Reflections Magazine Issue #87 - Fall 2018 | Page 2

Column
from the president
Thanks for the Memories, Sage Union
Sister Peg Albert, OP, PhD
President
2 | Reflections Fall ’18
For many of you, there are parts of the Adrian campus that are “sacred spaces.”
Maybe it’s Trinity Garden with its majestic and spectacular magnolia trees in full bloom.
Or the magnificent stained glass-adorned St. Dominic (formerly Lumen Ecclesiae)
Chapel during a reverential Torch Night ceremony.
For our more recent graduates, maybe it’s the coziness of the McLaughlin University
Center living room with its welcoming fireplace.
Unfortunately, it’s time to say good-bye to another space considered to be sacred by
many: Sage Union. Originally named Walsh Hall when constructed in 1923, this facility was
once “The Hub” of campus. For decades, it was the gathering place for theater and music
events. In fact, the main floor was legendary for its acoustical excellence. Commencement
ceremonies were conducted there for decades, and many early athletic events were hosted
in the basement gymnasium.
For the Adrian Dominican Sisters, many received their annual mission appointments in
Sage, which was an occasion of joy for some, and sadness for others.
Over the years, it evolved into a student union, once housing the University bookstore.
And as of late, it served as office space for
several departments and organizations on
campus. Up until the construction of the
new Spencer Performing Arts Center, which
officially opened in August, the basement
of Sage also functioned as the band room.
But Sage’s time has come. We have pur-
sued many opportunities and considered
a host of options to try and reinvent Sage
Union. In the meantime, nearly 100 years
of use and the elements have taken its toll.
What made Sage such a unique and distinctive building is also one of its downfalls: the
seven-level structure is nearly impossible to make handicap accessible without a sizeable
expense to the University. In fact, our construction partners have told us that reengine-
ering the building would cost significantly more than constructing a brand new facility.
So the decision was made to take down Sage this summer. The work was recently
completed and I’ve been assured that a beautiful new space will be created that will high-
light Trinity Garden and open the University up to a whole new range of possibilities.
I realize this is not a popular decision for some who hold dear memories of Sage and
what it represented during their time on campus. However, as someone who tries to be
a good steward of Siena Heights’ resources, please understand this was not a decision
made in haste. In truth, the fate of Sage has been a debate on our campus for several
years, and one of the most difficult of my presidency.
But it had to be made. And I believe it is the right one.
Sometimes to look to the future, you have to let go of the past. Thanks for the memo-
ries, Sage Union