Chaminade University of Honolulu

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How will we be the change?

President Lynn Babington’s Statement Regarding Unrest Across the Nation

To the Chaminade community:

We mourn the tragic death of George Floyd and join those around the nation, and the globe, in calling for an end to the institutional racism that has plagued our nation for far too long.

The pain and anguish of protesters gathering peacefully in US cities is palpable and justified.

It is also familiar. And in their chants we hear not only George Floyd’s name but the names of countless other African-Americans and people of color who have been killed. 

Breonna Taylor. Ahmaud Arbery. This must end. 

Silence is not the answer to racism, to bigotry or to violence. It never has been. Now is the time for a dialogue, for action—and for change.

Now is the time to speak the names of those we’ve lost so they will not have died in vain. 

As a Marianist educational institution, we are proud to stand for social justice. It is written into our mission.

And we believe our work to end racism begins at home. Chaminade University has built a safe and inclusive campus community, condemning discrimination. Over the years, we have sought to examine and amend our policies and ensure that all voices are at the table.

There is always more to do, however, and this moment in our nation’s history should give all of us pause. We must ask ourselves: how will we meet this crisis and seek to right the wrongs that were decades in the making?

How will we be the change?

It is everyone’s kuleana to root out racism wherever it is found. To be intentional, active, urgent and unified in addressing the systemic inequities and injustices that we face as a nation.

The images on the news and across social media should also fuel our resolve: the time for real change is here. This is too important to put off any longer. 

We can begin on a different path forward by condemning as a nation and as citizens these violent acts and offering to support one another in building a new future together. 

Many of you are struggling right now with the strongest emotions: you are outraged, you are grieving, you are afraid. These feelings are both incredibly difficult and absolutely understandable. 

Know that your campus community is here for you at this time and always.

We are here to listen, to learn and to lean into the hard work of racial reconciliation together. As one ‘ohana, we will be part of the solution.

Sincerely,
Lynn Babington, Ph.D.
President, Chaminade University

Designing While Quarantined

Over 15 Chaminade alumni attended a virtual event on Saturday, May 16 to gain insider tips for updating their space during stay-at-home orders. The event, Designing Your Space, was hosted by Alumni Relations and featured a panel of four Environmental + Interior Design graduates who shared tricks for updating, organizing and styling home spaces.

Chaminade alumni attended a virtual event to gain insider tips for updating their space during stay-at-home orders

With so many people obeying stay-at-home orders and spending more time in their homes, Nicolle Soriano ‘18, junior interior designer at WCIT Architecture, offered ways to maximize space and feel less confined. Some tips included using furniture to section off spaces, measuring areas to ensure the furniture you use fits appropriately, using neutral colors to make spaces feel more open and using shelving for storage and artwork.

Many people are also finding themselves suddenly working from home. Catherine Valentine ‘18, project designer at Philpots Interiors, offered tips for designing a workspace when you don’t have a home office. The first step is to find a place away from your bedroom, kitchen or typical relaxing area—when you finish work for the day, you don’t want to be reminded of it while you’re cooking, relaxing, trying to sleep or playing with the kids. She also mentioned that lighting and air ventilation can make a big difference in productivity. Ultimately, pay attention to what your work station is like in your office at work and in places where you do your best work, and try to replicate that setup at home.

There are also ways to mitigate noises while you’re trying to work from home. Gerlie Valdez ’17, senior designer at Pyramid Premier Properties, offered both short-term and long-term solutions. If you’re looking for a short-term fix, consider using fabrics and rugs to help reduce noise transmission. You can look for fabrics that have a sound transmission class (STC) rating, or you can simply use fabrics that have double layers, like burlap or velvet. Even blackout curtains help absorb noise. If you’re looking for a more long-term solution, consider adding mass loaded vinyl (MLV) under your carpet, or using decorative acoustic panels on your walls.

It’s also important to consider color. According to Marisa Saito ’17, junior interior designer at AHL, colors can dictate your mood so choose the right colors for the right space. For example, use brighter colors like reds, oranges and yellows to bring in more life and energy. Use blues and greens to create a calm or serene feel. Also, pay attention to color intensity—more vibrant colors can often be distracting and too intense. The best thing to do is to analyze how you want a space to make you feel, and then plan accordingly.

