Institutional

Silverswords Kick Off New School Year

August 19, 2024

Kalaepohaku abuzz as new and returning students are welcome for the first day of classes

It’s natural to have the jitters on your first day of college. And while Kameron Arizumi ’28 had made a couple of visits to campus over the summer, he arrived early Monday for the first day of the new academic year—leaving himself ample time to find his first nursing class in Henry Hall.

What he found was a campus abuzz with activity.

“I am excited and looking forward to get started on my college journey,” said Arizumi. “I’ve heard a lot of good things about Chaminade’s nursing program, which is the reason I chose to come here.”

Ulupuhi Pale ’27 kicked off his sophomore year on Monday. He said he’s still considering going to seminary school after he graduates from Chaminade. He turned to his faith during the darkest days of COVID, and the Kuliouou native says he’s a strong proponent of Chaminade’s mission and values.

“I believe in an education in faith and service to the community,” said Pale, who can often be seen strumming his ukulele or playing his guitar on campus.

“Chaminade was the perfect school for me and I really like the people and the sense of ‘ohana.”

Lounging in an Adirondack chair in Zuberano Courtyard, LaVelle White ’26 said it felt good to be back on campus. Waiting for his Digital Humanities class to start, the Data Science, Analytics and Visualization major said he’d already attended two classes in the morning and was excited about the year ahead.

“Over the summer I did a couple of internships which kept me busy,” said the Army veteran. “I’m glad to be back because it means I’m getting closer to completing my degree.”

First day in the books!

New and returning students converged on campus today for the kickoff of the new academic year! There were plenty of hugs, shakas and laughs. Read more: https://t.co/WyckDojAjh pic.twitter.com/BvjgXPv1aa
— Chaminade News (@Chaminade_Univ) August 20, 2024

Chaminade President Lynn Babington was delighted to see the energy on campus Monday.

“It’s wonderful to welcome our new students to campus, as well as our returning students since today marks the first day of classes,” she said.

“It’s great to walk around campus and see all the smiles. Everyone is happy to be back.”

Indeed, Monday morning started off for many students with embraces and shakas, as they greeted friends they hadn’t seen over the summer break. Returning students could be heard sharing their classes for the semester, while freshmen could be seen asking for directions to various campus buildings.

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A first-year student in the Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology program, Walter Lee was admiring the beauty of Chaminade’s campus Monday, commenting on the ocean views and slopes of Kalaepohaku. “It’s the first time I have ever stepped on this campus,” he said.

“I chose Chaminade’s PsyD program because it’s more clinical and less research. I like to communicate with people and listen with an empathetic ear.”

Taking photos and promoting Movie Night this coming Thursday, Madison Makashima ’24 can’t believe it’s her senior year. “When I first started, I remember people telling me to enjoy every moment because it goes by quickly,” she said. “I thought they were exaggerating a little bit, but now I know they were telling the truth. It’s a great feeling to be back and seeing all the familiar faces and the new ones as well.”

Ulupuhi Pale can often be seen entertaining during certain campus events.
Now a senior, Madison Makashima is excited about completing her degree in Forensic Sciences.
Chaminade President Lynn Babington, Ph.D., welcome back students with a special lunch served by some of the Women’s Volleyball.
Kameron Arizumi looks forward to the beginning of his college journey.
Walter Lee is pursing his Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology (PsyD).
Efron and Denise Lopez with their younger daughter Madeleine helped Alexis adjust to campus life.

New Student Orientation a Success

August 16, 2024

Incoming freshmen got a Silversword welcome at the daylong event.

With fists pumping in the air and boisterous “woo-hoos,” freshmen walked through a gauntlet of Chaminade faculty members dressed in full academic regalia, clapping loudly as students filed out after the Academic Convocation during New Student Orientation on Friday.

Held at Mamiya Theatre, this formal ceremony officially marks the beginning of the academic year—and holds significant meaning for both the University and incoming students.

A nursing major, freshman Rex Paguirigan poses with Chaminade Student Government Association President Victoria Zembik.

