Friends and family gathered to celebrate their loved ones at Chaminade University’s 68th annual commencement ceremonies at the Waikīkī Shell on May 8 and 9.
This year’s undergraduate commencement address was delivered by Hawaiʻi Governor Josh Green, M.D., who offered graduates both congratulations and realistic advice about the future.
“The curvy road ahead should be exciting for you, but it is unpredictable,” Green said.
“Embrace the fact that this curvy road has gotten off to a great start for you tonight through your degree,” he continued.
More than 500 students with unique journeys and stories walked across the stage during the two-day celebration. Among them was undergraduate student speaker Trachelle M. L. S. Iwamoto ’26, who reflected on her experience at Chaminade.
“As a first-generation graduate, Chaminade has provided me with wonderful opportunities of growth within myself,” Iwamoto said. “Who knew this small-town girl would be able to break statistics, travel the world, transform into an outspoken woman, and be humble yet bold at the same time.”
Iwamoto received her Bachelor of Science in Criminology & Criminal Justice on Saturday.
At the ceremony for master’s and doctoral students on Friday, Retired Army General David A. Bramlett addressed graduates, encouraging them to harness the values they learned at Chaminade.
“You carry with you the reputation and the future of Chaminade University,” Bramlett said. “Use what you have learned from the classroom, whether on campus or online.”
Friday evening’s student speaker, Lauren Brooke Remular ’26, recognized the hard work and perseverance of her fellow graduates.
“Today is not just a celebration of our achievements,” Remular said. “It is a recognition of our capacity, who we have become, and who we are prepared to be.”
Remular earned her Master of Arts in Teaching on Friday. She reminded graduates of the lessons instilled in them throughout their education, from integrity and kindness to imagination and innovation.
Most Reverend Clarence “Larry” Silva, Bishop of Honolulu, was the recipient of an honorary Doctor of Letters degree. Silva serves as the spiritual and legal leader of the Roman Catholic Church in Hawaiʻi and oversees 66 parishes and 28 mission churches across the islands.
Dr. Lynn Babington, president of Chaminade University, introduced Silva during the ceremony.
“Bishop Larry has been a partner and good friend of Chaminade University for many years,” Babington said. “Since 2010, Chaminade University has provided academic formation for men preparing for ordination to the permanent diaconate, along with their wives.”
Celine Mesiona-Perez ’22 graduated Friday with a Master of Science in Criminal Justice Studies. She first enrolled at Chaminade in 2018 and previously earned a Bachelor of Science in Forensic Sciences. In addition to being an alumna, she is entering her third year working in the university’s Office of Admissions.
“A lot of people are wondering if I’m going to do my doctorate here as well,” Mesiona-Perez said. “I love learning here.”
Teachers also appreciate the advantages of a Chaminade education. Javein Nishihara, who graduated from the Master of Educational Leadership program Friday, said the program provided experience he could immediately apply in real life.
“It was very practical,” Nishihara said. “Everything that I learned in the classroom, I see in person and in action. I think that was the strength of Chaminade.”
Nishihara said his long-term goal is to move into a leadership role at a K–12 school.
“I’m continuing at Chaminade with a doctorate in education, so I’m really excited about that,” he added.
Laica Joy Cenence earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing on Saturday. Cenence said observing her family in the healthcare field made her want to further her education. Her mother works as a caregiver and growing up in that environment, inspired Cenence to pursue the healthcare field.
After graduation, Cenence plans to study for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX).
“I’m already working at the hospital, but hopefully I can get into the new grad [residency] program after I take the exam,” Cenence said. “If I pass — I will pass!”
Chaminade nursing graduates achieved a 96.97% NCLEX pass rate in 2024, more than five percentage points above the national average of 91.2%.
This year also marked the graduation of Chaminade’s inaugural EdS in School Psychology cohort. This is a groundbreaking achievement for the state, as it marks the first university program to produce our “homegrown” school psychologists here in Hawaii. The cohort included ten graduates representing a significant step forward for the local educational and mental health community.
Another milestone was the accomplishment of 16 Sacred Hearts Academy students enrolled in Chaminade’s second cohort of the Early College Program, who participated in the commencement ceremony and were recognized for earning their Associates of Arts degrees. These students, many who attend Sacred Hearts Academy, were enrolled in classes at Chaminade while still in high school, and now have earned enough college credit to begin their journey at a four-year university as a third year student.
Congratulations to all Chaminade University spring 2026 graduates!
For more information or to watch the commencement ceremonies, visit:
https://chaminade.edu/commencement/
