inquiry and mentorship for academic and personal growth. Embracing collaboration and a student-centered approach, she fosters an environment that encourages critical thinking, ethics and creativity in research.

“She is dedicated to mentoring undergraduates, providing meaningful research experiences and empowering the next generation of scholars,” said Dr. Darren Iwamoto, who nominated Halston for the award. “The Fr. John F. Bolin Excellence in Scholarship Award recognizes a faculty member with a clear research philosophy who has advanced knowledge in their field, and it is our pleasure to recognize Dr. Halston with this award.”

Data Science Program Director and Assistant Professor, Rylan Chong, Ph.D., was honored with the Dr. Joseph Allen Collegiality Award, recognizing his extensive engagement with fellow faculty members, and his mentorship, collaboration and teamwork across a wide array of university activities, including research endeavors and curriculum development.

“His collegial work spans student programs, admissions, advising, faculty policies, career development, and community outreach, exemplifying his clear role in promoting Chaminade’s mission and values,” said Laura Tipton, a former Chaminade Data Science, Analytics, and Visualization Assistant Professor. “Dr. Chong’s wide-reaching involvement in the institution and his investment in developing relationships within the university ‘ohana has made a significant impact at Chaminade. I can think of no one more deserving of a collegiality award than Dr. Chong.”

Chuuk Commencement Ceremony

CCPI graduates give back to Federated States of Micronesia communities

Chuuk has been previously called many names—officially and unofficially. It was previously named Truk until 1990, and labeled as the Imperial Japan’s “Gibraltar of the Pacific” and even the Pearl Harbor of the Japanese during World War II. But today, the tiny island of just 49 square miles—smaller than Haleakala National Park—is known as one of the four states that comprises the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM); the others being Kosrae, Pohnpei and Yap.

Chuuk is also where Chaminade University entered into a Memorandum of Agreement with the Caroline College and Pastoral Institute (CCPI) in Weno. Since 2010, Chaminade has played an outsized role in educating not only Chuukese, but also island residents in the five different regions within Chuuk State—Northern Nomwoneas, Southern Nomwoneas, Faichuuk, Mortlocks and Northwest.

Graduates during the Commencement Ceremony at CCPI in Weno.

In his opening remarks during the CCPI Commencement Ceremony, Chaminade Provost and Senior Vice President, Lance Askildson, Ph.D., told the graduates that this moment is a recognition of both their success in completing their college degree, and an important inflection point in their lives and the future possibilities that are now available to them.

“Now is the time to reflect upon not only how far you have come, but why you began this important journey in the first place,” Askildson remarked. “Your degree means more opportunity and independence; more career and professional advancement possibilities; greater financial autonomy and self-determination; and the potential for new responsibility and leadership in both your professional and civic lives.”

In total, 11 students earned their Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education (BAEEO) and 49 graduated with their Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts (AALA) this year. It’s a noteworthy achievement, given some of the obstacles that students have had to overcome.

“Many of our students lack the necessary technology or internet access to participate and complete their courses,” said LJ Rayphand, Dean of Outreach Education at CCPI. “CCPI and Chaminade provide the technology and the physical spaces that our students can access and participate in their courses. 

“Even though these are online courses, a distance course facilitator is assigned to each of the classes to provide additional support to both students and instructors,” Rayphand added. “Evening transportation is also provided to afternoon/evening students who reside outside of town.”

Caroline Islands Bishop Julio Angkel addresses graduates during the Commencement Ceremony.
Caroline College and Pastoral Institute President Fr. Rosendo Rudolf addresses graduates during the Commencement Ceremony.

Chaminade’s support of CCPI for the past 13 years has helped, not only increase the number of individuals with college degrees, but also produce knowledge and skillful individuals who contribute to the local economy. Most of the graduates now work with the Chuuk State Department of Education as classroom teachers, specialists and program coordinators. And a good number of them have been hired in health-related fields, social services, finance, legal services and, of course, the private sector, like United Airlines.

