Chaminade University of Honolulu

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A Student’s Second Chance

A Second Chance: From Prison to Master’s Degree

“Everybody deserves a second chance,” Kimmy Takata stated. Although she didn’t have an easy start, Kimmy beat the odds that were stacked against her. She went into prison at a third-grade reading level and it’s where she says her education journey began. 

She received her GED in 2007 when she was in prison in Kentucky. “What inspired me was the people that were locked up with me and locked down with me, they were getting valedictorian and I didn’t even know what that was,” Kimmy said. She said those same people supported her and taught her how to read, write an essay, math, English, and helped prepare her for her GED. 

Getting her GED helped change her mindset, self-image and how she spoke to herself. “When I got my GED, I thought to myself, wow, I am smart, because I always thought I was dumb, because my mother told me I was stupid,” she recalled. Her friends encouraged her to apply for community college. “I was like, ‘Oh no, I’m just going to stop at GED, because you have to be really smart to go to college,’ ” Kimmy said. She then went on to complete her Associate of Arts degree in Hawaiian Studies from Kapiʻolani Community College.

At that time, Kimmy was working for a nonprofit called the Pūʻā Foundation. There she met Brother Dennis Schmidt who wrote Kimmy’s character letter for Chaminade University. “I always thought that I wasn’t smart enough or good enough but my professors always made me feel at home and made me feel good about being here,” Kimmy reflected. She graduated with her Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Studies from Chaminade University. She was a recipient of the Hoʻoulu Scholarship program for Native Hawaiian students which paid for her entire degree.

While deciding her next move, she accepted an invitation to a luncheon at Chaminade University. That choice impacted her life more than she could have anticipated. She shared her story with one of the donors and told him about her desire to go back to school for her master’s degree. He heard her and encouraged her to apply for a scholarship at Chaminade. A week later she started classes. Kimmy received her Master of Science in Criminal Justice Studies from Chaminade University in fall 2025 and will be walking at the spring 2026 commencement ceremony.

Her passion is helping people navigate parole and find housing, food and other resources. She’s been providing peer support since she came out of prison in 2013. Kimmy is a certified peer support specialist and does peer support training. She also helps advocate for more peer support. “I’ve done research in my criminal justice program on prisons that have good programs and they do a lot with the individuals in custody,” she said. She chose to study criminal justice because she wants to help implement changes in the criminal justice system. She knows that improvements aren’t always easy to pass but she’s been writing to the state legislators at the Hawaii State Capitol, senators and representatives to add lived experience to the table when they’re making policy decisions. Her goal is to open a program for men and women coming out of prison to provide the support they need. 

Kimmy works with a lot of people that have transitioned out of prison and she helps them find resources. She used to work for the Hawaii Correctional System Oversight Commission as the Reentry Oversight Specialist for the Attorney General’s Office. “That’s pretty unheard of because people that have a past, you don’t see them getting hired for state jobs but my boss Christin Johnson really fought for me. I’m still on parole so she fought even harder,” Kimmy explained. 

In her free time, Kimmy helps feed the homeless. A woman that was in prison with Kimmy has since opened a restaurant in downtown Honolulu and together they pass out meals every month. “I was there before, how can I forget? I’ll never forget where I came from,” Kimmy said. She uses the opportunity to have regular conversations with them, checking if they’re alright and have the resources they need.

She has overcome self-doubt and continuously raised the bar in every step of her education. Kimmy has struggled with imposter syndrome but hasn’t let it stop her from achieving her goals. She is also looking to further her education with the Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology degree program from Chaminade University. “I got to watch some of the graduations and I’m really proud to be a part of this school, Chaminade rocks!” Kimmy exclaimed.

Nursing Students Receive National Award

Chaminade University’s Student Nurses Association has earned national recognition, receiving the 2026 Disaster Preparedness Award at the National Student Nurses Association annual conference in Houston, Texas. The honor celebrates an innovative community outreach project led by Chaminade nursing students that competed against programs from colleges and universities across the country.

The award-winning initiative focused on increasing emergency preparedness awareness for residents of Lānaʻi City through accessible, culturally responsive education tailored to the unique needs of the rural island community. As part of the project, Chaminade nursing students traveled from Oʻahu to Lānaʻi to participate in a community health fair, where they presented information on a variety of natural disasters that can affect Hawaiʻi, including flash floods, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and tsunamis. Students also shared practical steps families can take to prepare and respond during emergencies.

The project was made possible through strong community partnerships. Chaminade students collaborated with the Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Agency, which provided emergency preparedness packets for distribution to health fair attendees. Allyna Teppang ’26 also helped connect the student team with Kinaole, the company that organized the health fair and sponsored the students’ trip to Lānaʻi.

