Campus Event

Silverswords Gather for Aloha ‘Āina Event

October 14, 2024

The day included community service projects, hands-on activities and educational workshops

Chaminade students along with members of the faculty and staff gathered on Indigenous Peoples Day for a special Aloha ‘Āina Kalaepōhaku event to celebrate the Hawaiian value of mālama ʻāina with community service projects, hands-on activities, and educational workshops and lectures.

As part of the daylong event on campus, supported by a grant from Kamehameha Schools Kaiāulu, participants planted native flora and weeded community gardens on Chaminade’s campus. A group of students also ventured to Cromwell’s Beach to conduct invasive limu removal.

“Today is a wonderful day for Chaminade University of Honolulu to celebrate the place, Kalaepōhaku, where we reside and to give back and celebrate our ʻāina,” said University President Lynn Babington. “So we come together as a community of mostly students, but faculty and staff, too, to protect the ʻāina, celebrate it, work in our community garden and also work with our native plants.”

Later in the day, students also got hands-on demonstrations in hula, lei making and more.

“Our Marianist mission and values of the University really focus on community,” said Babington, who assisted in clearing the community garden and putting in native plants. “Anytime we have the opportunity to gather people together to celebrate our place here in Hawai’i, we take advantage of that.”

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Kahoali’i Keahi-Wood, cultural engagement specialist and director of Environmental Studies at Chaminade, said the event was an opportunity to “give back to our ʻāina.” “We all have such busy lives,” he said. “It gives us a free day on our holiday to actually go back out into our communities, to think about people other than just us, extend our reach and give back to our community.”

Other workshops at the event explored Pacific pattern making, traditional fishing techniques and Hawaiian herbal medicinal practices. Indigenous scholar Dr. Manulani Aluli Meyer also spoke at the event about the intersection of indigenous knowledge and sustainability.

‘We Need to Talk’: Scholar on Civil Discourse

September 11, 2024

Dr. Timothy Shaffer spoke on the importance of civil discourse in today’s polarizing times

As the nation marked the anniversary of 9/11, civil discourse scholar Dr. Timothy Shaffer led an engaging conversation at Chaminade to underscore the importance of disagreeing agreeably in polarizing times.

“We are navigating tensions in the past that are still unrecognizable,” Shaffer told a packed lecture hall of students, faculty and staff members and others. “What happens when rhetoric becomes reality?”

Shaffer, inaugural Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF) Chair of Civil Discourse and director of the SNF Ithaca Initiative in the Joseph R. Biden, Jr. School of Public Policy and Administration at the University of Delaware, said institutions of higher education offer spaces for sharing ideas, finding common ground, understanding new perspectives and even passionately disagreeing—with mutual respect.

In his lecture, “We Need to Talk: Civil Discourse in Partisan and Polarizing Times,” he told attendees engaging in differences is critical—even essential in a democracy—and that it is absolutely appropriate to challenge one another, as long as it’s done in a fair way. “We have what I call, weak civility, which provides us a code of polite conduct or mode of behavioral management,” Shaffer said.

WATCH THE FULL TALK HERE:

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Strong civility, he added, is a “robust engagement of differences that includes dialogue and deliberation.”

Shaffer’s message resonated with the audience, especially in this election year.

Biology major Jason Edric Ulep ’27 said not everyone is going to agree, but it’s critical to understand where different people stand. “Civil discourse promotes the use of voice instead of resorting to physical violence and verbal abuse,” said Ulep, after attending the lecture. “We need civil discourse, as it aims to seek a middle ground and hopefully come to a common understanding or a solution to the problem.”

In his civil discourse leadership role, Shaffer works on a number of projects, which include annual convenings of faculty and students across the United States at the SNF Ithaca National Student Dialogue and research about the role of civil discourse within public affairs education.

Victoria Perrira ’27, a Criminology and Criminal Justice major, said she walked away from Shaffer’s lecture with a new appreciation of civil discourse. “I value truthfulness and was particularly interested in learning how to effectively navigate conversations around polarizing topics,” she said.

Dr. Timothy Shaffer discusses the importance of listening in his lecture themed, “We Need to Talk: Civil Discourse in Partisan and Polarizing Times.”

Shaffer said polarization isn’t new, but how we respond to each other can be. “We have a lack of public discourse,” he said, adding, “You need to create a space for democracy where you have agency. You can build a culture grounded in civil discourse even in these partisan and polarizing times.”

University President Lynn Babington, Ph.D., said the talk was particularly timely as the nation gears up for the presidential election.

