Chaminade University of Honolulu

Honors and Awards

Business Students Take First in Global Competition

A team of Chaminade University students took top honors at an international business competition, wowing the judges with their strong presentation skills and innovative marketing strategies aimed at bolstering grassroots social media engagement.

Some 40 U.S. and international university teams participated in this year’s Fully Virtual IACBE Live Case Competition. Students spent more than a month crafting a marketing and engagement strategy for a real company—WealthFluent—as it seeks to reach Gen Z professionals.

The winning Chaminade team included John Barayuga ’25, Blake Buonopane ’25, Madelynne Knowd ’26 and Brycen Shackelford ’26, and their first-place title meant they took home a $1,200 prize. Their winning strategy: Crafting athlete and university partnerships to build a strong brand.

“Participating in this competition helped me grow as both a learner and a leader by challenging me to apply real-world problem-solving skills in a collaborative environment,” said Buonopane, the team captain.

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“As a leader, I learned to communicate effectively, delegate tasks based on team strengths, and stay adaptable under pressure. The experience strengthened my confidence, decision-making skills, and ability to guide a team toward a common goal, preparing me for future academic and professional challenges.”

He added, “Walking away with the top prize feels incredibly rewarding and validating. It’s a reflection of all the hard work and teamwork we put into bringing our idea to life. More than just winning, it feels amazing to know that our solution made an impact and stood out among other strong competitors since this was the first year it was virtual.”

The students tackled the challenge as part of their Business Strategy 469 course.

The winning Chaminade team (left to right) included John Barayuga ’25, Madelynne Knowd ’26, Blake Buonopane ’25 and Brycen Shackelford ’26.

Wera Panow-Loui, MBA, a marketing lecturer at Chaminade and an advisor for the group, said students worked hard to apply what they’d learned in a real-world setting and continuously hone their proposal. “Placing first among 40-plus teams is a prestigious achievement, especially considering the client and judges are highly-experienced professionals,” she said.

“I am incredibly proud of our students. They demonstrated exceptional critical thinking, business acumen and the ability to apply classroom learning in innovative ways.”

Eduard “Eddie” Merc, Ph.D., assistant professor of Business Administration and director of the University’s MBA program, noted that five Chaminade teams participated in the competition—held online for the first time this year.

“As mentors, we used our expertise in business analytics, marketing, and business strategies to prepare students with a comprehensive plan to solve the company’s biggest challenges,” Merc said.

Chaminade has participated in the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE) competition for several years. In 2024, the University placed third overall.

Newest Hall of Fame Inductees Honored

South Sudanese-Australian basketball player Kuany Kuany ’17, who competed in the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, and longtime Silversword athletics supporters Judith and William Garrett are the newest inductees in Chaminade’s Athletics Hall of Fame.

The three were honored at the University’s Silversword Gala on March 29.

Kuany, who played guard for Chaminade, is one of the most decorated players in school history. After leaving Chaminade, he played professionally in Australia and Europe and now serves as captain of the South Sudan National Team, which he took to the Olympic Games last year.

At the Paris Games, South Sudan nearly upset Team USA in a friendly game.

Under his leadership, the South Sudan National Team has also competed in the AfroBasket tournament and the FIBA World Cup, engendering a great sense of pride in the war-torn country.

At the Silversword Gala, Chaminade Director of Athletics Tom Buning said Kuany is not only inspirational, he is a team player who understands the value of hard work and collaboration. He noted that Kuany ranks among the school’s all-time leaders in scoring and rebounding.

“For those who observed him from campus, Kuany was known for his citizenship, academic prowess, and quiet ability to speak loudly through his actions,” Buning said, adding “Kuany has followed the Marianist tradition of building community in his professional life. He has used his Chaminade education and an MBA from Victory University to make a positive difference.”

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The Garretts, who share a lifelong passion for college basketball, have been enthusiastic supporters of Chaminade’s basketball team since 2011. Their commitment to the program extends beyond the court, including as annual attendees of the Maui Invitational.

