Institutional

Co-Curricular Awards 2024

April 29, 2024

For the past 19 years, the Co-Curricular Awards have celebrated outstanding members of Chaminade University’s student body, clubs and organizations. These accolades honor individuals whose exceptional contributions exceed expectations, enriching both campus life and the wider community. Their dedication reflects the University’s commitment to public service and embodies its mission of making a positive impact on society.

“We had a total of 50 students who were nominated for the various awards,” says Allison Jerome, Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students. “We also had our first graduate student award since we opened the awards this year to all students and not just undergraduates.”

One member of each undergraduate class was selected to receive the Bro. Joseph Becker Award of Excellence, which recognizes those who display exceptional leadership skills through involvement in co-curricular activities. The awardees, with a diversity of scholarly ambitions, were: sophomore Selena Buttery ’26, junior Tyanna Hemmings ’25 and senior Pam Oda ’24.

Co-curricular activities, also known as out-of-class activities, are any events that you participate in outside of your regular academic coursework. They can be anything from sports and clubs to volunteering and part-time work.

“As an institution, it is our goal to educate students to be whole-rounded individuals who intentionally contribute to society through action-oriented critical thinking,” says Andrew Ancheta, Chaminade’s Student Engagement Coordinator. “To emphasize the importance of being involved in co-curricular activities on campus, the Co-curricular Awards are meant to celebrate the dedication our students have to contributing to our community. It’s important for us to show them our gratitude and appreciation for it.”

Student leader John Iose was honored with the Outstanding Peer Mentor Award, which recognizes upper-class students who work tirelessly as peer mentors to ensure that first-year students feel supported as new members of the Chaminade ‘ohana. Peer mentors commit significant hours of their time as co-teachers of CUH 100 First-Year Experience Seminar, and prepare for the position with training and class preparation.

The Liturgy Award is given to an individual who has willingly volunteered his or her time and talent to contribute to the quality and spirituality of Campus Ministry’s weekend, and special liturgies and prayer experiences. This year’s honoree is Nathaniel Leomiti ’25. Meanwhile, Easton DelaCruz ’26 was awarded the Campus Ministry Award, and Isaiah Atalig ’24 was honored with two awards: the Frederik K.K. Kauhane Senior Aloha Spirit Award and Retreat Leader of the Year. Moanna Blaksteen ’24 took home The Service Award.

This year’s Tutor of the Year is Kaulana Navares, while two Silverswords were acknowledged as Outstanding Orientation Leaders—Caitlin Bocobo ’24 and Josh Dumas ’24. Epifania Petelo ’24 was recognized with the Resident Assistant Award of Excellence. Graduate student Megan Kosaka won the Henry Halenani Gomes Alaka‘i Award.

Male Student Athlete of Year Award went to Silversword basketball guard Ross Reeves ’26, while softball infielder/catcher Keaolani Takemura-Brehme ’24 was named the Female Student Athlete. And the recipient of the Silversword Award, which recognizes a student-athlete who represents the Marianist philosophy with sportsmanship, integrity and respect for others, was Chaminade Women’s Soccer goalkeeper Naomi Takata ’24.

“Being involved allows students the opportunity to build a support system, refine practical skills and broaden their experiential wisdom,” Ancheta says. “Co-curricular opportunities are the moments students can one day look back on and think, ‘Wow, I had a great time at Chaminade.'”

Baccalaureate Mass

April 29, 2024

As a Catholic, Marianist University, a vital part of graduation weekend is the celebration of the Baccalaureate Mass. This year’s Mass for the Class of 2024 will take place on Friday, May 3, at 6 p.m. at the Mystical Rose Oratory.

“This celebration is an opportunity for our Chaminade ‘ohana to come together in thanksgiving and prayer to honor and thank God for the blessings given to the Fall 2023 and Spring 2024 graduating students and to their families,” says Fr. Chris Wittman, S.M. “It’s a way to celebrate our graduates in context of faith, and acknowledging that God has been part of this experience.”

The Baccalaureate Mass holds a special significance in the culmination of a student’s academic journey. It’s a time for reflection, gratitude and spiritual connection as graduates prepare to embark on the next chapter of their lives. Chaminade’s tradition of hosting this Mass underscores the importance of faith and community in the educational experience. It’s a meaningful way to honor the achievements of the graduating class, and to acknowledge the support of their families and loved ones.