“I believe the place of a university, an institution of higher learning, is to really provide the format, the environment for discourse to take a place,” she said.

“That’s our role. … We need, and our students need, to know how to have those important conversations. to listen carefully to people’s ideas and be able to respond to them in a very civil way.”

This lecture was sponsored by Chaminade University’s Office of Mission and Rector, the Association of Marianist Universities and the Marianist Leadership Center.

Entrepreneur Kicks Off Speaker Series

September 5, 2024

The co-founder of Kō Hana Distillers detailed how he overcame ‘roadblocks’ to go to market

Kō Hana Distillers co-founder Robert Dawson kicked off the fall Hogan Entrepreneurial Leadership Program Guest Speaker Series, detailing his journey from a business idea to a successful company.

Speaking to attendees, Dawson said he “didn’t know anything about sugarcane” and “didn’t even like rum” when he moved to Hawaii with his wife and son in 2008. He said his deep appreciation of history led him to Hawaii’s agriculture past and ultimately, “Native Hawaiian sugarcane,” called kō.

He teamed up with a scholar to learn more about Hawaii sugarcane, which was brought by ancient Polynesian seafarers to Hawaii more than 1,000 years ago.

Having spent a time in Brazil, Dawson told attendees at his talk Wednesday he had always been a fan of cachaça, the Brazilian rum made from sugarcane juice. This would be the direction he would take with his new venture, he said, growing and harvesting Hawaiian varietal sugarcane to distill rhum agricole.

Incorporating Kō Hana Hawaiian Agricole Rum in 2011, Dawson and business partner Jason Brand introduced their first agricole-style rum made entirely from Hawaii-grown sugarcane in 2014.

“It took time and getting over a lot of roadblocks,” Dawson said.

“But now we’re expanding to grow sugarcane across 1,600 acres on the North Shore, and our goal is to become an international boutique rum distiller.”

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The Hogan Guest Speaker Series is aimed at enriching the educational experience, connecting entrepreneurial-minded students with successful professionals from various industries and bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application.

Dr. Roy Panzarella, Hogan Entrepreneurial Leadership Program director, said guest speakers are selected based on the program’s objectives for the year. There are seven speakers on the schedule for the fall, including Better Sour and Shaka Tea co-founder Isabella Hughes, set to speak on Oct. 16.

“For many students, these are delightful opportunities to be exposed to and learn the power and value of networking,” Panzarella said, adding that speakers gives students invaluable real-world insights.

“Our wish is that all Hogan students, including those pursuing an MBA, will walk away from each lecture even more inspired to listen actively, read critically and speak effectively,” Panzarella said.

He also hopes the students leave the lectures, as well as the Hogan Entrepreneurial Leadership Program, more confident and excited about using their own talent and skills to start something new.

“Sometimes the Wednesday presentations have a long-lasting impact on our Hogan students, but I have found it is the lecturers themselves that have the most influence on them,” Panzarella said.

“Oftentimes, the personal narratives of the lecturers are so powerful they serve to inspire many students who doubt themselves and their capacity to achieve success.”

COMING UP:

An entrepreneurship teacher at Seabury Hall on Maui, Melissa Crounse Kaufman will be the next Hogan guest speaker on Sept. 18. Kaufman is the founding executive director of the Garage at Northwestern University and co-author of “Founded: The No B.S. Guide for Student Entrepreneurs.”

For the complete fall schedule, click here.

Doctor of Nursing Practice Immersion

August 30, 2024

The Doctor of Nursing Practice program helps to address a shortage of healthcare providers

Members of Chaminade’s newest Doctor of Nursing Practice cohort gathered on campus this week for a series of seminars, trainings and social events aimed at starting their new academic journey off right.

The DNP Immersion agenda included a special welcome address from Chaminade President Lynn Babington, who congratulated the new students for advancing their education to better serve others. “Chaminade is proud to play an important role in educating our future leaders in healthcare and expert clinicians,” Babington said, speaking to the nine new students in this year’s DNP cohort.

Three recent Silversword nursing graduates—Ashley Jardine ’24, Lisa Kawamura ’24 and Daniel Gardner ’24—are among the new DNP candidates and said they’re motivated to help address the shortage of healthcare providers in Hawaii and help prepare the next generation of nurses for the islands.

“I always wanted to be in healthcare,” said Gardner, who currently serves as a registered nurse at Kalihi Elementary. “My dad was a Green Beret medic and he helped a lot of people, which is what I want to do.”