“We gather to welcome new families and students,” said Chaminade President Lynn Babington, in her opening remarks at the convocation.

“You will meet new people and form new bonds, and you will laugh with each other and struggle with each other. You will learn new ways of thinking and discerning who you are and who you want to be.”

New Student Orientation is designed to acquaint incoming freshmen, transfer and exchange students with the campus and the many resources available to them—both for their academic success and personal development.

Orientation activities focus on several important areas, including the curriculum, academic advising, college success, scholarships and financial aid, campus activities, student services, student organizations, Silversword Spirit and campus facilities.

Also from Chaminade News: Students Welcomed on Move-in Day

“College is a new chapter in your life, an unwritten page in your book,” said Chaminade Student Government Association President Victoria Zembik, in her address at the Academic Convocation.

“As you embark on this journey at Chaminade, remember that college is not just about the classes you take or the grades you earn. It’s about the experiences you have, the challenges you overcome, and the person you become along the way. Embrace every moment—the highs and the lows—and know that each day is an opportunity to grow, to learn, and to become a better version of yourself.”

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Starting college life successfully can be challenging. But NSO gatherings were designed to set the right tone for incoming students, encouraging them to embrace curiosity and try new experiences.

“We see in you transformation through education,” said Provost Lance Askildson. “This is an inflection point in your life. You will struggle and even fail at times to achieve your goals—and that is OK. You’ll have untold opportunities to grow, learn and push yourself beyond your comfort zone. Our kuleana, our duty is to support you, to guide you and teach you. You are not alone in this journey.”

In her concluding remarks, Zembik offered some sage advice. “Every day is a new day,” she advised. “No matter how good or bad today was, tomorrow is different. Just like a sunset, no two days are the same.”

Early College: High Schoolers Get A Head Start

August 12, 2024

With Chaminade’s Early College program, students earn college credit while still in high school.

Sacred Hearts Academy junior Alana Travelstead wants to become an emergency room physician—and knows getting there will be a challenge academically. That’s why she jumped at the chance to take courses at Chaminade as part of the University’s innovative Early College program.

“This experience is preparing me for the real world,” she said, during a tour of Chaminade’s campus recently. “Getting started early on this college path can only help me. … I can do it.”

As part of a partnership, Sacred Heart students can earn an associate’s degree in liberal arts at Chaminade—technically, without ever stepping foot into a campus classroom. Students are exposed to college-level curricula and complete the necessary coursework to earn their degrees.

Interested in learning more about the Early College program? Click here.

While they take those classes at Sacred Hearts, 18 academy students were invited to Chaminade earlier this month to tour the campus and meet with faculty, staff and administrators. The students are members of the second cohort at Sacred Hearts to participate in the program.

The dual enrollment program is also offered to students at other private and public high schools.

The Early College program at Chaminade helps students save time and money, can boost their confidence, and can even help them determine what they want to pursue after high school.

“Students take Early College courses to get a taste of college, to see what college courses are like,” said Kim Baxter, Chaminade’s Early College director. “Others take the courses to see if college is even something they want to pursue.”

Mosi Manupele, 17, is grateful for the Early College program. “Not many students have this type of opportunity, which is advantageous to me,” she said. “I think earning college credit while still finishing high school will give me the advantage when I finally do attend university.”

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Both Manupele and Travelstead say they’re confident that they made the right decision by participating in the dual credit program.

“I just want the college experience,” said Manapule, who dropped her elective dance class so she could have more time in study hall to concentrate on her History 101 and CUH 100 classes at Chaminade.

“I just can’t wait for the day when I do finally graduate from university.”

