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Heritage Awards

Celebrating Our Founders and Heritage Awardees

April 13, 2022 by University Communications & Marketing

As part of Founders’ Week celebrations, three extraordinary members of the Chaminade University ‘ohana were recognized with Heritage Awards for their tireless work to put Marianist values into action.

Dr. Elizabeth Park, Celine Mesiona-Perez and Stacey Higa pose for a photo after receiving their Heritage Awards

Dr. Elizabeth Park, director of Early Childhood and Montessori programs and the Castle Teacher Resource Activity Center, was the recipient of the Chaminade Award in recognition of her work to embrace the Catholic intellectual tradition and seek out ways to promote social justice and peace.

The Marianist Award was presented to Chaminade Communications Manager Stacey Higa, who was recognized for her strong commitment to the Marianist value of family spirit and for her work to build a collaborative community centered around openness, hospitality, graciousness and faith.

And finally, Celine Mesiona-Perez was named the recipient of the Founders’ Award, presented to a student who demonstrates generosity and respect for others, serves as an exemplary role model for the community, and is engaged in service to others, especially those who are disadvantaged.

The honorees were recognized at a special ceremony on April 6 following the Founders’ Day Mass at Mystical Rose Oratory. The event was the culmination of a series of gatherings meant to celebrate not only the founders of the Marianist family—including the university’s namesake—but the characteristics of a Marianist education and the values and mission that are central to Chaminade’s identity.

Other events included a lei draping ceremony and prayer service, an exhibition of works from the Marianists & the Arts series of workshops, and International Extravaganza—a hugely popular showcase of cultural performances put on by student clubs that coincided with Father Chaminade’s birthday.

Dr. Elizabeth Park with her Chaminade Award certificate with Dr. Babington posing for a photo

The Rector’s Office presents the Heritage Awards, which are meant to celebrate the special contributions of a faculty member, support staff member and student who embody Marianist values.

Those who nominated Park for the Chaminade Award highlighted her collaborative spirit, tireless commitment to drive positive change, and her belief in her students and in the university’s mission.

“Dr. Park has been, and continues to be, a valued member of the Chaminade faculty and an exceptionally motivated and caring professor,” wrote Dr. Dale Fryxell, dean of the School of Education and Behavioral Sciences, in nominating her for the award. “The impact that Dr. Park is making at Chaminade, in her profession, in the community and internationally can clearly be seen.”

Park said she was humbled and honored when she learned she would be receiving the award.

She added that Marianist values resonate with her and with the work she does to bolster early education opportunities. “To educate in the family spirit and for service, justice and peace is to be mindful and work as a community,” she said, adding that Marianist values like peace education and educating for adaptation and change are woven into the Early Childhood Education curriculum. “We respect and support each other but also stand up for each other in the face of injustice.”

Park also said that at Chaminade she has learned to “grow and embrace my calling in life.”

Stacey Higa with her Marianist Award certificate with Dr. Babington posing for a photo

Marianist Award nominations for Higa came in from across the university—from Chaminade administrators, fellow support staff and faculty members. Lisa Furuta, vice president of University Communications and Marketing (UCM), wrote that Higa is always up for a challenge in service to Chaminade’s mission and its Marianist values and embraces a collaborative spirit to get things done.

“There are those who run away from a fire and those who run into the flames. Stacey would invariably do the latter if given the choice. However, it is her magnetic and ‘one team’ personality that draws others into the charge with her,” Furuta wrote, adding Higa is “indispensable” to her colleagues.

Furuta also wrote if your day is off to a slow start or if you are feeling down, “your best prescription would be to visit Stacey for a dose of positivity and optimism. Stacey has created a palpable feeling of warmth and enduring faith here on campus … and makes others feel instantly welcome.”

Higa said she was moved by the recognition. She added as a member of the Communications and Marketing Department, she is not only proud to belong to such a special community but “see firsthand all the amazing work and community impacts that our faculty, staff, students and alumni do every day.”

“I get to see our Marianist values alive,” she said. “I am so excited and honored to be part of this community where values and the family spirit are important. This award isn’t just a reflection of me, but also my colleagues in UCM because we truly work as a team and try to be good collaborators and partners with other university departments.”

Celine Mesiona-Perez with her Founders' Award certificate with Dr. Babington posing for a photo

Mesiona-Perez, who received the Founders’ Award, is pursuing a Forensic Science degree with a Chemistry minor. She is also very active on campus, including in Campus Ministry, student government and several clubs. Faculty members and staff who nominated Mesiona-Perez said she is not only a positive role model to her fellow students but to everyone in the Chaminade community.

“Her presence in the classroom environment is always underpinned by honest, genuine interactions,” Dr. Katelynn Perrault, an associate professor of Forensic Sciences and Chemistry, wrote to the Heritage Awards Committee. “She is concerned with being a voice for those who do not always have the ability to represent their own. It is a pleasure to have someone in our program with admirable qualities like this.”

