Chaminade University of Honolulu

Students

Welcome Home

A warm aloha is in order for the new class of Chaminade University students. In mid-August, Chaminade faculty, staff and students all gathered to welcome the newest members of our ‘ohana and their parents during the three-day New Student Orientation.

The event started on August 16 when new students moved into their new homes on campus. The liveliness of the day included an opportunity for students to meet their faculty while parents mingled nearby, a trolley tour of Kaimuki, lunch with our Marianist Brothers and a campus office open house. The busy day concluded with a nice dinner at Silversword Cafe, where students and their parents met with the Director and Resident Advisors of Residential Life.

The excitement continued on Friday and Saturday with more campus explorations, a presidential welcome and prayer service, a resource fair, convocation, a new student luau and various day trips around the island to Ka’au Crater, Maunawili Falls, Waimanalo and Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck in Kahuku.

The event concluded on Sunday with a Diamond Head Hike in the morning, morning mass and brunch.

Congratulations to our new Chaminade students–we’re excited to see where these next few years take you and support you on this new, exciting journey!

View our photo album >>

 

They Put the Student in Student-Athlete

Chaminade University placed a record-93 Silverswords on the Academic All-Pacific West Conference Team, the conference announced Monday.

It’s the second straight year and the third time in the last four that Chaminade has broken its record of academic all-conference honorees. All 10 of the department’s athletic teams had at least 57 percent of their rosters attain Academic All-PacWest honors.

For large roster sports (11 or more student-athletes), women’s volleyball placed 13 of its 14 rostered players eligible for academic all-conference kudos on the team while women’s soccer had 18 of its 23 eligible players make the list.

For small roster sports (10 or less), women’s cross country attained perfection. All six of their runners who were eligible for academic all-conference honors made the list. Men’s cross country (six on the roster), and men’s golf (6) had all but one qualify.

A total of 1,804 student-athletes in the conference were named Academic All-PacWest, breaking the conference record set last year.

To be recognized as Academic All-PacWest, student-athletes must have a minimum career grade point average of 3.00, have completed two semesters at their current institution and competed in at least one regular season game or competition. Chaminade competes in 10 of the conference’s 15 sponsored sports.

Congratulations to all our student-athletes who was named to the Academic All-Pacific West Conference Team!

Spring Commencement Celebrates the Accomplishments and Futures of The Class Of 2018

On May 14 over 350 students took the stage at the Blaisdell Arena for Chaminade University’s 2018 Spring Commencement.  President Dr. Lynn Babington summed up the event for the graduates during her commencement speech, “Today is one of the high points in your education and in our academic year.  We come together as a community to celebrate your achievements, your dedication and your growth.” The evening event was a chance for students to celebrate their latest achievement with family, friends, and faculty.

The evening was not only a celebration of an achieved dream, an accomplished goal, for the Class of 2018; it was a celebration of great things to come. No matter the student’s age, degree, or future aspirations, graduating from Chaminade is just the beginning for these students. As the undergraduate speaker, Joseph Keahi Carrero, said in his speech that evening, “the foundations we received through our studies at Chaminade is the bedrock from which we will launch.” Carerro went on to challenge his fellow classmates to dream big in the years to come. “My challenge for us is this – to dream on, to dream bigger better dreams. Dream the impossible. Then make it happen.”

Graduate speaker Christina A. Soo Hoo continued the inspirational theme of the evening while sharing her personal journey to obtaining her master’s degree. She spoke on how paralyzing fear can be and the importance of pushing through no matter what. “We become paralyzed by fear because we don’t believe in ourselves. We fear heartbreak, love, loss, and disappointments because we see them as punishments for not being good enough or smart enough.” Soo Hoo reminded her fellow classmates, “We are powerful if we allow ourselves to be.”

This year’s graduating class, consisted of over 450 students from 28 different states. Seventy-eight of those graduating were first generation college students. Kathryn Matayoshi, senior vice president of account relationship management at HMSA, was this year’s keynote speaker.

Congratulations, 2018 graduates! 

Na Liko Na’auao, Celebrating Student Scholars

Established in 2002, Na Liko Na’auao is an undergraduate conference which celebrates student scholars from across all academic disciplines.

Hosted by the Office of Health Professions Advising and Undergraduate Research, students participating in the conference deliver academic presentations showcasing a project from the past year through oral and/or visual presentations. A conference which celebrates all student scholars, students may present research projects as well as creative work in both visual and performing arts.

