Editorial
visit our new alumni website at www.sienaheights.edu
from the alumni office
Returning to SHU energized by pride in the
University and our graduates, I found myself
immersed in events that only intensified those
feelings: Alumni Awards Day when John Detro
’85, Pat McDonald, OP ’69 and Sister Mary
Alan Stuart, OP ’63 impressed the campus with
their accomplishments, dedication and humility.
Theater events, recitals and senior projects when
our students showcased the gifts and talents
honed in Siena’s classrooms. And the multitude
of year-end events—honors receptions, Kente
ceremonies, commencements across the state—
when faculty, staff, students, parents and alumni
came together to celebrate successful conclusions
and new horizons.
On the Road and Back Again:
Share the Pride!
In my travels, I am privileged to meet alumni all
across the country. Sitting in coffee shops and
cafés, cozy kitchens and lovely living rooms, I
share news from Siena Heights and hear wonderful stories from our graduates. This is invariably
a rewarding exchange!
Sometimes I meet with people I’ve previously
gotten to know at Alumni Weekend or other
events; but often I am meeting alumni for the first
time and bringing Siena to people who’ve not
seen campus in many years. My mid-winter trip
to Florida (my first to that state) was typical: I
rendezvoused with many “old”friends but equally
enjoyed introducing myself to “new”ones. Also
typical was the realization, yet again, that Siena’s
mission and values are alive and well in the lives
and careers of our alumni.
24
Reflections Summer ’07
The end of the academic year leaves me wiped out,
but high as a kite with enthusiasm for all that
Siena Heights is and does.
For those of you—most of you—who aren’t here
to experience Siena every day, let me mention just
a few reasons why you, too, can be enthusiastic
about your alma mater:
• Our faculty teach more, advise more, and participate more fully in campus life than professors at any major research institution—and
yet, they find time to create, investigate, and
publish. We celebrated publication of five
faculty books this year, applauded an original
faculty play, enjoyed several new faculty compositions, and stood wide-eyed in appreciation of
faculty art. We honored Sally Rae, director
of undergraduate teaching education, as a
Michigan university educator of the year; and
saluted Peter Barr, art history, with Siena’s
Eileen K. Rice Outstanding Teaching Award.
• Our students in all areas share their energies
and talents for good causes. The entire freshman
class volunteered in the Lenawee community.
Jeff Lindstrom’s upper level psychology students collected food and money for The Daily
Bread as well as assisting at the soup kitchen—
just one of many possible examples of “service
learning”at Siena. Siena students helped maintain Adrian’s winter homeless shelter. Others
spent spring break volunteering on Mississippi’s
Gulf Coast. Members of the Children’s Theater
Troupe reached out to elementary students at
area schools. This list goes on and on.
• Our graduates willingly share time and talent
with the University. The Alumni Board provides
leadership and support for all the activities of
the Alumni Office. Other alumni assist whenever
called upon. Denise Washington ’00, ’05/MA
is typical. “I am so proud to be a Siena Heights
alumna,”she told graduates at the SHU@KCC
Kente ceremony. Education has made her “a rich
woman,”she said, describing such wealth as
“a toolbox with the correct tool for solutions,
no matter what environment you are in.”
When you think of Siena Heights, I encourage
you to be proud. Be very proud.
Best wishes and see you soon—on campus or on
the road.
Jennifer A. Hamlin Church
Associate VP for Advancement &
Director of Alumni Relations
(517) 264-7143
[email protected]