Chaminade University of Honolulu

Commencement

Commencement Mass and Blessing of the Graduates

Graduates, faculty, staff, family members and friends gathered at the Mystical Rose Oratory on May 7 for Chaminade University of Honolulu’s annual Commencement Mass and Blessing of Graduates, a longstanding tradition that celebrates academic achievement while giving thanks for the journey that brought students to commencement.

The liturgy brought together the Chaminade community in prayer and reflection ahead of commencement exercises, highlighting the university’s Marianist and Catholic traditions. The Mass was presided over by Bishop Larry Silva, with Rev. Christopher Wittmann serving as concelebrant.

In welcoming those gathered, Chaminade President Dr. Lynn Babington offered warm congratulations to the graduates and their families, recognizing the dedication, resilience and perseverance required to complete their academic journeys. She also acknowledged the support systems that helped students reach this milestone, including faculty mentors, loved ones and the broader Chaminade community.

During his homily, Bishop Silva shared reflections on growth, change and enduring love. He spoke about how people evolve throughout their lives, often becoming very different from who they once were in earlier chapters of life. Using the example of a couple happily married for 60 years, he described how the husband continued falling in love with his wife through every stage of her life — as a carefree young woman, a mother, a professional, someone navigating middle age and eventually a senior.

Bishop Silva noted that authentic love means embracing the person someone becomes over time, even as life changes them in expected and unexpected ways. He encouraged graduates to remain open to transformation in their own lives and to recognize that growth, maturity and new experiences will continue shaping who they are long after graduation.

The message resonated with graduates preparing to begin new careers, continue their education or embark on other life paths beyond Chaminade. His reflections underscored the importance of faith, compassion and openness to change as students move into new chapters of adulthood as he and the congregation blessed the graduates.

Music throughout the liturgy was provided by the talented voices and musicians of the Mystical Rose Choir, whose performances added beauty and reverence to the celebration. The choir’s music helped create a joyful and reflective atmosphere within the oratory.

Following the Mass, graduates gathered with Bishop Silva for commemorative photographs, capturing a meaningful moment before commencement festivities continued. Students and guests also enjoyed fellowship and refreshments, including cookies hosted by Chaminade’s Office of Advancement. Thanks was extended to the Office of Campus Ministry for organizing the annual celebration and coordinating the details that made the evening possible.

The Commencement Mass serves as both a spiritual and communal tradition at Chaminade, offering graduates an opportunity to pause and reflect before officially crossing the commencement stage. Rooted in Catholic Marianist values, the celebration emphasizes gratitude, faith, service and community — ideals that graduates carry forward in their personal and professional lives.

As the Class of 2026 prepares to leave Chaminade and begin new journeys, the evening offered a meaningful reminder that education is not only about academic achievement, but also about personal growth, relationships and becoming the people they are called to be. The commencement ceremony for graduate students take place today, May 8 and for undergraduates tomorrow, May 9. Congratulations to all. 

Silverswords Reunite for Fun Night

Graduating seniors in the Class of 2026 and recent alumni gathered on May 1 for ALUMNIGHT, an evening of connection, laughter, and friendly competition at Dave & Buster’s, transforming the popular entertainment venue into a hub of Silversword pride. The event drew recent graduates eager to reconnect with classmates, meet fellow alumni, and unwind over games, food, and shared memories.

As guests filtered in, the energy quickly picked up. Alumni greeted one another with excitement—some reconnecting after only a year apart, others reuniting for the first time since graduation. 

The program began with a warm welcome from Director of Student Engagement Andrew Peter Anchetta II ’21, who thanked attendees for staying connected to the university and to one another. He emphasized the importance of the young alumni community and encouraged guests to make the most of the evening—not just by enjoying the activities, but by strengthening the relationships that began on campus. Following the welcome, Fr. Martin Solma, SM offered a prayer, grounding the gathering in gratitude and shared purpose.

Guests made their way to the food line, as alumni shared updates about careers, graduate school, and life beyond campus. Alumni enjoyed classic arcade games, basketball shootouts, racing simulators, and interactive challenges. The step-and-repeat photo area was a popular feature throughout the night, as friends captured moments together. 

