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Student Life

Mulatta—Not So Tragic

March 8, 2021 by University Communications & Marketing

To commemorate Black History Month, Chaminade English Professor Dr. Allison Francis recently collaborated with Karla Brundage, an adjunct professor at the university, to present a thought-provoking virtual renshi poetry reading session entitled, “Mulatta—Not So Tragic?”

Mulatta—Not So Tragic Poetry Reading - Allison Paynter

As part of the event, Francis and Brundage also engaged in a conversation with participants on the history of “mulatta”—which they described as a controversial label “traditionally used to signify progeny of African and European parents.” In unpacking the term and its history, the two also touched on their own life experiences and those of family members seeking to grapple with identity and race.

Renshi poetry is also known as “linked poetry.” It’s a contemporary form of verse that relies on collaboration to uncover new understandings of the world and explore shared themes. Collaborators connect their poems by repeating the last line of the previous author’s work.

Francis and Brundage said renshi poetry was uniquely equipped to allow them to explore the “sometimes devastating and celebratory dynamics of being bi-racial women in the 21st century.” Brundage noted that renshi poetry doesn’t just connect verses, it links the poet collaborators.

Mulatta—Not So Tragic Poetry Reading - Karala Brundage

She said the two started examining the theme of “being mulatta or being mixed” about a year ago.

It was Francis who started the spoken word performance of their poem, “We Feel the Thunder.”

“Such a brave woman,” the poem begins, “Rolling words through our heads like boulders.”

Following the reading, Francis and Brundage delivered a joint presentation to further explore the themes of “being mulatta.” Francis noted that Hawai’i presents unique—and refreshing—conversations about “hapa” identity, but stressed it is not a place devoid of racism or discrimination.

“I think there is a space that many of us can create here living in the islands that allows for us to embrace both worlds and not have to entirely dismiss one or the other,” Francis said, as she showed a photo of her daughter and explained she grew up in Hawai’i. “But,” Francis added, “that might just be a bubble we created for her and it’s something we continue to explore in this poetry.”

Francis teaches and conducts research across a range of topics, including Victorian and Scottish literature, African-American and Caribbean Women’s literature from the 19th century, and women’s literature with a focus on science fiction and fantasy. She has published extensively, is a performance poet and playwright, and is currently collaborating on a scholarly collection on Scottish literature.

Brundage publishes poetry, short stories, and critical essays. In 2020, her poem “Alabama Dirt” was nominated for the Pushcart Prize. She holds a Master’s in Fine Arts in Poetry from Mills College and is currently working to co-create a Hawaii-based publishing company, Pacific Raven Press.

Watch their full renshi poetry reading and related presentation below.

Filed Under: Campus and Community, Diversity and Inclusion, Faculty, Featured Story, Humanities, Arts & Design, Student Life

Vice President and Dean Receives National Award for Outstanding Performance

November 24, 2020 by University Communications & Marketing

Allison Jerome, Chaminade University Vice President for Student Affairs & Dean of Students, has received the Region VI Scott Goodnight Award for Outstanding Performance as a Dean/Vice President from the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA).

Allison Jerome, VP of Student Affairs and Dean of Students

Named for NASPA’s founding Chair of the Board of Directors and former dean of men at the University of Wisconsin, the Scott Goodnight Award recognizes sustained professional achievement in student affairs work, innovative response in meeting students’ needs, effectiveness in developing staff, and leadership in community and college or university affairs. The recipient is also someone who has earned stature among and support of students, faculty, and fellow administrators on campus, and made a significant contribution to the field through publications or involvement in professional associations.

“Allison is incredibly deserving of this award for her contributions to our school, our community, and most importantly, our students,” said Chaminade University President Dr. Lynn Babington. “She is well respected by everyone, including her peers.”

With more than 20 years of higher education administration experience, Jerome joined Chaminade University as a Program Counselor in 2004. She has held a number of student-facing positions, including Director, Academic Achievement Program; Associate Dean of Students; and Director of Retention, Advising and Career Preparation. She was named Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students in 2016. 

Jerome will also serve as a NASPA mentor to one of two Chaminade students who were accepted into the 2020-2021 class of NASPA Undergraduate Fellows Program. The highly competitive fellowship gives students from traditionally underrepresented and historically disenfranchised communities a chance to learn more about careers in student affairs and higher education.
Each year, NASPA recognizes the outstanding contributions of members who are transforming higher education through exceptional programs, innovative services, and effective administration. 

# # # 

Chaminade University of Honolulu provides a collaborative and innovative learning environment that prepares graduate and undergraduate students for life, service and successful careers. Established in 1955, the university is guided by its Catholic, Marianist and liberal arts educational traditions, which include a commitment to serving the Native Hawaiian population. Chaminade offers an inclusive setting where students, faculty and staff collectively pursue a more just and peaceful society. For more information, visit chaminade.edu.

Filed Under: Featured Story, Press Release, Student Life Tagged With: Honors and Awards

NASPA Undergraduate Fellows Program

September 28, 2020 by University Communications & Marketing

Two Chaminade students, Eri Leong ’23 and Andrew Ancheta ’21 were accepted into the 2020–2021 class of NASPA Undergraduate Fellows Program (NUFP). Hosted by the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA) in Higher Education, the highly competitive fellowship gives students from traditionally underrepresented and historically disenfranchised communities a chance to learn more about careers in student affairs and higher education.

Eri Leong '23, 2020–2021 class of NASPA Undergraduate Fellows Program
Eri Leong ’23

Students apply together with a mentor from their home university, and spend one year participating in on-campus mentorship, professional development events and scholarship opportunities.

