Chaminade University of Honolulu

Students

Dreams of Going to Medical School Shape Up

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

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.

Sheehan Chase (BA Communication '17)

“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.

Chaminade Communication Student Takes on the Big Apple

It’s been a whirlwind week for Chantelle Aguilar, a senior Chaminade communication major, who was named to the American Advertising Federation (AAF) 2017 Most Promising Multicultural Student Class. Flown into New York City by AAF, she spent Feb. 13-16 meeting with professionals from top advertisers, media companies and advertising agencies at the exclusive Most Promising Multicultural Students Recruiters Expo.

Held in conjunction with the Expo, an Industry Immersion program provided her with invaluable networking and learning experiences. The Industry Immersion component of the program allows students to experience the excitement of a career in advertising firsthand by visiting major advertisers, ad agencies and media companies and attending workshops led by industry leaders. In addition, at the “Building Bridges for Our Future Awards Luncheon,” she dined among leading executives and multicultural industry pioneers. The luncheon provided an opportunity for networking and mentorship.

Representing 34 schools, the Most Promising Multicultural Student Class was a carefully selected group of top-tier students in advertising and marketing programs from across the country.  The class was selected for their excellent GPAs, demonstrated talent, leadership and service abilities.

In his recommendation letter, Aguilar’s adviser Dr. Cliff Bieberly said, “Chantelle is an extremely conscientious student who works hard and always takes on new challenges.”  Adding that she is an officer in Chaminade’s American Advertising Federation College Chapter, he pointed out Aguilar’s exceptional GPA.  “This very high-grade average has been earned despite the fact that she is a commuter student, works and is highly involved in our Hogan Entrepreneurs Club, Communication Club, our AAF Student Chapter and the university’s student government where she serves in a marketing communication role,” Dr. Bieberly said.

The 2017 MPMS Judges Committee reviewed the applications from more than 100 highly accomplished students.  Judges came from several top agencies in the advertising profession, including Arc Worldwide, Bloomberg, Droga5, FCB, fluent360, mcgarrybowen, Momentum Worldwide and Omnicom Health Group.  According to the AAF, the judges “were blown away by the talent pool” and that the final selection was quite difficult.

Chantelle is the seventh student from Chaminade to receive this honor since the Communication program began participating in 2004.

Forensic Students Present Research at National Conference

Chelsie Mangca Valdez and Hannah Dibner with their pig experiment
Chelsie Mangca Valdez and Hannah Dibner

Based on their discoveries in the field of carcass decomposition, Chaminade University students Hannah Dibner and Chelsie Mangca Valdez were invited to present their research at a national conference held by the American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS).

The academy’s 69th Annual Scientific Meeting, scheduled for February 13-18 in New Orleans, brings together professionals in all areas of forensic science, including criminalists, physicians, toxicologists, anthropologists, dentists, physicists, psychiatrists, engineers and educators.

Dibner and Valdez, who will both graduate in Spring 2017 with a Master of Science in Forensic Sciences, decided to partner on their research into the biology and pathology of how pig carcasses decompose.

Dibner focused on the effects of scavenging by the Small Asian Mongoose. She points out that this type of research is important because wounds created by scavengers could be mistaken for trauma from violence. Also, knowledge of scavenger behavior could help search parties more effectively locate and recover human remains.

Hannah Dibner presenting at AAFS conference
Hannah Dibner

“Studying rotting carcasses may not be everyone’s idea of a good time,” Dibner says, “but to me it’s a dream come true. The decomp studies at Chaminade are asking certain questions that we haven’t seen addressed by anyone else. And as a scientist, that’s an incredibly exciting and unique position to be in.”

Valdez studied the skin chemistry of decomposing pigs. Her research may lead to a new technique for determining Post-Mortem Interval, meaning the amount of time that elapses after a person dies.

Chelsie Mangca Valdez presenting at AAFS conference
Chelsie Mangca Valdez

“The thing I am most excited about regarding the AAFS conference is the opportunity to meet professionals in the field I have committed seven years of my life studying,” Valdez says. “This experiment was very time consuming but it was very much worth it,” she adds. “I never thought I would be attending a national conference, let alone presenting my finding all while still attending college.”

Dr. David O. Carter, director of Chaminade’s Forensic Sciences Program, encouraged Dibner and Valdez to submit their research to AAFS.

