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Students Learn the Business of Finance

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A recent partnership between Chaminade University and Hawaii State Federal Credit Union (Hawaii State FCU) has proven to offer an invaluable real-world experience to students. Through the partnership, Chaminade business students participate in a 15-week internship at Hawaii State FCU.

Business students interning at HSFCU
Business students Mailani, Nikki and Cole

The internship program was the brainchild of Ismael Eustaquio, Chaminade alumnus and senior department manager of project development at Hawaii State FCU. As a Chaminade alum and Board of Regents member, Eustaquio thought an incredible way to give back to the community would be to pass on the knowledge and skills of Hawaii State FCU’s employees to emerging leaders at Chaminade.

“In our programs, we are always looking to help students integrate what they learn in their courses with actual industry practice,” said Dr. Schroeder. “Hawaii State Federal Credit Union thinks similarly and has blended classroom lessons and work experience into their internship program, providing a distinctive approach that aligns well with our aims at Chaminade.”

Business students interning at HSFCU
Business students Gabriel, Kai and Elijah

Throughout the program, Chaminade interns complete a curriculum that is divided between the classroom and the field. Program participants take 12 leadership courses, spend time rotating between the company’s 15 departments, meet regularly with a mentor and present a final group project to their mentors, Chaminade professors and the credit union’s executive board and CEO.

“My experience at Hawaii State FCU left such a remarkable impression on me and really impacted me in a way that I am able to carry on with me throughout my future endeavors,” said Mailani Faniel, recent business administration graduate. “It helped me understand people better, understand myself more clearly and learn how to do business with people from all walks of life.”

So far, two cohorts comprising three students each have completed the Hawaii State FCU internship program.

Pre-Term Birth Research takes Professor and Students to Paris

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Nainoa Ing '21, associate professor Dr. Claire Wright, Dr. Chelsea Saito Reis '12 and Justin Padron
Nainoa Ing ’21, associate professor Dr. Claire Wright, Dr. Chelsea Saito Reis ’12 and Justin Padron

In March, sophomore Nainoa Norman Ing presented the research he’s been doing at Chaminade on fetal membrane tissue at an international conference in Paris, France.

He was the only undergraduate to do so.

Norman Ing, a biochemistry major, made the trip to the annual Society for Reproductive Investigation conference with two other team members at Chaminade’s Fetal Membrane Tissue Integrity Lab along with the professor who leads it: Dr. Claire Wright.

The laboratory is focused on figuring out how fetal membrane tissue works in regular pregnancies, and what goes wrong when it fails—leading to premature births.

In a recent interview, Norman Ing joked that he learned more during the week-long Paris conference than during a semester of courses.

Listening to experts in the field discuss their research is “a little eye-opening,” he said.

“You can hear in the way that they talk that they’ve thought about the subject a lot,” Norman Ing said, during a recent interview at the lab. “There’s a huge amount of time behind what they say. So even if they just ask a simple question, it has deeper meaning.”

The trip also reinvigorated the lab’s team members as they tackle big research questions.

Last year, Wright received a three-year, $438,000 National Institutes of Health grant aimed at funding scientific projects to better understand how fetal membrane tissue works in the body.

Fetal membrane tissue surrounds the fetus during pregnancy. And in normal pregnancies, it naturally fails after nine months, and a woman’s “water breaks.”

Wright, an associate professor of biology at Chaminade, said problems with fetal membrane tissue are among the biggest causes of pre-term births. Studying how the tissue operates normally is a vital first step in understanding what happens when things go wrong.

The research is especially significant in the islands.

Hawaii has among the nation’s highest rates of preterm births, and the rate is even higher among populations with greater health disparities, including Asians and Pacific Islanders.

And the impacts of prematurity can last a lifetime. Preterm babies, or those born earlier than 37 weeks, can face physical and cognitive issues into adulthood.

“So when you’re thinking about this as a health disparity and a social injustice, that’s a really important thing,” Wright said, speaking in her lab on a recent day. “It’s impacting people all the way into their adult life and impacting their quality of life.”

Justin Padron, a graduate student at the University of Hawaii, also works at the lab and presented his research at the Paris conference.

And the newest addition to the team—Dr. Chelsea Saito Reis—also traveled to France. She came on in January as a post-doctoral researcher, and saw the Paris conference as a chance to better understand the cutting-edge projects underway in the field of reproductive studies. Reis completed her undergraduate degree at Chaminade in 2012, before going on to get her doctoral degree at the University of New Mexico.

