Chaminade University of Honolulu

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Psychological Association Honors Chaminade Professor

Darren Iwamoto, Ed.D., a professor of Psychology and associate dean of the School of Education and Behavioral Sciences, was honored in January with the Hawai‘i Psychological Association’s (HPA) 2024 Outstanding Professor of Psychology Award.

In recognizing Iwamoto, HPA said the professor not only oversees Chaminade’s Counseling Psychology, School Psychology and Educational Psychology programs, but also serves on a long list of university committees and has published in over a dozen academic journals.

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His teaching experience includes more than 30 undergraduate and graduate courses.

“Dr. Iwamoto exemplifies the qualities of an exceptional teacher who deeply cares about his students and their learning experiences,” the Hawai‘i Psychological Association said.

“By getting to know each student individually, he creates a safe and welcoming space where students feel encouraged to participate and learn at their own pace. This dedication to his students is reflected consistently in course evaluations, where he is rated at the highest levels.”

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Iwamoto said the award was “completely unexpected” and humbling.

“I find so much joy in teaching because being with students and watching them grow and develop into amazing scholars and professionals right before my eyes truly puts me in awe,” he said, adding he is grateful to his mentors in the School of Education and Behavioral Sciences.

“Without their insights and motivating words, I would not be where I am today.”

Iwamoto started at Chaminade in 2007 as the internship director for the Master’s in School Counseling program. He then served as an assistant professor and full professor, and became the associate dean of the School of Education and Behavioral Sciences in August 2024.

Iwamoto said his biggest joy in life is seeing Chaminade graduates become professionals and embrace the University’s mission of serving others. “I believe that Chaminade is not only an institute of higher education, but we also support our students’ transition into adulthood,” Iwamoto said, adding, “Being able to mentor and teach students is so much fun.”

The School of Education and Behavioral Sciences at Chaminade offers undergraduate programs in Psychology, Elementary Education, Criminology and Criminal Justice and more.

Graduate degrees offered through the school include the Master of Arts in Teaching, Master of Education, Master of Science in Counseling Psychology, Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology, Doctor of Education in Educational Psychology or Organizational Leadership for Adaptation and Change, and Doctor of Marriage and Family Therapy.

Alumna Receives Prestigious Educator Award

At an assembly Tuesday morning at Kalihi Uka Elementary, students and teachers gathered with Schools Superintendent Keith Hayashi and Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke to celebrate the school’s rising test scores and academic achievement.

Then a surprise visitor took the stage with another reason to celebrate: Kristy Inamasu ’12, MAT ’14, who teaches kindergarten at Kalihi Uka, was announced as a recipient of the prestigious 2024-25 Milken Educator Award. Inamasu is the sole Milken honoree in Hawai’i this year—and didn’t know about the honor until it was announced at the assembly.

Milken recipients get a $25,000 unrestricted award and invaluable mentorship opportunities.

After Inamasu’s name was called, the school gathering erupted in cheers and applause.

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Inamasu couldn’t hold back her tears of joy.

“When I heard my name, I couldn’t believe it,” she said, after the ceremony.

“Definitely something that I did not expect but just so thankful for.” The Silversword added she loves fueling her students’ curiosity, joy for learning and “just teaching them to be kind, responsible humans who will eventually grow and make a positive impact on our community.”

Often called the “Oscars of Teaching,” the Milken Educator Awards recognize truly outstanding educators who not only serve as a role model to their students but to their colleagues. Inamasu is just the 83rd Hawai’i recipient of the Milken Educator Award since the Aloha State joined the program in 1990, program organizers said.



Milken Educator Awards Senior Vice President Dr. Jane Foley made the surprise announcement at the assembly and called Inamasu “nurturing and inspiring.” She added, Inamasu’s work “to make a tangible impact in her classroom and school is commendable.”

“Thank you, Kristy, for your exemplary dedication to the profession.”

Schools Superintendent Keith Hayashi echoed the sentiment, saying that Inamasu is an “exceptional educator who cultivates critical thinking skills, communication, self-awareness and empathy in her kindergarteners.”

“Her classroom serves as a model for new teachers entering the profession and we are very lucky to have an outstanding teacher like her leading the way,” Hayashi said.

Chaminade Offers FAFSA Workshops Statewide

Chaminade University will offer free workshops statewide to assist Hawai‘i students and their families with completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Open to all students regardless of their college or career school plans, these workshops aim to make the financial aid process accessible and stress-free, empowering families to focus on their educational aspirations.

The FAFSA is a critical step in securing financial aid, and determining eligibility for federal, state, and institutional funding.

With expert guidance from Chaminade’s Financial Aid and Admissions staff, participants will receive step-by-step assistance to ensure their applications are completed accurately and on time.

Schedule of workshops:

OAHU

• Thursday, January 30 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Kalihi YMCA

• Wednesday, February 5 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Filipino Community Center

• Wednesday, February 12 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Windward Community College

MAUI

• Saturday, February 1 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at St. Anthony School, Library FLC

HAWAII ISLAND

• Saturday, February 8 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at St. Joseph School, High School Student Lounge

• Friday, February 21 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Kealakehe High School

KAUAI

• Wednesday, February 26 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Kapaa High School

VIRTUAL

• Thursday, February 20 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Each workshop will feature prize giveaways, and laptops will be available for participants to use on-site.

Attendees are encouraged to bring their own devices if preferred. Students and families are also advised to create their FSA IDs before attending the workshop for a smoother process.

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“We believe every student deserves access to higher education, and financial aid should never be a barrier,” said Chaminade University President Lynn Babington, Ph.D. “These workshops are designed to simplify the FAFSA process and help families take an important step toward achieving their academic dreams.”

