Chaminade University of Honolulu

Marianist

New Executive Director Appointed For Marianist Universities Association

Allison Leigh, director of Marianist strategies at the University of Dayton in Ohio, has been appointed the new executive director of the Association of Marianist Universities.

Her term begins July 1.

She will be the first woman and first lay Marianist woman to serve as executive director.

Because the AMU executive director position was expanded to full-time, Leigh will leave her current role but remain on the University of Dayton’s campus.

She will succeed Bro. Tom Giardino, S.M., who is stepping down after nine years to pursue other Marianist priorities.

As director of Marianist strategies at the University of Dayton, Leigh built strong relationships across the three Marianist universities—Chaminade, St. Mary’s in Texas and UD—including through her work with the Marianist Educational Associates program.

She also previously served as the University of Dayton’s campus minister for retreats and assistant director for retreats and faith communities.

Leigh received her master’s degree in pastoral ministry and doctorate in educational leadership from the University of Dayton, with her research focusing on how students experience the Catholic and Marianist mission.

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Leigh earned her bachelor’s degree at Xavier University and then spent a year of service with the Jesuit Volunteer Corps. Her experience led her to consider a career in campus ministry.

Leigh said she’s thrilled to continue being part of a mission that has inspired her to live her faith more deeply.

“Since first meeting the Marianists at UD in 2003, I have known Catholic and Marianist higher education offers a contribution to our society the world desperately needs,” Leigh said.

“It is a profound honor to take on this new role and collaborate with faculty, staff, and students who embody this mission in their work, every day, across all three Marianist universities. I have been blessed and deeply formed in my own faith and values by those who have done this important work, and am thrilled to carry it forward.”

The Association of Marianist Universities is a ministry of the Marianist Province of the United States to support, promote and advance Marianist higher education through cooperation among the three universities.

Chaminade President Lynn Babington said, “We’re thrilled Allison has accepted this leadership role with AMU. Her passion for empowering faculty, staff and students and students to animate and embody the mission through their individual and collective roles and her love for facilitating programs that help people grow in their formation are so important in our university communities.”

Chaminade Rector Prepares for New Adventure

Bro. Edward Brink, S.M. is the Vice President for Mission and Rector at Chaminade, but he prefers a simpler title: Teacher. These days, while he spends less time in the classroom, he still looks for every opportunity to counsel and advise students on campus or in the community.

So it is of little surprise that Brink says what he’ll miss the most about Chaminade when he takes on a new role with the Marianist Province of the US this summer is mentoring students at all stages of their academic careers, from freshman year to graduation day.

“I really like being able to introduce myself to young people and try to help them make connections about what they’re doing and why they’re doing it,” Brink said. “It will be that regular contact with students that I will miss the most. That ability to guide and inspire.”

Brink has been selected to serve as Director of Novices for the Marianist Province of the United States, a role that requires him to relocate to Dayton, Ohio. He plans to wrap up his work at Chaminade by June 2025. And while he is looking forward to his next adventure, he is also sad to be leaving a place and a university ’ohana that has meant so much to him.

Brink joined Chaminade in July 2016, after previously serving on the Board of Regents.

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He recalls that when he first started, his office was undergoing renovations so he was temporarily located in what is now the tutoring center, known as Kokua Ike. The placement gave Brink an early advantage—a chance to meet students throughout the day and hear directly from them.

“It was a great way to ease into it,” Brink said.

But before long, Brink was hitting the ground running, including as part of the welcoming committee for the University’s 10th president, Dr. Lynn Babington. She officially took on the role in August 2017, and Brink helped organize a tour for her to visit O’ahu sites that are important to Marianist and Chaminade history. Stops included ’Iolani Palace and the Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of Peace, plus the original home along Nu’uanu Stream of Saint Louis School.

Bro. Edward Brink, SM

Babington so enjoyed the tour that she encouraged Brink to make it available to new faculty.

And so he did—and even got interest from longtime employees.

“Many people who have lived in Hawai’i for years told me that it was their first time visiting ’Iolani Palace”—and learning about the important history of Marianists in the islands, Brink said. “It really is about helping history come alive, just getting a bigger sense of everything.”

Brink said the tours are designed to help participants reflect on Chaminade’s mission, connecting important dots, including the importance of ensuring access for all students.

Before joining Chaminade, Brink served as Assistant for Education for the Marianist Province of the US, assisting Marianist universities and high schools nationwide. He began his career in education in 1985, teaching at Chaminade Julienne Catholic High School in Dayton.

