Chaminade University of Honolulu

Students

Nursing Students Mark White Coat Ceremony

Chaminade University’s School of Nursing and Health Professions held its annual White Coat Ceremony on Saturday, February 22 to recognize 76 nursing students as they begin their clinical education.

As part of the tradition, Chaminade Nursing faculty assist students with donning their white medical coats.

The gathering is considered a rite of passage in a person’s journey toward a career in nursing.

After receiving their coats, students recited the International Council of Nurses pledge, committing to uphold nursing ethics and provide exemplary care to patients.



Dr. Lorin Ramocki, RN, interim dean of the Chaminade School of Nursing and Health Professions, said the white coat celebration bridges classroom learning with clinical practice.

“This is a really exciting point in their career and this is really their first opportunity to care for patients in the clinical setting,” she said.

Ramocki added that students are preparing to enter the profession as a critical shortage of nurses continues.

“We’re hoping with each graduating class that many of these nursing students will stay here in the islands and work in our healthcare facilities to help care for our patients,” she said.

Following the ceremonies, students received lei from family and friends outside of the Sullivan Family Library.

Celebrating a Century-Old Bridge to Education

Chaminade University joined the Marianist Center of Hawaiʻi, Saint Louis School and Sacred Hearts Academy on Friday to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Palolo Stream Bridge, which has served as a “strong, humble” entry point to campus and a symbol of the ongoing Marianist mission in the islands.

The gathering included a parade, performances and a lunch. Speakers also took to a stage on the Front Lawn to underscore the significance of the anniversary.

Bro. Dennis Schmitz, S.M., of the Marianist Center of Hawaiʻi, called the bridge a powerful connection between the world and Kalaepōhaku, the hill where Chaminade and Saint Louis School are located and “our sacred space.” Speaking to attendees, Schmitz said, “The bridge has a mission—to enable us to come to this campus to learn Catholic Marianist values.”

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President Lynn Babington, Ph.D. added it was an honor to celebrate the bridge and its special significance to the Hawaiʻi’s Marianist community, connecting Kalaepōhaku with Waialae Avenue.

As part of the event, attendees also walked to the bridge to learn more about Marianist history.

The bridge over Palolo Stream was built in 1925 by Hawaiian Contracting Company for $14,500.

“Thanks to this ‘little’ bridge, we were able to construct this campus—where so many people were able to come to be educated in the Marianist and Catholic tradition,” Schmitz said.

“For 100 years, it has been the link from the world to Saint Louis School and Chaminade University and it has been the link from Kalaepōhaku back to the world. Students and their families cross this bridge in the morning to grow in their spiritual and intellectual lives. At the end of the day, they cross the bridge back to the world where they try to live out the values that they’ve learned.”

Schmitz noted the gathering is also a kick-off of a series of other century celebrations at Kalaepōhaku. Ching, Bertram and Henry halls will turn 100 in 2027.

Schmitz said that as he has worked on the bridge celebration event, he’s come to deeply appreciate the structure’s greater significance.

“In this time of so much division in the world, the bridge symbolizes the importance of reaching across the divide so that good things can happen,” he said. “We’re called to be like the bridge and to learn from our enriching experiences on the campus so that we too might lay down our lives in humble service.”

Silverswords Shine in Data Science Challenge

“Absolutely amazing.”

That’s how Rylan Chong, Ph.D., director of Chaminade’s Data Science Program, described the University’s showing in the most recent Advanced Computing for Social Change Challenge. Five Silverswords participated in the event, held in Atlanta from Nov. 16 to Nov. 21, joining students from across the country for a bootcamp-type experience full of learning and camaraderie.

It’s the sixth year Chaminade students have participated, using their skills in data analysis, computational thinking and the latest techniques in data visualization to explore a social challenge and consider data-informed solutions. A key component of the challenge is a presentation so participants can learn how to effectively communicate their findings to the general public.

Tallen Vidal ‘28, who is majoring in Data Science, became the first freshman to complete the challenge. In his project, he focused on the impact of COVID-19 on the homeless population of Oahu and put together recommendations aimed at better protecting the vulnerable group.

