My Siena, My University: Then… And Still!

Fast Forward . . . April 13, 2012. This same, not so young lady is driving to Jackson, MI. As Vice President of the Siena Heights University Alumni Association, she will be welcoming some of the newest alumni to the association – graduates from the Jackson, Lansing, Battle Creek and Distance Learning programs. Siena Heights University now consists of seven sites around the state of Michigan, as well as an online program.

The university now boasts 50+ undergraduate programs, including a new top-rated nursing program, and more than 20 graduate programs. Graduates of the performing arts program are accepted to top national graduate programs. Alumni, students and staff participate in community service projects around the country, giving back to others in need. In the past year, football has come to Siena Heights— along with an incredible multi-sport performance stadium which also hosts its men’s and women’s lacrosse, soccer and nationally-ranked track and field teams. The baseball team has just dedicated its new field. The University Center is rising up on the west end of campus, near the Campus Village apartments which house many of our students.

Flash back . . . Labor Day weekend, 1972. A young lady from northwest Ohio arrives at Siena Heights College as a freshman. What a growing year this will be for her – and Siena. For only the third year, men will be living in the dorms….4th floor only! Siena will have its first male intercollegiate baseball team. Prior to her graduation, more changes will occur. New academic programs are added, including a criminal justice program with many of “Adrian’s finest” enrolled at Siena Heights for the first time ever. More sports are brought on campus, including wrestling and basketball. Home games are played in small, local venues. Weekend life includes parties in Sage Union (does anyone really know how to spell Wapatoola??), traying down the hill in front of Ledwidge Hall, movies in Benincasa, Sunday night Mass in Ledwidge Ballroom.

In this 40-year mental review, so much has changed at Siena Heights. The University name, population mix and numbers, academic offerings, intercollegiate athletic teams and physical plant have all morphed and grown over the years. However, a common thread runs through these same years. Siena Heights has never lost its Dominican tradition. Teaching and learning continue in all venues, not just inside the classrooms. Even with its growth, there is a feeling of family-like warmth, compassion and con- cern on campus.

One just needs to read the biographies of past years’ Alumni Award recipients to see the story of a university that has played a major part in developing people who are committed to being competent, purposeful and ethical in all they do.

As alumni, we can continue to be a part of carrying on this strong tradition. I ask each of you to share your time, talents and treasures with the university. The 2nd Annual Summer Spectacular, coming on June 22, will be a wonderful opportunity for you to visit Adrian, see all the positive changes, feel the energy and spirit, and financially support this fine institution. Monies raised from this event will help sustain our traditions by providing scholarships to future generations. Continue your involvement by attending Homecoming in Adrian October 5-7. Come home to Siena, bring your family and encourage your friends. Start creating new memories for yourself.

I look forward to seeing you on campus soon. I’ll be the “not so young” girl who just can’t stay away from Siena Heights! Blessings!

Mary Small Poore ’76
Vice President
Alumni Association Board of Directors