At Chaminade, despite his busy schedule, Brink couldn’t stay out of the classroom. He has taught several sections of CUH100, Chaminade’s First Year Experience Seminar. He also led the Chaminade Scholars Program. The scholars are students chosen because of their strong academic background, their commitment to service to the community and their desire to continue to grow in their faith while attending Chaminade University.

And he has spearheaded the Marianist Educational Associate program at Chaminade, which seeks to inspire members of the faculty and staff to become stewards of Marianist values and the University’s mission.

Brink says while he’ll be leaving Chaminade, he will remain in the Silversword ’ohana and expects to maintain many of the relationships he has formed while in the islands. And he is also looking forward to his new role, which requires him to once again put on his teaching hat as he seeks to lead novices through a rigorous journey of reflection and spiritual development.

“There are people who are coming up to me and saying, ‘You can’t go!’” Brink said.

“It’s not that I want to go but I remember very clearly that part of my exploration of Marianist life was hearing stories about brothers who got to do really cool jobs and multiple cool jobs. Some brothers stay and do the same job, but the ones who caught my attention were people who did different things in different places. So I feel this is God’s way of reminding me of one of the things that made me want to be a Marianist.”

Bro. Thomas Giardino Plans Transition to New Role

Bro. Thomas Giardino, S.M., executive director of the Association of Marianist Universities since 2019, plans to transition out of his role after the 2024-25 academic year to pursue other Marianist priorities and initiatives.

Giardino said he planned his departure to give the association sufficient time to conduct a search and select a new executive director by July 1, 2025. Though he is stepping down, Giardino plans to remain engaged with Marianist initiatives and the association.

The Association of Marianist Universities is a ministry of the Marianist Province of the United States with a mission to support, promote and advance Marianist higher education through cooperation among the three Marianist universities—Chaminade University of Honolulu, St. Mary’s University in Texas and the University of Dayton in Ohio.

“I’m confident there are people who can fill the executive director position with fresh ideas and energy,” Giardino said, adding he looks forward to contributing in new ways.

“I hope to work on editing and translation of vital documents at the North American Center for Marianist Studies, and do some programs with them along with continuing to promote formation opportunities for the universities and the larger Marianist family.”

While a member of the Marianist general administration, Giardino led the development and implementation of the Characteristics of Marianist Education and Universities, which outline the common elements of Marianist educational philosophy.

Meanwhile, during his tenure as executive director, he launched two symposia that each attracted more than 100 participants and initiated the Marianist Education Bridge Project in collaboration with the Province Office of Sponsorship, a retreat for 40 marketing and communications professionals from the three universities and Marianist K-12 schools.

He also launched a Marianist lecture series at all three universities and established affinity groups in which employees at the three universities could share best practices, collaborate on projects and integrate Marianist principles in their units.

Building and sustaining lay Marianist communities has been a longtime priority for Giardino, who worked with University of Dayton President Emeritus Bro. Raymond Fitz, S.M., to launch the Marianist Educational Associates in 2005. Giardino expanded that initiative as a signature program for the association during his leadership.

“Formation of lay leadership in the universities is a key focus for a stable Catholic and Marianist mission and identity,” Giardino said.

“I will continue to work on this, no matter the position.”

In addition to executive director of the association, Giardino has served in other roles promoting Marianist education, including director of education for the Marianist Province of the United States, executive director of the International Center for Marianist Formation and international director of education and general assistant for education in the Society of Mary general administration.

He is a trustee at St. Mary’s University, trustee emeritus at the University of Dayton, and a previous member of the Board of Regents at Chaminade.

Giardino professed vows in the Society of Mary in 1962 and graduated from the University of Dayton in 1965 with bachelor’s degrees in theology and education. He earned a master’s degree in sociology from Duquesne University and a master’s degree in spirituality from the Catholic University of America.

‘We Need to Talk’: Scholar on Civil Discourse

Dr. Timothy Shaffer spoke on the importance of civil discourse in today’s polarizing times

As the nation marked the anniversary of 9/11, civil discourse scholar Dr. Timothy Shaffer led an engaging conversation at Chaminade to underscore the importance of disagreeing agreeably in polarizing times.

“We are navigating tensions in the past that are still unrecognizable,” Shaffer told a packed lecture hall of students, faculty and staff members and others. “What happens when rhetoric becomes reality?”

