Chaminade University of Honolulu

Student Life

Student Research Project

Pam Oda presents her research findings in Texas

It’s just the beginning stages of her research, but Pam Oda ’24 has already presented her preliminary findings at the Society for Police and Criminal Psychology (SPCP) in Arlington, Texas, thanks to monies from the Alliance Supporting Pacific Impact through Computational Excellence (ALL-SPICE) grant. Standing in front of her presentation board, Oda explained the importance of education in the law enforcement field, which has long been debated. While many agencies have historically required little to no college coursework for entry-level positions, research suggests a positive correlation between education and job performance at all levels of law enforcement.

With the mentorship and encouragement of Dr. Kelly Treece, Criminology and Criminal Justice director and associate professor, Oda’s study evaluated disciplinary actions taken against Honolulu Police Department officers. With access to open records, Oda was able to obtain the types of allegations of police misconduct, which are divided into four sections: administrative investigation, criminal investigation, quality assurance and accreditation.

“Most of the violations were for administrative reasons,” said Treece, a former sergeant and trainer with the Pewaukee Police Department in Wisconsin. “Pam did a really good job with her presentation, and she handled herself very well in front of a lot of professionals.”

Pam Oda stands next to her poster board in Arlington, Texas.

The recent calls for police reform—combined with mounting evidence that an educated police force can have positive effects—have sparked a nationwide conversation about raising education requirements for police officers.

“Currently, the minimum qualification to become an HPD officer only requires having a high school diploma or your GED,” Oda said. “I think we need to raise that standard in Hawaii.”

In her presentation, Oda noted that 51.25 percent of officers received a High School Diploma or GED, 27.5 percent held a bachelor’s degree and 15 percent have received their associate’s degree or completed 60 semester credits or more. The numbers are consistent with national statistics, which show that only one percent of local police departments across the U.S. require their officers to hold four-year degrees and only eight percent call for officers to have attended any college at all.

Oda further noted that early research indicates that there is a broad performance difference between officers who have a college education and those who do not.

Citing a paper written by S.M. Smith and M.G. Aamodt (1997) in the Journal of Police and Criminal Psychology, the co-authors found that police officers who possess college degrees are better performers than those with only high school degrees, including overall performance, communication skills and decision-making ability. 

According to Oda, this type of research has been ongoing yet most departments are not implementing these findings into policy and practice. In addition, in a study conducted by the Police Executive Research Forum (2019), officers with a four-year college degree had significantly fewer civilian complaints than those with only a high school diploma. 

Oda also pointed out that research shows higher education has significant benefits for law enforcement officers, including the ability to navigate the complexities of modern-day policing, which consists of critical analysis, enhanced communication abilities and a comprehensive understanding of the criminal justice system (S. Christopher, 2015, in Policing: A Journal of Police and Practice). 

Now in her fifth year at Chaminade, Oda will complete a double major in Criminology and Criminal Justice and Data Science, Analytics and Visualization with minors in Computer Information Systems and Psychology in December. The Hilo native hopes to continue her research with Treece at Chaminade while pursuing her graduate degree in Criminal Justice.

“That’s the plan right now,” said Oda, who serves as the president for the Chaminade Student Government Association, as well as the president of the Restauranteers Club. “Since starting in fall 2019, I have taken advantage of the countless opportunities that Chaminade has to offer, from student clubs and organizations to research and internship opportunities to student employment and the ‘ohana spirit.”

Treece, too, plans to expand the research to include the Sheriff Division of the Hawaii Department of Public Safety, which will then include statewide statistics and a broader representation. By doing so, she and Oda will be able to capture a more robust picture of the correlation between education and law enforcement.

“The next step is to write a paper, which I’ve asked Pam to help me co-author,” Treece said. “She’s a little hesitant and nervous about it, just like she was when I first approached her about presenting in Texas. I think she’ll do great.”

Yin and Yang

Thirty years later, two middle school besties will graduate in ’24

The last time they graduated was in 1994 from Mililani High School. And when May 2024 comes around, Rita Aponte ’24 and KerryLynn Vea ’24 will again don their caps and gowns, as they prepare to cross the stage of the Waikiki Shell to receive their bachelor’s degrees.  

BFFs since high school, Aponte and Vea were able to pursue their university degrees, thanks to Bank of Hawaii’s College Assistance Program (CAP), which allows its employees to get back on the path to obtaining their first four-year undergraduate degree with tuition reimbursement.  

