Chaminade University of Honolulu

Marianist

Baccalaureate Mass

As a Catholic, Marianist University, a vital part of graduation weekend is the celebration of the Baccalaureate Mass. This year’s Mass for the Class of 2024 will take place on Friday, May 3, at 6 p.m. at the Mystical Rose Oratory.

“This celebration is an opportunity for our Chaminade ‘ohana to come together in thanksgiving and prayer to honor and thank God for the blessings given to the Fall 2023 and Spring 2024 graduating students and to their families,” says Fr. Chris Wittman, S.M. “It’s a way to celebrate our graduates in context of faith, and acknowledging that God has been part of this experience.”

The Baccalaureate Mass holds a special significance in the culmination of a student’s academic journey. It’s a time for reflection, gratitude and spiritual connection as graduates prepare to embark on the next chapter of their lives. Chaminade’s tradition of hosting this Mass underscores the importance of faith and community in the educational experience. It’s a meaningful way to honor the achievements of the graduating class, and to acknowledge the support of their families and loved ones.

Graduating students are honored during the Baccalaureate Mass at Mystical Rose Oratory.
Graduating students are honored during the Baccalaureate Mass at Mystical Rose Oratory.

Steeped in history within Catholic education, the Baccalaureate Mass date back centuries, and its origins can be traced to medieval universities in Europe, where it served as a religious ceremony for graduating students. The term “baccalaureate” itself is derived from the Latin “baccalaureatus,” which originally referred to the laurel berries (baccalaureus) worn by graduates in ancient times.

The Baccalaureate Mass serves several purposes:

  • Spiritual Reflection: It allows graduates to reflect on their academic journey within the framework of their faith. The Mass provides a moment of prayerful contemplation, giving thanks for the gifts of knowledge, growth and community experienced during their time at the institution.
  • Blessing and Sending Forth: The Mass invokes God’s blessings upon the graduating class as they prepare to enter the next phase of their lives. It serves as a formal commissioning, sending forth graduates with the support and encouragement of their faith community.
  • Celebration of Achievement: In addition to its religious significance, the Baccalaureate Mass is a celebration of academic accomplishment. It honors the hard work, dedication, and perseverance of students who have successfully completed their studies.
  • Community Gathering: The Mass brings together students, faculty, staff, families, and alumni in a spirit of unity and fellowship. It reinforces the sense of belonging and connection within the school community, fostering bonds that extend beyond graduation.
  • While the format and traditions associated with the Baccalaureate Mass may vary from one Catholic institution to another, its fundamental purpose remains consistent—to recognize the holistic development of students, encompassing both intellectual and spiritual growth, as they transition to the next stage of their lives.

International Education Week

Student clubs share ethnic cuisines and dances

With Chaminade’s diverse population, it’s only fitting that the University would celebrate International Education Week (April 8-12). Inspired by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization’s World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development, the series of campus events featured a melting pot of flavors, starting with the Spring 2024 Taste of Culture.

The Filipino Club served one of the national dishes of the Philippines—lechon, crispy roast pork.
The Filipino Club served one of the national dishes of the Philippines—lechon, crispy roast pork.

“Our University is a mosaic of talents, backgrounds and experiences, and it is this diversity that makes our community truly exceptional,” says Chaminade President Lynn Babington, Ph.D. “International Education Week allows us to celebrate not only the richness of the world’s cultures, but also the essential role of intercultural dialogue for achieving peace and sustainable development.”

Participating clubs at this year’s Sixth Annual Taste of Culture included the TaoTao Marianas Club, World of Dance, Accounting Club, Office of Student Engagement, Chaminade Student Government Association, Micronesian Club, Lumana‘i O Samoa, Student Organization of Latinx, The Filipino Club, Office of the President, Chemistry Club and Restauranteers Club.

Observing cultural week not only offers the Kalaepohaku community a chance to experience the diverse cultures of our student body, but it also facilitates the dismantling of stereotypes while fostering mutual comprehension and acceptance. Through the International Extravaganza, students and local residents can listen to the musical rhythms, watch the graceful dances, and enjoy the traditional attire and unique customs of various cultures, cultivating a profound admiration for our campus diversity and fostering cross-cultural empathy.

“As advisors for The Filipino Club, Bro. Allen (Pacquing) and I ensure that the students are constantly receiving the support they need, ensuring that our activities run smoothly,” says Maritel Suniga, payroll specialist in the Business Office. “They put 100 percent of their time and energy into practicing the traditional tinikling dance, often rehearsing late into the night to perfect their moves.”