The initiative was conceived and led by seniors Junelle Tangalin ’26, Lyka Rose Corpuz ’26, Kelsey Nakagawa ’26, and junior Wendell Soriano ’27. Together, they developed a plan centered on promoting health equity and strengthening community resilience in an area with limited healthcare and emergency resources. Their work highlighted the importance of ensuring all communities—especially rural and neighbor island communities—have access to life-saving preparedness information.

In their project summary, the students emphasized that preparation can significantly reduce the impact of disasters and improve outcomes for individuals and families. They noted that proactive planning empowers people to respond more effectively when emergencies occur, even when circumstances are beyond their control. By tailoring educational materials specifically for the Lānaʻi community, the students ensured residents received relevant guidance and information about resources available on their island.

The national recognition reflects not only the students’ creativity and commitment, but also Chaminade University’s mission of educating servant leaders dedicated to making a difference in their communities. Through hands-on learning experiences like this, Chaminade students are applying their knowledge beyond the classroom while serving the people of Hawaiʻi with compassion and purpose.

Congratulations to these outstanding nursing students for representing Chaminade University on a national stage and demonstrating the power of service, leadership and community care.

An Easter Message from Chaminade

As we celebrate the season of Easter—a time of renewal, hope, and new beginnings—we invite you to click and watch this special message from Chaminade students, President Dr. Lynn Babington, and Director of Campus Ministry Fr. Chris Wittmann.

In this spirit of Easter, we share a message of hope that reflects the heart of our Chaminade ‘ohana. ✝️🌺

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Silverswords Recount ‘Joy’ of Youth Pilgrimage

Surreal.

That’s how four Chaminade University students described their recent trip to Rome for the Jubilee of Young People, a global Catholic pilgrimage meant to break down bridges and spotlight the power of unity, service and hope. More than one million youth participated, celebrating Mass with Pope Leo XIV, participating in volunteer activities, and gathering for concerts and vigils.

“I was just filled with gratitude for having the opportunity to be there,” said Julia Durocher ’28, who is studying biochemistry at Chaminade. “It was such a beautiful thing to be there with young adults. It gave me hope that the Catholic Church is being brought into the next generation.”

Durocher was selected to participate in the Chaminade contingent along with her brother, Anthony ’26, Sophia Terry ’28, and Olivia Jensen ’27. Also in attendance were students from fellow U.S. Marianist institutions—the University of Dayton in Ohio and St. Mary’s University in Texas.

Anthony Durocher said the Rome trip was full of “pinch me” moments. Like when he and the other Silverswords joined tens of thousands of young pilgrims from around the globe to parade in the streets of Rome. “There was so much energy and everyone was so alive,” Durocher said.

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The Jubilee of Young People, from July 28 to August 3, coincides with the Jubilee Year of Hope designated by Pope Francis. The Vatican said more than one million youth convened for the celebration, which closed with a huge, open-air Mass at Rome’s University of Tor Vergata.

Pope Leo XIV presided over the Mass, calling on young people to embrace peace. “My young brothers and sisters, you are the sign that a different world is possible,” he told celebrants. A world of fraternity and friendship, where conflicts are not resolved with weapons, but with dialogue.”

Terry said that message resonated with her.

She was especially grateful to form close bonds with her fellow Chaminade pilgrims. “The trip meant so much to me because I was truly able to embrace my faith with those of differing cultures and getting to express our love of God together was truly inspiring,” she said.

Even months later, Terry added, “The impact of this pilgrimage has brought me a spark like no other, whenever I’m in a tough spot I remember how truly supported I am by God and by those around me. The trip was so beautifully impactful on each and every person that went.”

Jensen, who is pursuing a degree in historical and political studies, said one moment from the pilgrimage that she will always cherish is kneeling during a large-scale eucharistic adoration at Tor Vergata right along with Pope Leo XIV and hundreds of thousands of youth from across the globe.

“Seeing the Holy Father kneeling in unison with me was eye-opening,” Jensen said.

“It reminded me that he is human just as I am, and that I too have the same opportunity to pursue holiness in my lifetime. As I looked around, I saw one million other Catholics in silent reverence, all kneeling before the presence of our Lord.

“I felt overwhelmed by the presence of the lord and by the sheer universality of the Church. It did not matter whether someone came from Hawaii, Ukraine, Spain, or Colombia. We were all united together under the one Catholic Church.”

Jensen added that the trip to Rome recharged her—and her faith. But she also realized on reflection that there was no need to travel to Rome to feel that way. “We can find hope in our communities, in prayer, and in the faces of those closest to us,” she said.

The pilgrimage was Julia Durocher’s first trip overseas.

For her, one major highlight was hearing fellow pilgrims recite the Lord’s Prayer in their own languages.

“That was something that I will never forget,” she said, adding that she could feel Jesus’ presence everywhere she went in Rome. “I felt Jesus was calling me to bring what I experienced in Rome back to my home,” she said. “To be an instrument of His love and kindness to others.”

