MBA Alumnus’s Mission: Be a Force for Good PAGE 22
Under the Sea: Into Challenger Deep PAGE 25
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Chaminade Magazine IN THIS ISSUE
Aloha, I have always loved this time of year. Fall ushers in the beginning of a fresh academic term, with the opportunity for new accomplishments and new collaborations—we were excited to welcome our new and returning students to campus this past August. We celebrated our thriving academic community, coming together again and broadening our perspectives. We set a course for the year, outlining our shared goals and recommitting to the public service mission that defines us. The pandemic changed how we went about doing some of these things. But collectively—thanks to the strength of our Chaminade 'ohana—we succeeded in making them happen. While the COVID crisis has presented us with many challenges, there is not one we have not been able to overcome. Together, we have moved mountains to ensure our students reach their goals. After developing extensive COVID safety protocols, we were able to bring students back to campus in the 2020–‘21 academic year for full in-person learning. And we were excited at the end of the school year to celebrate Spring Commencement with touching ceremonies on campus. The day was a perfect way to send our graduates off to new adventures and celebrate their resiliency and hard work. This academic year, as we follow best practices for safety, we are also delivering in-person learning. In this edition of Chaminade Magazine, we have detailed many more examples of how our University rallied—including in the face of new obstacles presented by COVID—to launch exciting and groundbreaking new initiatives that align with our mission and drive positive change. Over the summer, we launched our much-anticipated Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership for Adaptation and Change (EdD) program, an addition to our graduate offerings that will help prepare a new cadre of transformational leaders for Hawai'i. On page 40, read about the special blessing ceremony held for this program, which includes an inaugural cohort of 33 students with a diversity of backgrounds and professional interests. We followed up the kickoff of our EdD program with the August launch of our Doctor of Nursing Practice program, designed to prepare participants for the highest clinical levels in nursing. A key part of this new program, in addition to online coursework and strong mentorship, is an on-campus immersion experience that offers students a chance to meet their peers and professors, learn more about Chaminade’s mission and get hands-on experience in team building and problem solving. Turn to page 49 to read more about the inaugural immersion experience for DNP students. Finally, our new One Year MBA program is also up and running, with participants learning on an accelerated track. This innovative program, with in-person and online learning, puts a strong emphasis on a “business for good” philosophy and includes an exciting international travel study option. These new academic programs would have been more than enough to fill our plates. But as you will see in this issue, we also launched several other key initiatives designed to meet community needs. On page 18, read about our summer early college programs, offered in partnership with GEAR UP, to Hawai'i high school students. And on page 57, catch up on our new Second Chance Pell Program, which affords Hālawa Correctional Facility inmates the opportunity to earn an associate’s degree in Business Administration over the course of two years at no cost to them. As is clear, the pandemic has not slowed our momentum—or our efforts to live our mission. And the same holds true for our alumni, so many of whom are featured on these pages. I continue to be inspired by the incredible work our Silversword graduates are doing every day in communities near and far.
In this issue of Chaminade Magazine, be sure to read about entrepreneur Ethan West, MBA ‘16 ( page 22), who sees his thriving organic baby food company as a powerful way to be a “force for good” in the islands. On page 25, dive to the deepest known spot in the ocean with Nicole Yamase ‘14, a passionate young voice for climate change action. Yamase, who is Micronesian, is the first Pacific Islander to make the trip. And do head to page 28 for a feature on Luana Moreno ‘17, a Hawai'i Domestic Violence Action Center campus survivor advocate whose Chaminade experience taught her the importance of personal growth as a way to maximize one’s positive impact. In each of our student profiles, there is a recurring theme: professor mentors are so key to not only encouraging students but challenging them to think anew, to broaden their perspectives and to get out of their comfort zones. Dr. Lorin Ramocki, who teaches in the School of Nursing and Health Professions, is doing just that. On page 46, read about how she reimagined her curriculum during the pandemic—when learning opportunities offcampus were not always possible—to offer her students unique learning simulations, including a mock homeless camp and a COVID vaccination clinic. Ramocki’s work—like our broader efforts at Chaminade—shows just how unshakable and strong Chaminade’s spirit is. The pandemic has certainly presented no shortage of challenges, but we know that challenges are no reason to slow our forward momentum. Our mission is just too important. And speaking of moving forward, I am so excited about the milestones and successes still ahead for Chaminade and its extended 'ohana this academic year. Indeed, I cannot wait to share those stories with you—in upcoming issues of the Chaminade Magazine. Sincerely,
Lynn Babington, Ph.D. President, Chaminade University of Honolulu
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LEADERSHIP
PRESIDENT
BOARD of REGENTS
C H A N C E L LO R
BOARD of GOVERNORS
CHAIR
Michael F. Kerr, J.D.
Lynn M. Babington, Ph.D.
Rev. Oscar Vasquez, S.M.
P R OVO S T & V.P. FO R AC A D E M I C A F FA I R S
Keiki-Pua S. Dancil, Ph.D.
V.P. FO R M I S S I O N & R E C TO R
Rodney Harano, M.B.A. ‘83
V.P. O F A DVA N C E M E N T
Terry Walsh ‘93
Blaine Rand Y. Lesnik, Psy.D.
S E C R E TA RY
V.P. O F H U M A N R E S O U R C E S & L E G A L A F FA I R S
Ruth Ann Becker
Arnold M. Baptiste, Jr. Richard J. Blangiardi John C. Brogan Margery S. Bronster, Esq. Sai Cheong Chui ‘76, M.B.A. ‘78 William H. Garrett Col. Christine M. Gayagas, USA (Ret.) Robert S. Harrison Warren H. Haruki Ed Hogan Gary G. Hogan Matthew D. Howard ‘89 Bro. Robert Juenemann, S.M. Lung Nien Lee ‘88 Dawn O. MacNaughton, M.B.A. ‘93 Joseph Melehan RADM Kenneth P. Moritsugu, M.D., M.P.H., F.A.C.P.M., USPHS (Ret.) Donald D. Rodrigues Richard E. Tanaka Vaughn Vasconcellos Gen. Francis J. Wiercinski, USA (Ret.) Albert Wong Adm. R.J. Zlatoper, M.S.A., USN (Ret.)
Lance Askildson, Ph.D.
CHAIR
FIRST VICE CHAIR
Bro. Edward Brink, S.M.
S E CO N D V I C E C H A I R
Gary Cordova
Christine Denton, Esq.
V.P. O F U N I V E R S I T Y CO M M U N I C AT I O N S & M A R K E T I N G
Lisa Furuta
V.P. FO R S T U D E N T A F FA I R S & DEAN OF STUDENTS
Allison Jerome
V.P. O F F I N A N C E & FAC I L I T I E S
Aulani Ka'anoi
V.P. FO R S T R AT E GY & I N N OVAT I O N
Helen Turner, Ph.D.
Violeta A. Arnobit Gae Bergquist-Trommald Carolyn Berry Wilson Bro. William J. Campbell, S.M., Ed.D. Jerry J. Correa, Jr. Ismael Eustaquio ‘88 Lori Forman, Ph.D. Daniel D. Goo ‘81 Melialani P. James Estelle Kelley, J.D., Ph.D. Karen Knudsen Lydia Park Luis Bro. Joseph Markel, S.M. Senator Bennette E. Misalucha Lance A. Mizumoto, M.B.A. ‘92 Alison Takana, M.B.A. ‘15 Dr. Lawrence K.W. Tseu, D.D.S., F.A.G.D. Bro. Edward A. Violett, S.M., Ph.D. Jeannine M. Wiercinski EX OFFICIO
Lynn M. Babington, Ph.D. Michael F. Kerr, J.D. Bro. Jesse O’Neill, S.M. Rev. Oscar Vasquez, S.M. Michio Yamasaki, Ph.D. EMERITUS
Gary E. Liebl, L.H.D.
VICE CHAIR
Anton Krucky S E CO N D V I C E C H A I R
TBD
S E C R E TA RY
EX OFFICIO
Lynn M. Babington, Ph.D. Keiki-Pua S. Dancil, Ph.D.
COVER STORY
FEATURES » 22 MBA Alumnus’s Mission: Be a Force for Good Entrepreneur and CEO Ethan West discusses what it means to be a force for good as a forprofit company and how to make decisions grounded in ethics.
25 Under the Sea: Into
Challenger Deep
Alumna Nicole Yamase is the first Pacific Islander to visit Challenger Deep—the deepest known spot in the ocean, located in the Mariana Trench.
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| MBA Alumnus’s Mission: Be a Force for Good
06 Spring Commencement 2021
40 Blessing Our New EdD Program
10 Future Healthcare Professionals: Nursing Pinning Ceremony
42 Dr. Joseph Allen: Reevaluating Our Criminal Justice System
12 Heritage Awardees Honored During Founders’ Mass
45 Student Recognized as a 2021 Red Cross Volunteer Hero
14 Beyond Academics: Co-Curricular Awards
46 Learning and Growing by Doing
16 Athletics Honors 2020–‘21 Student-Athletes
48 Community and Public Health: Power to Help People Live Healthier Lives
18 Immersive Experiences Through Summer Institutes
49 Welcoming the Inaugural Doctor of Nursing Practice Cohort
20 Kosasa Foundation Awards Grant for Emerging Scholars Program
50 Healthcare Forum: Building a Healthy Community after COVID-19
21 Paying for College—That’s Where Financial Aid Comes In 28 Alumna and Domestic Violence Advocate Stresses Self-Care 30 Chaminade’s Advancement Team is on a Mission to Build Relationships
52 School of Business and Communication Receives Reaffirmation Accreditation 53 Radio CUH Receives Grant 54 Coming Home to Chaminade and Paying it Forward
32 Once a Silversword, Always a Silversword
55 Maryknoll School Teacher Receives Teacher of the Year Award
34 Alumna Creates Scholarship to Pay It Forward
56 PsyD Program Receives Maximum 10-Year Accreditation
27, 29, 31 Alumni Notes
36 Students Showcase Work at Annual Na Liko Na'auao
57 Chaminade Launches Second Chance Pell Program
Our cover and the photo above both feature Ethan West, MBA ‘16
38 Finding Solutions Through Data Science
58 Notables
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COMMENCEMENT S P R I N G
20 21
HUNDREDS GATHERED IN PERSON AND VIRTUALLY ON MAY 8 TO CELEBRATE THE MANY ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF CHAMINADE’S SPRING 2021 GRADUATES WITH COMMENCEMENT CEREMONIES ON CAMPUS, CLOSING OUT AN ACADEMIC YEAR THAT BROUGHT NO SHORTAGE OF CHALLENGES WITH PLENTY OF SMILES, LAUGHTER, CHEERING AND TEARS OF JOY.
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“It was such an honor to celebrate Commencement with our 2021 graduates,” said Chaminade President Lynn Babington. “Graduation is always a momentous milestone—an opportunity to mark achievements attained and look forward to new adventures ahead. But this year’s graduates can be doubly proud for the incredible resilience and determination they showed during the pandemic.” She added, “Look at all they have overcome—just imagine what they have yet to achieve!” Two separate Commencement exercises were held outdoors to ensure attendees could socially distance. Not lost on anyone in attendance was the importance of the gatherings themselves: these were the first in-person graduation ceremonies held at Chaminade in more than a year. In the morning, Commencement for graduates from the schools of Business and Communication; Humanities, Arts and
Design; Natural Sciences and Mathematics; and Nursing and Health Professions was held. An afternoon Commencement was held for the School of Education and Behavioral Sciences. Approximately 200 graduates attended each ceremony, and there was a limit of two guests per graduate. To ensure everyone’s wellbeing, all attendees at the ceremonies wore face coverings and followed COVID safety protocols. Hundreds more family, friends and loved ones from around Hawai'i, the nation and the globe were able to watch the events—and cheer on their grads—remotely via livestreams. Elijah Abramo was among those who walked across the stage in the morning ceremony. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and said the culmination of his academic journey was both joyous and just a bit bittersweet. “It was four years of fun, friendship, faith and formation,” he said, “wrapped up in the neat package that is my degree.”
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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 7 Taylor Lui-Kwan was also at the ceremony to celebrate the completion of her MBA. She said graduation is an ending—but also a beginning. “It’s the end for my MBA journey but a new start on my next chapter,” Lui-Kwan said, adding that she’s going to miss her peers and professors, the Chaminade campus and engaging class discussions. “I’m excited to see where my classmates and I end up in the business world five years from now.” Dalton Alatan graduated in the afternoon ceremony with a master’s in Education. The full-time teacher said juggling his obligations at school with those at work and those at home—during a pandemic no less—hasn’t been easy. “But I am super grateful to be where I am today,” he said. “Graduating feels like a surreal moment in time. I am excited to continue my career as an elementary education teacher,” as he looks ahead to securing an administrative role in Hawai'i’s school system. Alatan added that he’s going to miss his “amazing” professors at Chaminade the most. “They have guided and mentored me through my undergraduate and graduate studies … teaching me new skills that I can apply when I become a leader in the educational system,” he said. As is tradition at Chaminade, the Commencement ceremonies were preceded by the Baccalaureate Mass on May 7. About 130 graduates, family members, faculty and staff attended the Mass, gathering in
the Mystical Rose Oratory and an overflow area in the Clarence T.C. Ching Conference Center. Wearing masks and socially distancing, attendees at the Mass came together in a strong spirit of thanksgiving, expressing gratitude for all that they have and seeking spiritual guidance for the future. Master of Pastoral Theology graduate Drexel Gregory said he sees Commencement as not only the beginning of a new chapter but as an opportunity to turn what he has learned into positive action. “All my education did was give me the knowledge and analytical skills that would help me do more,” he said. Now, he said, “I need to put it into use.” Marlowe Sabater, who also graduated with a Pastoral Theology master’s degree, agreed. He dedicated his Commencement experience to the fellow members of his cohort in the Diaconate Formation Program at the Diocese of Honolulu. “Graduation is an affirmation of the loving support from my wife and kids, who through thick and thin never wavered from encouraging me to keep going,” he said, adding that the Marianist educational tradition at Chaminade also equipped him with a strong service-oriented mission “to carry out the things I’ve learned in the secular world.” With his new degree in hand, Sabatar said, the hard work doesn’t end. “It’s just beginning.” Congratulations to all our Silversword graduates!
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FUTURE HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS:
NURSING PINNING CEREMONY
MEMBERS OF CHAMINADE’S SCHOOL OF NURSING AND HEALTH PROFESSIONS GATHERED VIRTUALLY TO CELEBRATE THE TIME-HONORED NURSING PINNING CEREMONY TOGETHER, MARKING THE END OF ONE CHAPTER AND THE BEGINNING OF ANOTHER—OUR NURSING GRADUATES’ CAREERS AS HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS SERVING OUR COMMUNITIES.
A TOTAL OF 59 NURSING STUDENTS WERE PINNED MAY 7.
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Dr. Rhoberta Haley, dean of the School of Nursing and Health Professions, offered her hearty congratulations to the graduating seniors and thanked them for their hard work, sacrifice and resilience. “I believe that nursing is a calling— and the nurses who have served on the frontlines of the COVID pandemic for more than a year have illustrated that point,” Haley said. “I am so incredibly proud of our Nursing students; they have experienced many challenges because of the pandemic and have overcome them all to get to graduation day.” The Pinning Ceremony was an opportunity for family members, friends and mentors to recognize the significant achievements of each Nursing graduate. The ceremony has a history in the nursing profession dating back centuries and symbolizes each student’s initiation into the global fellowship of nurses. “In addition to congratulating each member of our Class of 2021 Nursing students, I would like to personally thank you all for your pledge to serve in this noblest of professions,” said Dr. Lynn Babington, Chaminade president, who is also a former nurse and healthcare administrator. “As someone who served in healthcare for many years, I can tell you that there is nothing more rewarding than knowing you have made a significant positive difference in the lives of your patients and their families. I wish all of our graduating seniors the greatest success in their future endeavors.” Participants in the Pinning Ceremony said they were honored to mark the end of their academic journeys and the start of their nursing careers with peers, professors, family members and friends. “This Pinning Ceremony means a lot to me for all the long years of education I have done and to make my family proud, especially my dad, who is definitely looking down at me from up above,” said graduate Oscar Tomas, adding that the experience feels “surreal” after so many long days and nights of studying. “It’s an honor to reflect on all that I’ve learned and all who I’ve met on this special journey as I go forth in my career,” he said. “And I look forward to making a big difference in the lives of many while exemplifying Chaminade University’s Marianist characteristics and Native Hawaiian values.”
