Chaminade University of Honolulu

Alumni

2024 Hogan Entrepreneurial Program and American Savings Bank Nonprofit Business Plan Competition

The biennial event attracts various not-for-profits

From recycling and technology to mental health and publishing, the services delivered by the winners of the 11th annual Hogan Entrepreneurial Program and American Savings Bank Nonprofit Business Plan Competition are as diverse as the clients they serve.

“We narrowed it down to eight finalists from the 23 entries that were submitted,” said Chaminade President Lynn Babington, Ph.D., in her opening remarks. “It was not easy, but the objective of this competition is to encourage excellence and innovation. The work that nonprofits do is absolutely vital to our communities.”

Chaminade’s Hogan Entrepreneurial Program and American Savings Bank’s Nonprofit Business Plan Competition is held every other year and is open to Hawaii nonprofit organizations seeking to start new ventures that will benefit society. The competition aims to stimulate public interest and support in nonprofit organizations—and encourage excellence and innovation in socially-motivated entrepreneurs.

“This biennial competition aligns well with our Marianist mission,” said Dr. Roy Panzarella, director of the Hogan Entrepreneurial Program. “These nonprofits are doing a lot of good for their communities.”

WorkNet members, from left, Mo Kalaikai, Stephanie Ann and Chas Williams were congratulated by Chaminade President Lynn Babington, Ph.D., far left, and American Savings Bank’s President and CEO Ann Teranishi.
WorkNet members, from left, Mo Kalaikai, Stephanie Ann and Chas Williams were congratulated by Chaminade President Lynn Babington, Ph.D., far left, and American Savings Bank’s President and CEO Ann Teranishi.

In all, the Hogan Entrepreneurial Program and American Savings Bank awarded $41,000 to nine Hawaii nonprofit organizations who participated in the competition this year. The first-place winner, Worknet Inc., walked away with the $15,000 prize.

“I’m overwhelmed and seldom am I at a loss for words,” said WorkNet Founder, Executive Director and President Chas Williams, upon receiving his award. “We rarely have a chance to revel in the work we do, so I am proud to be here. For once, we’re recognized for the work we do.”

WorkNet is an innovative nonprofit that prepares prison inmates for a successful re-entry into community living to reduce recidivism. The organization specializes in offender re-entry services, which include helping parolees find jobs, secure housing, obtain a driver’s license and restore identity documents so they can have a higher success rate with their reintegration into our communities.

“To be in this company (among other nonprofits), I feel rewarded beyond belief,” says Williams, pssionatley shaking his fist. “This institution (Chaminade) is the training ground, and I offer myself to share my knowledge and ideas with people who are in this field.”

The second-place winner was Mothers Against Drunk Driving, which received $11,000 toward its Teen Influencer Summer Institute, a five-week program that aims to educate today’s youth about the dangers and tragedies of drinking and driving.

Third place went to Pasefika Presence, a nonprofit magazine with a mission to provide a space for voices of the Pacific to share their stories through the publication of their writing and art.

“It’s not easy juggling school and running a nonprofit magazine at the same time,” said Epifania “Epi” Petelo ’23. “We aim to help preserve our stories through this publication and provide Pasefika people, especially youth, with a magazine that they can actually see themselves in.”

Fourth place went to Mood USA. All dressed in the same Mood USA logo T-shirts, Waioli Misajon and her family members—including her 2-year-old daughter—said she was inspired by the competition two years ago, adding that her nonprofit was then just a dream. “This award comes with much appreciation for all the supporters and consultants who have helped develop the nonprofit Mood USA,” said the Nanakuli native of Mood USA, which supports mental health for children in the Leeward area.

The remaining five finalists included Hear 4 Hope, Downtown Art Center’s Metal Lab, PAWsitive Adventures, ThriveHI and Two Times Recycling. Each received a $1,000.

“American Savings Bank is proud to be a sponsor of this competition for many years now,” said American Savings Bank’s President and CEO Ann Teranishi. “The work that you’re doing is not easy, but please continue the work of nonprofits. Our communities need you.”

International Education Week

Student clubs share ethnic cuisines and dances

With Chaminade’s diverse population, it’s only fitting that the University would celebrate International Education Week (April 8-12). Inspired by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization’s World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development, the series of campus events featured a melting pot of flavors, starting with the Spring 2024 Taste of Culture.

