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Campus Ministry

Man on a Mission

December 16, 2022 by University Communications & Marketing

Alumnus Continues to Pursue Social Justice Passion

Antonio Bonnetty '19 studying

When Antonio Bonnetty ’19 started at Chaminade University, he wasn’t even sure if college was for him.

By the time he graduated, he was inspired to head to law school.

And in Spring 2022, the new dad—married to fellow Silversword Maria Weisser ’19—graduated from the Thomas R. Kline School of Law at Duquesne University. In short order, he passed the Pennsylvania bar and was accepted into the prestigious U.S. Army Judge Advocate General (JAG) Corps. 

It’s an impressive trajectory—that he never would have imagined for himself before starting at Chaminade. “When I was graduating from high school, I didn’t have all my ducks in a row,” he said. “But Chaminade prepared me for adjustments later in life. It took me a little bit to get there, but I did.”

Growing up, Bonnetty moved around a lot as a “military brat,” and graduated from Moanalua High.

Antonio Bonnetty '19 running cross country

He decided to apply to Chaminade after a friend told him about the university. Bonnetty says he was intrigued by the idea of smaller class sizes and strong relationships with mentors. And it didn’t take long for him to realize he’d made the right decision: he joined the cross country team and student government, eventually becoming president, and was also active in campus ministry.

What he appreciated most about Chaminade, he said, was the strong connections to the community. 

He said that he’s still moved when he thinks about a service learning project he participated in as a freshman in which he joined with other students to provide meals at homeless shelters. “When you’re homeless, there’s such a stigma. But for the overwhelming majority, it’s just bad luck and cards,” Bonnetty said, adding that message resonates with him as he begins his law career.

“The government as it stands can do a lot better to support people like that,” he said.

Bonnetty said he also grew his confidence at Chaminade—as he took on new challenges with the support of his professors. His interest in the justice system drove him to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice degree. He also double majored in Environmental Studies because of a personal passion for gardening and the outdoors. It was a perfect combination, he said.

“It was a culmination of different things in my life,” he said. 

And it led him to his future career: law. At Chaminade, he said, several professors encouraged him to consider law school and underscored its value to projects of social justice. “I see such great opportunities in law to change policies and help improve people’s lives,” he said.

Also at Chaminade, he met his future wife—on day one of a student retreat for freshmen.

They started dating as sophomores, married after graduation and soon, they’re hoping their story together will come full circle: by baptizing their first baby at Chaminade. “For both of us, Chaminade was just a big part of our lives and our lives together,” Bonnetty said. “There are so many good memories.”

Antonio Bonnetty '19 in his regalia at his Duquesne University graduation

Bonnetty said he also decided to attend Duquesne University, rather than the University of Pennsylvania, because of his experience at Chaminade. “It just seemed similar to Chaminade; the people were so nice and the vibe was perfect,” he said. “It immediately felt like home.”

Looking to the future, Bonnetty said he’s honored to serve with JAG.

Before graduating from high school, Bonnetty said he had actually applied to every branch of the military but was denied for all of them because of a medical condition. “At the time, I was discouraged. But it turned out to be the best thing that could have happened. I got into Chaminade and got a chance to really thrive,” he said, adding he is looking forward to serving his country in a different capacity.

“After learning I might be considered for JAG, I applied and got in,” he said.

Now he’s gearing up for what’s next—at work and at home.

He recently took to Facebook to announce he’d gotten a letter in the mail officially confirming his admission to the Pennsylvania bar. The notification, he said, “cemented trust in myself” and had him giving thanks to the people who have supported him through good days and tough ones. He expressed gratitude to his wife and extended family, to his newborn baby “for being my purpose,” and to his professors. “I am so thankful,” he wrote, “for all the help I had along this journey.”

Filed Under: Alumni, Behavioral Sciences, Featured Story, Natural Sciences & Mathematics, Student Life Tagged With: Campus Ministry, Criminology and Criminal Justice, Environmental Studies, Student Government

E+ID Alumna Makes Positive Impact in Community

February 1, 2022 by University Communications & Marketing

Nicolle Soriano, BFA Environmental and Interior Design 2018

Nicolle Soriano ’18 believes good design should be universal.

“Whether you’re rich or poor, it’s for everyone to enjoy,” said Soriano, who has a degree in Environmental + Interior Design from Chaminade and now serves as a junior interior designer at WCIT Architecture. “Everyone should be able to enjoy a space that is beautiful.”

