Chaminade University of Honolulu

Marianist

Celebrating a Century-Old Bridge to Education

Chaminade University joined the Marianist Center of Hawaiʻi, Saint Louis School and Sacred Hearts Academy on Friday to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Palolo Stream Bridge, which has served as a “strong, humble” entry point to campus and a symbol of the ongoing Marianist mission in the islands.

The gathering included a parade, performances and a lunch. Speakers also took to a stage on the Front Lawn to underscore the significance of the anniversary.

Bro. Dennis Schmitz, S.M., of the Marianist Center of Hawaiʻi, called the bridge a powerful connection between the world and Kalaepōhaku, the hill where Chaminade and Saint Louis School are located and “our sacred space.” Speaking to attendees, Schmitz said, “The bridge has a mission—to enable us to come to this campus to learn Catholic Marianist values.”

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President Lynn Babington, Ph.D. added it was an honor to celebrate the bridge and its special significance to the Hawaiʻi’s Marianist community, connecting Kalaepōhaku with Waialae Avenue.

As part of the event, attendees also walked to the bridge to learn more about Marianist history.

The bridge over Palolo Stream was built in 1925 by Hawaiian Contracting Company for $14,500.

“Thanks to this ‘little’ bridge, we were able to construct this campus—where so many people were able to come to be educated in the Marianist and Catholic tradition,” Schmitz said.

“For 100 years, it has been the link from the world to Saint Louis School and Chaminade University and it has been the link from Kalaepōhaku back to the world. Students and their families cross this bridge in the morning to grow in their spiritual and intellectual lives. At the end of the day, they cross the bridge back to the world where they try to live out the values that they’ve learned.”

Schmitz noted the gathering is also a kick-off of a series of other century celebrations at Kalaepōhaku. Ching, Bertram and Henry halls will turn 100 in 2027.

Schmitz said that as he has worked on the bridge celebration event, he’s come to deeply appreciate the structure’s greater significance.

“In this time of so much division in the world, the bridge symbolizes the importance of reaching across the divide so that good things can happen,” he said. “We’re called to be like the bridge and to learn from our enriching experiences on the campus so that we too might lay down our lives in humble service.”

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.