Chaminade University of Honolulu

Campus Event

Nursing Students Honored in Pinning Ceremony

In a “heartfelt tradition,” 21 Nursing students at Chaminade gathered with loved ones Dec. 7 for a Pinning Ceremony, which marks the ceremonial completion of their bachelor’s degree journeys and the start of their professional careers.

During the gathering, students received their nursing stoles and pins.

They also recited the International Council for Nurses Pledge, promising to:

“Care for the sick with all the skills and understanding I possess, without regard to race, creed, color, politics or social status, sparing no effort to conserve life, to alleviate suffering, and to promote health.”

Hermaine Beltran ’24 was among the students honored.

“I’m feeling very happy, very exhilarated, very grateful for this moment,” said Beltran, who will be a nurse in the mother-baby unit at Kapiolani Medical Center for Women & Children. “We worked very hard to be here.”

Chaminade President Lynn Babington, Ph.D., a nurse herself, said the students are launching their careers amid a significant need for nurses in Hawai’i and nationally.

“We are proud that our students are answering the call,” Babington said.

She added, “The pinning ceremony is a heartfelt tradition that symbolizes students’ hard work and dedication throughout their coursework and clinical training.”

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Chaminade School of Nursing and Health Professions Interim Dean Lorin Ramocki explained that the roots of the Nursing Pinning Ceremony tradition date back to the 1860s when Florence Nightingale, known as the founder of modern nursing, was awarded the Red Cross of St. George.

Pinning ceremonies grew to mark the start of a nurse’s career.

Celebrating Volleyball’s Undefeated Season

Cheers filled the Chaminade campus Monday as faculty, staff and students came out to celebrate the women’s volleyball team for making history in their first undefeated Pacific West Conference championship. The Silverswords are now preparing for the NCAA Tournament.

Coach Kahala Kabalis Hoke ’05, MS ’07 said at the gathering she’s “incredibly proud” of her team.

“They’ve worked so hard and just to be able to have a season with zero slip-ups, sustain that focus and energy, and just detail-oriented … a coach can’t ask for anything more,” Hoke said.

She added, “I am grateful and blessed for this group.”

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Scores came out to cheer on the team—and share some gelato and ice cream bars with them.

The Pacific West Conference champions are 27-4 overall and 20-0 in the conference.

Also on Monday, the Silverswords learned they’ll Stanislaus State University as their opening round opponent in the NCAA Division II West Regional, which will be held in California from Dec. 5 to 7.

The region winner will advance to the NCAA Division II Championships in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

This will be the seventh appearance for the Silverswords in the tournament—and they’re ready.

“We feel really excited to continue to do greater things,” said team member Mahala Ka’apuni ’25. “We’ve worked really hard, come a really long way. This undefeated season, we’re feeling really grateful.”

Added team member Heavenly Campbell ’25: “Thank you to everyone who helped us get there.”

She added the team is continuing to fine tune “so we can come out as strong as we can.”

Get the latest on the Silversword Athletics at goswords.com.

Students Stage Agatha Christie Thriller

‘Love From a Stranger’ will come alive at the Black Box Theatre

You won’t want to miss the Chaminade Drama Club‘s latest production, “Love From a Stranger.”

The play, based on Agatha Christie’s short story “Philomel Cottage,” makes its debut on Nov. 15.

Club treasurer and set designer Caleb Cloud ’25 said the play showcases gender-blind casting.

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“There’s a lot of diversity and inclusion within the Club,” he added.

“Love From a Stranger” is psychological thriller about an heiress (Cecily Harrington), who rejects her longtime fiancé (Nigel Lawrence) in favor of a charming man (Bruce Lovell) she barely knows.

Zana Kimura ’25 is the production’s stage manager and also takes on the role of Mavis Wilson.

Kimura, who transferred to Chaminade in her second semester, said she joined the University’s Drama Club because she wanted to meet new people.

That’s exactly what she’s done, Kimura said, building friendships while staging the production.

Rian Sydney Pagtakhan provides stage direction to Willow McKay and Emily Cooper.
Rian Sydney Pagtakhan provides stage direction to Jules Mattes, left, and Willow McKay.

The three-act play unfolds when Harrington is shown packing up her London flat. Enter Bruce Lovell, a charming stranger who sweeps her off her feet.

In a whirlwind romance, Harrington abandons her job, friends and fiancé to settle in a country cottage. However, her newfound “love from a stranger” is not what it seems and in an astonishingly tense final scene, Harrington discovers the ghastly truth of her new love.

Rian Pagtakhan ’25, the production’s director who also plays the role of Auntie Loo-Loo, said the play required creativity—and lots of hard work.

“I’m proud to say that every Club member has contributed to this production,” Pagtakhan said.

“We found an old sewing table and a rotary phone for the set in the props room,” Cloud added. “We looked for pieces that would represent London in the 1930.”

Reflecting the clothing of that era, the costumes were designed by Randrielle Yola ’26.

“We had to get creative,” Yola said. “But we did pretty well.”

