Saint Dominic Award

Jean Hughes, OP ’68

Sister Jean studied biology at Siena Heights, but her lifelong passion has been social justice. That passion has infused her teaching in the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico, her leadership as the last principal of Chicago’s Aquinas High School; her community organizing at the 8th Day Center for Justice; and, for the past two decades, her tireless advocacy work at St. Leonard’s Ministries, assisting formerly incarcerated men and women with re-entry into the community. Sister Jean offered “the three most important things I have learned in 75 years.” Number 1: “Take sides. Create a moral code that requires a response.” And, remember sometimes to side with the most vulnerable in our society. Number 2: “Put yourself in places where you will learn from other cultures—so you can relate to the world’s people as fellow travelers. It’s amazing and humbling what you can learn if you are open to it.” Number 3: “Love freely. Sometimes it is hard, but it is always rewarding.” The universe is moving forward, evolving into whatever it is to be, she said; we don’t know the plan, so the best we can do “is to love all of creation.” Jean was nominated by Mary Ann Corley ’61. Friends and colleagues, including Rita Corley-Baker ’70, Renny Golden ’60 and Adrian Dominican Sisters from Chicago and Adrian, joined Jean for the Alumni Awards celebration.

—The Saint Dominic Award recognizes an alumna or alumnus for commitment to Christian education in family, school or community. Named for the 12th century Spanish nobleman who founded the Dominican order, the award honors persons who embody the Dominican philosophy and the spirit of Siena, and who promote pride in Christian ethics and education.

Sister Ann Joachim Award

Catherine Zick Robinson ’69

As a social worker serving the homeless, the poor and those struggling with addictions, Cathy longed to meet the spiritual as well as the practical needs of those she served. And that is what she has done for 23 years as executive director of Hope Medical Clinic. Once a weekly half-day clinic in borrowed space, Hope today is a multifaceted ministry operating full time medical and dental clinics, a food pantry, baby care program, Care and Share Closet providing non-food necessities, a free laundry program, free weekend meals, and occasional emergency assistance. In addition to a 20,000-square foot facility in Ypsilanti, Hope operates a satellite clinic in western Wayne County. “It’s been exciting and faith building to see where God has taken us,” Cathy said. Along the way, she has learned some timeless lessons: “If I ask God to lead and guide me, he will do just that”— even making course corrections and making up for personal shortfalls. “God’s call on each of our lives is somewhat different,”Cathy said; but “I think that whatever that call might be, Sister Ann Joachim—a person very much committed to social justice— would encourage us to have the Scripture from Micah be our guide: ‘What does God require of us but to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God.’” Cathy was nominated by Melissa Burkhart ’11. Classmates Paula LaLonde Dart ’69 and Marianne Patterson Kroess also celebrated with her.

—The Sister Ann Joachim Award is presented in memory of a legendary Adrian Dominican faculty member. It recognizes significant contributions to the University and/or community through activities that demonstrate strong leadership, the ability to get things done, and the capacity to confront challenging issues head-on while maintaining the image and spirit of the University.

Outstanding Alumni Award

Jason Sanderson ’92

Jason is a dedicated artist and educator who, in 20 years teaching at Michigan’s Bedford High School, has transformed the BHS art department, dramatically expanding the curriculum and faculty. Jason credits his accomplishments to the support of a loving family, the enduring values he first learned as a Boy Scout—and the opportunities, encouragement and challenge he encountered at Siena Heights. Father David Van Horn hooked Jason on Siena’s art program; but it was Sister Eileen Rice in education who really got him on the right path: She gave 100 percent, he recalled, and made it clear Jason needed to do the same. “The teacher I am today is because of Eileen,” he said. “I feel that it is my calling to give 100 percent to the job of teaching art to high school students, encouraging them, finding them artistic opportunities, developing their boundless talents, and guiding them on a path to post-secondary study”—then making sure they find a scholarship help to make it happen. Inspired by his mentoring, Jason’s students often look at Siena Heights, finding as he did “a place where you are given the tools to head down whatever path you choose.” To celebrate Jason’s Outstanding Alumni honor, SHU art alumni who are also “his” high school alums mounted an exhibition of their work titled “Progression” in Studio Angelico’s Gallery 10. Jason was nominated by Trudy McSorley ’70, who hosted a party for him, wife Julie, and friends—especially Jim ’91 and Tina DiGiorgio ’93 Forsythe.

Michael Morgan ’83

A theater and speech-communication major at Siena, Michael has built a career in the insurance field — but he lives and breathes creativity and service. Passionate about the arts, he is a dancer, actor, choreographer, drama teacher, and cheer coach—in addition to his full-time job. He also currently serves on the boards of the West Hartford Community Theater, St. Philip House, the Imperial Sovereign Court of All Connecticut, and the SHU Alum-
ni Association. Possibly the best known cheerleader in Saints history, Michael was nicknamed Flounder as an undergrad in the early ’80s when his Flounder Flops (as many as 25 consecutive cartwheels) highlighted halftime at Saints basketball games. “Siena was such a good fit for me,” he said, recalling the friendships and support he found here in class, in theater, in Student Senate and cheerleading, and in his early struggle to come to grips with being a gay male. “Everything I learned at Siena has been so helpful in what I’ve done with my life.” Today, Michael is an innovative leader in the LGBT community and a dedicated volunteer and fund raiser for cancer and HIV/AIDS research, awareness and support. Michael was nominated by Kathy Cark ’82. He celebrated Homecoming Weekend with Kathy, Jared Flayer ’81, all returning members of the 30th reunion class of ’83, and all alumni cheerleaders who returned to cheer on the sidelines of the football came with Michael and the current cheer and dance students!

—The Outstanding Alumni Award recognizes alumni whose outstanding professional achievements and/or volunteer contributions promote Siena Heights University positively to the community. These alumni demonstrate strong leadership characteristics, serve as significant role models for others, and embody the spirit of Siena Heights University.

Honorary Alumni Award

Jennifer Hamlin Church

An enthusiastic promoter of the mission and Dominican values of Siena Heights, Jennifer has shaped the University’s alumni program for 18 years, initiating new events and opportunities on campus, across the country, and (through alumni travel) around the world. In her first eight years, she also directed the communications office, editing Reflections and writing class notes about hundreds of graduates. Her innovative programming, creative communication, fascination with Siena’s history and traditions, and genuine affection for alumni have inspired graduates of all ages and SHU programs to serve and support Siena Heights. “Alumni Awards day has always been one of my favorite events,” she said, “because through it I’ve met such amazing people. But it’s not just those who win awards: There are so many SHU alumni doing good things in the world—how could I not love this job?” Jennifer noted that in prior years she had told many alumni honorees how proud the University was to call each of them “one of ours.” “Today,” she added, “I am so proud to be able to say…I am one of yours!” Jennifer was nominated by current and past members of the Alumni Board, who managed the nomination secretly.

—The Honorary Alumni Award recognizes non-alumni who demonstrate exceptional commitment to and support for the mission and spirit of the University. Individuals selected for honorary alumni status shall be inspirational role models who have made a significant difference for Siena Heights by sharing themselves through generous and sustained gifts of time, talent and/or treasure.