Spring 2009 - Issue 5

The Silversword: Home > Chaminade Life > Xmas Comes Early for Chaminade

Xmas Comes Early for Chaminade

Shannon Sadler, Staff Writer

Chaminade University announced on Nov. 25, that Dr. Edison Miyawaki, a member of Chaminade’s Board of Regents, has pledged a gift of $5 million to Chaminade’s new nursing program.

The program will be called the Sallie Y. Miyawaki School of Nursing, in honor of Dr. Miyawaki’s late wife.

This is the first time Chaminade has received a gift that endows a program at the university, and it is the second-largest gift to ever be donated by an individual.

Sallie Yashiki Miyawaki was a dedicated mother, grandmother and a beloved wife of 51 years. She completed her nursing education and graduated with her registered nurse degree from the Queen’s Hospital School of Nursing.

Mrs. Miyawaki worked as a nurse at various Mainland hospitals and achieved supervisory positions at institutions such as the Beth Israel Hospital in Boston, Mass. When Mrs. Miyawaki returned to Hawaii, she earned a certification as a nursing home administrator.  She was a fellow member of the American College of Nursing Home Administrators as well as the Healthcare Association of Hawaii.

“The gift is a tribute to her as an expression of our love and in her memory,” said Dr. Miyawaki about his wife who passed away on Oct. 16, 2007.

Chaminade is preparing to introduce its new Bachelor of Science degree in nursing in Fall 2010.