SHOW DETAILS:

Where: Vi and Paul Loo Theatre, Clarence T.C. Ching Hall, Black Box Theatre
When: Nov. 15-17, from 7-9:30 p.m.
Tickets: Click here to reserve your seat

Cast Members:
Willow McKay—Cecily Harrington
Micah Sanders—Nigel Lawrence
Jules Mattes—Bruce Lovell
Rian Sydney Pagtakhan—Director/Auntie Loo-Loo
Alexia Mae Eleccion—Dr. Gribble
Evan Cromer—Stage Manager/Hodgson
Emily Cooper—Ethel
Zana Kimura—Stage Manager/Mavis Willson

Technical Design:
Brielle “Lilinoe” Lo—Sound Designer
Lavelle White—Lighting Designer

Set Design:
Caleb Cloud—Set Designer
Greta Bornmann—Set Designer

Costume Designer:
Randrielle Yola

Celebrating Culture: Pacific Island Review

Students spent months rehearsing for the big night

Hantricia “Hanny” Lipai ’28 and Charisma Mitipok ’28 said they were excited—and a little nervous—when they made their debut performance with the Micronesian Club at the annual Pacific Island Review on Chaminade’s Sullivan Family Library Lawn. By the end of the night, they were both all smiles.

“I can’t wait to do it again next year!” Mitipok exclaimed.

Pacific Island Review, a signature fall event at Chaminade, celebrates Pacific Island culture, food and entertainment. The gathering Nov. 8 was no exception, with attendees cheering on performances from student cultural clubs, including Ka Ipu Kukui Me ka ‘ie ‘ie (the Hawaiian Club), Taotao Marianas Club, the Micronesian Club, The Filipino Club, and Lumana’i O Samoa (the Samoan Club).

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Students spent months preparing for the big day, practicing in the evenings and on weekends.

Director of Student Engagement Joanna Cecilio had been watching those rehearsals and said she was incredibly proud of all the student participants.

She noted the event highlights Chaminade’s rich diversity.

“Pacific Island Review allows our community to smile, laugh and be joyful together,” added Student Engagement Coordinator Andrew Ancheta ’21. “It is through this event that the life of our cultural diversity on campus is manifested into something tangible, something moving and powerful.”

  • Wearing traditional Marshallese earrings, necklaces and grass skirts, the Micronesian Club entered the Sullivan Family Library Lawn with a lyrical chant.
    Wearing traditional Marshallese earrings, necklaces and grass skirts, the Micronesian Club entered the Sullivan Family Library Lawn with a lyrical chant.
  • Nikki Katahara-Tom '25 won the crowd over with her graceful hula dance.
    Nikki Katahara-Tom ’25 won the crowd over with her graceful hula dance.
  • Wearing tradition Filipino clothing, members of The Filipino Club performed traditional dances mixed in with an unexpected rap song.
    Wearing tradition Filipino clothing, members of The Filipino Club performed traditional dances mixed in with an unexpected rap song.
  • Dancers from the TaoTao Marianas Club had the crowd cheering.
    Dancers from the TaoTao Marianas Club had the crowd cheering.
  • The men of the TaoTao Marianas Club opened with a song in praise of their ancestors and culture.
    The men of the TaoTao Marianas Club opened with a song in praise of their ancestors and culture.

Sano Tanna ’26 previously performed at the event and this year volunteered at a food station.

Tanna said the event brings the Silversword and surrounding community together.

“I see a lot of area residents attend,” said Tanna. “It’s a long tradition.”

Mitipok, who performed with the Micronesian Club, said she joined the cultural organization to meet fellow Micronesians at Chaminade and celebrate her culture.

“I wanted to learn more about my culture and connect with other Micronesians on campus,” she said.

The Hawaiian Club was first to step on the Sullivan Family Library Lawn at the event.

Nikki Katahara-Tom ’25 wowed the crowd with a solo hula that paid tribute to the ʻāina.

“I’ve been participating since I was a freshman,” said Tom, a Nursing student. “This event allows us to share our culture and, at the same time, learn about other Pacific Islanders’ cultures.”

The Hawaiian Club was followed by the TaoTao Marianas, with the men opening with a stirring song, and an homage to their ancestors and land. “We share our love of being back on the island,” said Isaiah Atalig ’25, president of the TaoTao Marianist Club. “This event offers a glimpse into our ’ohana at Chaminade.”

He added, “This night is what we all look forward to and talk about all year.”

Preview Day Draws Future Silverswords

Chaminade’s president says the event spotlights what makes the University unique

Scores of future Silverswords converged on campus November 2 for Preview Day.

The open house is designed to introduce prospective students and their families to the University’s programs, campus life, and vibrant community. Attendees experienced firsthand what it might be like to be a Silversword, with a full day of activities, information sessions, and interactive experiences.

“We were thrilled to open our campus to so many enthusiastic future Silverswords and their families,” said Chaminade President Lynn Babington, Ph.D. “Preview Day was a wonderful opportunity to share what makes Chaminade unique—from our supportive community to our innovative academic programs.”

Throughout the day, students and families explored Chaminade’s more than 60 undergraduate majors and minors and 13 graduate programs. Faculty members and support staff were on hand to answer questions while a cadre of student ambassadors conducted tours of campus.

