Chaminade University of Honolulu

Marianist

I Go To College

Fifth-Graders Attend Classes and a Mock Graduation Ceremony

The excitement was palpable as 254 fifth-graders from Catholic schools across the islands descended on campus to participate in the inaugural “I Go To College” event. Gathering at the Sullivan Family Library Lawn, 20 students from St. Theresa Honolulu were playing cornhole, spike ball and Jenga, as they waited for fellow students to arrive from St. Catherine, St. Anthony’s on Maui, St. Theresa Kauai, Holy Family Catholic Academy, Mary Star of the Sea, Our Lady of Good Counsel, Saint Louis, St. John Vianney, St. Joseph Parish School, and St. Joseph in Hilo. Chaminade President Dr. Lynn Babington welcomed the students, their teachers and chaperones to campus.

“This is all they could talk about yesterday and today on the bus,” said St. Theresa Honolulu fifth-grade teacher Alyssa Yabes of the students. “Some of them were even saying that they were going to graduate from college even before their older siblings.”

Started approximately 15 years ago on the mainland, the “I Go To College” program aims to expose 9-12-year-old students to higher education, even before they step onto a middle school campus. According to Llewellyn Young, Ph.D., superintendent of Hawaii Catholic Schools, this type of early exposure encourages these fifth graders to start thinking about attending college.

“I’ve seen the anecdotal results of these visits,” said Young, a former dean at Arizona Western, where “I Go To College” visits have taken place since 2010. “We want these kids to see that going to college isn’t such a far-fetched idea. It is achievable.”

Sitting across from each other during “What’s for Dinner? Setting an Interfaith Table” with Sister Malia Wong, Ph.D., Keslen Carroll and Julia Carlos from Holy Family Catholic Academy were enthusiastic about being on campus, both expressing that they plan to attend college.

Keslen Carroll receives her diploma from Drs. Lynn Babington and Lance Askildson during a mock commencement at Mamiya Theatre.
Keslen Carroll receives her diploma from Drs. Lynn Babington and Lance Askildson during a mock commencement at Mamiya Theatre.

“This is going to be a good day,” said Carlos, with a wide smile. “I’m not sure where I want to go college, but maybe Idaho University because I like the snow.”

A seven-year longitudinal study* of a college prep program for middle school students showed that “college visits were an integral part of the program.” Students who went on a campus visit had more positive perceptions of college than those who did not. Research also shows the importance of starting college and career planning, and awareness in middle school. Early exposure to a college campus makes a difference, especially among first-generation college-bound, and other underrepresented groups, which are an integral element to increase college enrollment and diversity on campus.

“We’re trying to make the transition from grade school to university as seamless as possible,” said Dr. Janet Davidson, Chaminade Vice Provost and Academic Affairs Professor, who helped organize the day’s event. “We’re hoping that these kids will continue with their education and with their Catholic journey.”

Before setting off on their campus tour, students were divided into eight groups, offering a more intimate setting to simulate the typical Chaminade class size. Class topics varied from “Landing on the Moon on Mars—An Engineering Design Challenge” and EDventures in Science: Water is Life” to “Agriculture and Food Waste” and “Pocket Sharks & Water Bears: An Introduction to Biodiversity.”

“By the time they’re in grade eight or nine, it’s almost too late to spark their interest in college,” Young said. “We’re collaborating with Chaminade in a way that we’ve never collaborated in the past. When I approached Drs. Babington and Askildson about ‘I Go to College,’ they were thrilled, and immediately said yes. This is our pilot year and we’re already talking about how to refine it for next year.”  

Students ended the day with a “graduation” ceremony at Mamiya Theatre with Dr. Lynn Babington and Chaminade Provost Dr. Lance Askildson presenting them with certificates. 

“You are now part of our Silversword ‘ohana,” Babington told students. “I hope you learned a lot after completing your first full day of college.” 

*Research in Middle Level Education, Rich A. Radcliffe & Liz C. Stephens, 2008

Fifth-graders attended classes, toured the campus and participated in a mock Commencement during “I Go To College” event, which aims to expose 9-12-year-old students to higher education.

Art Teacher

Amy Rose Craig ’18 overcomes obstacles on her path to becoming an art teacher

During her senior year at University of South Florida, Amy Rose Craig required surgery to remove a benign tumor the size of a beach ball. Her fiancé had left her for another woman. And she could neither work nor attend classes, setting her back emotionally, financially and academically. It was a disastrous trifecta that had her in a downward spiral and ready to quit.

Then, she had an epiphany.