During this year’s event, President Dr. Lynn Babington, defined a scholar as “A person with a desire to pursue and learn new things; a person on a quest for knowledge and a dedication to learning.” By not focusing on one academic discipline Na Liko Na’auao gives all student scholars an opportunity to present their work in a formal setting and receive feedback from both faculty and other scholars within their field.

Projects presented at this year’s conference covered a wide range of academic disciplines and topics. Some of the presentations included “Zombie Transformable Safe House” by Helen Oclinaria, “Loving the Idea of Her: Fincher’s Feminist Film” by Madison McNamara, “Psychological Disorders as Grounds for Mitigation in Criminal Sentencing” by Michael Junker, and “Hawaiian Healing and Healers” by Cong Nguyen, Claire Hermosura, Haylee Bennett, Laura Hufano-Kravetz and Diamond Carter. The conference allows both individual and group projects to be presented.

Every year, after all the student scholars have presented their work, Na Liko Na’auao concludes with a presentation of certificates and awards. Given annually, the President Sue Wesselkamper Prize recognizes and encourages student scholarship.  The President Sue Wesselkamper Prize represents and helps build the tradition of the Na Liko Na’auao student conference.

In order to qualify for the prize a student must have a minimum 3.5 GPA, show scholarship beyond classroom requirements by undertaking their own independent research or study, and must have presented their work both on and off campus. Students must have a record of community service and hold leadership roles at the university.

Jarresa Kiyoko Harris was this year’s recipient of the President Sue Wesselkamper Prize. As a community volunteer and multi-cultural leader on campus, Harris was recognized for her outstanding work both on and off campus. During this year’s conference she presented her study “Exploring the Zone of Uncertainty Between Friendship and Romantic Relationships in Undergraduate Students.” She also presented this study at the 2018 National Council on Undergraduate Research in Oklahoma and Chaminade University’s 4th Annual Psychology Students Research Conference.

The President Sue Wesselkamper Prize was not only created to recognize outstanding student scholars, but the faculty members that mentor and guide the students here at Chaminade. “It’s about the close relationship between our faculty and our students both in the classroom and, judging from this wonderful work, outside the classroom,” said Babington. This relationship is part of the foundation at Chaminade University.

This year’s President Sue Wesselkamper Prize recognized Dr. Eva Washburn-Repollo. Dr Washburn-Repollo nominated Harris and mentored her throughout her years at Chaminade University.

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

Nominated by Chole Adrienna Talana, this year’s President Mackey Prize was awarded to Dr. Michael Weichhaus. In her nomination submission Talana wrote, “Dr Weichhaus is an outstanding professor and mentor. He is a true educator who exemplifies a high level of commitment to teaching. Not only is he a good source of knowledge, he is very passionate in guiding students towards their career aspirations.

Celebrating the 2018 Co-Curricular Awards

Education isn’t just about acquiring knowledge, but about fostering – and nurturing – character. At Chaminade, we strive to develop the whole student and create leaders of tomorrow.

Celebrating student leadership and involvement, as well as individual and organizational accomplishments, the 2018 Co-Curricular Awards held its annual dinner honoring the awardees. The event was on April 18 in the Clarence T.C. Ching Conference Center and recognized 22 students, one staff member and two student organizations.

2018 CO-CURRICULAR AWARDS

AWARDS PRESENT BY THE OFFICE OF STUDENT ACTIVITIES AND LEADERSHIP

Bro. Joseph Becker Awards of Excellence:
Freshman: Andrew Ancheta
Sophomore: Clarissa Ellazar
Junior: Angela Williams
Senior: Melissa Ponce

Awarded annually to a freshman, sophomore, junior, and senior who displayed exceptional leadership through involvement in co-curricular activities; who showed outstanding qualities of character, leadership, service, integrity, and scholarship; who demonstrated initiative, motivation, and potential for continued student leadership; who motivated his or her fellow classmates to become actively involved in the campus community; who contributed time and energy to the improvement of student/campus life and his or her designated class/community/organization during the academic year.

Bro. Elmer Dunsky Outstanding Student Organization Award:
Chaminade Student Programming Board

Awarded annually to a student organization who has gone beyond the bounds of their membership by helping to create a positive campus environment for all students and made an outstanding contribution to Chaminade University as an organization.

Fr. Stephen Tutas Program Award for Excellence:
Malama Honua for “Have Your Sei”

Awarded annually to a student or student organization who has exceptional creativity, planning, and execution of a University program which significantly contributed to the quality of life at Chaminade. The program must have appealed to a broad cross-section of the University community, displayed originality, and elicited participation by members of the sponsoring organization during all phases of the effort.