Door prize drawings were an exciting and fun part of the evening with prizes provided by the Office of Admissions, Office of Advancement, and Office of Student Engagement. Items included Chaminade-branded bags, a commemorative 70th anniversary Yeti water bottle, and exclusive collaboration pieces from Aloha Collection. Each prize reflected both school pride and appreciation for the alumni community.

The alumni event at Dave & Buster’s was more than a night of games and good food—it was a celebration of community, shared experiences, and the enduring ties that continue long after graduation.

Mom and Daughter Graduate on Same Day

Leila Morinaga and her daughter, Maelia Thomas, share a lot.

They both believe in hard work and they both have a passion for business and finance.

And at Chaminade’s Commencement on May 3, they both got to share the stage—accepting their respective degrees on the same memorable day. Morinaga graduated with her MBA and Thomas accepted her associate’s degree, earned through Chaminade’s Early College partnership with Sacred Hearts Academy.

She was among 17 Sacred Hearts students who completed their associate’s degrees this Spring—and part of the first cohort to achieve the milestone.

Maelia, 17 and a senior at Sacred Hearts, said her mother inspires her every day with her example.

For Morinaga, the feeling is mutual. She decided to go back to school and get her MBA after watching her daughter juggle the dual obligations of high school and college work.

“I’m just so glad that I get to share this special moment with her,” Morinaga said, before the Commencement ceremonies on May 3.

Added Maelia, “I’m really happy that I get to graduate with my mom. What really kept me going with this program was seeing my mom every night working on homework, staying up late. Seeing how she can do all this and still manage to get a master’s.”

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

Morinaga is chief operating officer at KÉCO CAPITAL, an investment firm. She opted for Chaminade’s Professional MBA given her years of experience, and said she knew she’d made the right decision after meeting her fellow cohort members and professors.

“Everyone I’ve met in the program has been amazing,” she said. “They bring all kinds of strengths.”

She said networking was a weekly opportunity with her fellow students, executives from a diversity of fields. “Pharmacy, medical, tourism. It’s been very interesting to hear and see the way everyone works while we’re all trying to achieve the same goal,” Morinaga said.

Maelia said she decided to pursue the Early College program at Chaminade because of its cost-effectiveness, allowing her to graduate from high school with two years of college under her belt.

At Chaminade, she also found professors who challenged her to delve into ethics and social justice—topics that she believes will offer a strong foundation in her business career.

For now, though, her focus is on taking a moment to celebrate.

Her graduation party later in May will also mark another special occasion: Her 18th birthday.

Chaminade Celebrates 67th Commencement

Chaminade University celebrated its 67th annual Spring Commencement Ceremonies on May 3, recognizing the achievements of Class of 2025 graduates as they embark on their next big adventures and prepare to drive positive change in their communities.

In a commencement address at the morning ceremony for graduating master’s and doctoral students, Chaminade Board of Regents Chair Keiki-Pua Dancil, Ph.D., senior vice president of government affairs and strategic planning at Pulama Lana‘i, congratulated students and encouraged them to see completing their degrees “as not an ending but a beginning.”

“This is a moment of tremendous achievement. I am filled with joy, gratitude and pride—not just at what you have accomplished but the lives you are about to shape,” Dancil told graduates. “Success isn’t just about job titles. It’s not about degrees or promotions. It’s about impact. It’s about how we make others feel, the futures we help build and the joy we help create.”

She noted the world is changing rapidly. “We face climate change, healthcare inequality, challenges in education,” Dancil said. “These aren’t just headlines, they are calls to action and they require leaders like all of you—grounded in values, bold in purpose and committed to others. Will you be the leader who leads with integrity, humility and courage?”

The master’s and doctoral degrees ceremony kicked off at 10 a.m. at the Waikiki Shell, followed by Commencement for undergraduates. It was the first time Chaminade has held separate ceremonies and comes as graduate enrollment at the University continues to grow.

Altogether, some 250 graduates and 320 undergraduates were recognized.

“Our students are here with their families and we are so proud of them. It’s a wonderful day for everyone to celebrate,” said President Lynn Babington, Ph.D., before the morning ceremony began. “My message to graduating students would be: Don’t forget what you’ve learned here. You are future leaders so go out and make a difference in your communities.”

The featured speaker at the undergraduate ceremony was John Leong, co-founder, chairman and CEO of Pono Pacific Land Management and co-founder and CEO of nonprofit Kupu. In his address, he challenged students to think about the legacies they want to leave behind.

