Chaminade Scholars Program
Chaminade Scholars form a community of life and learning that provides each member with the support needed to excel academically, to pursue spiritual development and to thrive socially at Chaminade University. Through service, academics and reflection, Chaminade Scholars will gain insight into their gifts and talents. A Chaminade Scholar is challenged to discover his or her life vocation, to be a servant leader and to use God-given gifts and talents to pursue the common good.
Benefits
Chaminade Scholars receive a $2,000 scholarship. The scholarship may be renewed a total of four years (eight semesters). Renewal is dependent upon engagement in programming designed to help scholars develop skills as a servant leader, completion of 15 hours of service each semester, in reflection upon that service, and maintaining good academic standing at Chaminade University.
Each Chaminade Scholar is mentored by a member of the Campus Ministry staff.
Chaminade Scholars participate in a yearly retreat to provide opportunities for renewal, reflection and strengthening of relationships.
Eligibility and Academic Requirements
Incoming freshmen who are motivated to excel academically while engaging in experiences of service, faith and leadership are encouraged to apply to the Chaminade Scholars program.
A minimum high school GPA of 3.0 is required, and applicants must meet one of the following criteria to be considered for the Chaminade Scholars program.
- Will graduate from a Marianist or Catholic High School in the United States or U.S. Territory.
- Is a member of a Catholic Parish in the United States or U.S. Territory.
Required Application Materials
In addition to the completion of the Chaminade Scholars application, please submit:
- A resume detailing extra-curricular activities, community service or volunteer service, work experience and internships.
- Answers to each of the following questions in essay/paragraph form. Each response should be a minimum of 250 words.
- Give a concrete example of how your faith has shaped your life to this point in understanding yourself and the meaning of the human journey?
- What is your intended major? How will your faith and your study at Chaminade University guide your choice of a life direction and your future as a leader who cares about people?
- Provide a reference from one person meeting the following criteria : (only 1 is required)
- Applicants are asked to have either a Campus Minister OR a Religion Teacher from a Catholic or Marianist High School
- Applicants meeting eligibility through their parish are asked to have a parish priest OR a youth group moderator be provided as a reference.
Chaminade Scholars Application Submission Deadline:
Priority Deadline: January 15, 2026
Final Deadline : April 1, 2026
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
Although the scholarships are merit-based, all Chaminade Scholar applicants should file the FAFSA to be considered for need-based scholarships, grants, loans and College Work-Study.
Chaminade University school: 001605
Meet Our Chaminade Scholars
Name: Jason Edric Ulep
Graduating Year: 2027
Major: Biology
High School: Maryknoll High School
State/Region: Oahu, Hawaii
“I am fortunate to be part of the Chaminade Scholars program. It has brought me closer to the beautiful Ohana that we have at Chaminade University. Through this opportunity, I was able to meet many students whom I know as my friends, engage with different communities within or outside of the university, and grow in my faith. These have allowed me to deepen my relationship with God.
Furthermore, this program has been more than a blessing for me. I have received much mentorship from knowledgeable people who have challenged and helped me grow academically, mentally, and spiritually. The Scholars program has offered different community services for me to attend. The services have allowed me to develop relationships with the people I have served, and let me do what I love most: to do my part in giving back to the community of Hawaii and uplifting others by providing them a sense of hope and support in their lives.
A Chaminade Scholar is a student who does their best to present the Marianist values through their actions on and off campus. They commit to being goal-driven individuals and challenge themselves to not only be nourished academically, but also spiritually, mentally, and socially throughout their time in the program and at the university. They are called to carry out the works and Word of God to their brothers and sisters, while also continuing to partake in the many opportunities that Chaminade University offers for students. This is the ideal understanding that I have gotten so far and continue to strive to be as a Chaminade Scholar!”
Name: Emma Borja
Graduating Year: 2028
Major: Nursing
High School: Academy of Our Lady of Guam
State/Region: Talofofo, Guam
“As a Chaminade Scholar, I am blessed to have my faith grow in such a supportive and reflective community. This program gives me opportunities to learn more about myself, and it allows me to connect with others through service, friendship, and shared experiences. I always value the insight from my Scholar mentors and peers because it never fails to help me grow both academically and spiritually.”
Name: Emmalee Bugado
Graduating Year: 2028
Major: Elementary Education
High School: Sacred Hearts Academy
State/Region: Kaneohe, Hawai’i
“For me, being a Chaminade Scholar means striving for excellence while staying rooted in faith, service, and community. It encourages me to keep learning, growing, and finding new ways to use my education to uplift and support others, especially the keiki and families of Hawai‘i.”
Name: Tim McCann
Graduating Year: 2027
Major: Environmental Science
Minor: Business, Environmental Studies
High School: Gonzaga Preparatory School
State/Region: Spokane, Washington
This quote from St. Paul (Romans 1:11-12) describes well my appreciation for being a Chaminade Scholar:
“I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong, that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith.”
Name: Ambros Gabriel Villo
Graduating Year: 2027
Major: Business Administration
High School: Father Duenas Memorial School
State/Region: Island of Guam
“The Chaminade Scholars program has given me the opportunity to put what I’ve learned into practice and to build close connections to my peers outside of academics. I am able to interact with great people I otherwise would have never met. The program is more than just a scholarship. It is a great way to get involved with the university community and to grow in my faith and as a person.”