Chaminade University of Honolulu welcomed Marianist Brother Edward Brink as its new rector on July 1.
Brother Brink was a regent for Chaminade from 2007 to 2015. During that term, he also served as assistant for education for the Marianists’ U.S. province, a role in which he managed relationships with three universities run by the order: Chaminade, University of Dayton and St. Mary’s University-San Antonio.
He worked as well with schools sponsored by the Society of Mary — such as Honolulu’s Saint Louis School — in cultivating programs for teachers and administrators. Brother Brink has been a member of the Marianist provincial council and a Saint Louis School board member.
Chaminade University president, Marianist Brother Bernard Ploeger, described Brother Brink’s “faithfulness as a Marianist educator” as “exemplary.”
“He has a heart for the ongoing process of faith formation for everyone — our faculty, staff, administration and students,” Brother Ploeger said. “I have no doubt that he will continue to help create a community of shared purpose.”
Brother Brink brings to Chaminade a wide range of experience that aligns well with his new responsibilities as rector. At the University of Dayton, he served as director for the Center for Catholic Education and the Lalanne program. He taught there as an adjunct instructor from 1999 to 2007.
His early career began at Chaminade Julienne Catholic High School in Ohio as a teacher and part-time campus minister in the 1980s. Brother Brink later became the school’s director of faculty and staff development, then principal from 1994 to 1998. He was recognized in 1991 as one of the top 10 teachers in Catholic schools with the “Valued Excellence Award” from the Miami Valley Education Council.
Brother Brink earned a master of arts degree in private school administration from the University of San Francisco. He received his Ohio teaching certificate from University of Dayton. He received as well a bachelor of technology in environmental engineering technology. He has contributed to 10 entries in “Catholic Schools in the United States: An Encyclopedia.”
Marianist Father George Cerniglia, Chaminade’s previous rector, will continue to serve as the university’s chaplain and as a member of the campus ministry team. Father Cerniglia is also area coordinator for the Marianists in Hawaii and director of the Hale Malia community.