“As a developing state or nation, these new graduates have a lot to offer to their community, the state of Chuuk and to FSM as a whole,” Rayphand said. “They will fill job opportunities that will make a huge difference in our community. Many of them work on the frontlines in areas that matter most to our people and our places in Micronesia.”

In his closing remarks, Askildson shared a quote from the personal journal of American poet and environmental writer, Ralph Waldo Emerson, who once wrote, “The things taught in schools and colleges are not an education, but the means to an education.”

“What Emerson meant was that a true education is not (only) what you learn with us, it’s what you learn about yourselves and take with you to embark upon a lifetime of learning and growth thereafter,” Askildson said. “That is the legacy that we gift to you today … and one that will continue your human journey to greater insights and contributions far into the future. In you, we invest our great hope and aspirations for your success and a better future for us all!”

Silversword Reunion Blooms

Criminal Justice alumni reunite at Vi and Paul Loo Student Center

Dr. Greg Mark makes it clear that Criminal Justice reunions involve more than just those who may have been one-time dorm mates or who may have taken classes together. Because attendees come from varied disciplines with different majors, the event holds a lot more meaning and makes for a qualitatively powerful experience, according to Mark.

“There’s lots of spirit and camaraderie,” says Mark, a former Criminal Justice professor with Chaminade from 1977-1989. “I’ve been involved with a couple of reunions, one eight years ago at The Willows and a second on campus, which took place right before COVID.”

When Mark taught at Chaminade, the program was called Justice Management until he took over the chairmanship of the department. Because he obtained his doctorate in Criminology—a degree not many people in the country held at the time—and simultaneously taught Ethnic Studies, the then young 20-something-year-old professor decided to change the name to Criminal Justice, which was more accurately reflective of what they were teaching at Chaminade.

Dr. Babington welcomed Criminal Justice alumni and faculty back to campus.
Chaminade President Lynn Babington, Ph.D., welcomed Criminal Justice alumni and faculty, including, from left Pulasi “Sam” Puletasi, Frank Okamura, Kevin Shimoda and Dr. Greg Mark.

“I took fragments of Management Justice and developed a criminology curriculum,” says Mark, who recently attended a Criminal Justice mini reunion held at the Vi and Paul Loo Student Center on campus. “It was a very exciting time to be part of the Chaminade faculty.”

A Criminal Justice major who graduated in 1986, Frank Okamura remembers taking Mark’s Criminal Justice Agencies class and describing him as fair and just like “one of us.” This may be true since some of the students—like Okamura, already a father of two and working as a U.S. Customs Service Inspector and bartender—were closer in age to Mark.  

“I think he (Mark) felt sorry for me because he named me ‘Outstanding Student’ or something like that,” laughs Okamura, who also attended the recent reunion on campus and had a chance to spend some time with his former professor. “I really enjoyed his class, which provided me a better understanding of the different law enforcement agencies.”

A tight-knit group, Criminal Justice alumni members will often socially meet either for lunch or dinner, reminiscing about their days as Silverswords, updating each other on their kids and grandkids, and their achievements since graduation.   

“During my time at Chaminade, we did so many things together, which brought us closer together,” says Mark, referring to students and faculty. “There was a lot of aloha among people in the department and it was a dynamic time.”

At the mini reunion, Okamura was impressed that Chaminade President, Dr. Lynn Babington,  had showed up to welcome them back to campus, making them all feel like they were home.

“Chaminade provided me with a path that I would have never known,” says the 62-year-old retiree and grandfather of five grandkids. “Whenever I needed help, my professors were always there; they were always so supportive and attentive. I am just so appreciative and grateful for my time there.”

Asked if they plan to attend the October Silversword Reunion, Okamura and Mark unhesitatingly said “Yes.” “It will be another chance to talk about each other and some of the work we did together,” Mark says. “Teaching at Chaminade was a great experience. It’s where I grew up professionally, and it’s where I developed my academic and administrative skills.”

