Chaminade University of Honolulu

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Wilde’s Comedy Comes to Loo Theatre

Chaminade University’s Loo Theatre welcomed audiences this past week for the opening of The Importance of Being Earnest, offering a thoughtful and engaging take on Oscar Wilde’s well-known comedy. The production brought the play’s humor and characters to life with audiences laughing and cheering.

Set in Victorian England, the story follows two young men who assume alternate identities to navigate social expectations, leading to a series of misunderstandings and witty exchanges. The Chaminade cast leaned into both the humor and structure of the script, focusing on timing, character development, and collaboration.

Andrew Erwin played John Worthing, J.P., also known as Jack, portraying the character’s sense of responsibility alongside moments of uncertainty. Kevin Mayorga took on the role of Algernon Moncrieff, bringing a relaxed and conversational approach that complemented the rhythm of Wilde’s dialogue. Together, the two leads established a steady foundation for the production. (In Sunday’s matinee Ava Cuellar Bettray played the role of Algernon with a brilliant performance.)

Supporting roles were shared across a range of student performers. Victor Rivas-Ramirez appeared as Rev. Canon Chasuble, D.D., while Emily Cooper and Ava Cuellar Bettray portrayed Merriman and Lane, the household servants who observe much of the action. Each contributed to the overall pacing and tone of the performance.

Randrielle Yola’s portrayal of Lady Bracknell stood out for its clarity and control, capturing the character’s firm presence in key scenes. Jayde-Emaree Ramos played Gwendolen Fairfax with confidence, and Nathalie David’s Cecily Cardew brought a lighter, more playful perspective to the stage. Amalee Magallon rounded out the cast as Miss Prism, helping to carry several of the play’s more reflective moments.

The production also reflected the efforts of students working behind the scenes. Costumes and staging were kept relatively simple, allowing the dialogue and performances to remain the focus. The Loo Theatre’s close setting gave audiences a chance to experience the play up close, emphasizing the actors’ delivery and interactions.

For the students involved, the production offered an opportunity to apply what they’ve learned in the classroom in a live performance environment. Rehearsals focused on developing consistency, understanding character motivations, and working as an ensemble—skills that are central to theatre but also transferable to other areas.

Chaminade’s staging of The Importance of Being Earnest is part of the university’s broader commitment to providing opportunities in the arts. Productions like this give students a chance to engage with classic works while developing their own approach to performance and storytelling.

Opening week drew a supportive campus audience, with friends, faculty, and community members coming out to see the show. The production provided a chance to experience a familiar play through the perspective of student performers, while also highlighting the continued activity of the university’s theatre program.

The production also extends a heartfelt mahalo to Diamond Head Theatre, The Actor’s Group, and Manoa Valley Theatre for generously opening their costume shops and prop stores. Their spirit of collaboration and support was invaluable to the production. In addition, proceeds from ticket sales will benefit Palolo Chinese Home, further connecting the production to the broader community.

Bravo to all who make this production possible. Tickets are still available for shows.

Celebrating National Nutrition Month with Proclamation and Health Partners

Chaminade University brought together healthcare professionals, students, and community partners this evening on the steps of Clarence T.C. Ching Hall to celebrate National Nutrition Month and a formal proclamation issued by Gov. Josh Green recognizing the importance of nutrition in building healthier communities across Hawaiʻi.

The proclamation marked a collaborative moment between Chaminade University and local health leaders, including registered dietitians from across our state, nurses, and academic partners such as University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. Attendees participated in an official group photo highlighting the shared commitment to advancing nutrition education, prevention, and whole-person health.

In Hawaiʻi, health is something built  together. Nutrition is foundational to that effort, reflecting our shared values of connection, stewardship, and caring for our communities across generations. This proclamation not only recognizes the work being done across Hawaiʻi but also reinforces our responsibility to educate, collaborate, and serve our communities,” said Dr. Melissa Cline, Program Director of Nutrition and Dietetics and Assistant Professor at Chaminade University of Honolulu.

The event underscores Chaminade University’s continued leadership in developing future healthcare professionals through its Nutrition & Dietetics programs. With a focus on interdisciplinary education and community engagement, the university is expanding opportunities for students to enter high-impact fields that address chronic disease, health equity, and preventive care.