Rev. David Schuyler Advisor of the Year Award:
Julieann Tupuola

Awarded annually to a member of faculty, staff, or administration who advises a student club/organization and consistently helped to identify, encourage, and support students in their leadership development and campus involvement, repeatedly demonstrated a commitment to the community and its needs, and expanded the horizons, skills, and value systems of Chaminade students by providing support and guidance within co-curricular life.

AWARDS PRESENT BY ATHLETICS

Male Athlete of the Year: 
Austin Pope (Men’s Basketball)

Outstanding overall season performance in his conference sport; received ‘Player of the Year’ or ‘First Team’ conference recognition; must have represented Chaminade University in a prideful and honorable manner during his season.

Female Athlete of the Year:
Caitlin Tatemichi (Women’s Soccer)

Outstanding overall season performance in her conference sport; received ‘Player of the Year’ or ‘First Team’ conference recognition; must have represented Chaminade University in a prideful and honorable manner during her season.

Silversword Award: 
Dylan Takabayashi (Men’s Golf)

Recognizes an act or series of acts associated with an athletic activity that represents the spirit of the Marianist philosophy to include sportsmanship, integrity, honesty, truthfulness and respect for self and others.

AWARDS PRESENT BY CAMPUS MINISTRY

Campus Ministry Award:
Vanessa Ignacio

Awarded to a student who has participated in all areas of Campus Ministry (liturgy, community service, and retreats). This person is an all-around amazing member of the Campus Ministry `ohana.

Liturgy Award: 
Jenny rose Anacan

Awarded to an individual who has willingly volunteered his or her time and talent to contribute to the quality and spirituality of our weekend and special liturgies and prayer experiences.

Retreat Leader of the Year: 
Nicolle Soriano

Award acknowledges the overwhelming commitment and dedication shown by a retreat leader in creating communities of support, faith, and love on campus. The leader selected for this award has demonstrated outstanding leadership skills, maturity, dedication, and commitment to the mission of Campus Ministry.

Service Award:
Bo Diego
Mason Pfeifer

Award acknowledges outstanding servant leadership in the area of restorative justice and service for the people and the `āina (land) of Hawaii. The individual selected for this award has demonstrated just moral character, leadership skills, good humor, dedication, and humility.

AWARDS PRESENT BY THE OFFICE OF ADVISING AND CAREER DEVELOPMENT

Outstanding Orientation Leader: 
Adam Perez
Charlene Mae Rocimo

The position of Orientation Leader is for someone who enjoys getting to know other students and wants to make Chaminade an even better place by building community between returning and new students. Orientation Leaders are involved with planning, implementing, and evaluating New Student Orientation. Their primary objective is to welcome new students and their families and help welcome them fully into the Chaminade ‘ohana. While all Orientation Leaders play an important role in creating an environment of success for incoming students, the recipient of this award has displayed exemplary performance of their duties.

Outstanding Peer Mentor: 
Bo Diego
Nicolle Soriano

Students who apply for and are hired to be Peer Mentors take a leadership role in the University by being visible, available upper-class students to which first-year students can connect. As co-teachers of CUH 100, they commit significant hours to training and class preparation. Peer Mentors are responsible for maintaining regular contact with students in their class, engaging them in University life, and assisting them with both academic and personal transitions that occur during the critical first few months on campus. While all Peer Mentors play an important role in helping first-year students to adjust to and succeed at Chaminade, this Peer Mentor’s performance of these responsibilities is exemplary.

AWARDS PRESENT BY RESIDENTIAL LIFE

Residence Hall Association Award of Excellence:
Dalton Alatan

Awarded to a Resident Hall Association Representative who is a role model for other representatives, has demonstrated strong leadership skills and who positively impacted the organization and residential community.

Resident Assistant Award of Excellence:
Nerisa Taua

Awarded to a Resident Assistant who has a high-level of maturity, exhibits the ability to work as an individual community leader as well as an active participant of the Residential Life team. He or she conducts themselves with a positive attitude while executing their knowledge and practical application of policy and procedures, peer counseling skill and emergency response.

AWARDS PRESENT BY DEAN OF STUDENTS

Dean of Students’ Special Recognition:
Savannah Lyn Delos Santos

This award recognizes a student who in his or her time at Chaminade has continuously contributed to the betterment of the overall community. The student may not typically be in the spotlight in regard to his or her contributions or have the loudest voice, however his or her efforts may have a widespread impact.

