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Honors and Awards

Heritage Hill

January 17, 2023 by University Communications & Marketing

Founders’ Week celebrates Chaminade’s roots

It seems to me that we must not become discouraged if we encounter some obstacle in the way of the necessary change. Never has change been done, and never will it be done, without difficulty.”

Blessed William Joseph Chaminade, Letters, March 23, 1833

In 1955, Jonas Salk’s polio vaccine was declared safe and effective. Rosa Parks was arrested after refusing to give up her bus seat to a white passenger. The United States began its involvement in the Vietnam conflict. And St. Louis Junior College was established and would eventually change its name to Chaminade College.

“Founders’ Week gives us the opportunity to honor our founders, including the university’s namesake Blessed William Joseph Chaminade, Venerable Adèle de Batz de Trenquelléon and Venerable Marie Thérèse Charlotte de Lamourous,” says Chaminade University President Dr. Lynn Babington. “Central to Father Chaminade’s legacy is his commitment to forming schools as a principal means for transforming society. Today, we perpetuate that tradition and remain committed to a holistic education of the whole person.”

Throughout the week of Jan. 16-21, events are planned to acknowledge Chaminade’s past founders and presidents, who have all significantly contributed to the Marianist heritage of respecting both faith and reason as means to the truth and justice.

“Founders’ Week allows us to affirm our Marianist spirit and carry forward the Marianist values,” says Bro. Ed Brink. “In 1883, eight Marianists arrived aboard the steamboat S.S. Mariposa, but only five would be assigned to organize the fledgling St. Louis College with the other three departing for St. Anthony’s on Maui.”

Honoring the Past

Father Marty Solma once again led staff and students in prayer.

On Tuesday afternoon at 12:30, Chaminade and Saint Louis School communities are invited to gather on the Front Lawn at the Oval for a Lei-Draping Ceremony at the Father Chaminade statue. The annual tradition precedes the week’s festivities, including the Marianist Founders Day Mass on Wednesday, where students, faculty and staff are invited to gather as one Chaminade ‘Ohana in prayer, and the Servant Leadership Day on Saturday.

Embodying Marianist Values

During the Founders’ Day Mass, Bro. Brink will announce this year’s Heritage Awards honorees. To recognize their exceptional contributions in personifying the Marianist values, Dr. Darren Iwamoto, Maritel Suniga and Kobe Ngirailemesang will be honored with this year’s Heritage Awards. It’s a distinction that Bro. Brink says “shows the breadth and impact an individual may have on campus and in the community.”

This year’s awardees are:

  • Dr. Darren Iwamoto, Associate Professor in Education and Behavioral Sciences will receive the Chaminade Award, given to a faculty or staff member who has exhibited a continuous commitment to Marianist values in education;
  • Maritel Suniga, Payroll Specialist in the Business Office, will receive the Marianist Award, given to a staff member who has exhibited a continuous and extraordinary commitment to the vision and mission of Chaminade University while drawing others into the collaborative community;
  • Kobe Ngirailemesang, a graduating senior, will receive the Founders’ Award, given to a student who has exhibited a commitment to Marianist values by outstanding generosity, respect for others, and spirit of faith.

Sowing Forward

On Saturday, Founders’ Week culminates in service.  Faculty, staff, and alumni will join students to outwardly express their Marianist Catholic values together. From sorting out clothes and household items at the Institute for Human Services (IHS) to refurbishing furniture at Habitat for Humanity, from cleaning up the campus to cleaning out an ancient fishpond in Heeia, Chaminade volunteers devote their energy into doing good work across the island.

This year, the Servant Leadership Day will take place at the Women’s & Family Shelter at IHS.

Join us throughout Founders’ Week to celebrate the Marianist future.

Founders’ Week Recap Video

The Father Chaminade Statue is draped with lei every Founder’s Week celebration.

Filed Under: Campus and Community, Catholic, Chaminade History Center, Homepage Large, Institutional Tagged With: Campus Event, Honors and Awards, Marianist

Years of Service 

December 15, 2022 by University Communications & Marketing

Faculty and staff reach impressive milestones 

The mood was anything but Bah-Humbug. In fact, it was the complete Dickensian opposite. Soap bubbles floated through the air, greeting guests as they climbed the steps to the Sullivan Library Lawn. Staff, faculty, family and friends competed in friendly games of cornhole. Music blared and the atmosphere was convivial. Even the Grinch (Richard Kido) showed up in a bright pine green suit wearing his Santa Claus hat. 

