Kalaepōhaku was the place to be this past week as generations of alumni returned for four different reunion events, each reconnecting and engaging Chaminade University graduates with their beloved alma mater. Satisfaction was achieved beyond expectations. Watch this recap video.
“As you gather with your fellow Silverswords, we hope you are rekindling friendships, sharing cherished memories, and creating new connections,” wrote President Lynn Babington and Director of Alumni Relations Jodi-Anne Yoshida, MBA ’23 in the program for the reunion dinner. “You can continue to be proud of your alma mater and how Chaminade has flourished.”
Back to School!
The Silversword Reunion week kicked off on Thursday, October 12, with an early evening tailgate party at Henry Hall Courtyard. Yoshida welcomed the guests, whose graduating years ranged from the 1960s to 2023. Guests received Chaminade alumni t-shirts and blue pompoms while enjoying a delicious dinner of BBQ chicken, kiawe-smoked pork chops, greens and more. Following the tailgate, the party was moved inside to McCabe Gymnasium to cheer on the Chaminade women’s volleyball team. The Silverswords swept the HPU Sharks!
Then, on Aloha Friday, October 13, alumni returned to campus for tours and an ono local-style bento lunch. Students Aleeyah Lemons ’24 and Noelani Tugaoen ’25 guided alumni on walking tours, strolling along Second Road, past Ching Hall and Eiben Hall, into the Sullivan Family Library and back to Henry Hall, where President Babington greeted them with her warmth and aloha. In the library, alumni perused past yearbooks and were amused to find their student photos. They recalled that the library was once housed in Henry Hall as they shared heartfelt stories from their college days.
Special Reunion Dinner, Alumni Awards and Mass
The long-anticipated reunion dinner was a great success, as nearly 300 alumni and guests gathered in the Ching Conference Center on October 14. Emceed by former Miss Universe Brook Lee ’96, the program opened with a blessing from Bro. Ed Brink, followed by the presentation of Alumni Awards and presentation of videos: Kahala Kabalis Hoke ’05, MS ’07 received the Marianist Alumni Award; Dr. Thomas Shieh ’87 received the Distinguished Alumni Award; and Lei Uʻi Kaholokula ’23 was named the Young Alumni Award recipient. Read more about the alumni award winners here. Lee brought her charisma and sparkle to the program, which featured music by Nick Laʻa and DJ Sounds by Pipi. Guests received the exclusive Chaminade tote bag by Eden In Love, reunion favors, and each other’s engaging company.
While alumni dined on Hawaiian dinner catered by Bill Quinlan, the memories and good feelings filled the room as people strolled down Memory Lane and reminisced about their Silversword days.
The following morning, a Sunday Mass was held as alumni gathered in the sacred Mystical Rose Oratory to celebrate faith, hope and love.
