Chaminade University of Honolulu

Students

Business Students Take Top Honors, Once Again, in Ethics Case Study International Competition

For the third time in the past five years, Chaminade University took top honors at an international academic competition for business students. Hosting the Ethics Case Study Competition was the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE) at its annual conference and assembly meeting in San Francisco.

Students on the winning team were Victoria Alakai, Ave Galea’i, Anthony Lamorena and Jennifer Tolentino. Serving as coaches and mentors from Chaminade’s School of Business and Communication were faculty members Wayne Tanna, Carolyn Kuriyama, Aaron Williamson and IACBE “Teacher of the Year” Richard Kido.

Peregrine Academic Services awarded the team a $1,000 scholarship.

When making their presentations to panels of judges, students explained legal, financial, economic, marketing, management and other relevant issues. Then they made recommendations for action grounded in ethical theory.

Since Chaminade is a Native Hawaiian-serving institution, the students developed a case study regarding the transition of land at Kalaupapa on Molokai, where thousands of Hansen’s Disease sufferers lived in seclusion since 1866.

The ethical dilemma involved preserving the legacy of those patients versus providing homestead lands to Native Hawaiians on a waiting list.

After making their initial presentations, all teams in the competition were given just four hours to analyze and offer recommendations regarding a case study of the 2015 terrorist attack in San Bernardino, California.

The basic question was: Should a technology company assist the government in accessing people’s private information for any purpose in the name of national security?

A total of five teams entered the IACBE competition, including a group of graduate students from Germany.

Time Management is Key, Undergraduate Says, to Balancing Pre-Med Studies, Soccer and Social Life

Incoming senior Megan McClanahan is one of Chaminade University’s “super achievers.” Along with excelling in her pre-medical studies, she competes on the Silversword women’s soccer team, immerses herself in campus issues through the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and still has time for social activities.

Megan McClanahan playing soccer

How does she strike a balance among these diverse interests? McClanahan says time management enables her to “not only balance soccer and academics, but to also enjoy a social life.”

“Soccer practice helps me fire up my brain early in the morning so I can perform better in morning classes,” she says. “I usually do homework in the afternoons and evenings. I am a big believer in study groups, and I have found a great group of friends to study with. The last thing I do to balance my life is to get enough sleep. I shoot for at least eight hours a night.”

That formula obviously works for McClanahan, who plans to earn her undergraduate biology degree next year from the School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics. Then this future surgeon will enroll at The George Washington University School of Medicine & Health Sciences through an articulation agreement negotiated by Chaminade.

“I have known for a very long time I want to be a doctor,” McClanahan says. “During my freshman year, I became aware of the articulation agreement Chaminade has with George Washington. My sophomore year I did more research about GW and viewed it as the next place I want to stop on my journey through life.”

Megan McClanahan studying

With guidance from Chaminade’s Undergraduate Research & Pre-Professional Programs, McClanahan was accepted for an interview at George Washington “and fell in love with the Washington, D.C., area and the campus while I was there.”

“As a part of the agreement, I am finishing my time at Chaminade pursuing a humanities minor of Hawaiian and Pacific Island Studies,” McClanahan says. “I am grateful for the opportunities presented to me at Chaminade, and I am eager to begin my next steps to becoming a doctor.”

McClanahan, who hails from the Omaha suburb of Papillion, Nebraska, was initially attracted to Chaminade as a high school junior when she participated in a National History Day contest. On the last day of the competition in the nation’s capital, McClanahan won a Chaminade merit scholarship. Then she discovered the Silversword soccer team.

“I spent the next year trying to find a way to get the coaches and athletic department at Chaminade to notice me,” McClanahan says. “Once I was able to fulfill my lifelong dream of playing college soccer, I had a decision to make.

“Should I be fearless and decide to spend the next four years in Hawaii, a place I have never been? Or should I play it safe and stay closer to home? Needless to say, I took a leap of faith and have never looked back with regret.”

Leading a Government Watchdog Group is Tough, but MBA Program Makes It Easier

Given Corie Tanida’s affinity for the nonprofit sector, and her commitment to professional growth, pursuing an MBA at Chaminade University seems like a perfect fit – especially since the graduate program offers flexible scheduling and a Not-For-Profit concentration.

Tanida serves as executive director of Common Cause Hawaii, a nonpartisan, nonprofit, grassroots organization committed to making government more open, honest and accountable to the people. And heading this statewide watchdog group isn’t easy.

Her formidable responsibilities include: advocating for policy reforms at state and county levels, overseeing civic engagement projects, conducting research, leading fundraising initiatives, coordinating volunteers and managing the Honolulu office.

“For most of my career, I’ve been an organizer, so I knew how to run campaigns, events, etc.,” says Tanida, a former Peace Corps volunteer in El Salvador. “Most of what I learned was from on-the-job experience and from mentors. I realized that I didn’t have any technical or managerial experience, and these are key skills in any field.”