Graduating students are honored during the Baccalaureate Mass at Mystical Rose Oratory.

Steeped in history within Catholic education, the Baccalaureate Mass date back centuries, and its origins can be traced to medieval universities in Europe, where it served as a religious ceremony for graduating students. The term “baccalaureate” itself is derived from the Latin “baccalaureatus,” which originally referred to the laurel berries (baccalaureus) worn by graduates in ancient times.

The Baccalaureate Mass serves several purposes:

Spiritual Reflection: It allows graduates to reflect on their academic journey within the framework of their faith. The Mass provides a moment of prayerful contemplation, giving thanks for the gifts of knowledge, growth and community experienced during their time at the institution.

Blessing and Sending Forth: The Mass invokes God’s blessings upon the graduating class as they prepare to enter the next phase of their lives. It serves as a formal commissioning, sending forth graduates with the support and encouragement of their faith community.

Celebration of Achievement: In addition to its religious significance, the Baccalaureate Mass is a celebration of academic accomplishment. It honors the hard work, dedication, and perseverance of students who have successfully completed their studies.

Community Gathering: The Mass brings together students, faculty, staff, families, and alumni in a spirit of unity and fellowship. It reinforces the sense of belonging and connection within the school community, fostering bonds that extend beyond graduation.

While the format and traditions associated with the Baccalaureate Mass may vary from one Catholic institution to another, its fundamental purpose remains consistent—to recognize the holistic development of students, encompassing both intellectual and spiritual growth, as they transition to the next stage of their lives.

Business Olympics

April 26, 2024

Annual Games Challenge High School Students

Let the mental gymnastics begin. In 20 minutes, teams had to build the tallest free-standing structure, using only spaghetti, one yard of tape, one yard of string and one marshmallow, which needed to sit on top. During this “Marshmallow Challenge,” sitting on one side of the room, the Spartan, Trojan and Athenian teams from Maryknoll School and Nanakuli High & Intermediate School talked about teamwork, listening, communication and trust. On the other side, Silverswords spoke of flexibility, creativity and open-mindedness.

“The Marshmallow Challenge is used a lot in business schools,” said assistant professor Eddie Merc, Ph.D., Chaminade’s MBA Director and Program Advisor. “The participants learn about team building and how to adapt if your design isn’t working.”

The contest was just one of many during the Third Annual Business Olympics, which is organized by the School of Business and Communications. As part of his operations management class, MvFaden Iriarte ’25 was among the Silversword participants in the Marshmallow Challenge.

“There was only one rule: your finished structure had to sit on the slippery surface of a desk,” explained Iriarte, as he pointed to their design, which won the challenge for being the tallest. “I was really impressed with what the high-school kids came up, and how they worked together and listened to each other.”

Ethan Hendricks and Vaneah Dela Cruz develop their structure as Maryknoll School’s academic dean of science and English reviews the day’s schedule.
Nanakuli sophmore Saeota Fanuaea, far left, poses with Maryknoll School students, including senior Kainalu Szewczyk.
Ethan Hendricks poses with Vaneah Dela Cruz, left, and Megan Collado.
Nanakuli junior, Vai Fanuaea, flashing shaka, and Maryknoll School students pose with their trophy.
Dr. Eddie Merc with Drs. Annette Santos and Roy Panzarella pose with the Maryknoll Students after their Mini Shark competition.
Dr. Eddie Merc takes a selfie with Maryknoll School’s Kit-U Wong, who escorted the Trojans to Chaminade.

Now in its third year, the Business Olympics combines Merc’s efforts to reach out to high schools and his athletic background as a former collegiate tennis player. The event features five different stations or “challenges” that cover various subjects, including business fundamentals, management and teamwork, accounting and finance, marketing and a “Mini Shark” presentation.

“The event provided them insights of what topics they would study in business school,” said Kit-U Wong, Maryknoll’s Social Science and English Dean of Academics. “They especially appreciated being able to ask questions to Chaminade University professors and getting great advice. I would love for future students to get the chance to participate.”

Interim Dean Annette Santos was one of the four Mini Shark panel members, who listened and judged the five-minute business pitches. One team’s entrepreneurial idea was to develop a new eczema cream; another was to sell a protein ice cream after working out; and the third was to build a soundproof dog house.

