Honors and Awards

Golden Pine ‘apple’ Award

May 30, 2024

Teacher and Administrator of the Year Announced

In April, Sacred Hearts School Principal Tonata Lolesio received the coveted 2024 National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA) Lead, Learn and Proclaim Award, only one of 11 recipients chosen nationwide for their work upholding Catholic Education and Faith formation to the highest standards. A month later, the longtime Valley Isle educator was named Hawaii Catholic Schools’ Teacher of the Year, bestowing upon her the Golden Pine”apple” Award during a special Recognition Ceremony at Natsunoya Tea House on Oahu.

“Her dedication to teaching the whole student has profoundly impacted both Sacred Hearts School and the broader Lahaina community,” said Dr. Dale Fryxell, Dean of School of Education and Behavioral Sciences, when announcing Lolesio’s name. “One standout example of her commitment occurred in the aftermath of the devastating Lahaina fire, where she established a pop-up school at Sacred Hearts Mission Church in Kapalua, providing continuity of education and emotional support for her students and welcoming displaced children from the wider community.”

“We came together during a time of crisis to help students and families,” Lolesio told the Hawaii Catholic Herald. “It is our Catholic calling and mission. These experiences, especially my first two years as principal, have taught me much about entrusting my work and plans to God for his guidance and protection. It is ultimately his school, I am his servant in providing for its needs.”

Llewellyn Young, Ph.D., superintendent of Hawaii Catholic Schools, left, and Chaminade's School of Business and Behavioral Sciences Dean, Dr. Dale Fryxell, present $1,000 check to Hawaii Catholic Schools’ Teacher of the Year winner Tonata Lolesio

Chaminade School of Education and Behavioral Sciences Dean Dr. Dale Fryxell says a few congratulatory words to Sacred Hearts School Principal Tonata Lolesio after she received her Pineapple Award, as Llewellyn Young, Ph.D., superintendent of Hawaii Catholic Schools listened in.

St. Anthony School Head of School Maui David Kenney, center, accepted the prize money for preschool teacher Kathleen DeLima from Llewellyn Young, Ph.D., right, superintendent of Hawaii Catholic Schools and Chaminade School of Education and Behavioral Sciences Dean Dr. Dale Fryxell.

With the support of John C. and Mary Lou Brogan, The Augustine Educational Foundation, Hawaii Catholic Schools and Chaminade, the Teacher of the Year and the Administrator of the Year awards recognize excellence in outstanding teachers/specialists and administrators within the Catholic Schools in the State of Hawaii.

“The Golden Pine’apple’ celebrates the best of Catholic education by recognizing talented, service-oriented and faith-filled professionals within the ranks of our Catholic schools,” said Llewellyn Young, Ph.D., superintendent of Hawaii Catholic Schools. “The apple has long been associated with education and wisdom. For our Catholic schools, we use the Pine’apple” to place a cultural spin on the uniqueness of Hawaii and the special roles of our teachers and administrators.”

For the past four decades, St. Anthony School on Maui preschool teacher Kathleen DeLima has demonstrated her dedication to the spiritual development of her students through her incorporation of prayer, song and storytelling into her lessons, nurturing their faith and understanding.

“She is such a great person who has passed on so much wisdom to me, and has really shared so much of the Catholic Faith with all of our staff,” said St. Anthony School Preschool Director Kim Smith. “She is a pillar to St. Anthony Church and School. Not only has she made a significant impact academically but also spiritually. An award like this 100 percent boosts our moral and pride in being recognized for the dedication and work put into the children.”

The Golden Pine”apple” Award—otherwise known as the Golden Apple Award on the mainland—holds significant prestige in the field of Catholic education in Hawaii, serving as a symbol of excellence and dedication among educators. It’s designed to honor outstanding teachers who exhibit exemplary performance in their field. Recipients are recognized for their commitment to teaching, innovative methods and positive impact on students.

“Each year, a panel of distinguished professors reviews each nominee,” Young explained. “Scores are tallied by Chaminade’s School of Education and Behavioral Sciences under the leadership of Dr. Dale Fryxell, and the winners are selected to be presented with the awards at the Hawaii Catholic Schools End-of-the-Year Recognition Luncheon.”