The Filipino Club served one of the national dishes of the Philippines—lechon, crispy roast pork.
The Filipino Club served one of the national dishes of the Philippines—lechon, crispy roast pork.

“Our University is a mosaic of talents, backgrounds and experiences, and it is this diversity that makes our community truly exceptional,” says Chaminade President Lynn Babington, Ph.D. “International Education Week allows us to celebrate not only the richness of the world’s cultures, but also the essential role of intercultural dialogue for achieving peace and sustainable development.”

Participating clubs at this year’s Sixth Annual Taste of Culture included the TaoTao Marianas Club, World of Dance, Accounting Club, Office of Student Engagement, Chaminade Student Government Association, Micronesian Club, Lumana‘i O Samoa, Student Organization of Latinx, The Filipino Club, Office of the President, Chemistry Club and Restauranteers Club.

Observing cultural week not only offers the Kalaepohaku community a chance to experience the diverse cultures of our student body, but it also facilitates the dismantling of stereotypes while fostering mutual comprehension and acceptance. Through the International Extravaganza, students and local residents can listen to the musical rhythms, watch the graceful dances, and enjoy the traditional attire and unique customs of various cultures, cultivating a profound admiration for our campus diversity and fostering cross-cultural empathy.

“As advisors for The Filipino Club, Bro. Allen (Pacquing) and I ensure that the students are constantly receiving the support they need, ensuring that our activities run smoothly,” says Maritel Suniga, payroll specialist in the Business Office. “They put 100 percent of their time and energy into practicing the traditional tinikling dance, often rehearsing late into the night to perfect their moves.”

Wearing a traditional barong tagalog, Christian Raquepo’s first-time experience at Taste of Culture and International Extravaganza was memorable. “These events are a testament to Chaminade’s value of education in the ‘ohana spirit and inclusivity,” said the Silversword freshman. “As a proud first generation Filipino-American, representing my culture in food and dance with our University community makes me proud of my cultural heritage.”

In addition to The Filipino Club, other participants included Ka Ipu Kukui Me Ka ‘ie ‘ie (Hawaiian Club), Lumana‘’i O Samoa and the Taotao Marianas Club.

“Cultural events allow me to be proud of who I am as a descendant of Filipino immigrants,” Raquepo said. “Dressing up in our cultural attire was my favorite moment.”

The Everlasting Marlene Baker

Campus mom to some and Beloved Friend to All

He is not sure if she ever saw the text he sent her of a picture of his newly born son. But, two days later, Keegan Tomita ’13 learned that his “campus mom” had lost her battle to cancer.  Marlene Baker was more than just an administrator for Tomita, whose family grew close to the affable longtime Silversword, inviting her to stay with them on Mercer Island in Washington during the summer and even inviting her to Keegan’s wedding.

“Who invites their counselor to their wedding,” quips Tomita, chuckling as he utters those words. “She was truly my mom away from home who was just like family. I still think that I can pick up the phone and hear her voice.”

Jennifer Creech can. The Vice President for Enrollment Management and Student Success kept the last voicemail Baker ever left her just before she was admitted to the hospital in July 2022. Her voice weakened from chemotherapy treatment, Baker told Creech that she “had to go to the hospital, but not to worry, and that she would be back in the office in a couple of days.”

“She knew all the secrets of Chaminade and they were in her vault,” says Creech, gesturing to her temple. “She would get here every day by 6 in the morning, placing flowers on peoples’ desks and waiting for students to visit her in her office. Chaminade was truly her home.”

Marlene Baker enjoyed spending time with Jennifer Creech's two sons, from left, Parker and Connor.
Marlene Baker enjoyed spending time with Jennifer Creech’s two sons, from left, Parker and Connor.
Marlene Baker was a beloved friend to many of her colleagues.
Marlene Baker was a beloved friend to many of her colleagues.
Marlene Baker pictured with colleagues from the Office of Student Success.
Marlene Baker pictured with colleagues from the Office of Student Success.
Marlene Baker would frequently socialize with former Dean of Chaminade's School of Business and Communication, Scott Schroeder, Ph.D., his spouse Dr. Koreen Nakahodo and Linda Iwamoto.
Marlene Baker would frequently socialize with former Dean of Chaminade’s School of Business and Communication, Scott Schroeder, Ph.D., his spouse Dr. Koreen Nakahodo and Linda Iwamoto.
Marlene Baker was friends with many Silverswords, including, to her right, Koreen Nakahodo and Linda Iwamoto.
Marlene Baker was friends with many Silverswords, including, to her right, Koreen Nakahodo and Linda Iwamoto.
Keegan Tomita, like all Silverswords, enjoyed the full support of Marlene Baker.
Keegan Tomita, like all Silverswords, enjoyed the full support of Marlene Baker.