“It’s quite impressive what students can come up within five minutes—really impressive,” Santos said. “It was a successful Business Olympics event and a wonderful opportunity to bring students to campus, engage with our faculty, and create memorable experiences that we hope will bring them back.”

Nanakuli High High School junior Vai and his freshman sister Saeota Fanuaea were encouraged by their mom, Rosa Fanuaea who attended Chaminade her freshman year, to join the Business Olympics event, telling them that this would be a good opportunity to visit the beautiful campus. Walking from the Sullivan Family Library to Hale Hoaloha, the siblings took in all the scenery, admiring the buildings and views.

“So far we’ve learned about team building,” said Saeota Fanuaea, after competing in the Marshmallow Challenge. “Our next class is accounting and finance, which I am looking forward to learning about.”

While the Trojans may have taken gold in the Mini Shark presentation, the Spartans and Athenians were also winners in their own sense. Maryknoll senior Ethan Hendricks felt he had already won after learning about SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats) analysis.

“My mom has her own business, Alinea Jewelry, and I want to help her with her marketing, which is so old school right now,” said Hendricks, with a boyish grin. “I already learned about some business concepts today, which I never knew about. I can now use that knowledge when I run my mom’s marketing.”

“I’m happy Ethan is exploring different avenues to educate himself about business and marketing,” said mom Andromeda Hendricks. “I support his endeavors and I think he is in good hands there at Chaminade.”

Commencement Ceremony 2024

April 23, 2024

Chaminade University will host its Spring 2024 Commencement on Saturday, May 4 at the Waikīkī Shell. The 5:30 p.m. ceremony will honor approximately 600 graduates receiving degrees from the University’s School of Business and Communication; School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics; School of Education and Behavioral Sciences; School of Humanities, Arts and Design; and the School of Nursing and Health Professions.

“Chaminadeʻs Commencement Ceremony is a beautiful and meaningful occasion for our graduates and their families,” said Chaminade University President Lynn Babington, PhD. “We celebrate this milestone and all of our graduates for their accomplishments, dedication and perseverance in pursuing their degrees. Congratulations to all of our graduates!”

This year’s graduating class includes associates, bachelors and 36 doctoral students including the first Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership for Adaptation and Change degree. Other highlights of the Commencement Ceremony:

Executive Counselor for the Asian Pacific Islander Health Forum Dr. Kamanaʻopono M. Crabbe will serve as the Commencement Speaker.
An honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree will be bestowed to community leader Jean Estelle Rolles.
Undergraduate Student Brittany K. Johnson and Graduate Student Donna Kay Fisher will speak as representatives of the student body.

Years of Service

April 22, 2024

Staff and faculty members recognized for their dedication

After acknowledging the efforts and dedication of staff and faculty during Chaminade’s year-end annual Employee Luncheon, Dr. Lynn Babington turned her attention to the day’s retirees, which included Drs. Bob Santee and Dave Coleman, and librarian Valerie Coleman and assistant professor Denise Cooper of the School of Nursing and Health Professions.

“I am so grateful for your years of service and commitment to Chaminade,” Babington said. “Bob, I’ll miss your deep-breathing exercises; Valerie, you’ve had such an impact on the success of our library; and Dave, you’ve played so many roles during your 50 years here.”

With only two weeks remaining until commencement, the event allowed employees to gather under the sails at the Sullivan Family Library Lawn for a bento lunch and cups of Asato Family Shop’s refreshing sherbert. Since this time of the year always equates to a rush of finals and year-ending responsibilities, the luncheon was a welcomed reprieve for many staff and faculty members, who congratulated honorees who were wearing a lei. The event highlights employees who have been with Chaminade starting with five years and then in additional five-year increments. This year, 31 employees were recognized for their years of service, which cumulatively amounted to 366 years.