Teachers who receive the Golden Pineapple Award are often those who have made a substantial impact on their students’ learning experiences. This recognition highlights the importance of student-centered teaching and the positive outcomes of effective education. The award also brings attention to the critical role that teachers play in shaping future generations. It further raises public awareness about the importance of quality education, and the need to support and invest in educators.

Doctoral Degree

May 24, 2024

Donna Kay Fisher is among the first cohort to earn her EdD

It started off as a great day for Kapolei Middle School teacher Donna Kay Fisher, ’16 MA, ’24 EdD. She was feeling good and in her typical element—surrounded by students. Mid-morning, she attended assembly with her eighth graders, played musical chairs on stage then returned to the classroom.

“Earlier in the morning, I felt a little weight on my neck, but I didn’t think anything of it,” said Fisher, a Hawaii Department of Education resource teacher in the Pearl City-Waipahu complex who earned her Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership for Adaptation and Change (EdD) in May. “But once I got to class, I started to feel dizzy.”

Not one to sit down while teaching, Fisher instructed her students that if she faints to get someone to help her. One of her students replied, “I think we need to get someone now.”

“I started to feel pain on my right arm,” Fisher recalled. “And then next thing I knew, I was on my way to Pali Momi in an ambulance with paramedics who were trying to stabilize me. The pain in my arm was so intense that I wanted the medics to cut it off.” By the way, that same right arm is now covered with a full-length tattoo of a koi swimming upstream against the current, which Fisher likens to her perseverance and strength to reach her destination.

Donna Kay Fisher '25 stopped by campus to pick up her cap and gown before Commencement. — Donna Kay Fisher ’25 stopped by campus to pick up her cap and gown before Commencement.

Diagnosed with a total occlusion, which is a complete or nearly complete blockage of one or more coronary arteries, Fisher saw the lights above her and thought to herself, “keep breathing, don’t end…not now.”

Meanwhile, her cardiologist explained that her chest pains meant she was experiencing a heart attack. Still conscious, Fisher combatively asked, “How do you know I’m having a heart attack, I am still awake.” But she wasn’t for long.

After undergoing a procedure to place two stents to unblock her arteries, Fisher was terrified of her chances—20 percent within five years—of suffering another heart attack, as warned by her physician. On the operating room table, she uttered, “but I never …” unable to complete her thought before being rendered unconscious.

Surgery was a success but now it was the long road to recovery. It would take Fisher a grueling six weeks before she even had the strength to shower on her own. In the meantime, her mood and thoughts spiraled into a series of “what ifs.” What if I never meet my grandkids? What if I can’t continue teaching? What if this is the rest of my life? What if I can’t move anymore?

But the one question that truly nagged at her was her inaction to upload and post her rap lessons—close to 200 of them—to YouTube.

“Now that I’ve had a heart attack, I have to stop chasing my dreams,” said Fisher, recounting her inner thoughts during recovery. “But instead of asking ‘Why me?’ I asked ‘Then who?’ I wouldn’t wish this on anyone.”

Now determined to attract some viewers on YouTube, the rap artist-teacher’s lessons were developed with the RhymeZone website, which helped her rhyme the words, and she chose a catchy beat on an automatic keyboard.

“Every lesson was crafted perfectly,” Fisher said. “I remember when I was a kid I would watch ABC’s ‘Schoolhouse Rock,’ and I can still remember the songs, ‘Conjunction Junction, What’s Your Function” and, of course, ‘I’m Just a Bill.’ I hope my rap lessons are just as enduring.”

However, the most pivotal moment that occurred was when Fisher received a random mailer from Chaminade, inviting her to apply to the University’s new Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership for Adaptation and Change (EdD). Being of Catholic faith, Fisher saw this as “God’s divine intervention.”

“I will never forget receiving that piece of mail,” Fisher said. “It completely changed my outlook on life. I was no longer going to limit myself and curtail my dreams. Instead, I was freeing myself from the chains of fear and reclaiming the pursuit of my dreams.”