“If we don’t fulfill our purpose in life … we’re always going to think there’s a missing puzzle piece,” he said, adding that life is about taking risks and breaking free of your comfort zone.

Another highlight of the undergraduate ceremony was the conferral of an honorary doctoral degree to Bro. Ed Brink, S.M., vice president of mission and rector at the University since 2016 and a mentor to many students. The honor comes as Brink prepares to take on a new role this summer—as Director of Novices for the Marianist Province of the United States.

Lance Askildson, Ph.D., provost and vice president for Academic Affairs at Chaminade, described Brink as an “esteemed educator, mentor and servant-leader” who has devoted his life and vocation to “lead with compassion and to serve with humility.”

Watch: Chaminade’s 67th Commencement Ceremony-Undergraduate Programs

Watch: Chaminade’s 67th Commencement Ceremony-Graduate Programs

“For nearly a decade in his capacity as vice president for mission and rector, he has exercised transformative leadership over Campus Ministry, the Chaminade Scholars program, the Marianist Education Associates and so much more,” Askildon told attendees.

He added: “Honorary degrees are granted to individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to their professional fields and their local communities. While the university confers such degrees to honor the recipient, it is also the recipient who honors the university.”

Student speakers were a special highlight of both Commencement ceremonies.

Kelly Marie Dolan-Sapp, Ed.D. ’25 said she switched to Chaminade from a different doctoral program because she was looking for an educational institution that valued her as a leader, a student and a person. “We all want to feel seen, heard, valued,” she said, encouraging her fellow graduates to remember that as they seek to advance their careers and impact.

She said to lead is to “open our eyes and see the common humanity among us.”

In her address during the undergraduate ceremony, Madison Makishima ’25 told her story of overcoming personal challenges to get to graduation day.

Makishima was born prematurely and she said doctors gave her less than a 10% chance of survival.

“Today I am before you—16 life-saving surgeries later—as your fellow Chaminade student who is graduating with a Bachelor’s of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice,” she said, as her graduates cheered her on.

In her speech, Makishima also thanked all those who helped her over the past four years, including members of Campus Security who assisted her with getting around campus.

She told her fellow graduating students that to get through life’s challenges “fight and fight hard for yourself in everything you do.”

Spring Commencement to Feature 2 Ceremonies

Chaminade University will hold its 67th annual Spring Commencement on May 3 at the Waikiki Shell.

This year, two ceremonies are planned—one for undergraduates and a second for master’s and doctoral students so families have more time to celebrate with their graduating loved ones.

The ceremony for graduates will begin at 10 a.m. and feature speaker Keiki-Pua Dancil, Ph.D., senior vice president of government affairs and strategic planning at Pulama Lana‘i and chair of the Chaminade Board of Regents. At Pulama Lana‘i, Dancil directs the efforts of the Community Development team and is also responsible for fostering relationships with government agencies, businesses and the permitting and entitlements process.

John Leong, co-founder, chairman and CEO of Pono Pacific Land Management and co-founder and CEO of nonprofit Kupu, will be the featured speaker for undergraduate students. That ceremony is set to kick off at 3 p.m.

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

Pono Pacific is Hawai’i’s only comprehensive, private natural resource management company, providing conservation, sustainable energy and agriculture services. Meanwhile, Kupu seeks to develop the next generation of environmental stewards in the islands.

Madison M. Makishima ’25 will serve as the student speaker for the undergraduate ceremony. She is graduating with a degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice. The student speaker at the graduate ceremony is Kelly Dolan-Sapp, Ed.D ’25, an experienced educational researcher and advocate.

Organizers said 320 Class of 2025 graduates are expected at the undergraduate ceremony while 250 are expected at the graduate ceremony. Because there are two ceremonies, each graduating student is allowed to bring up to 15 ticketed guests.

Lei giving will happen after the ceremony at Kapiolani Regional Park. The ceremonies will also be streamed live online.

Graduates and prospective attendees are asked to prepare for traffic in the area and to plan ahead for transportation and parking options. For the latest on the events, click here.

66th Annual Commencement Ceremony

The Class of 2024 graduates 600 students

A sea of people gathered inside and outside the perimeter of the Waikiki Shell to celebrate the many accomplishments of Chaminade’s Class of 2024, closing out an academic year that brought no shortage of challenges with plenty of smiles, laughter, cheering and tears of joy.

