Chaminade University celebrated its 67th annual Spring Commencement Ceremonies on May 3, recognizing the achievements of Class of 2025 graduates as they embark on their next big adventures and prepare to drive positive change in their communities.
In a commencement address at the morning ceremony for graduating master’s and doctoral students, Chaminade Board of Regents Chair Keiki-Pua Dancil, Ph.D., senior vice president of government affairs and strategic planning at Pulama Lana‘i, congratulated students and encouraged them to see completing their degrees “as not an ending but a beginning.”
“This is a moment of tremendous achievement. I am filled with joy, gratitude and pride—not just at what you have accomplished but the lives you are about to shape,” Dancil told graduates. “Success isn’t just about job titles. It’s not about degrees or promotions. It’s about impact. It’s about how we make others feel, the futures we help build and the joy we help create.”
She noted the world is changing rapidly. “We face climate change, healthcare inequality, challenges in education,” Dancil said. “These aren’t just headlines, they are calls to action and they require leaders like all of you—grounded in values, bold in purpose and committed to others. Will you be the leader who leads with integrity, humility and courage?”
The master’s and doctoral degrees ceremony kicked off at 10 a.m. at the Waikiki Shell, followed by Commencement for undergraduates. It was the first time Chaminade has held separate ceremonies and comes as graduate enrollment at the University continues to grow.
Altogether, some 250 graduates and 320 undergraduates were recognized.
“Our students are here with their families and we are so proud of them. It’s a wonderful day for everyone to celebrate,” said President Lynn Babington, Ph.D., before the morning ceremony began. “My message to graduating students would be: Don’t forget what you’ve learned here. You are future leaders so go out and make a difference in your communities.”
The featured speaker at the undergraduate ceremony was John Leong, co-founder, chairman and CEO of Pono Pacific Land Management and co-founder and CEO of nonprofit Kupu. In his address, he challenged students to think about the legacies they want to leave behind.
“If we don’t fulfill our purpose in life … we’re always going to think there’s a missing puzzle piece,” he said, adding that life is about taking risks and breaking free of your comfort zone.
Another highlight of the undergraduate ceremony was the conferral of an honorary doctoral degree to Bro. Ed Brink, S.M., vice president of mission and rector at the University since 2016 and a mentor to many students. The honor comes as Brink prepares to take on a new role this summer—as Director of Novices for the Marianist Province of the United States.
Lance Askildson, Ph.D., provost and vice president for Academic Affairs at Chaminade, described Brink as an “esteemed educator, mentor and servant-leader” who has devoted his life and vocation to “lead with compassion and to serve with humility.”
Watch: Chaminade’s 67th Commencement Ceremony-Undergraduate Programs
Watch: Chaminade’s 67th Commencement Ceremony-Graduate Programs
“For nearly a decade in his capacity as vice president for mission and rector, he has exercised transformative leadership over Campus Ministry, the Chaminade Scholars program, the Marianist Education Associates and so much more,” Askildon told attendees.
He added: “Honorary degrees are granted to individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to their professional fields and their local communities. While the university confers such degrees to honor the recipient, it is also the recipient who honors the university.”
Student speakers were a special highlight of both Commencement ceremonies.
Kelly Marie Dolan-Sapp, Ed.D. ’25 said she switched to Chaminade from a different doctoral program because she was looking for an educational institution that valued her as a leader, a student and a person. “We all want to feel seen, heard, valued,” she said, encouraging her fellow graduates to remember that as they seek to advance their careers and impact.
She said to lead is to “open our eyes and see the common humanity among us.”
In her address during the undergraduate ceremony, Madison Makishima ’25 told her story of overcoming personal challenges to get to graduation day.
Makishima was born prematurely and she said doctors gave her less than a 10% chance of survival.
“Today I am before you—16 life-saving surgeries later—as your fellow Chaminade student who is graduating with a Bachelor’s of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice,” she said, as her graduates cheered her on.
In her speech, Makishima also thanked all those who helped her over the past four years, including members of Campus Security who assisted her with getting around campus.
She told her fellow graduating students that to get through life’s challenges “fight and fight hard for yourself in everything you do.”