Earning an MBA, therefore, “would fill that gap.”

Tanida describes her Chaminade professors as “awesome, incredibly knowledgeable and friendly.” But an instructor who stands out is John Ciambrone. He taught a course entitled “Strategic Issues in Philanthropy.”

“When I accepted the position of Common Cause executive director, I was worried because I didn’t have much experience in development,” Tanida says. “Thanks to Professor Ciambrone, he gave me the tools and knowledge I needed to create a development program and feel comfortable when working with donors.

“And even though I took his class months ago, he still answers my questions and invites me to workshops and conferences so I can learn more and connect with the philanthropic community. He even gave up his own time and energy to train my board of directors on development,” she continues.

“How many professors genuinely care and go out of their way to help you succeed outside of class?”

Tanida, who plans to graduate from Chaminade this summer, also praises MBA Program Manager and Professor Elizabeth Stone.

“While the assignment was to create a business plan for a completely new nonprofit, Professor Stone knew about my unique position and allowed me to draft the plan about Common Cause Hawaii, which I was able to put to use almost immediately,” Tanida says.

“I’m grateful that she was flexible and that she continued to work with me after the term ended to help me refine the business plan. With Professor Stone’s guidance, I was able to look at Common Cause through a fresh and more objective view.

“Professor Stone has also gone out of her way to help me build my networks and share her experiences in the nonprofit sector with me,” Tanida adds. “Again, another great example of a caring professor who goes out of their way to see you succeed.”

Chaminade University Celebrates 2017 Spring Commencement

Hundreds of exuberant graduates celebrated their achievements with their families, friends, faculty, staff and colleagues at Chaminade University’s 59th Commencement. Approximately 429 students graduated this spring semester with nearly 335 participating in the May 15 ceremony held at Neal Blaisdell Arena.

The program featured as its keynote speaker Shelley J. Wilson, the president and chief executive officer of Wilson Homecare and vice chair and secretary of Chaminade University’s Board of Regents. In 1996, Wilson founded Wilson Homecare, one of Hawaii’s largest private-duty home health care agencies. Wilson Homecare provides in-home health care services island-wide. Also in 2013, Wilson Senior Living Kailua, a state-licensed Adult Residential Care Home opened in the Aikahi neighborhood.

Wilson inspired the audience with her story.  She found her passion during one of the most difficult times of her life.  Returning to civilian life as a wounded warrior, Wilson had to deal with the challenges of recovery in the home.  Her experiences gave her empathy for in-home-care patients. In response to those hard times, she founded Wilson Homecare.  She encouraged the soon-to-be graduates to find a cause and to dedicate themselves to that cause with a passion as a way to find purpose and meaning.

Commencement student speakers were Taylor Seth Stutsman, the undergraduate representative, and Rezettakahealani Eric Mulitalo, the post-graduate representative.

Stutsman graduated with his B.S. in Forensics Sciences, Cum Laude.  That night his family came from five different states to cheer for him. He moved to Hawaii from Pennsylvania and appreciated the diversity of Chaminade. “Hawaii has taught me more about acceptance and tolerance than I could have imagined,” he said, appreciative of the multi-cultural experiences made available to him at Chaminade.

Mulitalo graduated that night with her M.S. in Criminal Justice Administration. Raised in Western Samoa, she graduated with a bachelor’s degree from the University of Wellington, New Zealand. “You do not have to know what you are going to do with the rest of your life yet,” she reassured the graduating students. She advised them to remember what the Scottish scholar William Barclay had said. “’There are two great days in a person’s life –the day we are born, and the day we discover why,’” she quoted. “Watch your choices, follow your dreams and love what you do.”

Congratulations to the 2017 Graduates and Inductees of the Hogan Entrepreneurs Program

The Hogan Entrepreneurs program on April 26, celebrated its 15th annual graduation and induction ceremonies. Thirty-four new graduates were honored bringing the total to more than 400 students who have graduated from the certificate program. The program provides students with the opportunity to learn firsthand from experienced Hawaii business leaders and entrepreneurs about business. Graduates will have learned the tools, skills, exposures, and motivation to succeed in entrepreneurial undertakings and to make entrepreneurial contributions to their communities.

At this year’s event, the Hogan Entrepreneurs program expressed its gratitude to Ed and Lynn Hogan by presenting them with a pahi kaua, made from the bill of a flat bill swordfish. The Hogan program continues to be funded through generous contributions from the Hogan Family Foundation, located in California.

The program also honored Bro. Bernard Ploeger, SM, who has been a staunch supporter of the Hogan program throughout its 15 years. He will conclude his Chaminade presidency this summer. Bro. Ploeger received a ko`oko`o (wooden staff) made from the native kamani tree.

