President

Bridges to the Future Celebration

May 2, 2019 by University Communications & Marketing

Chaminade donors, faculty, staff and board members gathered on Tuesday, April 23 to celebrate the capping of the Bridges to the Future campaign.

Several students spoke at the event about the impacts the campaign has had on their time at Chaminade, including second-year ‘Aulani Oka who received a scholarship because of the campaign.

“I may have only been here for two years, but as a beneficiary of this campaign I can honestly say it’s changed my life,” she said. “I would not be standing here right now without your help. You have made a difference in my life, and the lives of many other students. I will do my best to prove myself worthy of this honor, and hopefully pay it forward to others in the future.”

The campaign was the university’s most ambitious fundraising campaign, raising $118 million. Funds raised supported student access and success, academic excellence, athletics programming, a vibrant campus environment and impacts in the community. Some notable impacts from the campaign include:

The creation of 46 new privately funded scholarships
A brand new School of Nursing, now tied for No. 1 due to it’s 100% pass rate of the national licensure exam
A new Silversword Athletics Training Center and Locker Rooms and renovated athletics facilities
Renovations to 100% of the major buildings on campus
34,650 meals served to homeless individuals and families at the Next Step Shelter

Mahalo to all who helped make this campaign a success! In the words of fourth-year student Antonio Bonnetty, “Your contributions have an impact on students here because they allow students to achieve their dreams; they allow for change, and they allow students like me to breathe again.”

Chaminade Holds Inauguration for 10th President, Lynn M. Babington, Ph.D.

February 2, 2018 by University Communications & Marketing

Chaminade University is relevant, innovative and contributing to the betterment of society.

Those are the three pillars of Dr. Lynn Babington’s vision for the institution she now leads.

Babington outlined that future at her inauguration ceremony January 20 at the Richard T. Mamiya Theatre, during which she was formally installed as the university’s 10th president in front of an audience of religious leaders, community dignitaries, and university regents and faculty.

In her inaugural address, Babington made clear that in forging an ambitious and bold path forward, Chaminade — celebrating its 62nd anniversary in 2018 — isn’t seeking to forget its rich heritage or leave behind its Marianist traditions. At the same time, she said, Chaminade must lean into headwinds and make no small plans in an increasingly competitive landscape.

“We are driven by a deep commitment to reach new heights,” she told attendees. “Unified together, we will find ways to not only meet the high expectations we have for ourselves, but exceed those our community and our world have for us. Because if not us, then who?”

Babington started at Chaminade on August 1 after serving as interim president and in other leadership roles at Fairfield University in Connecticut. In her first few months at Chaminade, Babington sought to focus on listening — to all sorts of university stakeholders— about where the institution is, what makes it special, and where it should be headed in the 21st century.

And even as she’s pledged to usher in a new era of innovation, growth and opportunity, Babington has stressed that she intends to only further strengthen Chaminade’s core mission — to serve as a service-oriented institution focused on social justice, building community and preparing tomorrow’s leaders to take on some of the world’s greatest problems.

That commitment to honor the past while looking ahead to the future was on display at the inaugural mass and installation celebration — and the pa’ina festivities that followed, where scores gathered at Chaminade Plaza for an afternoon of food, fellowship, gift giving and hula.

At the inauguration, several symbolic items were presented to Babington, including the university’s presidential medallion, made of kukui nut and suspended on a four-strand Niihau shell lei.

Fr. Thomas J. Fitzpatrick, S.J., staff chaplain of Fairfield University read a poem he wrote asking God to guide Dr. Babington and to let “all our spirits mingle and soar as we reach for truth, wisdom, justice and peace.”

Bro. Ed Brink, Chaminade’s Vice President of Mission and Rector, present a framed blessing from Pope Francis, wishing Dr. Babington a successful tenure as president.

The Marianist Province of the U.S. gave Dr. Babington a depiction of Our Lady of the Pillar, one of only three like it in the world. The other two are housed at Chaminade’s sister schools — the University of Dayton in Ohio and St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, Texas. Presenting the depiction were Dr. Steven R. Neiheisel, executive director of the Association of Marianist Universities; and the presidents, Dr. Eric F. Spina of University of Dayton and Dr. Thomas M. Mengler of St. Mary’s University.

Also presented to Babington: A royal walking stick with a strong link to Chaminade’s roots.

Brother Dennis Bautista, a Chaminade University alumnus and a professor at St. Mary’s University, told inauguration attendees the walking stick engraved with King David Kalakaua’s name was found in the national archives of the Marianist Province at St. Mary’s.