In the years she spent pursuing her doctorate, Fisher was always the first in her inaugural EdD cohort to turn in every assignment—and always long before they were due. She finished with a 4.0 GPA, and she was chosen to be Chaminade’s 66^th Commencement Ceremony graduate student speaker. Her rousing speech described her Chaminade journey, and she praised the University for providing remarkable opportunities.

“Before enrolling in this doctorate program, I thought I was a leader,” Fisher said. “But I was not; I was a task master. I thought I had all the answers, but I didn’t.”

Fisher freely admitted that Chaminade changed her leadership style—for the better. “Going through the classes in this program, I learned the value of opposition, other people’s voices and different perspectives,” said the former active duty Army officer. “My leadership now has forever changed. Now I ask what is our mission? What is our vision? Everything now is intentional, and I see myself as the facilitator. Thank you Chaminade.”

Senior Showcase

May 9, 2024

Environmental + Interior Design seniors’ final presentation

The Senior Showcase Exhibit for Chaminade University’s Environmental + Interior Design (E+ID) program presented a remarkable culmination of the hard work and creativity from the 2024 graduating seniors. Each project not only demonstrated the technical skills and design prowess of the students but also revealed their sensitivity to the impact of design on human behavior, emotion and experience.

For seniors like Nicole Cacacho, Jenna Dahl, Erin Kelly, and Camryn Pedro, the showcase was an opportunity to share their journey with industry professionals, family and friends. This final hurdle before commencement highlighted their achievements and the profound sense of pride in seeing their projects come to life.

“It is a celebratory event for E+ID seniors, which every E+ID student looks forward to,” says E+ID Associate Professor Junghwa K. Suh, D.Arch, Arts and Design Discipline Coordinator. “All the former E+ID graduates and design professionals come to congratulate and recruit students. Also, family and friends come to celebrate the evening with them.”

In the four years that she has been in the program, Cacacho’s projects have ranged from industrial to residential, including the Normal School Apartments and Chaminade’s Presidential Residence.

“The Normal School Apartments transformed an old school building to seamlessly combine a contemporary and industrial-style interior with a carefully preserved historic exterior, resulting in a captivating blend of historic charm and modern comfort,” explained Cacacho on her presentation board. “These conversions preserve the architectural character of the original structures, boasting features like large windows, high ceilings and exposed materials, all of which infuse the space with a distinctive character.”

Environmental + Interior Design seniors, from left, Camryn Pedro, Jenna Dahl, Nicole Cacacho and Erin Kelly, pose with Dr, Junghwa Suh..

Jenna Dahl's "ArtArc: Prefab Quonset Studio" feature adaptable designs of any size to fit the space.

Erin Kelly's project was to reimagine the Maunalua Fishpond Center in East Oahu.

Camryn Pedro's Hale Pu'u and Taste Tea Project Cafe featured sustainable designs and materials.

Nicole Cacacho's projects included the Presidential Residence and Normal School Apartments.

Jenna Dahl explains her ArtArc presentation to Chaminade President Lynn Babington, Ph.D.

Environmental + Interior Design seniors, from left, Camryn Pedro, Jenna Dahl, Nicole Cacacho and Erin Kelly, presented their projects during Senior Showcase night.

In her presentation, Dahl came up with the title “Art Arc: Prefab Quonset Studio.” But this is no lightweight prefabricated structure of corrugated galvanized steel with a semi-circular cross-section that we’ve been accustomed to seeing since World War I. Prefab steel Quonset studios are indeed gaining popularity for several compelling reasons. Their modular design, cost-efficiency, and versatility offer a unique alternative to traditional housing and commercial structures.

“Each piece of the ArtArc is completely manufactured off site for any specific design,” Dahl wrote. “Inspired by the Quonset Hut, this design uses panels that can be infinitely expanded linearly, making the design adaptable to any site it may be placed.”

