In August 2025, Andrew Ancheta II was appointed as the new director of student engagement at Chaminade University.
This was a full-circle moment for the Maryknoll School and Chaminade alumnus, who began his journey with the university in 2017 as a first-year biology student.
“I’m definitely happy with where I’m at now and everything that’s led me to where I am today,” Ancheta said.
Ancheta, who originally thought he wanted a big university experience, didn’t even know Chaminade existed when considering colleges. It wasn’t until his mother was encouraged to consider the school by a faculty member that he scheduled a tour in 2016.
From then, Ancheta quickly fell in love with the campus and realized that is what he needed. He discovered that the close-knit community, supportive environment, and faith-centered values were what would help him grow.
“When I came here, I never realized that a small Catholic school in Hawaii was really what I needed,” Ancheta said. “I thought I wanted like a big university experience. But after coming to Chaminade, I realized that that’s what I really needed for myself.”
Pono Riddle, Chaminade’s director for Inclusive Excellence and Academic Success, saw Ancheta’s deep commitment during both their years as undergraduate students.
“He really immersed himself into what it meant to be a Marianist as a student, understanding the educational values, the charism, and how to carry it forward,” said Riddle, who graduated from Chaminade in 2018 with an undergraduate degree.
After graduating in 2021 with a Bachelor of Science in Cellular and Molecular Biology, Ancheta tackled the uncertainty of life after college, commonly found with many college graduates, by deciding to stay at Chaminade and becoming an admissions counselor.
“I was a bit stuck, and I was a bit lost,” Ancheta said. “After a lot of conversations with trusted mentors, friends, family, and a lot of prayer, I decided to stay in Hawaii and stay at Chaminade.”
From working in the Office of Admissions, he moved to the then Office of Student Activities and Leadership (OSAL), where he served as an activities coordinator. With his prior involvement with campus clubs and student government during his undergraduate studies, the director of OSAL approached him about the role.
This opportunity sparked a passion for student affairs, a field that Ancheta had previously considered. He saw the position as a potential calling.
Following an office name change to the Office of Student Engagement, Ancheta’s title evolved to student engagement coordinator. He was eventually promoted to assistant director before receiving his big promotion as the new director.
As a 26-year-old director, he sees both advantages and challenges.
“Being younger is a double-edged sword,” Ancheta said. “Students definitely connect with me easier, but it can also make navigating the professional space more challenging. Still, I think it’s more of a pro than a con.”
Riddle also shared this sentiment, considering Ancheta a pioneer.
“Whether he intends to or not, he’s a pioneer as a young leader,” Riddle said. “Being an alum, he understands what students want to see in programming, in the student center, and across campus.”
Ancheta’s vision for his new role is one of transparency and connection, a strategy aimed at addressing previous issues and better serving students. He believes that being a front-facing director will help students feel more comfortable and connected to the office. This approach is a shift from previous directors who were less visible.
“If people [students] can feel they connect with the director, then they’ll easily be able to connect with the rest of my team,” Ancheta said. “I want student engagement [the office] to be the heart of Chaminade, the place where people can come and be themselves, learn, and develop. Just like the heart pumps life into the body, our office pumps spirit into the campus.”
Alexia Eleccion, a third-year student worker for the Office of Student Engagement, has witnessed Ancheta’s leadership. She praised his professionalism, strong work ethic, and approach of connecting with the campus community.
“He treats all students with respect and takes the time to get to know them rather than brushing them off as another passerby,” Eleccion said. “His dedication to building relations between his staff, co-workers, and other departments is very respectable. He is always on the go.”
Ancheta is also a Marianist Education Associate, someone who participates in a one-year formation where faculty and staff of Marianist universities deepen their Catholic identity through reflections, shared insights, readings, and an ongoing commitment to the Marianist education traditions and values.
Reflecting on his eight-year journey as both student and staff here at Chaminade, Ancheta expressed deep gratitude to the university.
“Every time I thought about leaving Chaminade, an opportunity presented itself here that kept me,” Ancheta said. “Looking back, I think it was the best decision for me, choosing to stay at Chaminade. I love this school.”