In fact, it was discovered in the Brother Gabriel Bertram Bellinghausen collection at the archives. Bellinghausen was part of the first group of Marianists to come to Hawaii in 1883, became the first director of then-Saint Louis College (later Saint Louis School and Chaminade), and struck up a friendship with the king, who would attend plays and other events on campus.

“Since walking sticks … had been presented to those entrusted in leadership positions as symbols of authority,” Bautista said, “we felt that it would be appropriate for the king’s walking stick to come full circle — from Brother Bertram to Dr. Lynn Babington and return the royal artifact home to Hawaii.” At the inauguration, the Kalakaua walking stick was ceremonially presented to Babington before it was formally gifted to ‘Iolani Palace for public display.

Before the presentation of gifts, Babington sought to outline her vision for Chaminade.

She said the university must be “excellent and relevant,” underscoring the value of its educational opportunities to current — and prospective — students and the community.

It must also be innovative, seeking out partnerships and looking for opportunities to grow.

And it must always seek to contribute to the common good, to make life better for others.

“Higher education with a higher purpose is the life led here at Chaminade,” she said, in her inaugural address. “Our faculty and students are involved in not only community service but … opportunities to engage with and give back to the community as part of their course work.”

Her words spurred a standing ovation.

And the occasion of her inauguration also inspired poetry — literally.

At the inauguration day’s pa’ina celebrations fronting Sullivan Library, Dr. Allison Paynter stepped up to the microphone to recite a poem she wrote to mark the day called “Hopscotch” that begins like the playground jumping rhyme but then takes listeners on a journey with Babington.

The associate professor of English at Chaminade read, referring to the president:

Now, she feeds her soul
on the aina
embraces a new ohana
commits to living pono
brandishing her own sword
of inspiration on
this mighty hilltop.

For more of the Presidential Inauguration highlights, click here.
Watch the Inaugural Mass and Installation here.
Read Dr. Babington’s inaugural address here.

Chaminade Students, Faculty and Staff Welcome Dr. Lynn Babington as University’s 10th President

August 24, 2017 by University Communications & Marketing

Students, faculty and staff from all divisions and schools at Chaminade University enthusiastically greeted Dr. Lynn M. Babington Aug. 1 when she officially began her tenure as the institution’s tenth President.

The colorful welcoming ceremony featured a traditional Hawaiian “oli” (chant) by members of the campus ‘ohana clad in Chaminade blue clothing. Following a gift presentation to Dr. Babington and her husband, Dr. Randall Carpenter, Chaminade Rector Bro. Ed Brink, S.M. delivered a blessing.

Dr. Babington, whose appointment was announced last December by Chaminade’s Board of Regents, most recently served as Interim President at Fairfield University in Connecticut. Her previous roles at this Catholic university included Provost and Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs.

“Our new President is a highly regarded educator, administrator and thought leader who will further the progress we’ve made over the past two decades at Chaminade,” according to Board of Regents Chair Vaughn G.A. Vasconcellos.

“Dr. Babington’s fresh perspective and personal warmth will lead to new ways of invigorating the campus and all the communities we serve,” he said.

“Joining the Chaminade ‘ohana is a tremendous honor and privilege,” Dr. Babington said. “The university has a well-deserved reputation for its strong liberal arts foundation and Marianist mission of creating a more just and peaceful society.”

Having begun her career working with disadvantaged populations, Dr. Babington said Chaminade’s continued commitment to improving the community it serves “speaks to her passion” by addressing disparities in healthcare, education and the criminal justice system.

Dr. Babington also praised Chaminade as having “tremendous growth potential” and looks forward to “building on the university’s solid foundation” by working closely with the campus community and supporters in the public and private sectors.

“As for our students,” Dr. Babington said, “I’m inspired by their pursuit of academic excellence and their outreach to needy populations through service learning projects. Moreover, the wonderful diversity of our student body makes Chaminade one of the most multicultural campuses in America.”

In addition to her positions at Fairfield, Dr. Babington held leadership roles at Northeastern University from 2003 to 2011 and studied as a Fulbright Scholar at Ben Gurion University in Israel.

In 2013, she was selected for the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Executive Nurse Fellows program, a three-year leadership development experience designed to enhance the nation’s healthcare system.

Dr. Babington received her master’s and doctorate degrees in nursing from the University of Washington and a bachelor’s (magna cum laude) in nursing from the University of Michigan.

More information on Dr. Lynn Babington can be found on her academic profile.