Workshops are open to all Hawai‘i students and their families. To RSVP or for more information, click here.

Silversword Builds Community—Through Soccer

Cody Kuge ‘20 doesn’t just love soccer, he sees it as a vehicle for building community.

Kuge, who played soccer for Chaminade while majoring in Business Administration, is founder and owner of Urban Soccer Hawaii—the state’s first club-neutral indoor soccer arena. Opening the business was a dream years in the making and he’s already looking ahead to new growth.

And while running a new enterprise is never easy, Kuge says all the hours of planning and preparation are worth it when he sees a group of young soccer players enjoying themselves on the field.

“My vision for this place is I want it to be a community center for soccer,” he said.

Kuge didn’t pick up soccer himself until he was a freshman in high school. Once he did, he was hooked. After switching from basketball, Kuge could be found on many afternoons in his backyard, honing his footwork. “I was a really late bloomer so I trained a lot,” he said.

Kuge, who graduated from Kaiser High School in East Honolulu, said he selected Chaminade because he wanted to remain in Hawai‘i and was looking for a college experience where he could build strong connections with his professors and peers, and not get lost in the crowd.

He also jumped at the opportunity to play as a Silversword for the men’s soccer team.

At Chaminade, Kuge also wanted to hone his business and leadership skills. His mother was an entrepreneur, running an innovative errand service for the elderly long before the advent of Uber Eats or Instacart. Kuge said he was eager to follow in her footsteps—and he’s done just that.

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In fact, while he was still a student at Chaminade, Kuge launched a small acai bowl business venture, tapping into an acai health craze. He also ran a wedding videography business himself. And while he was seeing success, he realized he was missing something important: Passion.

That’s how he arrived at Urban Soccer Hawaii—and a “crazy idea” to launch an indoor arena.

Kuge said the space was modeled after arena-style indoor soccer fields that he’d come across in Europe during travels to play the sport. His overall goal was to create an opportunity for enthusiasts of the sport—of all ages—to play in a fun, no-stress environment.

That’s why Urban Soccer Hawaii is club-neutral. Kuge said it was important to him to offer an opportunity for young people from across clubs to play with one another, whether to sharpen their skills or to just have some fun. Kuge also offers classes, private rentals, even space for parties.

Oh and the best part? Players can catch a game, regardless of the weather.

“The players, their parents, they just look happy here,” Kuge said. “That’s the point.”

Ceremony Recognizes Heritage Award Honorees

As part of the annual Founders’ Week festivities, three members of the Chaminade community were honored Wednesday with Heritage Awards for their strong commitment to Marianist values.

The recipients were recognized at a special Founders’ Day Mass at the Mystical Rose Oratory.

The Heritage Awards are conferred by the Chaminade Rector’s Office annually to celebrate Marianist values of service in education. Nominations are submitted from across the University.

Dr. Koreen Nakahodo, an assistant professor of English, received the Chaminade Award for embracing Marianist values in education and undertaking “the intellectual life as a form of service in the interest of justice and truth.”

Several colleagues nominated her for the honor, saying that her work with students, across campus and with the community is impressive and impactful.

“I have been privileged to work with Dr. Nakahodo for more than two decades,” one Chaminade professor wrote in his nomination letter.

“She is a true example of Fr. Chaminade’s dictum that our progress is like a brook, caressing obstacles, gaining depth and breadth in the fullness of time, the brook overflows the obstacles and moves forward. She is persistent, undaunted by obstacles.”

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Academic Affairs Program Manager Jackeline Sanqui received the Marianist Award for her unwavering support of Chaminade’s vision and mission. Marianist Award honorees are full-time support staff members who live Marianist values of family spirit, hospitality and openness.

In a nomination letter, one of Sanqui’s supervisors said she creates a welcoming, inclusive environment for everyone. “Jacky’s commitment to Chaminade’s mission extends beyond her immediate responsibilities. She is a vital support in programs that serve underserved populations,” the nominator wrote, adding she is a vital member of the Chaminade family.

Finally, Noelani Tugaoen ‘25 was honored with the Founders’ Award, which is given to a Chaminade student who has exhibited the Marianist values of generosity, respect and a spirit of faith. Recipients are also recognized for serving as positive role models for the Silversword family.


Tugaoen is a student ambassador, active in the Ka Ipu Kukui Me Ka ‘ie ‘ie (Hawaiian) Club, and Campus Ministry. A Chaminade staff member who nominated Tugaoen said the senior is a true servant leader who “wants people to feel loved and know they each have a place.”

The nominator continued, “In every sphere she has been in, Noe has always been a vibrant and joyous person, constantly looking for ways to meet students and their families, and bring a sense of belonging to everyone present. The atmosphere changes when Noe enters a space.”

Founders’ Week officially kicked off Jan. 17, with a special lei draping ceremony and prayer service at the Father Chaminade statue on the University’s Front Lawn.

The week celebrates the founders of the Marianist Family, Father Chaminade, Mother Adele, and Marie-Thérèse de Lamourous.

Photo Gallery: Father Chaminade Lei Draping Ceremony

A lei draping ceremony and prayer service Friday at the Father Chaminade statue on Chaminade’s Front Lawn officially kicked off Founders’ Week.

The week celebrates the founders of the Marianist Family, Father Chaminade, Mother Adele, and Marie-Thérèse de Lamourous.


Chaminade students, faculty and staff came together for the special ceremony, aimed at honoring not only the founders themselves but their important message of social justice and educational growth.

Founders’ Week events continue next week with a Founders’ Day Mass and ceremony to celebrate this year’s Heritage Award honorees, recognized for their contributions to fostering the Marianist spirit on campus. The event is set for Wednesday, starting at 11:30 a.m., and will be followed by a lunch. For more details, click here.

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