Students

Chaminade University’s Athletics Gala Celebrated 2017 Inductees

March 31, 2017 by University Communications & Marketing

Nearly 400 people attended Chaminade University’s 2017 Intercollegiate Athletics Gala, held on March 16 at the Ala Moana Beach Hotel. They came to celebrate the induction of Chaminade president Bro. Bernard Ploeger, S.M., Ph.D. and Chaminade alumnus and 1991 Maui Invitational MVP George Gilmore, Jr. ’04 into the 2017 Silversword Hall of Fame.

Filled with well-wishers – family, friends, colleagues, university supporters, and student-athletes– the ninth annual gala event bustled with excitement. The crowd in the Hibiscus Ballroom quietened as the two honorees prepared for their entrances. As they were separately ushered into the room, emcee Lei U ‘I Kaholokula shared with the crowd the clear impact the men had on the university and on the community at large.

George Gilmore, Jr. ’04, after earning junior college all-America honors in men’s basketball at Santé Fe Community College in Florida in 1990, followed his coach to Chaminade University. In his first game in the 1991 EA SPORTS Maui Invitational, he scored 23 points against Iowa State. He followed that with 28 points against Toledo then 33 against Loyola Marymount. He finished the 1991-92 season second in the nation in scoring with a 28.3 scoring average while earning Division II All-America honors. The following year proved to be his landmark season when he set the Maui Invitational scoring record by pouring in 93 points in the three-game tournament, earning him the tournament’s Most Valuable Player honors, one of only two Chaminade players to hold that distinction. He graduated from Chaminade in 2004. Today, the Kailua resident, in alignment with Chaminade’s mission and values, works at the Kapolei Detention Home helping to mentor at-risk youths turn their lives around.

Bro. Bernard Ploeger, S.M., Ph.D., who concludes his service as Chaminade University president on June 30, 2017, will have served Chaminade for 23 years: eight years as its president, plus the prior 15 years in other leadership capacities. He is considered the chief architect in developing and carrying out the University’s strategic plans since 2008. One of the major key levers of success in those strategic plans has been to renew Chaminade’s participation in intercollegiate athletics as a point of pride for alumni and for campus and community supporters. Ploeger has been instrumental in encouraging Chaminade’s competitive success in regional and conference sports, has helped ensure an increase in outreach in Hawaii, and has pressed for financial support in securing program facilities.

The crowd applauded loudly in a standing ovation. The processions were followed by Kaipo Leopoldino ’14 offering the Hawaiian ‘oli “He Mele No Kaminaka” (Song or Chant of Chaminade), which Leopoldino had composed when he was a Chaminade student. Chaminade regent Bro. William Campbell, S.M. delivered the invocation. Video tributes for the two men played as dinner was served. The student-athlete speaker Megan McClanahan ’18, who originates from Nebraska and plays women’s soccer at Chaminade, shared her gratitude for the sports’ program and Chaminade’s academic program, which led to her acceptance into George Washington University Medical School.

Soon it was time for the honorees to share a few words. Gilmore spoke about his hardships in his early upbringing and his gratitude at being at Chaminade. Not only did he shine athletically at the university, but he also met his wife at Chaminade. Bro. Ploeger said that he had mentioned Gilmore as a possible inductee in the past and felt honored to be inducted at the same time as Gilmore.

After each spoke, each received a traditional Native Hawaiian implement — a sword created from the bill of a swordfish and crafted by alumnus Gordon “Umi” Kai ’73. Chairman of the Board of Regents Vaughn Vasconcellos was moved to tears during his closing remarks as he spoke of Bro. Ploeger’s influence on Chaminade. Both Ploeger and Gilmore have left unique marks on the University and the community at large. Chaminade was grateful and proud.

With the strong leadership of event chair Dr. Edison H. Miyawaki, the athletics gala has raised $1.5 Million over the last nine years in support of Chaminade University’s 10-sports intercollegiate athletics program.

