8 Gifts & Giving
Recent Gifts Support Special Projects
The Merillat Foundation in Adrian
recently awarded Siena Heights
$600,000, payable over a three-year
period, to support technology and other
improvements at the University. Several
years ago, the Foundation helped
establish the platform for current
technology development at Siena, by
funding the development and installation
of a fiber optic network linking campus
facilities with the main computing center
in Dominican Hall. We are extremely
grateful to the Merillat Foundation for
this generous commitment to
technology, Vice President for
Advancement Don Taylor said.
Technology is a critical tool for todays
students, just as it is for any business or
industry.
Warren and Catherine Reuther of
Lambertville, generous longtime
supporters of Siena Heights, have
contributed $250,000 to establish an
endowment in academic development.
This gift is uniquely designed to support
faculty members who are developing
new or strengthening existing academic
programs. In recent years, the Reuthers
have invested many thousands of dollars
in response to the Universitys program
and physical plant needs.
The Adrian Dominican Sisters
recently awarded Siena Heights two
significant grants: $30,000 to be used
by the University as needed; and an
additional $50,000 through the Lynch
Foundation to fund scholarships for
women in pursuit of educational
advancement. Siena Heights is truly
blessed by the sponsorship and support
of the Congregation, President Artman
said. The Adrian Dominican tradition
is the heart and soul of the University.
The Maurice and Dorothy Stubnitz
Foundation in Adrian recently approved
a $62,426 grant to fund a new lighting
system for Francoeur Theatre, complete
Set, Spike, Dig -- and Dial!
The Saints volleyball team made 569 successful telephone
contacts this spring during a four-night phonathon that
generated 223 pledges totaling $10,254 in support for the
Siena Heights Annual Fund. Pizza and pop helped sustain
the athletes, whose competitive spirit came through as they
worked to out-do each other in dollars raised. Senior
volleyball setter Krista Purvis claimed the top dollar
award, winning a free meal with Rick and Joan Artman. I
was very impressed
with the students
professionalism and
willingness, said
Jeff Freshcorn,
director of annual
fund programs.
They had great
spirit and never got
discouraged.
with computerized light boards. Theatre
students working with the system will
gain valuable experience with up-to-date
theatrical technology, while directors,
performers and audiences will appreciate
the improved stage lighting.
Masco Charitable Trust selected
Siena Heights for a $30,000 grant,
payable over three years, to be used to
improve information technology for the
Division of Business and Management.
The gift comes with an additional
$3,000 match from Merillat Industries, a
division of Masco Corporation.
The Stranahan Foundation, based in
Toledo, Ohio, has granted Siena Heights
$12,250 to provide five art scholarships
of $2,450 each, to be awarded to Toledo
area minority students enrolling in the
fall of 1999. The grant will be reviewed
yearly and support for the scholars will
continue as long as they remain enrolled
in the art program.
Corporate Campaign Success
The 1997-98 Corporate Fund Campaign was a huge
success with new gifts and pledges totaling more than
$35,000, Jeff Freshcorn, director of annual fund programs,
reports. Local community and corporate leaders solicited
other Lenawee businesses, seeking new or increased
scholarship support for Lenawee County students enrolling
at Sie