Chaminade University of Honolulu

Institutional

PPE for Queen’s Medical Center

CTRAC created PPE donated to Queen's Medical Center

The Castle Teacher Resource Activity Center (CTRAC) in Chaminade’s School of Education and Behavioral Sciences recently donated 62 face shields to nurses in the Trauma Unit at Queen’s Hospital to use as protection while treating patients with COVID-19.

CTRAC created PPE donated to Queen's Medical Center

When Chaminade staff approached Graduate Assistant Veronica Haskell about using the CTRAC equipment to create face masks, she immediately got to work creating a prototype. With a successful prototype in hand, she went into production and produced the face shields using the center’s 3-D printer and laser cutter.

Haskell, a graduate student in Chaminade’s Master of Arts in Teaching program, has worked at CTRAC for less than a year. She has learned to master both the 3-D printer and the laser cutter in that short period of time and has been invaluable on numerous projects, including this one.

CTRAC created PPE donated to Queen's Medical Center

CTRAC was established nearly 10 years ago through generous funding from the Samuel N. and Mary Castle Foundation, and provides a much-needed space for students to study, relax, create and socialize. The center was turned into a maker’s space in 2018 and now houses the 3-D printer and laser cutter, both of which are available for student use.

Haskell worked with Dr. Elizabeth Park, associate professor of education at Chaminade, and Dr. Amber Noguchi, director of Undergraduate Research and Pre-Professional Programs at Chaminade. Together, they were able to coordinate the delivery of the masks to Queen’s in a contactless drop-off on June 1, 2020.

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

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!

Virtual Hogan Entrepreneurial Graduation 2020

Over 50 students, parents, mentors and friends attended the Hogan Entrepreneurial Program graduation ceremony on April 29. Typically held on campus in the Mystical Rose Oratory, this year’s ceremony took place online via Zoom due to COVID-19 restrictions.

The ceremony celebrated the accomplishments of Chaminade students who have spent the past one to two years participating in the community service projects, academic coursework, mentorship activities, networking events and weekly lectures that are hosted by the Hogan Entrepreneurial Program. Funded by the Hogan Family Foundation, the Hogan Entrepreneurial Program provides students with the skills and knowledge necessary to become successful entrepreneurs, with an emphasis on community service. The program’s motto is “doing business things that make social sense and doing social things that make business sense.”

“As we do every April, we look to this celebration as a time to recognize the most important players in this program, and that’s you, our students,” said Dr. Webster. “You’ve heard me say before, our aim is simple: it’s to give you, some of Chaminade’s best students, the knowledge skills and motivation to start new things.”

The celebration began with a prayer from Brother Edward Brink, Chaminade’s rector and vice president for mission. Next, Dr. Lynn Babington, president of Chaminade University, welcomed all in attendance and offered well wishes for the graduates who were moving on to the next leg of their journey.

The ceremony continued by awarding students from each class year with the Outstanding Student Awards, including juniors Elijah Abramo and Yoshlinda Note, and seniors Isabella Tessitore and Natalie Burton. Charlie Clausner took home the Outstanding Graduate Student award, and Esther Patterson took home the overall Outstanding Hogan Entrepreneur of the Year Award. Charlie Clausner was also one of two student speakers who shared spoken word poems they had written to inspire and uplift, joining fellow graduate Fabian Patterson.

Dr. Babington also had the pleasure of introducing the next director of the Hogan Entrepreneurial Program, as Dr. John Webster will be retiring in June following 18 years of service to Chaminade University.

Dr. Roy Panzarella will begin his role as director of the Hogan Entrepreneurial Program on July 1, 2020. Dr. Panzarella most recently served as the vice president of operations at Alaka‘ina Foundation Family of Companies. He is the former general manager of Lockheed Martin in the United Arab Emirates and retired from the Army as a Colonel after 33 years of service. He will be stepping down from his role as vice chair of the Board of Regents at Chaminade University to join the Hogan program.

“I’ve known Roy Panzarella for a number of years, and have long been convinced that he would provide the leadership that you would expect from the Hogan program,” said Dr. Webster. “He has the values and the heart to make you, and Chaminade, proud of your program.”

Congratulations to the 2020 Hogan Entrepreneurial Program graduates. As Dr. Babington said, “You are our future, and we have great hope and high expectations for all of you.”

The Outstanding Hogan Entrepreneur of the Year Award:
Esther Patterson, Owner of Captured Imagery, Kapolei

The Outstanding Graduate Student Award:
Charlie Clausner, MBA, Springfield, Illinois

The Outstanding Senior Awards:

  • Natalie Burton, Cellular and Molecular Biology, Granada Hills, California
  • Isabella Tessitore, Business Administration, San Diego

The Outstanding Junior Awards:

  • Elijah Abramo, Accounting, Mililani
  • Yoshlinda Note, Accounting, Marshall Islands

The Aloha Spirit Awards:

  • Kylee Kaczmarek, Business Administration, Kapolei
  • Lekeleka Kiner-Falefa, Business Administration, Honolulu
  • Kayla Maher, Criminal Justice, Laguna Miguel, California
  • Musuai Pauulu, Environmental + Interior Design, Waianae

The Community Service Awards:

  • Tomoko Hotema, Master of Science in Counseling Psychology, Tokyo    
  • Lailane Tangonan, MBA graduate, Philippines

The In the Arena Award:
Ashley Maha’a, Criminal Justice, Kailua

Media Coverage

Hawaii News Now

KITV News

“We Care” Packages

Though unable to gather in person, Chaminade students still felt the love. Faculty and staff volunteers gathered to distribute celebratory care packages to all students (day undergraduates, online undergraduates, graduate students and PsyD students) at a drive-through event today.