Frederick K.K. Kauhane, Sr. Aloha Spirit Award: 
Ava Wong
Nathan Pollard

Awarded annually to students who exhibit a humble, cheerful, and generous spirit; a dedication to fostering a sense of `ohana around campus; the ability to raise other’s spirits by consistently improving the environment around them.

Henry Halenani Gomes Alaka‘i Award:
Crishelle Young

This award recognizes a Chaminade undergraduate student who has demonstrated excellence in leadership and service to the Native Hawaiian community. In ‘ōlelo Hawai‘i (Hawaiian Language), Alaka‘i is the Hawaiian value of leadership. It includes coaching, guiding, and mentoring others to support their growth. Those who are Alaka‘i lead with care for their community. The recipient  has shown a commitment in service toward the Native Hawaiian community through education, perpetuation of culture and language, community service projects and advocacy.

A World of Opportunity

Nerisa Taua doesn’t believe in waiting for opportunity to come knocking, it’s time wasted. Instead, she hunts it down.

Taua – who will graduate from Chaminade University in May with a bachelor’s in Environmental Studies – has knocked on a few of opportunity’s doors during the past four years.

On the academic front, she found her true passion through Chaminade’s Summer Research Program. While other students soaked up the sun, Taua spend her summer at Purdue University collaborating with experts in the university’s bat lab. Alongside Associate Professor of Wildlife Science Patrick Zollner – who became one of her mentors – she was able to get up close and personal with long-eared bats. Using acoustic monitors and echolocation, her research involved finding efficient and cost-effective ways to capture the animals.

With graduation on the horizon, Taua dreams of returning home to American Samoa to research the fruit bat, one of the country’s few native mammals. But before she does, there’s another stop on her journey before she returns.

She’ll be making a round trip back to Purdue University to further pursue her newly found passion at the graduate level, seeking a master’s degree in the Wildlife Science program, and continue working with Zollner and his team.

Paying for graduate school is never easy, but the cost for Taua isn’t a factor. Again seeking out opportunity, she found the Sloan Indigenous Graduate Partnership grant and applied for its scholarship program. Taua was accepted, she is now a Sloan Scholar.

“I was beyond excited,” she says. “This was another step closer to opening a pathway for my people. As a Samoan, this is such a huge opportunity. The first thing that came to mind was ‘if I can do it, anyone from American Samoa can do better.’”

Although she’s been busy with her studies during her time at Chaminade, Taua has kept her culture alive in her heart and shared it with other through her experiences performing with her brothers and sisters of Lumana’i O Samoa.

There’s been personal growth as well and Taua says she’s grown immensely during her time at Chaminade. She now considers herself to be better at public speaking, more social, open-minded, approachable and professional.

A PERSONAL CHEERING SQUAD

It takes a village – and an enthusiastic cheering squad – to raise a child and Taua found hers since arriving in Honolulu four years ago. She’s has a team of dedicated and caring professors, advisors and staff encouraging her success and guiding her to individualized opportunities.

“I’ve received help from a lot of mentors who guided me toward a passion I didn’t know existed,” she says. “Their encouragement and belief in me is what motivated me to set and accomplish goals. Without mentorship, I would probably be lost and still searching for the next step to a brighter future.”

Taua leaves Chaminade with many great memories. She says she’s humbled and honored with the opportunities she’s been provided and that she’s proud to represent her home, family and those who’ve helped her along the way. Now she wants to give back to others as a mentor to help them grow and succeed in the ways she did. She especially wants to channel her energy toward the youth in America Samoa.

When Taua leaves Chaminade with her degree in hand, she’ll take with her a world of experience and lessons. She’s built a solid foundation at Chaminade and this is just the beginning.

The Environmental Studies minor offered by the Division of Natural Sciences and Mathematics focuses on policy and environmental law to prepare students for careers in environmental science, ecology and conservation biology.

The Office of Health Professions Advising and Undergraduate Research (OHPAUR) assists students interested in healthcare careers, regardless of their major. Services include: advising, test preparation, summer programs, guest speaker presentations, professional seminars, community service activities and internship/shadowing opportunities. OHPAUR also maintains articulation agreements with four ATSU campuses, as well as Boston University School of Medicine, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Pacific University, Samuel Merritt University, Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, University of Dayton and Western University School of Health Sciences.