Five Years of Service:

Paul Arakaki
Adam Joseph
Dani Masuda
Carolyn Nakamura
Jacky Sanqui
Fr. Martin Solma
Jennifer Tolentino
Kelly Treece

10 Years of Service:

Kacie Cohen
Genevieve Griffiths
Frederique Kandel
Julieta M. Rosado
Deneen Wong

15 Years of Service:

Sherry Bagoyo
Tammy Hohu
Bryan Moseley

20 Years of Service:

Allison Francis
Aulani Kaanoi
Debbie Murayama
Amy Takiguchi

25 Years of Service:

Ann Kishi

Retirees:

David Coleman Congratulations on your Retirement after 50 Years!
Valerie Coleman Congratulations on your Retirement after 35 Years!
Denise Cooper Congratulations on your Retirement after 11 Years!
Bob Santee Congratulations on your Retirement after 30 Years!

To watch a video of the honorees, click here.

2024 Hogan Entrepreneurial Program and American Savings Bank Nonprofit Business Plan Competition

April 18, 2024

The biennial event attracts various not-for-profits

From recycling and technology to mental health and publishing, the services delivered by the winners of the 11th annual Hogan Entrepreneurial Program and American Savings Bank Nonprofit Business Plan Competition are as diverse as the clients they serve.

“We narrowed it down to eight finalists from the 23 entries that were submitted,” said Chaminade President Lynn Babington, Ph.D., in her opening remarks. “It was not easy, but the objective of this competition is to encourage excellence and innovation. The work that nonprofits do is absolutely vital to our communities.”

Chaminade’s Hogan Entrepreneurial Program and American Savings Bank’s Nonprofit Business Plan Competition is held every other year and is open to Hawaii nonprofit organizations seeking to start new ventures that will benefit society. The competition aims to stimulate public interest and support in nonprofit organizations—and encourage excellence and innovation in socially-motivated entrepreneurs.

“This biennial competition aligns well with our Marianist mission,” said Dr. Roy Panzarella, director of the Hogan Entrepreneurial Program. “These nonprofits are doing a lot of good for their communities.”

WorkNet members, from left, Mo Kalaikai, Stephanie Ann and Chas Williams were congratulated by Chaminade President Lynn Babington, Ph.D., far left, and American Savings Bank’s President and CEO Ann Teranishi.

In all, the Hogan Entrepreneurial Program and American Savings Bank awarded $41,000 to nine Hawaii nonprofit organizations who participated in the competition this year. The first-place winner, Worknet Inc., walked away with the $15,000 prize.

“I’m overwhelmed and seldom am I at a loss for words,” said WorkNet Founder, Executive Director and President Chas Williams, upon receiving his award. “We rarely have a chance to revel in the work we do, so I am proud to be here. For once, we’re recognized for the work we do.”

WorkNet is an innovative nonprofit that prepares prison inmates for a successful re-entry into community living to reduce recidivism. The organization specializes in offender re-entry services, which include helping parolees find jobs, secure housing, obtain a driver’s license and restore identity documents so they can have a higher success rate with their reintegration into our communities.

“To be in this company (among other nonprofits), I feel rewarded beyond belief,” says Williams, pssionatley shaking his fist. “This institution (Chaminade) is the training ground, and I offer myself to share my knowledge and ideas with people who are in this field.”

The second-place winner was Mothers Against Drunk Driving, which received $11,000 toward its Teen Influencer Summer Institute, a five-week program that aims to educate today’s youth about the dangers and tragedies of drinking and driving.

Third place went to Pasefika Presence, a nonprofit magazine with a mission to provide a space for voices of the Pacific to share their stories through the publication of their writing and art.

“It’s not easy juggling school and running a nonprofit magazine at the same time,” said Epifania “Epi” Petelo ’23. “We aim to help preserve our stories through this publication and provide Pasefika people, especially youth, with a magazine that they can actually see themselves in.”

Fourth place went to Mood USA. All dressed in the same Mood USA logo T-shirts, Waioli Misajon and her family members—including her 2-year-old daughter—said she was inspired by the competition two years ago, adding that her nonprofit was then just a dream. “This award comes with much appreciation for all the supporters and consultants who have helped develop the nonprofit Mood USA,” said the Nanakuli native of Mood USA, which supports mental health for children in the Leeward area.

The remaining five finalists included Hear 4 Hope, Downtown Art Center’s Metal Lab, PAWsitive Adventures, ThriveHI and Two Times Recycling. Each received a $1,000.

“American Savings Bank is proud to be a sponsor of this competition for many years now,” said American Savings Bank’s President and CEO Ann Teranishi. “The work that you’re doing is not easy, but please continue the work of nonprofits. Our communities need you.”