Alumni Feature
Rising Stars
“Rising Stars”profiles Siena Heights University alumni who have graduated within the past 10
years and who excel in their careers, occupations or community service accomplishments.
To be considered for the “Rising Stars”piece in an upcoming issue of Reflections Magazine,
please fill out the online form at www.sienaheights.edu/risingstars. Those who are selected to
be included in an upcoming issue of the magazine will be contacted by the Reflections staff.
Kayla Herold
Dr. Benjamin R. Zedler
Dr. Christopher M. Murray
Graduation year: 2017. Graduation year: 2013. Graduation year: 2010.
Current title/position: Lesotho
(Africa) Peace Corps Volunteer. Current title/position:
Chiropractic Physician. Current title/position: Internal
Medicine Physician at Beaumont
Hospital, Farmington Hills Resident
Hospital Chief.
What Kayla is doing: She is
currently a Peace Corps volunteer
serving in Lesotho. She is placed in the village of
Ha Dinizulu and teaching at the primary school
Serooeng. She is helping to coach the teachers
in English and life skills in grades 4-7. She also
hopes to do phonics with all grades in her second
year of service. Her other project is to have all her
teachers trained in how to teach phonics and life
skills so that her education project is sustainable
after her service time is complete.
My favorite moment/story while a student
at Siena Heights was: “My favorite moment
was the very first Saint Catherine of Siena (feast)
day. It was so great to have so many people come
out and celebrate one of our patron saints!”
My favorite person at Siena Heights was:
“Kevin Grasley. He was a wonderful professor
and I learned so much from him!”
My ultimate goal in life is: “To be a Peace
Corps volunteer. ...So now I need a new life goal."
My best piece of advice for SHU students is:
“Don't be afraid to branch outside of your "group."
College is a time for meeting all kinds of people.
Keep an open mind and you never know what
you can learn about someone.”
32 | Reflections Summer ’19
What Ben is doing: He is the
owner and founder of Evolve
Family Chiropractic Center in
Coral Gables, Fla.
My favorite moment/story while a student
at Siena Heights was: “The ability to go to
college as a first generation student in my family
and be a member of both the McNair and men’s
track and field programs.”
My favorite person at Siena Heights was:
“Everyone, but especially the Science Department,
McNair directors and track and field coaches.”
My ultimate goal in life is: “To help my entire
community achieve wellness and optimum health."
My best piece of advice for SHU students is:
“Don’t give up. ... You will succeed if you stick to
your dreams.”
What Chris is doing: He recently completed
his residency in internal medicine at Beaumont
Hospital and will open a practice with the Southern
Tennessee Internal and Family Medicine Specialists
in September 2019.
My favorite moment/story while a student
at Siena Heights was: “Having the opportunity
to work with resident life and interview Michael
Orlando when he first started. We knew from the
start that Michael was truly someone special and
it’s so nice to see that he has made Siena truly
a better place.”
My favorite person at Siena Heights was:
“Dr. Jun Tsuji, Dr. Timothy Husband, Dr. Carl Kaster,
Dr. Mark Schersten, Sam Thacker and Michael
Orlando truly helped shape my life during my
time at Siena.”
My ultimate goal in life is: “To continue the
practice of medicine while fulfilling my role as an
excellent father and husband."
My best piece of advice for SHU students is:
“'It’s the “fight in the dog' that helps you conquer
your goals. You all have the potential to do what-
ever you want in life if you’re willing to work
hard enough for it.” u