While Vidal is just beginning his university journey, he is already inspired about how he might deploy data science for the public good. “I believe data science can prove to be a powerful driver for social change because of how informative the data can be,” Vidal said.

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He noted that quality, trustworthy data is important for creating strategies to “attack the problems of today, which gives us a clearer plan for the mission of tomorrow. It can also be used to spread awareness so that more people can understand the presence of various social problems.”

Chong said the advanced computing challenge begins with participants selecting a research question and collecting key figures from large publicly-available data sets. From there, they use the Texas Advanced Computer Center supercomputer to analyze it and produce results.

He noted the challenge also stresses community connections, which is why several students previously presented their projects in Hawaiian to a large audience of scientists, engineers and statisticians. At the most recent event, Olynann Taase ‘25 presented her research in Samoan.

Students in the challenge tackle a social problem—and then seek to use data to help craft solutions.

Chong was also particularly proud of participants Anson Ekau ‘25 and Berylin Lau ‘26, who completed their own work while also looking for ways to help their peers. Lau focused her project on cultural identity while Ekau worked on a project about Hawai’i’s economic challenges.

And in another bright spot for Chaminade, Dae’Onna Butler ‘27 was offered the honor of presenting her project first “because of her advanced analytics, research project and spectacular practice presentation,” Chong said.

“She went into the presentation helping other students understand the expectations, demonstrating confidence, and setting the tone.

Two Chaminade students—Upumoni Logologo ‘25 and Kole Nagai ‘25—also attended the challenge as mentors after having previously participated. Over the week, they guided students with their research, helped them with computer coding and gave pointers on presentations.

“Data science has the potential to significantly impact social change by providing insights and evidence-based solutions to complex societal problems. By analyzing data, we can identify patterns, predict trends, and propose data-driven interventions that have the capacity to address issues such as inequality, public health challenges, and environmental sustainability,” said Logologo, adding the challenge is not only a learning opportunity but a chance to network with organizations.

Vidal said while the challenge was tough, he walked away with new confidence, ideas and inspiration.

“My favorite part of the event was getting to meet and talk to other students who were from all over the country,” he said, adding that he hopes to stay in touch with them. “I was able to learn so much about each and every one of their cultures and places they are from.”

Students Stage Agatha Christie Thriller

‘Love From a Stranger’ will come alive at the Black Box Theatre

You won’t want to miss the Chaminade Drama Club‘s latest production, “Love From a Stranger.”

The play, based on Agatha Christie’s short story “Philomel Cottage,” makes its debut on Nov. 15.

Club treasurer and set designer Caleb Cloud ’25 said the play showcases gender-blind casting.

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“There’s a lot of diversity and inclusion within the Club,” he added.

“Love From a Stranger” is psychological thriller about an heiress (Cecily Harrington), who rejects her longtime fiancé (Nigel Lawrence) in favor of a charming man (Bruce Lovell) she barely knows.

Zana Kimura ’25 is the production’s stage manager and also takes on the role of Mavis Wilson.

Kimura, who transferred to Chaminade in her second semester, said she joined the University’s Drama Club because she wanted to meet new people.

That’s exactly what she’s done, Kimura said, building friendships while staging the production.

Rian Sydney Pagtakhan provides stage direction to Willow McKay and Emily Cooper.
Rian Sydney Pagtakhan provides stage direction to Jules Mattes, left, and Willow McKay.

The three-act play unfolds when Harrington is shown packing up her London flat. Enter Bruce Lovell, a charming stranger who sweeps her off her feet.

In a whirlwind romance, Harrington abandons her job, friends and fiancé to settle in a country cottage. However, her newfound “love from a stranger” is not what it seems and in an astonishingly tense final scene, Harrington discovers the ghastly truth of her new love.

Rian Pagtakhan ’25, the production’s director who also plays the role of Auntie Loo-Loo, said the play required creativity—and lots of hard work.

“I’m proud to say that every Club member has contributed to this production,” Pagtakhan said.

“We found an old sewing table and a rotary phone for the set in the props room,” Cloud added. “We looked for pieces that would represent London in the 1930.”

Reflecting the clothing of that era, the costumes were designed by Randrielle Yola ’26.

