Students, staff, faculty, and the campus ministry have been gathering this week to celebrate Founders’ Week, Chaminade University’s annual time to reflect on the origin of the Marianist mission and to express gratitude for those who came before.
The week-long celebration honors the legacy of Chaminade’s three foundational figures and founders of the Marianist Catholic order: Father William Joseph Chaminade, who established the Society of Mary; the Venerable Adèle de Batz de Trenquelléon; and the Venerable Marie Thérèse Charlotte de Lamourous.
Activities kicked off on Monday when students, staff, faculty, and campus ministry leaders gathered at the foot of the statue of Father Chaminade standing prominently at the entrance to campus. The statue was adorned with colorful, traditional Hawaiian leis, as has been the tradition for decades.
Father Martin “Marty” Solma led Monday’s ceremony, a casual affair under clear skies that followed heavy rain from earlier that morning. Father Marty invited attendees to take inspiration from the statue and the message the artist who created it was trying to convey.
“We all see this image every day when we come to campus,” he said. “May it remind us that without this holy founder, this man of faith, hope, and love, none of us would be here studying, working, learning, and playing on Kalaepōhaku.”
He said the statute’s posture—outstretched arms, facing downwards—should be interpreted as “an invitation to serve.”
“He’s portrayed as looking down, inviting us—students, faculty, staff—to join him in his mission of service to the community, especially to youth and to those least capable.”
The week of remembrance continued on Wednesday with the main event, the Founders’ Day Mass & Heritage Awards Ceremony. The holy mass was led by Father Christopher Wittmann, known around campus as Father Chris.
Mirroring the celebration of the university’s three foundational figures, every year the Heritage Awards recognizes three exceptional members of the Chaminade family.
The Chaminade Award recognizes a faculty or staff member who most exemplifies the spirit of the university. The Marianist Award is given to a staff member who demonstrates extraordinary commitment to Chaminade University’s mission. Finally, the Founders’ Award recognizes a student for their exemplary demonstration of respect, generosity, faith, and other Marianist values.
University President Dr. Lynn Babington opened the mass and awards ceremony with a speech reminding everyone of the school’s foundational mission.
“Marianists from the beginning have embraced the idea of education as a mechanism to transform society and support the spirit of openness, mutual respect, and acceptance,” President Babington said. “At Chaminade University of Honolulu, we are committed to being such an environment where students thrive.”
She and Father Marty honored the three award winners: Dr. Dustyn Ragasa ‘07, Abigail Hurgo, and Easton DelaCruz ‘26.
The Chaminade Award went to Dr. Ragasa, a Chaminade professor and Director of the Master of Pastoral Theology Program who is adored by his students. Ragasa is originally from Kauai and holds a doctorate from the Graduate Theological Union.
Abigail Hurgo is this year’s recipient of the Marianist Award for her unflinching commitment to student success. Hurgo is Chaminade’s Assistant Vice President for Enrollment Management and is responsible for organizing and leading New Student Orientation, campus tours, and other events welcoming students to our community.
Easton DelaCruz is the 2026 recipient of the Founders’ Award. Hailing from Saipan, DelaCruz is a student majoring in communications. He was recognized for his active role in campus life, volunteering to assist with dozens of activities and events. DelaCruz is slated to graduate this year.
“It is a wonderful occasion for us to gather,” Father Chris said.
He thanked everyone who gathered at the Mystical Rose Oratory on Wednesday “as we celebrate the Marianist founders, we celebrate our Heritage Award winners, we celebrate the mission and charism that we have inherited from our founders and are privileged to carry forward in our faith.”