8 Hawaii Leaders Announced to Chaminade Boards

July 10, 2024

Chaminade University has named three new members to the school’s Board of Regents and five new members to its Board of Governors

Vernon Wong is the Senior Vice-President and Manager in First Hawaiian Bank’s Wealth Management Group.
Lauren Nahme is the Senior Vice President of Maui Recovery Effort at the Hawaii Community Foundation.
Jeff Wagoner is president and Chief Executive Officer of Outrigger Hospitality Group.
Nancy Hayashi is the office manager for Dr. Garrett Hayashi, DDS.
Greg Young was appointed President and Chief Executive Officer of HawaiiUSA in 2021.
Ed Barnabas is Vice President of Booz Allen’s Hawaii and Indo-Pacific East businesses.
Dr. Sondra Leiggi Brandon is vice president of Patient Care, Behavioral Health at the Queen’s Health Systems.
Bryan Luke is president and chief executive officer of Hawaii National Bank.

Chaminade University’s Board of Regents has elected Ed Barnabas, Lauren Nahme and Vernon Wong to its board, while the school’s Board of Governors has elected Nancy Hayashi, Sondra Leiggi Brandon, Bryan Luke, Jeff Wagoner and Greg Young.

The Chaminade Regents oversee the fiduciary leadership of the university, complemented by the Governors which serve as an advisory role for Chaminade’s mission. Both boards govern Hawaii’s only Catholic Marianist university founded in 1955.

“Our newly elected board members represent the community’s finest and most respected leaders,” said Chaminade University President Lynn Babington. “We are truly honored to have them join our board and know they will make many contributions to our university community in the years ahead.”

The new Regents are filling vacancies created by the retirements of Karen Knudsen, Lydia Park Luis, Bennette E. Misalucha, Lance Mizumoto, Terrance L. Walsh, Jr. and Jeannie M. Wiercinski. Lung-Nien Lee also recently retired from the Board of Governors.

Newly named to the school’s Board of Regents are:

Ed Barnabas is Vice President of Booz Allen’s Hawaii and Indo-Pacific East businesses. With over 20 years of experience in complex technologies, Barnabas focuses on such key areas as artificial intelligence and machine learning, cyber, infrastructure/cloud, augmented reality/virtual reality, and digital transformation.

Lauren Nahme is the Senior Vice President of Maui Recovery Effort at the Hawaii Community Foundation. Previously, she was the Vice President for Strategy & Transformation at Kamehameha Schools.

Vernon Wong is a Senior Vice President and Manager with First Hawaiian Bank’s Wealth Management Group. He joined FHB in 2005 after 21 years at Ameriprise Financial where he led a team of over 100 Financial Advisors.

Newly named to the school’s Board of Governors are:

Nancy Hayashi is the office manager for Dr. Garrett Hayashi, DDS and is a Chaminade parent. Originally from Seattle, she is an active member of the Chaminade University community as a volunteer and community supporter.

Dr. Sondra Leiggi Brandon is vice president of Patient Care, Behavioral Health at the Queen’s Health Systems. She is responsible for developing and implementing business and strategic plans for behavioral health services and programs across the continuum of care.

Bryan Luke is president and chief executive officer of Hawaii National Bank and has more than two decades of experience in finance, previously serving as the bank’s chief operating officer and in roles at Standard & Poor’s and PricewaterhouseCoopers.

Jeff Wagoner is president and Chief Executive Officer of Outrigger Hospitality Group, overseeing all aspects of the company’s multi-branded, global portfolio of hotels, resorts, vacation condominiums, timeshares and retail operations while steering direction, growth and strategic priorities.

Greg Young was appointed President and Chief Executive Officer of HawaiiUSA in 2021. He and the HawaiiUSA team have been integrally involved in the State of Hawaii’s financial literacy efforts and are lead supporters of Chaminade’s Economic Education Center for Excellence (EECE) programs.

School of Education Welcomes Alumni

June 14, 2024

School of Education alumni and faculty gathered recently to share stories and trade laughs

The sun hung low in the sky, casting a golden hue over Brogan Hall’s patio deck.

It was a perfect summer evening, one that seemed tailor-made for the occasion: A reunion of School of Education and Behavioral Sciences graduates.

The event had been weeks in the planning, said Assistant Professor of Special Education and Elementary Education Dr. Denise Dugan, who organized the reunion.