2017 Alumni Reunion Was Hot, Hot, Hot!

April 13, 2017 by University Communications & Marketing

It was innovative. It was fun. And it was family. Chaminade University’s alumni ignited the campus with positivity for their annual reunion celebration from Thursday, March 31 to Sunday, April 2.

Thursday evening’s Mocktails and Masterpieces event kindled the fire with bursts of creativity. With artist Jenny B. facilitating, alumni painted canvas masterpieces that they could take home. The alumni mingled and caught up with old friends. The familiar warmth of campus ‘ohana surged feelings of nostalgia and fanned their anticipation for Saturday.

On Saturday, a gentle mist of rain blew through campus, and the angelic acapella voices of Kaipo Leopoldino, BS ’14, Teuila Tauaese, BA ’13 and Baron Kaholokua, BA ’13 sang the Hawaiian Doxology Ho‘onani I Ka Makua Mau ( Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow). People in the crowd pulled out their cell phones to record the “chicken skin” moment. With that blessing, the Alumni Reunion Street Festival – Food Truck Rally opened into a free-flow night under the stars.

Residence Hall Association (RHA) students lined the Sullivan Family Library stairs to welcome home alumni. The RHA students wore white “I LOVE CHAMINADE” T-shirts accessorized with round Chaminade spirit buttons that read, “Once a student, Always an Alum.” Blue ribbons with the message “Alumni in Training” hung from the buttons.

“It was so beautiful to see that we had alumni, commuter students, resident students, and faculty come together for this event. When I stepped onto Second Road and saw all the food trucks and so many people, it was overwhelming,” said RHA student president Savannah Lyn Delos Santos from Saipan.

Outside of the Sullivan Family Library, a photo booth captured the memories of friendships and newly made friends. There was a ceramic pot sale setup by Fine Arts professor Yukio Ozaki, and the Campus Store offered Chaminade logo items for sale. Alumni like Teresa Fujino, MBA ’16 guided activities such as “DIY – Salty Scrubs,” where participants made bath scrubs. Kacie Cohen, MSCP ’13 and Darren Iwamoto, MSCP ’98 with Dale Fryxell, grant director of the E Ho‘opili No Na Haumana Project and interim dean of Education, manned the 110-AOK (Acts of Kindness) beading table.

The crowd echoed excitement when Leopoldino kicked off his shoes to dance the hula. From that point on, the event accelerated into high energy as Stacie Ku’ulei, BS ’02, MED ’10 emceed and entertained throughout the evening.

The Reunion Street Festival – Food Truck Rally had many memorable highlights, thanks to the collaboration of the Office of Alumni Relations and Residence Hall Association. Tasty smells from the food trucks permeated the air as people lined up in front of Hawaii’s favorite food trucks on Second Road. Chardonnay Pao, BA ’13, MBA ’15 and Cherie Ann Park, MSCP ’13 served various ono plates from Kapakahi Grindz. The Nalo Made Lemonade booth was a hit. Shawn Niwa Kadooka, BBA ’91 mentioned how happy she was to be a part of the event, and said it required two resupply runs. Also, depending on your appetite, you could also choose dishes from Prime Sandwiches or Chamorro Grindz or something refreshing from Tats Shaved Ice.

“Featuring alum or alum related vendors is the best! It brings a sense of pride to the event knowing that Chaminade is investing and supporting alum businesses. I saw alum, current students, and employees coming to buy our product. The positive vibes were just on a whole other level of awesome,” Pao said. “Good music, ono food, and the use of Chaminade Dollars brought another sense of school spirit to the event.”

Jeannie Pinpin Lum, BA ’05, MBA ’07 crafted a social meet-up game, Mingle Bingo, which gave participants the opportunity to meet each other and for students to connect with alumni and build their Chaminade networks. Lolita Lum Hoy ‘61 gave it two thumbs up. “The Bingo game was fun. It gave me an opportunity to meet many new people. I was able to meet people from Pittsburgh, Texas, Guam, Georgia, Oakland, and Mililani,” she said.

During a more structured part of the evening, Aunty Susan Frank Kama, BS ’61 in her melodic voice started a Lei Aloha ‘oli that cued alums to form a line as Chaminade president Bro. Bernard Ploeger, SM was escorted to the lawn. The chant continued as alums showered Bro. Ploeger with lei, warm hugs, and bid him a fond farewell as he concludes his 23 years of service at Chaminade University.

Pinpin danced to “I’ll Remember You,” the classic song by Kui Lee. She offered the heartfelt emotional hula as a gift to Bro. Ploeger on behalf of the alumni.