Wearing a traditional barong tagalog, Christian Raquepo’s first-time experience at Taste of Culture and International Extravaganza was memorable. “These events are a testament to Chaminade’s value of education in the ‘ohana spirit and inclusivity,” said the Silversword freshman. “As a proud first generation Filipino-American, representing my culture in food and dance with our University community makes me proud of my cultural heritage.”

In addition to The Filipino Club, other participants included Ka Ipu Kukui Me Ka ‘ie ‘ie (Hawaiian Club), Lumana‘’i O Samoa and the Taotao Marianas Club.

“Cultural events allow me to be proud of who I am as a descendant of Filipino immigrants,” Raquepo said. “Dressing up in our cultural attire was my favorite moment.”

Higher Education in Prison

Program helps with reintegration into community

Drs. Janet Davidson and Lynn Babington share a light-hearted moment. Seated next to them is Mark Patterson, Chair Hawaii Correctional Oversight Commission and Hawaii Youth Correctional Facility, Warden.
Drs. Janet Davidson and Lynn Babington share a light-hearted moment. Seated next to them is Mark Patterson, Chair Hawaii Correctional Oversight Commission and Hawaii Youth Correctional Facility, Warden.

It was the best news that Dr. Janet Davidson could have ever received on a Friday morning. After receiving an email message from Gabrielle Schechter, Health Policy Advisor with the Office of U.S. Senator Brian Schatz, Chaminade’s Vice Provost for Academic Affairs and a leader in criminology couldn’t believe what she was reading.

“I had to ask Jacki (Sanqui) to come to my office and read the message to make sure that I was reading it correctly,” said Davidson, who has spearheaded Chaminade’s Higher Education in Prison program. “She told me this was really great news and I was reading it correctly. The note said, ‘Your Higher Education in Prison Program earmark request to Senator Schatz’s office for FY24 was funded at $1.5 million!’ I was shocked.”

With the successful graduation of the pilot class, the second cohort of students from Halawa Correctional Facility includes 11 inmates, three more than the inaugural graduating class. Studies have clearly shown that higher education in prisons offers a multitude of benefits, particularly concerning re-entry into society and reducing rates of recidivism. Research further indicates that individuals who participate in educational programs while incarcerated are significantly less likely to return to prison upon release. Specifically, those who attain an associate’s degree have notably improved odds of successfully re-integrating into society compared to their counterparts without such credentials.

Yet, in our legal system and legislative practices, mass incarceration remains deeply entrenched. Despite efforts over the past half-century, initiatives such as the war on drugs have failed, leading to a troubling escalation in sentencing, probation and pretrial incarceration. But there is hope. In March, the U.S. Senate passed the second half of a bipartisan government funding bill that includes $31.8 million in new congressionally directed spending, also known as earmarks, secured by U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i), chair of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development. The new funding follows nearly $400 million in earmark funding for Hawaii secured by Schatz in the first half of the appropriations deal signed into law earlier this month. Chaminade University of Honolulu was awarded $1.5 million, which will be used to build capacity of the prison education program.

“At Chaminade, one of our primary Marianist values is to advocate for social justice for transformative change,” says Chaminade President Lynn Babington, Ph.D. “We support a rehabilitation-through-education narrative, which we know is essential to incarcerated individuals finding a pathway to a second chance and a better future.”

Last year's first graduating class attended a commencement ceremony at Halawa Correctional Facility.
Chaminade President Dr. Lynn Babington congratulated graduates during a commencement ceremony at Halawa Correctional Facility.

Hawaii’s correctional facilities epitomize the challenges the state face, grappling with chronic overcrowding and deteriorating conditions. In 1978, Hawaii’s incarceration rate stood at one per 1,000 people. Since then, national rates have skyrocketed, with Hawaii’s incarceration rate at 439 per 100,000 people (including prisons, jails, immigration detention and juvenile justice facilities), meaning that it locks up a higher percentage of its people than almost any democratic country on earth, according to the non-profit, non-partisan Prison Policy Initiative, whose research and advocacy is at the center of the national conversation about criminal justice reform and over-criminalization.