And it was Baker’s home for more than 50 years, dating back to a time when she left Maui as a 17-year-old college-bound student, eager to pursue a bachelor’s degree at the Kalaepōhaku campus. She would eventually attain her BA in Social Studies in 1972, later earning a master’s in Counseling Psychology in 1988. Not only was Baker an empathetic listener but she was a consummate student, a trait that wasn’t lost on English professor Linda Iwamoto.

“My first memory of Marlene was as a student erectly sitting in the first row,” says Iwamoto, who would enjoy a five-decade-long relationship with Baker and would serve as Baker’s matron of honor at her wedding. “She was always attentive, very shy, and she had beautiful handwriting.”

These days, the art of cursive writing has given way to dexterous texting and instant messages, such as the one Pono Riddle received from Baker on July 28, 2022. After sending her a text noting that he would see her when he returned from a trip, Baker wrote “I love you and miss you.”

“I first met Marlene online when she made my schedule my freshman year,” says Riddle ’18 (BS), ’21 (MEd), Associate Director of the Office of Student Success. “One day I was working at Macy’s and I saw a woman wearing a name tag with the name Marlene in the Bridal Registry department. We got to talking and it turned out that I was the Andre Riddle whom she created the class schedule for. That day sparked a forever friendship throughout my time at Chaminade. I still miss hearing the Hawaiian music coming out of her office.”

It wasn’t unusual for Baker to receive invitations to people’s homes or to be asked to become a godmother. Koreen Nakahodo, Ph.D., made the request twice: once for herself and another for her daughter. “I’ve known Marlene since I was 21 years old,” says the Chaminade Assistant Professor of English. “Since she was from Maui, she took care of all the Neighbor Island kids, feeding them at times and even inviting them to her home for the holidays when they wouldn’t fly home.

“There were so many people that Marlene touched,” Nakahodo adds. “And it gives me great pride and joy—as I am sure it will with others—to contribute to the Chaminade Fund in honor of Marlene. She truly brought so much meaning and joy in so many people’s lives here at Chaminade.”

Nurturing Nurses

Answering the call for Hawaii’s need for more healthcare providers

Some graduates work at The Queen’s Medical Center while others are employed by Hawaii Pacific Health and Kaiser Permanente. A few work in telemedicine with Pali Momi and Straub Medical Center. Since the Hawai‘i State Board of Nursing officially gave Chaminade University the green light to launch a nursing program in Fall 2010, the School of Nursing and Health Professions (SNHP) has graduated more than 600 nurses who have contributed to our community’s healthcare needs in various settings, including hospitals, doctors’ offices, clinics and other environments.

“Our nursing program has a highly distinctive approach to nursing,” says Chaminade Provost and Senior Vice President Lance Askildson. “Our graduates are well rounded and play an essential role in their communities to advocate for health promotion.”

Nursing stands as the cornerstone of the healthcare workforce, yet the demand for nurses is poised to escalate in the coming decade. Shifting population dynamics, advancements in technology and evolving healthcare models are set to catalyze an expansion in nursing roles, necessitating a highly educated nursing workforce. Compounded by the aging of the current nursing workforce and the impending wave of retirements, the United States is on track to face a significant nursing shortage by 2025, with Hawai‘i projected to experience a deficit of 3,311 professional nurses, according to an article published in Hawai‘i’s Journal of Medicine & Public Health.

This year's White Coat Ceremony included 119 nursing students who are now officially in their clinical stages of their education.
This year’s White Coat Ceremony included 119 nursing students who are now officially in their clinical stages of their education.

In their research titled, Hawaii’s Nursing Workforce: Keeping Pace with Healthcare, the co-authors Sandra A LeVasseur, Ph.D., RN and Kristine Qureshi, Ph.D., RN, FAAN conclude that as healthcare needs change, academic, healthcare and community partners must be prepared to respond by developing innovative educational delivery models, new specialty programs and diverse clinical placement opportunities to ensure a pipeline of competent nurses across the state.  

