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Ministry of Presence

Michael Donovan Chooses a Retirement of Helping Others on Chicago’s South Side

Michael Donovan ’75 chooses to see the best in humanity, even when it is at its worst.

As someone who witnessed the World Trade Center attack on that tragic day of Sept. 11, 2001, Donovan had no choice but to watch the horror unfold from his Manhattan IRS office just across the street from Ground Zero.

However, when he retired at age 50 after a distinguished nearly 30-year IRS career, he did have a choice. He could do pretty much whatever he wanted during his retirement years. But instead of spending his time sitting on a beach in Florida, Donovan moved to Chicago to volunteer in prison ministry and restorative justice efforts.

“I knew it was time to give back,” said Donovan of his decision to get involved in helping those involved with violence and conflict. “I absolutely felt I did not have the time while I was working to give back. I wanted something substantive, and jail ministry and working in the inner city seemed like the right thing to do.”

For the past 13 years, he spends most of his days visiting prisoners at penitentiaries around the State of Illinois, and nights helping with the Precious Blood of Reconciliation ministry in Chicago’s infamous South Side. Donovan, a devout Catholic, said he believes this is what he was called to do.

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New MBA Program to Focus on Ethical and Sustainable Business Practices

Siena Heights University announced it is starting a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree program. The first classes begin in January 2018, and will be completely online.

SHU Dean for Graduate and Professional Studies Dr. Cheri Betz said before designing its MBA, Siena Heights first asked employers and business leaders about their current and future needs. Using their input, SHU developed a curriculum focused upon ethical and sustainable business practices.

“We have designed Siena’s MBA program to train strong, ethical business leaders who can leverage the markets in a manner consistent with our Dominican values,” Dr. Betz said. “Siena’s reputation for developing students who genuinely live its mission of being more competent, purposeful and ethical makes for a distinction among existing business programs.”

“It made sense to offer the MBA as an online program, since we have built an outstanding reputation nationally in online education,” said SHU President Sister Peg Albert, OP, PhD. “Our online program is ranked first in Michigan and tied for 24th nationally. We also rank as one of the best in the nation in student engagement, according to the U.S. News and World Report. That speaks to its quality. Adding the MBA to our online offerings will be a winning combination. We look forward to showing what the ‘Siena Effect’ can bring to the MBA.”

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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.

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