Following its re-designation, the Hawaii Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation underscored the importance of transitioning away from punitive justice, making rehabilitation a core aspect of its mission. With a staggering 95 percent of incarcerated individuals eventually returning to society, this shift is deemed crucial for achieving successful reintegration. As part of its restructuring, law enforcement functions previously under Department of Public Safety were transferred to a newly established Department of Law Enforcement. The move reflects a broader commitment to address the root causes of criminal behavior and promote long-term societal wellness. By prioritizing rehabilitation and reintegration programs, the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation aims to create safer communities and support individuals in their journey toward positive change.

“The motto for our department is ‘He Au Hou,’ which means ‘a new era,’” said Tommy Johnson, Director of the new Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, which re-establishes the Hawaii Department of Public Safety. “We’re able to focus our full attention, resources, and energy on rehabilitation and restoration to support those in our custody and care. We envisioned this over two years ago and it’s exciting to see this coming to fruition. We may not see changes occur overnight. We know there is always room for improvement, but I’m confident we’re headed in the right direction.”

Chaminade Vice Provost for Academic Affairs, Dr. Janet Davidson, addressed graduates during last year's commencement ceremony at Halawa Correctional Facility.
Chaminade Vice Provost for Academic Affairs, Dr. Janet Davidson, addressed graduates during last year’s commencement ceremony at Halawa Correctional Facility.

Davidson shares Johnson’s optimism, and she hopes to expand Chaminade’s Higher Education in Prison program to include an interdisciplinary bachelor’s degree program and a new women’s program at Women’s Community Correctional Center. The commitment to these educational programs reflects a fundamental paradigm shift towards a justice system focused on rehabilitation rather than punitive measures. By providing access to education, prisons foster a culture that prioritizes personal growth and skill development, ultimately empowering individuals to become productive members of society upon release.

This non-punitive approach not only benefits the individuals directly involved but also contributes to broader societal outcomes, including reduced crime rates and enhanced community safety. Embracing higher education within the prison system signifies a commitment to justice that extends beyond punishment, striving instead for meaningful rehabilitation and long-term societal transformation.

“I don’t know how to do life out there,” one of the Halawa students told Matthews, referring to re-entering society after being released from prison, adding that they feel that she talks to them, and that she understands them. Empathy is indeed a powerful message for those incarcerated, who often say they don’t “feel treated as human beings.”

“I feel like a ‘wounded healer,’” says Matthews, quoting a term coined by Shadd Maruna, Ph.D., the dean of the School of Criminal Justice at Rutgers University Newark. “Many prisoners and former inmates express a desire to receive mentoring from formerly incarcerated persons who are ‘making it’ in conventional society.”

Prison reentry is a complex process that requires comprehensive strategies involving legislation, regulations, support programs, and community involvement. By prioritizing rehabilitation and reintegration, society can help individuals leaving incarceration rebuild their lives and become productive members of society. Through concerted efforts and collaboration, we can bridge the gap between prison and society, paving the way for successful reentry and reducing recidivism rates in the long run.

Honorary Luncheon

Students share the meaning of their scholarships with donors

Her voice quivering with emotion as she described the meaning of being awarded a scholarship during an annual honorary luncheon for donors, Audrey Pilar ’24 cited her mom and dad for instilling a belief in herself, sharing her parents’ story as a young couple struggling to make ends meet but never giving up and wanting more for her and her brother. Graduating in May with a major in Forensic Sciences, and minors in Chemistry and Data Science, Analytics and Visualization, the Mililani native admitted that, without her Dr. Feung Lee and Mrs. Mew Sin Lee Endowed Scholarship, she probably would have had to work three or more part-time jobs just to pay her tuition.

“When my mom wanted to come to America to have a better life for me and her, she did,” Pilar said. “When my dad was belittled for having a young family, he and my mom hustled, got an education, and successfully raised my brother and me. What I am trying to get across here is that someone gave them a chance in their lives. Someone gave my mom and dad a chance to succeed in life, and they took it. This is what receiving a donor scholarship means to me. Hope and a chance for a better future.”

In the pursuit of higher education, many students face formidable barriers, with financial constraints being among the most prevalent. For many individuals from low- to even middle-income backgrounds, the dream of attending college or university often seems like an unattainable aspiration. However, scholarships serve as beacons of hope, illuminating pathways to academic success and unlocking doors to opportunities that would otherwise remain shut.

“This year, between individual and Foundation scholarships, we supported 332 students with over $2 million, for an average scholarship award of $6,100, which is huge,” said Chaminade President, Lynn Babington, Ph.D. “Today, you’ll hear some of these students’ stories, and you’ll get a sense about their ambitions, their areas of academic interest and what they may have overcome to get here.”