She said research into fetal membrane tissue is of emerging interest, but is still nascent. “For something that’s such a normal process, there is still a lot that is unknown.”

Saito Reis and Norman Ing are the first to admit that the Paris trip wasn’t all work, though. The two said they got their fill of French cuisine and took in as many of the sights that they could.

Saito Reis called it an “adventure.” And by the way, she added, the Mona Lisa is actually quite small in person.

While the group was there, they also saw the Yellow Vest demonstrations—which closed thoroughfares in the heart of the city—and described them as something out of a movie.

It was the architecture of Paris, though, that really spoke to Norman Ing.

“Paris is a city of inspiration,” Norman Ing said. “Staying in such a place has reminded me that life is so much more than the mundane routine. Goals exist which one should strive for.”

Chaminade Celebrates 2019 Graduates at Commencement

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The evening of May 13 was a time of celebration for Chaminade University of Honolulu’s class of 2019 as family, friends, faculty and staff gathered at the Neal S. Blaisdell Arena for Chaminade’s 61st Commencement ceremony.

Following the Oli chant, a traditional Hawaiian welcome and blessing, delivered by Chaminade class of 2014 graduate Kaipo Leopoldino, university president Dr. Lynn Babington welcomed graduates and guests to celebrate the work of faculty, new beginnings and to reflect on changes in the university since its founding in 1955.

In her welcome, Dr. Babington highlighted one of the five Characteristics of a Marianist education that Chaminade, the only Catholic university in the state of Hawaii, emphasizes: educate for adaptation and change. These values and Chaminade’s commitment to service proved to be a consistent theme throughout the evening’s exercises leading up to the graduation of nearly 500 students from 25 undergraduate and six graduate degree programs.

Among the honored guests in attendance were Governor David Ige and his wife Dawn Amano-Ige, who gave the Commencement address.

“You made it,” Amano-Ige said as she began her speech. “You own it. This is your moment. Tonight is your night as we honor you and your achievements.”

Amano-Ige became the first lady of Hawaii in December 2014 when her husband was sworn in as Hawaii’s eighth governor. She has also been an alumna of Chaminade since 1986 when she graduated with her master’s degree in business administration. In her address, Amano-Ige bestowed a few pieces of wisdom on the soon-to-be graduates. She encouraged them to make the most of every opportunity they’re given, to be realistic when starting off in their careers and to take action in moments of uncertainty instead of holding back or withdrawing. The first lady, similarly to Dr. Babington, emphasized how valuable a Chaminade education is because of its values.

“You are so fortunate to be graduating from a place where diversity is celebrated in culture-based learning and where ethical leadership is the focus,” Amano-Ige said. “The rich combination of the two gives you the power to make a difference. When done collectively with your classmates, that power is multiplied to have a great impact on our community.”

Savannah Lyn Relox Delos Santos, the Undergraduate Speaker, delivered an equally impactful speech in which she conveyed the gratitude she feels toward the Chaminade community and her family.

Delos Santos, who earned her bachelor’s degree in business marketing, has spent her years at Chaminade serving as a peer mentor and tutor, student office assistant and president of the Residence Hall Association—all while excelling in her classes, working and volunteering.

She was also an active participant in Campus Ministry, student government and Chaminade’s Hogan Entrepreneurial Program. Her commitment to service and the university’s Marianist values earned her the prestigious Founders’ Award earlier this year. Delos Santos’ dream is to be the second and youngest Native Hawaiian fashion designer to present their work at New York Fashion Week and plans to move to the Philippines after graduation to pursue her professional goals and learn more about her roots.

“Our differential advantages are the Marianist values and the Aloha Spirit,” Delos Santos said. “We are the only university with both and we all live it in our Chaminade community. So embrace it, use it, because we are so blessed.”

Both Amano-Ige and Delos Santos were the first college graduates in their families and shared how education and Chaminade were significant contributors to who they are today.

And finally, after many semesters of hard work and sacrifice, the Chaminade class of 2019 turned its tassels and became alumni, forever part of the Chaminade family.

“Your passion, along with your education and experiences here at Chaminade, will be part of the sometimes messy but beautiful process we call life,” Amano-Ige said. “So tonight be jubilant, be proud, go out and celebrate—safely of course—the joy of your achievement. Tomorrow, your focus shifts to putting your college education to good use for your community, for our Hawaii, for the world and for generations to come.”