NOAA B-WET Grant

Managing Hawaii’s Watersheds

The first field site to Paiko Lagoon provided a chicken-skin moment when a longtime resident of the area, Kai Hoshijo, a volunteer crew member with the Polynesian Voyaging Society and the Maunalua Fishpond Heritage Center, reminisced about the stories of her youthful days spent at the Wildlife Sanctuary in East Oahu, evoking a navigator mindset of observance and respect for the ‘aina (land).

“Kai grew up in Niu Valley and was telling a story in context of the sanctuary’s meaningful location,” recalls Katrina Roseler, Ph.D., shuddering while she remembered that exact moment. “It was the perfect start to our two-week workshop, demonstrating the reverence of place.”

Thanks to a grant from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Roseler and Environmental Sciences assistant professor, Lupita Ruiz-Jones, Ph.D., were able “to enhance the capacity of Hawaii’s secondary science teachers to engage their students in ahupua’a education and cultivate stewardship.” Ahupua’a is a Hawaiian term for a large traditional socioeconomic, geologic and climatic subdivision of land, which consists most frequently of a slice of an island that went from the top of the local mountain (volcano) to the shore, often following the boundary of a stream drainage.

Cultural Engagement Specialist, Kahoalii Keahi-Wood points out limu near the shoreline of Diamond Head.
Cultural Engagement Specialist, Kahoalii Keahi-Wood points out limu near the shoreline of Diamond Head.

The summer workshops align with NOAA’s Bay Watershed Education (B-WET) initiative, an environmental education program that promotes place-based experiential learning for K–12 students and related professional development for teachers.

“We had our own play on acronyms with B-WET,” says Roseler, the grant’s Co-Principal Investigator. “We appropriately named our program M2M:WET, which stands for Mauka to Makai: Watershed Experience for Teachers.”

Much like B-WET, M2M:WET aims to foster the growth of new, innovative programs, and encourages capacity-building and environmental education partnerships.

During the field experience, teachers explored two primary questions: 1) How do we determine the health of our watersheds (ahupua‘a); and 2) How can educators engage students in thinking critically about the flow of water and cultivate a sense of stewardship for Hawaii’s watersheds?”

“My observation of the participating teachers was that they were super excited and nerdy in a positive science way,” says Ruiz-Jones, the grant’s other Co-Principal Investigator. “They were like kids on field trips, and eager to use some of the equipment we provided, like the GoPro, water test kits and water loggers, which is an instrument that automatically and continuously records fluctuations in water level.”

Participants visited Lyon Arboretum for one of their many workshops.
Participants visited Lyon Arboretum for one of their many field trips.

The outcome of the workshops helped inform teachers how to bring their field experiences into the classroom and their curriculum. They gained skills in environmental data collection, lab protocols, data analyses and data visualization. Water samples were gathered at the various sites and analyzed for nitrogen compounds, sulfate, phosphate and silica, using an automated spectrophotometry, as well as SEAL AQ400 chemistry and equipment. And they also collected water temperature data with the HOBO Tidbit temperature logger and learned how to use readily available water test kits.

Among the 16 K-12 teachers, Christina Chan of Highlands Intermediate School says she decided to participate in the program because she focuses on watersheds, which is one of her primary foci for her CTE (Career and Technical Education) class next year.

Chan adds that she learned about the use of five different field sites for studying the watershed; how to use a HOBO, GoPro and other devices for sampling water in the watershed; different pedagogy and Understanding by Design models; and making connections with other teachers and ideas on how to share watershed information.

Hanalani Schools’ Jessica Mountz opted in because she wanted to connect with other science teachers on Oahu and the Neighbor Islands, reasoning that in her 20 years of teaching, she found that collaboration with other teachers has been the most valuable tool in her professional growth.

Participants learned how to collect data during the M2M:Mauka to Makai workshops.
Participants learned how to collect data during the workshops.