Draped with lei, Rita Aponte, left, and KerryLynn Vea posed for their graduation photo from Mililani High School in 1994.

“The Bank started this program in 2016, and I started the following year,” says Aponte, Manager of Loan Operations with Bank of Hawaii. “And my bestie, KerryLynn, is also on this journey with me since we both always wanted to get our degrees.”  

Both Aponte and Vea chose to start their families at a young age, hindering them from attending college. The two friends since middle school always had plans to return to university, but family obligations and full-time jobs prevented them from entering the college system.

“I get emotional when I talk about CAP,” says Vea, who was in the credit union industry for 20 years before joining Bank of Hawaii in 2016 and is now its Assistant Vice President-Mortgage Compliance Analyst. “Before CAP, I was resigned not to get my college degree, rationalizing to myself, ‘Oh well, I don’t need a degree since I already have a career.’”  

The American Council of Education estimates that approximately 20 percent of graduate students and six percent of the much larger number of undergraduates receive some financial assistance from their employers to attend school. As many as a third of undergraduates in fields like business and engineering also receive tuition aid, which, on average, covers about one-third of the annual cost paid by post-secondary students.  

Initially, when Aponte and Vea enrolled in Bank of Hawaii’s CAP initiative, they were limited to four specific start times a year (January, April, July and October). Today, new applicants have the flexibility to enroll for courses on a monthly basis throughout the year, which is consistent with Chaminade’s online Flex program.  

“I’ve worked at credit unions where tuition assistance was always included in the employee manual book, but I never once saw it used,” Vea says. “Bank of Hawaii, on the other hand, vigorously promotes CAP and they champion it, putting funding behind it with no strings attached. The program is a 100 percent benefit to all employees.”  

Bank of Hawaii’s executives said they needed a partner that understood the Bank’s vision of what they wanted to achieve with its CAP program. However, they also wanted to make sure that the online learning experience was customized to the specific needs of the Bank’s employees since they wanted CAP to be “a real pillar and cornerstone of what Bank of Hawaii is all about.”

“We thought it was not only important to train our employees in specific banking-related issues, but also to help them expand their overall educational base,” says Peter Ho, Bank of Hawaii’s Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, in a video release. “From an education standpoint, the important thing is to really help shape the individual’s mind and spirit—and that’s what education is all about; that’s what college is all about.”  

Although, Aponte and Vea didn’t experience the traditional campus setting, they were able to take their classes online, via Chaminade’s Flex program model, allowing students to take one or two courses at a time—or more if they choose—as they work toward their degree. And the pace of coursework rests with them. They can complete online courses in as few as six weeks. Or, they can take their time, wrapping up a course in six months. Flex students are also able to complete courses wherever they are, even on the go.  

“It was a real struggle during the holiday season,” Aponte recalls. “Even when we went on vacation to Disney World, algebra came along with me.”  

KerryLynn Vea takes a break from her studies with her new son.
KerryLynn Vea takes a break from her studies with her six-week old granddaughter Ellie in 2018.

The Flex Online Undergraduate program is WSCUC-accredited (WASC Senior College and University Commission) and has a broad range of study disciplines, including business administration, criminology and criminal justice, historical and political studies, education and psychology. It is designed with working adults in mind, distancing itself from rigid term schedules and due dates to give students the flexibility they need to achieve a work-life-school balance and make progress toward reaching their goals.  

“I started at Leeward Community College for a semester and a half, but scheduling was really difficult,” Vea says. “I just couldn’t do it all with a full-time job, a family and attending classes; it was a lot.”  

Nor could Aponte.

“I didn’t think a college degree was in the books for me,” Aponte asserts. “It was always nagging at me to get my bachelor’s, but I used time and cost as excuses not to pursue it. And now I’m motivated to finish this and I can’t wait.”  

Thirty years will have elapsed by the time Aponte and Vea attain their bachelor’s degree, and through the three decades, they’ve raised families, enjoyed successful careers and supported each other through both good times and bad.  

“Getting the bachelor’s degree with Rita couldn’t get any better,” Vea says. “I always say I’m the Yin because I’m more subdued and quieter, and she’s the Yang because she’s more outgoing and vocal. We might be opposites, but through this college process, we’ve depended on each other and have been each other’s greatest cheerleader.”      

