Chaminade University of Honolulu

Campus Event

Celebrating the 2018 Co-Curricular Awards

Education isn’t just about acquiring knowledge, but about fostering – and nurturing – character. At Chaminade, we strive to develop the whole student and create leaders of tomorrow.

Celebrating student leadership and involvement, as well as individual and organizational accomplishments, the 2018 Co-Curricular Awards held its annual dinner honoring the awardees. The event was on April 18 in the Clarence T.C. Ching Conference Center and recognized 22 students, one staff member and two student organizations.

2018 CO-CURRICULAR AWARDS

AWARDS PRESENT BY THE OFFICE OF STUDENT ACTIVITIES AND LEADERSHIP

Bro. Joseph Becker Awards of Excellence:
Freshman: Andrew Ancheta
Sophomore: Clarissa Ellazar
Junior: Angela Williams
Senior: Melissa Ponce

Awarded annually to a freshman, sophomore, junior, and senior who displayed exceptional leadership through involvement in co-curricular activities; who showed outstanding qualities of character, leadership, service, integrity, and scholarship; who demonstrated initiative, motivation, and potential for continued student leadership; who motivated his or her fellow classmates to become actively involved in the campus community; who contributed time and energy to the improvement of student/campus life and his or her designated class/community/organization during the academic year.

Bro. Elmer Dunsky Outstanding Student Organization Award:
Chaminade Student Programming Board

Awarded annually to a student organization who has gone beyond the bounds of their membership by helping to create a positive campus environment for all students and made an outstanding contribution to Chaminade University as an organization.

Fr. Stephen Tutas Program Award for Excellence:
Malama Honua for “Have Your Sei”

Awarded annually to a student or student organization who has exceptional creativity, planning, and execution of a University program which significantly contributed to the quality of life at Chaminade. The program must have appealed to a broad cross-section of the University community, displayed originality, and elicited participation by members of the sponsoring organization during all phases of the effort.

Rev. David Schuyler Advisor of the Year Award:
Julieann Tupuola

Awarded annually to a member of faculty, staff, or administration who advises a student club/organization and consistently helped to identify, encourage, and support students in their leadership development and campus involvement, repeatedly demonstrated a commitment to the community and its needs, and expanded the horizons, skills, and value systems of Chaminade students by providing support and guidance within co-curricular life.

AWARDS PRESENT BY ATHLETICS

Male Athlete of the Year: 
Austin Pope (Men’s Basketball)

Outstanding overall season performance in his conference sport; received ‘Player of the Year’ or ‘First Team’ conference recognition; must have represented Chaminade University in a prideful and honorable manner during his season.

Female Athlete of the Year:
Caitlin Tatemichi (Women’s Soccer)

Outstanding overall season performance in her conference sport; received ‘Player of the Year’ or ‘First Team’ conference recognition; must have represented Chaminade University in a prideful and honorable manner during her season.

Silversword Award: 
Dylan Takabayashi (Men’s Golf)

Recognizes an act or series of acts associated with an athletic activity that represents the spirit of the Marianist philosophy to include sportsmanship, integrity, honesty, truthfulness and respect for self and others.

AWARDS PRESENT BY CAMPUS MINISTRY

Campus Ministry Award:
Vanessa Ignacio

Awarded to a student who has participated in all areas of Campus Ministry (liturgy, community service, and retreats). This person is an all-around amazing member of the Campus Ministry `ohana.

Liturgy Award: 
Jenny rose Anacan

Awarded to an individual who has willingly volunteered his or her time and talent to contribute to the quality and spirituality of our weekend and special liturgies and prayer experiences.

Retreat Leader of the Year: 
Nicolle Soriano

Award acknowledges the overwhelming commitment and dedication shown by a retreat leader in creating communities of support, faith, and love on campus. The leader selected for this award has demonstrated outstanding leadership skills, maturity, dedication, and commitment to the mission of Campus Ministry.

