There are many favorite gathering places at Chaminade.
But there’s just something special about the Vi and Paul Loo Student Center, said Victoria Zembik ‘27, Chaminade Student Government Association president for the 2024-25 academic year.
So in celebration of the center’s 20th anniversary, the association decided to go big.
The student leaders oversaw and funded a major makeover of the space, replacing the old look with a sleek new one and making sure there were spaces for socializing, studying and fun.
On Sept. 10, an official grand opening was held at the redesigned space to mark the 20th anniversary milestone.
Students, faculty members and staff attended the bash, which also included a blessing.
Zembik said the redesign was based on student surveys and other input.
“We wanted to take on a project that really mattered to us. Our goal was to create a space on campus where our peers could truly enjoy themselves,” she said. “The Loo has always been a hotspot on campus, and it just needed a little revamping.”
She added, “We kept the desk with the whiteboard tabletop, but everything else was upgraded with newly refurbished furniture. Outlets were added in different areas, the layout was refreshed, and overall, it has become exactly what it needs to be—a thriving, welcoming space for students.”
The center is named after the late philanthropist, businessman and Chaminade Regent Paul Loo and his wife, Vi, also a strong supporter of education and the arts. The two supported the University in countless ways, including in helping make the student center a reality.
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Junghwa K. Suh, D.Arch, associate professor at Chaminade and co-chair of the Environmental + Interior Design program, said what makes the Loo Center redesign so special is that students and graduates were instrumental in making it happen—and executing a vision from start to finish.
Suh said she was also honored to add her own direction and guidance to the project.
“I recommended several aspects of interior design, including updated wall colors, improved lighting, varied seating options, spatial reconfiguration, and new furniture and accessories,” she said. “My primary goal was to bring vibrancy and meaning to this space for the students.”
One particularly meaningful touch: Ceramic leis crafted by students were integrated into the center’s sconces. The leis were created to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the bridge to the Kalaepokahu campus and represent collaboration, creativity and community.
“This feature brings new life to the space and infuses it with the spirit of aloha,” Suh said.
She added, “What stands out most to me is the spirit of collaboration that made this project possible. Art and Design faculty and students, the Student Engagement directors, and our incredible facilities team all worked together with openness and enthusiasm.”