Students who pulled up to the Chaminade campus were greeted by a group of Chaminade staff and faculty members cheering them on and giving words of encouragement. They were directed to pull up to the distribution table, where they were handed a care package full of hot meals, breakfast foods, fresh fruits, baked goods, snacks and more through their passenger side window.

“With COVID-19, we have to be creative and find new ways to show our students that we care about them, and we miss them, says Allison Jerome, Vice President for Student Affairs & Dean of Students at Chaminade University.”

For some students, this was the last time they got to see Chaminade faculty and staff before graduating next week. “I’m so grateful that they took the time to put on this event for us,” says Theresa Dao, a soon-to-be-Chaminade-graduate and biology major. “It’s been really hard having to finish out my senior year without seeing my Chaminade ‘ohana, so it was nice having a chance to say goodbye, even though I could only wave from my car. I’m really going to miss them.”

Chaminade plans to reopen campus in the fall, and their official graduation ceremony has been postponed to December 14, 2020.

Mahalo Scholarship Luncheon 2020

Mahalo Scholarship Luncheon 2020 event

One of the most rewarding parts about donating is seeing your donation in action. As more than 70 donors witnessed on February 20, a donation to Chaminade has tangible benefits and changes the lives of our students.

Each year, the Mahalo Scholarship Luncheon brings together donors who have supported our scholarship fund with students who have received a scholarship. It’s an opportunity for the students to thank their scholarship donors personally, and let them know just how much their support has made a difference in their educational journey.

“Our students really understand and appreciate the choice every one of our donors made to invest in them,” says Dawn Johnson, scholarship manager at Chaminade and organizer of the luncheon. “Most of them have shared that they intend to one day ‘pay forward’ the gift of scholarship they received while at Chaminade.”

The event started with an oli from the students to the donors. Following, the students draped lei on the donors in gratitude, and then sought out the individuals who created the scholarship they received to join them for lunch.

Leslie Blount attends the event each year representing the Richard T. and Leslie N. Blount Scholarship for military students and dependents. The scholarship was established by her late husband, Richard, right before he fell ill. “This event is one of my major highlights,” says Leslie. “I just love interacting with the students. They never seize to impress me with all of their accomplishments and I’m just so grateful that they are living my husband’s dream. It gives me such joy to know that his wish to help students connected to the military is being fulfilled.”

Chaminade University has more than 100 scholarships that have been generously established by individual donors and foundations. Many of them are endowed, and several are renewable investments that are replenished each year. This year alone, our students received nearly $2.3 million in donor-funded scholarships.

Ke‘alohi Canady '20 speaks at the Mahalo Scholarship Luncheon 2020

Ke‘alohi Canady, a fourth-year business administration major and first-generation college student from Honolulu, spoke first-hand about how much her scholarship has impacted her time as a student.

“I am beyond grateful and so fortunate to have been awarded a scholarship,” said Ke‘alohi. “I’m really lucky that I don’t have to struggle or work crazy hours just to finance my education. It allows me to have a sustainable work-study life balance, meaning that I can devote my time to soaking up all the information in my studies. I was able to have this opportunity because of you all.”

Edward Adachi, a third-year environmental science major, spoke to the individual transformation he has undertaken while at Chaminade. He was raised on the island of Oahu by his maternal grandmother, and he has always sought to become a person that would make her proud.

Edward Adachi '20 speaks at the Mahalo Scholarship Luncheon 2020

“I came to college thinking I had life all figured out,” he began his address to the room. “I had made a list in high school of what college I wanted to go to, what degree I wanted to pursue, how I would obtain my career and what I would do in retirement—at the age of 18, I had 50 years planned out. My friend once told me, if you want to make God laugh, tell him your plans. Well, God must have been rolling on the floor when he heard mine.”

Edward entered Chaminade as a business administration major. Within the first year and a half, after rethinking that decision several times, he finally landed on environmental science. He’s now planning a graduate degree in public health, and looks forward to a career educating communities across the pacific on how to be healthy.

His time at Chaminade has introduced him to a world full of possibilities and opportunities. He has met friends from all over the world, from all walks of life, and he’s traveled to the mainland and throughout the Pacific. He also discovered his faith at Chaminade, and now identifies proudly as a Roman Catholic.

“To be at a school that is so dynamic motivates me to be just as dynamic,” said Edward. “To live, is to change. Thank you for changing my life, and the lives of all of our students.”

To learn more about how you can support a student at Chaminade, contact Dawn Johnson at [email protected].