Reflections Magazine Issue #69 - Spring 2009 | Page 31

Alumni News—My Siena My Siena Mary Small Poore ’76 Member, SHU Alumni Association Board of Directors In many ways, I don’t feel like I chose Siena Heights—it was chosen for me in the early 1970s. My oldest sister was an Adrian Dominican at the time, and so Siena Heights and the Dominican Motherhouse were very familiar to me. My older brother came to Siena in 1970— one of the first few men to live on campus. When it came time for me to select a college, Siena just felt right. I’d spent time on campus with my brother, attending classes and staying in the dorm. My parents were also gently pushing me in the direction of coming to Adrian as well; I think they felt I needed the safety patrol of older siblings! I’ve never regretted my decision. Siena Heights provided me with an incredible education – not just in the classroom, but in my day-to-day life. As small as it was, I still found so much diversity, and my eyes were opened to so many new worlds and ideas. It taught me to be a more critical thinker. I’ve been able to be gainfully employed in my area of choice since graduation and feel I was totally prepared to do so. Probably the best feature of Siena Heights University is the sense of home it provides you over the years. I have felt it myself every time I’ve walked back on campus, but saw it more deeply during Winterfest. My sister returned to campus after being gone for nearly 15 years. She was immediately enveloped by the love and warmth of so many friends and colleagues of her past. It was incredible to witness. She will be back soon! This truly confirmed why Siena Heights University is MY university. u From the SHU Archives: Pictured above is a photo taken in 1957 of the Siena Heights Alumni Association Board of Directors. Do you have an old Siena Heights photo to share? Do you have a Siena Heights story or testimonial to share? If so, we want to hear from you! Please email materials to Editor Doug Goodnough at: [email protected], or write him at: 1247 E. Siena Heights Drive, Adrian, MI 49221. Reflections Spring ’09 31