Service Award:
Bo Diego
Mason Pfeifer

Award acknowledges outstanding servant leadership in the area of restorative justice and service for the people and the `āina (land) of Hawaii. The individual selected for this award has demonstrated just moral character, leadership skills, good humor, dedication, and humility.

AWARDS PRESENT BY THE OFFICE OF ADVISING AND CAREER DEVELOPMENT

Outstanding Orientation Leader: 
Adam Perez
Charlene Mae Rocimo

The position of Orientation Leader is for someone who enjoys getting to know other students and wants to make Chaminade an even better place by building community between returning and new students. Orientation Leaders are involved with planning, implementing, and evaluating New Student Orientation. Their primary objective is to welcome new students and their families and help welcome them fully into the Chaminade ‘ohana. While all Orientation Leaders play an important role in creating an environment of success for incoming students, the recipient of this award has displayed exemplary performance of their duties.

Outstanding Peer Mentor: 
Bo Diego
Nicolle Soriano

Students who apply for and are hired to be Peer Mentors take a leadership role in the University by being visible, available upper-class students to which first-year students can connect. As co-teachers of CUH 100, they commit significant hours to training and class preparation. Peer Mentors are responsible for maintaining regular contact with students in their class, engaging them in University life, and assisting them with both academic and personal transitions that occur during the critical first few months on campus. While all Peer Mentors play an important role in helping first-year students to adjust to and succeed at Chaminade, this Peer Mentor’s performance of these responsibilities is exemplary.

AWARDS PRESENT BY RESIDENTIAL LIFE

Residence Hall Association Award of Excellence:
Dalton Alatan

Awarded to a Resident Hall Association Representative who is a role model for other representatives, has demonstrated strong leadership skills and who positively impacted the organization and residential community.

Resident Assistant Award of Excellence:
Nerisa Taua

Awarded to a Resident Assistant who has a high-level of maturity, exhibits the ability to work as an individual community leader as well as an active participant of the Residential Life team. He or she conducts themselves with a positive attitude while executing their knowledge and practical application of policy and procedures, peer counseling skill and emergency response.

AWARDS PRESENT BY DEAN OF STUDENTS

Dean of Students’ Special Recognition:
Savannah Lyn Delos Santos

This award recognizes a student who in his or her time at Chaminade has continuously contributed to the betterment of the overall community. The student may not typically be in the spotlight in regard to his or her contributions or have the loudest voice, however his or her efforts may have a widespread impact.

Frederick K.K. Kauhane, Sr. Aloha Spirit Award: 
Ava Wong
Nathan Pollard

Awarded annually to students who exhibit a humble, cheerful, and generous spirit; a dedication to fostering a sense of `ohana around campus; the ability to raise other’s spirits by consistently improving the environment around them.

Henry Halenani Gomes Alaka‘i Award:
Crishelle Young

This award recognizes a Chaminade undergraduate student who has demonstrated excellence in leadership and service to the Native Hawaiian community. In ‘ōlelo Hawai‘i (Hawaiian Language), Alaka‘i is the Hawaiian value of leadership. It includes coaching, guiding, and mentoring others to support their growth. Those who are Alaka‘i lead with care for their community. The recipient  has shown a commitment in service toward the Native Hawaiian community through education, perpetuation of culture and language, community service projects and advocacy.

Chaminade Holds ‘Prayer for Healing and Peace’ Interfaith Service

In the wake of the Las Vegas massacre and natural disasters in Puerto Rico, Florida and Texas, Chaminade University held a “Prayer for Healing and Peace” interfaith service in the campus Mystical Rose Oratory.

Chaminade Vice President for Mission and Rector Bro. Edward Brink, S.M. described the Oct. 6 gathering as “an opportunity for healing, reflection , and comfort.”

A homily/reflection by Deacon Michael Weaver pondered the question of how God could have let the Las Vegas shootings and catastrophic hurricanes occur. Deacon Weaver emphasized that “God was there” when first responders rushed to help the shooting victims. And “God was there” in the global outpouring of aid relief following the deadly hurricanes.

