Giving Report
4
A Message of Thanks
From the Board of Trustees
What a great time to serve among
the leadership for Siena Heights
University! Enrollment is up; the
budget is balanced; and gift totals
are exceeding goals.
I am impressed with the numbers of
persons, from all walks of life, who
congratulate us on our University
status and who want to know more
about Siena Heights. We have
sparked their interest.
I am impressed with the dedication
of faculty, staff— and students—
who fulfill the mission of Siena
Heights: assisting people to become
more competent, purposeful and
ethical through a teaching and
learning environment which respects
the dignity of all.
And I am impressed with the
caliber of strength and commitment
demonstrated by our Board of
Trustees who give generously of
their time, knowledge, special skills,
and resources. I am proud to stand
with my colleagues to promote
quality higher education in the
tradition of the Adrian Dominican
Sisters.
Last but not least, I am impressed
with, and inspired by, the hundreds
of graduates and friends who have
chosen to support this great
institution. To all of you whose
names make up this Giving Report,
I extend my deepest thanks.
In the spirit of Siena,
Supporting Siena Heights
arren and Catherine Reuther of Lambertville are neither Siena
Heights alumni, nor parents of Siena graduates, nor even long-time
neighbors of the campus. Yet, over the last decade, they have
become two of the most generous and committed supporters of the
University. In 1997-98, they personally contributed $250,000 to
establish an endowed professorship, while Warren’s business, Bay Corrugated
Container, Inc., donated an additional $240,000 for physical plant projects.
What inspires such generosity in a husband and wife with no obvious ties to Siena
Heights? The answer is a story of serendipity and simple faith, grounded—as is so
much at this University—in the enduring influence of the Adrian Dominican Sisters.
Some years ago, several Siena Heights representatives walked unannounced into the
Monroe offices of Bay Corrugated, approached its owner, and asked for a donation. As
it happened, another of the causes Warren Reuther usually supported had neglected to
ask. Siena Heights received the gift.
Catherine Reuther recognized the Siena Heights name from her school days in Detroit,
studying with the Adrian Dominican Sisters at St. Jude Elementary School. “I just
loved the nuns,” she recalls now. “They were so modern and fun loving in their white
habits. They smiled a lot—there were no sour faces! They were good teachers, too.
They helped you if you needed help.” And one more thing: “They always talked about
Siena Heights.”
So Catherine was delighted to hear about Warren’s drop-in guests, an