Mission Accomplished CHAMINADE BESTOWS HERITAGE AWARDS TO THREE COMMUNITY MEMBERS

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.”

“The intention of these awards is to recognize people who spend their days at Chaminade University doing the things they are supposed to be doing, but whose motivation for doing the work is intertwined with the mission of this university and its founders,” explains Brink, Vice President of Mission and Rector. “These awards are also meant to remind all of us the importance of trying to live out that mission on a daily basis.”

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.”

“The endorsements for Dr. Iwamoto’s nomination came from fellow faculty members and administrators,” Brink says. “Students, both undergraduate and graduate, were also supportive of his nomination, and particularly commented on his genuine concern for them and his ability to make them feel at ease while challenging them to do their best.”

Iwamoto’s contributions extend beyond the classroom. He had developed programs dealing with suicide prevention, and stress and anxiety management, as well as programs for assisting school counselors in dealing with the impact of COVID on students.

“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.”

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.

“It might be hard to imagine that Kobe was once quiet and a bit reserved, but I can attest that this was the case,” Brink quips. “When Kobe arrived on campus three and a half years ago, he kept a fairly low profile. But sometime late in his first year or at the beginning of his second year, we began to see a different side of Kobe emerge.”

Ngirailemesang’s involvement with campus events would quickly lead to employment in the Office of Student Activities and Leadership (OSAL), where he served as Intramural and Recreational Manager. He also has been a part of the New Student Orientation program and a peer mentor for CUH 100 classes.

“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.”

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.

“To be recognized for displaying the Marianist values on a day-to-day basis leaves me feeling more inspired and empowered to continue to work and conduct myself in such a manner,” Suniga says. “While I do not know who nominated me, I do want to thank all of my colleagues who have made this possible.”

The three honorees were recognized during 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, “and to hopefully recommit ourselves to be the best member of this community that we can be.”