Clarence T.C. Ching Foundation awards $5 million to Chaminade University

Community website by MBC/Ernest Abrams. Call 808-739-9797 for advertising/sponsorship#KaimukiHawaii Community website by MBC/Ernest Abrams. Call 808-739-9797 for advertising/sponsorship#KaimukiHawaii

Kaimuki, Hawaii
News Item
Powered by MBC NewsMaker
Clarence T.C. Ching Foundation awards $5 million to Chaminade University
Tweet

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact: Kapono Ryan
(808) 735-4797 or cell (808) 429-2972
View Profile

Clarence T.C. Ching Foundation awards
$5 million to Chaminade University

HONOLULU - September 2, 2008 The Clarence T.C. Ching Foundation (Foundation) today awarded Chaminade University (University) a $5 million matching grant, one of the largest grants received by the university. The grant award is for renovations to Freitas Hall, which will be renamed the Clarence T.C. Ching Hall, and is the centerpiece of the five original campus buildings, dating back to the 1920s.

"We appreciate the support provided by the Clarence T.C. Ching Foundation, and in recognition of Clarence T.C. Ching's generosity and Chaminade legacy, we are naming this hall Clarence T.C. Ching Hall," said Wesselkamper. "The Clarence T.C. Ching Hall will also be home to the Freitas Administrative Center, the Loo Theatre and the Vi and Paul Loo Student Center."

In 2004, use of Freitas Hall was assigned to the University. At that time, Chaminade's Board of Regents approved a plan to renovate the mauka portion of the facility into what is now the Loo Student Center, Loo Theater, Campus Ministry, Brothers' Brew and needed support space and new classrooms. Work in the makai portion of the building had been left in limbo. Now that funding has been secured, renovations in the second half of the building can be completed.

"This grant could not come at a better time," said Chaminade President Sue Wesselkamper, noting that a section of the roof had recently caved in just weeks ago due to extensive termite infestations and water damage. "The planned improvements in the makai portion of the building include renovations to the offices of admission, business, financial aid, records and personnel. We are extremely grateful to the Clarence T.C. Ching Foundation as well as the grants and gifts of donors who provided the matching funds."

The late Clarence T.C. Ching, developer, realtor, banker, affordable housing pioneer, and philanthropist, established the Clarence T. C. Ching Foundation in 1967 to support charitable and eleemosynary organizations in Hawaii. Born and raised on the island of Kaua'i, Ching was a visionary individual who came from a modest upbringing. His father worked hard as a rice farmer to provide a good education, sending his sons to Saint Louis School.

Clarence T.C. Ching received an honorary degree from Chaminade University in 1969. The Clarence T.C. Ching Conference Center officially opened in 1999 in recognition of his major gift supporting the renovation of Eiben Hall. The Clarence T.C. Ching Foundation has also been a major supporter of Chaminade students through the provision of the Clarence T.C. Ching Endowed Scholarship Fund, as well as to the institution by way of its generous gifts towards campus and classroom development.

"Clarence T.C. Ching had a passion for Marianist educational values. He was a long time supporter of Chaminade University and believed in its mission of providing access for students to a quality education," said Peter Ng, trustee for the Clarence T.C. Ching Foundation.

Celebrating more than 50 years of educating students for life, service and successful careers, Chaminade University is a Catholic/ Marianist university offering programs of study grounded in the liberal arts with day, evening, online and accelerated courses. Chaminade is also a Native Hawaiian / Pacific Islander serving institution with its main campus located at 3140 Waialae Ave., Honolulu, HI 96816, and 10 satellite locations around Oahu. Chaminade University is a member of the U.S. Green Building Council and looks forward to increased opportunities to promote environmental sustainability. For more information, visit the Chaminade Web site at www.chaminade.edu or call (808) 735-4711.

Grant Amount: $5 Million (matching grant)
Purpose: The grant will be used to upgrade and renovate what has been known as Freitas Hall, one of the original buildings on Chaminade University's campus.
Naming: The building is now renamed as the Clarence T.C. Ching Hall. We will honor the former namesake of the building through the naming of the new Freitas Administrative Center. The building will continue to house the Marianist Center of Hawaii, the Paul and Vi Loo Student Center and the Paul and Vi Loo Theater.

Key Benefits the Grant Will Provide:
** Improved Service to our students and community partners through internal realignment of our departments;
** Increased sustainability through elimination of inefficient floor space, highceilings, outdated lighting and air conditioning We will focus on energy conservation and reduced operating cost,
** Upgraded infrastructure to extend the useful life of the facility; and
** Flexible floor plans, which can be easily and efficiently modified for future needs.

Mauka Renovation (completed in 2006): 13,300 square feet (includes the student center, theater and campus ministry)
Makai Renovation (through Ching Grant): 15,000 square feet

###

Questions? Ready for an appointment?

Like Our Facebook

Kaimuki, Hawaii News Item

Kaimuki, Hawaii
News Item