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Alumna and CEO, Martha B. Smith ’91 to Speak at Commencement

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Chaminade University will celebrate its 2016 Fall Commencement on Monday, Dec. 12, starting at 7 p.m. at the Neal Blaisdell Arena, located at 777 Ward Avenue, Honolulu, Hawaii 96814. Approximately 260 students will graduate this semester. Family and friends will cheer them on with lei and aloha. Estimated to last for two hours, the free event does not require tickets. Parking at the Arena is $7.

Martha Smith '91The keynote speaker will be Chaminade alumna and Chief Executive Officer of Kapi’olani Medical Center for Women and Children, Martha B. Smith ’91. Smith serves as a member of Chaminade’s Board of Regents and is an alumna of the University. Her leadership role in healthcare and community service is expansive. A past president of the Hawai‘i Chapter of the American College of Healthcare Executives, she is a member of the Children’s Hospital Association Chief Executive Group. Smith also serves on the boards of Alohacare, Child and Family Services, Girl Scouts of Hawai‘i and Surgicare (ASC Pacific Ventures).  In addition, she serves as chair of the board of Kapi‘olani Medical Specialists, a Physician Specialty Group of Hawai‘i Pacific Health.

Prior to joining Hawai‘i Pacific Health in 2004, Smith had worked in hospital operations and health care in Hawaii and Florida for 24 years. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Respiratory Therapy from the University of Central Florida, a Master of Public Health from the University of Alabama-Birmingham and a Master of Business Administration from Chaminade University.  She is a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives.

Pacific Business News has recognized her as its American Savings Business Leader for 2016.  She has been recognized by Girl Scouts of Hawai‘i as one of its 2015 Girl Scouts Women of Distinction and by the Healthcare Association of Hawai‘i as The Healthcare Leader for 2014.

The salutatorian speakers will be Sharmaine Borja Doles (undergraduate representative) receiving her bachelor’s degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice and Derek Kiyoji Santos (postgraduate representative) receiving his Master of Education in Educational Leadership.

School of Nursing Alumni Return to Network

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One evening in late November, nearly 50 Chaminade graduates and seniors gathered at Henry Hall Courtyard for School of Nursing’s second annual alumni mixer.

Alumni from the classes of 2014, 2015 and 2016 along with seniors from the class of 2017 met with representatives from seven clinical sites including Ka Punawai Ola Rehab Facility, Hawaii Pacific Health, Navy Nurse, Leahi and Maluhia Hospital, the Hawaii Department of Health, Express Healthcare Professional and Hale Nani. Attracted by the job networking opportunities, the participants listened intently to the descriptions and needs of each of the sites. All sites offered job possibilities for the graduates and soon-to-be graduates.

Later participants heard from Honza Hroch, representing CreativeNurse.  Hroch presented on managing finances including student loans.  His presentation was tailored to help guide nurses and recent graduates with their financial concerns.

The event culminated with a rich mentoring session between alumni and seniors. The attendees were broken into smaller groups for roundtable discussions where alumni could share their experiences with seniors, as well as answer any questions. For the dean of the School of Nursing, Gwenevere Anderson, and her faculty, Denise Cooper, Julie Elting, Denise Hackman, Eurina Kee, Edna Magpantay-Monroe and Julieta Rosado, it was fulfilling to reconnect with former students and to see these former students pass their wisdom forward to the seniors.

Chaminade University accepted its first cohort into its School of Nursing in fall 2010. That first cohort graduated in spring 2014, with two more graduating cohorts following each spring. The mission of the Chaminade University of Honolulu School of Nursing embraces the key elements of education and service. Specifically, it is to educate students “…to be competent and caring nursing professionals who will promote health and high standards of practice, decrease health-related disparities in society, and enhance the quality of life for their patients in a dynamic health care environment.”