$4.5 million grant will aid Chaminade renovation, construction projects
By Beverly Creamer
Advertiser Education Writer
Chaminade University of Honolulu has landed the biggest grant in its 48-year history: $4.5 million that will be used for significant improvements, including its first student union.
The grant from the Atlantic Philanthropies Foundation will be administered over two years. It's the second grant in seven years from the Bermuda-based foundation that underwrites programs internationally, for a total gift of $8.6 million.
"We're still walking on clouds," said Chaminade President Sue Wesselkamper.
The latest grant allows the Kaimuki campus of 1,050 to move forward even faster on its long-range master plan to complete the renovation of buildings that date to 1955, and plan for a future that projects 500 more students over the next eight years.
Along with creating a student union in the back portion of Freitas Hall, the school will repair three roofs; renovate plumbing and electrical wiring in Henry Hall, the main classroom building; clear more upper campus space for new parking areas; and beef up equipment for the modest new drama program.
Planning for the student union or lounge area will be done in consultation with a student committee, said Wesselkamper. The space could include a large-screen TV, lounge furniture and computers, depending on what students decide.
"Now that we have the grant, we can actually begin planning," Wesselkamper said.
"What's been wonderful about this grant is it's an affirmation of Chaminade," she added. "They recognize we're a small university and have a distinctive niche and can provide a lot of individual attention to students. And like many universities, we don't have a big endowment."
Wesselkamper said the next major goal is renovation of the science labs before a new $30 million fund-raising effort is launched for a combination university center, new library and information technology center.
Further down the road, the master plan includes a 300-car parking structure to be shared with Saint Louis School, and added dorm space, in a three-story, low-rise style that doesn't block neighbors' view.
Atlantic Philanthropies has donated to several other small universities, recognizing that such gifts can have a substantial impact on building long-term institutional capacity.
"The award of this grant was a reflection of how Chaminade has stewarded the past grants, and how it has helped attract other gifts, grants and donations," said Ted Hullar of Atlantic Philanthropies.
"The grant is confirmation of Chaminade's strategic plan and an affirmation of the work of the Chaminade community."
Chaminade educates many first-generation college students and families of modest means.
At the beginning of Wesselkamper's term in 1995, the university received a gift of $4.3 million from the Marianist Center of Hawai'i that eliminated operating debt. An additional $13 million in gifts and grants have come in since, and $9 million in infrastructure projects have been completed.
Reach Beverly Creamer at bcreamer@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8013.