Meanwhile, in the background, Christine Denton and her merry elves—Clair Weichhaus, Lisa Trumbull, Lloree Gamiao and Makana Craig—could be seen scurrying around in preparation for the evening’s festivities, laying out trays of food, stacking beverages into coolers and arranging koa bowls in anticipation of the annual Years of Service ceremony.

‘Twas an event that not only marked Chaminade’s annual Christmas party but also afforded the university the chance to recognize the years of service of some of its faculty members and staff. Among them was Joshua Thinsew ’12, who quipped that he now has twins: a five-year honor and now one for 10. Holding up his koa bowl with gold inscription, the decade-long IT specialist said he was going to proudly place this one next to his other. 

President Lynn Babington, Ph.D., was also recognized for her fistful of years of service, remarking that she is proud to serve Chaminade. “Joining the Chaminade ‘ohana has been a tremendous honor and privilege, and I’m grateful for all of your hard work and commitment to our educational mission,” Dr. Babington said. “My commitment to our students, faculty and staff remains steadfast, and I look forward to continuing to lead with compassion, vision and a community-first approach.”

Christmas Party Slideshow
Celebrating Years of Service

Below is the complete list of Chaminade employees celebrating their years of service milestones:

Five-Year Award

  • Lynn Babington, President
  • Jonathan Baker, School of Natural Sciences & Mathematics
  • Hilary Corcoran, School of Natural Sciences & Mathematics
  • Guanlin Gao, School of Business and Communication
  • Blendine Hawkins, School of Education and Behavioral Sciences
  • Kahoalii Keahi-Wood, Center for Strategy & Innovation
  • Makepa Matin, Facilities
  • Travis Mukina, School of Education and Behavioral Sciences
  • Claire Nishiguchi, School of Humanities, Arts and Design
  • Katelynn Perrault, School of Natural Sciences & Mathematics
  • Lorin Ramocki, School of Nursing and Health Professions
  • Claire Reddy, ’19, Chaminade University Montessori Lab School

10-Year Award

  • Deven Bukoski, ’18, Human Resources & Legal Affairs
  • David Carter, School of Natural Sciences & Mathematics
  • Denise Cooper, School of Nursing and Health Professions
  • Gail Grabowsky, School of Natural Sciences & Mathematics
  • Abby Halston, ’05, School of Education and Behavioral Sciences
  • Kahala Kabalis-Hoke, ’18, Athletics
  • Chrystie Naeole, School of Natural Sciences & Mathematics
  • Pamela Silva-Patrinos, School of Education and Behavioral Sciences
  • Mark Speck, School of Natural Sciences & Mathematics
  • Joshua Thinsew, ’12, Client Services
  • Aaron Williamson, School of Business and Communication

15-Year Award

  • Dayna Bareng, Residential Life
  • Derek Chung, Network and Desktop Services
  • Darren Iwamoto, ’98, School of Education and Behavioral Sciences
  • Hieu Nguyen ’09, Institutional Research
  • Helen Turner, School of Natural Sciences & Mathematics

20-Year Award

  • Ronald Becker, School of Education and Behavioral Sciences
  • Clifford Bieberly, School of Business and Communication
  • Janet Davidson, Vice Provost of Academic Affairs
  • Philamerico Dela Cruz, ’10, Management Information System
  • Richard Kido, School of Business and Communication
  • Sharon Lepage, Sullivan Family Library
  • Tomasa Pillos, Campus Maintenance

25-Year Award

  • Collin Lau, School of Education and Behavioral Sciences
  • Tracy Trevorrow, School of Education and Behavioral Sciences

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

2022 Innovation Awards Winners Announced

October 31, 2022 by University Communications & Marketing

Modeled after the National Catholic Education Association’s Innovation in Catholic Education annual awards and sponsored by Hawaii Catholic Schools, the Ka Ho’oulu Awards focuses on “Innovation for Mission.”

“It recognizes and celebrates talent in Catholic education,” says Dr. Helen Turner, professor of biology and CIFAL research director and former vice president of Strategy and Innovation, which established the Ka Ho’oulu Awards in 2020. “Nominees exemplify innovation in education inside and outside the classroom.”

Award applicants submit projects that illustrate the Catholic worldview, support quality academics, integrate technology, demonstrate data-driven decision making or promote operational vitality. Submissions with the highest marks receive recognition at an annual award ceremony and a grant to continue their work. Eligible nominees can be individuals or teams, and faculty and administrators/staff currently employed at a Hawaii Catholic School (all grade levels K-12).

