With heartfelt speeches, hugs and handshakes, dozens of Chaminade University scholarship recipients said “thank you” to donors at the annual Mahalo Scholarship Luncheon on February 28.
The luncheon, held annually, is a special opportunity for Silversword students to personally connect with donors and talk about their academic and personal goals—and how scholarship aid has helped to put those dreams within reach. At the gathering, student speakers also detailed how donor support has proven integral to helping them focus on school rather than finances.
“Growing up, I’ve always dreamed of attending college, but didn’t think that it would actually happen as none of my immediate family members have gone and it was never a high priority in my family. I didn’t believe I could do it,” Jasmine-Kortney Young-Gusman ’26 told attendees.
But, she told donors, “because of your scholarships, I’ve been able to dedicate my time to my studies without the worries of the financial burden that comes with nursing school and maintaining my GPA as well as caring for my son. Thank you for believing in me.”
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Young-Gusman has received the Hawaii Central Federal Credit Union scholarship, John A. Hughes Scholarship, Thomas Steven Dal Ponte Memorial Scholarship, and the CUEF Scholarship. She is studying to become an emergency room nurse. “It is because of these scholarships that students like me know that we are where we’re meant to be, all in God’s timing and plans,” she said.
John Barayuga ’25 also spoke at the luncheon, underscoring his passion to use his expertise in business to serve the community. He noted his own journey to Chaminade was circuitous and that his studies would not have been possible without scholarship support. Barayuga, a 2015 Pearl City High graduate, has received the Mary Mau Lecavelier Scholarship, Marge Sylvester Scholarship, and Enterprise Holdings Foundation Scholarship.
“Because of donors such as yourselves … I am able to continue my studies with an easier state of mind, knowing that not only is a substantial portion of my tuition covered but it is by those who believe in Chaminade’s mission,” Barayuga said, during his speech at the mahalo luncheon.
“Your collective support drives me to perform well, and with the invaluable support of the Chaminade faculty and staff, they are ensuring that I do so to the best of my ability,” he added, noting he also hopes to pursue an MBA at Chaminade. “I aspire to learn all I can in the business realm … (and) I am looking forward to making a substantial impact in the nonprofit sector.
Chaminade President Lynn Babington, Ph.D. opened the luncheon, telling donors that Chaminade students and graduates are making a difference in the community thanks in no small part to support from scholarship aid.
“This year, between individual and foundation scholarships, we’ve supported 465 students with over $2 million in scholarships, which is fabulous and our average award is about $4,500 per student,” Babington told attendees.
She added, “We are really proud of our Chaminade students. And we’re very grateful to all of you for believing in and supporting our educational mission.”
Chaminade donor Susie Field, a retired teacher, also spoke at the luncheon and encouraged her fellow scholarship supporters to continue their support for a Chaminade education.
“We are here together, donors and students, because we know that together we can make good things happen,” Field said. “The scholarship donors believe in the students and the students know we believe in them. That’s what we do in the community and we are proud to do it again.”
If you’re interested in helping students achieve their goals, consider supporting the Chaminade Fund.