Cohort member Jacqueline “Jacquie” Bassett is focusing on the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner track of the DNP, which is the highest clinical degree available in the nursing field. A nurse with the oncology ward at Straub Medical Center, Bassett hopes to relocate to Hawaii Island after completing her doctoral degree because so many communities are healthcare deserts.

“They desperately need mental healthcare workers there,” Bassett said.

“My parents own a homecare facility on the Big Island, and they see firsthand the need for—not just physical healthcare but mental healthcare, as well.”

Chaminade President Lynn Babington, Ph.D., congratulated the new cohort of Doctor of Nursing programs for advancing their education.

Maryann Kaiwi Salvador, FNP-BC ’23 gave a ZOOM presentation to the new cohort of Doctor of Nursing Program students.

Doctor of Nursing Program students listened as Maryann Kaiwi Salvador, FNP-BC ’23 talked about her capstone DNP project.

A two-day program, the DNP Immersion on campus was led by School of Nursing Associate Dean and DNP Director Pam Smith, with the help of faculty members Linda Malone, Sandra Bourgette-Henry, Dana Monday and Marife Aczon-Armstrong. The agenda over the two days included introductions, faculty-led discussions about goals and motivation, scholarly writing and the significance of Hawaiian culture.

Maryann Kaiwi Salvador, DNP, FNP-BC ’24 also presented her capstone project to the group via Zoom, explaining that she focused her research on chronic kidney disease. She told students it’s critical to find an area of interest that keeps them interested—and drives them to contribute more to the field.

“When you think about the development of your DNP project, ask yourself: What is your passion?” Salvador said, during her presentation. “There will be bumps on the road and setbacks, but persevere and be ready to switch gears. Remember that your professors, your instructors, your clinical advisors and your mentors all believe in you. So believe in yourself.”

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Designed for registered nurses or advanced practice nurses, Chaminade’s DNP program emphasizes clinical expertise, leadership and the ability to translate research into practice, making DNPs well-suited to address the healthcare needs of isolated or marginalized populations, program leaders said.

The DNP’s newest cohort members kick off their doctoral journeys amid an ongoing shortage of healthcare professionals across the state, including for nurses—and particularly in specialties like primary care and mental health. Program leaders said DNPs bring advanced training to the field, giving them the ability to diagnose, treat, and manage a wide range of health conditions.

During her presentation, Salvador told students she will be joining Na Pu’uwai Native Hawaiian Health Care Systems on Molokai next week. “So when you think about your DNP project, think of where it might lead you,” she said.

In Chaminade’s DNP program, students can choose from one of four concentrations: Family Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner or Post-Master’s Executive Leader.

“This DNP program will help you enhance your leadership skills,” Salvador said.

“You’ll get all the encouragement and support you will need from faculty and advisors to continue furthering your education. Congratulations on choosing to pursue your DNP.”

Chaminade Convenes for Spiritual Convocation

August 22, 2024

The tradition celebrates ‘religious and spiritual roots’ of Chaminade life

One of the pillars that characterize a Marianist education is to educate for formation in faith. And there is perhaps no better example of this than during the Fall Spiritual Convocation.

A longstanding tradition at Chaminade, the Spiritual Convocation marks the beginning of the academic year, formally welcoming students, faculty and staff to the University community.

“It also affords the opportunity to ask for God’s blessing on our Chaminade ‘ohana as we come together as a community to live and learn,” said University President Lynn Babington.

“During this celebration, we take the time to pause and be mindful of each other.”

This sentiment of family spirit aligns with the Marianist approach to education, which seeks to nurture students’ unique talents and fosters a lifelong commitment to learning.

“Last Friday we took part in the Academic Convocation for this new academic year, emphasizing the hopes and aspirations, and taking our A‘a Pledge,” said Fr. Martin Solma S.M., during his sermon. “Today, fittingly, we touch upon the religious and spiritual roots of our University life.”

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During the Convocation, Bro. Ed Brink, Chaminade’s vice president of mission and rector, outlined the origins of the Marianist Educational Associates program. In 2005, representatives from Chaminade, the University of Dayton, and St. Mary’s University of San Antonio responded to a call from the Association of Marianist Universities Board to form a special partnership.

“This initiative invited lay collaborators to help sustain and renew the mission and identity of the universities, rooted in the Catholic and Marianist educational tradition,” Brink said.

“For students, faculty and staff who are new members of our community, it will give you another opportunity to learn about the rich traditions of the University.”

This past summer, seven Chaminade faculty and staff members participated in the MEA Formation in Dayton; the seven-day program involving readings, reflections and shared insights.