The day also featured interactive activities, such as a mock crime scene investigation and a nursing simulation and skills lab tour. Science enthusiasts enjoyed an open house of Chaminade’s fully-equipped labs, engaging with fields like biology, chemistry, and environmental science.

Among those who came out for Preview Day was Hawai’i high school senior Paolo Vietor, who hopes to attend Chaminade to study nursing. He said the open house helped solidify his choice of universities and also allowed him to learn about Chaminade’s other offerings, including extracurriculars.

“I think this could be the school for me,” he said.

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Kaisah Kaaihili is interested in furthering her career working with young children and was drawn to Chaminade’s education and school counseling programs. “Lots of information, lots of resources, I didn’t know how much scholarships they had,” she said, of the Preview Day event.

“Sword Sessions” offered at Preview Day provided themed presentations, including a financial aid overview that explained the FAFSA process and offered practical advice on financing higher education.

Attendees also learned about Chaminade’s Hawaii Guarantee tuition match, which ensures graduates from Hawai’i high schools entering as freshmen pay the same annual tuition rate as resident undergraduates at UH-Manoa, along with a path to graduate in four years.

Entrepreneurial Program Celebrates 22 Years

The entrepreneurial leadership incubator is unique in the islands

“Doing things that make social sense and doing social things that make business sense.”

That mantra, the foundation of Chaminade’s Hogan Entrepreneurial Leadership Program, was emphasized by Hogan Director Roy Panzarella in his opening remarks to attendees at the 22nd annual Hogan Entrepreneurial Leadership Program Kick-Off Celebration on October 16.

“This annual kick-off allows us to recognize current and former Hogan students,” Panzarella said.

“Our students become leaders and changemakers who care about social justice and who are committed to making a difference. We want them to become better versions of themselves.”

Isabella “Bella” Hughes, co-founder of Shaka Tea and other popular brands, echoed the sentiment in her keynote address at the event. “The world is made up of human connections,” Hughes said at the celebration, which was held on the Sullivan Family Library Lawn.

Isabella Hughes, co-founder of Shaka Tea and other popular brands, spoke at the Hogan event.


“It’s vital to build social capital and to choose kindness, which is fundamentally how I live both my personal and business lives.”

Since its launch in 2002, the Hogan Entrepreneurial Leadership Program has sought to prepare students to become transformational leaders, driving change with empathy and compassion. The program is designed to be an incubator and catalyst for community development and job creation.

In her speech, Hughes said entrepreneurship requires relentless work. She added that her journey has included failed companies and a lot of rejection.

“But I persisted because I told myself that I was going to win,” she said.

Chaminade President Lynn Babington called the Hogan program “wonderful and unique” in Hawai’i.

“We link our students through coursework, internships and connections with business people,” she said. “Our students are from all majors. They learn the skills of being an entrepreneur and have the opportunity to work with some very successful start-ups here in Hawai’i.”

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Babington added that she’s proud to say that two decades of Hogan Entrepreneurial Leadership Program alumni have made significant contributions to their communities.

“They’ve started small businesses and launched larger companies, too,” she said.

In addition to economic benefits, the Hogan program seeks to address pressing social issues, incorporating social entrepreneurship into its curriculum. The program also encourages its students to develop solutions to problems like poverty, healthcare and environmental sustainability.

Gary Hogan, CEO of Hogan Hospitality Group, addressed attendees at the celebration event.
Aliikamanaekahi “Alii” Napoleon, second from right, received a $2,500 scholarship from Alaka‘ina Foundation. The check was presented to Napoleon by former Chaminade Athletics Director and Alaka‘ina Foundation board member, Bill Villa, far left. Bella Hughes, Gary Hogan, Dr. Lynn Babington and Dr. Roy Panzarella joined them on stage.
Aliikamanaekahi “Alii” Napoleon, second from right, received a $2,500 scholarship from Alaka‘ina Foundation.

By integrating entrepreneurial education with service and ethical leadership, students are challenged to leverage their passions and skills to make a meaningful impact.

Supported by the Hogan Family Foundation, Chaminade’s Hogan entrepreneurship program has sought to strengthen its partnerships over the years with Hawai’i businesses.

“Under great leadership comes great success,” said Gary Hogan, CEO of Hogan Hospitality Group. “Lynn and Roy are two great leaders who have a vision to build a resilient community.”

Embedded in the Hogan program is the Suzie Martin & Vaughn Vasconcellos Leadership Institute.

Vaughn Vasconcellos, a former Chaminade Board of Regents chair and current member of the Board of Governors, is also the co-founder of Alaka’ina Foundation, a nonprofit Native Hawaiian organization with a mission to build and promote leadership and educational initiatives for the youth of Hawai‘i.

The goal of the foundation is to develop a new generation of leaders.

Representing Vasconcellos at the Hogan event, former Chaminade Athletics Director and Alaka‘ina Foundation board member Bill Villa presented Aliikamanaekahi “Alii” Napoleon with a $2,500 scholarship, awarded to a Native Hawaiian first-year or transfer student for his or her first year of study at Chaminade.