Scholarship Luncheon attendees include, standing from left, Edna Magpantay-Monroe, Michael Monroe, Tiannah Ohta and Genie Reutirez, and, seated from left, Bella Frasure, Alyssa Mori, and Keven and Diane Matsuura.
Scholarship Luncehon attendees include, standing from left, Edna Magpantay-Monroe, Michael Monroe, Tiannah Ohta and Genie Reutirez, and, seated from left, Bella Frasure, Alyssa Mori, and Keven and Diane Matsuura.
Scholarship Luncheon attendees include, standing from left, Jill Higashi, Kimberly Kameshige, Brianna Gutierrez Aceves and Easton DelaCruz, and, seated from left, Jeannine Wiercinski, Estelle Kelley, Jeannie Rolles and Chaminade President Dr. Lynn Babington.
Scholarship Luncheon attendees include, standing from left, Jill Higashi, Kimberly Kameshige, Brianna Gutierrez Aceves and Easton DelaCruz, and, seated from left, Jeannine Wiercinski, Estelle Kelley, Jeannie Rolles and Chaminade President Dr. Lynn Babington.
Scholarship Luncehon attendees include, standing from left, Janice Glade, Peter Jan Ramos and Anastasia Tangatailoa, and seated from left, Leila Casison, Caitlin Bocobo and Paige Garcia.
Scholarship Luncehon attendees include, standing from left, Janice Glade, Peter Jan Ramos and Anastasia Tangatailoa, and seated from left, Leila Casison, Caitlin Bocobo and Paige Garcia.
Scholarship Luncehon attendees include, standing from left, William Bernaldez, Amber Milsap and Greg Lagapa, and seated from left, Natasha Flores, Nicole Tanabe and Kelsey Nakagawa.
Scholarship Luncehon attendees include, standing from left, William Bernaldez, Amber Milsap and Greg Lagapa, and seated from left, Natasha Flores, Nicole Tanabe and Kelsey Nakagawa.
Scholarship Luncehon attendees include, standing from left, Tyanna Hemmings, Leah Carrington and Kaimipono Abella, and seated from left, Keila Anderson, Tessa Stanley, Aniyah Hazen and Ana Isabel Aranda.
Scholarship Luncehon attendees include, standing from left, Tyanna Hemmings, Leah Carrington and Kaimipono Abella, and seated from left, Keila Anderson, Tessa Stanley, Aniyah Hazen and Ana Isabel Aranda.
Scholarship Luncehon attendees include, standing from left, Adrienne Aquino, Katherine Liu, Erica Tiwari and Alani Meltel, and seated from left, Jessica Schlais, and David and Christne Arita.
Scholarship Luncehon attendees include, standing from left, Adrienne Aquino, Katherine Liu, Erica Tiwari and Alani Meltel, and seated from left, Jessica Schlais, and David and Christne Arita.
Scholarship Luncehon attendees include, standing from left, Kendra Sia, Nicole Kegine, Aleeyah Lemons and Heidi Bow, and seated from left, Sally and Michael Coovert, and Susie and John Field Jr.
Scholarship Luncehon attendees include, standing from left, Kendra Sia, Nicole Kegine, Aleeyah Lemons and Heidi Bow, and seated from left, Sally and Michael Coovert, and Susie and John Field Jr.
Scholarship Luncehon attendees include, standing from left, Debbie Ng Furuhashi, Michalla Burtado, Aloha Lei Garo, Bro. Alan Pacquing, Jodi-Anne Yoshida and Chaminade President Dr. Lynn Babington, and seated Bernard and Lolita Lum Hoy.
Scholarship Luncehon attendees include, standing from left, Debbie Ng Furuhashi, Michalla Burtado, Aloha Lei Garo, Bro. Alan Pacquing, Jodi-Anne Yoshida and Chaminade President Dr. Lynn Babington, and seated Bernard and Lolita Lum Hoy.
Debbie Ng Furuhashi and Cathy Ching share a laugh before the start of the Scholarship Luncheon.
Debbie Ng Furuhashi and Cathy Ching share a laugh before the start of the Scholarship Luncheon.
Scholarship Luncehon attendees include, standing from left, Angelica Tangatailoa, Nathaniel Leomiti, Wayne Tanna, JD, and Jazzy Yasuda, and seated from left, Dorie Sanborn, Bro. Thomas Jalbert, Jasmine Mondelo and Pono Riddle.
Scholarship Luncehon attendees include, standing from left, Angelica Tangatailoa, Nathaniel Leomiti, Wayne Tanna, JD, and Jazzy Yasuda, and seated from left, Dorie Sanborn, Bro. Thomas Jalbert, Jasmine Mondelo and Pono Riddle.
Scholarship Luncehon attendees include, standing from left, Nagem Uiagalelei, Patricia Takamiya, Bro. Allen Pacquing and Richard Uiagalelei, and seated from left, Napua Rosehill, Carol Gouveia, Kawila and Kyla Castro.
Scholarship Luncehon attendees include, standing from left, Nagem Uiagalelei, Patricia Takamiya, Bro. Allen Pacquing and Richard Uiagalelei, and seated from left, Napua Rosehill, Carol Gouveia, Kawila and Kyla Castro.
Scholarship Luncehon attendees include, standing from left, Lauren Moriarty, Constance Keao, Huong Pham and Mame Hideyos, and seated from left, Alyssa Torres, Junelle Tangalin and Diane Peters-Nguyen.
Scholarship Luncehon attendees include, standing from left, Lauren Moriarty, Constance Keao, Huong Pham and Mame Hideyos, and seated from left, Alyssa Torres, Junelle Tangalin and Diane Peters-Nguyen.
Scholarship Luncehon attendees include, standing from left, Heather Kate Jarmillo, Marlon Francisco and Audrey Pilar and seated, from left, Kryzandreah Espanol, Tertia Freas, Elizabeth Hokada and Dr. Janet Davidson.
Scholarship Luncehon attendees include, standing from left, Heather Kate Jarmillo, Marlon Francisco and Audrey Pilar and seated, from left, Kryzandreah Espanol, Tertia Freas, Elizabeth Hokada and Dr. Janet Davidson.