It’s an approach that drives Soriano at work and in life—and that passion has gotten noticed.

Soriano was named the International Interior Design Association-Hawaii Chapter’s Emerging Professional as part of the 2021 Ho’ohuli Awards. The recognition honors a junior design leader who has helped advance interior design in Hawaii and made a positive impact in the community. 

Interviewed recently, Soriano said she’s humbled by the award. She also gave credit to her colleagues at WCIT, her mentors in the field and her professors at Chaminade, saying they’ve helped her grow professionally and given her the confidence to explore meaningful and exciting projects.

“My office environment is so family-oriented,” she said. “It actually reminds me of Chaminade.”

Soriano didn’t always know what she wanted to do with her life—or where she wanted to study.

Born and raised in Washington State, Soriano was active in the Catholic Church throughout her high school years and was set on choosing a university that would help keep her “grounded and connected to my faith.” She was also interested in the arts and interior design, and so was searching for campuses with strong interior design programs. In doing her research, she learned about Chaminade.

“It just became a perfect fit,” said Soriano, whose mother’s side is from the islands.

Nicolle Soriano '18 posing in front of her display at Na Liko Naauao 2018

In the Environmental + Interior Design program at Chaminade, she found the only program in Hawaii with Council for Interior Design Accreditation. And at the university, she embraced the supportive, warm and fun campus community that allowed her to pursue her other passions and her faith.

While a student, Soriano was active in Campus Ministry and attended several retreats. She also volunteered her time regularly with community projects. And she helped revive the Filipino Club, including as its vice president, recruiting friends and classmates to share cultural performances. 

“Looking back, I don’t know how I did it all,” she quipped. “It was just a joyous experience.”

Soriano also said she thrived in Chaminade’s small classes and a strong emphasis on hands-on learning. “You really get to know your professors and have a close relationship,” said Soriano, adding her mentors—including associate professors Junghwa Suh, DArch, and Joan Riggs—“really inspired me.”

“They pushed me to be the best I can be. They really prepared me,” she said.

Soriano added that several projects she worked on at Chaminade still resonate with her, including an innovative assignment to reimagine the modern shopping mall—which has faltered as more and more shop online—and a partnership with a nonprofit to design housing units for homeless people on Oahu.

Her group project on the “death of the mall” even earned an AIA Honolulu design award in 2018.

“At Chaminade, I learned about the importance of interior design to everyone,” Soriano said. “It’s definitely not like what you see on HGTV. It’s a lot more work than you imagine. You’re creating spaces that people work in, that people play in, where they live. Being a part of the design industry taught me how we all function in our daily lives and how big an impact design really has on our communities.”

During her senior year at Chaminade, Soriano landed an internship at WCIT Architecture.

She loved it—and was ecstatic when they asked her to come back for the spring semester.

She was even more thrilled when they offered her a full-time junior designer position right before graduation. “It just worked out so perfectly,” she said, adding she loves her WCIT Architecture team and has enjoyed adding elements of Hawaiian culture and storytelling into her designs.

At WCIT, Soriano has gotten the chance to work on everything from hospitality and timeshare renovations to restaurant makeovers and corporate and office designs. While she builds her portfolio, Soriano is also working to secure her National Council for Interior Design Qualification.

“Put simply,” Soriano said, “it’s a certification that you are an interior designer who knows what they’re doing.” To get the qualification, applicants take several exams that cover a wide variety of industry practices and standards, including building codes, design application and professional practice.

Additionally, Soriano serves as vice president of student affairs for the Hawaii chapter of the International Interior Design Association. It’s a role that’s allowed her to talk about her own experiences as a young designer and serve as a mentor to others pursuing a career in the field.

She hopes to recruit other alums to serve as inspiration to current and future students. “Once you graduate from Chaminade, you are always a part of this bigger ‘ohana,” she said. “It’s very special when you meet other people who went to Chaminade. There are definitely so many of us who have accomplished so much in our careers. Building that alumni network is so important.”

Looking ahead, her biggest focus is on continuing to grow as a designer and community leader—and taking on new opportunities and challenges that allow her to have a positive impact. “I love what I do,” she said, “and am so grateful for the people who helped me become the designer I am today.”

Filed Under: Alumni, Featured Story, Humanities, Arts & Design Tagged With: Campus Ministry, Environmental + Interior Design

New Student Retreat

October 10, 2019 by University Communications & Marketing

Before the fall 2019 semester got into full swing, Campus Ministry treated incoming and transfer students to a weekend retreat on the beach to make sure their welcome to Chaminade was done right.

