Chaminade University of Honolulu

Campus Event

Silverswords Kick Off New School Year

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.”

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.

Never miss a post! Follow Chaminade University on Facebook and Instagram.

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.”

  • Ulupuhi Pale can often be seen entertaining during certain campus events.
    Ulupuhi Pale can often be seen entertaining during certain campus events.
  • Now a senior, Madison Makashima is excited about completing her degree in Forensic Sciences.
    Now a senior, Madison Makashima is excited about completing her degree in Forensic Sciences.
  • Chaminade President Lynn Babington, Ph.D., welcome back students with a special lunch served by some of the Women's Volleyball.
    Chaminade President Lynn Babington, Ph.D., welcome back students with a special lunch served by some of the Women’s Volleyball.
  • Kameron Arizumi looks forward to the beginning of his college journey.
    Kameron Arizumi looks forward to the beginning of his college journey.
  • Walter Lee is pursing his Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology (PsyD).
    Walter Lee is pursing his Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology (PsyD).
  • Efron and Denise Lopez with their younger daughter Madeleine helped Alexis adjust to campus life.
    Efron and Denise Lopez with their younger daughter Madeleine helped Alexis adjust to campus life.

New Student Orientation a Success

Incoming freshmen got a Silversword welcome at the daylong event.

With fists pumping in the air and boisterous “woo-hoos,” freshmen walked through a gauntlet of Chaminade faculty members dressed in full academic regalia, clapping loudly as students filed out after the Academic Convocation during New Student Orientation on Friday.

Held at Mamiya Theatre, this formal ceremony officially marks the beginning of the academic year—and holds significant meaning for both the University and incoming students.

A nursing major, freshman Rex Paguirigan poses with Chaminade Student Government Association President Victoria Zembik.
A nursing major, freshman Rex Paguirigan poses with Chaminade Student Government Association President Victoria Zembik.

“We gather to welcome new families and students,” said Chaminade President Lynn Babington, in her opening remarks at the convocation.

“You will meet new people and form new bonds, and you will laugh with each other and struggle with each other. You will learn new ways of thinking and discerning who you are and who you want to be.”

New Student Orientation is designed to acquaint incoming freshmen, transfer and exchange students with the campus and the many resources available to them—both for their academic success and personal development.

Orientation activities focus on several important areas, including the curriculum, academic advising, college success, scholarships and financial aid, campus activities, student services, student organizations, Silversword Spirit and campus facilities.

Also from Chaminade News: Students Welcomed on Move-in Day

“College is a new chapter in your life, an unwritten page in your book,” said Chaminade Student Government Association President Victoria Zembik, in her address at the Academic Convocation.

“As you embark on this journey at Chaminade, remember that college is not just about the classes you take or the grades you earn. It’s about the experiences you have, the challenges you overcome, and the person you become along the way. Embrace every moment—the highs and the lows—and know that each day is an opportunity to grow, to learn, and to become a better version of yourself.”

Never miss a post! Follow Chaminade University on Facebook and Instagram.

Starting college life successfully can be challenging. But NSO gatherings were designed to set the right tone for incoming students, encouraging them to embrace curiosity and try new experiences.

“We see in you transformation through education,” said Provost Lance Askildson. “This is an inflection point in your life. You will struggle and even fail at times to achieve your goals—and that is OK. You’ll have untold opportunities to grow, learn and push yourself beyond your comfort zone. Our kuleana, our duty is to support you, to guide you and teach you. You are not alone in this journey.”

In her concluding remarks, Zembik offered some sage advice. “Every day is a new day,” she advised. “No matter how good or bad today was, tomorrow is different. Just like a sunset, no two days are the same.”

Students Welcomed on Move-in Day

Incoming freshmen spent the day settling into their new dorm rooms.

College move-in day can be an emotional experience, oftentimes marking the first time that many incoming students leave behind their family, friends and pets for a new adventure.

At Chaminade on Thursday, freshmen said they were excited to be moving into their dorms.

“When I first visited Hawaii with my family a few years ago, I knew my goal was to live here,” said Alexis Lopez, who was checking into her dorm room at Hale Lokelani with the help of parents, Denise and Efren Lopez, and younger sister Madeleine.

