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Chaminade University and Hawaii Catholic Schools Announce 2021 Ka Ho’oulu Innovation Recipients

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Chaminade University’s Center for Strategy and Innovation, in partnership with Hawai‘i Catholic Schools, has announced the recipients of the 2021 Ka Hoʻoulu Innovation Awards: St. Louis School’s Principal Devin Oshiro, EdD, and St. Joseph Parish School. The awards recognize the demonstration of substantial innovation that has greatly advanced Catholic education in Hawai‘i.

Devin Oshiro, EdD, recipient of the 2021 Ka Ho'oulu Award
Individual Award – Dr. Devin Oshiro, principal of St. Louis School

Dr. Oshiro has led and worked collaboratively with St. Louis School’s faculty to create a diverse learning environment that addresses the needs of all students. Their six-point system, which consists of ‘aina-based learning, global learning, personalized learning, whole group learning and learning specific to young men, has resulted in stronger GPA levels, improved standardized test scores and the school’s highest enrollment in 20 years.

Institution Award – St. Joseph Parish School
Located in Waipahu, St. Joseph Parish School has integrated a community-wide Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) curriculum to address a much-needed facet for all learners. The school partnered with the Institute of Social and Emotional Learning and formed an internal SEL Committee to develop and implement the curriculum through workshops for administration, faculty and staff to develop a common language and basic understanding of the process, and reinforce the belief that SEL is essential to student achievement.

The Ka Hoʻoulu Innovation Awards were created in 2020, as a way to recognize outstanding educators from Catholic schools throughout the state. Award applicants submit projects that exemplify the Catholic world view, support quality academics, integrate technology, demonstrate data-driven decision making or promote operational vitality. Those who submit projects with the highest marks receive recognition at an annual award ceremony and a grant to continue their work.

“We are so delighted to sponsor this award,” said Dr. Helen Turner, vice president of Chaminade’s Center for Strategy and Innovation. “The winners represent Catholic education in Hawai‘i, where teachers and administrators are continuously innovating in support of their students and their shared mission to provide high quality, affordable education. Students who are benefitting from the creativity of educators like Dr. Oshiro and teams like that of St. Joseph Parish School are part of a talent pipeline in Hawai‘i that is grounded in values and strong academics. We at Chaminade look forward to seeing them as future Silverswords!”

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Chaminade University of Honolulu believes in the power of education to drive positive change, broaden perspectives and deepen our understanding of one another. With an emphasis on transformative service-learning experiences, we prepare students to serve as tomorrow’s leaders, inspiring and challenging them to use their minds and their hearts to help build stronger and more just communities. We are proud to serve as Hawai‘i’s only Marianist university, and rely on these values to guide us in delivering a high-quality education with an individualized approach and a focus on excellence, innovation and change. Established in 1955, we offer more than 30 undergraduate and graduate programs, including doctoral degrees in education, psychology and nursing practice. Learn more at chaminade.edu.

Alum Named Straub Clinic’s Most Valuable Team Player

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Michael Ono ‘14 made friends at Chaminade that he “still considers family” today.

It’s those relationships and others that have helped buoy him as he works on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic as a registered nurse at Straub Medical Center’s Kahala Clinic and Urgent Care. “Working as an RN during the pandemic has been challenging,” said Ono, who received a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Chaminade. “But I am so happy to have a great team and leadership support.”

Michael Ono '14 named Straub Clinic's Most Valuable Team Player

And they are grateful for him, too.

In fact, Ono was recently recognized as the Straub Clinic Most Valuable Team Player. As part of centennial celebrations for Straub, he was also named a “100 for Straub 100” honoree—one of 100 employees who are continuing Dr. George Straub’s legacy of providing quality care to patients.

Ono was nominated for the Most Valuable Team Player recognition by Straub clinic colleague Sheryl Doropan, who called him a huge blessing. “Coming from an ER background, he knows how to handle the difficult situations that walk in,” she said, in a Straub Facebook post. “He’s a solution seeker and a team player, caring and always energetic. There’s never a dull moment working with him.”

Ono said as a Straub nurse, he sees patients of all ages.

He previously worked in the ER and the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit at Kapiolani Medical Center for Women & Children. He said he is so grateful to his mentors at Chaminade and Kapiolani for helping him grow into the registered nurse he is today. “The ability to see their dedication to their patients and the community has helped me set the bar high for myself and keeps me engaged,” he said.

Ono added, “I am still learning so much about outpatient nursing.”

Dr. Kate Perrault Receives John B. Phillips Award

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Katelynn Perrault

Dr. Katelynn Perrault, an associate professor of Forensic Science and Chemistry at Chaminade, is celebrating special recognition for her hard work—in the classroom, in the lab and in the community.

In June, Perrault was honored to learn she’d received the John B. Phillips Award at the annual International GCxGC Symposium. The award recognizes early career researchers making significant achievements and advancements in the field of two-dimensional gas chromatography.

Perrault received the award after presenting a lecture at the symposium titled, “A Secret Guide to Learning, Using and Teaching GCxGC.” Two-dimensional gas chromatography is a sophisticated method that allows researchers to separate what type of chemicals are present in complex samples.