“We had to get creative,” Yola said. “But we did pretty well.”

SHOW DETAILS:

Where: Vi and Paul Loo Theatre, Clarence T.C. Ching Hall, Black Box Theatre
When: Nov. 15-17, from 7-9:30 p.m.
Tickets: Click here to reserve your seat

Cast Members:
Willow McKay—Cecily Harrington
Micah Sanders—Nigel Lawrence
Jules Mattes—Bruce Lovell
Rian Sydney Pagtakhan—Director/Auntie Loo-Loo
Alexia Mae Eleccion—Dr. Gribble
Evan Cromer—Stage Manager/Hodgson
Emily Cooper—Ethel
Zana Kimura—Stage Manager/Mavis Willson

Technical Design:
Brielle “Lilinoe” Lo—Sound Designer
Lavelle White—Lighting Designer

Set Design:
Caleb Cloud—Set Designer
Greta Bornmann—Set Designer

Costume Designer:
Randrielle Yola

Celebrating Culture: Pacific Island Review

Students spent months rehearsing for the big night

Hantricia “Hanny” Lipai ’28 and Charisma Mitipok ’28 said they were excited—and a little nervous—when they made their debut performance with the Micronesian Club at the annual Pacific Island Review on Chaminade’s Sullivan Family Library Lawn. By the end of the night, they were both all smiles.

“I can’t wait to do it again next year!” Mitipok exclaimed.

Pacific Island Review, a signature fall event at Chaminade, celebrates Pacific Island culture, food and entertainment. The gathering Nov. 8 was no exception, with attendees cheering on performances from student cultural clubs, including Ka Ipu Kukui Me ka ‘ie ‘ie (the Hawaiian Club), Taotao Marianas Club, the Micronesian Club, The Filipino Club, and Lumana’i O Samoa (the Samoan Club).

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Students spent months preparing for the big day, practicing in the evenings and on weekends.

Director of Student Engagement Joanna Cecilio had been watching those rehearsals and said she was incredibly proud of all the student participants.

She noted the event highlights Chaminade’s rich diversity.

“Pacific Island Review allows our community to smile, laugh and be joyful together,” added Student Engagement Coordinator Andrew Ancheta ’21. “It is through this event that the life of our cultural diversity on campus is manifested into something tangible, something moving and powerful.”

  • Wearing traditional Marshallese earrings, necklaces and grass skirts, the Micronesian Club entered the Sullivan Family Library Lawn with a lyrical chant.
    Wearing traditional Marshallese earrings, necklaces and grass skirts, the Micronesian Club entered the Sullivan Family Library Lawn with a lyrical chant.
  • Nikki Katahara-Tom '25 won the crowd over with her graceful hula dance.
    Nikki Katahara-Tom ’25 won the crowd over with her graceful hula dance.
  • Wearing tradition Filipino clothing, members of The Filipino Club performed traditional dances mixed in with an unexpected rap song.
    Wearing tradition Filipino clothing, members of The Filipino Club performed traditional dances mixed in with an unexpected rap song.
  • Dancers from the TaoTao Marianas Club had the crowd cheering.
    Dancers from the TaoTao Marianas Club had the crowd cheering.
  • The men of the TaoTao Marianas Club opened with a song in praise of their ancestors and culture.
    The men of the TaoTao Marianas Club opened with a song in praise of their ancestors and culture.

Sano Tanna ’26 previously performed at the event and this year volunteered at a food station.

Tanna said the event brings the Silversword and surrounding community together.

“I see a lot of area residents attend,” said Tanna. “It’s a long tradition.”

Mitipok, who performed with the Micronesian Club, said she joined the cultural organization to meet fellow Micronesians at Chaminade and celebrate her culture.

“I wanted to learn more about my culture and connect with other Micronesians on campus,” she said.

The Hawaiian Club was first to step on the Sullivan Family Library Lawn at the event.

Nikki Katahara-Tom ’25 wowed the crowd with a solo hula that paid tribute to the ʻāina.

“I’ve been participating since I was a freshman,” said Tom, a Nursing student. “This event allows us to share our culture and, at the same time, learn about other Pacific Islanders’ cultures.”

