Chaminade University of Honolulu

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Commencement Mass and Blessing of the Graduates

Graduates, faculty, staff, family members and friends gathered at the Mystical Rose Oratory on May 7 for Chaminade University of Honolulu’s annual Commencement Mass and Blessing of Graduates, a longstanding tradition that celebrates academic achievement while giving thanks for the journey that brought students to commencement.

The liturgy brought together the Chaminade community in prayer and reflection ahead of commencement exercises, highlighting the university’s Marianist and Catholic traditions. The Mass was presided over by Bishop Larry Silva, with Rev. Christopher Wittmann serving as concelebrant.

In welcoming those gathered, Chaminade President Dr. Lynn Babington offered warm congratulations to the graduates and their families, recognizing the dedication, resilience and perseverance required to complete their academic journeys. She also acknowledged the support systems that helped students reach this milestone, including faculty mentors, loved ones and the broader Chaminade community.

During his homily, Bishop Silva shared reflections on growth, change and enduring love. He spoke about how people evolve throughout their lives, often becoming very different from who they once were in earlier chapters of life. Using the example of a couple happily married for 60 years, he described how the husband continued falling in love with his wife through every stage of her life — as a carefree young woman, a mother, a professional, someone navigating middle age and eventually a senior.

Bishop Silva noted that authentic love means embracing the person someone becomes over time, even as life changes them in expected and unexpected ways. He encouraged graduates to remain open to transformation in their own lives and to recognize that growth, maturity and new experiences will continue shaping who they are long after graduation.

The message resonated with graduates preparing to begin new careers, continue their education or embark on other life paths beyond Chaminade. His reflections underscored the importance of faith, compassion and openness to change as students move into new chapters of adulthood as he and the congregation blessed the graduates.

Music throughout the liturgy was provided by the talented voices and musicians of the Mystical Rose Choir, whose performances added beauty and reverence to the celebration. The choir’s music helped create a joyful and reflective atmosphere within the oratory.

Following the Mass, graduates gathered with Bishop Silva for commemorative photographs, capturing a meaningful moment before commencement festivities continued. Students and guests also enjoyed fellowship and refreshments, including cookies hosted by Chaminade’s Office of Advancement. Thanks was extended to the Office of Campus Ministry for organizing the annual celebration and coordinating the details that made the evening possible.

The Commencement Mass serves as both a spiritual and communal tradition at Chaminade, offering graduates an opportunity to pause and reflect before officially crossing the commencement stage. Rooted in Catholic Marianist values, the celebration emphasizes gratitude, faith, service and community — ideals that graduates carry forward in their personal and professional lives.

As the Class of 2026 prepares to leave Chaminade and begin new journeys, the evening offered a meaningful reminder that education is not only about academic achievement, but also about personal growth, relationships and becoming the people they are called to be. The commencement ceremony for graduate students take place today, May 8 and for undergraduates tomorrow, May 9. Congratulations to all. 

An Easter Message from Chaminade

As we celebrate the season of Easter—a time of renewal, hope, and new beginnings—we invite you to click and watch this special message from Chaminade students, President Dr. Lynn Babington, and Director of Campus Ministry Fr. Chris Wittmann.

In this spirit of Easter, we share a message of hope that reflects the heart of our Chaminade ‘ohana. ✝️🌺

Play

Babington Serves in Women’s Leadership Forum

Chaminade President Lynn Babington, Ph.D. recently traveled to Rome for a weeklong seminar aimed at fostering new opportunities for women in leadership at Catholic institutions of higher education and promoting the importance of values-based education.

Babington was selected to participate in the Women’s Leadership Program, which is an executive initiative of the International Federation of Catholic Universities.

Participants in the gathering, from October 22 to 26, included university presidents, rectors and other distinguished women leaders from academia.

They discussed the critical role of women in Catholic higher education, the importance of advancing women in academia, and the role of service-focused Catholic education.

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The program also explored the intersection of faith, leadership and governance at Catholic universities worldwide.

While women are a powerful force in Catholic higher education leadership, they hold only 8% of top positions globally.

Organizers said the Women’s Leadership Program is designed to bring together women leaders guiding institutions with confidence, integrity and Catholic values.

Babington said it was a great honor to participate in the initiative, which included talks at LUMSA University in Rome and visits to the Vatican.

“A central area of reflection was the urgent and important work of Catholic universities to, as Pope Leo XIV’s has said, seek ‘the integral development of the human person forming intellects with a critical sense, believing hearts, and citizens committed to the common good,’” she said.

Babington added, “Those inspiring words speak eloquently to our University’s mission.”

8 Hawaii Leaders Announced to Chaminade Boards

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.
    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.
    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.
    Jeff Wagoner is president and Chief Executive Officer of Outrigger Hospitality Group.
  • Nancy Hayashi is the office manager for Dr. Garrett Hayashi, DDS.
    Nancy Hayashi is the office manager for Dr. Garrett Hayashi, DDS.
  • Greg Young was appointed President and Chief Executive Officer of HawaiiUSA in 2021.
    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.
    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.
    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.
    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.

Leading Role

Dr. Lynn Babington Recognized among “Most Admired Leaders”

President Dr. Lynn Babington has been named a 2023 “Most Admired Leader” by Pacific Business News, recognized for her achievements and successes in leading Chaminade University forward and contributing to the community. Serving as president since 2018, Babington is admired for her inspiring and empowering leadership style, ability to build teams, and execute strategies to reach goals. During her tenure, she has elevated the position of Chaminade, the University’s partners, students, faculty and the community at large, all while fulfilling the University’s mission as a community-first institution. 