Graduate Kimberly Aguada said the Pinning Ceremony felt like the culmination of all her hard work. “Being able to share this moment with my loved ones feels like a way I can give back to them for sacrificing time with me, for being patient with me and for being understanding of the strenuous process we have been under since day one of Nursing school,” she said. “I cannot wait to spread my wings!” Aguada also called it “humbling” to be entering a profession whose critical role in society has been highlighted again and again during the COVID-19 pandemic. “You realize how important yet dangerous healthcare can be,” Aguada said. “I look forward to working with the many healthcare heroes who have been the champions of this pandemic, and I hope to be half the nurse they are. Knowing that I can change someone’s life in a positive way just by doing my job, it just blows my mind.” Errlyn-Jan Sejalbo called the gathering moving and symbolic. “To think that I will be going into the real world is super surreal and exciting for me!” Sejalbo said she was especially honored to be able to choose a loved one to affix the pin for the ceremony. “It is like a stamp of accomplishment from the person who has supported us the most,” she said. “In my case, it was my mom. She has been my biggest supporter throughout this journey.” Sejalbo added the pandemic made her final year in school even more difficult. But she said it also opened her eyes to the incredible sacrifice nurses make each and every day. “It really challenged me to focus on the bigger picture of being that ‘hero’ to those around me,” she said. Jasmine Joy Pineda joked that a lot of blood, sweat and tears went into the Pinning Ceremony. “Mostly tears,” she added. “The Pinning Ceremony signifies the end of one of the hardest things I ever went through,” she said. “Simultaneously time flew yet the end couldn’t have come any faster. I have carried the identity of being a student for almost my entire life, and to have this chapter come to a close is bittersweet.” Pineda added that it has always been her dream to become a nurse, and the pandemic doubled her resolve to serve in a profession that helps people every day—and when they need it the most. “In light of the pandemic, anxieties have increased for everyone,” she said, “but it is so reassuring to be reminded that the profession of being a nurse never fails to be gratifying and respected.”
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Andrew Ancheta, Pisila Tukia and Eric Bovaird stand together as recipients of the 2021 Heritage Awards
Heritage Awardees Honored During Founders’ Mass CHAMINADE’S HERITAGE AWARDS RECOGNIZE MEMBERS OF THE SILVERSWORD COMMUNITY WHO ACCOMPLISH OUTSTANDING WORK IN PURSUIT OF THE UNIVERSITY’S MISSION AND MAKE IT A BETTER PLACE TO LEARN AND TO WORK. THIS YEAR’S RECIPIENTS ARE NO EXCEPTION.
Men’s Basketball Head Coach Eric Bovaird received the 2021 Chaminade Award for remarkable contributions to the University by a member of the faculty or professional staff. Nominators described Bovaird as not only a coach, but as a mentor and community leader who cares deeply about ensuring his student-athletes succeed on the court and off—and go on to reach their goals. “His willingness to take young men in from all walks of life and teach them how to be positive contributors to society through basketball, his
experiences and faith have altered the life paths of so many and have made our community and their communities back home better places,” one nominator said. Another marveled at Bovaird’s ability to deliver as a winning coach while he also mentors and develops young men into high-character adults, calling his value to the community “undeniable.” In accepting the award, Bovaird said he was surprised to be selected and added that working at Chaminade “doesn’t feel like a job to me; it’s a passion.” He said that Marianist values and education continue
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to drive him, especially the commitments to building community around a common good and educating in the family spirit. “I’m very thankful for all the relationships we’ve developed over the years and, most importantly, I am so glad my family is heavily involved every step of the way,” Bovaird said. Meanwhile, the recipient of the 2021 Marianist Award—which honors a member of Chaminade’s support staff—was Office of Student Activities and Leadership activities coordinator Pisila Tukia, who was praised for her deep well of care for students and all she does to help them develop. One nominator said he marvels at Tukia’s ability to “connect with students on a deeper level and provide such strong support for their own development and wellbeing.” Tukia was also described as a collaborator and a tireless advocate, never shying away from long days to help students. “Tukia has gone above and beyond, especially during this time of COVID-19,” a nominator said. Tukia said she was humbled to learn she had been selected for the award. “It feels so good to know the work I do has a positive impact in our Chaminade community,” she said. “The Marianist values are very similar to my upbringing and the reason why Chaminade is my second family away from home.”
She said her Catholic upbringing and Tongan heritage underscored the importance of showing respect, humility and loyalty to others and maintaining good relationships. Similarly, she said, Chaminade’s mission reminds her of the “awesome responsibility” she has as a lifelong educator. “My position as a professional and community member is that of a higher calling,” Tukia wrote recently, in accepting her award. “My hope is that the young adults and youth I continue to work with are inspired and reminded to give back to the next generation as leaders.” Finally, the recipient of the 2021 Founders’ Award is Biology student Andrew Ancheta II. In addition to his studies, Ancheta contributes to the University with a leadership role in the Chaminade Student Government Association, serving as an important voice and advocate for his fellow students. In fact, he has collaborated extensively with the Center for Teaching & Learning during the pandemic to communicate student questions and concerns and ensure student success. One nominator called him the “exemplification of who a Chaminade student is.” Another said that Ancheta is the “epitome of a servant leader and works to make the lives of others better, even when it may go unnoticed. His commitment to others is
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BEYOND ACADEMICS:
CO-CURRICULAR AWARDS
EVERY YEAR, THE CO-CURRICULAR AWARDS RECOGNIZE MEMBERS OF CHAMINADE’S STUDENT BODY, CLUBS AND ORGANIZATIONS, AND STAFF AND FACULTY MEMBERS WHOSE EFFORTS MAKE THE CAMPUS AND THE COMMUNITY A BETTER PLACE. CO-CURRICULAR AWARD WINNERS GO ABOVE AND BEYOND—AND EMBODY THE UNIVERSITY’S MISSION OF PUBLIC SERVICE.
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13 unparalleled and I have been amazed by his willingness to help those in need.” In fact, one nominator recalled seeing Ancheta offering food to a man who was sifting through a trash bin at Kapi'olani Park and then holding a conversation with him. “He reached out to this man in need and provided a sense of comfort and human connection,” he said. Ancheta said being honored with the award is a “reminder of the life God is calling me to live.” “I am choosing to dedicate my life, my career and my purpose to creating an impact in the lives of others,” Ancheta said. “Receiving this award assures me that the work towards the fulfillment of this lifelong purpose is possible and that the journey has just begun.” He added that living Marianist values at Chaminade have informed his perspective and how he now acts—and reacts. “They have been critical in my maturation as a student, as a man, as a Catholic, and as a human on this Earth,” he said. The three honorees were recognized at Founders’ Day Mass in early April.
This year’s in-person awards presentation was particularly poignant, honoring those who truly exemplified the Silversword spirit despite the challenges presented by the pandemic. Honorees were recognized during a Silversword Student Appreciation event on April 28, which was also an opportunity to thank all students for their resilience and flexibility in grappling with COVID’s many impacts. This was the 16th annual Co-Curricular Awards event. The recipient of the Silversword Award, which recognizes a studentathlete who represents the Marianist philosophy with sportsmanship, integrity and respect for others, was Chaminade women’s tennis captain Catrina Liner. In addition to her hard work on the court, Liner serves as president of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and has also provided input on COVID safety procedures and protocols as the student-athlete representative at athletic department meetings on the topic. Her efforts in the classroom are also impressive. She is a three-time member of the PacWest All-Academic team, which recognizes student-athletes who maintain a cumulative 3.0 GPA after completing at least two semesters at their institution while participating in regular season competition. Meanwhile, there were two recipients this year of the Service Award: Connor and Lillie Flynn. The Service Award acknowledges those who demonstrate outstanding servant leadership, specifically in
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202 1 AWA R D E E S : Male Athlete of the Year: Isaac Amaral-Artharee Female Athlete of the Year: Randi Fontes Athletics’ Silversword Award: Catrina Liner Campus Ministry Award: Edward-James Adachi Liturgy Award: Kamaile Aipa and Taylor Skye Diego Retreat Leader of the Year: Keanu Whitfield and Sierra Murobayashi Service Award: Connor Flynn and Lillie Flynn Outstanding Orientation Leader: Martina Segura Outstanding Peer Mentor: Reyna Riesgo Tutor of the Year: Rachel Reedy Resident Assistant Award of Excellence: Tihani Rivera Residence Hall Association Award of Excellence: Marianna Oka Dean of Students’ Special Recognition: Dominic Coffey Bro. Joseph Becker Award of Excellence: Sean Lorenzo, Pamela Oda, Montserrat Lanfranco, Celine MesionaPerez and Keahealailani Takushi Bro. Elmer Dunsky Outstanding Student Organization Award: Chemistry Club Rev. David Schuyler Advisor of the Year Award: Professor Denise Cooper Fr. Stephen Tutas Program Award for Excellence: Taste of Culture (CSGA) Frederick K.K. Kauhane, Sr. Aloha Spirit Award: Kamaile Aipa Henry Halenani Gomes Alaka'i Award: Edward-James Adachi
the areas of restorative justice and service for the people and lands of Hawai'i. And the Flynn twins have done just that, working on countless community service projects to make a positive difference. Both are part of the Chaminade Scholars program, through which they have sought to pursue their shared passions of protecting Hawai'i’s environment while using what they’ve learned to help others. Student leader Reyna Riesgo was honored with the Outstanding Peer Mentor Award, which recognizes upperclass students who work tirelessly as peer mentors to ensure that first-years feel supported as new members of the Chaminade 'ohana. Peer mentors commit significant hours of their time as co-teachers of CUH 100 : First-Year Experience Seminar, and prepare for the position with training and class preparation. Riesgo has not only shown herself to be an outstanding peer mentor. She has served as a leader, collaborating with her fellow CUH 100 team members to make the first-year experience even better. This year’s Tutor of the Year is Rachel Reedy, a student-athlete who has managed to help her fellow students make progress in their academic journey as she also juggles her own studies and excels on the volleyball court. The Tutoring Center has lost count of the number of students she’s helped. Dominic Coffey was honored with the Dean of Students’ Special Recognition Award for his strong leadership skills, including as a Resident Assistant. The award spotlights those whose contributions have helped build a better community. Coffey has done that while preserving his affable leadership style. Five students were recognized with the Bro. Joseph Becker Award of Excellence. The award acknowledges undergraduates who display exceptional leadership, demonstrate strong initiative and motivation, and show outstanding character, service, integrity and scholarship.
The freshman honoree was Sean Lorenzo, whose peers and Chaminade mentors can attest to his uncanny ability to motivate others around community service, including through his tireless work with the Student Government Association and Office of Student Activities and Leadership. There were two sophomore honorees: Pamela Oda and Montserrat Lanfranco. Mentors say Oda has provided exceptional Office of Student Activities and Leadership virtual programs during the pandemic to ensure members of the Chaminade community can connect and feel supported. Lanfranco, similarly, has demonstrated a tireless work ethic—and is always willing to help a fellow Silversword. The junior honoree was Celine MesionaPerez, who has proven to be a key asset to both Campus Ministry and the Office of Student Activities and Leadership. She has embraced her role as a servant leader, stepping up to the responsibilities before her and making sure she isn’t leaving anyone behind. Finally, the senior honoree was Keahealailani Takushi, who has put in innumerable hours as part of student leadership activities since her very first year at Chaminade. Takushi, who has secured several internships and conducted research projects, has also been recognized for her scholarly achievements. Among the faculty and staff members recognized was School of Nursing and Health Professions Professor Denise Cooper, who received the Rev. David Schuyler Award. The award acknowledges faculty or staff members who advise a student organization, supporting them in their endeavors, expanding their horizons and demonstrating a commitment to meeting the community’s needs. Cooper serves as an advisor to Chaminade’s HOSA-Future Health Professionals chapter, and has helped to expand its membership significantly and bolster participation in innovative projects. HOSA members are particularly excited about the organization’s future growth and community service opportunities.
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ATHLETICS HONORS 2020–‘21 STUDENT-ATHLETES CHAMINADE UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS HELD ITS 10TH ANNUAL ATHLETICS AWARDS CEREMONY AT THE SULLIVAN FAMILY LIBRARY LAWN ON THE CHAMINADE CAMPUS. THE CEREMONY RETURNED TO BEING AN IN-PERSON EVENT AFTER BEING HELD VIRTUALLY IN 2020.
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Awards for Most Outstanding, Most Inspirational and Scholar-Athlete (highest grade-point average) for all 10 intercollegiate programs were announced. In the team awards for highest grade-point average, softball had the highest GPA among large rostered squads (11 or more participants) with a 3.58. In small rostered sports, men’s cross country (10 or fewer) carried an combined average of 3.71. Isaac Amaral-Artharee of men’s basketball was the Male Athlete of the Year, while Randi Fontes of women’s soccer was the Female Athlete of the Year. The Silversword Award went to Catrina Liner of women’s tennis. These awards were announced at the Co-Curricular Awards on April 27.
SCHOL AR-ATHLE TE Men’s Basketball: Kobe Young Women’s Basketball: Jordyn Zader Men’s Cross Country: Elijah Bernardo-Flores Women’s Cross Country: Hannah Hovestol Men’s Golf: Desmond Mello Men’s Soccer: Steven Harris Women’s Soccer: Kyla Takazono Softball: Kobe Brown Women’s Tennis: Catrina Liner Women’s Volleyball: Danielle Wiley MOST OUT STANDING Carolyn and David Wilson Most Outstanding Award for Men’s Basketball : Isaac Amaral-Artharee Women’s Basketball : Arianna Blowe Men’s Cross Country : Owen Daugherty Women’s Cross Country : Olivia Mariucci Men’s Golf : Schuyler Peterson Men’s Soccer : Lyric De Leon Women’s Soccer : Randi Fontes Softball : Taylor Genera Women’s Tennis : Kayleen Lau George Naoiokalani Burns Most Outstanding Award for Women’s Volleyball : Claire Zanon MOST INSPIR ATIONAL Men’s Basketball : Roman Young Women’s Basketball : Taeya Blakeney Men’s Cross Country : Elijah Bernardo-Flores Women’s Cross Country : Riley Hallman Men’s Golf : Desmond Mello Men’s Soccer : David Kurihara Women’s Soccer : Kira Nishiki Softball : Cheyne Obara Women’s Tennis : Skye Haraga Women’s Volleyball : Rachel Reedy TE AM GPA AWARDS Large roster ( 11 or more ) : Softball Small roster ( 10 or fewer ) : Men’s Cross Country MALE ATHLE TE OF THE YE AR Isaac Amaral-Artharee, Men’s Basketball FEMALE ATHLE TE OF THE YE AR Randi Fontes, Women’s Soccer SILVERSWORD AWARD Catrina Liner, Women's Tennis
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Immersive Experiences T HROUGH SUM M ER INST I T U T ES DOZENS OF HAWAI'I PUBLIC HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS CONVERGED ON CHAMINADE’S CAMPUS OVER THE SUMMER FOR A HOST OF IMMERSIVE LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES—TRYING THEIR HAND AT EVERYTHING FROM SPOKEN WORD POETRY TO MARINE CONSERVATION TO DESIGNING A SAFEHOUSE FOR A ZOMBIE APOCALYPSE.