Waiting in line to enter the Waikiki Shell, Shandry Lopes said there was no way she was going to miss the graduation of her granddaughter, Kelli Lopes ’24, who earned her bachelor’s degree in Forensic Science. “Education is important to us,” said Lopes, holding an open umbrella to shield her from the sun. “I am so proud and happy for her.”

The same sentiments were echoed by Shanmarie and Paul Alferez, whose son Ryan Chang was conferred his bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, thanks to Bank of Hawaii’s College Assistance Program (CAP), which allows its employees to get back on the path to obtaining their first four-year undergraduate degree with tuition reimbursement.

“This means everything to us,” said Shanmarie of Ryan’s graduation, with Paul adding that the family has now “broken the family cycle by having a second generation of Alferezes graduate from university.”

“It was a great experience at Chaminade,” Chang said. “Through the University’s Flex program model, I was able to still work full time and earn my degree on my own time. I would not have been able to achieve this without the Bank of Hawaii’s CAP program. And I’m probably going to return to Chaminade to do my MBA.”

  • Rita Aponte, Senior Manager at Bank of Hawai‘i’s People Service Center, received her degree in Business Administration from Chaminade University on Saturday evening.
    Rita Aponte, Senior Manager at Bank of Hawai‘i’s People Service Center, received her degree in Business Administration from Chaminade University on Saturday evening.
  • After graduating from Mililani High School 30 years ago, KerryLynn Vea was finally able to earn her bachelor's degree, thanks to Bank of Hawaii's College Assistance Program.
    After graduating from Mililani High School 30 years ago, KerryLynn Vea was finally able to earn her bachelor’s degree, thanks to Bank of Hawaii’s College Assistance Program.
  • Commencement graduate student speaker Donna Kay Fisher waves at her fellow graduates before accepting her degree.
    Commencement graduate student speaker Donna Kay Fisher waves at her fellow graduates before accepting her degree.
  • Gabriel Zapata Berrios shakes the hand of Dr. Lynn Babington.
    Gabriel Zapata Berrios shakes the hand of Dr. Lynn Babington.
  • Known for her advocacy and support, Jean Rolles was honored with a Doctor of Humane Letters to recognize her longterm contributions to the community.
    Known for her advocacy and support, Jean Rolles was honored with a Doctor of Humane Letters to recognize her longterm contributions to the community.
  • Commencement undergraduate speaker Brittany Johnson spoke of eight life lessons that she has learned over the past 4 years while studying at Chaminade.
    Commencement undergraduate speaker Brittany Johnson spoke of eight life lessons that she has learned over the past 4 years while studying at Chaminade.
  • A first in Chaminade’s history, 14 graduate students were conferred their Doctor of Education in Educational in Organizational Leadership for Adaptation and Change degrees.
    A first in Chaminade’s history, 14 graduate students were conferred their Doctor of Education in Educational in Organizational Leadership for Adaptation and Change degrees.
  • Despite having torn her miniscus, Bailey Ledesma used a crutch to attend the ceremony, which she said she would have never missed.
    Despite having torn her miniscus, Bailey Ledesma used a crutch to attend the ceremony, which she said she would have never missed.
  • Four trolleys shuttled students, families and friends from Chaminade to the Waikiki Shell.
    Four trolleys shuttled students, families and friends from Chaminade to the Waikiki Shell.
  • Franciscan Friar James Seiffert came to support longtime friend former United Airlines colleague Ana Giliberti.
    Franciscan Friar James Seiffert came to support longtime friend former United Airlines colleague Ana Giliberti.
  • Jerald Bagain and his mom and dad—who flew in from Guam—Paul and Hazel Bagain, and girlfriend Jannbel Bielza celebrate with Jannabel's mom Annabel Bielza.
    Jerald Bagain and his mom and dad—who flew in from Guam—Paul and Hazel Bagain, and girlfriend Jannbel Bielza celebrate with Jannabel’s mom Annabel Bielza.
  • Graduating students took a selfie just inside the entrance of Waikiki Shell.
    Graduating students took a selfie just inside the entrance of Waikiki Shell.
  • Ryan Chang poses with family members, including his grandfather, siblings and mom and dad, Shanmarie and Paul Alferez, far right.
    Ryan Chang poses with family members, including his grandfather, siblings and mom and dad, Shanmarie and Paul Alferez, far right.
  • Caitlin Bocobo poses with her two brothers, and mom and dad, Misty and Brian Bocobo.
    Caitlin Bocobo poses with her two brothers, and mom and dad, Misty and Brian Bocobo.
  • Shandry Lopes, far right, waits in line with family members to enter the Waikiki Shell.
    Shandry Lopes, far right, waits in line with family members to enter the Waikiki Shell.