The mission of Chaminade’s E+ID program is to educate, engage and empower students to optimize design of the built environment as it relates to our global, multi- cultural, multi-generational living and working communities. Graduates are prepared to make the transition to entry-level professional practice and to collaborate with architects and related industry professionals.

The Bachelor of Fine Arts in E+ID granted by Chaminade meets the educational requirement for eligibility to sit for the National Council for Interior Design Qualification Examination (NCIDQ Exam), which licenses professional credentialed interior designers.

“Seniors get to curate how to showcase their last four years of design work,” Suh said. “Each student displayed the culmination of various design projects that they have created over their four years of academic work.”

The B.F.A. in E+ID provides a learning environment that fosters creativity and collaboration with art, design and technology. The program equips graduates with the knowledge and skills required for successful careers in interior design. This studio-based program allows students to work on a range of project types from small-scale residential to large commercial spaces.

The Senior Showcase is a testament to the students’ commitment to solving world issues through innovative design solutions, and bettering communities and their world in an inclusive and equitable manner. Students select the work to be displayed, carefully chosen from studio projects, visualization technique courses, custom designed and fabricated furniture, as well as fine art and sculpture. Students’ presentations are premised on deep and meaningful research, thought provoking development of design, spectacular imagery and the creative solving of societal issues.

66th Annual Commencement Ceremony

May 6, 2024

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.”

Festival of Honors

May 3, 2024

Business majors recognized during special event

In accepting her MBA Academic Achievement in Master of Business Administration Award, Caryl Tracy-Metz ’24 cited the words of poet and civil rights activist Maya Angelou, quoting, “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

“And that resonates with my experience at Chaminade; I will never forget how supportive and encouraging the people have been” said Tracy-Metz, who now holds a Chaminade MBA. “Iron sharpens iron; my peers have made me better and so have my professors.”

For the past three years, the School of Business and Communications has honored its business majors as they graduate from the program. Indeed, it’s a celebratory-worthy occasion that’s marked by the Festival of Honors, an event that highlights the efforts and achievements of prospective graduates.

School of Business and Communication Interim Dean Annette Santos and Assistant Dean Asoke Datta congratulate Caryl Tracy-Metz for her MBA Academic Achievement in Master of Business Administration Award.

Drs. Eddie Merc, Asoke Datta and Annette Santos pose with Taisyn Kauhaahaa, winner of the Academic Achievement in Business Administration.

Drs. Eddie Merc and Annette Santos present Gabriela Galarza with the Academic Achievement in Accounting.

Liz Devine walks toward the podium to accept her Innovation and Entrepreneurship Award.

Assistant Professor Dr. Maria Brownlow nominated Liz Devine for the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Award.

MBA lecturer Wera Panow-Loui and Taisyn Kauhaahaa participated in one of three games that was part of the festivities.

“You now enter into a pantheon of Chaminade alumni,” said Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs Lance Askildson, Ph.D., in his remarks to the prospective graduates. “You’ve established a long relationship with people who deeply care about you. This moment is not a single flash in the pan; think of us as part of that journey of lifelong learning.”

Graduating with a business degree opens up a world of opportunities and prepares Chaminade alumni potential access to a diverse range of career paths. Through their education, students have cultivated their essential soft skills, such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, leadership and adaptability.

“These skills are highly valued by employers and will help our students succeed in any business environment,” said assistant professor Eddie Merc, Ph.D., Chaminade’s MBA Director and Program Advisor. “When we speak with our community partners, they tell us the types of skills that they would like to see from our graduates. And we’ll adapt our curriculum to respond to the business community’s needs.”

Co-emceed by the School of Business and Communication Interim Dean Annette Santos and Assistant Dean Asoke Datta, Festival of Honors, they said, is their favorite ceremony of the year because it marks a significant milestone in a student’s journey in business school.

“It will be a memorable and inspiring experience,” Santos said. “This event represents a journey of growth and excellence.”

Five awards are handed out each year, including the Academic Achievement in Business Administration, Academic Achievement in Accounting, Academic Achievement in Master of Business Administration, Marianist Values and Business for Good, and Innovation and Entrepreneurship.