In her case, Perrault is studying odors produced by bacteria associated with decomposing bodies.

She says the research could better identify which chemicals are released from a body after death, something that ultimately could help in search and recovery efforts and one day “help to bring closure to families who may not have known how, where or why their loved one passed.”

Perrault was also recently recognized for a very different type of work.

The American Chemical Society named her a 2021 Outreach Volunteer of the Year for her work to organize National Chemistry Week events in Hawaii. The week includes hands-on activities at Kahala Mall and a statewide illustrated poem contest that garners hundreds of entries each year.

Dr. Kate Perrault teaching her forensic science students

“Science outreach is so important to me,” Perrault said, speaking about the recognition for her work with the society’s Hawaii group. “I believe it helps people to understand the world around them through a scientific lens. We are living through an age where being able to assess information and events around us is greatly helped by a basic understanding of science and technology.”

Perrault brings that same enthusiasm to the classroom, and was recently able to see three undergraduate researchers (Kyle Furuta, Danson Oliva and Hunter Yamanaka) from her lab—the Laboratory of Forensic and Bioanalytical Chemistry—present posters at an international conference that she also chaired. More than 300 researchers, experts, students and newcomers from around the world attended the virtual, three-day Multidimensional Chromatography Workshop in February.

“The conference gave me motivation and great ideas for the next work we will perform in my own research group,” she said, “and I am grateful for the ability to have been able to share these three days with everyone in the field. It is so important, now more than ever, that we are able to remain connected to our global network within research, even if we aren’t able to gather in person.”

Beyond Academics: Co-Curricular Awards

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2021 Co-Curricular Awards at the Silverswords Student Appreciation event

Every year, the Co-Curricular Awards recognize members of Chaminade’s student body, clubs and organizations, and staff and faculty members whose efforts to make the campus and the community a better place go above and beyond—and embody the University’s mission of public service.

This year’s in-person awards presentation was particularly poignant, honoring those who truly exemplified the Silversword spirit despite the challenges presented by the pandemic. Honorees were recognized during a Silversword Student Appreciation event on April 28, which was also an opportunity to thank all students for their resilience and flexibility in grappling with COVID’s many impacts.

This was the 16th annual Co-Curricular Awards event.

The recipient of the Silversword Award, which recognizes a student-athlete who represents the Marianist philosophy with sportsmanship, integrity and respect for others, was Chaminade women’s tennis captain Catrina Liner. In addition to her hard work on the court, Liner serves as president of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and has also provided input on COVID safety procedures and protocols as the student-athlete representative at athletic department meetings on the topic.

Her efforts in the classroom are also impressive. She is a three-time member of the Pac-West All-Academic, which recognizes student-athletes who maintain a cumulative 3.0 GPA after completing at least two semesters at their institution while participating in regular season competition.

Silversword Student Appreciation event and Co-Curricular Award presentation

Meanwhile, there were two recipients this year of the Service Award: Connor and Lillie Flynn. The Service Award acknowledges those who demonstrate outstanding servant leadership, specifically in the areas of restorative justice and service for the people and lands of Hawaii. And the Flynn twins have done just that, working on countless community service projects to make a positive difference.

Both are part of the Chaminade Scholars program, through which they have sought to pursue their shared passions of protecting Hawaii’s environment while using what they’ve learned to help others.

Student leader Reyna Riesgo was honored with the Outstanding Peer Mentor Award, which recognizes upper-class students who work tirelessly as peer mentors to ensure that first-years feel supported as new members of the Chaminade ‘ohana. Peer mentors commit significant hours of their time as co-teachers of CUH 100 First-Year Experience Seminar, and prepare for the position with training and class preparation.

Riesgo has not only shown herself to be an outstanding peer mentor. She has served as a leader, collaborating with her fellow CUH 100 team members to make the first-year experience even better.

This year’s Tutor of the Year is Rachel Reedy, a student-athlete who has managed to help her fellow students make progress in their academic journey as she also juggles her own studies and excels on the volleyball court. The Tutoring Center has lost count of the number of students she’s helped.

Dominic Coffey was honored with the Dean of Students’ Special Recognition Award for his strong leadership skills, including as a Resident Assistant. The award spotlights those whose contributions have helped build a better community. Coffey has done that while preserving his affable leadership style.

Five students were recognized with the Bro. Joseph Becker Award of Excellence. The award acknowledges undergraduates who display exceptional leadership, demonstrate strong initiative and motivation, and show outstanding character, service, integrity and scholarship.

The freshman honoree was Sean Lorenzo, whose peers and Chaminade mentors can attest to his uncanny ability to motivate others around community service, including through his tireless work with the Student Government Association and Office of Student Activities and Leadership.

There were two sophomore honorees: Pamela Oda and Montserrat Lanfranco. Mentors say Oda has provided exceptional Office of Student Activities and Leadership virtual programs during the pandemic to ensure members of the Chaminade can connect and feel supported. Lanfranco, similarly, has demonstrated a tireless work ethic—and is always willing to help a fellow Silversword.