“I’m excited about my Forensic Sciences classes, exploring the campus and meeting new people.”

Efren and Denise, with youngest daughter Madeleine, accompanied Alexis to the Chaminade campus.
Efren and Denise, with youngest daughter Madeleine, accompanied Alexis to the Chaminade campus.

Often followed by New Student Orientation events and campus tours, move-in day introduces incoming freshmen to their roommates, hallmates and resident assistants, while also gives them a chance to learn the campus and school traditions.

“As a resident assistant, we take care of all the students,” said Temika Hemmings ’25, while writing a welcome message on a floor-to-ceiling blackboard wall. “We help spread the aloha and make them feel welcome. We help them grow to become the best version of themselves.”

Accompanied by grandparents Karen and Tom Perez and her dad Joey Cruz, Ha‘ane Cruz learned she was assigned a room just doors down from where the Perez’ son, Aleksander Perez ’22, roomed six years ago.

“I also have two uncles who came here, so I feel like I already know a little bit about Chaminade,” said Ha‘ane Cruz ’28, who plans to major in biochemistry.

“I’m looking forward to the next four years, and meeting new people.”

Also moving in at Hale Lokelani, Shailah Decoito is a new transfer student from Hilo.

“I started the nursing program at the University of Hawaii–Hilo, but it was too competitive. I heard a lot about the Chaminade nursing program and I decided to apply, and I was accepted. I feel lucky because almost all of my credits from UH–Hilo transferred over, so I’m not starting from scratch.”

Checking out the kitchen and common area at Hale Lokelani, Laureano Almada-Roa ’28 roamed the room with his mom, Nora Luna, and his little brother Emiliano Almada.

“I’m nervous, excited and sad all at the same time,” said Luna, an Argentinian native. “He’ll be so far from home, but this is where he wanted to go to college.”

After touring campus, Almada-Roa said he was convinced he chose the right university.

“I saw or read something about Chaminade, and it just felt comfortable,” said the Brooklyn native. “It is far away from home, but I’ve heard that this is a close and supportive community from the people whom I’ve already met here.”

Nonprofits Praised for Maui Relief

The Nonprofit Financial Seminar at Chaminade offers key resources to Hawaii charitable organizations.

On the one-year anniversary Thursday of the devastating Lahaina wildfire disaster, attendees of Chaminade’s 21st annual Nonprofit Financial Seminar were praised for their unwavering support to those in need on Maui, encouraged to search out innovative opportunities to serve, and offered resources on how they can leverage government support and tax laws to bolster their efforts.

During his opening remarks at the event, Chaminade Provost Lance Askildson said Hawaii charitable organizations “were among the first to jump into the breach alongside regular people looking to help.”

“Government and the for-profit sectors have their roles to play in our communities,” he said. “But it is nonprofit organizations, like yours and Chaminade—guided by values-based missions and deeply connected to their local communities—that are among the first to arrive and the last to leave.”

Organized annually by Chaminade’s School of Business and Communication, the daylong seminar featured an impressive slate of presentations this year. Data House’s Clyde Shiigi and Kaleokalani Kuroda of HawaiiUSA Federal Credit Union discussed trends in artificial intelligence, while panelists with Make-A-Wish Hawaii, Hawaii Leadership Forum, Big Brothers Big Sisters Hawaii and Kupu tackled another pressing topic: “Attracting and Developing the next Generation of Nonprofit Leaders.”

Never miss a post! Follow Chaminade University on Facebook and Instagram.

Representatives from more than 30 charitable organizations attended the event.

In her welcome address, School of Business and Communication Dean Annette Santos led a moment of silence to honor all those impacted by the Maui wildfires tragedy, which claimed 102 lives and left thousands displaced. One year later, the work of rebuilding Lahaina is just beginning.

Santos said in the wake of the disaster, shared Marianist and Hawaii values can be a guiding light, reminding the community of the importance of ‘ohana, resilience and the kuleana to care for one another.

“Our Marianist values are dedicated to education and community service so let us continue to be inspired to support and uplift those in need, demonstrating the aloha spirit through our compassion and collective efforts to rebuild and heal,” Santos told attendees, in her speech.

