Chaminade University

Search

Students

Putting Down “Roots”: PsyD Program is Here to Stay

by

The next time you walk by Brogan Hall, look for the young kukui nut tree on the building’s mauka end. 

The tree — traditionally a symbol of enlightenment and spiritual guidance — was planted to celebrate the new permanent home of the Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) in Clinical Psychology degree program at the Hawaii School of Professional Psychology at Chaminade University.

The program’s faculty, staff and students attended the tree planting on November 6.

Dr. Sean Scanlan, director of Chaminade’s Psy.D. program, said the kukui nut is the perfect representation of the Clinical Psychology program at Chaminade. He added that the tree was planted following a suggestion from a student in a place where it will have lots of room to grow.

“The kukui tree was used by Native Hawaiians for candlelight and has become an emblem of the importance of seeking out opportunities for personal and academic growth,” Scanlan said. “As a symbol of enlightenment, the kukui tree we’ve planted at Brogan Hall will continue to grow and thrive in the years and decades ahead just as the Clinical Psychology program will flourish at Chaminade into the future.”

During the small ceremony, the students added soil to cover the kukui tree’s roots as a symbol of being the basis for the program to grow. The Psy.D. faculty and staff then poured water from an ipu as a symbol of their role in instructing, mentoring and supporting the students.

In March, Chaminade University announced it would host the Hawaii School of Professional Clinical Psychology Psy.D. program following the abrupt closure of Argosy University. Chaminade immediately welcomed approximately 100 students and faculty members into the program as it worked to ensure a seamless transition for those working toward their doctoral degree – and those helping them get there.

Today, the Psy.D. at Chaminade is a five-year, intensive program designed to build students’ skills and knowledge as they train to become clinical psychologists. Early courses in the program provide the foundation for the field, while later classes focus on therapy, research training and an internship.

Dr. Lynn Babington, Chaminade president, said serving as a hub for high-quality mental health instruction – and a source for excellent mental health providers who will serve their communities – is in line with the University’s mission to work every day to change the world for the better.

“The planting of the kukui nut tree at Brogan Hall is a powerful symbol that underscores our commitment to ensuring the Psy.D. program at Chaminade continues to grow and meet the mental health needs of our state,” she said. “We are excited about the next steps in building out this program and can’t wait to see how psychologists trained at Chaminade impact people’s lives in positive ways.”

For more information on the Psy.D. program at Chaminade or to apply, click here.

PsyD program faculty, staff and students gather to plant a kuikui tree
PsyD program faculty, staff and students gather to plant a kuikui tree
PsyD program faculty, staff and students gather to plant a kuikui tree
PsyD program faculty, staff and students gather to plant a kuikui tree
PsyD program faculty, staff and students gather to plant a kuikui tree
PsyD program faculty, staff and students gather to plant a kuikui tree
PsyD program faculty, staff and students gather to plant a kuikui tree
PsyD program faculty, staff and students gather to plant a kuikui tree
PsyD program faculty, staff and students gather to plant a kuikui tree
PsyD program faculty, staff and students gather to plant a kuikui tree
PsyD program faculty, staff and students gather to plant a kuikui tree
PsyD program faculty, staff and students gather to plant a kuikui tree
PsyD program faculty, staff and students gather to plant a kuikui tree
PsyD program faculty, staff and students gather to plant a kuikui tree
PsyD program faculty, staff and students gather to plant a kuikui tree
PsyD program faculty, staff and students gather to plant a kuikui tree
PsyD program faculty, staff and students gather to plant a kuikui tree
PsyD program faculty, staff and students gather to plant a kuikui tree
PsyD program faculty, staff and students gather to plant a kuikui tree
PsyD program faculty, staff and students gather to plant a kuikui tree
PsyD program faculty, staff and students gather to plant a kuikui tree
PsyD program faculty, staff and students gather to plant a kuikui tree
PsyD program faculty, staff and students gather to plant a kuikui tree
PsyD program faculty, staff and students gather to plant a kuikui tree
PsyD program faculty, staff and students gather to plant a kuikui tree
PsyD program faculty, staff and students gather to plant a kuikui tree

Graduate and Undergrad Student Recognized at “Top Cop” Event

by

Two Chaminade students were recognized recently at the “Top Cop” Law Enforcement and Security Awards, an annual event aimed at celebrating those who work to make their communities safer.

L-R: Dr. Joe Allen, Dr. Kelly Treece, Jesus Moreno (MSCJA student), Dr. Ronald Becker and Andres Victoria (Criminology and Criminal Justice student)

Jesus Moreno, a Chaminade graduate student, was awarded the Anton Financial Scholarship after outlining his studies in criminal justice and detailing what he plans to do after graduation.

Undergraduate student Andres Victoria, meanwhile, took home the ASIS Hawaii Chapter award. Victoria is seeking his bachelor’s degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice at Chaminade online.

Both students received $1,000 cash scholarships.

The “Top Cop” awards banquet was held October 24 at the Ala Moana Hotel. The event is held annually to “promote, encourage and recognize excellence in the field of law enforcement and security in Hawaii.”

To be selected for the scholarships, Moreno and Victoria also had to submit letters of recommendation and be actively enrolled in a criminal justice program.

Worth noting: Chaminade’s Criminology and Criminal Justice program is the largest and oldest in Hawaii, and the University offers several degree options for those interested in pursuing careers in the field.

In addition to on-campus programs, students can seek Criminology and Criminal Justice undergraduate and graduate degrees entirely online.

Whether on campus or online, the degrees prepare students to pursue careers in law enforcement, public safety, criminal justice or graduate studies in law or criminology research.

E+ID Student Receives Interior Design Scholarship

by

Hawaii interior designers – and interior designers-in-training – gathered in October to honor those who are making significant contributions to the field.