The Junior honoree was Celine Mesiona-Perez, who has proven to be a key asset to both Campus Ministry and the Office of Student Activities and Leadership. She has embraced her role as a servant leader, stepping up to the responsibilities before her and making sure she isn’t leaving anyone behind.

Finally, the senior honoree was Keahealailani Takushi, who has put in innumerable hours as part of student leadership activities since her very first year at Chaminade. Takushi, who has secured several internships and conducted research projects, has also been recognized for her scholarly achievements.

Among the faculty and staff members recognized was School of Nursing and Health Professions Professor Denise Cooper, who received the Rev. David Schuyler Award. The award acknowledges faculty or staff members who advise a student organization, supporting them in their endeavors, expanding their horizons and demonstrating a commitment to meeting the community’s needs.

Cooper serves as an advisor to Chaminade’s HOSA-Future Health Professionals chapter, and has helped to expand its membership significantly and bolster participation in innovative projects. HOSA members are particularly excited about the organization’s future growth and community service opportunities.

2021 Co-Curricular Awardees:

Male Athlete of the Year: Isaac Amaral-Artharee
Female Athlete of the Year: Randi Fontes
Athletics’ Silversword Award: Catrina Liner
Campus Ministry Award: Edward-James Adachi
Liturgy Award: Kamaile Aipa and Taylor Skye Diego
Retreat Leader of the Year: Keanu Whitfield and Sierra Murobayashi
Service Award: Connor Flynn and Lillie Flynn
Outstanding Orientation Leader: Martina Segura
Outstanding Peer Mentor: Reyna Riesgo
Tutor of the Year: Rachel Reedy
Resident Assistant Award of Excellence: Tihani Rivera
Residence Hall Association Award of Excellence: Marianna Oka
Dean of Students’ Special Recognition: Dominic Coffey
Bro. Joseph Becker Award of Excellence: Sean Lorenzo, Pamela Oda, Montserrat Lanfranco, Celine Mesiona-Perez and Keahealailani Takushi
Bro. Elmer Dunsky Outstanding Student Organization Award: Chemistry Club
Rev. David Schuyler Advisor of the Year Award: Professor Denise Cooper
Fr. Stephen Tutas Program Award for Excellence: Taste of Culture (CSGA)
Frederick K.K. Kauhane, Sr. Aloha Spirit Award: Kamaile Aipa
Henry Halenani Gomes Alaka‘i Award: Edward-James Adachi

Heritage Awardees Honored During Founders’ Mass

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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, Eric Bovaird (Head Coach, Men's Basketball) received the Chaminade Award

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

Excellence in Scholarship and Teaching

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Two Chaminade professors have been recognized for excellence in teaching and academic scholarship.

Jolene Cogbill

Dr. Jolene Cogbill, assistant professor of Biology, was named the inaugural recipient of the 2020 Chaminade University Excellence in Teaching Award. The honor celebrates teaching that has lasting and positive impacts on students and exemplifies innovative or transformative teaching practice.

Chaminade Provost Dr. Lance Askildson helped establish the Excellence in Teaching Award to underscore Chaminade’s commitment as a teaching institution. Award recipients receive $1,500 and public acknowledgment with a permanent display at Sullivan Family Library.

“Teaching excellence can make all the difference in a student’s academic career and should be recognized for its incredible importance to our University and broader community,” Askildson said.

“Great teaching can inspire students, challenge them and ignite their academic passions.”

Cogbill specializes in in Cellular and Molecular Biology, Developmental Biology and the teaching and design of biological lab techniques. She is also a Ho’oulu STEM academic navigator and coordinator of academic enrichment and outreach programs at the School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics.

Her accomplishments in the classroom include:

  • Developing a central theme to connect the semester and various lab units;
  • Focusing each lab around the scientific method with an emphasis on hands-on learning;
  • And creating a place-based curriculum that intentionally—and authentically—incorporates Native Hawaiian culture and ways of knowing, allowing for points of connection for all students.
Guanlin Gao

Dr. Guanlin Gao, assistant professor of economics, was also honored for her work.

Gao was named the 2020 recipient of the Fr. John F. Bolin Excellence in Scholarship Award, which recognizes Chaminade faculty members who have contributed substantial scholarship to their field of study. Awardees also receive a $1,500 prize and acknowledgment in a permanent display.

Gao is an applied microeconomist who conducts policy-driven research in behavioral, public and experimental economics and the economics of education. She seeks to deploy research-based evidence to help policymakers make decisions that benefit society, and in the last 12 months has published four papers in peer-reviewed journals and presented at five academic conferences.

Gao said she has also a strong commitment to innovative pedagogical approaches.

“I encourage the development of my students’ moral character and personal competencies,” she said, adding that she seeks to educate her students for adaptation and change but also challenges them to be the change. “I deeply believe that everyone can do their share to make the world a better place.”

Askildson congratulated both Cogbill and Gao for their achievements. “These two professors exemplify excellence in teaching and scholarship,” he said. “These awards recognizing their outstanding efforts are well-deserved and I look forward to all they will bring to our academic community—and to our students—in the years ahead.”