Before the fall 2019 semester got into full swing, Campus Ministry treated incoming and transfer students to a weekend retreat on the beach to make sure their welcome to Chaminade was done right.
The retreat August 30 and 31 was held at a beach house in West Oahu and included lots of opportunities for play and fun — along with some chances for reflection, spiritual growth and relationship building.
Jeremiah Carter, director of Campus Ministry at Chaminade, said the gathering was designed to make sure students who are new to the Chaminade ‘ohana feel supported on campus.
“I think it’s one of the most important aspects for college students,” he said.
Carter, who started at Chaminade over the summer, is working to broaden the events Campus Ministry offers in hopes of attracting more students — along with members of the faculty and staff.
He said the retreat helped students prioritize their goals for the year and get an introduction to the Marianist philosophy, which is central to Chaminade’s mission. He said it was also a way to build friendships that have the potential to last through their college experiences — and beyond.
Jacqueline Martinez ’23 was among the incoming students who attended the retreat.
Martinez, who is pursuing a degree in Communications, said the weekend allowed her to get to know her classmates better and hear from older students who are doing exciting things at the University.
“The part I enjoyed the most was how inviting the retreat staff was. Their attitudes were the main reason the retreat felt so fulfilling,” she said.
Martinez added that she’s looking forward to Campus Ministry’s next retreat.
So is International Trade student Christopher Grant DeVera Diego ’23.
Diego said the retreat was just good fun, complete with spooky stories and a bonfire.
“The retreat made me open up to many new people,” he said, “and see a side of people who I didn’t really know yet.”