New Student Retreat 2019

The retreat August 30 and 31 was held at a beach house in West Oahu and included lots of opportunities for play and fun — along with some chances for reflection, spiritual growth and relationship building.

Jeremiah Carter, director of Campus Ministry at Chaminade, said the gathering was designed to make sure students who are new to the Chaminade ‘ohana feel supported on campus.

“I think it’s one of the most important aspects for college students,” he said.

Carter, who started at Chaminade over the summer, is working to broaden the events Campus Ministry offers in hopes of attracting more students — along with members of the faculty and staff.

He said the retreat helped students prioritize their goals for the year and get an introduction to the Marianist philosophy, which is central to Chaminade’s mission. He said it was also a way to build friendships that have the potential to last through their college experiences — and beyond.

New Student Retreat 2019

Jacqueline Martinez ’23 was among the incoming students who attended the retreat.

Martinez, who is pursuing a degree in Communications, said the weekend allowed her to get to know her classmates better and hear from older students who are doing exciting things at the University.

“The part I enjoyed the most was how inviting the retreat staff was. Their attitudes were the main reason the retreat felt so fulfilling,” she said.

Martinez added that she’s looking forward to Campus Ministry’s next retreat.

So is International Trade student Christopher Grant DeVera Diego ’23.

Diego said the retreat was just good fun, complete with spooky stories and a bonfire.

“The retreat made me open up to many new people,” he said, “and see a side of people who I didn’t really know yet.”

Filed Under: Catholic, Diversity and Inclusion, Featured Story, Student Life Tagged With: Campus Ministry

Director of Campus Ministry

October 7, 2019 by University Communications & Marketing

You might not think surfing and campus ministry go together.

Jeremiah Carter

But that probably means you haven’t met Jeremiah Carter yet.

Carter is the new director of Campus Ministry at Chaminade, and he says one of his priorities this academic year is to launch outreach activities that attract more members of the University community.

“I’m looking to try some new activities that incorporate the beauty of creation and spirituality,” he said.

So to Carter, a campus ministry-sponsored surfing outreach event makes a lot of sense. “We’re fortunate to have strong traditional faith values and growing at Chaminade,” he added. “And we hope to incorporate that in creative ways as they relate to the modern world.”

It’s little surprise, then, that one of Carter’s favorite quotes is: “New times call for new methods.”

Those words are attributed to none other than Father Chaminade, the University’s namesake.

Since joining Chaminade just before the start the 2019-20 academic year, Carter says he’s been encouraged and inspired by how departments and programs across campus seek to offer students a “holistic experience,” focusing on not just academics but on personal and spiritual growth, too.

Carter said he was particularly moved by Chaminade’s new student orientation for this fall, which included a welcome in the Mystical Rose Oratory and was followed by an ecumenical prayer. “It was for all new students to Chaminade. And with so many of us working together, I believe it was a great example to them in the spirit of building community that we strive for here,” he said.

Carter didn’t have to travel far to accept his new position at Chaminade. He comes to the University from Damien Memorial School, where he was a religion instructor. Before that, Carter was a seminarian and earned two master’s degrees at Indiana’s Saint Menrad School of Theology.

Looking ahead, Carter said he’s excited to broaden the impact of Campus Ministry.

One way he and his colleagues are building community: By blessing departments, offices, student residence halls and other gathering spots on campus. He’s even thinking about a “blessing of the cars.”

“My personal goal is to build, inspire and nurture a supportive ecumenical community of believers, strive to transform students grounded in Catholic tradition and help prepare them to make lasting contributions for our local and global communities,” Carter said. “I’m blessed to be here.”

Filed Under: Featured Story, Institutional Tagged With: Campus Ministry

Dean Schroeder, Minister Fineisaloi, Biology Student Ignacio Receive Founders’ Week Heritage Awards

January 26, 2018 by University Communications & Marketing

As a highlight of Founders’ Week activities at Chaminade University, Vice President for Mission and Rector Bro. Edward Brink, S.M. presented the annual Heritage Awards to faculty and staff members and a student for their continuous commitment to Marianist values.

Receiving the Chaminade Award at the Founders’ Eucharist for exhibiting “traits of openness, hospitality, graciousness and faith in a loving God” was School of Business and Communication Dean Scott Schroeder.

