Spring 2009 - Issue 5

The Silversword: Home > Chaminade Life > Farewell to Our Graduating Seniors

Farewell to Our Graduating Seniors

Aurora Aguila, Op-Ed Editor

As the Fall Commencement approaches I sat down with four graduating seniors and asked them about their time at Chaminade.

Nicole Titus

Age: 22
Hometown: Tracy, California
Major: Forensic Science
Minor: Chemistry, Biology, Criminal Justice

How many years have you attended Chaminade?
Four and a half.

What was your favorite event/activity you attended at Chaminade?
Undoubtedly, the Awakening Retreats were my favorite activity here. I went on Awakening 16 and have staffed the last 6. So much FUN STUFF!

What was your favorite class/professor? Why?
I have many amazing professors at Chaminade, but I'd have to say that my favorite class was Microbiology with Professor Domen. I learned many laboratory techniques and I had a lot of fun.

What are you planning to do after you graduate?
I hope to work with Teach For America for the next two years while I apply to medical schools.

Any last words to incoming freshmen or seniors graduating in the Spring?
To any one who is lucky enough to still have time at Chaminade I hope you make your time here memorable. Get involved in as many different communities on campus as possible. There are a lot of opportunities at this school.

Ellen McCormick

Age: 21
Hometown: Seattle, Washington
Major: Religious Studies
Minor: Environmental Studies

How many years have you attended Chaminade?
Three years.

What was your favorite event/activity you attended at Chaminade?
That is easy. Awakening Retreat. It is the best thing in my opinion that Chaminade offers and it changed my experience here for the better in so many ways.

What was your favorite class/professor? Why?
It is a tie between Dr. Gail and Dr. Steiger. They are both incredible teachers, who are extremely easy to talk to and were always more than happy to help me with anything I came to them with. They both really care about what they teach and I am so thankful that they continued to challenge me throughout my years here.

What are you planning to do after you graduate?
I am moving back to Seattle to shadow a teacher at my high school and depending on how that goes, next fall I will either be teaching while attending graduate school or I will be participating in a volunteer program for a year and starting graduate school after that. Plans are pending, but at least I know where I am headed.

Any last words to incoming freshmen or seniors graduating in the Spring?

Three things. GO ON AWAKENING RETREAT! Also, consider spending a semester at University of Dayton, trust me, it is something you don’t want to miss. And finally, enjoy it while you can because it really does go by fast.

Anna Gronewold

Age: 21
Hometown: Ackley, Iowa
Major: Historical and Political Studies

How many years have you attended Chaminade?
Two and a half years.

What was your favorite event/activity you attended at Chaminade?
Not one certain event comes to mind, but I have enjoyed all of my time spent here. The atmosphere at Chaminade is something I definitely would never have been exposed to had I stayed home for college.

What was your favorite class/professor? Why?
I think this is a tie. I took a class with Dr. Anderson called Renaissance and Reformation. The material was very interesting and relevant to modern history; Dr. Anderson is a wonderful professor and lecturer. I also enjoyed all of Dr. Yamasaki's classes!

What are you planning to do after you graduate?
I plan on moving back to the Midwest to be near my family. As far as my career goes, I plan to go on to graduate school to become certified to teach history.

Any last words to incoming freshmen or seniors graduating in Spring?

I would just say to embrace your education, and keep it with you always. Nothing is more important in today's world. President Obama recently said, "The currency of today's economy is knowledge."

Dan Mannell

Age: 24
Hometown: Pelham, New Hampshire
Major: Criminal Justice

How many years have you attended Chaminade?
Five years.

What was your favorite event/ activity you attended at Chaminade?
Chaminade’s Awakening Retreat each semester.

What was your favorite class/professor? Why?
Criminal Investigation- Ron Becker
I learned a lot and it was interesting at the same time.

What are you planning to do after you graduate?
Moving back to the mainland, finding a job. Listening for the Holy Spirit to lead me in the future (it may be moving back to Hawaii).

Any last words to incoming freshmen or seniors graduating in the Spring?
Everything is good in small doses. Work hard, play hard; not too much of either.