“I discovered my own faith,” says Craig ’18 (Master’s of Art Teaching), with tears welling up in her eyes. “I asked God to intervene and to help me.”

This would be her first proverbial miracle.

“The hospital forgave my $30,000 debt,” Craig recalls. “And my professors all gave me A’s. It was truly a miracle.”

While recovering from surgery, her friends convinced her that she needed time to recuperate. So, she decided—wisely or not—to pack up her bags and work for a Northern Michigan Christian camp, making the 1,800-mile drive with her surgical sutures still intact. For two years, she worked at SpringHill Experiences with children with disabilities, bringing out the artistic talent in them.

Amy Rose Craig '18 now teaches art at Honolulu Museum of Art.
Amy Rose Craig ’18 now teaches art at Honolulu Museum of Art.

Faith would have it that Craig would befriend someone at the camp who was set to start a ministry at the University of Hawai‘i–Mānoa. A few months later, she found herself on a flight across the Pacific headed to then-named Honolulu International Airport.

“I was trying to enroll in UH’s BFA program, but I kept facing hurdles,” Craig says. “Again, I leaned on God to help me get through UH.”

And again, she received an answer from a higher being.

Craig would eventually graduate with her BA, matriculating in what she calls her own BFA program. Then she says she had a calling. As she pondered what to do next, she did a Google search, typing in four key words: master arts teaching hawaii. Chaminade University appeared at the top of the page.

“I didn’t even know there was such a program,” Craig says. “I was already teaching art on and off, so I applied and got in right away.”

To make ends meet, Craig worked part-time at the Cheesecake Factory in Waikīkī. It wouldn’t last long. But her luck was changing. Out of the blue, she received a letter from Kailua High School’s then-principal Francine Honda, who invited her in for an interview for an undisclosed job opening.  

“It turns out they had several emergency hire teaching positions open, and the one that they wanted me for was FSC/CBI (Fully Self Contained/Community Based Instruction),” Craig explains. “Teaching kids life and job skills, and helping them function in life; the position sounded wonderful.”

Her interview with Honda would again alter her life’s trajectory. “She explained to me that even though I would need to change the focus of my new master’s program, she thought that a master’s in special education was a much better fit for the art education role I was trying to design for myself, and she turned out to be right.”

Honda advised Craig that she could use art modalities and processes in many creative ways in meeting her Individualized Educational Plan (IEP) goals, which she has since instituted in her studios and classrooms. 

When Craig first entered University of South Florida, she had never stepped foot in an educational institution. Her parents not only mistrusted the public education system, but they didn’t believe in home schooling, preferring what Craig calls “unschooling.”

“They were pioneers long before home schooling entered the national lexicon,” Craig says. “I had an unusaul childhood, and we lived off the grid, moving around from northern, southern, eastern and western parts of the country.”

So when she started her undergraduate studies in Florida, she not only lacked structure, patterns and discipline, but she was never diagonsed with a learning disability, unable to do the simplest of assignments, such as write a short essay or solve simple math problems.

“Getting my master’s at Chaminade—knowing I had moderate disabilities—was one of the key [elements] that helped me begin to understand and unlock,” Craig asserts. “I started treating and advocating for myself as a person who had disabilities. Up until that point, I had hidden and ignored it, and I did my best to work around it and I kept it a secret. I was embarrassed and ashamed.”

In her bestseller “Educated,” American author Tara Westover writes about overcoming her survivalist Mormon family in order to go to college, and emphasizes the importance of education in enlarging her world. It’s a memoir that Craig strongly identifies with and relates to, having endured years of emotional and physical isolation, lack of support and empathy.

“I was part of my parents’ great social experiment,” says Craig, with a tinge of irony. “I always felt I was walking on egg shells, which is the title of one of my performances, and it is what I experienced during my childhood.”

Craig is currently a Teaching Artist at Honolulu Museum of Art (HoMa) studio arts, where her workshops/sessions are open to pre-school keiki and adults alike, covering a variety of subjects, from an overview of art and drawing to painting and assemblage. Her class, ‘Finding Beauty in the Everyday,” was inspired by walks with her mom in the forest, where she would collect leaves or anything that she deemed beautiful, and glue them to what she now calls “Amy’s Nature Sticks.”

“I resented how I was educated,” Craig says. “But now I’ve come full circle with a new perspective. I overcame a lot of obstacles to be where I am today, and I am glad I didn’t quit.”

