The Marianist Province of the United States has given Chaminade University of Honolulu $1.5 million to create a center that will offer a four-year leadership development program for undergraduate students. Launching this fall, the Marianist Center for Student Leadership will be an educational hub with curricula based on Marianist, Catholic and Hawaiian values, and the principles of ethical leadership.
In a news release, Chaminade president Lynn M. Babington said the Center for Student Leadership “will deliver a core set of content and experiences through which students will learn about leadership models and develop the skills they need to positively impact and transform the world around them.”
The program will give students the opportunity to practice effective, ethical leadership as students, as citizens in civic life and community service, and in their future careers.
Babington said the center will bring consistency and a “cohesive leadership philosophy” to the university’s existing leadership opportunities in the areas of campus ministry, athletics, entrepreneurship, residential life, student ambassador programs, student government and peer tutoring.
The initiative “will groom our students for their post-graduate careers and to serve their communities,” she said.
Students who complete the four-year program will earn a certificate of leadership development.
The Society of Mary (Marianists) founded Chaminade University in 1955 and continues as its sponsor. Providing a well-rounded education, including leadership development, is central to the Marianist mission.
This gift honors the 200th anniversary of the founding of the Society of Mary in 1817 by Blessed William Joseph Chaminade in Bordeaux, France.