Organizers say the Nonprofit Financial Seminar aims to provide key guidance and resources on financial and operational issues related to leading and managing nonprofits. “As we embark on today’s seminar, it is important to recognize the added value that your participation brings,” Santos said.

“By attending this event, you are not only gaining valuable insights and knowledge but also playing a crucial role in providing Chaminade students with opportunities for growth and development.”

Trever Asam, a partner at the Cades Schutte law firm, spoke at the seminar on tax changes impact nonprofit organizations. “There are some years, when there aren’t many updates so my presentation is somewhat repetitive,” said Asam, a regular guest speaker at this event. “But this year, there have been a ton of updates the past 12 to 18 months, especially in relation to donor-advised funds.”

Also from Chaminade News:

Tax Foundation of Hawaii President Tom Yamachika also covered tax law changes that could impact nonprofits. Among them: Film tax credits. “If you don’t comply, you may lose the credits, which could amount to a loss of a lot of money,” he said. “It’s up to you, the taxpayer, to provide all the proof.”

Santos said in addition to nonprofit professionals, Chaminade students benefit from the seminar

“This opportunity provides our students with invaluable, pragmatic learning experiences … and underscores the significant impact higher education has on our community,” Santos said.

Student Research on Display

The Summer Research Institute Symposium was an opportunity for undergraduate scientists-in-training to get feedback on their work.

In his final presentation during the Summer Research Institute Symposium, Zach McClellan ’25 decided to pursue the correlation between the effects of occupational stressors on the quality of life among firefighters.
Zach McClellan ’25 presented his findings during the Summer Research Institute Symposium.

Zach McClellan ’25 comes from a long line of firefighters—and has seen first-hand the trauma these first responders can experience.

So as a participant in this year’s Summer Research Institute at Chaminade, the Psychology major decided to study how occupational stressors correlate to quality of life indicators for firefighters.

He presented his findings July 23 at the Summer Research Institute Symposium on campus, an annual showcase of cutting-edge undergraduate research at Chaminade conducted under the mentorship of professors.

“I sent out my first survey that comprised of demographics, the Firefighter Assessment of Stress Test (FAST), and the Quality of Life Enjoyment and Satisfaction Questionnaire Short Form (Q-LES-Q-SF) back in March,” said McClellan, pointing out the number of respondents shown on his poster board.

“This was my capstone project with Dr. (Darren) Iwamoto, and I want to take it as far as I can take it. The end goal is to get the study published.”

Organizers say the symposium reflects Chaminade’s strong commitment to advancing academic excellence while fostering close collaborations between faculty and student researchers.

A two-time participant in the Summer Research Institute Symposium, Grace Helmke ’25 built on last year’s “Climate Monstrosities” with this year’s “Climate Tricksters in an Indigenous Future.”

Mentored by Assistant Professor of English Dr. Justin Wyble, Helmke said she chose the subject for a couple of reasons. “The no. 1 reason was that I believe Indigenous peoples to have an incredibly important perspective on society—one that’s largely dismissed and unseen by the masses,” the English major said.

“Their viewpoints surrounding the ways in which to combat colonialism, preserve culture and fight for a greater future, are all concepts that each of the texts I focused on examined. I believe that discussing these concepts, principles and cultural beliefs, from an Indigenous perspective, has the potential to lead society into a future that rejects the colonial systems, and instead seeks equity and healing of the people.”

Amber Noguchi, program director for Chaminade’s Undergraduate Research and Pre-Professional Programs Office, said the symposium allows Summer Research Institute participants to not only showcase their work—but get feedback and questions from attendees to expand their research inquiries.

The institute is funded by a joint federal Title III grant with Kapiolani Community College.

A two-time participant in the Summer Research Institute Symposium, Grace Helmke ’25 built on last year’s “Climate Monstrosities” with this year’s “Climate Tricksters in an Indigenous Future.”
Grace Helmke ’25 explained her theories to a group of attendees.

“We just completed our fourth SRI,” Noguchi said, adding that participants also present at Kapiolani Community College’s Student Undergraduate Research Fair each semester.