Marianist Lecture Series

Villanova scholar to discuss ‘A Life Worth Loving’

Engaging and insightful, guest speaker Anna Moreland, Ph.D., of Villanova University, will discuss “A Life Worth Loving” during a free Feb. 19 symposium at 4 p.m. at the Mystical Rose Oratory on the Chaminade campus at 3140 Waialae Ave. 

Co-authored by Dr. Thomas Smith from Catholic University of America, Daring to Live: A Guide to a Meaningful Life represents Dr. Moreland’s upcoming third book, which discusses the challenges that confront young adults in today’s world.

“I will provide an overview of my book,” wrote Moreland in an email message. “I’ll talk about three challenges that I find emerging adults face and three strategies to meet those challenges.” 

In a previous campus lecture at Villanova, Moreland said the primary reason for writing the new book was to help “emerging” adults cross the threshold from late adolescence to young adulthood. She cited loneliness and choice paralysis as two “ingredients” that greatly impact students’ decision making, whether it be committing to a major or minor, or deciding which internships will benefit them most. 

During her Marianist lecture, Moreland will offer strategies that will help young adults expand their imagination, build a better vocabulary, and recover habits and practices to live more fully and faithfully.

“I’ve given versions of [this lecture] to different audiences with much success,” Moreland said. “The truth is that this lecture is directed toward emerging adults and those who love them so, actually, it’s directed to everyone.”

Moreland is the Anne Quinn Welsh Endowed Chair of the University Honors Program and Professor in the Department of Humanities at Villanova University. She received her B.A. in Philosophy at the University of Maryland, College Park, and her M.A. and Ph.D. in Systematic Theology from Boston College.

She will be presented with the Mackey Award for Catholic Thought, which is in honor of Marianist Father Robert Mackey, S.M., the first president of Chaminade University, and a once-important voice in the civic and religious community of Honolulu. The award recognizes scholarly, community and faith leaders whose work advances the spirit, charism and educational mission of the Society of Mary and the Marianist Family.

The Marianist Lecture is sponsored by the Marianist Center of Hawaii, Chaminade University and St. Louis School.

Honor Roll

Chaminade bestows Heritage Awards

To recognize their exceptional contributions in personifying the Marianist values, Dr. Darren Iwamoto, Maritel Suniga and Kobe Ngirailemesang ’23 have been honored with this year’s Heritage Awards. It’s a distinction that Brother Ed Brink says “shows the breadth and impact an individual may have on campus and in the community.”

Dr. Lynn Babington presents Dr. Darren Iwamoto with his Chaminade Award.

A testament to that mission is Dr. Darren Iwamoto, Associate Professor in Education and Behavioral Sciences, who received this year’s Chaminade Award, given to a faculty or staff member who has exhibited a continuous commitment to Marianist values in education.

“Yes, these awards are designed to honor individuals,” says Brink, Vice President of Mission and Rector, addressing the Founders’ Day Mass attendees. “But these awards are also meant to remind all of us the mission of the university and the importance of trying to live out that mission on a daily basis.”

“I truly try to live the Marianist Education Core Values and receiving this award is special because it tells me that I’m on the right path,” Iwamoto says. “This award motivates me to continue serving our students in Family Spirit and I’m blessed to be a part of an organization that truly lives its mission and values.”

Father Marty congratulates Kobe Ngirailemesang for his 2023 Founders’ Award.

Sharing the same sentiment is Kobe Ngirailemesang ’23, a graduating senior, who was presented with the Founders’ Award, which recognizes a student who has exhibited a commitment to Marianist values by outstanding generosity, respect for others and spirit of faith.

“Personally, this award is about being of service to others whenever it is possible,” Ngirailemesang says. “I never thought of helping others as an obligation. I really just enjoy the company of others, regardless of it being for work/class or not. I am truly honored to have received this award.”

Draped in a colorful ring of lei, Maritel Suniga received the Marianist Award.

Meanwhile, Payroll Specialist in the Business Office, Maritel Suniga was honored with the Marianist Award, conferred to a staff member who has exhibited a continuous and extraordinary commitment to the vision and mission of Chaminade University while drawing others into the collaborative community.

The three honorees were recognized at a special ceremony on Jan. 18, following the Founders’ Day Mass at Mystical Rose Oratory. The event was the culmination of a series of gatherings meant to celebrate not only the founders of the Marianist family—including the university’s namesake—but the characteristics of a Marianist education and the values and mission that are central to Chaminade’s identity.

“We gather today to be inspired,” says Brink, during the award ceremony portion of the Mass, “and to hopefully recommit ourselves to be the best member of this community that we can be.”

