Reflections Magazine Issue #78 - Spring 2013 | Page 24

Alumni Feature

2012 Alumni Stars:

Making the World a Better Place
The 2012 Alumni Awards provided an inspirational kick-off to last fall’s Homecoming, as the
seven honorees—competent, purposeful and ethical in their varied passions
and professions—shared insights into the work they do and the
enduring impact of their Siena Heights years.
Recent Graduate Award
Lacey Wilmot Rao ’02
An orthopedic surgeon and active
community volunteer in Tucson, AZ,
Lacey credited Siena Heights with
some important lessons. “You don’t
go to college to learn ‘things,’ you
go to learn how to learn,” she said,
noting how quickly things change
in medicine. “The faculty at Siena do
a tremendous job of teaching more than facts; they
teach you how to seek knowledge. I encourage today’s
students to remember that much of what we know
now will change. Try to focus on refining how to think
and learn, as opposed to only memorizing facts.” Her
experiences as a student and athlete at SHU taught
her that “working hard, knowing how to think, and
working well with others will make you successful in
life. But what will make you happy? The simple answer
is, doing what you love and sharing your talents with
the world. Choose to do the thing that excites you,
that makes you feel proud of your work, and that
makes you smile.”
Traci Stewart ‘02
An advance practice nurse and doctoral candidate in Northville, MI, Traci
majored in biology at Siena, certain
she wanted to be a doctor despite
her frustration with senior research.
“On a few occasions, Prof. Carl Kaster,
who knew me well, mentioned there
were other things I could do with a
biology degree, but I had my mind set. But it turned
out medical school was not for me and I did not want
to be a doctor. Not until I was sitting in a research
nursing class did it hit me: ‘I understand what they are
talking about—this is how you use research in the real
world—and I like it!’ Suddenly, all the hours spent on
my senior project became useful and everything I had
learned working toward my biology degree was applicable. All those experiences formed a strong foundation—strong enough to make me successful now as
a nurse practitioner and in the future as I continue my
work—and research!—in women’s health and health
care disparities.”
—The Recent Graduate Award is given to a SHU alumna or
alumnus who graduated within the past 10 years. It recognizes and honors persons who exemplify dedication to Christian values through professional achievement, community
involvement and/or civic commitment; and who represent
the spirit of Siena Heights University in our world.