“At the end of each day, I went home with so many lesson ideas my head was sometimes spinning,” says the high school science teacher. “From Wayfinding/ Navigation to Ahupuaʻa of Hawai’i, I plan on developing curriculum for my Biology and Advanced Placement Biology students that not only meets Science Standards (Next Generation Science Standards and College Board), but incorporates Hawaiian culture and empathy.  I look forward to continuing conversations and collaboration, not only with the other science teachers from the M2M:WET workshop, but with the faculty/staff at Chaminade University, Huli, and Maunalua Fishpond Heritage Center.”

Since its inception in 2002, 929 B-WET grants have been awarded for a total of $117 million.  The B-WET program currently serves seven regions of the country: California, Chesapeake Bay, Great Lakes, Gulf of Mexico, Hawaii, New England and the Pacific Northwest. Regional B-WET programs provide tailored grantee support and capacity building. This allows B-WET to include place-based STEM resources and expertise, and respond to local education and environmental priorities.

“The goal is to provide support for our K-12 science teachers so they can teach their students to become the future stewards of the land,” says Ruiz-Jones, with Roseler adding that they “hope to engage the students to appreciate the mauka to makai value of their ahupua‘a.”

Catholic Schools Recognition Luncheon

The Hawaii Catholic Schools Recognition Ceremony had already started, and St. Anthony School Maui’s Head of School David Kenney and music teacher Julia Golding were stuck on the tarmac at Kahului Airport. Unbeknownst to Golding, she was to be one of the luncheon’s guests of honor, and announced as the Hawaii Catholic Schools’ 2023 Teacher of the Year.

“It was a comedy of errors,” said Golding, referring to the hours-long delay at the Kahului Airport, which jeopardized her attending the luncheon. “Our first scheduled flight was cancelled because the plane that was supposed to come from Oahu never arrived. So, we got on another flight and that was delayed because of a medical emergency, which further delayed our arrival on Oahu because we lost the window of time to get to the Honolulu airport gate.”

St. Anthony School Maui’s music teacher Julia Golding with her Golden Pineapple.

Since 2019, Chaminade University and the Hawaii Catholic Schools have added an island twist to the national Golden Apple Awards, renaming it—fittingly—the Golden Pineapple Awards. “The Teacher and Administrator of the Year event would not be possible if it were not for our strong relationship with Chaminade,” said Llewellyn Young, Ph.D., superintendent of Hawaii Catholic Schools. “Chaminade is a Hawaii Catholic School, and we are tremendously grateful and blessed to have them as part of our Catholic schools ‘ohana.”

According to School of Education and Behavioral Sciences Dean, Dale Fryxell, Ph.D., nominations for Teacher and Administrator of the Year can be submitted by a fellow teacher or an administrator, and parent or student. A panel comprised of Chaminade and Hawaii Catholic Schools representatives then review the candidates on the following criteria:

1.  How the nominee has made a difference in the life of a student(s).

2. The nominee’s accomplishments as they relate to leadership.

3. The nominee’s accomplishments as they relate to service to the school and community.

4.The nominee’s accomplishments as they relate to spiritual development.

“Today’s winners exemplify everything that these awards stand for—a celebration of the impact teachers and administrators have on the lives of their students,” Fryxell said. “Their commitment to their students and to their Catholic faith are admirable, and certainly warrant recognition.”

In her address to the group of Hawai’i Catholic educators, Chaminade President Dr. Lynn Babington discussed the challenges that our K-12 education system faces, and how Catholic education, with its unique position, can effectively address many of these challenges.

One of the main challenges Babington identified was the emphasis on standardized testing, which can often lead to a narrow curriculum that neglects critical thinking, creativity and character development.

“Catholic education can offer an alternative approach by fostering a holistic education that values the whole person,” Babington said. “Catholic schools emphasize the development of character, moral values and social responsibility alongside academic excellence. By instilling these values in students, Catholic education prepares them not only for academic success but also for a meaningful and fulfilling life.”