The MEA cohort includes:

Andrew Ancheta ’21, student engagement coordinator
Dr. Rylan Chong ’10, Data Science director and assistant professor
Dr. Cheryl Edelson, School of Humanities, Arts and Design dean
Dr. Abby Halston, MS ’05, Marriage and Family Counseling clinical director
Kahala Kabalis Hoke ’05, MS ’07, women’s volleyball head coach
Pono Riddle ’18, MEd’ 21, Student Success associate director
Dr. Gail Grabowsky, School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics dean

“These individuals are part of a community committed to strengthening and developing the Catholic and Marianist identity of this University,” Brink said, after calling the cohort’s names.

“I now ask you to affirm your commitment as Marianist Educational Associates.”

Brink also recognized the 23 Chaminade staff members and faculty who made their first commitment in previous years, asking them to stand and renew their commitment as Marianist Educational Associates.

In unison, the MEAs pledged to uphold and advance the Catholic and Marianist mission and identity of Chaminade University. They committed to ongoing reflection, collaboration, and the continuation of programs that reinforce Chaminade’s identity as a Catholic and Marianist University.

They also promised to support others in growing in their understanding and appreciation of the Catholic and Marianist traditions, aiming to embody and witness these traditions for the benefit of the world.

By offering a quality education and searching for truth through human wisdom and faith, Solma said students are able to expand their minds and hearts, and helps them become servant-leaders.

“And, all of this within our Chaminade ‘ohana, where respect, acceptance, appreciation and encouragement are palpable,” Solma added. “As Fr. Chaminade wanted—a genuine family spirit.”

Silverswords Kick Off New School Year

August 19, 2024

Kalaepohaku abuzz as new and returning students are welcome for the first day of classes

It’s natural to have the jitters on your first day of college. And while Kameron Arizumi ’28 had made a couple of visits to campus over the summer, he arrived early Monday for the first day of the new academic year—leaving himself ample time to find his first nursing class in Henry Hall.

What he found was a campus abuzz with activity.

“I am excited and looking forward to get started on my college journey,” said Arizumi. “I’ve heard a lot of good things about Chaminade’s nursing program, which is the reason I chose to come here.”

Ulupuhi Pale ’27 kicked off his sophomore year on Monday. He said he’s still considering going to seminary school after he graduates from Chaminade. He turned to his faith during the darkest days of COVID, and the Kuliouou native says he’s a strong proponent of Chaminade’s mission and values.

“I believe in an education in faith and service to the community,” said Pale, who can often be seen strumming his ukulele or playing his guitar on campus.

“Chaminade was the perfect school for me and I really like the people and the sense of ‘ohana.”

Lounging in an Adirondack chair in Zuberano Courtyard, LaVelle White ’26 said it felt good to be back on campus. Waiting for his Digital Humanities class to start, the Data Science, Analytics and Visualization major said he’d already attended two classes in the morning and was excited about the year ahead.

“Over the summer I did a couple of internships which kept me busy,” said the Army veteran. “I’m glad to be back because it means I’m getting closer to completing my degree.”

First day in the books!

New and returning students converged on campus today for the kickoff of the new academic year! There were plenty of hugs, shakas and laughs. Read more: https://t.co/WyckDojAjh pic.twitter.com/BvjgXPv1aa
— Chaminade News (@Chaminade_Univ) August 20, 2024

Chaminade President Lynn Babington was delighted to see the energy on campus Monday.

“It’s wonderful to welcome our new students to campus, as well as our returning students since today marks the first day of classes,” she said.

“It’s great to walk around campus and see all the smiles. Everyone is happy to be back.”

Indeed, Monday morning started off for many students with embraces and shakas, as they greeted friends they hadn’t seen over the summer break. Returning students could be heard sharing their classes for the semester, while freshmen could be seen asking for directions to various campus buildings.

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A first-year student in the Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology program, Walter Lee was admiring the beauty of Chaminade’s campus Monday, commenting on the ocean views and slopes of Kalaepohaku. “It’s the first time I have ever stepped on this campus,” he said.

“I chose Chaminade’s PsyD program because it’s more clinical and less research. I like to communicate with people and listen with an empathetic ear.”

Taking photos and promoting Movie Night this coming Thursday, Madison Makashima ’24 can’t believe it’s her senior year. “When I first started, I remember people telling me to enjoy every moment because it goes by quickly,” she said. “I thought they were exaggerating a little bit, but now I know they were telling the truth. It’s a great feeling to be back and seeing all the familiar faces and the new ones as well.”