Her brother, Anthony, said the joy he felt—and saw—during the pilgrimage still buoys him.

“On a bad day or during a sad time or if I’m not feeling very grateful, I just look back at my memories of Rome,” he said. “There was joy on so many people’s faces. People from Ukraine, from Russia, coming from poverty, they came together and they had joy.”

Chaminade to Offer Free FAFSA Workshops

Chaminade University will offer a series of free financial aid workshops next month at various high schools on Oahu to assist Hawai‘i students and their families in completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Completing the FAFSA is a critical step in securing financial aid for college or graduate school and in determining eligibility for federal, state, and institutional funding.

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Workshop participants will receive guided support to complete their applications from Chaminade’s financial aid counselors.

The FAFSA for the 2025–2026 school year was released earlier this month, returning to its usual schedule after a delayed launch in 2024 due to a major form overhaul.

With the application process now back on track, Chaminade is making it easier for families by providing in-person assistance. The workshops are open to all Hawai‘i students and their families.

Workshops will be held at the following locations:

• November 3 from 6:30 p.m. at Calvery Chapel Christian School
• November 4 from 5:30 p.m. at Assets High School
• November 5 from 5:30 pm. at Radford High School


“These off-campus workshops reflect our commitment to serving Hawai‘i’s communities and ensuring that all students have access to the support they need,” said Chaminade University President Lynn Babington, Ph.D. “By bringing these resources directly to families, we’re removing barriers and helping them navigate what can be a confusing and overwhelming process.”

In addition to offering FAFSA support, Chaminade continues to expand financial opportunities for local students. Through the Hawai‘i Guarantee, the University matches Hawaii’s flagship tuition for all qualified residents. Chaminade also increased merit-based scholarships this year to help offset tuition expenses for all undergraduate students, reaffirming its commitment to affordability and access.

To learn more about Chaminade University’s financial program, click here.

A Summer Spent ‘Walking the Halls of Congress’

Easton DelaCruz ’26 dreams of serving others in public office.

So you can imagine just how excited DelaCruz was when, over the summer, he found himself in U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson’s Washington, D.C. office, speaking to the politician himself.

“Throughout the whole meeting, I was kind of fangirling,” DelaCruz quips.

DelaCruz was in the nation’s capital after being selected as an intern for the Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies. He worked under U.S. Rep. Kimberlyn King-Hinds, who represents DelaCruz’s home of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI).

As an aspiring politician, DelaCruz said the experience was transformative.

“I’m a 20-year-old from CNMI and I’m walking the halls of Congress,” he said.

“Being able to step foot in the capital and actually work to get stuff done for the people, it’s just a big honor. Attending all the committee hearings and briefings, they were so eye-opening.”

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During that meeting with the House speaker, Johnson turned to DelaCruz as part of a conversation about creating opportunities for young people and asked why he decided to leave the CNMI. His answer: “To get more experience, bring it home and share it with my community.”

DelaCruz, who is from Saipan, says his work at Chaminade is a big part of that experience building.

The Communication major hopes to bring new solutions to the CNMI. The U.S. territory is struggling economically amid a tourism decline and, DelaCruz says, jobs are difficult to find.

In studying at Chaminade, DelaCruz was following in the footsteps of his mother and sister.

His mom, Elaine, holds a Psychology degree from Chaminade along with a master’s of science in counseling psychology (2003) and a Doctor of Education (2024). His sister, Victoria DelaCruz ’24, studied Data Science at Chaminade and now works at nonprofit Aloha Harvest in Honolulu.

Easton DelaCruz ’26 got the opportunity to sit down with U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson during a summer internship in the nation’s capital. The aspiring politician joked the experience had him “fangirling.”

DelaCruz says what he appreciates most about Chaminade is its family-oriented atmosphere.

“I’m a pretty social person, but it’s difficult sometimes,” he said. “Being here at Chaminade, you see the same faces every day and you start to talk story. It allows you to get out of your shell.”

At Chaminade, DelaCruz has also been able to take advantage of several once-in-a-lifetime opportunities. In May 2023, for example, he traveled to Los Angeles as part of a Marianist program to conduct community service at homeless shelters on Skid Row.

And then in October 2023, he was one of two Chaminade students selected to travel on a group pilgrimage to Israel. “I go to church every Sunday and they say all these different places in the Holy Land, and I was there,” he said. “We just went through all these sacred sites.”

This coming term, DelaCruz says he hopes to continue his growth as a leader.

One thing on his “to do” list: DelaCruz is trying to sharpen his Chamorro language skills.

He practices Saipan’s native tongue with other students at Chaminade from Guam or the CNMI, and tests his knowledge on his grandparents, who are fluent.

“They still laugh at my pronunciation,” DelaCruz said, “but then they correct me. That’s part of how I’m learning.”