Golding said she imparts three key values to her students: faith, respect of self and each other, and gratitude. “If you don’t have a deep sense of faith, you don’t have that central character,” said the Australian native, who has taught at St. Anthony’s for the past two years. “I try to instill in my students that where they live and where they go to school are privileges.”

Kenney described Golding as thoughtful and insightful, and an incredible support to him and the entire administrative team. “Julia has made a tremendous impact and has initiated multiple programs, including the return of musical theater to the school for the first time in many years,” he said. “Additionally, the plays she has chosen allow for all of our students—young and old—to participate together, underscoring our charism and focus on unity and ‘ohana. We are truly blessed to have her as part of our ‘ohana.”

Drs. Dale Fryxell and Chaminade President Lynn Babington, along with superintendent of Hawaii Catholic Schools, Dr. Llewelynn Young, far right, present Hawaii Catholic Schools’ Adminstrator of the Year to Margaret Rufo from Mary, Star of the Sea School.

This year’s Catholic Schools Administrator of the Year went to Margaret Rufo from Mary, Star of the Sea School. A dedicated and passionate administrator who has made a significant impact on her school community, Rufo regularly interacts with the students, even making herself available for one-on-one chats during lunch and recess. She’s also deeply involved in school events, such as International Day and the 24 Math Challenge Day.

“She is engaged in all aspects of the school, whether it’s a school dance, a basketball game, a parent meeting, an international festival or a poinsettia sale—she is there,” said Fryxell in announcing Rufo as this year’s Administrator of the Year. “In addition to her focus on academic achievement, Margaret also excels as a leader, serving as a role model for her staff and working tirelessly to create a supportive and collaborative environment.”

In her closing remarks, Babington congratulated Golding and Rufo, acknowledging their commitment to educating young people in the Catholic tradition.

“I commend you for the good work you do for these K-12 students,” Babington concluded. “You prepare them to be productive members of society, and to be successful in furthering their academic journeys through higher education.”

Second Chance Pell

Seven Halawa inmates earn their Associate’s

Graduations are no doubt a milestone achievement. And for seven Halawa Correctional Facility inmates, Commencement meant even more than simply receiving their Associate’s degree in Business Administration. The occasion truly marked a new beginning—and literally a second chance. 

In her opening remarks, Chaminade President Dr. Lynn Babington invoked the fundamental question about the role of prison: Is it designed for punishment or rehabilitation? 

“At Chaminade, one of our primary Marianist values is to advocate for social justice for transformative change,” Babington said to the newly-minted graduates and their families. “We support a rehabilitation-through-education narrative, which we know is essential to incarcerated individuals finding a pathway to a second chance and a better future.”

First established in 2015 by the Obama-Biden Administration, the Second Chance Pell Experiment was to provide Federal Pell Grants—which is the nation’s largest federal grant program for low-income undergraduates enrolled in Title IV colleges and universities—to incarcerated individuals to allow them to participate in postsecondary education programs. According to statistics released by the U.S. Department of Education, to date, students have earned more than 7,000 credentials, building new skills and improving their odds of success through this initiative.

Graduates hold on to the Commencement program.
Raphael Holley embraces his parents, Robert and Lory.
Dr. Annette Santos congratulates Albert Batalona.
Father Marty Solma shakes the hand of John Granger.
Earning their Associate’s degree while incarcerated.
Graduates prepare to flip their tassles.
Dr. Lynn Babington congratulates Albert Batalona
Commencement program
Drs. Janet Davidson and Lynn Babington share a light-hearted moment.

Providing education in prison has indeed proven to reduce recidivism rates, and is associated with higher employment rates, which will improve public safety, and allow individuals to return home to their communities and contribute to society. Moreover, a 2018 study from the RAND Corporation, funded by the Department of Justice, found that incarcerated individuals who participated in correctional education were 48 percent less likely to return to prison within three years than incarcerated individuals who did not participate in any correctional education programs. RAND also estimated that for every dollar invested in correctional education programs, four to five dollars are saved on three-year, re-incarceration costs.