Other tips that the panel shared included:

  • Spend the bulk of your budget on a statement piece—something to draw your eye that you’re proud of and that brings you joy. You’ll get more bang for your buck and it will help make your space more personal.
  • If you’re on a limited budget, consider using things like accent paint, plants, hanging artwork and accessories to bring a space together and make it your own.
  • If you own your home, consider how long you plan to live in it before undergoing a complete remodel. While you want your home to be personal, you also want to maintain its resale value.
  • If you rent your home, work with what you have, and not against it. It’s important to choose the right furniture to fit your space, and you can do small things like change light fixtures or curtain rods, cover floors with rugs and hang artwork to bring it all together.
  • Create separate spaces within your home by decluttering and using a rug to highlight an area, plants to separate places, and accent walls to define spaces.
  • Consider scale and room size before decorating. If you’re working with a small space, avoid bulkier pieces to ensure you have ample space to walk and move around. If you’re working with a larger area, use taller, elongating pieces to maximize space.
  • Don’t forget about the outdoor areas. Utilize your outdoor space and bring the outdoors in with plants and images of nature.

Ultimately, it’s about making your home personal and creating something that you can feel proud of and feel comfortable in. With so many of us staying home, now is as good a time as any to finally turn your house into a home!

A Transformative Experience

When Sam Jones started full-time at Chaminade, he had overcome a lifetime of challenges.

Samuel Jones

By the time he reached 21 years old, he had lived through neglect, foster care and childhood homelessness, had lost close friends due to crime and military service, and lost close relatives due to illness. He didn’t know what career path he should take in his life and lacked scholarly direction. But he knew a lot was riding on him getting an education.

He came to Chaminade campus when his time on active duty in the military ended.

The Marines had offered him a clean slate—a place where he could prove himself through hard work. And he did. He entered as an infantryman and spent most of his time in the field. But he moved up the ranks quickly.

He had been taking Chaminade classes in the evening, and something inside of him really wanted to experience life as a full-time student living on campus. He also really didn’t want to return to the mainland without having some direction.

So he entered reserve status and moved into a shared apartment on campus with two Chaminade basketball players.

It was intimidating at first—the experiences he had had in the civilian world as a child were anything but typical.

“I had a great career as a Marine and it remains one of the most remarkable experiences of my life,” says Jones. “At the same time, as far as the civilian community was concerned, I was woefully intimidated by it and didn’t understand it.”

While the military had offered Jones a way out, Chaminade offered him a way forward.

At Chaminade, he began to see that there was something special outside of the military. That a sense of service and brotherhood existed in the civilian world also.

And he began to recognize that his reservations about what he could accomplish weren’t unique to him.

“We are all walking around with certain imperfections, fears and doubts about ourselves,” says Jones. “Some of my classmates who had traditional childhood experiences and came from wealthy families had just as many doubts and anxieties as I did, just of a different nature. Through sharing our imperfections and triumphs, we all became more aware of our individual talents.”

There was something about the way his professors believed in his abilities that helped propel him forward. They didn’t allow him to engage in self-doubt or disconnect himself from those around him.

With the constant encouragement he received at Chaminade, he began to reorient his thinking. He began to recognize his own unique talents and the contributions he could make in the civilian world.

The constant narrative at Chaminade of being loved and serving others, combined with his understanding of the frustration and indignation that so many in his childhood community felt, motivated Jones.

When one of his professors encouraged him to study law, Jones’ initial response was one of self-doubt. But through their discussion, he realized that entering the legal profession would provide him with the greatest opportunity to serve others.

“The talk fueled my desire to make a positive difference in the lives of others through the law,” recalls Jones. “But perhaps more importantly, I began to understand that what one person can do, I can do.”

Jones graduated with a degree in philosophy from Chaminade in the 1990s and then went on to get his Juris Doctor from Texas Southern University where he graduated cum laude. He got his advanced law degree, with recognition, from Columbia University.

His heart was always in legal education, so after a distinguished career in the military and working in corporate litigation, he joined the faculty at the John Marshall Law School at the University of Illinois at Chicago. Today, he serves as an associate dean and professor of law at the school and specializes in legal ethics, social justice and contracts.

And in January of 2020, he was selected by The National Black Lawyers to its list of Top 100 lawyers in Illinois, an exclusive invitation-only list limited to those who have achieved outstanding results in their careers.

If anyone knows how much an education can change someone’s entire trajectory, it’s Jones. Education was his ticket, and he attributes much of his success to his experience at Chaminade. “When I think of an institution that has had a profound impact on my life, of course I think of the military,” says Jones. “I ultimately served for 20 years. But I also think of Chaminade, Texas Southern and Columbia. And without Chaminade, there is no Texas Southern and there is no Columbia.”

Bittersweet Pau Hana Celebration

On May 15, Chaminade staff and faculty gathered for their annual pau hana celebration. Typically held in person at the end of each academic year, this year’s event was virtual due to the new coronavirus.

Pau Hana 2020 - retiree celebration video

The annual pau hana is a chance to celebrate the end of a successful year, and to honor those who will be retiring and moving on to new adventures. Six members of the Chaminade ‘ohana are retiring this year—together, they hold a combined total of 144 years of service.

