SHU Announces 2017 Alumni Award Winners

This Year’s Recipients Were Honored Oct. 14 During Homecoming Weekend

Sister Ann Joachim Award

Margaret Lawler Michael ‘82, ‘85/MA
South Lyon, Mich.

A Licensed Professional Counselor and a board certified Professional Christian Counselor, Michael is currently the director of Restore Ministries at Oak Pointe Church in Novi, Mich. The organization provides counseling support and training as part of its ministry. Recently completing her advanced certificate in Biblical Counseling, she he has worked in high schools, community colleges and universities as a guidance counselor and faculty member. She is also actively involved as a volunteer for several organizations in the metro Detroit area. The Sister Ann Joachim Award recognizes significant contributions to the University and/or community through activities that demonstrate strong leadership and the capacity to confront issues head on while maintaining the image and spirit of Siena Heights University.

A Different Kind of CEO

Doug Small ’82 Leads Efforts to ‘Experience Grand Rapids’

For Doug Small, it is about the destination, not the journey.

As president and “Chief Experience Officer” of Experience Grand Rapids, he leads the destination marketing non-profit organization charged with the mission to market Michigan’s second largest city and the surrounding region as a premier convention and visitor destination.

“When I got the opportunity to come here and interview, I saw the city and said, ‘Wow, this is a place I really want to be,’ ” said Small, who received his bachelor’s degree in hotel, restaurant and institutional management from Siena Heights in 1982. “What’s not to love about choosing to live in a city, and whatever that city is, you get to get up every day and represent it? That was exciting to me, and still is.”

After graduating from Siena Heights, Small got his start as a banquet manager at the Sheraton Westgate Hotel in Toledo, Ohio. However, he soon realized destination marketing was his future career path.

“While working in Dayton (Ohio), I got my first real taste of the destination marketing side,” he said. “It got me excited to look at that as a potential career.”

Rising Stars

“Rising Stars” is a regular feature in Reflections. It profiles Siena Heights alumni who have graduated within the past 10 years and who excel in their careers, occupations or community service accomplishments. To be considered for “Rising Stars” in an upcoming issue of Reflections, 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.

Kendall Acho

Graduation year (from SHU): 2012.

Current title/position: Director of Ticketing and Special Events, University of Detroit Mercy.

What Kendall is doing: After receiving her master’s degree in sports administration from Marshall University in 2014, she is currently at the University of Detroit Mercy, overseeing ticketing for all athletic events, as well as any outside events hosted in our venues. She also helps plan marketing and advancement initiatives for the athletics department and university.

My favorite moment/story while a student at Siena Heights was: “Besides playing on the women’s basketball team, was being the only student representative on the football exploratory task force. It was very rewarding to see the hard work of so many people finally come to fruition with the inaugural season during my senior year at SHU.”

My favorite person at Siena Heights was: My basketball coach, Sue Syljebeck.

My ultimate goal in life is: To hold an executive position with a professional sports organization.

My best piece of advice for SHU students is: “Don’t take your time in college for granted, they will be some of the most fun and carefree years of your life. Also, don’t worry about what others think, step out of your comfort zone to try new things.”