They are also members of the Chaminade Fund Society, a group of the University’s strongest supporters of unrestricted giving.

William “Bill” Garrett, who has served on Chaminade’s Board of Governors since 2018, retired as city manager of the Southern California communities of Corona and El Cajon.

A U.S. Army veteran, Garrett received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Washington, a master’s of science in urban planning from the University of Arizona and a master’s in public administration from California State University, Fullerton.

Judith “Judy” Garrett worked for more than 30 years as a grants administrator, city planner, business district manager, fundraiser, and government consultant.

She has a bachelor’s degree in secondary education from the University of Washington and a master’s in city and regional planning from the University of Arizona.

In retirement, she has served on the boards of several nonprofit and live theatre organizations and, for almost five years, was the volunteer administrator of a western art museum in El Cajon.

Buning said the Garretts’ generous donations have made multiple capital projects possible.

“Together, they serve to make a difference for our student-athletes and benefit every program, every day,” he said. “With grateful hearts and a servant mindset, Bill and Judy are following the Marianist tradition of helping make … a positive difference in the lives of student-athletes.”

Criminal Justice Students Clinch Scholarships

Two Silverswords were honored with TOP COP Hawaii Scholarships in recognition of their academic achievement. Each student received $1,000 to use toward their educational goals.

The honorees were Jayce Pascua ‘26 and Heather Weires, MSCJS ‘24.

TOP COP Hawaii is organized by the Law Enforcement and Security Coalition of Hawaii to recognize excellence in law enforcement and security.

Dr. Kelly Treece, Chaminade Criminology and Criminal Justice program director, congratulated the student honorees. “They’re being recognized not only by scholarship donors, but the criminal justice community,” she said.

Pascua, a Criminology and Criminal Justice major at Chaminade, said the scholarship was humbling.

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“I chose Criminal Justice simply because I always had a drive for selfless service in our community,” he said. “I always wanted to do better and give back to my community, so what other way than keeping the community protected and safe? I have a strong passion for justice for our community and I always thought I would be the one to make a difference.”

Pascua said after graduation, he hopes to attend warrant officer and flight schools in the Hawai’i Army National Guard before pursuing a special agent role with the FBI, CIA or other organization.

“I am driven to become a special agent because their role is a blend of investigative work, critical thinking, and field operations and that aligns perfectly with my passion for justice,” he said.

Pascua added that he is grateful for the hands-on learning at Chaminade. “The small and interactive classes at Chaminade are something that you cannot get at another University, but it is the professors that make the experiences at Chaminade stand out,” he said.

Ceremony Recognizes Heritage Award Honorees

As part of the annual Founders’ Week festivities, three members of the Chaminade community were honored Wednesday with Heritage Awards for their strong commitment to Marianist values.

The recipients were recognized at a special Founders’ Day Mass at the Mystical Rose Oratory.

The Heritage Awards are conferred by the Chaminade Rector’s Office annually to celebrate Marianist values of service in education. Nominations are submitted from across the University.

Dr. Koreen Nakahodo, an assistant professor of English, received the Chaminade Award for embracing Marianist values in education and undertaking “the intellectual life as a form of service in the interest of justice and truth.”

Several colleagues nominated her for the honor, saying that her work with students, across campus and with the community is impressive and impactful.

“I have been privileged to work with Dr. Nakahodo for more than two decades,” one Chaminade professor wrote in his nomination letter.

“She is a true example of Fr. Chaminade’s dictum that our progress is like a brook, caressing obstacles, gaining depth and breadth in the fullness of time, the brook overflows the obstacles and moves forward. She is persistent, undaunted by obstacles.”

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Academic Affairs Program Manager Jackeline Sanqui received the Marianist Award for her unwavering support of Chaminade’s vision and mission. Marianist Award honorees are full-time support staff members who live Marianist values of family spirit, hospitality and openness.

In a nomination letter, one of Sanqui’s supervisors said she creates a welcoming, inclusive environment for everyone. “Jacky’s commitment to Chaminade’s mission extends beyond her immediate responsibilities. She is a vital support in programs that serve underserved populations,” the nominator wrote, adding she is a vital member of the Chaminade family.