Bro. Bernie Ploeger’s, S.M., video tribute
George Gilmore, Jr. ’04 video tribute

Chaminade Celebrates Service Learning

March 23, 2017 by University Communications & Marketing

The Clarence T. C. Ching Conference Center in Eiben Hall was packed with students, faculty, staff and representatives from local community organizations at Chaminade University’s annual celebration of service learning.

Representatives greeted you from SHINE Hawaii as soon as you walked through the door. They shared how involved students had tutored immigrants in English and on passing citizenship tests. Environmental + Interior Design had a large number of projects on display including plans for the spaces at Holy Nativity School in East Oahu. There were nursing projects and business projects, environmental projects and teaching projects.

Alex Morris, a business major working on Professor Kido’s FAFSA project, said “I can afford school. Helping these students to find the means to afford a college education was like doing something that you would do for yourself but to someone who is not me.”

Joshua Fukumae, a senior majoring in Communication, served as an intern with Jarret Middle School helping to develop and maintain the school’s website. “I worked for a client to make sure that the website presented information in a concise way,” he said. Fukumae practiced skills that he would need in his career as well as served a client who needed help.

2017 Service Learning Day — Professor Wayne Tanna and Palolo Elementary students, who won the Stock Market Game

Guests from Palolo Elementary School also attended the celebration for special recognition. The SIFMA Foundation, an educational non-profit organization dedicated to fostering knowledge and understanding of the financial markets for individuals of all backgrounds, awarded two teams at Palolo Elementary School first and second place in the Hawaii Elementary School division of The Stock Market Game for fall 2016. Both teams were coached by business students from Chaminade University who were led by Accounting professor Wayne Tanna. The Stock Market Game™ is an online simulation of the global capital markets that engages students in grades 4-12 in the world of economics, investing and personal finance, and prepares them for financially independent lives. Medals and certificates were given out to the young winners, who received them with great pride.

The director of Service Learning, Candice Sakuda was pleased with Chaminade’s impact. According to Sakuda, learning through service has been ingrained in programs for decades with the impact of service learning coming through the convergence of civic engagement in the Catholic Marianist tradition.

The Rules of Dating: A Conversation about Dating and the Hook-Up Culture

March 21, 2017 by University Communications & Marketing

It was late afternoon when Chaminade students gathered in the Vi and Paul Loo Student Center to listen to guest speaker Kerry Cronin speak on The Rules of Dating: A Conversation about Dating and Hook-Up Culture. The title was intriguing enough. Cronin’s boisterous style – cheerful, friendly and nonjudgmental – made her easy to like. Her subject matter piqued their interest as she drew them into a conversation about dating and hooking up.

Bro. Ed Brink, Kerry Cornin, and Allison Jerome

Cronin covered the basics of dating and the need for social courage. Statistically, students on college campuses may be having sex. Some may need help with decisions about that, and some may not. However, the larger majority just needs help on basic social cues, which the culture does not give them. When she described dating, Cronin intentionally downplayed the issue of sex and focused on the importance of relationships. In general, students seemed more concerned with how to actually ask someone out on a date.

According to Cronin, the purpose of dating is to determine if one wants to be in a relationship. This first level of dating is reconnaissance work. You have to be focused because you are trying to find out if you are really interested in and attracted to someone. Many students would prefer to find out about somebody in a group, but a group has its own dynamic.

Connecting with someone one-on-one is different in that your attention is on someone else, and you are allowing someone else’s attention to be on you. This takes courage because you have intentionally placed yourself into a vulnerable position. She stressed that this kind of dating as being alcohol-free and lasting for at least an hour so that you can figure out the depth of your romantic and sexual interest.

These days, the hookup culture has become very appealing. The hookup scene is motivated largely by a desire for a connection, but it is a desire hampered by a lack of courage. The biggest difficulty is having the simple courage to ask somebody if he or she would want to sit down for an hour and talk.