New Student Orientation

Incoming class of freshmen familiarize themselves with campus resources

Across the nation, thousands of freshmen will mark a rite of passage this month, standing in that liminal space between what lies behind and what awaits ahead—between the familiar past and the unpredictable future. As Davis and Rian Wakefield helped their daughter, Shalei Parong, check in to the Hale Pohaku dormitory during New Student Orientation, they felt a mix of emotions: sadness, worry and excitement.

“At least she’s close to home,” said Davis Wakefield, a firefighter with the Hawaii Fire Department based in Kona. “This is her choice to come here, and we support her decision; it’s a new chapter of her life.”

Writing their own stories was a key theme in Chaminade President Dr. Lynn Babington’s welcoming message to incoming students during the Academic Convocation at the Mamiya Theater. Another one of her keynotes involved the principles of a holistic, Marianist education, focused on service, justice, peace, adaptation and change.

“You’ve chosen to attend a warm and welcoming liberal arts University,” Babington told students. “You will form bonds here, and you’ll delve new ways of thinking and discerning who you are and who you want to be.”

Students write their names on tags.
Incoming freshmen received a lanyard for their student ID cards.
Checking in for New Student Orientation.
Signing in for New Student Orientation.
Waiting for the app Canva to open.
Faculty members stood outside of Mamiya Theater.
Chaminade President Dr. Lynn Babington to address students.
It was a full house at Mamiya Theater.
Trying to navigate the Kalaepohaku campus.
Faculty members gather for the Academic Convocation.
Faculty members gather for the Academic Convocation.
Fr. Chris Wittmann led the group in prayer.
Chaminade President Dr. Lynn Babington and faculty members welcomed new students during the Academic Convocation.
Chaminade Provost Lance Askildson explained that higher education is an intellectual exercise in application and reflection. 
Students applaud the words of Dr. Lance Askildson.
Chaminade Student Government Association President, Pamela Oda, advised new students not to fear change.
Students walk out of Mamiya Theater after Convocation.
A group of freshmen explored the Kalaepohaku campus.
Learning about campus resources.
Orientation leaders flash their shaka of approval.

Mandatory for all freshmen and transfers, the New Student Orientation (NSO) is designed to acquaint new students with the campus and the many available campus resources that enhance both academic success and personal development. Orientation activities focus on several important areas, including the curriculum, academic advising, college success, scholarships and financial aid, campus activities, student services, student organizations, Silversword Spirit and campus facilities.

“As I look into the audience, I see the many incoming college students who are unsure about what the future holds, already starting to feel homesick, thinking whether you made the right decision or not,” said Chaminade Student Government Association President Pamela Oda in her address to fellow students at the Academic Convocation. “College is a chapter in your life that involves the word that many people dread—change. Be open to the change and new experiences, don’t fight it!”

Freshman Jordan Ponsar ’27 said he was “stoked” when he was offered a soccer scholarship to attend Chaminade. The Long Island, N.Y., native was quick to make friends on move-in day, helping resident assistants, Kelsey Sablan ’23 and Micah Sanders ’24 at the check-in desk in the lobby of Hale Pohaku co-ed dorm.

“I’m going to make the most of my four years here,” said Ponsar, flashing the shaka sign. “This is all new so I look forward to all the future opportunities and experiences.”

In his opening comments, Senate Faculty President Dr. David Carter rhetorically asked, “Do you know what you’ve gotten yourselves into?” His question elicited some nervous laughter from the audience, but his answer was simple. “You’ve enrolled in a university where we want to get to know you,” said the Director and Professor of Forensic Sciences. “Being in the classroom with students is my happiest time of the week. I hope you learn from me as much as I learn from you.”

Navigating a successful collegial life is not always easy, especially during freshman year when everything seems foreign and unfamiliar. Yet Chaminade’s ‘ohana spirit provides a comfortable and safe environment that makes it easier for students to explore. Students are encouraged to step out of their comfort zones, to be curious, to embrace adaptation and to try something new. 

“You are here because we see in you the potential for transformation through higher education and the opportunity to live an examined life in service to yourself and your community,” said Dr. Lance Askildson, Chaminade Provost and Chief Academic Officer. “This is, in truth, an exhilarating yet also quite challenging inflection-point in your life.  You will struggle and even fail at times to achieve your goals—and that is OK. We are all here, as a community of faculty, staff and administrators, to support you and your journey.”

In her concluding remarks, Oda offered some sage advice. “As you start this new chapter in life, be open to experiencing new things and opportunities because you never know what could happen,” she advised. “As you meet new people, keep in mind that everyone comes from different walks of life and may not have experienced the same things you have. Each of you has your own unique story, embrace it. Once again, welcome to the Silversword ‘Ohana and SWORDS UP!”   

