Chaminade University of Honolulu: A Comprehensive Overview
Chaminade University of Honolulu stands as a beacon of Marianist education in the heart of Hawaii. Founded in 1955, this private institution has grown from its humble beginnings as a junior college to a comprehensive university offering a diverse range of undergraduate and graduate programs. Rooted in Catholic values and committed to fostering a close-knit community, Chaminade provides students with a unique educational experience that emphasizes both intellectual and personal growth.
Historical Foundation and Marianist Tradition
Chaminade University's story began with five Marianists who sought to establish a Catholic institution of higher learning in Hawaii. In 1955, St. Louis Junior College opened its doors to thirty young men. Just two years later, the institution expanded into a four-year, co-educational college and adopted the name Chaminade College, honoring Father William Joseph Chaminade, the founder of the Society of Mary (Marianists). The Society of Mary is a religious order of brothers and priests following in the vision of Father William Joseph Chaminade. Since Father Chaminade believed schools were instrumental in changing society, Marianist schools today focus on the education of the whole person, realizing the importance of both faith and reason, and preparing students for entry into their chosen careers.
The university's commitment to serving the community was evident early on. In 1967, Chaminade established an evening session to accommodate adults with business, family, and military responsibilities seeking to pursue a college degree.
The campus itself has a rich history. The iconic Spanish Mission-inspired buildings of Clarence T.C. Ching Hall, Eiben Hall, and Henry Hall have been landmarks for nearly a century. Many features of the campus, like the E Komo Mai Circle and statue of Father Chaminade, have been fixtures since the first students of Saint Louis School arrived in 1928. During World War II, the campus served as a temporary hospital, hosting the Army’s 147th General Hospital for five years, before resuming classes in January 1946.
Academics and Rankings
Chaminade University of Honolulu offers bachelor's degrees in 23 fields of study and 5 master's degree programs. The university is organized into several schools, including:
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- School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics
- School of Business and Communication
- School of Humanities, Arts and Design
- School of Education and Behavioral Sciences
The university also offers a B.S. Nursing Program.
Chaminade University of Honolulu is ranked No. 38 in Regional Universities West and No. 23 in Best Value Schools. The student-faculty ratio at Chaminade University of Honolulu is 12:1, fostering a personalized learning environment. The university utilizes a semester-based academic calendar.
Campus Life and Student Activities
Chaminade University's main campus is located in Kaimuki, Honolulu, at the base of St. Louis Heights. The campus spans 65 acres. Chaminade University is primarily a commuter campus. Over the past ten years, the campus has undergone a tremendous transformation, expanding facilities and updating the technical infrastructure to include the Sullivan Family Library and the Dr. and Mrs. Lawrence K.W.
Chaminade students have the opportunity to participate in a variety of clubs and organizations, with over 30 clubs represented on campus. Clubs include student government, clubs for specific majors, and a variety of cultural clubs.
Chaminade offers on and off campus housing facilities for approximately 400 students. On-campus dorms include Hale Lokelani, Hale Pohaku and Keiffer Hall. Keiffer Hall is the only single sex dorm, offering housing for first-year and upper-year women. Hale Lokelani and Hale Pohaku are co-ed, suite style dorms available to first-year students (freshman status). Off-campus dorms are apartment style living facilities with full kitchens and living rooms. The off-campus dorms are intended for upper class students and are within a mile from campus.
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Athletics
Chaminade University of Honolulu competes in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division II as a member of the Pacific West Conference. Chaminade University fields teams in baseball, basketball, cross country, golf for men, softball, tennis, and volleyball for women. In the fall of 2006, men's and women's soccer were added, as well as women's basketball.
One of the most notable victories in Chaminade University’s athletic history occurred in basketball. The university’s basketball team, the Silverswords, defeated the top-ranked Virginia Cavaliers 77-72 in 1982.
Financial Information
The school's tuition and fees are $31,918. Forty-one percent of first-year students receive need-based financial aid, and the average net price for federal loan recipients is $27,738. The four-year graduation rate is 55%. Six years after graduation, the median salary for graduates is $48,660. Chaminade University offers an experiential learning experience and a generous financial aid program, with nearly $15 million awarded to more than 97% of our undergraduate students.
Marianist Values in Practice
As the only Catholic University in Hawaii, and one of three Marianist higher-education institutions in the US, Chaminade University is guided by the understanding that both reason and faith are essential conditions in the pursuit of truth. The university emphasizes critical thinking and creative problem solving while mentoring students in more than 25 undergraduate and graduate programs in the fine arts and humanities, sciences and mathematics, behavioral sciences, business and communication, education, and nursing.
Chaminade's commitment to its Marianist mission is evident in its approach to education, which focuses on developing the whole person - mind, body, and spirit. The university encourages students to think deeper, to re-imagine, to question, and to push the limits. Education isn’t just about acquiring knowledge, but about fostering-and nurturing-character. Chaminade provides a host of outlets for spiritual guidance, expression and growth. Wherever students are in their spiritual journey, they stress service to others in an education rooted in Marianist traditions.
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With an emphasis on transformative service-learning experiences, Chaminade prepares students to serve as tomorrow’s leaders, inspiring and challenging them to use their minds and their hearts to help build stronger and more just communities.
CIFAL Honolulu Center
CIFAL Honolulu Center is part of the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR). It is the 23rd international training and research center of the CIFAL Global Network and the only center located in the Pacific Region.
Future Outlook
Chaminade University takes great pride in maintaining Marianist educational traditions in the face of modern change. The university recognizes the importance of preparing students for the challenges and opportunities of the future. Chaminade University takes great pride in maintaining Marianist educational traditions in the face of modern change, and arguably no modern invention has challenged this mission more than artificial intelligence or AI.
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