Letter from the Director of the Annual Fund

Shekina Boling

“... in order to propose effective solutions you need to understand the system to the fullest extent.”

This last year in the program has helped Boling solidify her own stance on things and have the substance to back up her own positions. She’s also really enjoyed having friends and classmates that she can text when she sees things in the news, and has enjoyed sharing her passions and interests with them.

Boling will graduate in March, and then wants to get her Ph.D. in forensic analysis. She’s looking at programs across the mainland for next fall, while keeping a close eye on the COVID-19 situation.

“Because of where we are right now with the pandemic, I’m a little hesitant to want to move,” admits Boling. Since Hawai'i does not currently offer a Ph.D. in forensics, she’s also exploring local internship opportunities in case she chooses to stay local and wait out the pandemic.

Long term, she would like to become a State Policy Advocate with the Innocence Project and contribute to policy reform in Hawai'i. To become eligible and competitive for the position, she needs at least three years of experience working with the legislative system. For now, if a Ph.D. program doesn’t work out for the fall, that’s where she plans to start. As a new member of the Advancement team, I am excited and privileged to be welcomed into the Chaminade 'ohana.

Chaminade’s Marianist values, tight-knit community and dedication to students are just a few of the reasons why I was first attracted to this university. In order to uphold these values and culture around campus, it is critical that we take part in supporting the annual fund, now called The Chaminade Fund.

With the support of the faculty and staff, through the new Faculty and Staff Chaminade Fund Council, we are working hard to create a new culture of engagement throughout campus and into the community. Our constituents are engaged in the mission and values that Chaminade University stands for and in turn, support our university financially.

I invite you to take part in this exciting initiative. Get involved as proud alumni. Volunteer to mentor current students. Serve on an advisory committee. And finally, support The Chaminade Fund annually. Through your gifts, we can further serve our students who will go out to serve in our community and our world.

Kendra Sia

Director of the Annual Fund kendra.sia@chaminade.edu

Every student at Chaminade University benefits from your support of The Chaminade Fund.

Your gift provides extraordinary opportunities—access to higher education through scholarships, academic success through faculty support and academic programs, and co-curricular opportunities to grow as a person and leader. You help provide the tools needed for our students to become the changemakers of tomorrow in their community.

The Chaminade Fund plays a critical role in the future of our students by enabling us to immediately respond to the most urgent needs. We rely on the generosity of many to provide the resources that can change our students’ lives.

If you are able to participate, please consider a gift to The Chaminade Fund today. We are grateful for your support at whatever level is right for you.

chaminade.edu/give

Mahalo if you have already made a gift!