Finally, Noelani Tugaoen ‘25 was honored with the Founders’ Award, which is given to a Chaminade student who has exhibited the Marianist values of generosity, respect and a spirit of faith. Recipients are also recognized for serving as positive role models for the Silversword family.


Tugaoen is a student ambassador, active in the Ka Ipu Kukui Me Ka ‘ie ‘ie (Hawaiian) Club, and Campus Ministry. A Chaminade staff member who nominated Tugaoen said the senior is a true servant leader who “wants people to feel loved and know they each have a place.”

The nominator continued, “In every sphere she has been in, Noe has always been a vibrant and joyous person, constantly looking for ways to meet students and their families, and bring a sense of belonging to everyone present. The atmosphere changes when Noe enters a space.”

Founders’ Week officially kicked off Jan. 17, with a special lei draping ceremony and prayer service at the Father Chaminade statue on the University’s Front Lawn.

The week celebrates the founders of the Marianist Family, Father Chaminade, Mother Adele, and Marie-Thérèse de Lamourous.

Students Clinch Design Excellence Awards

Industry leaders lauded the students for their innovation

A group of Environmental + Interior Design students at Chaminade were recognized for their innovative design of a “beer spa” at the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) Hawaii Chapter’s Design Excellence Awards this month, clinching an Award of Merit in the student commercial category.

Judges praised their Da Crater Spa’t design as “exemplary of vernacular architecture.”

Dr. Junghwa Suh with her E+ID students at the ASAID Award Ceremony at DECK at Queen Kapiolani Hotel.
Dr. Junghwa Suh with her E+ID students at the ASAID Award Ceremony at DECK at Queen Kapiolani Hotel.

Developed by Environmental + Interior Design (E+ID) students Katherine Liu ’26, Farrah Dinh ’25, Jazlynne Williamson ’25 and Soraya Ortiz ’25, the class project was entered in the Iceland Beer Spa International Architecture Competition.

“We entered the contest late so we only had one month to work on the project, while others had a year,” Williamson said. “I think we still did a great job, but I think with more time—even a month longer—we would have had a more cohesive design.”

Liu, a student representative with the American Society of Interior Designers, was especially proud of the teamwork that went into the design.

“This award marks a milestone in my undergraduate design journey,” said Liu, who also won an individual competition award for her proposed design of a renovated gymnasium at Sacred Hearts Academy.

Liu said the project was the most comprehensive project she has ever taken on.

“It was quite a heavy project, but I learned so much from the experience and felt that it was a great practicum assignment since it truly encompassed all stages of interior design,” Liu added.

Attending the ASID Award Ceremony on October 12 with associate professor of Arts and Design Junghwa Suh, D.Arch, the four awardees also had the full support and congratulatory cheers of 10 of their interior design undergraduate peers.

“They had the opportunity to meet the designers behind award-winning projects they had previously visited,” Suh said. “Students also mentioned that it was great to see that many of the interior designers at the awards were graduates of Chaminade’s E+ID program.”

Suh said it was rewarding to see her students’ hard work recognized by the professional community.

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Katherine Liu ’26, Farrah Dinh ’25, Jazlynne Williamson ’25, Soraya Ortiz ’25 and Dr. Junghwa Suh take a selfie before submitting their final design concept to the Iceland Beer Spa International Architecture Competition.
Katherine Liu ’26, Farrah Dinh ’25, Jazlynne Williamson ’25, Soraya Ortiz ’25 and Dr. Junghwa Suh take a selfie before submitting their final design concept to the Iceland Beer Spa International Architecture Competition.

Suh added the event served as a great model for other students to participate in design competitions and awards. It also provided invaluable experience for students to measure their design projects against a larger community beyond school, while simultaneously offering an excellent platform to showcase their work and make professional connections.

“I encourage our students to engage with other designers in the community,” Suh said. “My goal is to help students become versatile designers who can connect the theory they learn with innovative practice.”