Participant Georgeanna Flook is a rising senior and double majoring in Historical and Political Studies, and Criminology and Criminal Justice. Her research looked at the influence that education has on crime. Titled “Support Instead of Control: Education as a Unique Approach to Crime,” Flook’s study explored the possibility of reducing crime outside of traditional policing methods.

She credited her professors, Drs. Abby Halston and Kelly Treece, and lecturer Collin Lau, J.D., for their guidance as she conducted her research. Flook said she found that education, “acting as a means of formal social control and providing social support, can effectively reduce crime—regardless of the academic ability of the individual.”

“Future studies should focus on further articulating what effective social support means in the context of criminology and use working examples of social support to compare against crime trends,” concluded Flook, who aspires to go into criminal justice policy analysis.

Other Summer Research Institute participants at Chaminade this year included Ku‘ulei Koko ’26, who presented “Feeding Hawaii’s Future: Evaluating the Effectiveness of Culturally Tailored Programs for Native Hawaiians,” and LaVelle White ’26, who looked at “Student Food and Nutrition Security.”

For details on undergraduate research opportunities at Chaminade, click here.

MEA Formation

Silverswords Commit to Being Marianist Education Associates

In 2005, members from Chaminade University, University of Dayton and St. Mary’s University of San Antonio responded to the call from Association of Marianist Universities Board to build a partnership among members of the Society of Mary, the sponsoring religious body. It would invite a cadre of lay collaborators, who would together sustain and renew the mission and identity that was Catholic, and that embodied the Marianist educational tradition. 

Since then, faculty, staff and administrators have been invited each year to deepen their understanding of and their commitment to the traditions and beliefs that make each respective university a Catholic and Marianist community. Now known as the Marianist Educational Associates Formation, participants engage in a comprehensive program that includes readings, reflections and the sharing of insights.

“The program was well received and there was a lot of positive energy,” said Chaminade’s Chaplain and Special Assistant to the President, Fr. Martin Solma, of the varying talks and events during this year’s Formation at Chaminade, which last hosted the weeklong event in 2015. “Even all the rain was minor compared to the great presentations.”

  • As part of the MEA Formation rituals, Fr. Martin Solma annoints the hands of Dr. Cheryl Edelson.
  • As part of the MEA Formation rituals, Fr. Martin Solma annoints the hands of Pono Riddle.
  • As part of the MEA Formation rituals, Fr. Martin Solma annoints the hands of Kahala Kabalis Hoke.
  • As part of the MEA Formation rituals, Fr. Martin Solma annoints the hands of Andrew Ancheta.
  • As part of the MEA Formation rituals, Fr. Martin Solma annoints the hands of Dr. Rylan Chong.
  • As part of the MEA Formation rituals, Fr. Martin Solma annoints the hands of Dr. Abby Halston.
  • As part of the MEA Formation rituals, Fr. Martin Solma annoints the hands of Dr. Gail Grabowsky.

In all, 27 staff, faculty and administrators—of which seven hailed from Chaminade—from the three Marianist Catholic universities participated in this year’s Formation. New Marianist Educational Associates now include Student Engagement Coordinator Andrew Ancheta ’21; Data Science Director and Assistant Professor Rylan Chong, Ph.D., ’10; School of Humanities, Arts and Design Dean Cheryl Edelson, Ph.D.; School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics Dean Gail Grabowsky, Ph.D.; Psychology Associate Professor, and Marriage and Family Counseling Clinical Director Dr. Abby Halston, MS ’05, Ed.D. ; Women’s Volleyball Head Coach Kahala Kabalis Hoke ’05, MS ’07; and Student Success Associate Director Pono Riddle ’18, MEd’ 21.

The inspiration for the Marianist Educational Associates (MEAs) stems from Blessed William Joseph Chaminade, the founder of the Marianists, who urged members and communities within the Marianist Family to engage in “dialogues of faith and culture.”

Chaminade recognized the need for conversation and action in response to the new social and cultural environment shaped by the French Revolution. He believed that examining this new world through the lens of a critically informed faith would help people understand the profound needs of the human heart and strengthen their personal commitment to the Christian faith. The MEAs draw their inspiration from this core element of our early tradition.