Campus Ministry Director Bro. Allen Pacquing, S.M. shared a quotation from Blessed William Joseph Chaminade, who counseled that  “you will find peace for your soul through prayer.” Bro. Allen also pointed out that Bishop Joseph Pepe of Las Vegas urged people to “stand together in the face of violence because we cannot let hate and violence have the last word.”

The service also featured prayers for peace from the Christian, Jewish, Muslim and Buddhist religions offered by Nashawna Smith, Dr. Hank Trapido-Rosenthal (Associate Professor of Biology), Adam Perez and Lisa Furuta.

Concluding the interfaith gathering was a pledge for peace and candle-lighting ceremony. The pledge proclaimed “our firm conviction that violence and terrorism are incompatible with the authentic spirit of religion,” while calling for mutual respect and esteem “to help bring about a peaceful coexistence between people of different ethnic groups, cultures and religions.”

New Silverswords: Chaminade Welcomes Class of 2021, Transfer Students to Campus

Chaminade University enthusiastically welcomed 214 first-year students and 123 transfer students to campus prior to the start of fall classes on Monday, August 28. The 2017-18 academic year starts later at Chaminade than at most other Hawaii colleges and universities.

Among the orientation highlights for new students was a Sunday-morning hike to the summit of Diamond Head led by Dr. Lynn Babington, who began her tenure August 1 as Chaminade’s tenth President. More than 100 people took part in the strenuous climb, including many students and their families from the Neighbor Islands and Mainland cities.

Another highlight was the academic convocation held at the campus Mamiya Theatre. This traditional ceremony featured a procession of faculty to formally introduce students to their educational journey.

Other well-attended orientation activities included: trolley tours of Chaminade’s Kaimuki neighborhood, a mystery bus ride, a resource fair and social at Henry Hall with shave ice and a photo booth, and a colorful “Tastes of Hawaii” luau on the Sullivan Family Library lawn.

During a “Burgers with the Brothers” informal luncheon at Hale Malia, students and parents excitedly mingled with Chaminade’s Marianist community. Among those on hand were University Rector Bro. Ed Brink, S.M., and Bro. Allen Pacquing, S.M., the recently appointed director of Campus Ministry.

Students also became acquainted with members of the Silversword women’s soccer team, who warmly greeted newcomers by helping them move into their Hale Lokelani campus apartments.

Chaminade’s Class of 2021 reinforces the University’s distinction as one of the most multicultural campuses in America. Student ethnicities include: Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander (40.2 percent), Asian (30.8 percent), Caucasian (10.7 percent), Hispanic/Latino (4.2 percent), African American (1.4 percent) and two or more races (5.1 percent).

The incoming class drew students from 17 states, three U.S. territories and two foreign countries. Notably, 43.9 percent of these freshmen are first-generation college students.

Chaminade University Celebrates 2017 Spring Commencement

Hundreds of exuberant graduates celebrated their achievements with their families, friends, faculty, staff and colleagues at Chaminade University’s 59th Commencement. Approximately 429 students graduated this spring semester with nearly 335 participating in the May 15 ceremony held at Neal Blaisdell Arena.

The program featured as its keynote speaker Shelley J. Wilson, the president and chief executive officer of Wilson Homecare and vice chair and secretary of Chaminade University’s Board of Regents. In 1996, Wilson founded Wilson Homecare, one of Hawaii’s largest private-duty home health care agencies. Wilson Homecare provides in-home health care services island-wide. Also in 2013, Wilson Senior Living Kailua, a state-licensed Adult Residential Care Home opened in the Aikahi neighborhood.

Wilson inspired the audience with her story.  She found her passion during one of the most difficult times of her life.  Returning to civilian life as a wounded warrior, Wilson had to deal with the challenges of recovery in the home.  Her experiences gave her empathy for in-home-care patients. In response to those hard times, she founded Wilson Homecare.  She encouraged the soon-to-be graduates to find a cause and to dedicate themselves to that cause with a passion as a way to find purpose and meaning.