Chaminade also recently announced the addition of its B.S. in Nutrition degree program. The program will go beyond human nutrition and explore social impacts of food, sports nutrition, current diet trends, behavioral nutrition, food science, and sustainable food systems.

National Nutrition Month®, observed each March, is an annual campaign that promotes informed food choices and healthy eating habits. Chaminade’s recognition reflects its growing role in supporting Hawaiʻi’s health workforce and fostering partnerships that extend beyond the classroom.

The celebration concluded with informal networking among attendees, reinforcing the importance of collaboration in advancing public health initiatives across the islands.

Doctoral Students Gain Practicum, Serve Community Needs

With practicum, internship, and dissertation requirements, hands-on learning and intensive scholarly inquiry are critical parts of Chaminade’s Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology. 

And thanks to the University’s assessment center, graduate students can tackle some of that patient-focused work right on campus.

The Chaminade Assessment Center (CAC), launched in Fall 2023 gives PsyD students the chance to conduct psychological evaluations and fill a community need at the same time.

Dr. Sean Scanlan, director of the Clinical Psychology program at the University, said the CAC started off small but with a strong mission: To offer children and young adults psychological evaluations so they can get the right  treatment and educational accommodations.

“We had Chaminade PsyD students searching for practicum sites, and we saw community members needing these psychological assessments,” Scanlan said.

The center’s first clients were Chaminade students. From there, the clientele was expanded to include students referred from nearby private schools. Scanlan said the center was able to serve about 30 patients in their first year and almost 50 in their second.

Meanwhile, about three PsyD students at any one time work under a supervisor at the CAC. Scanlan said each client requires six to 15 hours of testing, which may include an interview and cognitive, personality, and learning assessments. From there, the psychologist and PsyD students synthesize the findings and issue a report with a diagnosis and recommendations.

“For our PsyD students, it’s a lot of work,” Scanlan said. “Because it’s not just the student preparing  to be with an actual client; they have to be prepared to sit and listen to real world problems, all the while trying to conceptualize a diagnosis.” 

But Scanlan said that this real-world, experiential learning experience is critical to their training, similar to that of trainees in the medical fields. He stressed, their clinical supervisor is always there to offer expertise and guidance. The supervisor also handles initial and critical client interactions so students can see practiced psychological evaluations and interactions at work.

Sammie Wilkinson, PsyD ’27 was one of Chaminade’s first PsyD students to serve at the center following its launch and has since put in additional time there as an administrative and assessment specialist. She summed up her practicum experience at the center in one word: “Rewarding.” 

“I learned about comprehensive psychological evaluations and assessment, which are major components of the role of a clinical psychologist and a focus of the PsyD program,” Wilkinson said.

“During my practicum, I was able to support both Chaminade students and clients in the community by conducting assessments, identifying and diagnosing various challenges that often impact academic performance and social functioning. Since completing my practicum, I have continued to support the CAC with scheduling and helping clients access services.”

Wilkinson explained that assessment and diagnosis help clients put a name to specific mental health challenges they’ve been experiencing and provide a starting point for healing and support. 

“It has been a privilege to work with clients from diverse backgrounds, which has deepened my appreciation for taking a comprehensive and thoughtful approach to assessment,” she said. “One of the biggest challenges is determining an accurate diagnosis, as many conditions can resemble one another. For example, trauma may present similarly to ADHD. Therefore, it is so important that we are thorough, take our time to rule out diagnoses and consider each client holistically.”  

She added that helping to broaden access to community-based services has been especially meaningful—and she’s excited about the center’s continued growth. “Psychological assessments are in high demand but often come with long waiting lists or high costs so it has been wonderful to be part of a center that provides these services in a timely and affordable way,” she said.

Scanlan noted that the center started to accept insurance in 2025.  In the program’s first two years, services were free and mostly referral-based. “I think we have the foundation now where we can begin to increase the number of PsyD students we can take and, as a result, the number of clients we can see,” Scanlan said. “We’re happy to be providing this service to the community.”

