The Siena Way

This year has been somewhat of a somber one so far at Siena Heights.

In 2013, we have experienced an unusual amount of deaths in the extended Siena family. Some have hit very close to home, like the passing of longtime art faculty member John Wittersheim, who lost his fight with cancer in March. Before that was the tragic loss of custodian Linda Guzman, who was killed in a freak automobile accident. Both were fixtures on the Siena campus, and we still are mourning their loss.

There have also been a string of passings to family members and friends in the Siena community. Most seem to have occurred one right after the other. Factor in the chill of winter lasting a bit longer than usual, and it wasn’t hard to see why many were struggling to find the “silver lining” in the gray clouds that seemed to be hovering over campus.

We do our best to show all the “happy” things happening at Siena Heights. We obviously want our alumni and friends to “feel good” about their University, and let them know about the excitement and energy that’s being generated by everyone here. Sometimes, though, we need to share some of the sadness that eventually occurs, because it is times like these that truly reveal the strength, support and character of the Siena community.

The response by the people at Siena when these tragedies occur is remarkable. Maybe it is just a sympathetic email or phone call to ease the hurt just a bit. Or perhaps it is something more, like picking up some job responsibilities of that person to help them through the grieving process. Or visiting someone at home just to talk. I have witnessed many of these selfless acts of charity over the past few months, and it reaffirms the goodness that is Siena Heights University.

We all try to live the Siena Heights mission of being more competent, purposeful and ethical, however, you can also include terms like compassionate, empathetic and thoughtful when speaking about the Siena community.
It is all those qualities and more that drives me each day, and makes me proud to serve as its president.

As I look out my office, there’s a hint of spring—and hopefully cheerier times—ahead. After recently celebrating Easter and the Resurrection of Christ, I’m reminded that Jesus also promises of more glorious times ahead for those who believe in Him.

In the meantime, here at Siena Heights, we will celebrate the good times, and support each other during the bad. It’s just the Siena way.

Sister Peg Albert, OP, PhD
President