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2022 Co-Curricular Awards: Making a Positive Impact Across Campus

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They go above and beyond—and their work doesn’t go unnoticed.

Students clapping during the 2022 Co-Curricular Awards

Last month, students, student organizations and clubs, and faculty members and staff whose commitment to putting Chaminade’s mission into action every day were recognized at the 17th annual Co-Curricular Awards. The event was a chance to thank awardees for their tireless efforts and showcase the positive difference they’re making across campus and the community.

In all, 19 awards were presented, including for service, scholarship and to outstanding student-athletes.

One member of each undergraduate class was selected to receive the Bro. Joseph Becker Award of Excellence, which recognizes those who display exceptional leadership skills through involvement in co-curricular activities. The awardees, with a diversity of scholarly ambitions, were: freshman Moanna Blaksteen, sophomore Andrew Nishitomi, junior Kobe Ngirailemesang, and senior Josephine Iose.

The Bro. Elmer Dunsky Outstanding Student Organization Award went to the Chaminade Student Programming Board, which works to organize events and promote a sense of community on campus. The award recognized the organization’s outstanding contributions to helping create a positive and welcoming campus environment that embraces service and fosters a true sense of ‘ohana. 

Students pose with the Co-curricular Awards

Meanwhile, two winners were selected for the Fr. Stephen Tutas Program Award of Excellence, bestowed on a student or student organization for exceptional creativity, planning and execution of a university program that contributed to the quality of life at Chaminade. Ashley Yoshikawa and Kayleen Lau were recognized for their Field Day Fundraiser for the Our Kupuna Foundation, a nonprofit that connects kupuna with sponsors who can help them with errands. And Melissa Dela Cruz was also honored for her My Culture is Not a Costume event to bolster cultural understanding.

The Rev. David Schuyler Advisor of the Year Award went to Malo Sipeli’i, for outstanding service mentoring a student organization. The award recognizes members of the faculty, staff or administration who seek to encourage and support students in leadership development and campus involvement.

Sipelii was also honored for a strong commitment to helping students greatly bolster their life skills, embrace innovative challenges, and balance and excel at their school, life and co-curricular obligations.

2022 Co-Curricular Awardees

  • Male Athlete of the Year: Isaac Amaral-Artharee
  • Female Athlete of the Year: Alexia Byrnes
  • Silversword Award: Kayleen Lau
  • Campus Ministry Award: Alia Mercado and Amber Sablan
  • Liturgy Award: Liam Sullivan and Kobe Ngirailemesang
  • Retreat Leader of the Year: Celine Mesiona-Perez and Kara Grace Joves
  • Service Award: Kaitlin Derouin and Tiffany Rivera
  • Outstanding Peer Mentor: Dimitrius Dominguez and Sharon Cain
  • Resident Assistant Award of Excellence: Kelsey Sablan
  • Residence Hall Association Award of Excellence: Cayenne Gabaylo and Jason Nowak
  • Bro. Joseph Becker Award of Excellence:
    • Freshman: Moanna Blaksteen
    • Sophomore: Andrew Nishitomi
    • Junior: Kobe Ngirailemesang
    • Senior: Josephine Iose
  • Bro. Elmer Dunsky Outstanding Student Organization Award: Chaminade Student Programming Board
  • Rev. David Schuyler Advisor of the Year Award: Malo Sipeli’i
  • Fr. Stephen Tutas Program Award for Excellence: “Field Day Fundraiser for Our Kupuna Foundation” (Ashley Yoshikawa & Kayleen Lau); “My Culture is Not a Costume” (Melissa Dela Cruz)
  • Frederick K.K. Kauhane, Sr. Aloha Spirit Award: Aloha Lei Garo and Sean-Zacharry Lorenzo, Jr.
  • Henry Halenani Gomes Alaka‘i Award: Alia Mercado and Alaina Mercado

A Cultural Experience

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There are few traditions as beloved – or as fun – at Chaminade as the Pacific Island Review.

Pacific Island Review 2019, Samoan Club performance

Every year, hundreds come together to watch members of the University’s student cultural clubs take to the Sullivan Family Library Lawn to showcase their talents in music and dance with high-energy performances. It’s an evening punctuated by good food – and lots and lots of good cheer.

And this year was no exception.

From sunset well into the night on October 26, dozens of students from the Hawaiian, Micronesian, Marianas, Tongan and Samoan cultural clubs donned traditional garb and took to the lawn to perform.