Chaminade’s Summer Institutes 2021 offerings, part of the University’s ongoing commitment to pre-college programming, gave rising juniors and seniors at two public high schools the chance to do a deep dive into disciplines of high interest. The intensive 10-day courses were free to McKinley and Kaimukī high school students and also included standalone college preparatory sessions on how to pay for higher education, apply for financial aid, select an academic pathway and build leadership skills. Dr. Janet Davidson, Chaminade vice provost for academic affairs, said 37 students participated across five Summer Institutes courses. The offerings were made possible in part thanks to a US Department of Education GEAR UP grant. Davidson said GEAR UP is focused on boosting college attendance among lowincome students. To promote that goal, she said, the Summer Institutes program at Chaminade offered participants a high-quality, engaging college-level experience. “The students had rewarding experiences on our campus—with each other and with their faculty and peer mentors,” Davidson said, adding that enrollees also benefited from co-curricular sessions with the University’s advising, financial aid and admissions offices. “Through our Summer Institutes, we aimed to support the academic growth of students, but also provide a series of college readiness sessions. We look forward to growing our successes this year and providing even more institutes next summer.”
D O I N G I T YO U R S E L F : A N E W W O R L D
Among the available academic sessions was a course—taught by Accounting Professor Aaron Williamson—on entrepreneurship, business modeling and communication skills. “Doing It Yourself: A New World” also included an emphasis on leadership and team building. Williamson said he wanted the immersion program to give students a “taste of what business really is. At its root, business is the thoughts, dreams and initiatives of a multitude of folks from history to the present who simply had an idea and acted on it.” He added that he was most excited to watch students tap into their passions and personal interests—and then figure out how to direct that energy into a business plan. “I fully expect to be walking into a few of their establishments one day,” he added.
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MARINE SCIENCE IMMERSION
Dr. Gail Grabowsky, dean of the School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics at Chaminade, co-taught a Marine Science Immersion summer course with Dr. Lupita Ruiz-Jones, an assistant professor of Environmental Sciences. Students in the session spent the first week exploring the ocean environment from the perspective of a marine scientist and the second considering the impacts of humans on marine ecosystems. Participants spent time in the classroom, lab and, of course, the ocean. Ruiz-Jones said students took field trips to Waimea Bay, Shark’s Cove, Makapu'u, Makaha and Ala Moana Beach. They even took a walk from campus to nearby Pālolo Stream, inspiring three students to return the following weekend for a stream cleanup project. Grabowsky said a central takeaway of the course for students was just how incredible marine systems are—and how important they are to preserve. “I wanted them to walk away with a knowledge of the ocean, of course, but also a feeling that college is wonderful and an understanding of how it works,” she said. “I hope they all came away loving Chaminade!”
W O R D W I Z A R D S : T H E M AG I C O F P O E T RY A N D H I P - H O P
English Professor Allison Francis, PhD, drew from English 256 ( Poetry and Drama ) to design her summer institute course entitled, “Word Wizards: The Magic of Poetry and Hip-Hop.” In addition to analyzing hip-hop lyrics, traditional poetry and verse-driven dramas, students wrote poetry and then put on spoken word performances. Francis, herself a performance poet, said she most enjoyed seeing her student participants collaborate with one another on writing. “I also loved watching my students perform their original poetry during our spoken word event,” she said. “I would like to believe each student felt empowered through the process of writing creative pieces.”
P SYC H O L O GY S T U D I E S
Psychology Associate Professor Darren Iwamoto, PhD, led a course in Psychology Studies, challenging students to take a journey of self-discovery and self-awareness to understand the importance of mental health in everyday life. Iwamoto, who is clinical director of the School Counseling and Undergraduate Psychology programs at Chaminade, said he kicked off the course with two questions: “Why do we do what we do? And why do we think what we think?” It was through those lines of inquiry that Iwamoto encouraged students to consider how they tackle stress, handle change and plan for the future—and how they might apply new and healthier coping strategies in their own lives to promote personal wellbeing. “It was so memorable to watch so much personal and academic growth in just two weeks,” he said, adding that he also learned so much about his own teaching from the experience. “I had to learn different strategies of student engagement because I didn’t have grades being the underlying motivator,” he said. “I really like how this Summer Institute flowed and how students experienced psychology versus being told about it.”
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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 19 VISUALIZING THE FUTURE
The fifth offering over the summer was called “Visualizing the Future.” Dr. Junghwa Suh, an associate professor of Arts and Design at Chaminade, led the course— modeled after ART 103 : Visual Design. Students were introduced to the power of visualizations and used problem-solving skills and design tools to create models. After learning the basics of hands-on modeling tools, Suh set the students to work in groups to create a zombie safehouse—yes, you read that right. Suh said the engaging project required students to think about space planning while trying to figure out how to protect the safehouse’s occupants from a decidedly horrific fate. “I wanted my students to get a clear and dynamic overview of arts and design, see the connection of arts and design to various disciplines … and use their creativity and logical processing to execute design solutions to given problems,” she said. Suh added that the students’ final safehouse designs were impressive. “I hope these creative minds gained some new perspectives in arts and design and understand various possibilities they can pursue with this study,” she said. And she’s already looking forward to next summer’s courses. “It is so beneficial for students to see how different disciplines come together to solve world problems,” she said. “These types of institutes help high school students in making decisions on what they want to study.”
KOSASA FOUNDATION AWARDS GRANT FOR EMERGING SCHOLARS PROGRAM CHAMINADE UNIVERSITY RECEIVED A $25,000 GRANT FROM THE KOSASA FOUNDATION TO SUPPORT ITS EMERGING SCHOLARS PILOT PROGRAM AIMED AT PROMOTING PATHWAYS TO COLLEGE FOR RURAL HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS ON KAUA'I. THE FIRST COHORT OF STUDENTS BEGAN THE YEAR-LONG PROGRAM THIS PAST AUGUST.
Prior to the pandemic, Chaminade offered a number of early college programs as part of the statewide Hawai'i P-20 initiative promoting pathways to college. When the University pivoted to online learning, dual-enrollment and pre-college courses were canceled due to COVID-19 restrictions. Chaminade has revamped and redesigned its college readiness programs to be offered online or through a mixed online/in-person format. There will be two types of Emerging Scholar programs. The first is a non-credit Summer Institute for high school students, which will mostly be paid for by the federal college-readiness initiative, GEAR UP. The second is an academic year dual-enrollment program for high school students to take courses and receive both high school and college credits that can be used toward a college degree. “We are excited to initiate this pilot program for Kaua'i students this fall,” said Chaminade President Lynn Babington, PhD. “The pandemic has created significant educational challenges for those residing in rural areas, including the neighbor islands. A lack of technology and broadband access has made online learning difficult for many students. The Emerging Scholars program will ensure students who are disproportionately disadvantaged by distance learning will have everything they need to excel online.” Program administrators have identified a basic technology package—laptop, headphones, storage and backup—that will be provided on loan to its high-need college students, including those in the Emerging Scholars programs. The inaugural cohort of 40 students from Kaua'i high schools are taking four dual-enrollment introductory courses each semester. The courses will be enhanced by guest speakers who will participate in each course. Faculty are flying to Kaua'i to physically meet the students prior to each semester start. At the end of the year, Chaminade will fly the participating students to O'ahu to stay overnight in the residence hall. During their stay, they will meet with advisors and faculty from each division, and participate in college prep workshops. Chaminade is reimagining the COVID-19 crisis as an opportunity to adapt to changing learner needs, and to rethink and transform approaches to higher education. This program seeks to provide students on Kaua'i with new opportunities and to help ensure success in their pursuit of learning.
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PAYING FOR COLLEGE
THAT’S WHERE FINANCIAL AID COMES IN JEFF SCOFIELD, DEAN OF FINANCIAL AID AT CHAMINADE, KNOWS THAT LOOKING FOR HELP TO PAY FOR COLLEGE CAN OFTENTIMES SEEM DAUNTING FOR STUDENTS—AND THEIR PARENTS. THERE’S THE PAPERWORK. THE REQUIREMENTS. AND, OF COURSE, THERE ARE THE QUESTIONS. DO I QUALIFY? WILL I HAVE ENOUGH? AND WHERE DO I BEGIN?
That’s why Scofield, who started at Chaminade in March, is on a mission to simplify the financial aid process at the University. In addition to getting students the financial aid information they need as early as possible, he and his team are working to streamline the process so families can have peace of mind. He’s also working to let prospective students know financial need shouldn’t be a barrier to attendance. “The importance of financial aid can’t be understated. It gives students and their families the opportunity to pursue higher education,” Scofield said. “We know if students can’t get their financial hurdles resolved, either they can’t get here to begin with or they can’t stay. The financial piece becomes more of a burden. We’re trying to remove barriers so students can concentrate on their studies.” That’s critically important at Chaminade, where 97% of undergraduates get some type of financial aid. During the 2020–‘21 academic year, nearly $16 million in aid was distributed to Chaminade undergraduates at the University, with an average of $15,000 in grants and scholarships awarded to each student. In addition, students received federal loans, alternative loans and federal work-study jobs. Scofield also has a message for the community: every donation to the University helps. “There’s plenty of need. And for some students, it’s not thousands of dollars they need to make the difference; it’s hundreds of dollars,” Scofield said. “We can help make up that difference for students.” Scofield comes to Chaminade’s Financial Aid office with nearly 40 years of experience in higher education, including most recently as the assistant vice president of student financial services at Seattle University. Prior to that, he served as director of financial aid at the University of Hawai'i at Hilo. It was that time on Hawai'i Island that solidified his love for the islands and their people.
When he learned Chaminade was looking for a financial aid dean, he jumped at the chance to return, immediately doing his homework on the University and its mission. What he found, he said, was an institution that “gets it” when it comes to financial aid—and that’s not always easy to find. Chaminade, he said, understands that financial aid is core to helping students achieve their dreams. It’s about excellence as much as it is about equity. “Everybody I’ve talked to here has said, ‘Oh, this is so important,’” he said. Scofield leads a five-member financial aid team at Chaminade. His first order of business at the University, he said, was “listening more than talking.” He wanted to understand what was working when it came to financial aid, what wasn’t working and what needed to be fixed first. He said he quickly realized that his highest priority needed to be streamlining the financial aid application process, and moving a long list of paper forms online. “If we can get more things automated and processes streamlined, it gives us more time with that student who’s really in an emergency,” he said. “Or we can have more time for student counseling and outreach.” He acknowledged that revamping the system won’t happen overnight. But the Financial Aid team has already made substantive changes that students and parents will notice. And he said the University is also working with a third-party vendor to debut an easy-to-use scholarship administration portal—a one-stop-shop for applying for scholarships and getting updates on awards. He said he’s also eyeing a host of procedures to simplify and forms to digitize. “It’s about doing anything we can,” he said, “to improve and speed up our processing.”
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M B A A L U M N U S ’S M I S S I O N :
BE A
FORCE FOR GOOD WHEN ENTREPRENEUR AND CEO
ETHAN WEST, MBA ‘16 WAS GETTING HIS MASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION DEGREE AT CHAMINADE, HE REMEMBERS ENCOUNTERING THE KINDS OF QUESTIONS
THAT STILL RESONATE WITH HIM TODAY. LIKE: “WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE A FORCE FOR GOOD AS A FOR-PROFIT COMPANY?” AND “HOW DO YOU MAKE DECISIONS GROUNDED IN ETHICS?”
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“I came up with a personal mantra back then at Chaminade: profit should be a byproduct of a mission achieved,” West said, adding he recalls being inspired by professors and business executives who understood the importance of taking a “business for good” approach to making money. West’s personal mantra is now integrated into the mission of his fast-growing company, Punahele Provisions, which produces organic baby food with a commitment to sustainability. The company uses only naturally- and locally-grown ingredients and shuns preservatives and additives (like sugar). The baby food is produced 100% locally, too, before being sent off to Hawai'i stores. A F O U N D AT I O N I N FA R M I N G
West’s journey to co-founding Punahele Provisions in 2020 started years earlier. Before he was an MBA student, or in banking on the mainland, he was a kid who lived on a farm. In fact, West grew up on a small organic dairy and produce farm in Maine. He says he used to wake up at 4 a.m. to help tend to the animals before going to school. And on weekends, the whole family would head off to the farmers’ market to sell what they’d grown and made to their neighbors. His dad was a chiropractor, “but a farmer at heart.” “That was how we would take care of our community,” West said, adding his dad would even tote produce into the office to hand out to his patients. “It really set the foundation for the rest of my life.” West attended the University of Maine, majoring in Political Science, and after graduation found a position in banking. That was when one of his best friends, who was living in Hawai'i, reached out to him with a question: want a change of scenery? West jumped at the opportunity to move to the islands and “immediately hit the ground running.” He found a job and enrolled in the MBA program at Chaminade. There, he found professors and peers who were just as interested in becoming drivers of positive change in business. He recalls his mentors making it clear that while leadership in business is about making decisions, leadership in the community—leadership that considers the welfare of your family, friends and neighbors—is about making decisions “grounded in ethics and who you are as a person.” West took that advice to heart.
INSPIRED TO MAKE A CHANGE
After graduating from Chaminade with his MBA, he set to work on a passion that he first developed during those early days on the farm: helping to feed his community. He took a managerial position at Kunoa Cattle Company, where he focused on partnering with local companies to deliver a quality local product. And from there, he jumped out on his own to form what would become Punahele Provisions. He credits his young niece and nephew for the inspiration. In late 2019, shortly after they were born, he stumbled across a report about toxic elements and heavy metals, including mercury, cadmium, arsenic and lead, being found in some baby foods. As a new uncle, the findings appalled West. As a businessman, it galvanized him. Change was needed—and he was in a position to help. “From that point on, there was no turning back,” he said. “It was a responsibility that I had to create a better option that honored Hawai'i and used the incredible ingredients that are growing here—ingredients like taro, ulu and Okinawan sweet potato that are perfect for babies.” To get started, West enrolled in an online course about child nutrition and cooking. He started making and tasting baby food—lots of it—and partnered with local community groups to find parents who would offer feedback about what they wanted to see in baby food (and in a local company).
“It was a responsibility that I had to create a better option that honored Hawai'i and used the incredible ingredients that are growing here.”
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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 23 M O R E T H A N J U S T B A BY F O O D
All that outreach was central to West’s missionfocused approach. West said, “we don’t want to just be a baby food company. We want to help shift the paradigm. We want to be resources for parents, and oh, by the way, we make really great baby food.” In early 2020, West and his team were gearing up for a crowdfunding campaign. But a roadblock stopped them in their tracks: the COVID-19 pandemic. “From a human aspect I could not in good faith ask anybody for money when so many people were struggling,” he said. So West went back to the drawing board, picking everything apart. The pandemic also redoubled his resolve to ensure he was keeping his money in the state. That prompted him to take a hard look at how his products were to be shipped off to the mainland and processed—a common practice because of a lack of infrastructure in Hawai'i. West was able to change things up and keep his processing in the state. A M I S S I O N - D R I V E N C O M PA N Y
Punahele Provisions was born shortly afterward. The brand bears the Hawaiian word that’s best translated as “to treat as a favorite,” and it refers to how the company wants to “favor all the children of Hawai'i and beyond by providing them with nothing but the healthiest baby food.” It was also created as a public benefit corporation—a company, as West describes it, “beholden to a publicly stated mission.” That mission includes “strengthening the future” with healthy food and a more sustainable food system, supporting local agriculture and caring for the environment. West said that looking ahead, he’s optimistic about the change he—and others—can make with business and community actions. “I’ve been cursed and blessed with a case of eternal optimism. I think many entrepreneurs are— otherwise you wouldn’t get out of bed in the morning,” he said. “But I am optimistic about the direction in which our food system is heading.” And that, West said, is because of a growing community awareness about where food comes from—and a desire to ensure it’s not only healthy but sustainable. “The market is demanding a better way of doing things,” he said. His message to consumers: don’t be afraid to ask about the origins of your meal. “That is probably the simplest and easiest thing,” he said, “that you can do as a community member.”