“This is the first college degree graduation in a Hawaii correctional facility,” said Public Safety Department (PSD) Director Tommy Johnson. “Today, we are here for the commencement of seven individuals who have strived hard and applied themselves under difficult circumstances to obtain their Associate’s degree from Chaminade University of Honolulu while incarcerated. Doing so is an outstanding achievement that should be celebrated, like we’re doing here today.”

Flying in from Fort Myers, Florida, with his spouse Lory, Robert Holley couldn’t contain the emotions of the moment. Tears trickling down his cheek, he said he hasn’t been able to hug his son, Raphael, for six years. “All I want to do is hold him tight and kiss him,” Holley sobbed. “This has so much meaning, and he now has a second chance to change the trajectory of his life.”

The success of this pilot program—between Chaminade University of Honolulu and the Hawaii Department of Public Safety—demonstrates that partnerships can lead to transformative change.

Dr. Janet Davidson, Chaminade University Vice Provost

Parents of Kelson Akeo, Marlene and Daniel Akeo of Kona, Hawaii Island, expressed the same sentiments, adding that they were amazed when their son first received his GED in Arizona. “He never liked school,” Marlene Akeo said. “So, for him to get his Associate’s degree is exciting and a big deal.”

Meanwhile, Daniel Akeo offered his son some fatherly advice: “You can choose to use your brains … or your back.” The younger Akeo has chosen his mind.

“We are the founders of a new path here at Halawa,” said Kelson Akeo, in a pre-recorded video message. “We want to show the future cohorts that a higher education is obtainable just as long as they’re willing to commit.”

Chaminade Vice Provost Dr. Janet Davidson, along with the support of many faculty members, committed to this Second Chance program back in the Fall of 2021. And despite the challenges of COVID, Davidson was determined to see this program through its completion.

“The success of this pilot program—between Chaminade University of Honolulu and the Hawaii Department of Public Safety—demonstrates that partnerships can lead to transformative change,” Davidson said. “With the support and guidance of Chaminade’s distinguished faculty and support staff, and the cooperation and backing of Halawa Correctional Facility, these individuals have embraced the opportunity to redefine their futures. This program is part of Chaminade’s mission to educate for service, justice and peace. We hope that with their newly gained education, these students will have the skills needed to rebuild their lives upon reintegration into society.”

The youngest among the graduates, Raphael Holley, 23, plans to continue his education, hopefully to one day pursue a doctorate in business with a concentration in accounting. “This is just the beginning to a new life,” Holley said with a wide smile. “This is my greatest accomplishment so far and I’m going to have many more.”

As a Nation of second chances, it is critical that the United States’ criminal and juvenile justice systems provide meaningful opportunities for rehabilitation and redemption. Every year, more than 640,000 people are released from State and Federal prisons, according to a White House briefing. And more than 70 million Americans have a criminal record that creates significant barriers to employment, economic stability and successful reentry into society.  

As the U.S. Commander in Chief, President Joe Biden has supported educational access for incarcerated students, declaring in A Proclamation on Second Chance Month, 2022: “My Administration recognizes that making the criminal and juvenile justice systems more equitable, just, and effective requires a holistic approach.” 

Words that resonate with Babington. “The Catholic, Marianist education you have experienced has prepared you well for these challenges,” she told the graduates. “You have received an excellent, integrative education—holistic by design with a strong focus on the importance of serving others for the common good.”

In his closing remarks, Johnson asked Dr. Babington two questions: “When will the next program begin? And can we expand to other facilities?” 

Without hesitation, Babington responded, “The next class starts in the Fall and, yes, we want to expand this program to other facilities.”

Now that’s good news, and it means more second chance commencement ceremonies to come.