Heritage Hill

Founders’ Week celebrates Chaminade’s roots

It seems to me that we must not become discouraged if we encounter some obstacle in the way of the necessary change. Never has change been done, and never will it be done, without difficulty.”

Blessed William Joseph Chaminade, Letters, March 23, 1833

In 1955, Jonas Salk’s polio vaccine was declared safe and effective. Rosa Parks was arrested after refusing to give up her bus seat to a white passenger. The United States began its involvement in the Vietnam conflict. And St. Louis Junior College was established and would eventually change its name to Chaminade College.

“Founders’ Week gives us the opportunity to honor our founders, including the university’s namesake Blessed William Joseph Chaminade, Venerable Adèle de Batz de Trenquelléon and Venerable Marie Thérèse Charlotte de Lamourous,” says Chaminade University President Dr. Lynn Babington. “Central to Father Chaminade’s legacy is his commitment to forming schools as a principal means for transforming society. Today, we perpetuate that tradition and remain committed to a holistic education of the whole person.”

Throughout the week of Jan. 16-21, events are planned to acknowledge Chaminade’s past founders and presidents, who have all significantly contributed to the Marianist heritage of respecting both faith and reason as means to the truth and justice.

“Founders’ Week allows us to affirm our Marianist spirit and carry forward the Marianist values,” says Bro. Ed Brink. “In 1883, eight Marianists arrived aboard the steamboat S.S. Mariposa, but only five would be assigned to organize the fledgling St. Louis College with the other three departing for St. Anthony’s on Maui.”

Honoring the Past

Father Marty Solma once again led staff and students in prayer.

On Tuesday afternoon at 12:30, Chaminade and Saint Louis School communities are invited to gather on the Front Lawn at the Oval for a Lei-Draping Ceremony at the Father Chaminade statue. The annual tradition precedes the week’s festivities, including the Marianist Founders Day Mass on Wednesday, where students, faculty and staff are invited to gather as one Chaminade ‘Ohana in prayer, and the Servant Leadership Day on Saturday.

Embodying Marianist Values

During the Founders’ Day Mass, Bro. Brink will announce this year’s Heritage Awards honorees. To recognize their exceptional contributions in personifying the Marianist values, Dr. Darren Iwamoto, Maritel Suniga and Kobe Ngirailemesang will be honored with this year’s Heritage Awards. It’s a distinction that Bro. Brink says “shows the breadth and impact an individual may have on campus and in the community.”

This year’s awardees are:

  • Dr. Darren Iwamoto, Associate Professor in Education and Behavioral Sciences will receive the Chaminade Award, given to a faculty or staff member who has exhibited a continuous commitment to Marianist values in education;
  • Maritel Suniga, Payroll Specialist in the Business Office, will receive the Marianist Award, given to a staff member who has exhibited a continuous and extraordinary commitment to the vision and mission of Chaminade University while drawing others into the collaborative community;
  • Kobe Ngirailemesang, a graduating senior, will receive the Founders’ Award, given to a student who has exhibited a commitment to Marianist values by outstanding generosity, respect for others, and spirit of faith.

Sowing Forward

On Saturday, Founders’ Week culminates in service.  Faculty, staff, and alumni will join students to outwardly express their Marianist Catholic values together. From sorting out clothes and household items at the Institute for Human Services (IHS) to refurbishing furniture at Habitat for Humanity, from cleaning up the campus to cleaning out an ancient fishpond in Heeia, Chaminade volunteers devote their energy into doing good work across the island.

This year, the Servant Leadership Day will take place at the Women’s & Family Shelter at IHS.

Join us throughout Founders’ Week to celebrate the Marianist future.

Founders’ Week Recap Video

The Father Chaminade Statue is draped with lei every Founder’s Week celebration.

Celebrating Our Founders and Heritage Awardees

As part of Founders’ Week celebrations, three extraordinary members of the Chaminade University ‘ohana were recognized with Heritage Awards for their tireless work to put Marianist values into action.

Dr. Elizabeth Park, Celine Mesiona-Perez and Stacey Higa pose for a photo after receiving their Heritage Awards

Dr. Elizabeth Park, director of Early Childhood and Montessori programs and the Castle Teacher Resource Activity Center, was the recipient of the Chaminade Award in recognition of her work to embrace the Catholic intellectual tradition and seek out ways to promote social justice and peace.

The Marianist Award was presented to Chaminade Communications Manager Stacey Higa, who was recognized for her strong commitment to the Marianist value of family spirit and for her work to build a collaborative community centered around openness, hospitality, graciousness and faith.

