Chaminade University of Honolulu

Honors and Awards

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.

Silversword Awarded Obama Foundation Scholarship

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

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.
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.”