Being awarded the Academic Achievement in Business Administration, Taisyn Kauhaahaa ’24 thanked the professors in his acceptance speech, remarking that they are here, not just for a paycheck, but for all the right reasons. “I didn’t prepare any formal remarks tonight because I want this to come from the heart,” said Kauhaahaa, pointing to his chest. “You truly care about learning and sharing your knowledge with us.”

Presented to the graduating senior who has best exemplified academic excellence in the Accounting program, the Academic Achievement in Accounting winner was Gabriela Galarza ’24, who has demonstrated exceptional work in class and has shown her capabilities for critical thinking through her coursework.

“I am grateful to be here,” Galarza said. “When I applied to Chaminade, I was stepping out of my comfort zone, and I didn’t think I would stay all four years. I am glad I did.”

Recognized for her commitment to academic excellence and exemplifying the MBA program’s core values of personal integrity, social responsibility and family spirit, Tracy-Metz summoned the words of one of her all-time heroes, Rell Sunn, who defined the aloha spirit as real simple: “You give and you give and you give . . . and you give from here (the heart), until you have nothing else to give.” That’s leadership, Tracy-Metz concluded.

The Marianist Values and Business for Good Award was given to Chaminade’s Enrollment Management Assistant Vice President, Lisa Trumbull ’24, who finally earned her MBA after starting it a decade ago. “It has been a long and challenging journey,” Trumbull shared. “There were a lot of early mornings and weekends, but I gained great insight and knowledge in how to use business as a force for positive change.”

A go-getter with a can-do attitude, Liz Devine ’24 received the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Award for her creativity and entrepreneurial spirit in her academic and extracurricular activities. “I just showed up one day with no expectations,” said the Iowa native. “‘Life is short, the world is wide and I wanna make some memories’ is a famous line in ‘Mama Mia’ and it’s what I have been able to do during my four years here at Chaminade.”

Hogan Graduation, Induction Ceremony

May 1, 2024

Rites of Passage for Incoming Students and Graduates

In his opening address, Hogan Program Director, Dr. Roy Panzarella quipped that this ceremony would be brief, brilliant and gone. “A shooting star often appears unexpectedly and just like life, it is full of unexpected twists and turns, reminding us to embrace spontaneity and to live in the present,” said Panzarella during his closing remarks. “Finally, in the words of Peter Drucker—often considered the father of modern management theory—‘The best way to predict the future is to create it.’”

Funded by the Hogan Family Foundation, the eponymous Entrepreneurial Program, aims to educate Chaminade students how to be successful in business through a series of lectures with experienced Hawaii leaders, study abroad missions, community service projects, academic coursework and mentorship. Each year, a new cohort of students from all majors, including undergraduate juniors and seniors and graduate students, are accepted into the one- or two-year certificate program.

“This program allows students to question who they are and where do they want to be,” said President Lynn Babington, Ph.D. “We encourage our students to engage with and in their communities. We want them to be able to step into any position, and become social entrepreneurs.”

Social responsibility has been a key theme since the Hogan program was founded, complementing its time-honored motto of “Do business things that make social sense and social things that make business sense.”

It’s a mantra that first-year Hogan MBA student, Voris Crooms, embraces and one that motivated him to enroll in the MBA program, as well as earn a Hogan Entrepreneur certificate. A U.S. Army veteran and registered nurse, Crooms is a “verbal maestro,” who waxed eloquently about Chaminade and his time thus far at the University.

Drs. Lynn Babington and Roy Panzarella welcome the Hogans, including, from left, Christine, Gary and Glenn.

Clara Slate-Liu, left, speaks to Connie Kramer about her reason for becoming a Hogan Entrepreneurial Program participant.

Yazmine Esquivel holds up her One-Year Certificate after learning she had been named this year's Aloha Spirit Award.

Jon Watase shared his reason for enrolling in the Hogan Entrepreneurial Program.

Dr. Lynn Babington presents Voris Crooms with this year's inaugural Hogan Leadership Award.