Students appreciated her straightforwardness and honest approach to the discussion as she advised them on how to go about the business of dating.

“Being in a relationship for 10 years, I was not too familiar with the hooking up culture and what that meant. It was nice to be able to relate to other students who have been engaging in this type of activity,” said Sashalee Torres, a senior majoring in Forensic Sciences. “She was really funny and extremely relatable. I felt comfortable speaking with her after the talk. She was not speaking poorly of the hooking up culture but trying to get a better understanding of it.”

Toni Mitsumoto, also a senior majoring in Forensic Sciences decided to attend Cronin’s talk because she thought it would interesting to learn about the hookup culture, “Especially when you’re living in a generation where it’s so common to hookup, and you never really take a second to think about it and how it affects us,” she said. “My favorite part of the talk was when she read some of her students’ reflections. Some were really sweet, and it was nice to hear their point of views on how dating is compared to just hooking up. It was very relatable and made the talk more engaging.”

Mitsumoto said that she would definitely take some time to reflect on how the hookup culture played a role in her own life. “And who knows, maybe I will participate in her assignment and ask someone on a date! That would be interesting!” she added.

Torres would even be interested in taking a class on the subject. “I think that maybe there should be a club or class that discusses relationships and how to date. This would be beneficial for students who are not familiar with that area of their lives.”

Cronin, who serves at Boston College as the associate director of the Lonergan Institute and the Faculty Fellow at the Center for Interdisciplinary Perspectives program, works extensively with undergraduates in retreat programs. She also teaches classes on dating, which include dating assignments and dating scripts, and is quite popular. A regular speaker on college campuses, she addresses topics of student culture and formation. Her talks on dating have a wide internet following. As part of its Health and Wellness program, the Office of the Dean of Students with the Office of the Rector sponsored Cronin’s special speaking engagement at Chaminade University.

At a Marianist Education Associates meeting earlier that day, Cronin explained to faculty and staff that there were two syllabuses in the formation of students as they go through college. The first syllabus dealt with content, tests, and academics. The second syllabus dealt with students endeavoring to find friends, resolving issues, practicing adulting, discovering joy, finding their gifts, and ridding themselves of baggage. “Students want us to walk with them as they try to navigate through college life,” she said. “It’s part of educating the whole person.”

Chaminade Pre-service Teachers Present at a Science Conference for Professional Educators

March 15, 2017 by University Communications & Marketing

Pre-service teachers from Chaminade University were invited to present at the 2017 Hawai‘i Science Teachers Association Conference. Held at Punahou School on March 4, the conference was an opportunity for science educators across the state to connect and promote science education in the schools. In-service teachers and professionals working in science fields presented on a range of topics such as planetary curricula, science fellowships and grants, water management, oceanography and globalized education.

The Chaminade seniors held their own with in-service teachers as they presented on two different learning experiences that are currently part of the Chaminade Elementary Education program. All will graduate in May 2017 with a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education.

Students Leimana Kane, Sarah Vinluan, Shirley Xiao and Nicole Molina with their professor, Katrina Roseler, Ph.D. presented on “NASA for Educators.” They recounted their NASA summer experience from the Minority University Research and Education Project, a weeklong, fully-funded institute at NASA Ames Research Center in Mountain View California. They also provided grade appropriate standards, aligned classroom activities aligned with NASA resources, and answered teachers’ questions.

“To prepare for the conference, I had to recall what we did and how it might be helpful to use NASA data for their lesson,” said Xiao. “Even though I don’t have a lot of teaching experiences, I was still able to teach something new to teachers who have more experience than me.”

Currently a pre-service teacher at Hokulani Elementary School, Kane noted that presenting was a great experience for her as a future teacher, especially when sharing with parents and other faculty members. “It was a great opportunity to see my classmates and teacher present and learn from them,” she remarked. “It was a great chance to network with other teachers and hear their thoughts about what we talked about.”