ATSU Offers Chaminade Students Guidance for Med School Applications

Lori Haxton, Dr. Jeffrey Morgan, and Dr. Dave Koenecke speaking with Chaminade students
Lori Haxton, Dr. Jeffrey Morgan, and Dr. Dave Koenecke conduct a professional development workshop

To help students achieve their academic and career goals, Chaminade University’s Office of Health Professions Advising and Undergraduate Research coordinated professional development workshops conducted by officials from A.T. Still University (ATSU).

Under formal articulation agreements, Chaminade students gain early admission to health profession programs at ATSU campuses in Arizona and Missouri with degrees in osteopathic medicine, dentistry, audiology, physical therapy and occupational therapy.

The Jan. 31 workshops focused on what the ATSU admissions committee looks for in applicants and how to communicate effectively during the interview process. ATSU administrators also led an informational session on Feb. 1 to give students an overview of educational opportunities.

For Adam Perez, a Biochemistry major graduating in Spring 2019, the biggest takeaway from the admissions workshop was that ATSU looks at all aspects of applicants. This means it’s important “to truly understand who you are” when applying for medical school.

Melissa Ponce, a Biochemistry major graduating in Spring 2018, credits the interviewing skills workshop with helping her “see my unconscious quirks.”

Dr. Dave Koenecke conducting a mock interview with a Chaminade student
Dr. Dave Koenecke (ATSU, Assistant VP of Admissions) conducting a mock interview

“I realized through this workshop that all the questions the interviewer asked were all questions that I had the answers to,” Ponce says. “It’s all a matter of being genuine and  honest with not just the interviewer but myself as well.”

Before departing Oahu, ATSU Vice President for Admissions Dr. Dave Koenecke toured the Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center, which partners with Chaminade to provide affordable medical care to underprivileged residents, including many Native Hawaiians.

Through an articulation agreement, 2012 Chaminade graduate Ashley Baldauf enrolled in the osteopathic medicine program at ATSU’s Arizona campus in 2013 and is spending three years studying and working at the Waianae center.

Office of Health Associate Provost Patricia M. Lee-Robinson reports that eight Chaminade graduates are currently enrolled in ATSU programs.

Chaminade also has articulation agreements with 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.

Chaminade Accounting Students Provide Free Tax Preparation Service

Chaminade accounting majors took on a taxing challenge this January.  They studied carefully IRS publications and forms, took federal exams, and got themselves certified by the IRS to do tax returns and give advice on budgeting strategies.  Referred to as “the Chaminade tax gang,” these certified students are led across the island by their Chaminade accounting professor, Wayne Tanna, in the pro bono preparing of tax returns for the needy. Each student will do a minimum of four tax returns (many do more) as part of Tanna’s service-learning accounting class project.

Tanna and various other accounting faculty have been offering this service-learning project since the 1980s. This is one of Chaminade’s longest running service-learning projects, started before the university referred to it as service-learning.

Tanna shared some numbers.  Consider that the average tax return preparation fee at a commercial tax preparer is close to $300.  Of course, there are computer programs, which need computers and servers, which also cost money.  Consider that the Chaminade tax gang work with the working poor and the working homeless, people who are due refunds but are intimidated by federal forms, are not familiar with the intricacies of ,say, Earned Income Credit (EIC), or do not have a computer, and just do not have the funds to otherwise file for refunds. The Chaminade students are able to assist these people in taking care of their legal and civic duties as U.S. citizens (i.e. filing their taxes) and then receive refunds. With their certifications, the Chaminade students can also provide basic tax and budget planning information. In the past, refunds to the needy have helped make ends meet or get some off the streets with enough money for rental deposits.

“By my count, we have helped the community to receive over $7,000,000 in tax refunds and credits over the past 25 years that I have been doing this with my classes.  We have also saved the working poor and homeless communities hundreds of thousands of dollars in fees that again they cannot and really should not have to pay,” said Tanna.

The newest “Chaminade tax gang” engaged with clients for the first time this year on January 29, at the State Capitol, partnering with VITA Hawaii.  To qualify for the free service, clients had to have household incomes of less than $55,000.  Walk-ins were welcomed in between scheduled appointments on a first come, first served basis.  According to Tanna, his students will have 18 additional opportunities to prepare taxes.  From Kalihi and Waianae to Palolo Valley and Ewa, there would be people to serve and numbers to crunch. His students remained eager to serve with calculators in hand.

“We do this as it is the best way to connect academic learning to the actual practice (of accounting) AND to demonstrate civic engagement as a part of our Marianist traditions,” Tanna remarked.

For more information on how to get free tax help in Hawaii, visit VITA Hawaii.