Chaminade University of Honolulu

Honors and Awards

Nursing Assistant Professor Awarded Scholarship

Eurina ChaCongratulations to Eurina Cha, assistant professor in the Chaminade School of Nursing, for receiving one of seven 2018 National League for Nursing (NLN) National Foundation for Nursing Education Scholarship Awards. This award is given each year to nurses who are pursuing advanced degrees to advance their careers as full-time nurse educators. Award recipients receive $8,000 to use toward a master or doctoral degree.

Eurina ChaEurina is currently in a Ph.D. program and writing her dissertation on cervical cancer perceptions, behaviors and challenges among Korean American immigrant women in Hawaii. Eurina is an Advanced Public Health nurse and has a strong passion for helping underserved populations and bringing diversity to nursing education.

She was presented with the award at the 2018 NLN Education Summit in Chicago on September 13. This year’s summit was the premiere gathering for nurse educators and celebrated 125 years of NLN leadership.

Chaminade University Awarded 14 Po’okela Awards

Chaminade University was recognized for their outstanding productions of Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street and Beyond Therapy at the 2017-2018 Season Po’okela Awards. These two productions brought home a combined total of 14 awards for the Division of Humanities and Fine Arts.

This year’s awards included:

• Excellence in Service Awards (Claire Paul)
• Excellence in Theatrical Design Awards – Costume Design (Sister Grace Capellas, O.S.F., for Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street)
Excellence in Theatrical Design Awards – Hair, Wig, Makeup Design (Lisa Ponce De Leon for Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street)
• Excellence in Theatrical Design Awards – Lighting Design (Christopher Patrinos for Beyond Therapy and Jonah Bobilin for Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet)
• Excellence in Theatrical Design Awards – Sound Design and Engineering (Claire Paul for Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street)
• Excellence in Performance Awards – Featured Female in a Play (Liz Stone for Beyond Therapy)
• Excellence in Performance Awards – Featured Male in a Musical (Gabriel Giasolli for Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street and David Bachler for Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street)
• Excellence in Performance Awards – Featured Female in a Musical (Riley Noland for Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street and Suzanne Green for Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street)
• Directorial Excellence Awards – Musical Director (Tim Carney for Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street)
• Directorial Excellence Awards – Director of a Musical (Brother Gary Morris for Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street)
• Overall Production Excellence Awards – Overall Production of a Musical (Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street)

Since 1984 The Po’okela Awards have recognized excellence in local theater. Awards in excellence are given in 23 different theater arts categories including producing, directing, performing, design, and technical theater.

Learning Never Stops

Ken Kakesako’s professional life was a bit different years back when he was deputy director of Hawaii’s Department of Agriculture. Then, he spent his days at hearings and briefings advocating for agriculture issues. Now, the 36-year-old brings science alive to middle schoolers and is involved with after-school activities that enrich the educational experience.

When the desire to become a teacher hit Kakesako, Chaminade University made it easy for him to continue working while pursing his Master of Education. The program was appealing because he was able to continue to support his family by day and chip away at coursework in the evening.

In his first three years as a teacher at Stevenson Middle School, he’s been instilling his love of science in his students and founded the after-school wrestling club. He obtained a R.E.A.C.H. grant from the Lt. Governor’s office for $5,000 to fund wrestling and robotics and secured $30,000 for next year to go toward all clubs, including volleyball, ukulele and art.

MEd Ken KakesakoHe also worked with McKinley High School students to create ROOTS (Responsible Open-Minded Operations Through Science) at Stevenson and started a science Olympiad team. And if that wasn’t even to fill his plate, Kakesako also helped Chaminade with its accreditation process in by giving a student perspective as someone who had completed the program.

Colleagues and mentors were quick to recognize Kakesako’s enthusiasm and impact he has on his students. He was recently surprised during a weekly staff meeting with news that he was the recipient of the prestigious 2018 Milken Teacher of Promise Award. HawaiiUSA Federal Credit Union sponsors the annual award, which recognizes teachers who excel early in their careers.

“It was a great surprise during the meeting,” he says. “I’m grateful to those that made it possible, I’ve had great teachers and mentors supporting me.”

Kakesako’s mentor and fellow science teacher, Julie Segawa, nominated him for the award and she has a history of mentoring teachers that stand out from the crowd. She mentored another Chaminade graduate, Ryan Kagami, who received the 2014 Milken Teacher of Promise Award.

When Kakesako reminisces about his time spent at Chaminade, mentorship sticks out in his mind. “The best part of my experience was the interaction with professors,” he says. “My mentor, Sheri Fitzgerald, helped me gain knowledge and insight while I was student-teaching.”

Path to finding his passion

Like many, Kakesako’s path to his where he stands today included many twists and turns. After graduating from ‘Iolani School, Kakesako left Hawaii and earned his bachelor’s in Economics from Harvard University.

He then spent just over five years working in Japan. First, he taught English to middle school students and then he was a recruiter for an investment banking company. When it came time to start a family, Kakesako knew he wanted his children to grow up around family and share similar experiences he had growing up in the islands. So it was time to come home.