Shaffer, inaugural Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF) Chair of Civil Discourse and director of the SNF Ithaca Initiative in the Joseph R. Biden, Jr. School of Public Policy and Administration at the University of Delaware, said institutions of higher education offer spaces for sharing ideas, finding common ground, understanding new perspectives and even passionately disagreeing—with mutual respect.

In his lecture, “We Need to Talk: Civil Discourse in Partisan and Polarizing Times,” he told attendees engaging in differences is critical—even essential in a democracy—and that it is absolutely appropriate to challenge one another, as long as it’s done in a fair way. “We have what I call, weak civility, which provides us a code of polite conduct or mode of behavioral management,” Shaffer said.

WATCH THE FULL TALK HERE:

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Strong civility, he added, is a “robust engagement of differences that includes dialogue and deliberation.”

Shaffer’s message resonated with the audience, especially in this election year.

Biology major Jason Edric Ulep ’27 said not everyone is going to agree, but it’s critical to understand where different people stand. “Civil discourse promotes the use of voice instead of resorting to physical violence and verbal abuse,” said Ulep, after attending the lecture. “We need civil discourse, as it aims to seek a middle ground and hopefully come to a common understanding or a solution to the problem.”

In his civil discourse leadership role, Shaffer works on a number of projects, which include annual convenings of faculty and students across the United States at the SNF Ithaca National Student Dialogue and research about the role of civil discourse within public affairs education.

Victoria Perrira ’27, a Criminology and Criminal Justice major, said she walked away from Shaffer’s lecture with a new appreciation of civil discourse. “I value truthfulness and was particularly interested in learning how to effectively navigate conversations around polarizing topics,” she said.

Dr. Timothy Shaffer discusses the importance of listening in his lecture themed, “We Need to Talk: Civil Discourse in Partisan and Polarizing Times.”

Shaffer said polarization isn’t new, but how we respond to each other can be. “We have a lack of public discourse,” he said, adding, “You need to create a space for democracy where you have agency. You can build a culture grounded in civil discourse even in these partisan and polarizing times.”

University President Lynn Babington, Ph.D., said the talk was particularly timely as the nation gears up for the presidential election.

“I believe the place of a university, an institution of higher learning, is to really provide the format, the environment for discourse to take a place,” she said.

“That’s our role. … We need, and our students need, to know how to have those important conversations. to listen carefully to people’s ideas and be able to respond to them in a very civil way.”

This lecture was sponsored by Chaminade University’s Office of Mission and Rector, the Association of Marianist Universities and the Marianist Leadership Center.

Chaminade Convenes for Spiritual Convocation

The tradition celebrates ‘religious and spiritual roots’ of Chaminade life

One of the pillars that characterize a Marianist education is to educate for formation in faith. And there is perhaps no better example of this than during the Fall Spiritual Convocation.

A longstanding tradition at Chaminade, the Spiritual Convocation marks the beginning of the academic year, formally welcoming students, faculty and staff to the University community.

“It also affords the opportunity to ask for God’s blessing on our Chaminade ‘ohana as we come together as a community to live and learn,” said University President Lynn Babington.

“During this celebration, we take the time to pause and be mindful of each other.”

This sentiment of family spirit aligns with the Marianist approach to education, which seeks to nurture students’ unique talents and fosters a lifelong commitment to learning.

“Last Friday we took part in the Academic Convocation for this new academic year, emphasizing the hopes and aspirations, and taking our A‘a Pledge,” said Fr. Martin Solma S.M., during his sermon. “Today, fittingly, we touch upon the religious and spiritual roots of our University life.”

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During the Convocation, Bro. Ed Brink, Chaminade’s vice president of mission and rector, outlined the origins of the Marianist Educational Associates program. In 2005, representatives from Chaminade, the University of Dayton, and St. Mary’s University of San Antonio responded to a call from the Association of Marianist Universities Board to form a special partnership.

“This initiative invited lay collaborators to help sustain and renew the mission and identity of the universities, rooted in the Catholic and Marianist educational tradition,” Brink said.

“For students, faculty and staff who are new members of our community, it will give you another opportunity to learn about the rich traditions of the University.”

This past summer, seven Chaminade faculty and staff members participated in the MEA Formation in Dayton; the seven-day program involving readings, reflections and shared insights.