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UNDER THE SEA:
Into Challenger Deep
HAVE YOU EVER WONDERED WHAT SECRETS CAN BE FOUND
AT THE OCEAN’S DEEPEST DEPTHS? SO HAS NICOLE YAMASE ’14.
AND THEN SHE GOT TO TRAVEL THERE.
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“... participating in these opportunities with other Pacific Islanders, I thought, ‘I’m not alone in this.’”
In March, Yamase was invited to jump into a special submersible and journey 35,856 feet (or as she likes to say, about 700 coconut trees stacked on top of one another) below the waves into the Challenger Deep—the deepest known spot in the ocean, located in the Mariana Trench. Yamase, who is Micronesian, is the first Pacific Islander ever to make the trip. She describes the place as nothing less than “unbelievable”—like an alien world. “Once we slowly got to the bottom, I couldn’t believe my eyes,” she said, adding that the expedition down with ocean explorer Victor Vescovo—who organized the special dive—started about 10 a.m. Four hours later, they were there, staring into the murky, dark and deepest known depths of the ocean. “It looks like a desert down there,” Yamase said. R E I N F O R C I N G PA S S I O N F O R E N V I R O N M E N TA L S T U D I E S
Yamase, who graduated from Chaminade with a B.S. in Environmental Studies and a B.S. in Biology and is now seeking a doctoral degree in Marine Biology from the University of Hawai'i, was chosen for the journey because of her deep passion and previous work in helping to advocate for the oceans. Vescovo, she said, “thought it was time” that someone from the Federated States of Micronesia was invited down to the Challenger Deep, which can be found in their country’s waters. And not just “someone” was chosen, but a young leader who is studying diverse marine ecosystems. She got additional support for the journey from the Waitt Institute and Micronesia Conservation Trust.
Yamase said the experience of traveling to Challenger Deep was life-changing. It confirmed the incredible love she has for her research—she’s focused on studying the impacts of climate change on indigenous macroalgae important to Pacific reefs. And it underscored her other major academic focus: raising awareness about how climate change and rising sea levels are already impacting the Pacific. “Humanity needs to improve its relationship with the world’s oceans,” Yamase said. Because even the Challenger Deep wasn’t free of humanity’s fingerprint. When she was down there, nearly seven miles below the surface, she saw boating tethers—human trash. “The fact that trash has made it all the way down to the deep is very alarming,” Yamase said. “It’s just a really pressing problem.” Yamase knows that better than most.
C L I M AT E C H A N G E I S A P R O B L E M N O W
When she returns to her island of Pohnpei in the Federated States of Micronesia, she sees firsthand the sea levels rising higher than they ever have before. Friends and loved ones post photographs on social media of ocean water going into homes and of cemeteries being washed away. Climate change isn’t a future problem for her country, she says; it’s a problem now. And it will take everyone, including her generation and future ones, to fix it. O P E N I N G D O O R S F O R PA C I F I C ISLANDERS
“Through this expedition, I really just want to promote STEM—because Pacific Islanders, we need us,” Yamase said. “We’re the ones who are going to be in the field. We need local mentors, local role models, because that’s what we lack. It really has a huge impact to
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1960s see your own succeed in the field.” As she continues to make her mark, Yamase is grateful to her own mentors, including those at Chaminade. She said it was Environmental Science and Studies Dr. Gail Grabowsky, dean of the School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, who encouraged her as a freshman to apply for a summer internship at UH-Mānoa focused on marine biology. “From that first experience, I was like, ‘Oh my goodness, this is for me,’” she said. She continued to be selected for internships and other opportunities, including a chance to study macroalgae in Miami’s Biscayne Bay. That research formed the basis of the dissertation she’s now working on. She said Biology Professor Jolene Cogbill, PhD, her adviser in the department, was also hugely instrumental in getting her linked up with opportunities that honed her skills—and bolstered her confidence. “They both really pushed me out of my comfort zone,” she said. “My first year, I never raised my hand. I couldn’t do it. After these summer internships of really participating in these opportunities with other Pacific Islanders, I thought, ‘I’m not alone in this.’” Yamase said she also got the chance to present her work at conferences and symposia. She said she hopes to be that same inspiration to other young Pacific Islanders, especially those in environmental science, marine conservation and biology. She said her expedition into the Challenger Deep “was such a great opportunity to show young Pacific Islanders that we can do it.” “There’s not that many of us in the science fields. Hopefully, this opens up doors.”
Wayne Ishihara | B.A. MARKE TING ‘68
The Honolulu Japanese Chamber of Commerce (HJCC) announced that President and CEO Wayne Ishihara retired in October 2021. He served as HJCC’s president and CEO for more than a decade and had a distinguished career in banking, business and community service with a focus on strengthening US-Hawai'i and Japan relations. He helped to lead HJCC through a period of growth and success, including growing membership during the COVID pandemic. Wayne also has the distinction of being one of only two people in the history of the organization to have served as both volunteer board chair and executive president of HJCC.
1990s
Thomas P. Delaine, Jr. B.A. BUSINESS ‘92, MBA ‘94
Thomas retired in September 2017, having served as Director of Information Security for Comprehensive Health Services. He currently lives in Jacksonville, Florida with dreams of residing on O'ahu in the near future. He is looking to be more involved with community service and mentorship programs for disadvantaged and low-income young people. In May 2021, he visited Chaminade and caught up with business professors Dr. Wayne Tanna and Dr. John Steelquist.
Veronica Lynn Tanis DePotty B.A. INTERNATIONAL REL ATIONS AND AFFAIRS ‘97
Veronica is the departmental analyst and HUD grant manager for the Michigan State Housing Development Authority. She was recently selected as a presenter for HUD’s national conference in August 2021.
Mark-Jason Solofa B.A. BUSINESS ADMINIS TR ATION ‘91
Mark-Jason resides in the Bay Area and owns Mark Jason Solofa Men’s Grooming. Not only known for his grooming skills, he loves to provide daily inspirational posts on Instagram. Follow him @mjsolofamensgrooming or at mjsolofa.com.
ALUMNI C L A S S
N O T E S
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ALUMNA AND DOMESTIC VIOLENCE A DVO C AT E
Stresses Self-Care “[ My work] has allowed me to learn and heal as well as help other survivors learn and start their own healing journey.”
Luana Moreno ‘17 practices what she calls little “acts of self-care" every day. It’s how the Hawai'i Domestic Violence Action Center advocate ensures the difficult emotional and physical trauma she helps other people process doesn’t begin to impact her own mental health. It’s also how she makes certain she can continue to be there for them, week in and week out. When things get a little too heavy, she takes a walk. Treats herself to a coffee. Picks up her coloring pencils. Sometimes, all she needs is to go outside, take in a deep breath and enjoy the sunshine. “You can’t help other people become better if you are not helping yourself,” said Moreno, who graduated with a bachelor’s degree in
Religious Studies with a minor in Psychology from Chaminade. Moreno, who is originally from San Diego, California, knew at an early age that she wanted to find a career that would allow her to help others—like she and her mother once needed help. “I was raised by my mom, who showed me that there are ways to leave and survive abusive relationships,” Moreno said. “My work goes hand in hand with my journey because it has allowed me to learn and heal as well as help other survivors learn and start their own healing journey.” When she was in high school, Moreno stumbled across Chaminade as she was looking online for potential universities to attend. She immediately felt a connection
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2000s with the school—not least because of her name. “My great-grandparents’ best friends were from Hawai'i and that’s how I got my name, Luana,” she said. “My great-grandmother was never able to come here, and when she passed away I wanted to accomplish her dream and give more to the special place that provided me my name.” Moreno jumped at the chance to play softball for Chaminade. And she was delighted that she could pursue the subjects she was interested in at the University. She combined Religious Studies with Psychology because she wanted to learn more about the impacts of trauma on people’s lives and unpack how belief systems can help people through difficult experiences. “Having a religious upbringing, I was taught to see trials as a piece of a bigger picture, where you learn lessons and come out of it better and stronger,” she said. “I wanted to know more about why and what people believe and how it can help throughout life.” Moreno added that her Religious Studies degree gave her a broader perspective on the world, too. “The inclusive knowledge of religion, spirituality and psychology allowed me to approach people in crisis in a kinder and more effective way,” she said. “It made me more accepting and open to people.” It was actually through the pageant world that Moreno found her role in domestic violence support. She was part of the Miss Latina Hawai'i Scholarship Organization and learned about the Domestic Violence Action Center from a friend she was coaching high school softball with. As part of Miss Latina Hawai'i, she was challenged to think about her social impact. And so she started to volunteer with the action center. In short order, she was offered a full-time position with the nonprofit as a campus survivor advocate. Her advice to others seeking careers in advocacy is simple: “Self-care! Self-care! Self-care!” That’s an especially important lesson, she adds, amid the pandemic—which has left many more members of the community in need of social services. “Be mindful of how heavy the work can feel and find an outlet that helps release the emotions that can be held giving to others,” she said. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, you can call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1–800–799–7233 or text “START” to 88788. For more information, visit the National Domestic Violence Hotline at thehotline.org.
Angela Arevalo Smith B.A. BUSINESS ADMINIS TR ATION ‘03, MBA ‘05
Angela welcomed her first child, Leon Angelo, with her husband Alexander in July 2021. They currently reside in Oregon.
Annaliza Reiko Namiki-Le B.A. FINE ARTS ‘03
Annaliza welcomed her fourth son, Zion, in July 2021. She resides in Honolulu with her husband Marcus and four sons.
Marita "Mari" Padilla, PsyD, ABPP | B.A. PSYCHOLOGY ‘06 Dr. Marita Padilla recently became board certified through the American Board of Professional Psychology. She resides with her daughter in Honolulu.
Patricia Schaller | B.A. EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION ‘09 Since 2019 Patricia has been living in the United Arab Emirates as a teacher and published the book Christina and Marianna’s Wild Hair Adventure. Christina and Marianna are the names of her children. The book was dedicated to helping them and many little girls embrace their identities and features that make them unique. Christina and Marianna’s Wild Hair Adventure is available on Amazon.
Melanie Legdesog Veltri | B.S. CRIMINOLOGY AND CRIMINAL JUSTICE ‘06, M.S. CRIMINAL JUSTICE ADMINISTRATION ‘08
Melanie welcomed her second child, a daughter named Alia Carmen, in April 2021.
2010s
Savannah Delos Santos B.A. BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION - MARKETING ‘19
Savannah was recently crowned the 2021 Miss International Northern Marianas. Since returning home to the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands after graduating from Chaminade, she has been giving back to her community through social engagement and public service in her capacity as the reigning Miss Northern Marianas—among her personal advocacies is addressing the silence surrounding mental health and confronting the rife injustice of domestic violence. Savannah’s goal throughout her reign is to personify the best qualities as a community role model, making her family proud in the process. She currently works with the nonprofit organization Karidat Social Services as a human trafficking outreach specialist and case manager. Savannah will be representing the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas when she competes at the 60th Miss International in Yokohama, Japan later this year.
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C H A M I N A D E ’ S A D VA N C E M E N T TEAM IS ON A
Mission TO B U I LD Relationships Gary Cordova, vice president of Advancement at Chaminade, says his job, and the work of his five-member team, is all about building strong relationships—with alumni, with members of the broader community and with others who understand and believe in Chaminade’s strong social service mission. “We have immediate needs for the University, but relationship building is in the long view,” Cordova said. “The engagement approaches have to be individualized—it’s not a one size fits all. Philanthropy is so impactful in the lives of our students and we need to ensure we’re conveying that message.” Cordova took over his current role at the University in July 2020, bringing more than 20 years of experience in public and private universities and independent private schools.
And he’s hit the ground running, bringing on team members to stabilize what he calls the three-legged stool of advancement. Two of those legs are enrollment management and public funding. The third leg—private philanthropy— requires significant short- and long-term strategic planning. “That’s where we come in,” Cordova said of his office, adding that one of his top priorities has been beginning the work of building a strong alumni outreach program and conducting relationship building with community philanthropists who share and understand Chaminade’s mission. That work has already paid off. Cordova said the University’s Chaminade Fund, which offers direct aid to students, saw
an increase in support during the last academic year and beat previous records. The help, he added, was more needed than ever, as many students and their families struggled financially because of the COVID pandemic. Serving with Cordova in the Advancement office are: • Jill Higashi, assistant vice president of Advancement, • Jeannie Lum ‘05, MBA ‘07, director of alumni relations, • Kendra Sia, director of the Annual Fund, • and Joanne Nakano, executive assistant to the vice president.
Advancement team shown above ( left to right ) : Jeannie Lum, Jill Higashi, Gary Cordova, Kendra Sia and Joanne Nakano
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2020s It’s been Lum, working closely with other members of the team, who has sought to build an alumni network from the ground up. Cordova said reconnection and engagement are key to bringing Chaminade graduates—no matter when they got their degrees—back into the fold. Perhaps most importantly, Cordova added, alumni need to be reminded of their warm memories of Chaminade and that whatever they give back to the institution (in treasure or time) is so very valuable. “Universities with very strong alumni programs have very strong endowments. Because they are engaged and they believe in the engagement,” he said, “we need to reimagine our alumni program to reach a varied alumni community. We need to engage our alumni in the life of the University.” To help do just that, Lum has created an alumni council made up of graduates across the decades. She has also sought to set up exciting opportunities for alumni to offer networking and career development opportunities to current students, and has begun to bolster outreach and communications with alumni about upcoming events and initiatives at the University. “We want people to remember why they love Chaminade so much,” she said. Cordova added that alumni relations don’t begin at graduation. The Advancement team is seeking to build bridges between alumni and current students so that both groups feel like they’re part of the same family—“this culture of connectedness that's got them bleeding blue and white.” The same goes for broader philanthropic outreach, Cordova said. He said his team members have sought to strengthen relationships with those who have already given to the University, offering not only their gratitude but important details about where their donations went and how much of a difference it made in the lives of students and their academic journeys. “How do we create systems that can intentionally engage with our supporters? That’s an important question for us in our planning and outreach,” Cordova said. “When we are reporting the effectiveness of a gift over time—helping donors understand the power of their contribution—we are creating a stronger relationship and potentially creating a cycle of philanthropy that never ends.”
For more information or to give to Chaminade University, visit chaminade.edu/advancement.
Jacqueline Harbin and Aurelia Vinining B.F.A ENVIRONMENTAL + INTERIOR DESIGN ‘20
Jacqueline and Aurelia launched their business, Red Designed Interiors, together, specializing in personalized interiors. Visit their site at reddesignedinteriors.com.