The Hogan program recognized 13 students for their outstanding work in various areas and at different class levels.  Judy Ng, a senior majoring in Business Administration, took top honors as the Outstanding Hogan Entrepreneur of 2017. The Hogan program recognized Ng as the student who achieved the most significant results while consistently embracing the spirit of the program though her earnestness and enthusiasm for the underlying values of the program.

The program also recognized a faculty member for the first time with its new Exceptional Teaching Award.  The students applauded loudly as Business professor Denny McDonough received the honor.

HOGAN ENTREPRENEURS 2017 AWARDS

Outstanding Hogan Entrepreneur of the Year
Judy Ng

Outstanding Graduate Student
Gabriel Torno

Outstanding Seniors
Mario Armendariz
Sheehan Chase

Outstanding Junior
Matthew Southard

Aloha Spirit Award
Desiree DePondicchello
Hannah Sablan
Tyler Taydus

Community Service Award
Monique Gomes
Karanna Soulvongs
Gailene Wong

“In the Arena” Award
Ana Acuna Cesped and Carlos Gutierrez Ayala

Exceptional Teaching Award 
Mr. Denny McDonough

2017 Hogan Entrepreneurs Graduates
Ana Acuña Césped
Chantelle Aguilar
Mario Armendariz
Sheehan Chase
Claire Colon-Gonzalez
Desireé DePondicchello
Kalei Ehlers
Nicolas Ferro
Lee Fujino
Brianna Georgia
James Gochenouer
Monique Gomes
Calee Goya
Carlos Gutiérrez Ayala
Kristle Henry
Brittain Komoda
Ferleen Mallarme
Daniel Mangum
Jacqueline McGreal
Judy Ng
Krys Romanczak
Hannah Sablan
Alexa Shah
Karanna Soulvongs
Matthew Southard
Haelee Tallett
Tyler Taydus
Gabriel Torno
Clarke Velasco
Gailene Wong

Breaking Through Student Stress with Fun Relief

It was the last week of classes, and the traditional stress storms had hit the campus with a flurry of craziness. Deadlines, unfinished papers, misbehaving printers, readings, chapter reviews and last minute questions for professors compounded by events to attend and job responsibilities stirred up a maddening spirit across the campus. Oh, what’s an exasperated student to do?

The Chaminade Student Programming Board (CSPB) created some healthy ways to release those tensions from May 1-5, the last week of classes. Crazy fun and playful distractions provided students with opportunities to shake off their distress.

The board launched the week with an inflatable obstacle course and a free barbecue lunch on Monday.  Students and faculty members kicked off their shoes and rushed up a balloon mountain, sliding down again.  Many did it over and over again, breaking into a mild cardiovascular sweat. The physical relief from some strenuous exercise made students smile again, and then to do it with their faculty members added cheers and laughter to the noise of the crowd on the library lawn.

The Chaminade Student Government Association (CSGA) also introduced its newly-elected board on Monday at the barbecue. Serving in 2017-2018 are Ashlee Navarro (president), Rena Pascual (executive vice president), Jenny Rose Anacan (vice president of Programming), Tyler Cartaino (vice president of Finance), Marvin Trantham (vice president of Communications), Mica Mariano (vice president of Internal Affairs), and Filmore Timothy (chair of the House of Representatives).

On Tuesday, the programming board set up a mini golf putt course on the lawn between Henry Hall and Clarence T. C. Ching Hall.  Focusing their attentions on their game seemed to refresh students as they forgot their cares and sucked on free Jui Moi pops. Ah, the power of play!

On Wednesday, 200 students enjoyed free smoothies from Jamba Juice and healthy snacks, served at the CSGA office in Clarence T. C. Ching Hall.  The free pick-me-uppers energized the students for the next mile of their academic marathon. CSPB and Residence Hall Association (RHA) also offered an evening at David & Buster’s for some additional fun and relief.

On Thursday morning at Henry Hall Courtyard, Koa Café provided a commuter breakfast for students. The menu included fried rice, scrambled eggs, bacon, Portuguese sausage and guava lava mochi waffles. Students were grateful and hungry. Nothing like a good breakfast to meet the day’s struggles.

On Friday on the library lawn, the programming board presented the “Chaminade + Carnival” portion of the week.  As students hiked up or down Kalaepohaku, they could take a respite on the library lawn and play carnival games, eat a free bento, have a bit of refreshment, and unwind momentarily. The fun sparked their plugs, and the food added fuel to their bodies.

The week’s activities kept the fun alive and provided a bit of sanity during the last week of school, thanks to CSPB members Jerri Francisco (chair), Jenny Rose Anacan, Chris Kanamu, Jana Lazarte, Melissa Ponce, and Angela Williams.