As the procession of faculty members and students filled the seats, the cheers and camera flashes came from every direction. Kaipo Leopoldino ’14 opened the ceremony with an oli (Hawaiian welcome and blessing), followed by the invocation delivered by Rev. Chris Wittmann, S.M., and the National Anthem and Hawai‘i Pono‘ī sung by Faith Leasiolagi ’15.

“It is such an honor to celebrate Commencement with our 2024 graduates,” said Chaminade President Lynn Babington, Ph.D., in her welcoming remarks. “Graduation is always a momentous milestone—an opportunity to mark achievements attained and look forward to new adventures ahead. But this year’s graduates can be doubly proud for the incredible determination they showed during the past four years.”

Indeed graduate student speaker Donna Kay Fisher, ’16 MA, ’24 EdD, shared her own struggles after she suffered a major heart attack in 2019. However, an invitation she received from Chaminade’s School of Education and Behavioral Sciences to apply for the Doctor of Education inaugural cohort became her lifeline.

“It was divine intervention at the most opportune time,” Fisher told fellow graduates. “We are testaments to the remarkable opportunities that Chaminade University has been able to give us. Our hearts echo with profound gratitude.”

The Commencement guest keynote speaker Dr. Kamanaʻopono M. Crabbe spoke of his own divine inspiration, which was derived from his kupunakane or granduncle Robert Kaho‘okele Na‘auao, who taught him the importance of ‘ohana, integrity, pride, courage, self-worth and “mana.”

“He was my divine intervention, my cultural professor, ‘ohana mentor, my inspiration that gave me something to believe in and a purpose for living,” Crabbe said. “We all need that Uncle Bob in our lives, and, for most of us, our life journey is trying to discover who we are, to find our kuleana, our gift, our special talent.”

This year’s graduating class included associates, bachelors and 36 doctoral students, including the first-ever cohort of 16 graduates in the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program, 10 of whom graduated with their DNP-Family Nurse Practitioner degrees, three earned their DNP-Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner degrees and another three received their DNP-Executive Leader degrees.

Another first in Chaminade’s history, 14 graduate students were conferred their Doctor of Education in Educational in Organizational Leadership for Adaptation and Change degrees. Another six students earned their Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology degrees. All of these programs were initiated to respond to the community’s needs, and exemplify the Marianist educational values of formation in faith, quality education, family spirit, service, justice and peace, and adaptation and change.

“As a University community, you have made all of us extremely proud. When you joined our Kalaepōhaku community, you could not have foreseen that you would be completing your degree requirements in the throes of a global pandemic,” Babington said. “And yet—despite the many adversities and restrictions—you adapted. Amid the uncertainty, you persevered. And through it all, you showed an exceptional capacity for resilience.”

In his remarks, Crabbe spoke of the future that lies ahead and to embrace the responsibility of supporting our local communities. “Pūpūkahi i holomua—Unite to move forward” encapsulates the spirit of collaboration, unity and collective progress deeply ingrained in our Hawaiian Culture,” he said. “As you stand on the threshold during these auspicious times, let us embrace the principle of ‘Pūpūkahi i holomua,’ recognizing that by standing united, we can overcome any obstacle and achieve our shared aspirations for a brighter future and a greater Hawai‘i.”

Also citing the same Hawaiian proverb in her speech, Fisher emphasized that “our greatest awakening is to understand that life is not an individual race, but it is a collective marathon of mind, body and spirit.” “Therefore, to foster a collective mindset, Chaminade’s faculty and staff taught us how to deliberately seek out and carefully draw out every voice,” she said. “They taught us how to earnestly value opposition, how to ardently appreciate our differences, and how to sincerely believe we are stronger together.”