Entrepreneurial Program Celebrates 22 Years

The entrepreneurial leadership incubator is unique in the islands

“Doing things that make social sense and doing social things that make business sense.”

That mantra, the foundation of Chaminade’s Hogan Entrepreneurial Leadership Program, was emphasized by Hogan Director Roy Panzarella in his opening remarks to attendees at the 22nd annual Hogan Entrepreneurial Leadership Program Kick-Off Celebration on October 16.

“This annual kick-off allows us to recognize current and former Hogan students,” Panzarella said.

“Our students become leaders and changemakers who care about social justice and who are committed to making a difference. We want them to become better versions of themselves.”

Isabella “Bella” Hughes, co-founder of Shaka Tea and other popular brands, echoed the sentiment in her keynote address at the event. “The world is made up of human connections,” Hughes said at the celebration, which was held on the Sullivan Family Library Lawn.

Isabella Hughes, co-founder of Shaka Tea and other popular brands, spoke at the Hogan event.


“It’s vital to build social capital and to choose kindness, which is fundamentally how I live both my personal and business lives.”

Since its launch in 2002, the Hogan Entrepreneurial Leadership Program has sought to prepare students to become transformational leaders, driving change with empathy and compassion. The program is designed to be an incubator and catalyst for community development and job creation.

In her speech, Hughes said entrepreneurship requires relentless work. She added that her journey has included failed companies and a lot of rejection.

“But I persisted because I told myself that I was going to win,” she said.

Chaminade President Lynn Babington called the Hogan program “wonderful and unique” in Hawai’i.

“We link our students through coursework, internships and connections with business people,” she said. “Our students are from all majors. They learn the skills of being an entrepreneur and have the opportunity to work with some very successful start-ups here in Hawai’i.”

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Babington added that she’s proud to say that two decades of Hogan Entrepreneurial Leadership Program alumni have made significant contributions to their communities.

“They’ve started small businesses and launched larger companies, too,” she said.

In addition to economic benefits, the Hogan program seeks to address pressing social issues, incorporating social entrepreneurship into its curriculum. The program also encourages its students to develop solutions to problems like poverty, healthcare and environmental sustainability.

Gary Hogan, CEO of Hogan Hospitality Group, addressed attendees at the celebration event.
Aliikamanaekahi “Alii” Napoleon, second from right, received a $2,500 scholarship from Alaka‘ina Foundation. The check was presented to Napoleon by former Chaminade Athletics Director and Alaka‘ina Foundation board member, Bill Villa, far left. Bella Hughes, Gary Hogan, Dr. Lynn Babington and Dr. Roy Panzarella joined them on stage.
Aliikamanaekahi “Alii” Napoleon, second from right, received a $2,500 scholarship from Alaka‘ina Foundation.

By integrating entrepreneurial education with service and ethical leadership, students are challenged to leverage their passions and skills to make a meaningful impact.

Supported by the Hogan Family Foundation, Chaminade’s Hogan entrepreneurship program has sought to strengthen its partnerships over the years with Hawai’i businesses.

“Under great leadership comes great success,” said Gary Hogan, CEO of Hogan Hospitality Group. “Lynn and Roy are two great leaders who have a vision to build a resilient community.”

Embedded in the Hogan program is the Suzie Martin & Vaughn Vasconcellos Leadership Institute.

Vaughn Vasconcellos, a former Chaminade Board of Regents chair and current member of the Board of Governors, is also the co-founder of Alaka’ina Foundation, a nonprofit Native Hawaiian organization with a mission to build and promote leadership and educational initiatives for the youth of Hawai‘i.

The goal of the foundation is to develop a new generation of leaders.

Representing Vasconcellos at the Hogan event, former Chaminade Athletics Director and Alaka‘ina Foundation board member Bill Villa presented Aliikamanaekahi “Alii” Napoleon with a $2,500 scholarship, awarded to a Native Hawaiian first-year or transfer student for his or her first year of study at Chaminade.