For her mentor, Leong chose Allison Jerome, Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students at Chaminade. “She seems to be brilliant at everything she does, and if I were to become a student affairs professional, I would want to embody that brilliance of hers as much as possible” says Leong when asked about her decision. “I chose Dean Allison because I look up to her immensely and I know she has an incredible amount of information to guide me with.”

Ancheta had similar praise for the mentor he selected, Joseph Granado, Chaminade’s Director of Student Activities and Leadership. “It is easy to tell that Joseph genuinely wants to see all of his students succeed,” says Ancheta. “He knows how to connect with them, how to understand them, and most importantly, how to challenge them to reach for the stars that they desire. He is a great inspiration to many.”

Leong and Ancheta both felt connected to the organization’s mission: to increase the number of historically disenfranchised and underrepresented professionals in student affairs and/or higher education, including but not limited to those of racial and ethnic-minority background; those having a disability; and those identifying as LGBTQ. And they both see student affairs as a potential long-term career path.

“I’ve always loved helping people and student affairs is a profession that has the joy of getting to do that everyday,” says Leong. “I’m drawn to the possibility of having a profession that allows me to assist the next generation in flourishing into the best possible versions of themselves.”

Andrew Ancheta '21, 2020–2021 class of NASPA Undergraduate Fellows Program (NUFP)
Andrew Ancheta ’21

“My lifelong journey is one of self-improvement,” explains Ancheta. “I am really just hoping to gain the tools and skills that will help me be successful in improving lives. I want to walk with others on their journey toward self-discovery, internal reflection and professional development.”

Leong and Ancheta will have access to the entire Student Affairs division at Chaminade and gain a better understanding of what a profession in student affairs entails. They’ll also participate in the regional NASPA conference that will be held in November.

Although the conference will be virtual, they’re both excited about the networks they’ll create with students from other universities.

“I’m looking forward to meeting and connecting with other NUFP members,” says Leong. “People-oriented is a characteristic I heavily consider myself to have, so with every new experience I’m always looking forward to the people I get to meet and learn from.”

Similarly, Ancheta says: “As someone who was born and raised in the beautiful state of Hawaii, it is not too often that I hear fresh perspectives. Hearing new stories from new people is a great way to continue the development of my own personal outlook on life situations, social issues, etc.”

In the meantime, they’re just excited to continue learning from their mentors and gaining new insight into student affairs as a profession.

“As [Joseph’s] NUFP mentee, I am looking forward to learning more about all of the skills, techniques, and methods that he has picked up throughout his years as a student affairs professional,” says Ancheta. “I have absolute confidence that I will continue to learn from him.”

Filed Under: Diversity and Inclusion, Featured Story, Student Life, Students

“We Care” Packages

May 6, 2020 by University Communications & Marketing

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.

Filed Under: Featured Story, Institutional, Student Life, Students

A Cultural Experience

October 25, 2019 by University Communications & Marketing

There are few traditions as beloved – or as fun – at Chaminade as the Pacific Island Review.

Pacific Island Review 2019, Samoan Club performance

Every year, hundreds come together to watch members of the University’s student cultural clubs take to the Sullivan Family Library Lawn to showcase their talents in music and dance with high-energy performances. It’s an evening punctuated by good food – and lots and lots of good cheer.

And this year was no exception.

From sunset well into the night on October 26, dozens of students from the Hawaiian, Micronesian, Marianas, Tongan and Samoan cultural clubs donned traditional garb and took to the lawn to perform.

Along the way, they got plenty of applause and encouragement from the big crowd, which included students, members of Chaminade’s faculty and staff as well as attendees from the community at large.

The Pacific Island Review is annually one of Chaminade’s biggest events.

And this year, it got some buzz in the press.

In the ramp-up to the big day this year, the Samoan Club got a chance to perform on KITV morning news. And the Star-Advertiser attended the event to capture hundreds of photos for an online gallery.


Missed it? Don’t worry, Jackie Martinez ’23 created a video recapping the exciting event.

Filed Under: Campus and Community, Diversity and Inclusion, Featured Story, Student Life, Students Tagged With: Office of Student Activities and Leadership

New Student Retreat

October 10, 2019 by University Communications & Marketing

Before the fall 2019 semester got into full swing, Campus Ministry treated incoming and transfer students to a weekend retreat on the beach to make sure their welcome to Chaminade was done right.

New Student Retreat 2019

The retreat August 30 and 31 was held at a beach house in West Oahu and included lots of opportunities for play and fun — along with some chances for reflection, spiritual growth and relationship building.

Jeremiah Carter, director of Campus Ministry at Chaminade, said the gathering was designed to make sure students who are new to the Chaminade ‘ohana feel supported on campus.

“I think it’s one of the most important aspects for college students,” he said.

Carter, who started at Chaminade over the summer, is working to broaden the events Campus Ministry offers in hopes of attracting more students — along with members of the faculty and staff.

He said the retreat helped students prioritize their goals for the year and get an introduction to the Marianist philosophy, which is central to Chaminade’s mission. He said it was also a way to build friendships that have the potential to last through their college experiences — and beyond.

New Student Retreat 2019

Jacqueline Martinez ’23 was among the incoming students who attended the retreat.

Martinez, who is pursuing a degree in Communications, said the weekend allowed her to get to know her classmates better and hear from older students who are doing exciting things at the University.

“The part I enjoyed the most was how inviting the retreat staff was. Their attitudes were the main reason the retreat felt so fulfilling,” she said.

Martinez added that she’s looking forward to Campus Ministry’s next retreat.

So is International Trade student Christopher Grant DeVera Diego ’23.

Diego said the retreat was just good fun, complete with spooky stories and a bonfire.

“The retreat made me open up to many new people,” he said, “and see a side of people who I didn’t really know yet.”

Filed Under: Catholic, Diversity and Inclusion, Featured Story, Student Life Tagged With: Campus Ministry

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