The program also highlighted those classes ending in two and seven, pioneer classes from 1959 – 1966, and the class of 1967 celebrating its 50th Reunion. Those, who had traveled from out of state to attend, were also recognized. There were lots of prizes to give away, thanks to generous alumni, as well as lots of nostalgia and the tears that go with it.

Then Micah G hit the stage and got the students, alumni, faculty, staff, and Marianists to get out of their seats and dance. The lawn in front of the library turned into a huge dance floor.

Night settled, and lights dimmed. On Sunday morning, the warmth of the embers could still be felt at Mystical Rose Oratory for the Alumni Mass. The alumni received a special blessing. Later they hugged each other and said their ‘a hui hou’ (until we meet again).

“There’s a lot of behind the scenes work that goes into a reunion celebration, and it is gratifying to see so many come out and enjoy the festivities,” remarked Be-Jay Kodama, ’86, MBA ’16, Chaminade’s director of Alumni Relations. “This year’s reunion committee took a rather bold move to carefully craft a reunion that would create moments of renewed connection to our Chaminade community, and create opportunities to enrich the lives of students who are alumni tomorrow through collaborative efforts of the Office of Alumni Relations and the Residence Hall Association. What an evening to witness the spirit of the Chaminade community through this experience. I can’t wait to build upon this for next year.”

At the recent 12th Annual Co-Curricular Awards, the Office of Alumni Relations and Residence Hall Association were presented the Father Stephen Tutas Program Award for Excellence for “The Reunion Street Festival – Food Truck Rally,” in recognition of valuable contributions to Chaminade University as the best event of the year.

Mahalo to all, especially the Alumni Reunion Committee Volunteers: Alice Kaahanui BA ’86, Bernard Lum Hoy, BA ’59, Lolita Lum Hoy, BS ’61, Christy Aiwohi, BBA ’87, David Dinh, MBA ’15, Heather Nakao, BS ’12, BA ’15, Jeannie Pinpin, BA ’05, BA ’07, Lois Nakamura, BA ’85, Linda Tavares, BS ’63 Michael “Pika” Ahakuelo, BA ’02, MBA ’11, Scott Kishimori, BBA ’87, Shayne Iwamoto, AA ’12, BS ’13, Susan Frank Kama, BS ’61, Sweetie Pacarro, BA ’89, Terrence Kong, BS ’89, MSCP ’03.

Chaminade University’s Athletics Gala Celebrated 2017 Inductees

March 31, 2017 by University Communications & Marketing

Nearly 400 people attended Chaminade University’s 2017 Intercollegiate Athletics Gala, held on March 16 at the Ala Moana Beach Hotel. They came to celebrate the induction of Chaminade president Bro. Bernard Ploeger, S.M., Ph.D. and Chaminade alumnus and 1991 Maui Invitational MVP George Gilmore, Jr. ’04 into the 2017 Silversword Hall of Fame.

Filled with well-wishers – family, friends, colleagues, university supporters, and student-athletes– the ninth annual gala event bustled with excitement. The crowd in the Hibiscus Ballroom quietened as the two honorees prepared for their entrances. As they were separately ushered into the room, emcee Lei U ‘I Kaholokula shared with the crowd the clear impact the men had on the university and on the community at large.

George Gilmore, Jr. ’04, after earning junior college all-America honors in men’s basketball at Santé Fe Community College in Florida in 1990, followed his coach to Chaminade University. In his first game in the 1991 EA SPORTS Maui Invitational, he scored 23 points against Iowa State. He followed that with 28 points against Toledo then 33 against Loyola Marymount. He finished the 1991-92 season second in the nation in scoring with a 28.3 scoring average while earning Division II All-America honors. The following year proved to be his landmark season when he set the Maui Invitational scoring record by pouring in 93 points in the three-game tournament, earning him the tournament’s Most Valuable Player honors, one of only two Chaminade players to hold that distinction. He graduated from Chaminade in 2004. Today, the Kailua resident, in alignment with Chaminade’s mission and values, works at the Kapolei Detention Home helping to mentor at-risk youths turn their lives around.

Bro. Bernard Ploeger, S.M., Ph.D., who concludes his service as Chaminade University president on June 30, 2017, will have served Chaminade for 23 years: eight years as its president, plus the prior 15 years in other leadership capacities. He is considered the chief architect in developing and carrying out the University’s strategic plans since 2008. One of the major key levers of success in those strategic plans has been to renew Chaminade’s participation in intercollegiate athletics as a point of pride for alumni and for campus and community supporters. Ploeger has been instrumental in encouraging Chaminade’s competitive success in regional and conference sports, has helped ensure an increase in outreach in Hawaii, and has pressed for financial support in securing program facilities.