Congratulations to all of this year’s honorees. Thank you for your dedication and service to Chaminade University. You will be sorely missed, and may you be blessed on all of your future endeavors.

Dr. Dorothy Bach, the mental health internship director for the Masters of Science in Counseling Psychology (MSCP) program and a professor of psychology, is retiring after 19 years of service to Chaminade. “She’s always had a students-first perspective,” said Bob Santee, director of the MSCP Program. “She’s gone out of her way to support and advocate for students and she’s quite compassionate.”

Bro. Gary Morris

Brother Gary Morris, associate professor of performing arts, has served Chaminade for 17 years. Dr. Cheryl Edelson, dean of the School of Humanities, Arts and Design shared a heartfelt message. “Brother Gary, Chaminade has been blessed to have you leading our theatre program,” she said. “Throughout this time, you have fulfilled many roles at Chaminade. You’re a Marianist brother, a teacher, a mentor, a colleague, an actor, a director and a friend.”

John Morris, registrar, started at Chaminade 28 years ago. He joined Chaminade after retiring from the U.S. Marine Corps, and initially worked as a site coordinator and academic advisor to military students at Pearl Harbor. “We know John was the right person for the job [as registrar] because he stuck with it for almost 20 years,” said Lance Askildson, provost. “We are very happy to celebrate John and his 28 years of service to Chaminade. It’s been a service distinguished by an incredible work ethic and dedication to his integrity.”

As Dr. Edelson mentioned, Walter Takeda, professor of fine arts, is an institution within an institution—he has taught at Chaminade for 50 years. Chaminade itself is only 65 years old. When he started, Chaminade University of Honolulu was named Chaminade College. “For five decades, Chaminade, and the Humanities division in particular, has enjoyed the blessings of having Walter and his talent as an artist, his devotion as a teacher, his support as a colleague, and running through all these roles his keen and dry wit,” said Dr. Edelson.

Dr. John Webster

Dr. John Webster, joined Chaminade 18 years ago after being recruited to start the Hogan Entrepreneurial Program. He came with an impressive background, but describes his work building the Hogan program as the best job of his career. “We are fortunate recipients of that best job of his career,” said Dr. Lynn Babington, president. “The success of the Hogan program is largely due to the many community partners John has recruited to serve as mentors and advisors.”

William "Bill" Villa

Finally, Bill Villa, athletic director, is retiring from Chaminade after 12 years of service. “Papa Bill’s positive nature, enthusiasm and overall love for Chaminade will be missed,” said Allison Jerome, vice president for student affairs. “He served as a mentor for many within the department and his spirit will forever be connected to silversword athletes.” He won’t be far though, as his grandson will be joining the Chaminade men’s basketball team this fall!

Serving Through Science

Sometimes, plans change. Sometimes, you enter college knowing exactly what you want to be when you grow up—and then you leave on a completely different track.

Jerlisa Arizala '04

At least that’s what happened to Jerlisa Arizala ‘04.

The Saipan native had always had her eyes on becoming a pediatrician.

Her first step was to get into a good university. But Saipan is fairly isolated, and her parents didn’t want her to travel too far.

Chaminade offered the perfect balance—a high-quality education that was relatively close to home, and an island lifestyle similar to the one she was used to. When she visited, she fell in love with the atmosphere. She felt the academic presence, but knew it would be a place where the community would support her and offer help if she needed it. She also really liked the diversity she saw on campus.

And her experience did not disappoint.

“My college experience was one of the best experiences of my life,” says Arizala. “I think Chaminade was the perfect place to feel comfortable being yourself because it was such a big melting pot. Everyone was so different and had an interesting background. It felt like everyone was accepted.”

One of the things that struck her right away was the diversity. For the first time, she realized just how many ways there were to be an American.

“It stood out so much to me that there were a lot of students from other U.S. Territories who were also American,” she remembers. “It was really nice to see all of the different definitions of American in one place. It wasn’t what a typical mainland experience would have been like.“

She started Chaminade as a biology major on the pre-med track. That’s how she met biology professor Ron Iwamoto. Not only was he her advisor, but he also taught a few of her classes. He noticed right away that she had a talent for writing.

“As my professor, he was able to look at my strengths and communicate what those were to me,” recalls Arizala. “He told me I was a good writer, and I should pursue some sort of writing career. And he told me I could do that within academia.”

It was through his guidance that she was inspired to pursue research instead of medical school. She also decided to add on an English minor. It provided a nice balance to the heavy biology classes, and it helped her develop her writing skills.

When she graduated in 2004, she went on to earn an M.S. in Biological Science from California State University Los Angeles, and a Ph.D. in molecular biology and virology from the City of Hope.