Back in Hawaii, he worked for the state. He was a legislative administrator and budget analyst for Senator Russell Kokubun and then became the DOA’s legislative coordinator and deputy director.

But returning to teaching kept tugging at him. And when he looked at his options, he choose Chaminade because of the program’s flexibility and emphasize on learning in and out of the classroom. Now, Kakesako uses lessons he learned at Chaminade – like taking concepts taught in class out in the world to make them relevant to students.

Ken Kakesako, MEd“I love it when my students make connections between things they’ve learned to their own lives,” he says. “We recently had a lesson about the super blood moon and many of them went home and shared the information with their parents and were super jazzed when they watched it. Their excitement gives me energy.”

Kakesako brings a myriad of skills to room 208 at Stevenson through the various hats he’s worn. He uses his past experiences in sales to “sell” his lessons to students, knowledge gained from working in government to secure funding for his classroom and after-school clubs and he uses strategies learned at Chaminade to make learning relevant and exciting to his students.

And in the end, it’s those lessons learned in his life that leave the biggest mark.

“I want my students to become educated citizens and exercise critical thinking,” he says. “I teach them to be deeper thinkers and that learning never stops. I’m preparing them for jobs that don’t even exist yet and hope that I am setting them up for a lifetime of learning.”

The Master of Education program offers concentrations in Educational Leadership, which prepares candidates for administrative positions with an emphasis on K-12 schools; Instructional Leadership,which provides advanced knowledge of classroom practices for teachers and other educators not currently aspiring to become administrators; and Child Development, which offers advanced study of developmental theory, research and application.

Celebrating the 2018 Co-Curricular Awards

Education isn’t just about acquiring knowledge, but about fostering – and nurturing – character. At Chaminade, we strive to develop the whole student and create leaders of tomorrow.

Celebrating student leadership and involvement, as well as individual and organizational accomplishments, the 2018 Co-Curricular Awards held its annual dinner honoring the awardees. The event was on April 18 in the Clarence T.C. Ching Conference Center and recognized 22 students, one staff member and two student organizations.

2018 CO-CURRICULAR AWARDS

AWARDS PRESENT BY THE OFFICE OF STUDENT ACTIVITIES AND LEADERSHIP

Bro. Joseph Becker Awards of Excellence:
Freshman: Andrew Ancheta
Sophomore: Clarissa Ellazar
Junior: Angela Williams
Senior: Melissa Ponce

Awarded annually to a freshman, sophomore, junior, and senior who displayed exceptional leadership through involvement in co-curricular activities; who showed outstanding qualities of character, leadership, service, integrity, and scholarship; who demonstrated initiative, motivation, and potential for continued student leadership; who motivated his or her fellow classmates to become actively involved in the campus community; who contributed time and energy to the improvement of student/campus life and his or her designated class/community/organization during the academic year.

Bro. Elmer Dunsky Outstanding Student Organization Award:
Chaminade Student Programming Board

Awarded annually to a student organization who has gone beyond the bounds of their membership by helping to create a positive campus environment for all students and made an outstanding contribution to Chaminade University as an organization.

Fr. Stephen Tutas Program Award for Excellence:
Malama Honua for “Have Your Sei”

Awarded annually to a student or student organization who has exceptional creativity, planning, and execution of a University program which significantly contributed to the quality of life at Chaminade. The program must have appealed to a broad cross-section of the University community, displayed originality, and elicited participation by members of the sponsoring organization during all phases of the effort.

Rev. David Schuyler Advisor of the Year Award:
Julieann Tupuola

Awarded annually to a member of faculty, staff, or administration who advises a student club/organization and consistently helped to identify, encourage, and support students in their leadership development and campus involvement, repeatedly demonstrated a commitment to the community and its needs, and expanded the horizons, skills, and value systems of Chaminade students by providing support and guidance within co-curricular life.

AWARDS PRESENT BY ATHLETICS

Male Athlete of the Year: 
Austin Pope (Men’s Basketball)

Outstanding overall season performance in his conference sport; received ‘Player of the Year’ or ‘First Team’ conference recognition; must have represented Chaminade University in a prideful and honorable manner during his season.

Female Athlete of the Year:
Caitlin Tatemichi (Women’s Soccer)

Outstanding overall season performance in her conference sport; received ‘Player of the Year’ or ‘First Team’ conference recognition; must have represented Chaminade University in a prideful and honorable manner during her season.

Silversword Award: 
Dylan Takabayashi (Men’s Golf)

Recognizes an act or series of acts associated with an athletic activity that represents the spirit of the Marianist philosophy to include sportsmanship, integrity, honesty, truthfulness and respect for self and others.

AWARDS PRESENT BY CAMPUS MINISTRY

Campus Ministry Award:
Vanessa Ignacio

Awarded to a student who has participated in all areas of Campus Ministry (liturgy, community service, and retreats). This person is an all-around amazing member of the Campus Ministry `ohana.

Liturgy Award: 
Jenny rose Anacan

Awarded to an individual who has willingly volunteered his or her time and talent to contribute to the quality and spirituality of our weekend and special liturgies and prayer experiences.