Dugan said she wanted to give alumni the chance to talk story and rekindle old friendships. As guests trickled in, each was greeted with warm embraces.

“The main reason I wanted to do this was to get our former students who are current teachers in Hawaii together to network,” Dugan said. “There is so little support for our teachers, so I wanted them to be able to connect and find support systems still here with Chaminade.”

Class reunions play a big role in maintaining a vibrant alumni community, nurturing connections, and supporting the ongoing mission and goals of Chaminade.

Campus leaders say aside from networking and a sense of nostalgia, reunions strengthen the sense of community and belonging among alumni, as well as afford the opportunity to reconnect with former professors and mentors, fostering a continued relationship and sometimes even collaboration in academic or professional fields.

By creating positive experiences and reinforcing the value of the alumni community, reunions can motivate attendees to stay involved with the university through volunteer work, mentoring and other forms of engagement. Attendees also often use reunions as a time for personal reflection, to assess how far they’ve come since their college days and to set new personal and professional goals.

As the evening progressed, the alumni took turns sharing their experiences. They laughed over amusing classroom anecdotes, and offered advice for overcoming common challenges. The conversation flowed easily, a testament to the strong bond these Silverswords had formed during their Chaminade years.

School of Education and Behavioral Sciences Dean Dale Fryxell and Bro. Allen A. Pacquing, SM, flank alumna Dr. Brandy Sato BA ’97, MEd ’03.
Katrina Roseler, Ph.D., Director of Teacher Preparation Programs and Associate Professor, standing right, posed for a photo with her former students.
Katrina Roseler, Ph.D., Director of Teacher Preparation Programs and Associate Professor, right, wraps her arm around Sarah Sousa BA ’17, MEd ’19.
Dr. Denise Dugan sits down with alumnae to talk story.

MEA Formation

May 31, 2024

Silverswords Commit to Being Marianist Education Associates

In 2005, members from Chaminade University, University of Dayton and St. Mary’s University of San Antonio responded to the call from Association of Marianist Universities Board to build a partnership among members of the Society of Mary, the sponsoring religious body. It would invite a cadre of lay collaborators, who would together sustain and renew the mission and identity that was Catholic, and that embodied the Marianist educational tradition.

Since then, faculty, staff and administrators have been invited each year to deepen their understanding of and their commitment to the traditions and beliefs that make each respective university a Catholic and Marianist community. Now known as the Marianist Educational Associates Formation, participants engage in a comprehensive program that includes readings, reflections and the sharing of insights.

“The program was well received and there was a lot of positive energy,” said Chaminade’s Chaplain and Special Assistant to the President, Fr. Martin Solma, of the varying talks and events during this year’s Formation at Chaminade, which last hosted the weeklong event in 2015. “Even all the rain was minor compared to the great presentations.”

In all, 27 staff, faculty and administrators—of which seven hailed from Chaminade—from the three Marianist Catholic universities participated in this year’s Formation. New Marianist Educational Associates now include Student Engagement Coordinator Andrew Ancheta ’21; Data Science Director and Assistant Professor Rylan Chong, Ph.D., ’10; School of Humanities, Arts and Design Dean Cheryl Edelson, Ph.D.; School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics Dean Gail Grabowsky, Ph.D.; Psychology Associate Professor, and Marriage and Family Counseling Clinical Director Dr. Abby Halston, MS ’05, Ed.D. ; Women’s Volleyball Head Coach Kahala Kabalis Hoke ’05, MS ’07; and Student Success Associate Director Pono Riddle ’18, MEd’ 21.

The inspiration for the Marianist Educational Associates (MEAs) stems from Blessed William Joseph Chaminade, the founder of the Marianists, who urged members and communities within the Marianist Family to engage in “dialogues of faith and culture.”

Chaminade recognized the need for conversation and action in response to the new social and cultural environment shaped by the French Revolution. He believed that examining this new world through the lens of a critically informed faith would help people understand the profound needs of the human heart and strengthen their personal commitment to the Christian faith. The MEAs draw their inspiration from this core element of our early tradition.