In Memoriam Paul E. Thornton ’80 Verna H.F. Young '62 Charles "Chuck" Donovan Russell ‘07 Sr. Stephen Marie Serrao, OSF ‘62
UPCOMING ALUMNI EVENTS: M A U I I N V I TAT I O N A L WAT C H PA R T Y
November 22, 2021, 4 PM
PLANNED GIVING WEBINAR
March 9, 2022
Please note that event dates may be subject to change. Follow Alumni Relations on social media for up-to-date information and more announcements. @cuhalumni @chaminade-university-alumni
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ONCE A SILVERSWORD,
ALWAYS A SILVERSWORD
CHAMINADE DIRECTOR OF ALUMNI RELATIONS JEANNIE LUM ’05, MBA ’07 BELIEVES BUILDING STRONG ALUMNI RELATIONSHIPS BEGINS LONG BEFORE STUDENTS WALK ACROSS THAT STAGE TO ACCEPT THEIR DIPLOMAS. IT STARTS, SHE SAYS, ON THEIR FIRST DAY AT CHAMINADE—AND THROUGHOUT THEIR TIME AT THE UNIVERSITY.
“The whole journey of becoming an alumnus begins when you’re a student,” said Lum. That approach to alumni relations means that one of Lum’s top priorities since taking on her directorship role at Chaminade in April has been reconnecting with graduates, rekindling their fond memories of the University and asking them what they want their alumni network to look like. It was that work that led to the creation of a new alumni council. The council is a group of engaged—and proud— Silversword alumni from different graduating classes. Members bring a diversity of perspectives and a variety of ideas about what it means to celebrate Chaminade. Lum described the group as part focus group and part planning committee. “They represent various years and right now, we’re brainstorming ideas and looking to get the momentum going,” Lum said. “These alums have a huge affinity for Chaminade and its mission—and they want to show their support. I am so looking forward to how they will inform our direction.” The council is now eight members strong, and Lum said she’s interested in expanding it. She also sees the council members as ambassadors for their classes, helping her office get out communications about upcoming events, reunions or other opportunities. “They’re also spreading the word for us, reposting our appeals on social media. It all comes full circle,” Lum said. “These people have the same heartbeat for Chaminade.” As a graduate of Chaminade, Lum also brings her own passion for the University to her work. She attended the University after going to Catholic schools and wanted to select an institution that would offer small class sizes, a warm and supportive atmosphere and an emphasis on serving others. She said she learned about Chaminade at a college fair at her school. “I thought, ‘This is definitely the school for me,’” she said. “The focus was on the whole person.” While a student at Chaminade, Lum actually had an internship at the Advancement office and got an early taste for alumni relations and giving. And after graduation, she remained connected to Chaminade. “Chaminade has never left my heart,” she said, adding that as she started her family she didn’t have quite as much time for volunteering. Lum said her own experience as a busy mom and a devoted grad has underscored how individualized approaches are needed for alums at different stages in their lives. Her message to Chaminade alumni is simple: we want to reconnect with you. She’s inviting graduates to support the University in whatever ways they’re interested in, and she’s hoping the council will also be providing additional inroads for alumni to get reengaged. After all, Lum said, “There’s just something magical about this place. Everybody who comes here has a connection.”
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CHAMINADE ALUMNI COUNCIL MEMBERS
Roselee Aguigui
ADMINIS TR ATION ‘18
Roselee was technically born on an airplane en route to Honolulu but was raised in Guam. She currently resides on O'ahu and is a government recruiter. Her favorite Chaminade memory is the 2017 Pacific Island Review where she was able to showcase Guam through dance—saying it was the best experience ever. Her advice to fellow alumni is to not be afraid to reach out, ask questions and use everything you possibly can as a resource.
Originally from California, Luana’s favorite memory of Chaminade is graduation. She believes that Chaminade provided her the opportunity to learn more about the world’s differences and similarities in beliefs, and the way that our minds are impacted by our environments. That knowledge allows her to be accepting of all people and wanting to learn more about them. Luana currently serves as an advocate for the Hawai'i Domestic Violence Action Center.
Jana Paz
Ohulani Aiona Battisto
B.A. BUSINESS
MBA ‘08
ADMINISTRATION '98,
Ohulani is a full-time mommy and was born and raised in Kapolei. Her favorite memory of Chaminade is being part of a family and working with people who have the same drive and goals—giving her confidence as well as a sense of team. She says that Chaminade is an amazing school that is a family and pushes you to grow, adding that you will also make lifetime connections.
Luana Moreno B.A. RELIGIOUS S TUDIES ‘17
B.A. BUSINESS
Suzy Cerda
MBA ‘18 HOGAN ENTREPRENEUR
Jana currently serves as the assistant vice president of M. Dyer Global. Originally from O'ahu, she has lived and worked on the mainland and Hawai'i. She currently sits on the board for the Western Motor Tariff Bureau, Kalaheo High School Foundation and Alumni Association, and is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows Hawaii Chapter, a Vistage Member, as well as being actively involved in her high school community and graduating class. Jana is a strong believer in teamwork, collaboration, communication and transparency.
B.S. INTERNATIONAL REL ATIONS ‘92
Suzy was born in Honolulu, moved to New Jersey and returned to Hawai'i to attend Chaminade. For the past 22 years, she has been an insurance agent. Suzy says all of her fondest memories at Chaminade pertain to life in the residence halls and being on campus—shenanigans and hilarity that occurred on a daily basis will never be forgotten. She says that most of her lifelong friendships were forged at Chaminade. Suzy looks forward to being active in the Chaminade community again.
Pono currently serves as a Chaminade academic advisor. He enjoys listening to music, spending time with friends and family, working out at the gym, reading, catching up on TV shows and sleeping. He joined the alumni council because he hopes to be a voice for young alumni—helping them to stay involved and connected, wherever they may live.
Antonia Coffelt B.A. COMMUNIC ATION ‘05
Antonia’s favorite memory of Chaminade is the long days and late nights in Eiben Hall editing The Silversword (student newspaper). She credits Chaminade with not only being a place where she earned her degree but a place where she made lifelong friends and realized that being a genuinely rapt guest in the Islands was the key to her immersion. Fun fact : Antonia may live in Chicago, but she still has an 808 phone number.
Andre “Pono” Riddle B.S. PSYCHOLOGY ‘18
Kuldip Shergill B.S. ACCOUNTING ‘10, MBA ‘12
Born and raised in American Samoa, Kuldip currently resides in Hawai'i and has his own production company and YouTube channel—you’ll know him as Kooldip. He says he can’t pinpoint his favorite Chaminade memory because he had so many “crazy moments” and would like to keep some of them a secret. He says, “Happiness! You’ll never catch it by pursuing it! So if there’s anything I want my fellow alums and Chaminade community to know, it’s live happy in the present!”
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A LUM NA CR E AT E S S C HOL A R S H I P T O
Pay It Forward CAYLEE ORSINGER ‘11 MAY LIVE AND WORK IN OKLAHOMA, BUT HER HEART IS STILL IN THE ISLANDS. TO PROVE THAT, YOU NEED LOOK NO FURTHER THAN THE NAME SHE GAVE HER MEDICAL DISTRIBUTORSHIP COMPANY— ALOHA MEDICAL—OR THE SLOGAN SHE PUTS ON HER BUSINESS CARDS: “WHERE ALOHA MEETS MEDICINE.”
It’s that passion for Hawai'i and its people that drove her to think about ways to give back. And after reaching out to a mentor at Chaminade, Biology Assistant Professor Jolene Cogbill, PhD, she made up her mind: she decided to establish a scholarship at Chaminade to help STEM-focused students achieve their dreams. The Caylee Orsinger Scholarship will help support 10 STEM students in Fall 2021 and Spring 2022. The funding is available to rising juniors or to incoming transfer students. It’s not every day someone celebrating the 10-year reunion of her college graduation sets up a scholarship fund. But Orsinger said her upbringing in Hawai'i and her time at Chaminade solidified her resolve to pay it forward. “It’s a full circle. We get out what we put in,” she said. “I always wanted to donate to science technology and invest in other people.” Just like people invested in her. Orsinger said the scholarships she was awarded at Chaminade made a significant difference, and sometimes all the difference, in helping her accomplish her goals. “I worked my way through college and tried to make my way through school,” she said. “Scholarships were huge. They helped me a lot.” Orsinger grew up on Maui and graduated from King Kekaulike High School in Pukalani. She knew she wanted to pursue the sciences, but didn’t see herself flourishing in lecture halls with hundreds of students. That’s when she learned about Chaminade and jumped at the chance to pursue a degree in Biology at a campus with smaller class sizes and a strong public service mission.
And once enrolled, she learned about the University’s leading Forensic Sciences program. She ended up double majoring, with an eye toward eventually becoming a doctor. After graduation, she moved to Oklahoma to begin preparing to apply for medical school. But while there, her life took another path. She was bartending when she ran into someone who owned a medical distributorship company. She ended up getting a job there to gain valuable experience. “I fell in love with it,” she said. Orsinger’s work takes her into operating rooms, where she ensures surgeons and other healthcare professionals have the tools and equipment they need for complicated procedures. She is also proud to serve the community of Tahlequah, Oklahoma, the capital of two Cherokee tribes. And she’s excited about continuing to grow her company. She said she’s hopeful her trajectory since graduation—from her small-town Maui upbringing to becoming a rising entrepreneur— offers inspiration to Chaminade students just beginning on their path to a profession. She has some advice for them, too: remember all the support and encouragement you got as you sought to accomplish your goals so you can do the same for someone else one day. Facing a group of young people seeking degrees in STEM, she would tell them to “never get discouraged.” She would also leave them with some food for thought: “how are you going to give back later?”
If you are interested in starting your own scholarship, please contact the Office of Advancement at ( 8 08 ) 735–4761. If you would like to make a gift to The Chaminade Fund, visit chaminade.edu/give.
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SAVE THE DATE
GIVING DAY
Tuesday, November 30, 2021 During the past year, we learned what family means. Although we had a modified school year, everyone stepped up and masked up. It was challenging, but our vital and important work didn’t stop. On November 30, we ask alumni, students, parents, friends, faculty and staff to unite and support Chaminade’s schools, programs and causes so that our students can turn knowledge into action. Every gift, no matter the size, creates opportunities and makes a huge impact.
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STUDENTS SHOWCASE WORK AT ANNUAL
NA LIKO NA'AUAO
CHAMINADE UNDERGRADUATES ACROSS ALL DISCIPLINES GATHERED VIRTUALLY IN EARLY APRIL TO PRESENT THEIR ONGOING RESEARCH ACROSS A BROAD ARRAY OF EXCITING AREAS, FROM NATIVE HAWAIIAN TRADITIONAL MEDICINE TO DATA SCIENCE DATABASE DEVELOPMENT TO THE MICROBIOME, CORAL BLEACHING AND CANCER CELL RESEARCH.
Pictured below: Dairian Balai, recipient of the President Sue Wesselkamper Prize and Dr. Kate Perrault, recipient of the President Mackey Prize
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The undergraduate conference, Na Liko Na'auao, is an annual event at Chaminade to showcase exceptional original work by students seeking bachelor’s degrees and underscores the breadth and depth of academic scholarship at the University. Fields represented at this year’s conference, which included 23 presentations in all, ranged from Biology to Data Science to the Forensic Sciences. The Na Liko Na'auao symposium was first held at Chaminade in 2002. Among the impressive topics students tackled this year: • “Modeling the Microbiome of Aa In Vitro Taro Digestion Model,” from Ava Dysarz; • “Seasonal Difference In Carcass Decomposition On Oahu,” presented by Marietta Lee; • and “Keawawa Water Analysis And Restoration,” from Dorie Sanborn and Trinity Young. Organizers say Na Liko Na'auao does not only give undergraduates an opportunity to offer the broader University community a glimpse into what they’re working on. It also gives them a chance to hone their presentation and speaking skills, synthesizing their research for a general audience. The public forum also gives students an opportunity to take questions, giving them insight into their research strengths along with potential areas for improvement, further exploration and collaboration. The recipients of two prestigious Chaminade awards were also announced at Na Liko Na'auao. The President Sue Wesselkamper Prize, which recognizes a student who has displayed academic scholarship beyond the classroom and has a record of service-learning volunteerism and leadership, was awarded to Data Science student Dairian Balai, who is also minoring in Biology and Criminal Justice. In nominating her for the award, Data Science program Director Dr. Rylan Chong said
Dairian has participated in a host of leadership and research growth opportunities—and excelled in each of them. And her work is already getting noticed. To continue her research on Native Hawaiian women’s health, Dairian was selected for a competitive spot as a paid research assistant at the University of Texas at Austin Texas Advanced Computing Center, where she also serves as a mentor to other students. Chong said Dairian, who graduated from Wai'anae High and is a Ho'oulu Scholar, “represents what Chaminade is all about locally, in her community, and on the mainland by going beyond the expectations of her service to community and education, development of her moral character, personal competencies, and commitment to build a more just and peaceful society.” Also announced at the event: the recipient of the President Mackey Prize, which recognizes a faculty member at Chaminade with a record of student mentoring and a strong, ongoing commitment to providing students with research or creative experiences that go beyond the classroom. This year’s awardee: Dr. Kate Perrault, an assistant professor of Forensic Sciences and Chemistry. Undergraduate researcher Danson Oliva nominated Perrault for the honor, saying the professor is “extraordinarily passionate about the course material and wants every student to succeed.” Oliva added that working in a lab under Perrault has been a wonderful growth experience, allowing her to flex her scholarship muscles while also getting helpful and instructive feedback and mentoring. “As a research mentor, she guides us but also helps us troubleshoot problems when they arise,” Oliva wrote. “With the help of Dr. Perrault, I have gone on to give two conference presentations on my project. It wouldn’t have happened if Dr. Perrault didn’t truly believe in our ability to succeed.”
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Finding Solutions Through Data Science DAIRIAN BALAI ’22 PEERS INTO DATA TO FIND SOLUTIONS. THAT’S WHERE SHE FOUND HER PASSION, TOO.
The Data Science major likes to say that all those numbers—on everything from community health disparities to poverty to race and education—represent people, with hopes and dreams, just like her. She’s on a mission to tell their story (and hers) by spotlighting the data that speak to real experiences. “I want to shine a light on the problems we’re facing,” she said. And even though she hasn’t yet graduated, Balai is already making her mark. Thanks to a series of programs at Chaminade, Balai scored a paid remote internship with a University of Texas lab to research maternal and infant mortality and comorbidities in Native Hawaiian communities. She hopes to use data science to spotlight what factors can help protect moms and babies. Balai grew up in Wai'anae and graduated from Wai'anae High. During her junior and senior years, she applied to a long list of potential universities in Hawai'i and on the mainland. And she was pretty set on going out of state for her undergraduate education. But then her high school counselor told her about the Ho'oulu STEM Scholarship, which covers 100 percent of Chaminade tuition and offers support services. The scholarship convinced Balai to take a tour of Chaminade— and she’s glad she did.
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“Off the bat, I liked how it was a small community. The campus was small,” she said, adding that she later spoke to her high school adviser and realized that the financial support offered through the Ho'oulu STEM Scholarship far outweighed the aid that universities on the mainland were offering her. “I decided to stay. If I went back in time, I would make that decision again,” she said. Balai said the thing she appreciates most about Chaminade is the one-on-one support she gets from professors and advisers, who have connected her with key opportunities. “They really make it a point to help you plan out your future,” she said. “They say ‘Chaminade is a family.’ I really believe that.” Balai originally majored in Biology because she planned to go into healthcare. But the course of her studies changed after she participated in Chaminade’s Supporting Pacific Indigenous Computing Excellence (SPICE) program. The intensive immersion experience, in partnership with the Texas Advanced Computing Center at the University of Texas at Austin, is designed to help train students to lead in data science
and visualization efforts that support social justice projects in Hawai'i. Balai said she learned coding in the SPICE program and worked with other students to create visualizations that helped illustrate her research area—how socioeconomic status impacts healthcare. Following the SPICE program, Balai participated in a Computing4Change event in Chicago. The national competition challenges students to use computing for positive social change. Balai said through SPICE and the Computing4Change conference, she learned that data science wasn’t just about highlighting problems, “but helping to solve them.” That, she realized, was the career she wanted to pursue. So Balai switched majors to Data Science, taking the plunge even though it meant a little more time completing her undergraduate degree. She also started considering how she could eventually bring Data Science home— back to Wai'anae and the community she loves and eventually wants to serve. She said Data Science helped her understand that having vulnerable populations
doesn’t define Wai'anae ( and other communities with larger concentrations of low- and moderate-income families ), but that socioeconomic and other factors have a significant impact on the lives of Wai'anae residents. She is especially interested in uncovering the factors that contribute to health disparities in her hometown. Data Science solutions to those gaps, she said, will help build a healthier community. And ultimately, that will help build a healthier state and nation, Balai added. In 2019, Balai was offered a paid internship studying maternal health in Native Hawaiians. She said as a Native Hawaiian, the research feels personal—and all the more important given the healthcare challenges the community faces. She’s continuing that work and hopes to build on it. In fact, Balai is now planning to go to graduate school. She’s working with her adviser weekly to consider programs, and on crafting her longterm dream: returning to Wai'anae to “build a better, a more aware community”—with Data Science.