“The school just went through an external review” Askildson says. “The purpose of the review was to examine the current curriculum, capacities and profile of the School in order to identify opportunities for strategic investment and change that will strengthen academic excellence and student success in keeping with our University mission and ethos, and the enduring values of our School of Nursing and Health Professions.”

In compiling their report on the SONHP, external reviewers Meredith Kazer, Ph.D., APRN, FAAN, (Team Lead), Beth P. Beckman, DNS, RN, FNP, NEA- BC, FAAN, Carrie M. Oliveira, Ph.D. and Marcia B. Proto, M.Ed, CAS met with faculty, staff, students and administrators, engaging stakeholders indiscussions that explored curricular issues, faculty and staff workload, the University’s commitment to ensuring a developmental approach to nursing and public health education, and exploring opportunities to further integrate SNHP programs in the service of Hawaii and its multicultural peoples.

Furthermore, the reviewers note that the supportive culture that has been created and maintained throughout SNHP and the University is a tremendous strength of the School, and provides a strong foundation upon which to build. Throughout all their meetings, reviewers wrote they found a “strong sense of teamwork and collaboration, and there is a strong mission-focus throughout Chaminade and the SNHP team that embodies the mission in their work.”

Presently, Hawai‘i boasts nine nursing programs dispersed across public and private universities and colleges. These programs have united in their efforts to align with the Institute of Medicine’s recommendations for the future of nursing. Through strategic partnerships and collaboration, the nursing landscape in Hawai‘i is undergoing a transformation. Practice boundaries are expanding, diverse pathways to advanced nursing education are being established, and nurses are forging alliances with other stakeholders to revolutionize healthcare delivery.

To guide strategic planning efforts, the Hawai‘i State Center for Nursing diligently collects and analyzes data on the nursing workforce. This ongoing assessment allows for informed decision-making tailored to the unique needs of the state’s population and healthcare landscape. Identified gaps in nursing specialty education, particularly in areas such as school health and mental health, are being addressed through targeted initiatives aimed at bolstering education and training opportunities in these critical areas.

“We want to continue to invest in our nursing program, which is one of the recommendations of the external reviewers,” Askildson says. “We want to continue to produce nurses without being transactional. Our nursing graduates are prized because they care deeply about their patients since they have a holistic approach to healthcare.”

Connor Flynn BS ’21

How did your education at Chaminade University of Honolulu contribute to your professional success?

Chaminade was extremely influential regarding my personal definition of “professional success.” With the input from my peers and mentors, my definition of professional success includes values of stewardship, community and lifelong-learning. Fortunately, thanks to the support of a United Nations Sustainability Center and a $10 Million NSF INCLUDES Alliance Data Science grant, both housed at Chaminade, I have been able to thrive and accomplish some professional success since graduation. 


Can you recall a specific moment or experience during your time that had a significant impact on you, either academically or socially?

The Supporting Pacific Impact through Computational Excellence (SPICE) Summer Program is a one-month intensive data science experience. I was provided with a $6,000 stipend, which is equivalent to what I would have made in an entire summer as an ocean lifeguard, along with a new laptop and essentially around-the clock-guidance from data science experts and mentors. This one month program greatly increased my confidence in coding and developing/testing hypotheses, and caused me to embrace data science as a career path. This programming is growing every summer and I am fortunate enough to now be a mentor in the program. 

How did your Chaminade education shape your perspective and personal growth?

I was born and raised in New York so attending school in Hawaii was quite different than anything I had ever experienced. I feel Chaminade provides a very supportive space for students from the mainland to learn about Hawaiian culture and values. These values seem to be present in every aspect of education/life on campus, and have shaped the way that I see the world. 

The familiar part of my education was the Marianist culture and identity of Chaminade. I attended Chaminade High School in New York, so the spiritual and service-oriented community on campus had an extremely positive impact on my personal growth. 

How have you continued to invest in your professional development since graduating?

With the guidance of Dr. Rylan Chong  and Dr. Helen Turner, I was fortunate enough to be accepted into a Masters of Environmental Data Science Program at UC Santa Barbara. This was the first program of its kind in the country, and I was part of the inaugural class. My education at Chaminade prepared me to thrive in the program among students from some of the best schools across the country. 