E+ID student Jacqueline Harbin receiving her scholarship

Among those recognized at the inaugural International Interior Design Association (IIDA)-Hawaii Ho’ohuli Awards: Chaminade University student Jacqueline Harbin.

Harbin is in Chaminade’s Environmental + Interior Design program, the only accredited and degree-granting program of its kind in Hawaii.

And at the October 12 event, she took home the Student Scholastic Award, which recognizes a design student who exhibits a strong work ethic, team leadership and is a strong advocate for the International Interior Design Association.

Harbin was awarded $2,000 – and showered with no small amount of praise from her mentors.

To apply for the honor, Harbin wrote an essay about her craft. She also had to be nominated by a faculty member and underwent an interview with an awards committee.

Organizers from the IIDA Hawaii Pacific Chapter say the awards gala, held at the Prince Waikiki, was an evening dedicated to celebrating “outstanding and original commercial interior design in Hawaii.”

Welcoming our Master of Science in Counseling Psychology Students

by

Incoming graduate students in Chaminade’s counseling psychology program gathered in October to develop personalized road maps for how they’ll pursue their degrees – and go onto successful careers.

Master of Science in Counseling Psychology students and faculty pose for a group picture during new student orientation

It was the first time the program has held an orientation for new graduate students. Organizers of the October 5 event say it was aimed at answering students’ questions, inspiring them as they learn more about the professional pathways they’re setting out on, and ensuring they feel supported and welcomed.

The orientation also gave faculty and staff a chance to introduce themselves to new students.

Some 27 students attended the event, coming from across the three concentrations offered in Chaminade’s Master of Science in Counseling Psychology: Marriage and Family Counseling; Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling. The orientation touched on the program’s overall goals along with the core competencies required in each of the program’s three focus areas.

Dr. Dale Fryxell, School of Education and Behavioral Sciences dean, was on hand at the half-day orientation along with Counseling Psychology Program Director Dr. Robert Santee, and a number of full-time and adjunct faculty. Time was also set aside for new and current students to network.

Students rounded out the orientation by breaking up into groups and meeting with their advisers. Attendees also got valuable information on student organizations and internship opportunities. And before the event wrapped up, attendees all gathered around for – what else? – a group picture!

Chaminade University Professors and Student Honored by Hawaii Psychological Association

by

HONOLULU (October 28, 2019) – Two Chaminade University professors and one student were recently honored by the Hawaii Psychological Association at its Behavioral Health Convention. They were among six individuals to be recognized for their contributions to the field. They included:

Lunden D. Head, Dr. Steven Choy and Dr. Lianne T. S. Philhower
Lunden D. Head, Dr. Steven Choy and Dr. Lianne Philhower

Steven J. Choy, Ph.D. – The Pat DeLeon Lifetime Achievement Award
Dr. Choy is an associate professor of clinical psychology at Chaminade University. A licensed clinical psychologist, he specializes in the identification, assessment, treatment, and prevention of child maltreatment. He was the founder and director of the Child Protection Center at Kapiolani Medical Center for Women and Children for over 30 years before his retirement and appointment to the Hawaii School of Professional Psychology. During his tenure as director of the Child Protection Center, he was instrumental in the development of the Child Protective Act in Hawaii as well as in the development of protocols for child maltreatment risk assessments, psychological evaluations, multidisciplinary team assessments, and psychological treatment for the State of Hawaii. He serves on numerous boards and committees focused on the protection of children and strengthening of families. He is also a trainer for the State of Hawaii Child Welfare Workers and continues to provide presentations and workshops on issues of child protection at local, national and international conferences.

Lianne T. S. Philhower, PsyD – Professor of the Year Award
Dr. Philhower is an associate professor of clinical psychology at Chaminade University and a licensed clinical psychologist. She has a diverse professional background that includes working in public health environments, outpatient community mental health programs, private practice, school consultation, and education. Her knowledge, experience, and ability to integrate creativity with structure comes through in the way she teaches her courses and supports students individually. The courses she teaches regularly and the electives she offers are all directly informed by her education, training, and professional experience. She is able to bring in realistic case examples and professional situations into her teaching, and utilize instructional scaffolding techniques that allow her students to grow clinically, ethically, and professionally. As a scholar, Dr. Philhower has provided community trainings, consultation, and presentations, and has supported the research projects of countless students.

Lunden D. Head, MA – Outstanding Student of Psychology Award
Lunden Head is a doctoral candidate in the Clinical Psychology Doctoral Program (Psy.D.) at The Hawaii School of Professional Psychology at Chaminade. Her doctoral research examines the intersection between epigenetic transmission of trauma, race-related stress, and intergenerational trauma in the African-American community. Having served as a graduate teacher assistant for multiple doctoral-level courses, Head exhibits a steadfast commitment to her campus community. She also displays an unwavering dedication to Hawaii’s local psychology community, shown in her experience providing individual and group psychotherapy services at counseling and behavioral health centers, while serving as a student representative and a volunteer at psychology conferences. In addition to carrying a full-time course load and completing practicum assignments at The Family Strengthening Center, The University of Hawaii-West Oahu, and Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center, Head works at a counseling center in Honolulu to underwrite her tuition while maintaining a 3.9 grade point average.

The Hawaii School of Professional Psychology at Chaminade is designed to prepare students for both contemporary and emerging roles in the practice of professional psychology. The school offers a five-year generalist program that supports the development of core competencies in psychological assessment, intervention, consultation/education, and management/supervision. The program emphasizes the acquisition of attitudes, knowledge bases, and skills essential for professional psychologists who are committed to the provision of ethical quality services.

# # #

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.

A Cultural Experience

by

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.

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