Seated with students, Adrienne Aquino ’26, Katherine Liu ’26, Erica Tiwari ’24 and Alani Meltel ’25, donors David and Christine Arita with daughter Jessica Schlais discussed each one’s goal, inspiring them to continue their education even long after they’ve graduated. The Aritas’ and Schlais’s American Floor and Home Foundation Scholarship is specifically earmarked for majors in the Environmental + Interior Design program.

An aspiring elementary education teacher, Aquino believes that early schooling provides a strong foundation for future learners. “Our graduation rates are getting lower and lower,” said the Kaneohe native. “We need more teachers if we want a better future for our keiki.”

Applauding Aquino for her dedication to becoming an elementary teacher, David Arita dispensed a bit of advice to her: “If you inspire them, they will always remember you,” he told her. “I still remember the teachers who made a major impact in my life, and I will never forget them.”

A sophomore Communication major, Easton DelaCruz ’26 has taken advantage of all the opportunities afforded to him since arriving on campus two years ago. He has been fortunate enough to engage in experiences that have enriched his education and broadened his perspective.

“Your commitment to financial assistance has allowed students like me to engage in transformative experiences, shaping us into well-rounded individuals prepared to contribute to society,” DelaCruz said in his address to donors. “With the wealth of past and current experiences, and the ones to come at Chaminade, I plan to return home and become a public servant to help my home become a better place for my parents’ generation, my generation and generations to come.”

In this landscape of financial uncertainty, scholarships emerge as powerful catalysts for change. These financial awards, often based on academic merit, financial need, or a combination of both, play a pivotal role in dismantling barriers to higher education. By providing financial assistance, scholarships enable deserving students to access resources, facilities and opportunities that would otherwise remain beyond their grasp.

Beyond financial assistance, scholarships also offer myriad opportunities for academic and personal growth. Many scholarship programs provide mentorship, networking opportunities and career development resources, empowering students to thrive both inside and outside the classroom. Furthermore, scholarships may fund internships, study abroad experiences and research projects, allowing students to broaden their horizons and cultivate valuable skills that enhance their employability and competitiveness in the job market.

“We know education transforms lives; our students set out to change the world, and they are making a difference,” said Babington. “Our reach is all over the world. And we are proud of our Chaminade students and alumni.”

Heritage Awards

Honoring those who personify the Marianist Values

Overcome by emotion, tears cascaded down the cheeks of Victoria DelaCruz ’24 as Bro. Ed Brink named her as this year’s Founders’ Award winner, describing her traits of selflessness, commitment, hospitality, graciousness, faith and her family. A Chaminade Scholar majoring in Data Science, Analytics and Visualization (DSAV), DelaCruz ’24 exemplifies the Marianist education and values.