Above and Beyond

Co-Curricular Awards recognize students for their leadership

As it has often been said, “Most students learn the most outside of the classroom.” And last month, students, student organizations and clubs proved this adage to be true during the 18th annual Co-Curricular Awards. The annual event recognizes awardees for their unwavering commitment to better the campus and the community as a whole.

In all, 22 awards were presented, including for service, scholarship and to outstanding student-athletes. Students are either nominated by fellow classmates or faculty and staff. Students may also nominate themselves.

Chaminade President Dr. Lynn Babington gives students a round of applause for going above and beyond their academic curricula.

“Chaminade’s co-curriculum programs intentionally align with, augments and enhances standard curricular goals,” says Chaminade President Dr. Lynn Babington. “Our co-curriculum is developmental, transformative and future-focused. It is also experiential, offering authentic, hands-on opportunities to hone skills, put ideas into practice, and showcase achievements of potential interest to employers.”

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: freshman Selena Buttery ’26, sophomore Sophia “Noe” Tugaoen ’25, junior Sean-Zacharry Lorenzo Jr. ’24, and senior Kobe Young ’23.

The Bro. Elmer Dunsky Outstanding Student Organization Award went to the Student Organization of Latinix, which promotes awareness, within and beyond the Latinx community, and incorporates all facets of the culture. The award recognizes the organization’s significant contributions to helping create an inclusive campus environment that embraces all cultures and fosters a true sense of ‘ohana.

Nominees for the Fr. Stephen Tutas Program Award of Excellence could be a student who—or student organization that—demonstrates exceptional creativity, planning and execution of a university program that contributes to the quality of life and academia at Chaminade. This year’s recognition went to The Chemistry Club.

Dr. Abby Halston, Associate Professor and Psychology Clinical Director at the School of Education and Behavioral Sciences, was named the Rev. David Schuyler Advisor of the Year. The award recognizes members of the faculty, staff or administration who seek to encourage and support students in leadership development and campus involvement.

Women’s Volleyball Coach, Kahala Kabalis Hoke, presented the Male Athlete of the Year to Men’s Basketball guard Isaac Amaral-Artharee.

With an infectious can-do personality, Eri Leong ’23 personifies the characteristics required by a Frederick K.K. Kauhane, Sr. Aloha Spirit Awardee. She exhibits a humble, cheerful and generous spirit; a dedication to fostering a sense of ‘ohana around campus, and the ability to buoy other’s spirits by consistently improving the environment around them. Leong was also awarded the Outstanding Peer Mentor.

Lucy Lee ’23 was named this year’s Henry Halenani Gomes Alaka‘i Award winner, recognized for her excellence in leadership and service to the Native Hawaiian community.

“After the nomination due date, a small group of staff members will go through the nominees and select the winners,” explains Allison Jerome, Vice President for Student Affairs & Dean of Students. “In addition, many of the departmental awards are chosen by staff within those departments (ie. Athletics, Student Success, Campus Ministry and so forth).”

The Resident Assistant Award of Excellence went to Jannabel Bielza ’23, while Christopher Diego ’23 and Jacqueline Martinez ’23 were bestowed the Outstanding Orientation Leader Awards. Kamipono Abella was awarded Tutor of the Year and Kobe Ngirailemesang ’23 picked up the Dean of Students’ Special Recognition Award.

For the third straight year, men’s basketball’s Isaac Amaral-Artharee ’23 was named Chaminade’s Male Athlete of the Year, while women’s volleyball players Lataisia Saulala ’23 and Kaybrie Pe‘a ’23 captured the Female Athlete of the Year and The Silversword Award, respectively.

To round off the ceremony, Campus Ministry handed out three awards: Kaycia Mailo-Kaheaku ’23 for Retreat Leader of the Year; Tyanna Hemmings ’23 for The Liturgy Award; and Alaina Mercado ’23 for Campus Ministry Award.

Culture Week

Events celebrate campus diversity

Bring your appetite, warns Andrew Ancheta, referring to the 5th Annual Taste of Culture. This food-like festival celebrates the cultural diversity of our campus by coming together as a community and bonding over food.

“This year will be the first time since the pandemic that our students can have a choice to cook—rather than order from a restaurant—their specialty dish,” says Ancheta, activities coordinator for the Office of Student Activities and Leadership. “Each club will be responsible for at least a dish and maybe a dessert and drink.”