The center’s growth comes as Chaminade’s School of Education and Behavioral Sciences also launches another win-win program for aspiring mental health professionals and clients in need of services. In spring 2026, the University’s Marriage and Family Therapy program launched its new MFT Training Clinic, where graduate-level MFT therapists in training provide care under the supervision of licensed clinicians. Services are affordable and open to anyone on Oahu. 

“This clinic is a training ground for future marriage and family therapists,” said Blendine Hawkins, Ph.D., LMFT, director of the Doctor of Marriage and Family Therapy program at Chaminade. “By focusing on couples and families and embracing culturally humble, evidence-based approaches, the clinic is a meaningful new resource for our local community. We’re excited to share this development with those who value strengthening relationships and supporting families.”

Alumni Office Hosts San Diego Reunion

More than 80 alumni and prospective families gathered on a beautiful San Diego waterfront for a special Sunday brunch on March 8 that brought the Chaminade spirit to the mainland in a meaningful way. Against the backdrop of the harbor, the event offered a warm and welcoming space for Silverswords to reconnect, share stories, and celebrate their enduring ties to the University.

Attendees traveled from across the region—and beyond—to be part of the occasion. Many alumni made the drive from throughout California, while one dedicated alumna even flew in from Arizona specifically to attend. Their efforts underscored the strength of the Chaminade community and the lasting impact of the relationships formed on campus. Whether reconnecting with classmates after years apart or meeting fellow alumni for the first time, there was a shared sense of pride and belonging throughout the gathering.

President Dr. Lynn Babington joined the group and spent time connecting personally with alumni and guests. She offered updates on the University, highlighting continued growth, new academic initiatives, and the ways Chaminade is evolving to meet the needs of today’s students while remaining grounded in its mission and values. Her remarks reinforced the University’s commitment to fostering a close-knit, purpose-driven community—one that extends far beyond the shores of O‘ahu.

The event also created opportunities for prospective families to engage with alumni and learn firsthand about the Chaminade experience. Conversations flowed easily between generations, with alumni sharing stories about their time on campus, the friendships they built, and how their education has shaped their personal and professional journeys. For prospective students and their families, it was a chance to see the lasting value of a Chaminade education come to life through these authentic connections.

Adding to the festive atmosphere, attendees enjoyed Chaminade-themed swag and participated in a drawing for prizes, bringing an element of fun and excitement to the morning. Chaminade magazines were also available, offering a deeper look at campus developments, student success stories, and the continued momentum of the University community.

Events like this serve as a powerful reminder that the Chaminade connection does not end at graduation—or at the edge of the island. Instead, it continues to grow and thrive wherever alumni gather. The San Diego brunch was more than just a reunion; it was a reflection of a vibrant and engaged alumni network that remains deeply connected to the University and to one another.

A Calling to Counsel

Taylee Miyamura

Taylee Miyamura, MSCP ‘23 has been awarded the 2025 Hawaiʻi Milken Teacher of Promise Award. A counselor at Mililani Middle School, she was selected for this honor based on her exceptional leadership, commitment to student wellbeing and innovative work developing restorative, student-centered support for Hawaiʻiʻs largest middle school. Taylee is a graduate of Mililani High School, the Oregon Institute of Technology, and Chaminade University. 

The Chaminade communications and marketing team reached out to Taylee recently. 

Q: When did you decide to become an educator?

A: I decided that I wanted to pursue school counseling during my final year of getting my undergraduate degree. While interning at a high school in a small town near my college, I realized how meaningful it was to support students and help them navigate challenges. That experience inspired me to pursue school counseling so I could make a positive impact in students’ lives and help them develop the skills and confidence needed to be successful.

Taylee Miyamura

Q: Why did you choose to earn a master’s degree from Chaminade?

A: I knew that I wanted to return home and become a school counselor in Hawaiʻi to give back to the community that helped raise me. I felt that Chaminade would be the place to help me fulfill that goal, as its mission and purpose strongly align with my commitment to service and making a positive impact.

Q: What was your experience as a master’s student like?

A: I began my master’s program at Chaminade right in the middle of COVID, but the professors still found creative and meaningful ways to continue supporting our learning despite the challenges. During that time, I built strong relationships with faculty and classmates who I know I can turn to for guidance and support till this day. Chaminade helped prepare me for my career and equipped me with the knowledge and skills needed to be successful in my role as a school counselor. I would not be where I am today without Chaminade University.