The Hawaiian Club was followed by the TaoTao Marianas, with the men opening with a stirring song, and an homage to their ancestors and land. “We share our love of being back on the island,” said Isaiah Atalig ’25, president of the TaoTao Marianist Club. “This event offers a glimpse into our ’ohana at Chaminade.”

He added, “This night is what we all look forward to and talk about all year.”

Aspiring Teachers Get STEM Inspiration

Elementary Education students learn engaging strategies for teaching STEM

What does a girl who dreams about playing the drums have to do with science, technology, engineering and math (STEM)? A group of teachers-in-training at Chaminade learned the answer to that intriguing question—meant to challenge traditional divisions between subjects—as part of a recent workshop.

Some 16 day undergraduate students majoring in Elementary Education attended the 90-minute workshop with Karen Ansberry, co-author of the Picture-Perfect Science series and lead speaker.

The professional development opportunity, designed by Picture-Perfect STEM and funded through the Takatani Foundation and School of Education and Behavioral Sciences, was one of four workshops offered to students in September to help them think about new strategies for teaching STEM.

Madison Polendey ’25, who will begin her student teaching in Kaneohe Elementary School in January, said the workshops helped her re-imagine how to design STEM lesson plans that engaged students.

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“These workshops helped me learn how to integrate math and reading into my STEM lessons,” she said.

Like that girl who aspires to play the drums.

Ansberry talked to workshop attendees about the female protagonist in “Drum Dream Girl: How One Girl’s Courage Changed Music,” which was inspired by the story of Millo Castro Zaldarriaga, a Chinese-African-Cuban girl who broke Cuba’s traditional taboo against female drummers.

Using the book, a lesson plan was designed to highlight the principles of sound and math.

In the exercise, students create their own drums, using empty coffee cans, Pringles tubes and other household items. The next step would be to add some confetti or rice in a bowl and seal the top. Once the drum is banged next to the bowl, the vibration of the sound causes the confetti or rice to move.

That action proves to students that sound is a type of energy made by vibration.

“Kids can add some rhythm into their banging, which will also teach them about math,” Ansberry explained to workshop attendees, who were delighted by the example. “Studies have shown that rhythm helps teach such mathematical concepts as fractions, ratios, and pattern.”

Chaminade senior Pūnohu Keahi said the workshops taught her how to better engage students, especially through the use of picture books, which helped her learn when she was younger.

With co-author Emily Morgan, Ansberry wrote the Picture-Perfect STEM series to offer teachers engaging pedagogical approaches for teaching young kids about STEM.

On the final day of the worokshop, students learned how to teach robotics to elementary kids, providing them with resources and lesson plans.
On the final day of the workshop, students learned how to teach robotics to elementary kids, providing them with resources and lesson plans.

“Future teachers didn’t have the skills to teach science,” said Ansberry, before the start of the final workshop. “And picture books didn’t really exist for the sole purpose of teaching STEM courses.”

Picture-Perfect STEM offers an approach to teaching that is designed to encourage students in STEM through a combination of inquiry-based learning and literacy. The approach integrates children’s literature with hands-on activities, promoting a deeper understanding of STEM concepts.

According to Chaminade Director of Teacher Preparation Programs and Associate Professor Katrina Roseler, Ph.D., Picture-Perfect STEM is particularly aligned with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and the 5E instructional model, making it a powerful tool for modern educators.

The 5E instructional model is a widely-used framework in science education that consists of five phases: Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate and Evaluate. The model is designed to facilitate active learning and help students construct their own understanding of scientific concepts. Picture-Perfect STEM complements the 5E model, making it an effective approach for teaching STEM concepts.

Roseler added that the NGSS are the K–12 science standards that guide educators in providing students with a science education that reflects the interconnected nature of science in the real world.

The goal is to engage students in Picture-Perfect STEM activities, which will inspire them to think critically and ask questions, connect ideas across different domains of science, and explore fundamental scientific concepts through both literature and hands-on experiments.

“This integration ensures that students not only learn scientific facts,” said Roseler, “but it also develops a deeper understanding of the scientific process and how it applies to the world around them.”