The Chaminade Scholars program stresses spiritual and leadership development
Nathaniel David ‘26 says while he enjoys his classes and professors, the learning that has resonated with him the most at Chaminade University has been out in the community—through service-learning and volunteer projects that helped him see how he can make a positive impact.
And a good number of those service-learning experiences, he said, were through the Chaminade Scholars Program, which stresses spiritual development, academic excellence and leadership. Student participants receive a scholarship, renewable for up to four years, and participate in mentorship and service opportunities geared toward personal growth.
“I found it really helpful to have a program that helps me grow in my faith and puts me to work as a servant of God and his people,” said David, an English major who is minoring in Education.
“My biggest takeaway from the Chaminade Scholars Program is that while it is about helping us grow in our faith, grow as an ’ohana, and grow into leaders, it’s really about serving our community as Chaminade students and followers of Christ,” David added.
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Bro. Edward Brink, S.M., vice president for Mission and rector, said the Chaminade Scholars Program is geared toward students who are “engaged in their faith, engaged in service and want to keep those things happening while they’re at Chaminade.”
“Our hope is that while they’re in the program, they’re going to start to see that this way of serving people can continue beyond their school years,” he added.
In other words, Chaminade Scholars are encouraged to see service as a good habit for life.
That was exactly how the program impacted Vanessa Ignacio ‘18, an orthopedic clinical specialist practicing in Hilo. “For me, the Scholars program really helped me to excel at Chaminade,” she said. “I was able to focus on my academics while still being involved in the community.”
Ignacio said the Scholars service-learning project she remembers the most was when students prepared and served meals at a homeless shelter. Rather than handing out the food cafeteria-style, she said, students delivered meals to tables.
“You actually sit down at the table. You get to hear their stories and they got to hear mine,” Ignacio said, adding the Scholars program also gave her opportunities to learn from mentors—and learn alongside peers who shared a passion for service.
Brink said there are seven new and 22 returning Chaminade Scholars this school year.
The program was started about 20 years ago, tracing its roots to the importance of faith formation at Chaminade. Service-learning is a cornerstone of the program, and students are asked to commit to completing at least 15 hours of service each semester.
In addition to serving the homeless, students also serve as tutors and mentors for youth.
Brink said many students find that they receive far more than they give through the program. “A first-year student comes in and they’re reserved, shy, but great heart. Not sure where they fit in,” he said. “They start doing this service and all of a sudden, it’s like they’re able to get out of their shell. They start taking on leadership roles. Experience in service builds confidence.”
David, the English major, called the Scholars service-learning projects “truly special.”
Because he is aiming to become a teacher, he’s focused his volunteerism at Hawaii public schools, including through a mentoring program at Farrington High. “I push myself to do well in school and my classes so I can help others do the same in the future, especially as an aspiring educator,” he said, adding that monthly luncheons for the program that include speakers have also helped him broaden his perspectives and learn about new ways to maximize his impact.
Honolulu Bishop Larry Silva spoke to the Scholars at a luncheon earlier this month aimed at congratulating new inductees to the program and celebrating returning students. David said he’s proud to be among those recognized as a Scholar—and looks forward to contributing even more.
He added that the Scholars program is also what helped him “tap into the rest of the faith community” at Chaminade. He is now serving as a part-time student minister, “using more of my time and talents to help build the faith even more here at Chaminade and to glorify God.”