Along the way, they got plenty of applause and encouragement from the big crowd, which included students, members of Chaminade’s faculty and staff as well as attendees from the community at large.

The Pacific Island Review is annually one of Chaminade’s biggest events.

And this year, it got some buzz in the press.

In the ramp-up to the big day this year, the Samoan Club got a chance to perform on KITV morning news. And the Star-Advertiser attended the event to capture hundreds of photos for an online gallery.

Missed it? Don’t worry, Jackie Martinez ’23 created a video recapping the exciting event.

A World of Opportunity

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Nerisa Taua doesn’t believe in waiting for opportunity to come knocking, it’s time wasted. Instead, she hunts it down.

Taua – who will graduate from Chaminade University in May with a bachelor’s in Environmental Studies – has knocked on a few of opportunity’s doors during the past four years.

On the academic front, she found her true passion through Chaminade’s Summer Research Program. While other students soaked up the sun, Taua spend her summer at Purdue University collaborating with experts in the university’s bat lab. Alongside Associate Professor of Wildlife Science Patrick Zollner – who became one of her mentors – she was able to get up close and personal with long-eared bats. Using acoustic monitors and echolocation, her research involved finding efficient and cost-effective ways to capture the animals.

With graduation on the horizon, Taua dreams of returning home to American Samoa to research the fruit bat, one of the country’s few native mammals. But before she does, there’s another stop on her journey before she returns.

She’ll be making a round trip back to Purdue University to further pursue her newly found passion at the graduate level, seeking a master’s degree in the Wildlife Science program, and continue working with Zollner and his team.

Paying for graduate school is never easy, but the cost for Taua isn’t a factor. Again seeking out opportunity, she found the Sloan Indigenous Graduate Partnership grant and applied for its scholarship program. Taua was accepted, she is now a Sloan Scholar.

“I was beyond excited,” she says. “This was another step closer to opening a pathway for my people. As a Samoan, this is such a huge opportunity. The first thing that came to mind was ‘if I can do it, anyone from American Samoa can do better.’”

Although she’s been busy with her studies during her time at Chaminade, Taua has kept her culture alive in her heart and shared it with other through her experiences performing with her brothers and sisters of Lumana’i O Samoa.

There’s been personal growth as well and Taua says she’s grown immensely during her time at Chaminade. She now considers herself to be better at public speaking, more social, open-minded, approachable and professional.

A PERSONAL CHEERING SQUAD

It takes a village – and an enthusiastic cheering squad – to raise a child and Taua found hers since arriving in Honolulu four years ago. She’s has a team of dedicated and caring professors, advisors and staff encouraging her success and guiding her to individualized opportunities.

“I’ve received help from a lot of mentors who guided me toward a passion I didn’t know existed,” she says. “Their encouragement and belief in me is what motivated me to set and accomplish goals. Without mentorship, I would probably be lost and still searching for the next step to a brighter future.”

Taua leaves Chaminade with many great memories. She says she’s humbled and honored with the opportunities she’s been provided and that she’s proud to represent her home, family and those who’ve helped her along the way. Now she wants to give back to others as a mentor to help them grow and succeed in the ways she did. She especially wants to channel her energy toward the youth in America Samoa.

When Taua leaves Chaminade with her degree in hand, she’ll take with her a world of experience and lessons. She’s built a solid foundation at Chaminade and this is just the beginning.

The Environmental Studies minor offered by the Division of Natural Sciences and Mathematics focuses on policy and environmental law to prepare students for careers in environmental science, ecology and conservation biology.

The Office of Health Professions Advising and Undergraduate Research (OHPAUR) assists students interested in healthcare careers, regardless of their major. Services include: advising, test preparation, summer programs, guest speaker presentations, professional seminars, community service activities and internship/shadowing opportunities. OHPAUR also maintains articulation agreements with four ATSU campuses, as well as Boston University School of Medicine, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Pacific University, Samuel Merritt University, Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, University of Dayton and Western University School of Health Sciences.

International Extravaganza 2017 Showcased Chaminade’s Rich Diversity

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A spring tradition at Chaminade, the annual International Extravaganza on April 7, 2017, featured student-led performances of dance and song. Seven cultural clubs with 120 participants shared their talents with the campus community. The campus organizations involved were the Filipino Club, Ka Ipu Kukui Me Ka ‘Ie ‘Ie (Hawaiian Club), the Indigo Lotus Club, Lumana’i O Samoa (the Samoan Club), the Marianas Club, the Micronesian Club, and the Temana Tahitian Club.