The MEA cohort includes:

  • Andrew Ancheta ’21, student engagement coordinator
  • Dr. Rylan Chong ’10, Data Science director and assistant professor
  • Dr. Cheryl Edelson, School of Humanities, Arts and Design dean
  • Dr. Abby Halston, MS ’05, Marriage and Family Counseling clinical director
  • Kahala Kabalis Hoke ’05, MS ’07, women’s volleyball head coach
  • Pono Riddle ’18, MEd’ 21, Student Success associate director
  • Dr. Gail Grabowsky, School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics dean

“These individuals are part of a community committed to strengthening and developing the Catholic and Marianist identity of this University,” Brink said, after calling the cohort’s names.

“I now ask you to affirm your commitment as Marianist Educational Associates.”

Brink also recognized the 23 Chaminade staff members and faculty who made their first commitment in previous years, asking them to stand and renew their commitment as Marianist Educational Associates.

In unison, the MEAs pledged to uphold and advance the Catholic and Marianist mission and identity of Chaminade University. They committed to ongoing reflection, collaboration, and the continuation of programs that reinforce Chaminade’s identity as a Catholic and Marianist University.

They also promised to support others in growing in their understanding and appreciation of the Catholic and Marianist traditions, aiming to embody and witness these traditions for the benefit of the world.

By offering a quality education and searching for truth through human wisdom and faith, Solma said students are able to expand their minds and hearts, and helps them become servant-leaders.

“And, all of this within our Chaminade ‘ohana, where respect, acceptance, appreciation and encouragement are palpable,” Solma added. “As Fr. Chaminade wanted—a genuine family spirit.”

MEA Formation

Silverswords Commit to Being Marianist Education Associates

In 2005, members from Chaminade University, University of Dayton and St. Mary’s University of San Antonio responded to the call from Association of Marianist Universities Board to build a partnership among members of the Society of Mary, the sponsoring religious body. It would invite a cadre of lay collaborators, who would together sustain and renew the mission and identity that was Catholic, and that embodied the Marianist educational tradition. 

Since then, faculty, staff and administrators have been invited each year to deepen their understanding of and their commitment to the traditions and beliefs that make each respective university a Catholic and Marianist community. Now known as the Marianist Educational Associates Formation, participants engage in a comprehensive program that includes readings, reflections and the sharing of insights.

“The program was well received and there was a lot of positive energy,” said Chaminade’s Chaplain and Special Assistant to the President, Fr. Martin Solma, of the varying talks and events during this year’s Formation at Chaminade, which last hosted the weeklong event in 2015. “Even all the rain was minor compared to the great presentations.”

As part of the MEA Formation rituals, Fr. Martin Solma annoints the hands of Dr. Cheryl Edelson.
As part of the MEA Formation rituals, Fr. Martin Solma annoints the hands of Pono Riddle.
As part of the MEA Formation rituals, Fr. Martin Solma annoints the hands of Kahala Kabalis Hoke.
As part of the MEA Formation rituals, Fr. Martin Solma annoints the hands of Andrew Ancheta.
As part of the MEA Formation rituals, Fr. Martin Solma annoints the hands of Dr. Rylan Chong.
As part of the MEA Formation rituals, Fr. Martin Solma annoints the hands of Dr. Abby Halston.
As part of the MEA Formation rituals, Fr. Martin Solma annoints the hands of Dr. Gail Grabowsky.

In all, 27 staff, faculty and administrators—of which seven hailed from Chaminade—from the three Marianist Catholic universities participated in this year’s Formation. New Marianist Educational Associates now include Student Engagement Coordinator Andrew Ancheta ’21; Data Science Director and Assistant Professor Rylan Chong, Ph.D., ’10; School of Humanities, Arts and Design Dean Cheryl Edelson, Ph.D.; School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics Dean Gail Grabowsky, Ph.D.; Psychology Associate Professor, and Marriage and Family Counseling Clinical Director Dr. Abby Halston, MS ’05, Ed.D. ; Women’s Volleyball Head Coach Kahala Kabalis Hoke ’05, MS ’07; and Student Success Associate Director Pono Riddle ’18, MEd’ 21.

The inspiration for the Marianist Educational Associates (MEAs) stems from Blessed William Joseph Chaminade, the founder of the Marianists, who urged members and communities within the Marianist Family to engage in “dialogues of faith and culture.”

Chaminade recognized the need for conversation and action in response to the new social and cultural environment shaped by the French Revolution. He believed that examining this new world through the lens of a critically informed faith would help people understand the profound needs of the human heart and strengthen their personal commitment to the Christian faith. The MEAs draw their inspiration from this core element of our early tradition.