Vinluan realized from the experience that “teaching professionals are always learning and gaining new knowledge to improve their teaching.” She added, “Teaching professionals are constantly teaching one another and sharing ideas. I will strive to do the same in the future and become a lifelong learner.”

Kane and Dr. Roseler also presented on “Science and Engineering through a Problem-Based Learning.” They discussed the varied implementations of investigations related to the Ala Wai watershed including how students explicitly engaged in science and engineering practices. They also discussed the learning opportunities created in classrooms that addressed the water pollution concerns surrounding the Ala Wai watershed.

“Our Chaminade pre-service teachers are already beginning to participate in professional development experiences alongside in-service teachers,” Dr. Roseler noted with pride. “Research indicates that elementary teachers have limited confidence with respect to scientific knowledge/practices and science teaching skills. However, this group of pre-service educators is challenging that model by sharing their ideas and developing their confidence in the area of science knowledge and teaching through participation in this statewide conference.”

Dr. Roseler emphasized how these pre-service teachers were asserting their identities into “their chosen community of practice – teaching” and concluded, “As one of their mentors in science education, it is my responsibility to encourage these pre-service teachers to spread their wings, share their experiences and support their recognition in the field of education.”

Dreams of Going to Medical School Shape Up

March 14, 2017 by University Communications & Marketing

Chaminade University students with dreams of someday attending medical school went to Arizona this spring. Sponsored by the Office of Health Professions and Undergraduate Research, about a dozen students explored the campuses of Grand Canyon University (Phoenix), Midwestern University (Glendale), A.T. Still University-Arizona School of Health Sciences (ATSU-ASHS) and A.T. Still University-School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona (ATSU-SOMA). In addition, students attended a graduate fair at Grand Canyon University.

Chaminade students at A.T. Still University

“This trip was both life-changing and a huge eye-opener for me,” said Chaminade first-year student Hi’ilei Ishii-Chaves. “During the course of this trip, I felt that I really stepped out of my comfort zone. I built new relationships, tried new foods and participated in events I would never do.” Ishii-Chaves is seriously considering ATSU but needs to do further research on whether becoming a medical doctor or an osteopathic doctor is the better fit for her.

Chaminade student Rea Mae Garcia enjoyed the problem-based learning style that she experienced at ATSU in which students were presented with a patient with real complaints. Patient vitals and lab work results were shared, and students had to figure out causes for the complaints. She was also fascinated by the anatomy laboratory. “I got to hold the kidney, the brain and the brain stem,” she said. The ATSU visit finalized her decision. “When I went back to the hotel that night, I wrote out interview questions and tried to answer them…I love it there, and I hope to go there for medical school,” Garcia emphasized adamantly.

Accompanied on the trip by Mrs. Patricia Lee-Robinson (associate provost and director of the Office Health Professions Advising and Undergraduate Research) and Dr. Amber Caracol Noguchi (Health Professions advisor), the students connected with Chaminade alumni for dinner. The Chaminade alumni, who were also current medical students, shared their wisdom on the challenges faced and the strategies used to overcome them.

Chaminade students at Midwestern University

Chaminade student Angela Williams was reassured by Chaminade alumna Jacquelynn Pratt ’06 who explained that life as a medical student was not easy and gave Williams some survival tips. “I learned that her (Jackie’s) biggest struggles were with weather adjustment and homesickness,” reflected Williams. “I am afraid that I will face the same problems. However, studying and socializing in the new school will hopefully keep me busy.”

Chaminade University has formal articulation agreements with ATSU-ASHS and ATSU-SOMA, which are both in Mesa, Arizona. Articulation agreements permit early admission for qualified Chaminade applicants to health profession programs. ATSU-ASHS agreements have opened doors for Chaminade students seeking the degrees of Doctor of Physical Therapy (D.P.T.), Doctor of Audiology (Au.D.), Doctor of Occupational Therapy (O.T.D.), and a Master of Occupational Therapy (M.S.). ATSU-SOMA offers a pathway to a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) degree.

