Editorial
from the president
I realize many of you do not have the opportunity
to view the day-to-day activity at Siena Heights
University, so let me offer you a brief rundown of
the “Points of Pride”accomplished over the past
academic year:
• Soon into my tenure at Siena Heights, a process
was started to create a master plan and overhaul an outdated strategic plan. Thanks to a
generous donation from the Adrian Dominican
Sisters, both plans are in the process of being
finalized. This is a big step towards realizing the
bright future I believe Siena Heights is destined
to accomplish.
A Whirlwind Year!
As I complete my first year as President of Siena
Heights, I have had a chance to reflect on what has
been a whirlwind of activity on campus.
From the time I arrived last July, there has been
nonstop action at Siena Heights. Of course, some
of that was self-inflicted, including the fabulous
Inauguration Ceremony last November. However,
I am not complaining one bit. It was quite an
experience having the privilege of overseeing a
vibrant learning community. And the learning was
a two-way street. Despite spending many years in
the environment of southern Florida, having a
year under my belt at Siena now qualifies me as a
full-fledged “Michigander.”
I am also much more comfortable wearing the
shoes of a university president, and believe the
leadership team I have assembled is ready to move
forward with the bold initiatives I outlined in my
Inaugural Address several months ago.
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Reflections Summer ’07
• Remaining true to my inauguration promise of
building the University on quality academics,
several new programs were announced this year.
Starting with the pronouncement that Siena
will begin a nursing program, the list of new
programs also includes special education, homeland security/emergency preparedness, English
as a second language and Middle Eastern Studies. And I assure you, this is only the start.
• On September 7, 2006, a new tradition began
at Siena Heights University. During the annual
fall convocation on campus, students signed a
paper committing themselves to the mission
of this University. They received a candle, lit by
faculty and staff members, symbolizing light
and truth. It is my hope that this solemn, but
uplifting event, will both invigorate and reaffirm the Dominican values and principles that
built Siena Heights University.
• After having the displeasure of presenting a
deficit budget to our Board of Trustees last fall,
I announce with great joy that we have erased
that $1.1 million deficit in just one year—a
year ahead of schedule. This accomplishment
was achieved by a combination of fundraising,
frugal use of resources and a sacrifice by our
faculty and staff.
• Our students continue to be a source of pride
—both in and out of the classroom. Joanne
Golden and Ricardo Valdez were named our
Outstanding Undergraduate Students of the
Year. They embody the type of student we want
here at Siena—academically talented, socially
conscious and ethically guided.
• A record-setting commencement put an appropriate exclamation point on a successful
academic year. Approximately 3,500 people
attended our Adrian campus ceremony, where
they watched a record number of students
receive their diplomas. It was an awe-inspiring
day indeed.
• Giving is WAY up at Siena Heights. As I write
this, we have more than doubled our fundraising efforts from the previous year. And we have
many of you to thank. God bless you!
Though it is fun to reflect on past accomplishments, make no mistake, we have no plans to rest
on our laurels. In fact, as Reflections is being
printed I am back on the road again raising funds
and making friends, as well as readying for another school year to begin.
And I can’t wait to see what the next year brings.
God’s Blessings, and Think Higher!
Sister Peg Albert, OP, PhD
President