“This event is an important opportunity for students to showcase their clubs and their culture to the Chaminade and Oahu communities. As one of the most culturally diverse universities in the nation, we host this event to showcase and celebrate the diversity of our students and staff,” said Jay Spenser Darden, the director of the Office of Student Activities and Leadership.

The Office of Student Activities and Leadership sponsored the event, which took place on the Sullivan Family Library lawn. Dressed in elaborate cultural wear, students sang, chanted and danced traditional numbers from the represented geographical locations. Students had to not only the learn the songs and dances, but they also had to learn the stories and the meanings behind their performance numbers. The student-led performances exhilarated the crowd for hours.

There was an opportunity to honor and thank Chaminade president Bro. Bernard Ploeger, SM with applause and love. Bro. Ploeger, who has been a foundational pillar for the university for decades will conclude his service as president on June 30, 2017, after having served the university for 23 years: eight years as its president plus the prior 15 years in other leadership capacities.

The Office of Student Activities and Leadership (OSAL) offers Chaminade students opportunities to participate in co-curricular activities and out-of classroom experiences that promote personal development and leadership training. OSAL has over 30 student clubs, wellness programs, recreation and intramural sports, various campus activities throughout the year, and more.

Co-Curricular Awards Celebrate Student Leadership and Involvement

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Chaminade University celebrated student leadership and involvement, as well as individual and organizational accomplishments, during its annual 2017 Co-Curricular Awards Recognition Dinner. The event, held on April 19 in Clarence T. C. Ching Conference Center, recognized 22 students, one staff member, and two student organizations for their positive impact and contributions to Chaminade University and the greater community.

2017 CO-CURRICULAR AWARDS

Awards Presented by the Office of Student Activities and Leadership (OSAL)

Bro. Joseph Becker Awards of Excellence:
Bro. Joseph Becker Award of Excellence (freshman): Max Karg (Business Administration major)
Bro. Joseph Becker Award of Excellence (sophomore): Dalton Alatan (Elementary Education major)
Bro. Joseph Becker Award of Excellence (junior): Rena Pascual (Historical and Political Studies major)
Bro. Joseph Becker Award of Excellence (senior): Kau’imaeole Perreira (Communication major — Marketing Concentration)

Awarded annually to a freshman, sophomore, junior, and senior who displayed exceptional leadership through involvement in co-curricular activities; who showed outstanding qualities of character, leadership, service, integrity, and scholarship; who demonstrated initiative, motivation, and potential for continued student leadership; who motivated his or her fellow classmates to become actively involved in the campus community; who contributed time and energy to the improvement of student/campus life and his or her designated class/community/organization during the academic year.

Bro. Elmer Dunsky Outstanding Student Organization Award:
Residence Hall Association and the Filipino Club

Awarded annually to a student or student organization who has gone beyond the bounds of their membership by helping to create a positive campus environment for all students and made an outstanding contribution to Chaminade University as an organization.

Fr. Stephen Tutas Program Award for Excellence:
Alumni Reunion Street Festival (hosted by the Residence Hall Association and Institutional Advancement–Office of Alumni Relations)

Awarded annually to a student or student organization who has exceptional creativity, planning, and execution of a University program which significantly contributed to the quality of life at Chaminade. The program must have appealed to a broad cross-section of the University community, displayed originality, and elicited participation by members of the sponsoring organization during all phases of the effort.

Rev. David Schuyler Advisor of the Year Award:
Megan Robinson, Career Specialist for Retention, Advising and Career Preparation

Awarded annually to a member of faculty, staff, or administration who advises a student club/organization and consistently helped to identify, encourage, and support students in their leadership development and campus involvement, repeatedly demonstrated a commitment to the community and its needs, and expanded the horizons, skills, and value systems of Chaminade students by providing support and guidance within co-curricular life.

Awards Presented by Athletics

Male Athlete of the Year:
Rohndell Goodwin (Communication major)

Outstanding overall season performance in his conference sport; received ‘Player of the Year’ or ‘First Team’ conference recognition; must have represented Chaminade University in a prideful and honorable manner during his season.

Female Athlete of the Year:
Lilia Maio (Elementary Education major)

Outstanding overall season performance in her conference sport; Received ‘Player of the Year’ or ‘First Team’ conference recognition; Must have represented Chaminade University in a prideful and honorable manner during his season.

