Students chanted their "mahalo" song and shared their deep aloha for Brother.
About 400 people attended the luau tribute for the president of Chaminade University this April. They were not there for the food, though the food was delicious and abundant. They were not there for the entertainment, though the performances were outstanding and lively.
They came to celebrate Bro. Bernard Ploeger, S.M. and to give thanks for the decades of service he has given Chaminade. They came to show him their love and aloha, to share their memories and even shed some tears.
As a Marianist and as the university' president, he has touched thousands of lives. Not only has the campus been transformed under his leadership, but the lives of students, colleagues, friends and supporters have been transformed, thanks to the positive difference he has made at Chaminade.
On the lawn in front of Sullivan Family Library, students presented a myriad of cultural offerings of dance and song. The lawn and the library did not exist when Bro. Ploeger first arrived. There were just thorns, bramble, dirt and rocks, and the campus looked “used up.” He helped shepherd the Chaminade community out of harsh valleys into better times.
Today, Chaminade University is a vibrant, forward-thinking university with one of the most diverse student populations in the nation, and the campus grounds and facilities are top-of-the-line.
A modest man, Bro. Ploeger will humbly tell you how grateful he is to have been here. However, echoing throughout the evening, the message came in loud and clear from the Chaminade 'ohana: “It is we who are grateful.”
Mahalo, Bro. Bernie.
On behalf of all the students, Anthony Lamorena, president of the Chaminade Student Government Association (CSGA), presented a Mahalo tribute certificate to Bro. Ploeger at the luau.
Students with Brother
Lots of hugs from lots of gratitude
Helen Turner (dean of Natural Sciences and Mathematics) and Mrs. Henry Gomes showed their appreciation with lei and hugs.
A grateful Yukio Ozaki, a professor of Fine Arts, has known Brother for decades.
Brother with Patricia Lee-Robinson (associate provost)
Kitty Wo worked with Brother in the transformation of the campus, especially in the development of the Sullivan Family Library.
Fr. Martin Solma, S.M. (Chaminade chancellor) and Bro.Ploeger
Bro.Ploeger took in the applause with quiet humility and gratitude.
Everyone cheered the president as he was recognized.
Chaminade president-elect Lynn Babington and out-going president Bro. Bernard Ploeger, S.M.