Mesiona-Perez said she has found a “home away from home” at Chaminade and was floored by the special recognition. “The family that I have found here is made up of countless individuals who endlessly influence, equip and inspire me to be the best leader that I can be,” she said.

At Chaminade, Mesiona-Perez added, she has been able to pursue her love for STEM, strengthen her Christian faith, and deepen her passion for servant leadership. “In everything that I do, I desire to share the love that I have so gracefully received my Heavenly Father unto them,” she said, adding that she wants “others to feel at home, accepted, with a sense of belonging” at Chaminade—just as she is.


Founders’ Week Recap Video

Filed Under: Campus and Community, Catholic, Featured Story Tagged With: Heritage Awards, Marianist

Heritage Awardees Honored During Founders’ Mass

April 8, 2021 by University Communications & Marketing

Chaminade’s Heritage Awards recognize members of the Silversword community who accomplish outstanding work in pursuit of the University’s mission and make it a better place to learn and to work.

This year’s recipients are no exception.

Heritage Awardee, Chaminade Award - Eric Bovaird (Head Coach, Men's Basketball)

Men’s Basketball Head Coach Eric Bovaird received the 2021 Chaminade Award for remarkable contributions to the University by a member of the faculty or professional staff. Nominators described Bovaird as not only a coach, but as a mentor and community leader who cares deeply about ensuring his student-athletes succeed on the court and off—and go on to reach their goals.

“His willingness to take young men in from all walks of life and teach them how to be positive contributors to society through basketball, his experiences and faith have altered the life paths of so many and have made our community and their communities back home better places,” one nominator said. Another marveled at Bovaird’s ability to deliver as a winning coach while he also mentors and develops young men into high character adults, calling his value to the community “undeniable.”

In accepting the award, Bovaird said he was surprised to be selected and added that working at Chaminade “doesn’t feel like a job to me, it’s a passion.” He said that Marianist values and education continue to drive him, especially the commitments to building community around a common good and educating in the family spirit. “I’m very thankful for all the relationships we’ve developed over the years and, most importantly, I am so glad my family is heavily involved every step of the way,” Bovaird said.

Heritage Awardee, Marianist Award - Pisila Tukia (OSAL)

Meanwhile, the recipient of the 2021 Marianist Award—which honors a member of Chaminade’s support staff—was Office of Student Activities and Leadership activities coordinator Pisila Tukia, who was praised for her deep well of care for students and all she does to help them develop.

One nominator said he marvels at Tukia’s ability to “connect with students on a deeper level and provide such strong support for their own development and wellbeing.” Tukia was also described as a collaborator and a tireless advocate, never shying away from long days to help students.

“Tukia has gone above and beyond, especially during this time of COVID-19,” a nominator said.

Tukia said she was humbled at learning she had been selected for the award. “It feels so good to know the work I do has a positive impact in our Chaminade community,” she said. “The Marianist values are very similar to my upbringing and the reason why Chaminade is my second family away from home.”

She said her Catholic upbringing and Tongan heritage underscored the importance of showing respect, humility, and loyalty to others and maintaining good relationships. Similarly, she said, Chaminade’s mission reminds her of the “awesome responsibility” she has as a lifelong educator.

“My position as a professional and community is that of a higher calling,” Tukia wrote recently, in accepting her award. “My hope is that the young adults and youth I continue to work with are inspired and reminded to give back to the next generation as leaders.”

Heritage Awardee, Founders' Award - Andrew Anchecta '21 (Biology)

Finally, the recipient of the 2021 Founders Award is Biology student Andrew Ancheta II.

In addition to his studies, Ancheta contributes to the University with a leadership role with the Chaminade Student Government Association, serving as an important voice and advocate for his fellow students. In fact, he has collaborated extensively with the Center for Teaching & Learning during the pandemic to communicate student questions and concerns and ensure student success.

One nominator called him the “exemplification of who a Chaminade student is.”

Another said that Ancheta is the “epitome of a servant leader and works to make the lives of others better, even when it may unnoticed. His commitment to others is unparalleled and I have been amazed by his willingness to help those in need.” In fact, one nominator recalled seeing Ancheta offering food to a man who was sifting through a trash bin at Kapiolani Park and then holding a conversation with him.

“He reached out to this man in need and provided a sense of comfort and human connection,” he said.

Ancheta said being honored with the award is a “reminder of the life God is calling me to live.”

“I am choosing to dedicate my life, my career and my purpose to creating an impact in the lives of others,” Ancheta said. “Receiving this award assures me that the work towards the fulfillment of this lifelong purpose is possible and that the journey has just begun.” He added that living Marianist values at Chaminade have informed his perspective and how he now acts—and reacts. “They have been critical in my maturation as a student, as a man, as a Catholic, and a as a human on this Earth,” he said.

The three honorees were recognized at Founders’ Day Mass in early April.

Eric Bovaird
Pisila Tukia
Andrew Ancheta II

Filed Under: Campus and Community, Catholic, Featured Story Tagged With: Heritage Awards, Honors and Awards

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