The Hogans and Drs. Lynn Babington and Roy Panzarella pose with this year's awardees, including, from left, Waioli Misajon, Leah Carrington, Liz Devine, Yazmine Esquivel and Voris Crooms.

The Hogans and Drs. Lynn Babington and Roy Panzarella welcomed the incoming Hogan Entrepreneurial cohort of students.

“Nurses can be more than nurses, we can be leaders,” said Crooms, the Ceremony’s student speaker, while looking in the direction of Dr. Babington, who was a one-time healthcare leader and a strong advocate of the nursing field. “My message to staff, advisors and graduates is simple: We all have a voice; speak up and speak out.”

In attendance, Gary Hogan spoke up, remarking that this entrepreneurial program is “extremely important” to his family, including his late parents Ed and Lynn, and siblings Glenn and Christine Hogan who flew in from California just to attend the ceremony and were flying out the next day. “I am proud of this graduating class,” said Hogan to attendees. “These new inductees will now receive the same mentorship as our graduates, and they represent another group of Hogan entrepreneur students ready to become tomorrow’s leaders.”

During the ceremony, the graduating Hogan students were honored for completing the program and the incoming Hogan students were inducted in front of their Chaminade community, friends and family. Five awards were presented, including the Outstanding Hogan Entrepreneur of the Year Award, the Outstanding First Year Student Award, the In the Arena Award, the Aloha Spirit Award and the inaugural Hogan Leadership Award, which was inspired by the Vaughn Vasconcellos and Suzie Martin Leadership Institute.

“I spent 32 years with the Army as a safety and occupational manager,” said Crooms, who was named the Hogan Leadership Award. “I enrolled in Chaminade’s MBA and Hogan programs because I want to enhance my healthcare leadership skills, and do justice by my community.”

This year’s “In the Arena” winner is sophomore Leah Carrington ’26, who established PAWsitive Adventures, a non-profit online service dedicated to enhancing the health and well-being of shelter dogs and community members while also enriching the adoption experience.

Wearing an infectious smile, Yazmine Esquivel ’20, MBA ’24, won the Aloha Spirit Award, which goes to an individual who most represents important principles of the program by fostering goodwill within the group and by his or her independent leadership initiatives throughout the year.

The Outstanding First Year Award went to Elizabeth Devine ’24, who embodies the principles of the business program and has achieved excellent academic results. “It’s rare to find someone at such a young age who already possesses most of the basic attributes of an effective entrepreneurial leader,” said Panzarella of Devine. “She has confidence, humility, humor, creativity and initiative. If I was at my old job with Lockheed Martin, I would hire her in a heartbeat.”

For the second consecutive year, Nanakuli native Waioli Misajon was recognized for her academic excellence and community spirit. Last year, she took home the Outstanding First Year Award and this year, she walks away with the Outstanding Second Year Award for her work with Mood USA, a nonprofit she founded that stands as a transformative solution to the pressing educational and mental health challenges faced by students in Nanakuli.

After the awards ceremony, graduates and inductees were announced. Graduates of the One-Year Certificate included Carrington, William “Tino” Colello, Devine, Esquivel, Christopher Flores, Carol An Nacario, Aliikamanaekahi “Alii” Napoleon, Allure Padilla, Epifania “Epi” Petelo, Kaitlin “Kat” Priem, Sano Tana and Alexander Korpela. Meanwhile, Christina Dinh, Jacob Fernandez, Misajon and Michael Rose were presented with their Two-Year Certificates.

The new Hogan Entrepreneurs included John Barayuga, Mikhail Bobylev, Voris Crooms, Jacob Escuza, Lauren Hamrick, Connie Kramer, Mathew Lober, Lizanyela “Lizzy” Lopez, Justin Monroe, Jacob Murphy, Clara Slate-Liu, Devon Tsai, Easterlei “Easter” Tuitasi, Jon Watase and LaVelle White.

“I decided to go down this entrepreneurial avenue because I want to create something good for local residents,” said Barayuga ’25, a Hogan student worker, when asked why he entered the program. “I will learn the fundamentals here and I will be able to use what I learn to benefit the greater good of the community.”