In an interview with the Hawaii Catholic Herald, retired Hawaii Catholic School’s superintendent, Michael Rockers, said his office’s close collaboration with Chaminade University “helped establish catechetical institutes, the “Teacher of the Year” award, the “Innovation Award,” and to provide a quality review of the Hawaii Catholic Schools office’s goals, objectives and communications.”

“He really wanted an award that was similar to the national innovation award,” Turner says of Rockers. “That’s how we came up with the Ka Ho’oulu, which honors teachers and administrators who are continuously innovating in support of their students.”

The 2022 Ka Ho’oulu Awards winners include Mary Star of the Sea School Honolulu in the team category and Dan Mawyer of Damien Memorial School for the individual award.

“We are pleased to continue our sponsorship of these annual awards,” Turner says. “Mary, Star of the Sea and Mr. Mawyer exemplify education in Hawaii. They are committed to implementing innovative strategies and teaching methods that leverage state-of-the-art technology to create the highest quality students.”

Ka Hooulu 2022 awardee Mary Star of the Sea

Team award: Mary Star of the Sea School, Honolulu
This award recognized the Mary Star of the Sea’s 2021-22 Schoolwide Literacy Project. The team, nominated by Laci Hitchcock, described a yearlong project that exemplifies the Ka Ho’oulu themes of supporting quality academics, technology integration and data-driven decision making. The review committee was struck by the strategic and comprehensive “whole school” approach to the important goal of improving literacy and mitigating COVID impacts on student reading.

According to the three-member panel, the literacy program holistically integrated student-centered activities with teacher professional development and such enriching programs as guest speakers for parents and the whole school community to engage with. The program collected data on its own impacts, and is now refining the program for its continuation in the new school year. The nomination mentioned that the goal was “to make reading a part of everyday culture.” Drs. Turner and Dustyn Ragasa and Fr. Martin Solma, S.M., were impressed by the commitment of staff, teachers and school leadership to make this goal part of the school’s DNA.

Ka Hooulu 2022 awardee Dan Mawyer

Individual award: Mr. Dan Mawyer, Damien Memorial School
This award acknowledged Mawyer as a school champion in the areas of technology, computing and robotics. A math teacher, Mawyer is passionate about preparing students for the future. He has built coding challenges, robotics teams and STEM activities that engage students in technology, critical thinking and teamwork.

“During the COVID crisis, (Mawyer) stepped up to the plate and offered his expertise to use technology, particularly digital communications, to keep the school community informed and unified,” Turner says. “The entire school benefitted from his innovative approach to creating visually appealing and informative content for information sharing and online learning.”

The review committee further noted that this work has quickly evolved into the leadership of a new project for a broadcast communications center at Damien. Catholic educators are passionate, expert, and student-focused and Dan exemplifies these qualities.

Filed Under: Catholic, Featured Story, Innovation, Institutional Tagged With: Honors and Awards

2022 Faculty Awardees

September 8, 2022 by University Communications & Marketing

Three faculty members were recently honored for their outstanding contributions to academic scholarship, teaching excellence and creating a community that embraces teamwork at Chaminade.

Tracy Trevorrow

Psychology Professor Dr. Tracy Trevorrow was recognized with the Fr. John F. Bolin Excellence in Scholarship Award for his tireless pursuit of knowledge and his novel approaches to research that not only seek to build on broader psychological work but on his own clinical practice.

In fact, Trevorrow’s strategy for committing to research projects is three-fold: He looks for work consistent with the direction of his past works, that will help address a gap in literature, and that is novel and broad enough to maximize the likelihood of noteworthy findings.

Trevorrow previously was awarded the Excellence in Scholarship Award in 2007.

A colleague who nominated Trevorrow for the latest recognition said the professor’s timely, ever-evolving and dynamic approach to scholarship underscores his commitment to helping the field grow. His latest research focus includes studies of epilepsy, attention deficit disorder and applied psychophysiology along with behavioral sleep science and impacts on health.

As the nominator writes, psychology’s emerging interest in sleep could yield important findings applicable to a diversity of people and to a better understanding of overall physical and mental health.

Blendine Hawkins talking to a group of students

Meanwhile, this year’s recipient of the CUH Excellence in Teaching Award is Psychology Assistant Professor Dr. Blendine Hawkins, who is director of Chaminade’s Doctor of Marriage and Family Therapy program. The recognition celebrates teaching that has “lasting, positive impacts on students, deepens student learning and demonstrates overall excellence in teaching at the university.”

Hawkins certainly ticks all those boxes, says Psychology Assistant Professor Dr. Abby Halston.