The crowd applauded loudly in a standing ovation. The processions were followed by Kaipo Leopoldino ’14 offering the Hawaiian ‘oli “He Mele No Kaminaka” (Song or Chant of Chaminade), which Leopoldino had composed when he was a Chaminade student. Chaminade regent Bro. William Campbell, S.M. delivered the invocation. Video tributes for the two men played as dinner was served. The student-athlete speaker Megan McClanahan ’18, who originates from Nebraska and plays women’s soccer at Chaminade, shared her gratitude for the sports’ program and Chaminade’s academic program, which led to her acceptance into George Washington University Medical School.

Soon it was time for the honorees to share a few words. Gilmore spoke about his hardships in his early upbringing and his gratitude at being at Chaminade. Not only did he shine athletically at the university, but he also met his wife at Chaminade. Bro. Ploeger said that he had mentioned Gilmore as a possible inductee in the past and felt honored to be inducted at the same time as Gilmore.

After each spoke, each received a traditional Native Hawaiian implement — a sword created from the bill of a swordfish and crafted by alumnus Gordon “Umi” Kai ’73. Chairman of the Board of Regents Vaughn Vasconcellos was moved to tears during his closing remarks as he spoke of Bro. Ploeger’s influence on Chaminade. Both Ploeger and Gilmore have left unique marks on the University and the community at large. Chaminade was grateful and proud.

With the strong leadership of event chair Dr. Edison H. Miyawaki, the athletics gala has raised $1.5 Million over the last nine years in support of Chaminade University’s 10-sports intercollegiate athletics program.

Bro. Bernie Ploeger’s, S.M., video tribute
George Gilmore, Jr. ’04 video tribute

Dr. Lynn M. Babington, 10th President of Chaminade University of Honolulu

December 7, 2016 by University Communications & Marketing

Chaminade University’s Board of Regents has announced the selection of Lynn M. Babington to serve as its 10th President. She will begin August 1, 2017, and succeed Bro. Bernard Ploeger, SM, president since 2009.

Babington, Provost and Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs at Fairfield University in Connecticut, has held multiple leadership roles and is well regarded as an outstanding educator and academic thought leader.

“I am honored and humbled to be chosen as the new president for Chaminade University at such a pivotal time,” said Babington. “I am deeply inspired by its heritage, holistic learning approach and dedication to the community. I look forward to working with the University’s outstanding faculty and staff to help fully realize its mission.”

Chaminade University’s Board of Regents Chair Vaughn Vasconcellos remarked on Babington’s extensive experience in healthcare and nursing, dedication to serving others and genuine warmth. “Her established record and blend of experience in the private sector and academic settings will serve us well. I am confident in Dr. Babington’s ability to lead Chaminade into a future filled with promise and opportunity,” he said.

“Chaminade is very fortunate to have Dr. Babington serve as its next leader,” said Bro. Ploeger. “She brings both a passion for Catholic, Marianist higher education as well as a vision for new ways in which Chaminade may better serve our students and communities.”

Babington will serve as Interim President of Fairfield University until June 30, 2017. Prior to her positions at Fairfield, Babington held leadership roles at Northeastern University from 2003 to 2011 and also studied as a Fulbright Scholar at Ben Gurion University in Israel. A lifelong advocate of teaching and learning with extensive experience in garnering external support, Babington was selected in 2013 as a Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Executive Nurse Fellow designed to nurture industry leaders in their efforts to improve the nation’s health care system.

Babington earned her bachelor’s degree (magna cum laude) from the University of Michigan in nursing. She received her master’s degree (MSN) and doctorate (PhD Nursing) from University of Washington.

Chaminade University of Honolulu offers its students an education in a collaborative learning environment that prepares them for life, service and successful careers. Guided by its Catholic, Marianist and liberal arts educational traditions, Chaminade’s inclusive learning environment is committed to educating the whole person. Here you will find a diverse and inclusive setting where students of all faiths, or none at all, come together in the collective pursuit of a peaceful and just society.

Fairfield University is a Jesuit University, rooted in one of the world’s oldest intellectual and spiritual traditions. More than 5,000 undergraduate and graduate students from 36 states, 47 foreign countries, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico are enrolled in the University’s five schools. In the spirit of rigorous and sympathetic inquiry into all dimensions of human experience, Fairfield welcomes students from diverse backgrounds to share ideas and engage in open conversations. The University is located in the heart of a region where the future takes shape, on a stunning campus on the Connecticut coast just an hour from New York City.