“Colleagues describe Scott as gracious and welcoming,” Bro. Ed said. “His openness to new ideas and suggestions points to his collaborative style of leadership.” Students who worked with Dr. Schroeder describe him as “thoughtful, caring and approachable” and able to motivate and inspire them, Bro. Ed added.

A Marianist Educational Associate since 2014, Dr. Schroeder was a postdoctoral fellow in the Management and Leadership in Education Institute at Harvard University. He received his Ph.D. from UCLA, an M.B.A. from Arizona State University and a B.A. from Santa Clara University.

Dr. Schroeder donated the $250 cash award he received to the Accounting Student Scholarship Fund. This in memory of founding accounting faculty member and longtime Chaminade trustee James Wong, who attributed his success in life to the influence and hospitality of the Marianists dating back to his high school days.

Receiving the Marianist Award was Maimoa Fineisaloi, Minister for Peace and Justice with the Campus Ministry team. Bro. Ed praised her for “drawing others into the challenge of building a collaborative community, and commitment to the vision and mission of Chaminade University.”

“A nominator of Maimoa pointed to her work with the Feeding the Hungry program at Next Step Shelter as an example of her advocacy for justice,” Bro. Ed noted. “She is quiet and yet consistent in her efforts. She hopes to lead others to take action in support of those who are in need within our local community and beyond.”

Fineisaloi, who became a Marianist Educational Associate in 2014, earned a M.S. in Counseling Psychology and a B.A. in Psychology from Chaminade. She donated her cash award to the campus Micronesian Club and the Tales and Treats program, in which students read to children at community centers and provide them with nutritious snacks.

Presented with the Founders’ Award was student Vanessa Ignacio, who maintains a 3.4 Grade Point Average while majoring in Biology major and minoring in Chemistry. After graduating from Chaminade, Ignacio will attend A.T. Still University School of Osteopathic Medicine in Kirksville, Missouri. She eventually intends to practice family medicine on the Big Island.

“One of Vanessa’s nominators referred to her as the ‘epitome of a servant leader’ and indicated that Vanessa was able to see the presence of God in the people who are part of her journey here at Chaminade,” Bro. Ed said.

“Vanessa knows that it is a privilege to journey with others towards God,” and friends describe her as “devoted, faithful, loving, caring, down-to earth, strong, independent and reliable.”

A member of the Eia Kou Makuahine Student Marianist Lay community, Ignacio serves as the Filipino Club social chair. She also served as a Vice President for Student Government and as Rectoress on the university’s Awakening Retreat.

Ignacio designated her cash award to support Campus Ministry, which has “given me priceless memories, unending joy and a lifetime family,” she said.

Filed Under: Campus and Community, Catholic, Faculty, Students Tagged With: Campus Ministry, Honors and Awards

Alumna Shea Rodriguez ’16 Gives Back to her Maui Community by Helping Middle Schoolers Succeed

October 30, 2017 by University Communications & Marketing

Shea Rodriguez (Elementary Education '16)For Chaminade University alumna Shea Rodriguez ‘16, the bachelor’s degree she earned in Elementary Education represents more than personal achievement. It’s also a way of giving back to her hometown of Wailuku, Maui.

“Growing up on the small island of Maui, I was greatly influenced by the community around me, especially those teacher figures who acted like mentors,” Rodriguez said. “Just as they helped and pushed me into success, I knew I wanted to do the same.”

Now Rodriguez is doing just that by teaching middle school mathematics and journalism at her alma mater, St. Anthony School. Established in 1848, this Catholic institution educates preschoolers through high schoolers in the Marianist spirit.

Rodriguez said she’s grateful for the dedication of her education professors at Brogan Hall.

Shea Rodriguez (Elementary Education '16)“I believe the Chaminade community truly reflects the aloha spirit that is apparent throughout the state of Hawaii,” Rodriguez said, “where each professor knows your name and goes the extra mile to see you succeed.

“I am also extremely grateful for Maimoa Fineisaloi and the rest of the Campus Ministry team,” Rodriguez said, “for welcoming me with the ever-apparent Marianist spirit and providing me with opportunities to nurture my spiritual growth.”

Rodriguez described Chaminade as an `ohana she’ll belong to forever.

“I am thankful for the opportunities I was provided with,” Rodriguez said, “and the connections I have made and continue to keep.”

Chaminade University’s Division of Education offers undergraduate degrees in Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education and Secondary Education. For graduate students, the division offers Master of Arts in Teaching and Master of Education programs.

Filed Under: Education Tagged With: Alumni, Campus Ministry, Elementary Education

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