Dr. Lynn Babington was chosen among Hawaii's "Most Admired Leaders" by Pacific Business News.
Dr. Lynn Babington was chosen among Hawaii’s “Most Admired Leaders” by Pacific Business News.

According to an April 2023 article in Higher Ed Drive, only 33 percent of college presidents at all levels are women, which is only a three percent increase since 2016.  Babington brings a perspective and voice to higher education that is vital and needed. She leads the only Catholic university in the Pacific, and some examples of the positive difference her leadership has made include: 

  • When Argosy University closed in 2019, eliminating the then-only PsyD program in Hawaii, Babington and her leadership team brought its 100 faculty and students to Chaminade ensuring that students could seamlessly continue their studies.
  • Working with the deans of Chaminade’s schools, she collaborated to develop crucial new programs needed in our community, including a Doctor of Nursing Practice, Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership, One Year MBA and a MS in Counseling Psychology for neighbor island students.
  • Working with community leaders, she contributed to the establishment of partnerships to greatly benefit Hawaiʻi, including with Kamehameha Schools to offer 150 Muʻo Scholarships over three years for the online BS in teaching degree to alleviate the teacher shortage in Hawaiʻi and with the United Nations CIFAL Center to host the only Pacific regional training hub to address global issues.
  • With her support, Chaminade launched the Economic Education Center for Excellence with the Hawaiian Council for Economic Education.
  • Forming committees, Babington helped to steward Chaminade University’s 2019-2024 Strategic Plan to better serve its diverse student body, enhance its financial support of students and faculty research, increase revenue while cutting costs, and expand its reach to more learners.
  • Following state’s protocols, she successfully led the University through the COVID-19 pandemic, implementing online learning and other mitigation interventions to ensure the health, safety and well-being of the campus community.
  • Babington helped to ensure the accreditation of several new programs, including the Doctorate of Nursing Practice and Doctor of Psychology programs. 
  • Understanding the importance of a quality student experience, the completion of Chaminade University’s new Silversword Training Center and Locker Room facility ensured the sustainability and progress of the University’s athletics program.

Babington serves on several boards, including St. Francis Hospital System, Pacific and Asian Affairs Council, and the Girl Scouts of Hawaiʻi. She also volunteers for several nonprofit organizations: Catholic Charities, Hawaiʻi Literacy Program, and Hoʻola Na Pua.  She will be recognized at an awards dinner on November 9 along with other recipients of the “Most Admired Leader” honor.

Inaugural President’s Innovation Award

Two faculty members who spearheaded out-of-the-box programs aimed at expanding educational opportunities to more members of the community and broadening the university’s positive impact were honored recently with the inaugural President’s Innovation Awards at Chaminade.

The recipients were:

  • Dr. Rylan Chong, assistant professor of Data Science, for his student-powered computing program that seeks to put data analytics in the hands of community members. Through a pilot program, his students worked with grassroots groups on the Waianae Coast to develop a community sentiment dashboard aimed at measuring well-being and health metrics.
  • Dr. Janet Davidson, vice provost and professor of Criminology and Criminal Justice, for overseeing the successful design and launch of a Chaminade associate’s degree program at a Hawaii prison—the only Second Chance Pell Program currently offered in the state.
Dr. Rylan Chong posing with Dr. Lynn Babington

Chaminade President Dr. Lynn Babington said all of those nominated for the awards, and especially those who won, underscore how innovation is woven into Chaminade’s DNA. “The pandemic has added no shortage of challenges to our work at Chaminade, but it has also shown the power of innovation in helping us to meet our social service mission and expand our important work,” Babington said.

“I am so honored to say our campus is full of innovators—members of our Silversword ‘ohana who understand that today’s new ideas and new approaches are tomorrow’s successes and best practices.”

The Center for Strategy and Innovation created the President’s Innovation Award program and announced a call for nominations in September 2021. Winners were announced at a Spring Kickoff event for faculty and staff members celebrating the beginning of the new term.

Dr. Helen Turner, vice president for strategy and innovation at Chaminade, described the selection process as rigorous and said a five-member committee reviewed nominations and chose the recipients.

Both awardees said they were honored and humbled by the recognition.

Dr. Janet Davidson with her certificate for the inaugural President's Innovation Award

“I am truly grateful,” Chong said. “Receiving this award acknowledges how data science can unite communities, break down silos and social stereotypes about STEM disciplines, and be a field to catalyze social good. I want to personally thank the Waianae Coast community for their support.”

Chong added that he was particularly proud of the hands-on experiences students got throughout the course of the project—from interviewing community members to presenting their findings and continuously adding to and revising the dashboard as a “living tool” for stakeholders.

“Students made connections on how and when to use the data science and project management skills and tools they learned in their classes toward a real and relevant project,” Chong said. “They also learned a lot of soft skills, networking and working with a diverse group of people with various backgrounds to get real-world experience. And our shared work on this project continues.”

Davidson said the innovation award is a “rewarding validation” of all the work that’s gone into the Second Chance Pell Program, whose first cohort has 14 students. “This award is a reminder of the team behind this. It reminds me of how thankful I am that there has been university support all around. So many people support the mission of this program and its alignment with Chaminade’s values.”

She noted the COVID pandemic meant that faculty members and staff delivering the program were required to quickly pivot so they could continue to meet student needs and program expectations. “This honor means a lot,” she said. “And I look forward to seeing who is honored next year.”