“Faith has been a part of her journey before coming to Chaminade,” said Brink, Vice-President of Mission and Rector. “This year, she joined the new Student Ministry Team and made a suggestion about having a praise and worship evening at the end of one of the meetings. Although it was one of the last ideas talked about at the meeting, it was one of the first events to move from an idea to an actual event. And that was because of Victoria’s commitment to it.”

Every year during Founders’ Week, the Rector’s office presents the Chaminade Award, the Marianist Award and Founders’ Award to a faculty member, supporting staff member and student, respectively, who embodies the Marianist values.

His voice crackling at times while reading the achievements of the winners of the Heritage Awards, Brink announced the other two honorees: Chaminade Award recipient Dr. Janet Davidson, Vice Provost and professor of criminology, who was described by one of her nominators as resilient, reliable and consistent; and Amy Takiguchi, Director of Financial Aid, Marianist Award, whose efforts to help students go beyond and above a simple answer.

“It was a chicken-skin moment when Dr. Babington informed me of the award,” said Takiguchi ’02, an alumna who started her career at Chaminade as a student worker with Human Resources and has since moved up the ranks. “I have a great team and that’s what makes working here such a rewarding experience.”

For Davidson, the Chaminade Award is not an individual feat, but one that belongs to her team. “I am honored and humbled, but I don’t like the attention,” she said. “But I could have never done it alone. The accolades and attention I receive are because of a great supportive team that works collaboratively to accomplish a lot.”

In his presentation during a special mass ceremony to celebrate Founders’ Week, Brink said these awards are meant to remind all of us of the mission of this University, and the importance of trying to live out that mission on a daily basis. “We gather today to be inspired and to hopefully recommit ourselves to being the best member of this community that we can be,” he added. “Fr. Chaminade wanted those who got caught up in the work that he inspired to be ‘a spectacle’—to give witness to others of how a life based in faith and service could make a difference in the world.”

God’s Mechanics

There was time for one more question before the close of the Marianist Lecture. Chaminade student Noelani Tugaoen stood up and politely asked, “How are we able to foster the dialogue of faith and science with those who are younger and don’t have any experience with the religious world?” 

Lecturer Bro. Guy Consolmagno, S. J. half-smiled before laughing and saying, “Boy, I wish I knew the answer to that.”  The audience then joined him in light laughter. 

As the Director of the Vatican Observatory and President of the Vatican Observatory Foundation, Consolmagno clearly knows the answers to most any question that comes his way.  A native of Detroit, Michigan, he earned undergraduate and masters’ degrees from MIT, and a Ph. D. in Planetary Science from the University of Arizona; he was a postdoctoral research fellow at Harvard and MIT, served in the US Peace Corps (Kenya), and taught university physics at Lafayette College before entering the Jesuits in 1989. 

Yet on October 8th in the Mystical Rose Oratory as part of the Marianist  Lecture Series, he humbly replied that he didn’t know the answer to Tugaoen’s question.

His lecture, “God’s Mechanics: How Scientists and Engineers Make Sense of Religion,” however, was packed with answers to lofty questions about science, astronomy, commonalities and differences between different religions, and – ultimately – what “believing in God gets you.” He also delved into ways that “techies” deal with why so many religions exist in our world today. 

He opened his talk by playing a video from the Vatican Observatory, and then he dove head first into how scientists and engineers make sense of religion. His full talk can be viewed here. 

At the Vatican Observatory since 1993, Consolmagno’s research has explored connections between meteorites, asteroids, and the evolution of small solar system bodies, observing Kuiper Belt objects with the Vatican’s 1.8 meter telescope in Arizona, and applying his measure of meteorite physical properties to understanding asteroid origins and structure. 

Consolmagno also spoke with Chaminade Scholars on October 6 during lunch. The conversation was lively and insightful with much mutual respect between Consolmagno and the students. At the end of the presentation, Consolmagno was presented with the Mackey Award for Catholic Thought, given to a speaker per year. This award is given to those who help continue the Marianist charism and make a difference in the community.

The Marianist Lecture series is sponsored by Chaminade University, Marianist Center of Hawaii and St. Louis School with the next installment of the series on February 18, 2024 featuring Dr. Steve Neiheisel who will focus on Catholics in the public square during an election year.