And finally, Celine Mesiona-Perez was named the recipient of the Founders’ Award, presented to a student who demonstrates generosity and respect for others, serves as an exemplary role model for the community, and is engaged in service to others, especially those who are disadvantaged.

The honorees were recognized at a special ceremony on April 6 following the Founders’ Day Mass at Mystical Rose Oratory. The event was the culmination of a series of gatherings meant to celebrate not only the founders of the Marianist family—including the university’s namesake—but the characteristics of a Marianist education and the values and mission that are central to Chaminade’s identity.

Other events included a lei draping ceremony and prayer service, an exhibition of works from the Marianists & the Arts series of workshops, and International Extravaganza—a hugely popular showcase of cultural performances put on by student clubs that coincided with Father Chaminade’s birthday.

Dr. Elizabeth Park with her Chaminade Award certificate with Dr. Babington posing for a photo

The Rector’s Office presents the Heritage Awards, which are meant to celebrate the special contributions of a faculty member, support staff member and student who embody Marianist values.

Those who nominated Park for the Chaminade Award highlighted her collaborative spirit, tireless commitment to drive positive change, and her belief in her students and in the university’s mission.

“Dr. Park has been, and continues to be, a valued member of the Chaminade faculty and an exceptionally motivated and caring professor,” wrote Dr. Dale Fryxell, dean of the School of Education and Behavioral Sciences, in nominating her for the award. “The impact that Dr. Park is making at Chaminade, in her profession, in the community and internationally can clearly be seen.”

Park said she was humbled and honored when she learned she would be receiving the award.

She added that Marianist values resonate with her and with the work she does to bolster early education opportunities. “To educate in the family spirit and for service, justice and peace is to be mindful and work as a community,” she said, adding that Marianist values like peace education and educating for adaptation and change are woven into the Early Childhood Education curriculum. “We respect and support each other but also stand up for each other in the face of injustice.”

Park also said that at Chaminade she has learned to “grow and embrace my calling in life.”

Stacey Higa with her Marianist Award certificate with Dr. Babington posing for a photo

Marianist Award nominations for Higa came in from across the university—from Chaminade administrators, fellow support staff and faculty members. Lisa Furuta, vice president of University Communications and Marketing (UCM), wrote that Higa is always up for a challenge in service to Chaminade’s mission and its Marianist values and embraces a collaborative spirit to get things done.

“There are those who run away from a fire and those who run into the flames. Stacey would invariably do the latter if given the choice. However, it is her magnetic and ‘one team’ personality that draws others into the charge with her,” Furuta wrote, adding Higa is “indispensable” to her colleagues.

Furuta also wrote if your day is off to a slow start or if you are feeling down, “your best prescription would be to visit Stacey for a dose of positivity and optimism. Stacey has created a palpable feeling of warmth and enduring faith here on campus … and makes others feel instantly welcome.”

Higa said she was moved by the recognition. She added as a member of the Communications and Marketing Department, she is not only proud to belong to such a special community but “see firsthand all the amazing work and community impacts that our faculty, staff, students and alumni do every day.”

“I get to see our Marianist values alive,” she said. “I am so excited and honored to be part of this community where values and the family spirit are important. This award isn’t just a reflection of me, but also my colleagues in UCM because we truly work as a team and try to be good collaborators and partners with other university departments.”

Celine Mesiona-Perez with her Founders' Award certificate with Dr. Babington posing for a photo

Mesiona-Perez, who received the Founders’ Award, is pursuing a Forensic Science degree with a Chemistry minor. She is also very active on campus, including in Campus Ministry, student government and several clubs. Faculty members and staff who nominated Mesiona-Perez said she is not only a positive role model to her fellow students but to everyone in the Chaminade community.

“Her presence in the classroom environment is always underpinned by honest, genuine interactions,” Dr. Katelynn Perrault, an associate professor of Forensic Sciences and Chemistry, wrote to the Heritage Awards Committee. “She is concerned with being a voice for those who do not always have the ability to represent their own. It is a pleasure to have someone in our program with admirable qualities like this.”

Mesiona-Perez said she has found a “home away from home” at Chaminade and was floored by the special recognition. “The family that I have found here is made up of countless individuals who endlessly influence, equip and inspire me to be the best leader that I can be,” she said.

At Chaminade, Mesiona-Perez added, she has been able to pursue her love for STEM, strengthen her Christian faith, and deepen her passion for servant leadership. “In everything that I do, I desire to share the love that I have so gracefully received my Heavenly Father unto them,” she said, adding that she wants “others to feel at home, accepted, with a sense of belonging” at Chaminade—just as she is.

Founders’ Week Recap Video