Silversword Award:
Cassie Rushlow (Psychology major)

Recognizes an act or series of acts associated with an athletic activity that represents the spirit of the Marianist philosophy to include sportsmanship, integrity, honesty, truthfulness, and respect for self and others.

Awards Presented by Campus Ministry

Campus Ministry Award:
Jerri Gisela Francisco (Accounting major)

Awarded to a student who has participated in all areas of Campus Ministry (liturgy, community service, and retreats). This person is an all-around amazing member of the Campus Ministry `ohana.

Liturgy Award:
Kierstyn Oshita (Biochemistry major)

Awarded to an individual who has willingly volunteered his or her time and talent to contribute to the quality and spirituality of our weekend and special liturgies and prayer experiences.

Retreat Leader of the Year:
Payton Sorg (Accounting major)

Award acknowledges the overwhelming commitment and dedication shown by a retreat leader in creating communities of support, faith, and love on campus. The leader selected for this award has demonstrated outstanding leadership skills, maturity, dedication, and commitment to the mission of Campus Ministry.

Service Award:
Hannah Sablan (Business Administration major)

Award acknowledges outstanding servant leadership in the area of restorative justice and service for the people and the `āina (land) of Hawaii. The individual selected for this award has demonstrated just moral character, leadership skills, good humor, dedication, and humility.

Presented by Retention, Advising, and Career Preparation (RACP)

Outstanding Orientation Leader:
Lyka Raza (English and Biology–Cellular and Molecular majors)

The position of Orientation Leader is for someone who enjoys getting to know other students and wants to make Chaminade an even better place by building community between returning and new students. Orientation Leaders are involved with planning, implementing, and evaluating New Student Orientation. Their primary objective is to welcome new students and their families and help welcome them fully into the Chaminade ‘ohana. While all Orientation Leaders play an important role in creating an environment of success for incoming students, the recipient of this award has displayed exemplary performance of their duties.

Outstanding Peer Mentor:
Toni Mitsumoto (Forensic Sciences major)

Students who apply for and are hired to be Peer Mentors take a leadership role in the University by being visible, available upper-class students to which first-year students can connect. As co-teachers of CUH 100, they commit significant hours to training and class preparation. Peer Mentors are responsible for maintaining regular contact with students in their class, engaging them in University life, and assisting them with both academic and personal transitions that occur during the critical first few months on campus. While all Peer Mentors play an important role in helping first-year students to adjust to and succeed at Chaminade, this Peer Mentor’s performance of these responsibilities is exemplary.

Student Employee of the Year:
Briyanna Vitug (Psychology major) and Nicole Sagapolutele (English and Psychology majors)

Awarded annually to a student employee who has demonstrated the following qualities/skills in the campus work setting: reliability, initiative, unique contribution, quality work, professionalism, community, and campus service.

Distinguished Tutor of the Year:
Milton-Eugene Bratter (Biology–Integrative and Organismal major)

Acknowledges the outstanding commitment and dedication shown by a tutor to serve the Chaminade University of Honolulu community better. This distinguished individual will be selected based on the following criteria: active attendance and participation in training seminars and meetings; overall performance; dependability; leadership skills; overall dedication to the Tutoring Center; ability to initiate contact with tutees, fellow tutors, faculty, and staff; tutor-report cards.

Presented by Residential Life

Residence Hall Association Award of Excellence:
Savannah Delos Santos (Business Administration major — Marketing Concentration)

Resident Assistant Award of Excellence:
Alilia Fataua (English major) and Cassaundra Song (Forensic Sciences major)

Dean of Students’ Special Recognition:
Kierstyn Oshita (Biochemistry major)

Frederick K.K. Kauhane, Sr. Aloha Spirit Award: 
Gracelyn Lorenzo (Criminology and Criminal Justice major)

Awarded annually to a student who exhibits a humble, cheerful, and generous spirit; a dedication to fostering a sense of `ohana around campus; the ability to raise other’s spirits by consistently improving the environment around them.

Henry Halenani Gomes Alaka‘i Award:
Kahiau McKeague (Forensic Sciences major)

This award recognizes a Chaminade undergraduate student who has demonstrated excellence in leadership and service to the Native Hawaiian community. In ‘ōlelo Hawai‘i (Hawaiian Language), Alaka‘i is the Hawaiian value of leadership. It includes coaching, guiding, and mentoring others to support their growth. Those who are Alaka‘i lead with care for their community.