Laughter, smiles and renewed friendships filled the Oʻahu Country Club as alumni from Chaminade University of Honolulu’s Master of Business Administration program gathered for an evening of reconnecting.
For many in attendance, the evening on August 20 represented more than a reunion of MBA graduates. Several alumni had also earned undergraduate or other graduate degrees from Chaminade, making the gathering a true Silversword reunion—and a reminder that the connections formed at the University often continue long after students leave Kalaepōhaku.
Throughout the evening, conversations turned to careers, families and life since graduation, but also to shared memories of classrooms, professors and the experiences that helped shape their Chaminade journeys. For many MBA alumni, the program was an important step in their professional development, providing opportunities to strengthen leadership and management skills while connecting with classmates from a wide range of professional backgrounds.
Those relationships, alumni said, often extend beyond the classroom. The connections made with faculty and fellow students can become part of a professional network and, in some cases, lasting friendships that continue to grow years after graduation.
“I am very thankful for the education I received at Chaminade,” said MBA alumna Betty Mastrantonio. “The close-knit community, experienced faculty and beautiful campus on the hill made the experience incredibly valuable and life-changing.”
Chaminade President Lynn Babington, Ph.D., welcomed guests and shared updates from campus before introducing Amir H. Toosi, DBA, the new dean of the College of Business, Innovation & Technology.
Toosi spoke about the intersection of art and science in business and his excitement about joining Chaminade and becoming part of the University community. Before coming to Chaminade, he served for 14 years as dean of the Division of Business and Security Studies at Rivier University in New Hampshire. Throughout his career, he has helped lead academic innovation, expand programs and develop partnerships that strengthen student learning and workforce development.
The College of Business, Innovation & Technology offers programs designed to prepare students for an evolving workplace and economy. Its programs span business administration, accounting, strategic marketing, sport and event management, interior design, computer science, data science, analytics and visualization, and the MBA program.
For working professionals, the MBA offers an opportunity to continue their education while building practical knowledge and leadership skills that can be applied to their careers and communities. The program also brings together professionals with different experiences and perspectives, creating opportunities for students to learn from one another as well as from faculty.
As the evening came to a close, guests enjoyed Chaminade favors and door prizes. But the gathering’s most lasting takeaway was the opportunity to reconnect with classmates, professors and the University that remains an important part of their lives.
The evening was also a reminder that graduation does not necessarily mark the end of a Chaminade journey. For the MBA alumni gathered at the Oʻahu Country Club, the friendships, professional connections and memories formed along the way continue to be part of the Silversword ʻohana.
