Reflections Magazine Issue #70 - Fall 2009 | Page 26

Alumni Feature continued from page 25 “I appreciate the manner in which Sister Pat presents the subject matter,” said J.W., a prisoner of 32 years who completed his second class with Schnapp, his hint of grey hair a partial confirmation of his length of confinement. “She’s a tremendous educator.” In fact, her relationship with her prison students is so deep that she was able to include writings from three inmates in the spring 2009 edition of Eclipse, the SHU English department’s annual literary publication. Schnapp is also working with SHU’s criminal justice department and Gus Harrison officials on a possible prison outreach program. At the last class session, Sister Pat personally presented each prisoner who attended 10 of the 12 sessions with a certificate. Completing the class also goes into the inmates’ parole board records, though it does not count as college credit. “I thought I knew women,” said inmate James, another class attendee, reflecting on the “What is Woman?” topic. “I thought I had it figured it out. I was kind of wrong.” For Schnapp, these classes bring more of a personal satisfaction than fulfilling a professional or vocational obligation. “I hate the last class,” she told her students. “I hate leaving this class because you are wonderful students. You are here because you want to be, not because you have to take the course.” u catching up Take SHU Out to the Ball Game The annual “Take SHU Out to the Ball Game” alumni event with the Toledo Mud Hens again hit a home run at Fifth Third Field (pictures below). Nearly 300 SHU alumni and friends attended the Aug. 4 gathering, which has become a Siena Heights summertime staple. SHU President Sister Peg Albert joined in the fun, giving “Muddy,” the Mud Hens’ mascot, her trademark welcome hug. The good time included a full picnic supper, beverages, great seats for the ball game—and lots of SHU extras. A New Decade Means New Alumni Directory for Siena Heights “Wonder where my old roommate is these days. Anybody know what happened to that student who sat next to me in class? I wonder if any other Siena alums live near me…” If you’ve ever had those thoughts, you’ll be pleased to know Siena Heights is partnering with PCI: The Data Company in Dallas, Texas, to produce a new and updated alumni directory. Siena last produced an alumni directory 10 years ago after SHU changed its name from “college” to “university.” This new project, which is part of the 90th anniversary celebration, will help Siena Heights update its internal data system. In the coming weeks, PCI will be contacting alumni by letter, email and/or telephone to update contact information as well as family and career data. Alumni will also be able to pre-order paperback or digital copies of the directory. “This project will help Siena Heights reconnect with ‘lost’ alumni,” SHU alumni director Jennifer Hamlin Church said. “And the finished product will help alumni find each other.” Questions regarding the alumni directory may be directed to the alumni office: [phone] or email [email protected]. How Much Is Your Degree Worth To Your Kids, Sibs and Grands? Did you know that children, grandchildren and siblings of Siena Heights graduates qualify for a special Legacy Grant if they enroll at SHU? That’s right. Incoming students with an alumni parent, grandparent, brother or sister can receive a special “Legacy Grant” from Siena Heights on top of their merit and need-based financial aid. Encourage family members to continue your legacy at Siena Heights. Contact the Admissions Office for information about enrollment and to schedule a campus visit day: [phone] or [phone] extension 7180, or email [email protected]. 26 Reflections Fall ’09