How has your education influenced your personal goals and achievements?

My degree in environmental science introduced me to the tremendous challenges and opportunities regarding the health and stewardship of our homes. My minor in data science allowed me to have a seat at the table in the ever increasingly data-driven world we live in. The overlap between these fields is limitless and I hope to spend my career in this interdisciplinary space. 

Designing Women

Avery Solmssen ’04 and Lily Kanter collaborate to open full-service design studio

Avery Solmssen likens her first meeting with a potential client as a date, posing the question to herself: “Do we match?” Apparently, during her initial encounter with Serena & Lily CEO, Lily Kanter, the two immediately clicked. In addition to colors and textures, they talked about interior design and Solmssen’s approach to her own work, all the while developing a burgeoning close personal relationship.

“I really like to get to know my clients before I fully commit to a job,” says Solmssen, who graduated with her BFA in Interior Design from Chaminade in 2004. “Every project takes on a different life; no two projects are ever alike.”

Interior design has a timeless appeal as a profession, drawing talented individuals who possess a passion for creativity, aesthetics and transforming spaces into functional works of art. That appeal, in part, is the reason Solmssen pivoted from her first career in education. After earning her bachelor’s degree in Sociology from the University of Colorado in 1998, Solmssen changed her mind about getting her degree in Special Education, choosing instead to pursue her BFA in Interior Design at Chaminade University.

“At the time, I was a teacher with Assets School, and I really enjoyed working with the kids,” Solmssen says. “But I’ve always had an interest in interior design so I chose to change careers.”

Avery Solmssen and Lily Kanter have collaborated to open Averylily Design Studio in 2022 and Averylily Home Collection this past January.
Avery Solmssen and Lily Kanter have collaborated to open Averylily Design Studio in 2022 and Averylily Home Collection this past January.

When the term “interior design” comes up, it often evokes images of HGTV, room-makeover challenges or DIY decor projects on Pinterest. However, what they’re actually envisioning is interior decorating. Although decorating contributes to crafting functional and aesthetically pleasing living spaces, the role of an interior designer stands apart from interior decorating in significant ways.

Though there are areas of common ground between interior design and interior decorating, they are inherently distinct. Interior design involves the fusion of art and science to comprehend human behavior, thereby crafting functional spaces within a structure. Conversely, interior decorating focuses on furnishing or embellishing a space with decorative elements to achieve a specific aesthetic. In essence, interior designers may engage in decorating, whereas decorators do not engage in design.

During the pandemic, Kanter purchased a home on Hawaii Island that was move-in ready, replete with reclaimed wood and a natural palette of colors and varying patterns. After asking her realtor for the designer’s name, Kanter connected with Solmssen, who was then a senior designer at the Honolulu-based firm Philpotts Interiors.

“Meli James (co-founder of Mana Up and president of the Hawaii Venture Capital Association) introduced me to Lilly at an event,” Solmssen recalls. “We met in 2018 in Mauna Kea, and she has been a mentor to me ever since.”

She is now also a business partner, with the two collaborating to open their portmanteau Averylily Design Studio in 2022 and Averylily Home Collection this past January.

“It was all Lily’s idea,” Solmssen says. “She encouraged me to work on my own, which I knew would be different after always having worked for someone else for the past 22 years.”

One of the greatest motives for Solmssen’s willingness to open a design studio was to be able to keep jobs in Hawaii, and hire local talent. She believes that it’s important to support Hawaii’s future designers and to mentor them, like Kanter has mentored her.

“We do a lot of team bonding,” says Gerlie “Gigi” Valiente ’17, a fellow Chaminade alumna, whom Solmssen brought on to be a designer with Averylily Design Studio. “I’ve learned a lot from Avery who taught me that we need to learn to be comfortable in uncomfortable situations, and it’s not always about being right.”

Since opening their design studio and now a home collection that carries such household basics as linens, home décor, tabletop accessories and beach towels—all inspired by Hawaii’s natural beauty and designed in Hawaii—Solmssen and Kanter are able to offer a comprehensive interior-design service for both renovations and new construction.

“One of our main goals is to keep jobs in Hawaii,” Solmssen emphasizes. “We want our local high school and college students to be able to come to our studio, and to develop their skills and apply them in real life.”