Campus News
There Are at Least
Reasons to Celebrate Siena
Heights University’s Centennial Starting in August
I
n fact, the University is planning a host of special events and activities
during its 100th anniversary, which will be observed during the 2019-20 academ-
ic year. The following are just a few highlights scheduled for the Centennial year:
Centennial Torch Relay Presented by the Alliance
Catholic Credit Union
The 100th Anniversary will officially kick off with the statewide Centennial
Torch Relay Presented by the Alliance Catholic Credit Union from Aug. 19-26.
The bicycle Olympic-style relay will begin at SHU’s Lake Michigan College center
and work its way across the state, finishing at the Adrian campus Aug. 26. SHU’s
Centennial Committee has been working with local bicycling club enthusiasts to
develop the 342-mile route that will go from “coast-to-coast.” Individual riders
will carry a custom-designed torch during legs of the relay event. Each day in
conjunction with the relay, SHU will host a special event at one of its community
college partner campuses located in Benton Harbor (Lake Michigan College),
Kalamazoo (Kalamazoo Valley Community College), Battle Creek (Kellogg Com-
munity College), Jackson (Jackson College), Lansing (Lansing Community College),
Southfield, Dearborn (Henry Ford College) and Monroe (Monroe County Commu-
nity College). The last leg of the relay will conclude with a special event at SHU’s
main campus in Adrian.
Centennial Mall Dedication
The final leg of the Centennial Torch Relay Presented by the Alliance Catholic
Credit Union will finish with an all-University opening ceremonies on Aug. 26.
The Siena community will gather to dedicate the new Centennial Mall that will
feature a 20-foot eternal flame sculpture that will be a permanent fixture in front
of Sacred Heart Hall. Designed by Siena Heights alum and artist Ken Thompson
and SHU art faculty member Tim Van Beke, the sculpture and reinvented space
will be dedicated to the Adrian Dominican Sisters, the founders and sponsors of
the University. There will also be food and activities in what will be a “carnival-
like” atmosphere that will be a fun way to start the academic year.
Leah Crocetto Benefit Concert
Leah Crocetto, a Siena alum and one of the top opera talents in the country
will return to the Adrian campus for a benefit concert on Sept. 7. The concert,
which will benefit student scholarships, will feature the new McLaughlin Music
Hall in the newly completed Spencer Performing Arts Center. A pre-concert dinner
is also planned. Tickets are $40 per person for the concert, $100 for the concert
and the dinner. For ticket information, visit 100.sienaheights.edu.
“Hail Siena!” Anniversary Book
Former SHU alumni director and honorary alum Jennifer Hamlin Church has
authored an anniversary book on the history of the institution. “Hail Siena! 100
Years of Siena Heights University,” will be available this fall in print.
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