Reflections Magazine Issue #67 - Winter 2008 | Page 6

Campus News Building With Books Founder Speaks at Common Dialogue Day Jim Ziolkowski, founder and CEO of the nonprofit organization Building With Books, was the keynote speaker (photo below) during this year’s Common Dialogue Day, which was Oct. 8. Building With Books empowers youth in the United States through service learning programs and makes education available in developing parts of the world by partnering with local communities in places like Haiti, Malawi and Nepal to build schools. Common Dialogue Day is a Siena Heights tradition that allows for a day of discussion, debate and reflection. There are no classes during this day, and students are encouraged to participate with faculty, staff and alumni to discuss different topics. This year’s theme was “Peacebuilding.” SHU’s Aranda Honored By Lenawee Community Siena Heights University’s Annita Aranda received the Community Recognition Award at the 21st Annual Hispanic Heritage Month Kick-Off Luncheon Sept. 15 at the LISD Tech Center in Adrian. Aranda, director of the Upward Bound program at SHU, was recognized with the award for her many contributions to the Lenawee community. She was also given special recognition with a plaque presented by State Rep. Dudley Spade which was signed by Gov. Jennifer Granholm and State Sen. Cameron Brown. Aranda is a 1977 SHU graduate who received her master’s degree from Siena in 1987. She has been employed with the TRiO programs for 35 years, and has served on a number of campus committees. Siena Enters Exchange Agreement With China SHU has officially entered into an exchange agreement with Yanshan University in China. This five-year agreement will foster and develop a cooperative relationship between the two universities, and allow students from either school to take reduced rate classes at the other. “Promoting peace through increased global awareness is a priority for Siena Heights University,” said SHU President Sister Peg Albert, OP, PhD. “We are pleased to partner with Yanshan University and look forward to the many opportunities this agreement provides.” 6 2008 Annual President’s Report 2008 Annual President’s Report