“I want to shine a light on the problems we’re facing ...”
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Blessing Our New EdD Program THE GATHERING CELEBRATED THE END OF A LONG JOURNEY— AND THE BEGINNING OF SO MANY OTHERS.
IN A SPECIAL CEREMONY ON CAMPUS RECENTLY, SOME OF THE MEMBERS OF THE INAUGURAL COHORT OF CHAMINADE’S DOCTORATE OF EDUCATION IN ORGANIZATIONAL LEADERSHIP FOR ADAPTATION AND CHANGE JOINED WITH FACULTY MEMBERS, ADMINISTRATORS AND OTHERS TO MARK THE MUCHANTICIPATED KICKOFF OF THE NEW PROGRAM.
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Kumu Keahi Renaud delivered a Hawaiian blessing followed by Father Marty Solma, SM, Chaminade’s chaplain, who led attendees in prayer. Several Chaminade administrators then took to the microphone to touch on just how much planning and commitment it took to make the day a reality. Speaking to incoming cohort members, Chaminade President Lynn Babington said that the new doctoral degree program is “all about leadership.” She continued, “You come from such different perspectives. The richness of your learning together will be something very, very special.” Indeed, the 33 members of the program’s first class hail from a diversity of backgrounds and professional interests. Dr. Hans Chun, director of education leadership programs, added there was particularly strong interest in the program in Hawai'i. The majority of participants are in the islands. The first term for the doctoral students, who will be learning fully online, began July 6. At the ceremony, each student was given a commemorative coin with the Chaminade seal to mark the special day along with a kukui nut lei, signifying wisdom and enlightenment. Dr. Dale Fryxell, School of Education and Behavioral Sciences dean, also dedicated a turtle-shaped bench honoring the launch. He said the turtle represents knowledge and he hoped the symbolism inspired the doctoral students. Dr. Lance Askildson, provost and vice president for Academic Affairs, said the journey students are embarking on is an exciting—and important—one. The program’s inaugural cohort will learn, work and grow together over the course of three years, the expected completion time for the degree.
“Chaminade University is of a brand of education holistic in nature, dedicated to educating the whole person”
Askildson said the doctoral program is focused on leadership development across disciplines. “But it’s also about leadership by some very courageous faculty and administrators—to bring this program forward after a number of years of advocacy,” Askildson said, speaking to the group. “The legacy that underlies ... Chaminade University is of a brand of education holistic in nature, dedicated to educating the whole person, but driven by something more than just a transaction of knowledge.” He said that individualized, whole-of-person experience is integrated into the program’s very curriculum. And that, he added, is exactly what attracted so many professionals to the program. To those incoming students, he said, “I applaud you and I congratulate you.”.
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D R.
J OSEPH
ALLEN :
Reevaluating Our Criminal Justice System WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE TO PURSUE SOCIAL JUSTICE IN THE AMERICAN JUSTICE SYSTEM? SOCIAL JUSTICE MOVEMENTS ACROSS THE U.S. HAVE PROMPTED MANY TO ASK THAT QUESTION—AND THEN QUICKLY REALIZE THE ANSWER IS FAR MORE COMPLICATED AND NUANCED THAN THEY INITIALLY IMAGINED. BUT THAT, SAYS DR. JOSEPH ALLEN, SHOULDN’T DETER US FROM DOING THE HARD WORK OF REEVALUATING OUR CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM.
The director of Criminology and Criminal Justice at Chaminade notes that critical research into the justice system is unpacking the actions of law enforcement agencies and how they can develop policies and practices that serve to protect communities while also committing to fairness and transparency. Unfortunately, Allen notes, there are no quick fixes in this regard. That’s because injustice isn’t hidden in a single institution or policy—or person. But Allen, who is also an associate professor at Chaminade, believes action research and dialogue across communities can help to drive positive change and highlight constructive and proactive (rather than reactive) solutions. Allen recently sat down for a conversation on the justice system, the long history of social justice movements in the U.S. and recent changes to the Master of Science in Criminal Justice Studies program that reflect modern developments and academic inquiry around the justice system in America. How has crime changed over the past few years? It really hasn’t changed a lot recently. Overall, crime rates are down almost across the board, and they have been on a general decrease over the past 25 years. The rates of crime we are experiencing today are similar to the rates of the 1960s–1970s. This is hard for most people to reconcile because crime is, more often than not, the lead story on much of our news and media feeds. But it’s true. Again, everything today is generally low to begin with. That said, we have seen a slowdown in the decreases in aggravated assault and
sexual assault — t hese have leveled off a bit over recent years. Our official crime data ( via the FBI ) lags behind about a year or two due to the large data compilation and analysis efforts. So, our most recent data comes from 2019. Data and trends will be interesting to see for 2020 and 2021 when they come out. Due to the pandemic, I expect what could be a noticeable drop in crime overall ( as opposed to the general gradual decreases ). I then expect that this will “correct” itself a bit in 2021 and increase to “expected” levels. Early indicators from the recent year and a half point to potential increases in domestic violence, substance abuse and cases involving mental health. Albeit rare, we have seen some increases in gun and mass or workplace shootings. Lastly, white-collar and computer crimes are becoming more sophisticated and put those of us who are online at increased risk of having our personal information stolen or compromised. Many large corporations, online platforms, and government agencies have been hacked in various ways and are really in a struggle to keep up with digital security concerns. We each need to do our part and be safe when online. How does social media play a role in criminal justice? Social media spreads word of events far and wide, especially if the news is sensational. This is good for simple news and awareness, but I think it unnecessarily creates increased levels of fear and anxiety in all of us when it comes to extremely unlikely events. Rare events are taken out of context and we tend to feel more
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vulnerable. This is in spite of the probabilities of these rare events happening to us being very minuscule. It is good that we learn from these events that are often tragic, but we need to keep in perspective that, again, we’re essentially living 1960s/1970s rates of crime. How has accountability changed? With increased information, we become exposed to things that we may not have in the past. Smartphones and social media have been the driving forces behind the amplification of this effect. To this end, we are all to some extent put under more pressure to act and behave accordingly. More so now than in the past, the criminal justice field has been forced to reflect on its policies and procedures. This has been the most noticeable in law enforcement due to several high-profile national cases. To say that many or even most of these cases were as “cut and dried” as some think, I believe, is an understatement, but the reality is that there is almost always something to learn about, clarify, or update professional training in when it comes to policies and procedures. These unfortunate incidents have made jurisdictions and agencies reevaluate legal policy and sometimes change procedures, especially when engaging citizens physically. As for body-worn cameras (BWC), when I last studied the topic, a few things struck me as interesting. First, there was hesitation among most officers when first using body cameras ( e.g., some felt that they would not react as instinctively and that the camera may put them at risk ). Second, after using the cameras and getting used to them, most officers welcomed their use ( e.g., could corroborate evidence, fewer complaints and unfounded lawsuits ). Third, everyone acts a bit “better” when they know the camera is on, both the officer ( s ) AND the individuals being engaged by the officer; in other words, things tend to not escalate as much with cameras in use. Lastly, and probably most importantly, is that the public felt that by putting BWCs on officers, there would be more transparency. This last point is vital when it comes to the citizenry trusting those charged with enforcing and carrying out the law. When it comes to law enforcement, does a “bad egg” reflect that entire organization? Law enforcement is not a profession for the weary. You must be prepared to face dangerous situations and dangerous people. When these things come together, the
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There will continue to be bumps in the road, but our students will undoubtedly be part of needed changes in the system. Chaminade’s Criminology and Criminal Justice department updated its master’s program (M.S. Criminal Justice Studies). How does the new curriculum respond to the current criminal justice environment and community needs?
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 43 likelihood of someone being victimized or there is a confrontation with police increases, and sometimes things can escalate. Mistakes can happen, whether it be the officer’s decision or following a bad policy/procedure, or something that is unclear or leaves a lot to interpretation. The leaders in our law enforcement field definitely feel the pressure to “get it right.” And I think that the vast, vast majority of the rank and file feel the same way, too. So, going back to the question, “Does one bad egg ( or incident ) reflect the rest of the force?” To this, I say unequivocally, “Absolutely not.” No field is perfect, and you will always have bad actors or unfortunate incidents. To some extent, and rightfully so, I think that law enforcement gets put under the microscope at a higher magnification due to the core elements of being representatives of the law who are charged with protecting the public and property and serving the citizenry. In terms of government agencies and performance, the criminal justice system/field needs to continue to evolve and change so that integrity and trust are maintained, and results are shown. The police and other law enforcement agencies are not “off-the-charts bad” when it comes to efficiency, decision-making, and leadership. Like any other government agency and oversight, some cases bring about muchneeded change and we all should agree that the law should apply to everyone equally, with law enforcement being held to the highest standard.
Over the past few years, there has been more interest in criminology and criminal justice programs—why do you think that is? The main thing that I see from students and those entering the criminology and criminal justice field is a desire to help make communities safer and our society a better place. The range of positions run the gamut from law enforcement to legal work to corrections and treatment to things like working with underserved or marginalized populations (e.g., children, impoverished, homeless, substance abusers, offenders looking to get back on the right path). Also, there is always the presence of preventing people from becoming victims of crime and to help them if they do end up being victimized. So, prevention and treatment efforts across the board and increased investigation/legal efforts are stressed in order that we have less crime to begin with, that the crime we do have is accounted for and there is a proper balance of treatment and justice for offenders in order to have less repeat offending in the future. Those who are looking at the field nowadays I think feel a bit more pressure to hold their positions with the highest level of integrity. Additionally, I feel some who have entered the field recently or are looking to enter the field in the future are also looking to be part of changing things for the better. For what it’s worth, I think now and going forward is a great time for going into the field.
During this past year, we updated our master’s degree program in CJ. Previously, it was known as the “Master of Science in Criminal Justice Administration.” It is now the “Master of Science in Criminal Justice Studies.” In general terms, we’ve made our curriculum more contemporary with a focus on not just the advanced pillars of the field, but also on contemporary issues that are entrenched in the criminal justice landscape today—ethics, research, civil rights, forensic psychology, terrorism, cybercrime and trauma and crisis intervention. The field is broadening from law and order to a sort of safety net for a host of social issues; those in the field, especially on the frontlines, are dealing with a wider array of matters than in the past. This also includes more emphasis on the front end (prevention efforts) and the back end (treatment and reintegration). We feel that our curriculum better reflects these shifts in the field. Lastly, on a practical note, a master’s degree gives students a leg up when they enter the field and during their careers. As things in the field open up as the mass exodus of the Baby Boomer generation continues to occur, advanced degrees will separate one from one's peers even more. For entry into the field, a master’s degree will often help in terms of being able to substitute for years of experience (e.g., common is equivalent to 2–3 years of experience). Then, once in the field, opportunities that require or desire a master’s degree will come up; moreover, advancement and promotion in certain fields can get pushed up or given advantages because of the advanced degree. As time goes on and one becomes more entrenched in one's career, a master’s degree in today’s work field is seen as a must if one is being considered for higher-level positions (e.g., director, supervisory, managerial). I feel that the “payback” or return on investment from obtaining a master’s degree is high in the long run for graduates; roughly a little over a year of studies will put the graduate in an advantaged position for the rest of their careers.
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STUDENT RECOGNIZED AS A
2021 RED CROSS VOLUNTEER HERO IN 2009, AN 8.1 MAGNITUDE EARTHQUAKE IN THE PACIFIC OCEAN GENERATED A MASSIVE TSUNAMI THAT ROARED ONSHORE IN AMERICAN SAMOA AND SAMOA WITH WAVE HEIGHTS OF UP TO 55 FEET. NEARLY 200 PEOPLE WERE LOST AND DOZENS OF HOMES AND BUILDINGS WERE DESTROYED. THE PRICE TAG OF THE DAMAGE EXCEEDED $200 MILLION.
TIMOTHY DUNSTAN, WHO GREW UP IN AMERICAN SAMOA, REMEMBERS THE UNFATHOMABLE SCALE OF DEVASTATION.
He also remembers the American Red Cross swooping in to help, bringing needed supplies, disaster management expertise and counseling support for families who had lost so much. He says the incredible work of the nonprofit, helping people when they needed it the most, inspired him to join the Red Cross as a volunteer himself when he moved to Hawai'i in 2017 to attend Chaminade University. And he’s stuck with it ever since, putting in hundreds of hours of volunteer work even as he completes the extensive studies needed to earn a double major in Psychology and Criminology and Criminal Justice. Dunstan, who is set to graduate in December, has responded to dozens of crises
and disasters for the American Red Cross. He’s helped families displaced by house fires and assisted in overseeing emergency shelter operations during several close calls from hurricanes and in the wake of major flooding. In 2020, after the fatal shooting of two Honolulu police officers and an intentionally set blaze that destroyed several homes in Diamond Head, Dunstan worked with impacted residents and served as a liaison between families and the police. Also last year, he helped a family from Alaska who had been stranded in American Samoa for three months because of the territory’s COVID-19 lockdown. The 22-year-old’s selfless work for the Red Cross has made him a hero to countless people.
And this year, he’s also been recognized as an American Red Cross of Hawaii “Volunteer Hero.” In naming him for the award, the nonprofit said Dunstan “embodies the heart of the Red Cross mission, stepping up to take the lead in a variety of casework” and easing the suffering of those in crisis. Dunstan, who was born in New Zealand, said his family has always contributed to the community. And so when he moved to the islands to attend Chaminade, he decided to “give it a go” as a Red Cross volunteer “and see if it fits.” He found a nonprofit that allowed him to serve the community in a powerful way. And at Chaminade, he found a university that supported that work. “A lot of our work is based on comforting clients. If people need help, we’re there,” Dunstan said. He added Chaminade’s mission of public service has not only helped drive him in his Red Cross volunteering, but has also inspired him to apply what he’s learning in the classroom—especially in psychology—to his service for the community. “Having someone who has lost everything be able to just say, ‘Thank you,’ it’s when you know you’ve made a difference,” Dunstan said. “It’s really something that opens your eyes to the world.” After graduation, Dunstan hopes to pursue a career serving others. He’s weighing potential options now, but says he may consider law school—to become a prosecutor—or seek a career in forensic psychology. In the meantime, he said, he also wants to get others involved with Red Cross work. So he’s working with other students to start a Red Cross club at Chaminade and is recruiting new participants now.
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Learning and Growing by Doing DR. LORIN RAMOCKI BELIEVES IN THE POWER OF LEARNING
AND GROWING—BY DOING.