Retreat Leader of the Year: 
Nicolle Soriano

Award acknowledges the overwhelming commitment and dedication shown by a retreat leader in creating communities of support, faith, and love on campus. The leader selected for this award has demonstrated outstanding leadership skills, maturity, dedication, and commitment to the mission of Campus Ministry.

Service Award:
Bo Diego
Mason Pfeifer

Award acknowledges outstanding servant leadership in the area of restorative justice and service for the people and the `āina (land) of Hawaii. The individual selected for this award has demonstrated just moral character, leadership skills, good humor, dedication, and humility.

AWARDS PRESENT BY THE OFFICE OF ADVISING AND CAREER DEVELOPMENT

Outstanding Orientation Leader: 
Adam Perez
Charlene Mae Rocimo

The position of Orientation Leader is for someone who enjoys getting to know other students and wants to make Chaminade an even better place by building community between returning and new students. Orientation Leaders are involved with planning, implementing, and evaluating New Student Orientation. Their primary objective is to welcome new students and their families and help welcome them fully into the Chaminade ‘ohana. While all Orientation Leaders play an important role in creating an environment of success for incoming students, the recipient of this award has displayed exemplary performance of their duties.

Outstanding Peer Mentor: 
Bo Diego
Nicolle Soriano

Students who apply for and are hired to be Peer Mentors take a leadership role in the University by being visible, available upper-class students to which first-year students can connect. As co-teachers of CUH 100, they commit significant hours to training and class preparation. Peer Mentors are responsible for maintaining regular contact with students in their class, engaging them in University life, and assisting them with both academic and personal transitions that occur during the critical first few months on campus. While all Peer Mentors play an important role in helping first-year students to adjust to and succeed at Chaminade, this Peer Mentor’s performance of these responsibilities is exemplary.

AWARDS PRESENT BY RESIDENTIAL LIFE

Residence Hall Association Award of Excellence:
Dalton Alatan

Awarded to a Resident Hall Association Representative who is a role model for other representatives, has demonstrated strong leadership skills and who positively impacted the organization and residential community.

Resident Assistant Award of Excellence:
Nerisa Taua

Awarded to a Resident Assistant who has a high-level of maturity, exhibits the ability to work as an individual community leader as well as an active participant of the Residential Life team. He or she conducts themselves with a positive attitude while executing their knowledge and practical application of policy and procedures, peer counseling skill and emergency response.

AWARDS PRESENT BY DEAN OF STUDENTS

Dean of Students’ Special Recognition:
Savannah Lyn Delos Santos

This award recognizes a student who in his or her time at Chaminade has continuously contributed to the betterment of the overall community. The student may not typically be in the spotlight in regard to his or her contributions or have the loudest voice, however his or her efforts may have a widespread impact.

Frederick K.K. Kauhane, Sr. Aloha Spirit Award: 
Ava Wong
Nathan Pollard

Awarded annually to students who exhibit a humble, cheerful, and generous spirit; a dedication to fostering a sense of `ohana around campus; the ability to raise other’s spirits by consistently improving the environment around them.

Henry Halenani Gomes Alaka‘i Award:
Crishelle Young

This award recognizes a Chaminade undergraduate student who has demonstrated excellence in leadership and service to the Native Hawaiian community. In ‘ōlelo Hawai‘i (Hawaiian Language), Alaka‘i is the Hawaiian value of leadership. It includes coaching, guiding, and mentoring others to support their growth. Those who are Alaka‘i lead with care for their community. The recipient  has shown a commitment in service toward the Native Hawaiian community through education, perpetuation of culture and language, community service projects and advocacy.

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

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.

E+ID Students, Graduates Among Recipients of 2017 ‘Excellence Awards’ from Society of Interior Designers

Four Chaminade University Environmental + Interior Design (E+ID) students and two graduates of the program were among the winners of “2017 Design Excellence Awards” presented by the Hawaii Chapter of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID).

Receiving an Award of Merit were students Gerlie Valdez and Petrice Goto for their design of the Pantawan Arts & Learning Center in the Philippines, and Nicolle Soriano for a classroom renovation project at Holy Nativity School in Honolulu.

In addition, student McKenna Makizuru won an Award of Honor for her design work on Kawailoa Village, a community residence for homeless youth.

Alumna Beverly Clemente with the G70 design firm received an Award of Merit for the Hawaii Pacific Health – Kapiolani Medical Specialists project. Also, alumna Lyndee Park from INspiration Interiors Design Studio won an Award of Merit for the company’s Kitchen, Bath & Closet Showroom retail project.

“At Chaminade, we educate, engage and empower students to respect, appreciate and inspire design of the built environment,” pointed out Joan D Riggs, E+ID program director. Accordingly, graduates are prepared for careers in the fields of interior design, architecture and related professions.

Chaminade is well represented on the ASID Board of Directors for 2017-18. Alumni Nancy Schnur and Cassandra Okimoto are president and communications director, respectively; and undergraduate Jenelyn Sison is the student representative.

Chaminade University’s Division of Humanities and Fine Arts offers the only accredited, degree-granting Environmental + Interior Design program in Hawaii. This Bachelor of Fine Arts program satisfies the educational requirement for professional licensing through the National Council for Interior Design Qualification.