Q: What is the most rewarding part of your work?

A: The most rewarding and meaningful part of my job is building strong connections with my students and making them feel supported through their middle school years. It is also those small moments where you see them becoming more confident, hopeful, and resilient!

Q: What advice do you have for aspiring teachers?

A: My advice to aspiring educators is to always remember your “why” in everything that you do. There will be both high days and low days, but keeping your purpose at the forefront will help guide you and remind you of the impact that you are making for these kids. Focus on building connections, being patient and kind, and creating a warm and supportive environment where all students feel valued and encouraged.

Q: Any final thoughts on receiving this award and your education at Chaminade?

A: Receiving the Milken Teacher of Promise award for the LMW (Leilehua, Mililani, and Waialua) complex was truly an honor, and I am very grateful for the education and experiences I received at Chaminade. My time there has helped shape who I am both personally and professionally,

and it has given me the knowledge, skills, and values that guide my work today. I am extremely thankful for the mentors, professors, and my awesome cohort who supported me through my graduate school journey. I am very proud to be a Chaminade Alumna!  

Our Capacity For Hope

Dr. Carolyn Woo bowed her head in prayer before addressing the audience gathered in the Mystical Rose Oratory. Then she began simply: “I’m here to talk about hope.”

As the latest guest in the Marianist Lecture Series, Woo offered far more than reflection. Through personal experience and global perspective, she challenged listeners to recognize both their responsibility and their capacity for hope—even amid devastating news and uncertainty in the United States and around the world. Her speech aligns with the University’s commitment to community partnership and impact, one of the commitments of the Strategic Plan.

Drawing from her years of humanitarian leadership, Woo shared vivid stories and metaphors. She recounted how a Guatemalan corn farmer, facing the loss of his land, adapted by cultivating papaya and ultimately built a thriving livelihood. She described how Chinese Christians, confronted with the destruction of religious statues, responded creatively—crafting an image inspired by a folk legend of a peasant woman carrying a light on her head, symbolizing Mary and the Christ Child. In each example, adversity became an invitation to resilience and renewal.

“The biggest blessing of my work at Catholic Relief Services is realizing that problems can be solved in significant ways,” Woo said.

Woo served as president and CEO of Catholic Relief Services (CRS)—the official humanitarian agency of the U.S. Catholic community—from 2012 to 2016. Founded in 1943 by the Catholic bishops of the United States to assist survivors of World War II, CRS has grown to serve more than 200 million people in over 100 countries across five continents.

Before leading CRS, Woo built a distinguished career in higher education. From 1997 to 2011, she served as dean of the University of Notre Dame’s Mendoza College of Business. Under her leadership, the college earned national recognition, including top rankings for undergraduate business education and consistent distinction for excellence in ethics education and research.

Acknowledging today’s social and political tensions, Woo reminded the audience that history, too, has known periods of darkness, including World War II. Yet resilience, she emphasized, is the signature of hope. Drawing from the theological virtues, she explained that hope emerges when faith is joined with charity—when belief is put into action.

Her international impact has been widely recognized. In 2013, Foreign Policy named Woo among its 500 Most Powerful People for her global leadership, identifying her as one of 33 individuals considered “a force for good.” In 2015, she was one of five speakers at the Vatican press conference introducing Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si’, and she later co-coordinated the Vatican’s Energy Transition Dialogues in 2018 and 2019.

Woo concluded with a call to personal responsibility: “Agency is the offspring of responsibility and capacity,” she said. When individuals recognize both, they can “build back better.”

At the close of the lecture, Woo was presented with the Mackey Award for Catholic Thought, named in honor of Fr. Robert Mackey, S.M., the first president of Chaminade University.

The Marianist Lecture Series—sponsored by The Marianist Center of Hawaiʻi, Chaminade University, and St. Louis School—fosters inclusive dialogue on Catholic thought and social responsibility. Gathered on the Kalaepōhaku campus in a spirit of community and shared purpose, attendees were reminded that hope is not passive optimism, but a call to resilient action.