THE SCHOOL OF NURSING AND HEALTH PROFESSIONS PROFESSOR HAS GOTTEN HIGH PRAISE FROM HER STUDENTS, COLLEAGUES AND COMMUNITY STAKEHOLDERS FOR HER INNOVATIVE USE OF SIMULATIONS—CENTERED AROUND HANDS-ON, PROJECT-BASED LEARNING—THAT HELP BRING HER CURRICULUM TO LIFE AND UNDERSCORE ITS RELEVANCY.
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“That’s what learning by doing really means— doing the real work to understand its many facets.” With clinical opportunities limited because of the pandemic, over the last academic year alone: • To prepare more than 60 Nursing students for work in COVID vaccination clinics, Ramocki created a mock clinic of her own and handed it over to participants to manage. Students learned about the varying roles at vaccination clinics, along with patient education and monitoring. • Ramocki created a mock homeless camp (complete with volunteer actors) on campus for a simulation that gave Nursing students vital experience “treating” patients who are living on the streets, coordinating care with a treatment team and overcoming barriers to helping them. • Ramocki even had students put on their public health detective hats for a fast-paced epidemiology “unfolding case study” that tasked them with working out the source of a simulated Hepatitis A outbreak with 25 mock patients, each with unique backstories. Dr. Rhoberta Haley, dean of the School of Nursing and Health Professions, said these types of simulations are obviously more engaging than lectures or rote memorization. And engaged students learn more. But their real power, she said, is in their immersive nature. In a simulation, students are embracing their roles as critical thinkers, as leaders and as team-based collaborators. “Every step of the way in these simulations, Dr. Ramocki is asking her students to apply what they’ve learned and then build on it as they also work with their peers—whether it’s puzzling out a public health problem that impacts an entire community or ensuring that a single patient gets quality care,” Haley said. “Her students
emerge from these simulations much more prepared for success.” Haley added that she is especially impressed with how Ramocki has stressed not only the key foundational elements of her curriculum in the simulations, but important soft skills—like how to work with a patient to understand their unique needs or how to overcome the stigma of homelessness. “That’s what learning by doing really means—doing the real work to understand its many facets.” Dr. Ramocki said that she designed the simulations to engage students and provide critical clinical hours during the COVID-19 pandemic. Placements in the community for Public Health Nursing clinical course students were limited in 2020, with strict health protocols in place, so Ramocki improvised. “I wanted to give students the best experience possible during this time period,” she said, “when we were restricted to providing clinical experiences only on campus.” And so innovation was born out of adversity.
Dr. Ramocki’s simulated homeless camp was especially intricate. The realistic camp was built on campus and included eight case studies, with “patients” who had divergent backgrounds, backstories and health issues that were representative of the broader homeless population. In addition to helping students consider the psychosocial, financial and common medical problems among homeless residents, it also sought to help students develop empathy and reduce stigma as they worked comprehensively to serve a unique and high-needs patient population. Dr. Ramocki also developed a tuberculosis clinic simulation that included modules for contact tracing, screening and testing, precaution protocols and various treatments. Each patient had a backstory that students had to sift through in order check them in assessment and triage them to the appropriate service. She said while the pandemic created the need for these simulations, she’ll continue to use them. After all, she’s gotten her own hands-on learning in creating the simulations and rolling them out.
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C O M M UN I T Y A ND PUB LIC H E ALT H :
Power to Help People Live Healthier Lives
THOSE AT THE FRONTLINES OF THE HEALTHCARE INDUSTRY DON’T JUST WORK IN HOSPITALS.
As the COVID pandemic has made clear, frontline professionals also include health navigators and coaches, nonprofit healthcare administrators, public health project managers and advocates, health data analysts, epidemiologists—and a long list of other experts seeking to build community health. In fact, healthcare that’s focused on prevention, health maintenance and access to care and delivered in the community is among the fastest-growing sectors of the industry, including in the islands, said Chaminade School of Nursing and Health Professions Associate Dean Dr. Pamela Smith. Smith said Chaminade is helping to meet that strong demand for community health with its unique Bachelor of Science in Community and Public Health, launched in Fall
2020. The innovative program has already attracted significant interest and is preparing graduates for a host of new opportunities. “Our community really needs community health workers,” said Smith. “They are trusted in our communities, which means patient outcomes are better. Because of that, there’s a significant demand for graduates with this degree and they are very employable after graduation.” Chaminade’s four-year Community and Public Health degree puts a strong emphasis on individualized instruction, hands-on learning, service to others in the community and mentorship. Students can choose from one of four specializations: Community Health Worker, Wellness Manager, Nonprofit Administration and Data Analytics,
all of which feature a strong foundation of knowledge. Smith, who oversees the program, said the specializations were designed following in-depth conversations with community stakeholders and significant research into Hawai'i’s healthcare needs. Each one gives students a host of potential career options or opportunities for further study. “For example,” Smith said, “as a patient care manager, you would be looking at medical records, communicating with the patient, communicating with support agencies to improve health outcomes and access to care. Or in data analytics, perhaps you’d be studying information from pedometers to make conclusions about broader trends and to find potential solutions to boost patient health.” “There are so many potential pathways to success,” Smith added. The degree also prepares students to take the national Certified Health Education Specialist exam. Participants in the Community and Public Health program complete foundational coursework in everything from human biology to science writing, and from bioethics to intercultural communication. Additional specialized study is offered in health disparities, the impact of environment on human health, organizational leadership and behavior and community-engaged computing and data analytics. Going forward, Smith hopes to continue to expand the program as it attracts more students, especially by extending networking opportunities and offering students additional service-learning experiences. “This program prepares students to work in the field of healthcare and public health outside of traditional patient care environments,” she said. “The simple truth is community and public health workers have the power to help people live healthier lives, reaching their fullest health potential.”
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WELCOMING THE INAUGURAL DOCTOR OF NURSING PRACTICE COHORT CHAMINADE’S NEW DOCTOR OF NURSING PRACTICE LAUNCHED THIS FALL, AND PARTICIPANTS WERE WELCOMED TO CAMPUS AS PART OF A HANDS-ON IMMERSION EXPERIENCE DESIGNED TO BUILD A STRONG FOUNDATION OF RELATIONSHIPS WITH THEIR PROFESSOR-MENTORS, ADVISORS AND PEERS.
The School of Nursing and Health Professions and Chaminade administration leaders were among those who offered their greetings to students in the immersion. The sessions will be held annually for each cohort, and this year’s schedule included campus tours, cultural experiences and a networking panel. Dr. Rhoberta Haley, dean of the School of Nursing and Health Professions, described the DNP as an innovative program designed to prepare students for the highest clinical levels of nursing—with a strong emphasis on leadership development and culturally informed practice for diverse communities. “There is a critical shortage of healthcare professionals in Hawai'i, including highly skilled nurses equipped to tackle diverse patient needs and help to oversee positive patient outcomes,” Haley said. “We know our DNP program will make a significant impact in the lives of Hawai'i residents.” As part of the DNP program, students choose from one of three concentrations: Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner or Post-Master’s Executive Leader. In her address to new students, President Lynn Babington, PhD, said she looks forward to watching the trajectory of their academic and professional careers. “I have deep respect for all of you for the commitment you have made for extending your education and working at the highest level possible in nursing,” she said. Babington added that what differentiates Chaminade’s Doctor of Nursing Practice is the University’s “partnership with our communities”— including with those that are traditionally underserved—and a team of faculty and advisors who offer support to students every step of the way in their degrees. The first cohort for the DNP program has over 20 students. They officially started on August 23, with instruction delivered fully online in addition to the in-person immersion sessions. The fully accredited program additionally challenges students to take on an action-based research project, pursuing an area of professional interest that would improve patient care.
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Healthcare Forum: Building a Healthy Community after COVID-19 CHAMINADE PRESIDENT LYNN BABINGTON, PhD, HOSTED AN ENGAGING AND TIMELY FORUM AT THE UNIVERSITY ON APRIL 6 TO EXPLORE THE POST-PANDEMIC HEALTHCARE NEEDS OF HAWAI'I’S COMMUNITIES, HOW INNOVATION CAN PLAY A ROLE IN ADDRESSING INEQUITIES IN CARE, AND WHAT TYPE OF HEALTHCARE WORKFORCE THE STATE SHOULD BUILD TO ADDRESS GAPS IN SERVICES AND ENSURE THE BEST OUTCOMES FOR PATIENTS AND THEIR FAMILIES.
The University’s School of Nursing and Health Professions organized the event— called “Looking Forward: Building a Healthy Community After COVID-19 — to mark National Public Health Week. Lt. Gov. Josh Green, an emergency room physician and Hawai'i’s COVID-19 Liaison, The Queen’s Health Systems President and CEO Dr. Jill Hoggard Green, Waimānalo Health Center CEO Dr. Mary Frances Oneha and Healthcare Association of Hawai'i President and CEO Hilton Raethel, tackled key questions as the event’s panelists. COVID’S EXPOSURE OF VULNERABILITIES
All of them agreed the pandemic exposed significant vulnerabilities in Hawai'i’s healthcare system, including a shortage of key medical professionals in disadvantaged and rural communities. The health impacts of COVID on the hardest-hit populations, they added, could be felt for years and years to come. But, said Dr. Jill Hoggard Green, there is reason for optimism. “As we step out of this, we have learned so much,” she said. “The innovation and
the ability for us to lean in—between government, business leaders, healthcare and all of our communities—has helped us demonstrate we can do so much more. We need the next generation and we need a lot of innovation.” Oneha added that it’s important to note that healthcare inequities don’t happen in a vacuum. Addressing social community needs, including unemployment, poverty, food insecurity, homelessness and education, is part of working to ensure healthier outcomes. Lt. Gov. Josh Green agreed that addressing the healthcare provider shortage is key to helping communities meet post-pandemic needs, and said the surge in telehealth services because of COVID-19 could be a real opportunity to expand access to care. “It’s particularly good that programs like Chaminade's are ramping us up and creating more nurses, nurse practitioners,” he added. Raethel said the healthcare system also needs more investment, including from government, and a renewed focus on preventative care centered around innovation. “We need to move in that direction. We need to invest in communities,” he said. “It’s a real challenge getting equal access to care.”
“The innovation and the ability for us to lean in—between government, business leaders, healthcare and all of our communities—has helped us demonstrate we can do so much more.”
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Row 1 : Dr. Lynn Babington, Lieutenant Governor Josh Green and Dr. Jill Hoggard Green Row 2 : Dr. Mary Frances Oneha and Hilton Raethel
P R E PA R I N G F O R T O M O R R O W
So how can the state prepare a healthcare workforce to meet Hawai'i’s needs today and tomorrow? Babington noted that the “team-based” model of care has shown the best outcomes, stressing collaboration between primary care physicians and other healthcare professionals, including nurses, mental health counselors or psychologists, specialists, and healthcare educators or coaches. Dr. Jill Hoggard Green also expressed support for the team-based model, saying that focus will be especially vital as Hawai'i healthcare organizations and their patients “catch up” on health screenings—for everything from cancer to diabetes—that were missed because of the pandemic. Oneha expressed similar concerns, pointing out that many families are also behind in childhood immunizations and wellness screenings and that health maintenance efforts also need to be addressed. “We need to be lifetime partners to individuals,” Green said. She noted the success of telehealth during the pandemic is a real high point—and a “dramatic opportunity for us to improve access” to underserved areas. Before the
pandemic, Queen’s was getting about 400 telemedicine visits a month. But in April 2020, that surged to 14,000. “We know we can use technology. I believe it’s one of our greatest opportunities.” Raethel also underscored the promise of telehealth in improving health outcomes and broadening access. “The pandemic has created these alternative ways of providing care. So many more people have tried telemedicine,” he said. “It really demonstrated how effective telemedicine can be.” I M P O R TA N C E O F H E A LT H C A R E PROFESSIONALS
In discussing how to improve health outcomes, Babington also touched on the importance of community health workers— health educators, coaches, advocates and others who serve as partners to patients and help support them “to achieve their highest level of wellness.” Oneha said those professionals are a vital part of the healthcare workforce. Healthcare information needs to be provided in a diversity of languages, she said, and delivered by trusted health partners. She said the community also needs to be part of the conversation—”and part of the solution”—
in discussions about expanding care and delivering innovations in health and wellness. During a question-and-answer session, the panelists tackled more elements of Hawai'i’s healthcare response to the pandemic and what the future could hold. One participant asked about the potential for burnout among healthcare workers on the frontlines of the pandemic and how to support them. Dr. Jill Hoggard Green, of Queen’s, said during the height of the pandemic healthcare workers were moving quickly to learn whatever they could about the disease, improve patient care and get all the necessary supplies. She held back tears as she recalled the “inspiring courage and great compassion” of healthcare teams who came into work, day after day, despite the personal health threats they faced. “When you think about the amount of pain and suffering our caregivers saw, of course there is a dramatic potential for burnout,” she said. “Most of our caregivers put all of their energy into taking care of the person.” Throughout the pandemic through today, she added, Queen’s has been providing a significant amount of mental health and other supports to its healthcare workers. “Our teams are working extraordinarily hard,” she said. I N V E S T I N G I N H AWA I ' I ’ S H E A LT H C A R E
Raethel added that while Hawai'i must expand access, invest in healthcare and embrace innovation, the state should also be proud of its response to COVID. Throughout the pandemic, Hawai'i has had the nation’s lowest infection and death rates. He noted that early estimates put the number of possible fatalities from COVID in the islands at between 2,000 and 8,000 in a year. Instead, Hawai'i is currently below the projection. He attributes that to the response of healthcare workers, mitigation measures and on a sense of community responsibility in the islands. “It’s one of the great things about Hawai'i: That sense of 'ohana, the aloha spirit,” he said, adding that gives him great hope for Hawai'i’s healthcare system in the future. “I believe a number of the issues that we’re talking about are solvable in the state of Hawai'i, whether it’s homelessness, whether it’s mental health. These are finite problems and there are solutions to these problems. It’s going to require collaboration and cooperation between the public and private sector, but there’s an incredibly strong desire to address these issues. We can make these things happen.”
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SCHOOL OF BUSINESS AND COMMUNICATION
RECEIVES REAFFIRMATION ACCREDITATION
IN MAY, THE INTERNATIONAL ACCREDITATION COUNCIL FOR BUSINESS EDUCATORS (IACBE) GRANTED REAFFIRMATION OF ACCREDITATION TO ALL CHAMINADE UNIVERSITY’S SCHOOL OF BUSINESS AND COMMUNICATION BUSINESS AND MANAGEMENT PROGRAMS FOR SEVEN YEARS.
“We are honored to have been granted reaffirmation of IACBE accreditation for seven years. It’s a testament to the School of Business and Communication’s rigor and high academic standards, and something only made possible by the incredibly hard work and dedication of our faculty, staff and students,” School of Business and Communication Dean Bill Rhey said. “The accreditation process is rigorous and includes not only a monthslong self-evaluation, but a comprehensive independent peer review. The reaffirmation of IACBE accreditation means our School is continuing to meet nationally recognized standards of academic quality and public accountability.” In achieving reaffirmation of accreditation, the School had to show it was meeting compliance standards with nine critical IACBE accreditation principles, including those dealing with quality assessment and advancement, resources for programs and innovation in business education. Chaminade President Lynn Babington said the reaffirmation of accreditation is incredibly well-deserved and underscores the School of Business and Communication’s commitment to providing a hub for excellent, relevant and innovative business and management education in the islands. “Across its undergraduate, graduate and certificate programs, the School of Business and Communication demonstrates an unwavering commitment to not only excellence but continuous improvement and growth,” Babington said. “Congratulations to the entire School for this, and special thanks to Dr. Rhey and his team for their tireless efforts to ensure quality programming while continuing to think outside of the box to meet existing and emerging community needs.” Indeed, the School of Business and Communication launched its new One Year MBA program in October. The innovative offering, with a hybrid schedule that includes Saturday instruction and online coursework, is geared toward working professionals seeking to take the next step in their careers. The program is built on a “business for good” philosophy that encourages community partnership. The School also offers a host of other programs, including undergraduate degrees in Business Administration, Communication, International Studies and more. Its traditional MBA program includes several timely concentrations—from Healthcare Administration to Science and Technology Innovation—that allow students to pursue their passions as they seek to maximize their positive impact.