Commencement student speakers were Taylor Seth Stutsman, the undergraduate representative, and Rezettakahealani Eric Mulitalo, the post-graduate representative.

Stutsman graduated with his B.S. in Forensics Sciences, Cum Laude.  That night his family came from five different states to cheer for him. He moved to Hawaii from Pennsylvania and appreciated the diversity of Chaminade. “Hawaii has taught me more about acceptance and tolerance than I could have imagined,” he said, appreciative of the multi-cultural experiences made available to him at Chaminade.

Mulitalo graduated that night with her M.S. in Criminal Justice Administration. Raised in Western Samoa, she graduated with a bachelor’s degree from the University of Wellington, New Zealand. “You do not have to know what you are going to do with the rest of your life yet,” she reassured the graduating students. She advised them to remember what the Scottish scholar William Barclay had said. “’There are two great days in a person’s life –the day we are born, and the day we discover why,’” she quoted. “Watch your choices, follow your dreams and love what you do.”

Breaking Through Student Stress with Fun Relief

It was the last week of classes, and the traditional stress storms had hit the campus with a flurry of craziness. Deadlines, unfinished papers, misbehaving printers, readings, chapter reviews and last minute questions for professors compounded by events to attend and job responsibilities stirred up a maddening spirit across the campus. Oh, what’s an exasperated student to do?

The Chaminade Student Programming Board (CSPB) created some healthy ways to release those tensions from May 1-5, the last week of classes. Crazy fun and playful distractions provided students with opportunities to shake off their distress.

The board launched the week with an inflatable obstacle course and a free barbecue lunch on Monday.  Students and faculty members kicked off their shoes and rushed up a balloon mountain, sliding down again.  Many did it over and over again, breaking into a mild cardiovascular sweat. The physical relief from some strenuous exercise made students smile again, and then to do it with their faculty members added cheers and laughter to the noise of the crowd on the library lawn.

The Chaminade Student Government Association (CSGA) also introduced its newly-elected board on Monday at the barbecue. Serving in 2017-2018 are Ashlee Navarro (president), Rena Pascual (executive vice president), Jenny Rose Anacan (vice president of Programming), Tyler Cartaino (vice president of Finance), Marvin Trantham (vice president of Communications), Mica Mariano (vice president of Internal Affairs), and Filmore Timothy (chair of the House of Representatives).

On Tuesday, the programming board set up a mini golf putt course on the lawn between Henry Hall and Clarence T. C. Ching Hall.  Focusing their attentions on their game seemed to refresh students as they forgot their cares and sucked on free Jui Moi pops. Ah, the power of play!

On Wednesday, 200 students enjoyed free smoothies from Jamba Juice and healthy snacks, served at the CSGA office in Clarence T. C. Ching Hall.  The free pick-me-uppers energized the students for the next mile of their academic marathon. CSPB and Residence Hall Association (RHA) also offered an evening at David & Buster’s for some additional fun and relief.

On Thursday morning at Henry Hall Courtyard, Koa Café provided a commuter breakfast for students. The menu included fried rice, scrambled eggs, bacon, Portuguese sausage and guava lava mochi waffles. Students were grateful and hungry. Nothing like a good breakfast to meet the day’s struggles.

On Friday on the library lawn, the programming board presented the “Chaminade + Carnival” portion of the week.  As students hiked up or down Kalaepohaku, they could take a respite on the library lawn and play carnival games, eat a free bento, have a bit of refreshment, and unwind momentarily. The fun sparked their plugs, and the food added fuel to their bodies.

The week’s activities kept the fun alive and provided a bit of sanity during the last week of school, thanks to CSPB members Jerri Francisco (chair), Jenny Rose Anacan, Chris Kanamu, Jana Lazarte, Melissa Ponce, and Angela Williams.

Health Fair Showcased Students On Their Way To Becoming Competent, Caring Nursing Professionals

The School of Nursing at held its fifth annual Wellness and Health Fair as the spring semester drew to a close. Sophomore students enrolled in the course Nursing 291: Health Promotion set up their poster boards on various critical health issues. Health Promotion professor Dr. Joy Bliss coordinated the efforts, assisted by the faculty and staff of the School of Nursing.