Sometimes she still thinks about becoming a pediatrician, but she never follows through because she really likes where her path has led her. She’s found that her ultimate goal was always to help people, and she can do that through research.

“I’ve learned so much about how to help people,” she says. “I have no regrets about the track I took. I know there are groups that need help, and I can help them through science.”

Arizala is a cell biologist at Kite Pharma, a subsidiary company of Gilead Sciences, Inc., and couldn’t be happier. The research coming out of Gilead represents everything she stands for—she loves how they want to give to the community and make sure everyone has access to drugs they need. Gilead Sciences is known for its antiviral drugs used to treat HIV. They have also made the news lately for their promising COVID-19 treatment that is currently undergoing clinical trials, Remdesivir.

Arizala’s expertise lies in reengineering T cells, a type of lymphocyte, or white blood cell, to attack and kill cancer cells. It’s a developing treatment for certain types of lymphomas and leukemias, and her company was responsible for the first T cell lymphoma treatment product to be approved and released on the market.

Her work is something she holds very dear to her heart. It’s a source of pride, and she finds it very rewarding. “Working for Kite Pharma is a great way to make a direct impact on a cancer patient’s life,” she says. “I help them have a better quality of life by allowing them to live longer and eradicate their cancer.”

Arizala credits both Iwamoto and Chaminade for the impact she’s had on others. If it weren’t for Iwamoto’s guidance, her educational path would have been very different.

In fact, their relationship came full circle right around 2012 or 2013. She was finishing up her Ph.D. at City of Hope, a world-class cancer hospital in Los Angeles. He was there as a lymphoma patient, receiving a transplant.

“We had dinner together and he met my husband,” she recalls. “It was the last time I saw him in person.”

Though they are in different states now, she still keeps in touch with her professor—he sends her updates of his grandchildren, and she sends him updates about her children. He’s also served as a reference, and helped her get into graduate school and get her first job.

Her time at Chaminade not only fostered her passion for science, but it also taught her to recognize her strengths and embrace who she is.

“Going to a school that was very warm and friendly taught me to be that way with others,” says Arizala. “It taught me to be genuine and to keep my morals.”

As a female and as a minority in the sciences, that has come in handy. She recognizes the responsibility she has in paving the way for others and has been able to stay true to herself and always represent where she is from.

“Chaminade prepared me to be a role model,” says Arizala. “Not only in building my passion in science, but also by building my character.”

Nursing Seniors’ Virtual Celebration

With this year’s graduation ceremony postponed to December due to COVID-19, Chaminade faculty and staff have found new ways to celebrate and recognize graduating seniors.

On Saturday, May 9, for instance, the School of Nursing and Health Professions held a zoom celebration to honor the 65 students who were graduating this term.

Chaminade alumni attended a virtual event to gain insider tips for updating their space during stay-at-home orders

“We wanted to do something really special for them,” says Dr. Edna Monroe-Magpantay, professor in the School of Nursing and Health Professions and the event host. “They are dedicating their entire careers to caring for others. They are the ones who are going to be on the frontlines of this pandemic, keeping our communities safe and healthy. They deserve to be recognized.”

The event was a much-needed release for the students after a long final week of virtual mock interviews, standardized testing and virtual NCLEX exam preparation. All of the graduates are certified nurse aides, and as soon as testing centers open in their respective states, they will be able to take the nursing licensure exam to earn their nursing certification.

The event began with a prayer and an opening message from Dr. Haley.

“We’re here to celebrate your accomplishments and we’re very proud of you,” began Dr. Haley. “You’re joining a worldwide professional family of nurses. We’re known for our compassion, our expertise and our trustworthy service to others. It’s a tough time to come into nursing and you couldn’t be needed more.”

Before reading the names of all of the graduates, the annual senior awards were announced to outstanding students. Upon those who received awards were Meghan Chilton, Micaela Mariano, Spencer Lee, Ofa-Helotu Koka, Vivianne Verceluz and Kaleiui Hosaka.

The inaugural DAISY Faculty Award, a recognition established by The DAISY Foundation to honor nursing faculty members for their commitment to and inspirational influence on their students, was presented to Dr. Jeremy Creekmore. The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nursing Student went to Spencer Lee.

At the end of the celebration, the graduates followed classmate Micaela Mariano in reciting the Nightingale Pledge. Created in honor of Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing, the Nightingale Pledge is a statement of ethics and principles taken by nurses in the United States.

“In full knowledge of the obligations I am undertaking,” repeated the graduates, “I promise to care for the sick with all the skill and understanding I possess, without regard to race, creed, color, politics, or social status, sparing no effort to conserve life, to alleviate suffering and to promote health.”

Congratulations to the Class of 2020–we wish you the best of luck on your NCLEX exams and we can’t wait to see what the future holds. We look forward to officially celebrating you in December!