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RADIO CUH RECEIVES GRANT IT’S A PLACE FOR STUDENTS TO FIND THEIR VOICE, FOR POETS TO SLAM, DJS TO JAM AND LOYAL LISTENERS TO TUNE IN. IN NOVEMBER 2011, RADIO CUH STARTED STREAMING 24/7 THANKS TO A HANDFUL OF PASSIONATE FACULTY MEMBERS AND STUDENTS WHO UNDERSTOOD THE VALUE OF AN INDEPENDENT COLLEGE RADIO STATION. NEARLY 10 YEARS LATER, THE STATION IS STILL GOING STRONG, BROADCASTING TO LISTENERS IN HAWAI'I AND AROUND THE GLOBE.
And now the station is also getting some national recognition. The College Radio Foundation recently named Radio CUH as a recipient of its Bret Grant Award, designed to help support college radio programming. The $2,000 grant can be used for equipment, licensing, continuing education or other expenses. Tom Galli, a senior lecturer in Communication at Chaminade, helps oversee the radio station’s management. He said Radio CUH was the brainchild of Communication Professor Cliff Bieberly. “The technology to do streaming music was really ramping up. An online-only radio station was a possibility,” Galli said. “It was also something that our students were interested in and would bring up.” After a few tests, Radio CUH was officially launched on November 15, 2011. The initial music library consisted of a few professors’ CD collections. At first, just a few students participated. Fast-forward a decade, and Radio CUH has a library of over 100,000 songs and is getting an average of 500 new songs a week from music distributors. It’s also gained a loyal following, with fans tuning in from as far away as Nevada and Micronesia to hear DJs take to the microphone. Galli described the station’s programming as “eclectic.” “Students play what they want. We have a wide range of genres, much of it very new,” he said in a recent interview. “Part of the promise of college radio is that there’s no commercial pressure, so the idea of adhering to consistency of programming is somewhat anathema to the ideal.” In addition to music, Radio CUH has teamed up with professors and departments on special projects. Every year, for example, the station partners with the English department to stream a slam poetry festival presented by Chaminade and Kaimuki High students. Several professors have also worked with the station on special pre-recorded readings of poetry or personal essays exploring certain topics. Galli said the number of student DJs fluctuates each semester. Students can participate in their free time or learn there as part of a three-credit elective ( COM 361 ). Prospective DJs can expect handson training on the system and a test to ensure they understand the responsibilities and liabilities the radio station is subject to. COM 361 is offered every semester. “College radio is supposed to be an alternative to commercial radio and our DJs embody that,” Galli said. The station’s DJs, he added, “can practice skills to make them more effective presenters, expand their musical horizons, record demo reels if they seek a career in broadcasting and have a good time.”
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Coming Home to Chaminade and Paying it Forward AS PART OF AN EFFORT TO OPEN THEOLOGICAL STUDIES TO MORE LAYPEOPLE,
CHAMINADE HAS SIGNIFICANTLY BROADENED ITS MASTER OF PASTORAL THEOLOGY
(MPT) PROGRAM TO INCLUDE OPPORTUNITIES FOR THOSE INTERESTED IN
EDUCATION, ETHICS, CAMPUS MINISTRY, PASTORAL COUNSELING AND OTHER DIRECT SERVICE POSITIONS.
The MPT master’s degree at Chaminade has traditionally been geared toward a diaconate track. But the program now welcomes those outside of that cohort—and is already seeing more students. Dr. Dustyn Ragasa, director of the Pastoral Theology master’s degree program, said difficult philosophical and ethical questions facing our communities have driven up interest in theological studies programs nationally. He added that the MPT program at Chaminade is individualized to each student, offering a diversity of pathways and a curriculum designed to promote personal growth. "Someone once told me that Hawai'i is not a melting pot, but a mixed plate,” Ragasa said. “Each culture’s specific contribution is not homogenized or boiled down to a set of common denominators, but preserved in their integrity so as to enrich through diversity. The MPT recognizes the specific gifts of culture that our students make to the learning experience. This kind of ‘mixed plate theology’ draws upon our heritages (and place-based theologies) so as to share them.”
F I N D I N G H I S WAY
Ragasa ‘07, who is also an assistant professor of Religious Studies at Chaminade, followed his own unique pathway to leadership at the University. He said he came to Chaminade a bit lost after dropping out of Waimea High School on Kaua'i and then completing his GED. On his first day on campus—as the first student in his family to ever attend college—he wasn’t sure if he would be able to “hack it.” “I thought, ‘I’m going to fail my first week.’ But the professors I had were so supportive from the beginning. When I was struggling, I knew they would be there,” he said, adding he was determined to succeed. And that’s exactly what he did—so much so that his professors encouraged him to pursue graduate studies and then helped him plot a course to a theology program on the mainland. “They identified strengths in me that I couldn’t see in myself,” Ragasa said. After graduating from Chaminade, Ragasa went on to earn a master’s degree from The Dominican School of Philosophy and Theology and a doctoral degree from the Graduate Theological Union. He said while earning his graduate degrees, he pledged to himself to use
all he was learning to do two things: “I knew I wanted to be of service to my community, and I knew I wanted to help other students.” And after receiving his doctoral degree, an opportunity at Chaminade just happened to open up. CHAMINADE HOMECOMING
He quickly applied, and Ragasa joined the Chaminade faculty in August 2019. For Ragasa, returning to Chaminade was an opportunity to give back—just as his mentors at the University offered guidance and inspiration to him. And he jumped at the chance to reimagine the MPT program, widening its scope and potential impact to bring in more students. He said he wanted to focus on helping MPT students apply what they were learning to real-life problems. He also wanted to integrate laypeople in the program with those on the diaconate track, creating a rich and robust dialogue and building relationships that last long after graduation. “Laypeople and candidates preparing for the diaconate learn side by side,” he said. “Contact with candidates helps laypeople to think more pastorally. Similarly, contact with laypeople helps candidates remain grounded, and many candidates will often learn from the academic insights of the lay students.” Ragasa is also looking for new ways to expand and enrich the program. M O V I N G T H E M P T P R O G R A M F O R WA R D
He said he’s interested in striking up partnerships with Chaminade’s Education and Data Analytics programs to offer Pastoral Theology students hands-on learning opportunities, such as in-classroom teaching experiences. And he wants to build relationships with theology programs on the mainland so that students who are interested could get the chance to study at another university for a semester. Whatever the additions, Ragasa is confident the program’s faculty members—who come from a diversity of academic backgrounds— will continue to provide a rich and individualized experience for each student that includes both robust academic study and direct service opportunities. With fieldwork and academic contemplation combined, he said, “It’s my hope that someone who reflects on theology will approach their ministry empowered by the intellectual tradition of the Church.”
MARYKNOLL SCHOOL TEACHER RECEIVES TEACHER OF THE YEAR AWARD From working late to offer one-on-one tutoring to incorporating exciting new digital tools into her classroom to inspiring students to be passionate about learning, Maryknoll School seventh-grade math and religion teacher Mary Jane Vannatta goes above and beyond to make sure her students succeed. And all that hard work hasn’t gone unnoticed, especially during the pandemic. For her selfless dedication to students and tireless mentorship to fellow educators, the 40-year veteran was named the 2021 Hawai'i Catholic Schools Teacher of the Year. After being honored in a virtual ceremony May 27, Vannatta received the award in person June 2. In addition to accepting the Golden Pineapple Trophy from Chaminade University, Vannatta was awarded $1,000 from John C. and Marilou Brogan through Chaminade, a one-year car lease from Aloha Kia and $1,000 in gas gift cards from Hele-Par Hawai'i. The Augustine Education Foundation also awarded $1,500 to Maryknoll School for faculty appreciation in recognition of Vannatta’s achievement. Nominators said Vannatta is a caring, loving educator whose world revolves around her students. One said that she incorporates a host of different tools to ensure students thrive in the subjects she teaches, including math. And during the pandemic, her workload increased exponentially as she learned new devices and programs to teach both distance learning and in-person students at the same time. What she doesn’t know how to do, the nominator said, she’ll figure out so she can help her students. Another nominator said Vannatta never hesitates to put in extra time for students—before school, after school and with remote help at all hours. If they need help, she’s there for them. And she’s done the same for her fellow educators, including as a mentor to new teachers and grade level chairperson. Vannatta is an active member of the broader school community and of her parish. And she can often be spotted at school events, many of which she has helped to plan. Vannatta is also a lifelong learner, frequently attending professional development opportunities and looking to improve her religion instruction. She has completed courses to reach the Master Catechist level as she seeks to help guide her students to be thoughtful, ethical citizens of strong moral character.
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PsyD Program Receives Maximum 10-Year Accreditation FOLLOWING A RIGOROUS MONTHS-LONG REVIEW, THE DOCTOR OF PSYCHOLOGY (PSYD) IN CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY DEGREE
PROGRAM HAS RECEIVED FULL ACCREDITATION FROM THE
AMERICAN PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION (APA) FOR TEN YEARS.
APA accreditation signifies Chaminade’s PsyD program meets the highest standards in psychology education, preparing students to successfully and ethically deliver psychological services to the community. “APA’s 10-year accreditation is an affirmation of the quality, rigor and academic support that we provide our students through Chaminade’s PsyD program, giving them the tools and resources that they will need to serve the mental and behavioral health needs of our communities,” said Chaminade President Lynn Babington. “Chaminade University is proud to offer the only APA-accredited PsyD program in the state, and is committed to partnering with our graduates as they expand access to evidence-based, culturally attuned psychological care. Like our community partners, we know that mental health is critical to overall health.” Babington added that the COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the critical need for quality psychological services in Hawai'i, especially in rural and under-resourced populations. “The PsyD program is built on Chaminade’s Marianist tradition of public service, and is part of a suite of academic offerings in mental health at Chaminade geared toward helping communities thrive,” Babington said. As part of APA accreditation, Chaminade’s PsyD program faculty members and administrators underwent an extensive self-study process, highlighting areas of excellence and opportunities for further growth and innovation. An accreditation team of professionals from across the US also conducted a thorough program review to ensure the University’s PsyD program meets rigorous standards. There are currently fewer than 70 PsyD programs in the US with full APA accreditation. Chaminade’s PsyD stresses experiential learning and cutting-edge, community-focused practical application. Students complete a fiveyear course of study in preparation for licensed clinical practice, with a curriculum that integrates hands-on application with theory and research. Students are also mentored to serve as practitioner-scholars and leaders who seek to drive positive change. Before graduation, students also complete at least 1,500 hours of clinical practicum and 2,000 hours of clinical internship held in a variety of settings, including community mental health centers, nonprofits, hospitals and psychiatric facilities. In addition to APA accreditation, the PsyD program is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.
For more information about the PsyD in Clinical Psychology program, visit chaminade.edu/psyd.
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CHAMINADE LAUNCHES SECOND CHANCE PELL PROGRAM FOLLOWING FEDERAL APPROVAL, CHAMINADE UNIVERSITY LAUNCHED ITS INNOVATIVE SECOND CHANCE PELL GRANT PROGRAM GIVING HĀLAWA CORRECTIONAL FACILITY INMATES AN OPPORTUNITY TO EARN AN ASSOCIATE’S DEGREE IN BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION.
While the Pell Grant will not fully cover the cost of tuition and fees, generous donations from Atherton Family Foundation, First Hawaiian Bank and Sidney Stern Memorial Trust to the University will help fill some of the financial gaps to make the program a reality for the students. As part of the initiative, inmates will be eligible for federal Pell Grants in order to seek the degree. The US Department of Education invited Chaminade to submit an application for its Second Chance Pell Experiment in January 2020, which waives Pell Grant restrictions for incarcerated students. And this spring, the federal government gave Chaminade the green light to move forward.
“We are proud to offer this new Second Chance program to incarcerated students at Hālawa Correctional Facility, giving them an opportunity to build their skills so they can seek to rebuild their lives,” said Dr. Janet Davidson, Chaminade’s vice provost of Academic Affairs. “We cannot thank our donors enough for their generous support of this program and are also incredibly appreciative of our strong partnership with the Hawai'i Department of Public Safety.” The program officially launched on August 23. Chaminade professors deliver instruction in a hybrid model—with in-person classes and supplementary learning through an online platform. In order to participate, the
professors are getting special training from the State so they can safely teach at the medium-security prison. The University is offering incarcerated students a significantly reduced tuition rate; with their Pell Grant awards, they will not be responsible for any out-of-pocket costs. Meanwhile, correctional staff are evaluating prospective students for college readiness using various reasoning assessments. The associate’s degree itself will be 60 credits, and take about two years to complete. In addition to completing their general education coursework, the students—attending full-time—will tackle Business Administration courses that cover everything from accounting to statistics to macroeconomics. “Students will move through the program as a cohort, graduating after two years with an associate’s degree in Business Administration,” Davidson said. “We are looking forward to working with this community to help them expand their skills so they can access new opportunities.”
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N OTA B L E S
Lynn Babington, PhD
Scott Schroeder, PhD
PRESIDENT
PROFESSOR, SCHOOL OF BUSINESS AND
Dr. Babington was interviewed on KHON2 discussing Chaminade’s in-person Spring Commencement—sharing her excitement about celebrating our graduates and the safety protocols that will take place before and during the ceremonies. She was also featured in Pacific Business News discussing Chaminade’s new Economic Education Center for Excellence. Before the start of the new academic year, KITV interviewed Dr. Babington to learn more about Chaminade’s preparations.
Dr. Schroeder was named Chair of the Board of Commissioners for the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE). His term is for two years. The IACBE Board of Commissioners is the independent accreditation decision-making body of the IACBE, and is responsible for determining the accreditation status of the business programs of its members.
COMMUNIC ATION
Allison Jerome
Pamela Smith, EdD, APRN-Rx, FNP-BC
VICE PRESIDENT, S TUDENT AFFAIRS AND
ASSOCIATE DE AN, SCHOOL OF NURSING
DE AN OF S TUDENTS
AND HE ALTH PROFESSIONS
Allison Jerome was featured on KHON2 news discussing Chaminade’s COVID vaccination incentives for all students— while the University didn't require students to be vaccinated, it was strongly encouraged. Students who provided proof of vaccination were entered into a drawing to win one of ten $500 cash prizes. In addition, for each student who provided proof of vaccination, Chaminade made a donation in their name to the Hawai'i Food Bank. Allison was also featured on Hawai'i News Now discussing the safety measures Chaminade is taking to ensure the health and wellbeing of the Chaminade community for the Fall Term.
DIREC TOR, DOC TOR OF NURSING
Katelynn Perrault, PhD ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR, SCHOOL OF NATUR AL SCIENCES AND MATHEMATICS
Dr. Perrault received the John B. Phillips Award at the annual International GCxGC Symposium. The award recognizes earlycareer researchers making significant achievements and advancements in the field of two-dimensional gas chromatography. She also was named 2021 Outreach Volunteer of the Year by the American Chemical Society for her work to organize National Chemistry Week events in Hawai'i.
PR AC TICE PROGR AM
Dr. Smith was featured in Pacific Business News’ “Educating Hawaii’s Nursing Workforce of Tomorrow” and Hawaii Business Magazine's “Taking Care of Business” section, where she discussed the launch of Chaminade’s Doctor of Nursing Practice program and the significant need to provide complex, highquality health care in Hawai'i.
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