School of Nursing 2017 Health and Wellness Fair

The displays were opportunities to share with the Chaminade ‘ohana the outreach work students had done during the semester to promote healthy behaviors in the community at large and to promote healthy choices with faculty, staff, and students who attended the fair. The students provided health information on a broad range of topics such as diet and nutrition, oral health, heart health, cancer prevention and early detection, domestic abuse, suicide prevention, sexual health, and more.

Held in the Henry Hall Courtyard on April 28, the Friday before Lei Day weekend, the fair took on a Hawaiian ambiance. The Saint Louis School Hālau made a guest appearance to open the program.

Three Papakōlea women strung lei of plumeria and shared them with the crowd. The community leaders of Papakōlea had conducted a health needs assessment of their Native Hawaiian Homestead residents. Based on the results, project possibilities emerged. The ideas focused on promoting ‘ohana health and aging-in-place safely, enabling the community to remain whole, while providing education and access to healthcare. Students participated in training opportunities for direct service to Papakōlea as furnished by the valued partners. Papakōlea leadership shared with Chaminade School of Nursing students the gift of their mana’o through training sessions of cultural competency, an understanding of community, perspective on the contexts for healthcare and public health nursing, and their respective roles.

Keeping with the Lei Day theme, the fair offered a healthy Hawaiian food plate (low salt, low fat and still ono) and at another table the traditional healing drink of kava. Kupuna (elders) shared their expertise in Native Hawaiian healing therapies including la’au lapa’au (Native Hawaiian herbal remedies) and lomi lomi (Native Hawaiian massage therapy).  The fair also offered alternative and holistic therapies such as “Healing Touch,” an energy therapy in which practitioners consciously use their hands in a heart-centered and intentional way to support and facilitate physical, emotional, mental and spiritual health.

School of Nursing 2017 Health and Wellness Fair
Michelle Selga, Ciana Russ, Shenaniah Romias, and Kyle Ranochak present “Health Promotion for Hawaii’s Homeless”

Dressed in dark blue Chaminade School of Nursing polo shirts, Michelle Selga, Ciana Russ, Shenaniah Romias, and Kyle Ranochak presented their “Homeless in Paradise” project.  They displayed a poster board with accompanying slides on a laptop and discussed details with those who had questions.

The four students did their service learning project in March at a homeless campsite adjacent to Waianae Boat Harbor. Mrs. Elisala, a nurse practitioner and faculty member at the University of Hawaii, coordinated a tour of the homeless community and informed the students on the health needs of the community.

In her reflection, Selga described her experience. “From the outside, you would not even imagine what goes on inside their community. The first step inside, you’re greeted by makeshift houses lined up along a beaten pathway. As you dive further in, you begin to realize how amazing these people are. Towards the center of town, which consists roughly of 200 people, lies a garden and chicken coop,” Selga remarked. “The biggest eye-opener for us was seeing how much help these people needed. A doctor there, who volunteers his time every week, explained to us that the greatest problem is they don’t have enough people to help.”

All the students felt that the experience was meaningful and wanted to do more. “It would be nice in the future to see us collaborate with Mrs. Elisala’s team and be able to give back to the people here in Hawaii. As nurses, we want to be able to give more to the community and expand our experience in the nursing profession,” concluded Selga.

The Homeless project was just one of many presentations exhibiting the broad range of topics that students undertook for their research. The Wellness and Health Fair successfully showcased competent and caring students who were well on their way to becoming competent and caring nursing professionals.

Chaminade’s School of Nursing is a four year, full-time undergraduate program that offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. The unique program immerses students in nursing preparation with educational curriculum, human-patient simulations, community outreach projects, and service-learning and supervised clinical experiences. The curriculum for our undergraduates program is consistent with the Baccalaureate Essentials of Nursing produced by the American Association of Collegiate Nursing. The nursing program is fully accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.