At Chaminade University, being part of the community means more than attending classes. It’s about serving others, leading with integrity, and actively contributing to campus life. This year, the university proudly honors one student, one staff member and one faculty member who embody these values.
The Founders’ Award is presented to a student who lives out Marianist values through generosity, respect for others, and a strong spirit of faith. This year’s recipient is Easton DelaCruz a communication major who will graduate this year. DelaCruz is well known on campus for his willingness to help and his involvement in many school activities and programs. He generously volunteers his time and energy wherever it is needed.
“It felt like it came out of nowhere,” DelaCruz said. “But it’s nice to know that others have noticed the work I’ve done here at Chaminade not because I was working toward an award, but because I genuinely believe in being involved and giving back to the community.”
Dustyn Ragasa, recipient of the Chaminade Award, Abigail Hurgo, recipient of the Marianist Award, and Easton DelaCruz, recipient of the Founder’s Award, were honored at the Founders’ Mass on Wednesday, January 28, at Mystical Rose Oratory.
DelaCruz first started volunteering to meet a service requirement at Chaminade, but quickly discovered that the experience was about impact, connection and personal growth.
“It started off as a requirement, but then I realized it’s not about the hours. It’s about the impact of the service and how it makes you feel as a person” DelaCruz said. “I just fell in love with being there and being with other college students who are also going through the same things classes, stress, all the hassles of being a college student.”
He also says that making friends and connections is important in college.
“To make connections, you need to get involved. You can’t just stay home and expect to make friends playing Fortnite or Grand Theft Auto,” DelaCruz said. “Even if you’re feeling down, just go out and say hi to a stranger. That’s how it starts, and sometimes it carries on into real friendships.”
Growing up on a small island in the Pacific, DelaCruz never imagined he would one day be working in the nation’s capital. His internship in Washington, D.C., gave him the opportunity to represent his home and share the CNMI’s story on a national stage.
“Saipan is only 12 miles long and 8,000 miles away from DC,” DelaCruz said. “So, it was an incredible opportunity to represent a place most people my age back home never gets to represent.”
Father Marty, chaplain and special assistant to the president of Chaminade University, said the awards honor students who are making a meaningful difference.
“We look for people who typify what this university is about its identity, its mission,” Father Marty said. “People who are really good examples of what we hope to provide here at Chaminade.”
He also talked about how meaningful recognition can be.
“Any of us, when we do a good job at something, to be recognized and appreciated it’s a wonderful thing,” Father Marty said. “They’re just covered with love. People shower them with affection. It’s really a wonderful recognition.”
Father Marty said building community is also important. Bringing people together helps create a sense of belonging and support. It encourages students to learn from one another and grow both personally and academically.
DelaCruz hopes other students will take his example to heart. Even small acts of kindness or helping out in the community can make a big difference. Getting involved not only supports others but also helps students grow and learn new skills.
“College is harder than high school, but to ease your way in, just get involved. Start small, go to events during welcome week, say hi, and take that first step,” DelaCruz said. “Chaminade is such a small school, you see the same people every day … taking that first step to connect can make a big difference.”