In her nomination of Hawkins for the award, Halston said the professor seeks to assess students’ educational gaps in knowledge and skills—and then fill them. Hawkins is also a mentor to students as they seek to form their professional identities and develop an individualized pathway to their careers.

Indeed, Hawkins says her main passion for teaching is student empowerment.

With her undergraduate students, she seeks to help them critically analyze information, support their arguments with evidence, and develop into confident consumers of scholarly research. With her clinical master’s students, she challenges them to connect with clients while using best practices for effective care. And with her doctoral students, she demystifies each step of qualitative study design.

“Dr. Hawkins expects a higher level of performance from her students,” Halston said.

Sr. Malia Wong

Finally, Sr. Malia Wong received the inaugural Dr. Joseph Allen Collegiality Award, which seeks to recognize a faculty member who demonstrates values of collaboration, mentorship, and teamwork. Those who nominated Wong for the honor said she embodies Chaminade’s mission in her work.

Most notably, Wong spearheaded the “Marianists and the Arts: A Sense of Spirit, A Sense of Place” program, which tapped into the talents of peers to connect hands-on learning with Chaminade’s early Marianist founders. Participants said they were able to share experiences with people across departments while engaging with Chaminade’s history and strong focus on public service.

A colleague who nominated Wong said she embodies the central values of the university and its embrace of social justice and inclusivity. Another nominator, Dr. Edna Magpantay-Monroe, said Wong “puts the school’s mission in the forefront of whatever she does in teaching, service and scholarship.”

She is also known for random acts of aloha—from gifting flowers to sweet treats to notes of encouragement (and brightening days along the way). As Magpantay-Monroe put it, “Sr. Malia’s collegiality is beyond emulating the Marianist and Native Hawaiian values. She is spilling her acts of kindness and responsibility beyond Chaminade … and into our island community.”

Filed Under: Center for Teaching and Learning, Faculty, Featured Story, Institutional Tagged With: Honors and Awards

2022 Hawaii Catholic Schools Teacher of the Year

May 31, 2022 by University Communications & Marketing

The COVID pandemic has been tough on kids—and Rica Velasco knows that better than most.

As the guidance counselor at St. Joseph’s Parish School in Waipahu, Velasco has grappled with soaring demand for counseling services among students over the last two years. She’s sought to not only meet those needs but give kids new tools to appropriately express their feelings and manage them.

That’s why she worked with St. Joseph’s Principal Beverly Sandobal to roll out an innovative social-emotional learning program across all grade levels that’s already had a positive impact on young lives.

“When we opened after the COVID lockdown…students and parents were afraid to return to school. Students were anxious and depressed, having difficulty with organizations and coping,” she said. “Since this program was implemented, students are more willing to talk about their feelings.”

Velasco’s dedication, her compassion and her service have been noticed.

Llewellyn Young, PhD (Superintendent, Hawaii Catholic Schools); Keith Yoshida (VP of Planning & Business Development, Par Hawaii and Vice Chair of the Diocesan Board of Education); Rica Velasco (awardee), Dale Fryxell, PhD (Dean, School of Education and Behavioral Sciences, Chaminade University)
Dr. Llewellyn Young (Hawaii Catholic Schools), Keith Yoshida (Par Hawaii), Rica Velasco (awardee) and Dr. Dale Fryxell (Chaminade University)

And at a ceremony May 19, Chaminade University and Hawaii Catholic Schools named Velasco the Hawaii Catholic Schools Teacher of the Year for 2022, presenting her with the Golden Pine“apple” Trophy along with $1,000 from Chaminade and John C. and Mary Lou Brogan, $1,000 in gas cards from Par Hawaii’s Hele Gas and $1,500 for St. Joseph staff development from the Augustine Educational Foundation.

The honor left Velasco beaming—and humbled.

“I was shocked to receive this recognition since I work alongside many innovative and outstanding teachers at St. Joseph who inspire me every day,” she said. “I am passionate about my work and grateful for this acknowledgment. Our team allows us to move mountains. I’m blessed to be part of this school.”

In addition to serving as the guidance counselor at her school, Velasco is the technology director and even steps in as a substitute teacher when needed. Her technology director hat has kept her particularly busy during the pandemic, with launching online and hybrid learning platforms and troubleshooting.

She also oversees her school’s one-on-one distribution of digital devices to students.

“Online learning was a challenge and an opportunity for our teachers to leap into digital learning,” Velasco said. “Today, I’m proud that all our teachers use technology to engage and enhance learning. Technology is constantly changing, and it challenges me to be open to change in all that I do.”

