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The Online Magazine for Alumni and Friends of Siena Heights University
All-Time Assist Leader Howrigon Leads Saints to New Heights
By Doug Goodnough
Grace Howrigon almost didn’t stay. She’s sure glad she did.
The senior point guard had a rough start to her Siena Heights women’s basketball career. However, she knew it could get better. And it did.
During her final three years, the Saints recorded consecutive 20-win seasons and back-to-back NAIA tournament berths. This year, Siena Heights finished 26-9 and won its first national postseason game to establish the best stretch in the program’s history.
Howrigon, who finished her career as the program’s all-time assist leader, was a primary reason for that success.
“We’ve had the most success with her,” said head coach Sue Syljebeck, who called Howrigon ones of the best players in the program’s history. “Grace was a key piece for us.”
Howrigon, who led the Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference in assists (6.0 per game) and averaged 12.4 points per game to earn all-conference honors, stepped up her game this season.
Bishop of Lansing Helps Siena Heights Dedicate New Altar in St. Dominic Chapel
SHU dedicated its new, custom-built altar in St. Dominic Chapel during Mass April 29. The Bishop of Lansing, the Most Rev. Earl Boyea, presided at Mass and the blessing ceremony. Funded by a grant from the Koch Foundation, as well as from benefactors and Siena Heights University, the new altar was hand-crafted by Amish carpenter Clayton Yoder and designed by Lenawee County architect Kara Lennard. In addition to the altar, the set also includes an ambo, presider’s chair, deacon’s chair, large table, small table, blessing font base and lectern. The bowl for the baptismal font was hand-made by an artist at the Toledo Museum of Art. A reception followed in the McLaughlin University Center. To see many more photos from the Altar Dedication ceremony, visit our web photo album here.
Bob Ritz
Ritz Retires from SHU
In December 2013, Bob Ritz announced his retirement after 11 years at Siena Heights University as learning specialist for Student Support Services and disability coordinator. His retirement was effective Dec. 31. Laura Lyall was hired to fill Ritz’s position in January 2014.
Carrie Mitchell
Mitchell Named Director of Education Program
Dr. Carrie Mitchell has been named the director of the Education Program at SHU. As a part of restructuring efforts, this newly created position is responsible for the administration of all aspects of both the graduate and the undergraduate Education programs. Sally Rae continues as program coordinator of the undergraduate Elementary and Secondary Education programs, while Eleanor Wollett continues as program coordinator of Language Arts and Kathy Burke as program coordinator of Child Development.
“Rising Stars” is a new feature making its debut in this issue of Reflections. It profiles Siena Heights University alumni who have graduated within the past 10 years and who excel in their careers, occupations or community service accomplishments. To be considered for the “Rising Stars” piece in an upcoming issue of Reflections Magazine, please 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.
Chet Hesson
Graduation year: 2009
Current title/position: Assistant Athletic Director & Director of Compliance, Stetson University.
What Chet is doing: He is responsible for the administration and full oversight of a comprehensive NCAA Division I, Atlantic Sun Conference and Pioneer League rules compliance program at Stetson University in DeLand, Fla. His primary duties include investigating and reporting rules infractions, administration of a comprehensive rules education program, preparation of waivers and releases, transfer evaluations, monitoring of playing and practicing seasons, recruiting, potential extra benefits, campus visits, social networking and the Stetson athletics website.
Favorite moment/story while a student at SHU was: My four years at Siena were very challenging between the academic rigor, working part-time, participating on two athletic teams, multiple surgeries and injuries that derailed me not only physically but mentally. But when it’s all said and done, that was the path that was laid out and it made me enjoy the successes, friendships created and resiliency needed to be successful and enjoy the simple things in life.
Favorite person at SHU was: History Professor and Advisor Sr. Jeanne Lefebvre.
Ultimate goal in life: Positively affect the lives of everything and everyone I come in contact with—a lofty goal, but that’s why we set goals, right?
Best advice for SHU students is: Work for a cause, not an applause. Live life to express, not to impress. Don’t strive to make your presence noticed, just make your absence felt. Also, college is a very impressionable time period, take the time to reflect while enrolled at SHU to feel the moment and who you are becoming. If you love yourself and who you are becoming, great; if you don’t like who you are becoming, change.