“This trip helped me focus on my goals and career,” wrote Williams. “I am so glad that Chaminade University has articulation agreements with many schools around the nation including ATSU-SOMA. I appreciate this given opportunity and would like to express my heartfelt gratitude by saying thank you.”

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.

Hogan Entrepreneurs Program Ignites Chaminade Student’s Dream Business

March 9, 2017 by University Communications & Marketing

When Sheehan Chase entered Chaminade University at the age of 28, he entered a community of learners that would nurture and challenge him to go beyond what he thought were his limits.

Chase had been out of school for a while before he finally returned. He purposely chose Chaminade because of its Marianist connection. As an alumnus of Archbishop Riordan High School, which is sponsored by the Marianists and under the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of San Francisco, he was familiar with Marianist educational values and was seeking community. He was not disappointed. He found that students and faculty were involved and engaged. So was he, and he thrived in the smaller-sized classes.

“Chaminade has given me a great community and a small tight-knit place to grow in,” said the senior majoring in communications.

His growth took a quantum leap when he entered Chaminade’s Hogan Entrepreneurs Program.

To be eligible for the program, students had to maintain a GPA of 3.0 or better and then continue that performance while in the program. They had to have a record of leadership or entrepreneurial experience and demonstrate evidence of creative thinking and the ability to consider the ethical dimensions of their actions.

Once part of the program, Chase and his fellow student-entrepreneurs learned about the fundamentals of entrepreneurship, the external environments of entrepreneurial organizations, the issues which affect entrepreneurial success and management of entrepreneurial ventures. Then there were the professional development workshops which develop students’ skills in areas such as professional communications, business etiquette and protocol, media relations, sale and cross-cultural management.

In addition, one of the great benefits offered was that of access to the Hogan Mentors-in-Residence, Entrepreneurs-in-Residence, and the Leadership-Coach-in-Residence — a cadre of expert advisors and business leaders available for students to meet with one-on-one. These experts have been an invaluable resource for student-entrepreneurs.

The program offerings and the network of experts ignited Chase’s entrepreneurial passions. He already had an idea for a business seeded in his mind before entering the program. He had created a journal of his grandmother’s life that was so impressive, people encouraged him to start a business. Could he do it?

Sheehan Chase's biographical book about his grandmother

When Chase shared his idea with his Hogan advisors and mentors, they urged him forward. Dr. John Webster, the director of the program, was the one who advised him to focus on developing a prototype and perfecting that prototype. Following Dr. Webster’s advice, Chase prepared his grandmother’s book with her oral history to perfection.

Chase showcased the work to the Hogan Advisory Board and landed his first client. In December 2016, Chase’s business “Tale to Tell” was launched. As a communication major and a Hogan entrepreneur, Chase was uniquely qualified to blend the telling of a good story with a business niche.

“For any student with business ideas, the Hogan Entrepreneurs program is a great facilitator and a great provider of resources,” said Chase, who delved into program offerings with gusto and met regularly with Hogan experts regarding his new business.

Chase’s network of Hogan people did not let him stop at just having a business. They pushed him to compete in the state regionals of the Global Student Entrepreneur Awards, which recognizes the best in student-led business innovation. Hosted by the Entrepreneurs’ Organization of Hawaii, the competition judged competitors as entrepreneurs and on their business plans.

Chase made his presentation to a panel of seasoned entrepreneurs and competed with college business students from across the state. He had his doubts, but his mentors were confident. In January, Chase was recognized as one of this year’s top three regional finalists and was mentioned in Hawaii Business.

“I love Chaminade and what it has done for me,” Chase said. Chase is especially grateful for the Hogan Entrepreneurs because it equipped him with new skills, extensive connections, and the mindset to start new things wherever his career may lead him. “It has been such a great experience,” he emphasized.