Inspired by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization’s (UNESCO) Cultural Week, Chaminade’s inaugural event of the same name provides an opportunity for the campus community to deepen their understanding of cultural diversity. Hawai‘i has long been considered a melting pot of different cultures and ethnicities, as confirmed by an analysis released by WalletHub that ranks Hawai‘i first in the nation for racial and ethnic diversity.

“On the subject of diversity, Chaminade’s Office of Student Activities and Leadership offers more than 30 active student clubs,” says Chaminade President Dr. Lynn Babington. “Whether you are looking for a group to celebrate your cultural heritage, share your passion for different hobbies, or just looking to meet new people, it’s easy to find your ‘ohana while at Chaminade.”

Students in the Hawaiian Club performed hula at last year’s Extravaganza.

The Taste of Culture will run April 12, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Zuberano Courtyard. Participating clubs include the Chaminade Student Programming Board (Egyptian Lemonade); Student Organization of Latinx (Enchilada Verde); Office of the President (Corned Beef and Cabbage); The Filipino Club (Lumpia, Cascaron, Puto); Ka Ipu Kukui Me Ka‘ie‘ie (Kalua Pig, Lomi Salmon, Po)i; Lumana’i O Samoa; Restauranteers Club (Japanese Takoyaki); Micronesian Club; and Hallyu (Korean) Club (Meat Jun).

A spring tradition at Chaminade, the April 14 International Extravaganza is also part of Culture Week. Student-led performances of dance and song highlight the evening’s program at the Sullivan Library Lawn from 6 to 10 p.m. (or until performances conclude). Dinner will be served at 6 p.m., with performances starting at 7 p.m.

Five cultural clubs with 150-200 participants will share their talents with the campus community. Organizations will include the Filipino Club, Ka Ipu Kukui Me Ka‘ie‘ie (Hawaiian Club), the Student Organization of Latin X, Lumana‘i O Samoa (the Samoan Club) and the Micronesian Club.

“Because of the pandemic sidelined these student activities, we’re having to rebuild these events and remind current students about them,” Ancheta says. “There’s a high interest among students, and they really work hard, practicing at least three times a week for two to three hours.”

Other scheduled events during Culture Week include an “Identity Panel” presented by the Marianist Leadership Center on April 10, from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m., and an Open Mic on April 12, from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Both will take place on the Zuberano Lawn.

“Student clubs and organizations drive these events,” says Ancheta, who will oversee all the programming logistics. “This is the first year that we’ve combined all these events into a single week.”

Show Time

Powerful Play Examines Race in the U.S.

Written and directed by Chaminade English Professor Dr. Allison Francis, “The Autobiography of an Ex-Colored Man” is a three-act play adaptation that evokes the music, imagery and energy at the turn of the 20th century in America. 

Jason Lee Hoy plays the play’s lead character.

“James Weldon Johnson wrote the novella in 1912, and it was only about 120 pages,” says Francis, who is the first writer ever to adapt the novel into a screenplay. “The play will feature ragtime music, racial identity and depictions of lynching with the main character traveling across U.S. and Europe.”

The first fictional memoir ever written by a black person who was also the first black executive secretary of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), “The Autobiography of an Ex-Coloured Man” influenced a generation of writers during the Harlem Renaissance, and served as eloquent inspiration for Zora Neale Hurston, Ralph Ellison and Richard Wright. In the 1920s and since, it has continually compelled the reader to challenge assumptions about race. It has also given white readers a new perspective on their own culture, revealing the double standard of racial identity imposed on African Americans.

Narrated by a mulatto man whose light skin allows him to “pass” for white, the novella describes a pilgrimage through America’s color lines at the turn of the century—from a black college in Jacksonville, Florida to an elite New York City nightclub, from the rural South to the white suburbs of the Northeast.

This is a potent, painfully honest examination of race in America, a canticle to the anguish of forging an identity in a nation obsessed with color. And, as the late poet Arna Bontemps pointed out decades ago, “the problems of the artist [as presented here] seem as contemporary as if the book had been written this year.”

The three-day performances will run from April 21-23, with shows starting at 7:30 p.m. on April 21 and 22, and a matinee program at 2 p.m. on April 23. Seating is limited at the Vi and Paul Loo Theatre. Click here for tickets.

“It’s an ambitious undertaking to stage this play,” says Performing Arts assistant professor Christopher Patrinos in praise of Francis. “Allison deserves a lot of credit for writing and directing such a challenging theme.”