The university dedicates the three-story Sullivan Family Library

By Patrick Downes | Hawaii Catholic Herald

“Isn’t this a great day!” beamed Sue Wesselkamper, president of Chaminade University of Honolulu, as the applause faded at the close of the ceremony dedicating the school’s new three-story, 30,000 square foot library.

The Sullivan Family Library was officially ushered into service on April 25 with a happy hour-long event that had the appropriate look of a graduation. Professors, regents and administrators dressed in academic robes marched into the massive building’s second floor where the book shelves made way for several hundred folding chairs facing a podium.

Students and friends of Chaminade, sitting and standing, filled the rest of the room.

The speeches, short and upbeat, were emceed by the chairman of the board of regents, R.J. “Zap” Zlatoper.

Bishop Larry Silva, in miter and cope, offered a reflection on Chaminade’s motto “Vita in Verbo” and led a prayer of blessing.

Addressing the crowd, Wesselkamper said the library was a “symbol of the transformation that has taken place at Chaminade,” not only physically, but academically.

The $14.8 library capped that university’s “Transformations” capital campaign which raised $61 million, decisively topping the $50 million goal set two years ago.

In the ceremony’s spotlight were the two major donors that made the library possible — Joanna Lau Sullivan, the wife of the late benefactor Maurice Sullivan, and members of her family, and Atlantic Philanthropies.

Atlantic Philanthropies was represented by Conor O’Clery, the biographer of Chuck Feeney, the founder of the worldwide charitable foundation.

Lt. Gov. James “Duke” Aiona, whose daughter attends the university, said the library symbolized for him the Marianist tradition of education and service.

Representing the two groups the library will serve the most were faculty senate president Dr. Gail Grabowsky and student government president Christopher Tavares. In a funny exchange, they praised the new buildings many noteworthy features from the six study rooms to the smell of fresh carpet to the “golden silence” produced by its modern acoustics.

“The library makes the students want to think,” grinned Tavares. “And learn.”

Speaking of benefactor Chuck Feeney, O’Clery said that, when the philanthropist wants to give away money, he “looks for good leadership and a good partner.”

He found both at Chaminade, O’Clery said.

Wesselkamper presented Joanna Sullivan and O’Clery with “keys to the library” and the dedication ended with performances by Chaminade’s Celtic, Samoan and Hawaiian dance troupes and two Chinese lions from the Gee Yung Lion Dance Company.