But it is her role as guidance counselor, watching students develop into “empathetic, confident and collaborative individuals,” that Velasco most enjoys. “Meeting with students who have difficulty making friends and then seeing them on the playground laughing with others is a joy for me,” she said.

2022 Hawaii Catholic Schools Teacher of the Year awardee Rica Velasco of St. Joseph's Parish School

Colleagues who nominated Velasco for the award said her implementation of the social-emotional learning program has made a significant difference at the school, especially as students and teachers alike navigate the “new normal” of the pandemic. “It helped both teachers and students cope with the uncertainties of living with COVID,” one colleague wrote. Another said that Velasco has created an environment that fosters empathy, understanding, and strong and healthy relationships.

Sandobal, the school principal, said she couldn’t agree more.

She related the case of one kindergartner who had difficulty speaking to peers and teachers alike. Velasco, she said, helped create safe places so the student could begin to confidently express herself.

“The student is now in third grade and is not afraid to articulate her thoughts and ideas inside and outside the classroom,” Sandobal said. “We and her parents are so proud to celebrate her progress.”

Sandobal added that as school counselor, Velasco has also helped address bullying by working with teachers and students, conducting classroom observations, and creating a daily report card to accomplish specific goals. She has also provided teacher training on behavior plans.

“Living out the school’s mission is the central point and focus of all the work that Rica does as counselor,” Sandobal. “With her focus on relationship building, she has provided significant ways for us provide a safe, caring, family-oriented environment that is centered in Jesus Christ.”

Velasco said she looks forward to continuing the growth of her social-emotional learning program, including by facilitating new conversations with parents and community members. “Our school faced many challenges over the past couple years,” she said. “We grew and changed together and walked away more competent, resilient and faith-filled. I look forward to what God has in store for us.”

Filed Under: Catholic, Education, Featured Story, Institutional Tagged With: Honors and Awards

Dr. David Carter Recognized for Achievements in Forensic Sciences

May 27, 2022 by University Communications & Marketing

Dr. David Carter holding his AAFS award

The American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS) recognized Chaminade University’s Forensic Sciences Director and Professor Dr. David Carter for his significant contributions to the discipline, to the broader community and to his students with the AAFS Pathology/Biology Section Award for Achievement in the Forensic Life Sciences.

The prestigious honor from the organization, which has more than 6,500 members around the US and globally, is reserved for those who have demonstrated exemplary excellence in the practice, advancement and teaching of forensic applications in the life sciences.

In addition to Carter’s myriad professional accomplishments, committee members applauded his commitment to cutting-edge scholarship and his service as a mentor for young scientists in the field. Carter is chair of the AAFS Pathology/Biology Research Committee, which helps fund young investigator research proposals, and he volunteers to moderate educational sessions at annual academy meetings.

In a recent interview, Carter said he was moved and humbled by the recognition.

“It’s incredible,” he said. “I feel like I’m just now starting to do my best work.”

Carter joined Chaminade in 2012, and he said he’s proud of how the Forensic Sciences program has continued to grow and evolve over the years. “What I try to do with my teaching is tap into our program’s identity and communicate that in an informative and interesting way,” he said.

He added one of the biggest highlights of his work is teaching and mentoring students.

“They provide me with hope for the future. They provide me with a constant stream of rewarding experiences,” he said. “All that is fuel. It’s motivating and encouraging. I just find myself smiling a lot.”

He added, “Many of them are interested in making the world a better place.”

In forensic sciences, Carter said, students find a discipline that at its core is “all about taking care of people.” Carter’s work, for example, focuses on getting answers in decomposition cases—in which key clues to a person’s cause of death are harder to find. “I help police, medical examiners, the coroner … understand decomposition better so they can do their investigations better,” Carter said.

And ultimately, that provides families and loved ones with answers—and closure.

Carter added that while all the elements of his work have their own unique rewards, one thing that never fails to brighten his day is when he hears from a graduate who is doing well in the field. “They’ll send you a message and say, ‘you taught us how to do that thing in class and I used it,’” he said.

Looking ahead, Carter said he’s excited about advances in his field—and about how technology is allowing researchers to take another look at old challenges. “I’m just hitting my stride,” he added, when asked about his own career. Plus, Carter is in good company in being honored with the achievement award. Dr. Lee Goff, Chaminade’s former Forensic Sciences director, received it in 2008.

Filed Under: Faculty, Featured Story, Natural Sciences & Mathematics Tagged With: Forensic Sciences, Honors and Awards

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