Honors and Awards

Silversword Awarded Obama Foundation Scholarship

September 10, 2024

Easterlei Tuitasi ’26 is among just 100 students nationally selected for the honor

Chaminade Psychology student Easterlei Tuitasi ‘26 was recently selected for the prestigious Obama-Chesky Voyager Scholarship for Public Service, which aims to celebrate student leaders with access to new opportunities and offers recipients financial assistance and a generous travel stipend.

Tuitasi was among just 100 students nationally selected for the 2024-26 scholarship cohort.

She is the first recipient of the Voyagers scholarship from American Samoa, and said her selection offers a chance to “broaden my perspective, develop new skills, and create meaningful connections that will shape my future career and the impact I hope to have on others.”

Tuitasi said her long-term goal is to become a clinical psychologist, focusing on trauma and child psychology. “I plan to use this opportunity to expand my academic knowledge and gain practical, real-world experience” and explore different approaches to mental health, she said.

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The Voyager Scholarship, which is administered by the Obama Foundation, is funded with a $100 million gift from Airbnb co-founder and CEO Brian Chesky.

Recipients receive financial aid of up to $25,000 a year to cover educational expenses, a 10-year travel stipend totaling $20,000, an invitation to a fall summit, and access to a mentoring network of leaders.

Tuitasi said in applying for the scholarship, she emphasized her passion for psychological research that delves into cultural attitudes toward mental health.

“My interests aim to dissect how diverse perspectives influence everything from treatment options to the assimilation of mental wellness routines in everyday life settings,” said Tuitasi, who is a junior.

Tuitasi said she selected Chaminade for its highly-regarded Psychology program and low student-to-professor ratio. After graduation, she plans to pursue master’s and doctoral degrees in psychology.

“Alongside further studies, I also plan to gain practical experience through internships or entry-level roles. Hands-on experience is critical,” she said.

She added she’s extremely grateful to the funders of the scholarship.

“The chance to connect with others with the same passion for public service inspires me even more to contribute to building stronger, healthier societies,” Tuitasi said, adding she feels “blessed.”

Faculty Honored for Excellence, Scholarship

August 15, 2024

The Faculty Institute wrapped up with honors for three faculty members who exemplify the University’s commitment to excellence, innovation and mentorship.

Generative AI. Classroom tech. Enhanced teaching tools.

Those were just some of the instructional trends and pedagogical approaches that Chaminade professors tackled Aug. 13 as part of a daylong Faculty Institute.

But the day wasn’t all talk.

In the final hour of the institute, three Chaminade faculty members were honored for their strong commitment to academic excellence and innovation, scholarship, and mentorship.

Nominated by students Trachelle Iwamoto ’26 and Ava Barclay ’26 along with Forensic Sciences lecturer Kari Inda, Criminology and Criminal Justice program Director Dr. Kelly Treece was awarded the Chaminade Excellence in Teaching Award.

Nominees said Treece, in the strong tradition of Marianist education, tirelessly pursues projects of social justice—inside and outside of the classroom—and instills those same values in her students and peers.

Faculty members gathered for their annual Institute at Eiben Hall.

“I know I may just be a little voice compared to others who are nominating other extraordinary professors, but one voice can go a long way, and that is just one small token of knowledge that professor Kelly Treece has taught me,” wrote Iwamoto, in her nomination. “She has shown so much strength and grace, and has surpassed the expectation of teaching in the Marianist values.”

Relatively new to academia, Inda has been inspired by Treece’s dedication and passion to educate. “She knows how to keep her students wanting to learn,” Inda said. “She implements interactive assignments, and is constantly thinking about ways to improve her courses. I admire her consistency to always wanting to do better—and not just in the classroom—but as a person.”

Meanwhile, Dr. Peter Steiger was honored with the Fr. John F. Bolin Excellence in Scholarship Award.

In remarks at the Faculty Institute, Assistant Provost for Faculty Development Jim Heller Sutton said Steiger was selected for the award because of his outstanding contributions to scholarship and significant impact on the academic community at Chaminade University.

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An associate professor of Religious Studies, Steiger has presented his work internationally at conferences in Canada, Japan and Australia, further enhancing the reputation of Chaminade University across the broader academic community.

“Moreover, his commitment to sharing his expertise with the wider Catholic community in Honolulu through presentations to youth groups, Diocesan events and lecture series at St. Theresa’s Co-cathedral reflects his dedication to service and outreach,” said Sutton, who is also the director of the Center for Teaching and Learning. “His contributions embody the spirit of the John F. Bolin Excellence in Scholarship Award, and we are proud to honor him for his outstanding achievements.”

Dr. Koreen Nakahodo was named as the recipient of the Dr. Joseph Allen Collegiality Award, which recognizes a faculty member who demonstrates values of collaboration, mentorship and teamwork.

Nakahodo called the award a true honor.

“I was touched and humbled to be recognized by my colleagues,” she said.

Honoring faculty members with these rewards has a longstanding tradition at Chaminade. Not only do they foster a sense of community, but the awards also underscore Chaminade’s commitment to excellence, best practices, professional development and a positive academic culture.

“The selection process was done by a representative group of faculty from each school,” Sutton explained. “Each group then completed scoring rubrics based on the strength of the nomination letters against categories that aligned with the award descriptions.”

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.”

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.”

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.”