Commencement 2019 (short version)
Commencement 2019 (long version)

Undergraduate Research Showcase at Na Liko

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Throughout the academic year, Chaminade students across every major make contributions to their fields of study through original research projects, creative work and scholarship.

Na Liko Awardees 2019

Chaminade’s annual undergraduate conference, Na Liko Naʻauao, recognizes these pursuits and provides students the opportunity to share their work with peers, faculty and the public.

This year’s 17th annual Na Liko conference, planned by the Office of Health Professions Advising and Undergraduate Research, took place on April 26 at Clarence T.C. Ching Conference Center, where a total of 91 students showcased their academic projects.

Every project at Na Liko has been developed over the past academic school year under the mentorship of a faculty member. So participating in the conference affords undergraduate students the invaluable experience of beginning a research project with a question, developing it with the guidance of a professor and publically presenting their findings and receiving feedback.

Na Liko broadens students’ resumes, gives them practice at public speaking, creates a positive environment for scholarly discussion and offers an experience valuable to graduate schools.

Open to the Chaminade community, as well as friends and families of students, Clarence T.C. Ching Conference Center became a gallery of artwork and poster presentations that observers could peruse and ask questions of presenters for the first few hours of the conference.

Following the presentations was a formal program, including a blessing by students Savannah Lyn Delos Santos and Andrew Trapsi, an Oli by Kawena Ryan Phillips, remarks by university president, Dr. Lynn Babington and presentation of awards by Dr. Janet Davidson, associate vice provost.

Two awards are presented at Na Liko each year that honor an outstanding student and faculty mentor.

Chloe Talana (President Sue Wesselkamper Prize winner) and Dr. Lynn Babington

This year’s President Sue Wesselkamper Prize recognized Chloe Talana who studied blood samples from HIV infected individuals to document how their immune cells function as part of a summer research program at Johns Hopkins University. She first presented her research at the Leadership Alliance symposium in Connecticut and was invited to present her research again at the recent conference in Indianapolis. She attended the national conference with six other Chaminade students, three of whom also presented their research.

Nicole Sagapoluetele, Justin Wyble (President Mackey Prize winner) and Dr. Lynn Babington

Honoring the close student-faculty relationships formed at Chaminade, the President Mackey Prize is an award presented to an outstanding faculty mentor, nominated by a student participating at the conference.

Nominated by Nicole Sagapoluetele, this year’s President Mackey Prize was awarded to Senior Lecturer, Justin Wyble. The President Mackey Prize is awarded to a faculty member who exemplifies outstanding mentoring of student research.

Na Liko Na’auao is presented by the Office of Health Professions Advising and Undergraduate Research. It is an undergraduate conference featuring students from all disciplines, who deliver academic presentations showcasing their projects in their related work to research in their field and creative work in the visual and performing arts. Students are sponsored by a faculty member and present the results of their original work in oral and/or poster presentations before their peers, faculty, and the public.

Bridges to the Future Celebration

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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.”

Senior Profile: Christopher Cobb ’19

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Christopher Cobb served four years in the United States military, completing his career as a petty officer in the Navy. Now, he’s a Chaminade student in the Environmental + Interior Design (E+ID) program and works part-time at one of the top architectural firms in Honolulu, Architects Hawaii, Ltd. (AHL).

When he graduates from Chaminade University this May, he will be the first male in his family to obtain a four-year degree.  

Struggling with what to pursue after transitioning out of the Navy, Cobb considered studying architecture or civil engineering, but ultimately decided on interior design after being encouraged to do so by his wife.

Chaminade University was an obvious choice. It was the only institution to offer an accredited interior design program in Hawaii, where he and his wife were determined to stay.

Being 10-15 years older than most of his peers and an African American male in an all-female class, Cobb brought a fresh perspective to his classes and found Chaminade to be an inclusive place to learn.

“Chris takes his mission as a designer very seriously, and as an iconoclast has stood up against the stereotypes about interior design as well as the stereotypes about black men,” Elizabeth Lockard, E+ID associate professor, said. “His transcendent ways of thinking have enlightened other students and have helped them see the world from a broader perspective than their own.”

After graduation, Cobb plans to continue working for AHL and save up with his wife so that they can eventually open a home staging business on Oahu as well as multiple online businesses, and travel the world together.

Congratulations on your graduation, Christopher!