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The Online Magazine for Alumni and Friends of Siena Heights University
Jeffrey Morisette ’90 Heads the North Central Climate Science Center
By Doug Goodnough
So, just what can you do with a degree in mathematics?
How about . . .
• Work for NASA interpreting satellite data,
• Map habitat from weather patterns and predicted changes in climate,
• Bring a data-driven approach to earth and environmental sciences,
• Run a multimillion dollar, multi-state science center for the federal government.
Dr. Jeffrey Morisette ’90 has accomplished all those things since graduating from Siena Heights University. Currently the director of the U.S. Department of the Interior’s North Central Climate Science Center, Morisette works with multiple agencies and organizations to help development long-term strategies and forecasts for what he believes is a rapidly changing climate.
Life upon the wicked stage ain’t nothin’ for a girl,” according to the Broadway musical Showboat. But Siena’s Little Theater stage? Now that was something else!
Students at Siena Heights from the 1940s through the ‘60s found inspiration, encouragement, hard work, even careers
in The Little Theater in the basement of Sacred Heart Hall. And also in the classroom, in the radio and later TV studio, and on the Walsh Hall (now Sage) stage—all under the direction of speech and drama teacher Leonilla Barlage, OP.
The late Betty Theisen ’44, a pillar of the SW Michigan arts community as the St. Joseph High School drama teacher for 40 years, found her life’s work on Sister Leonilla’s stage.
Virginia Robertson Buckle ’53 did, too. Under Leonilla’s demanding direction, she appeared in almost every Siena production including the annual Passion Plays (right). As seniors, she and fellow thespian Phyllis Coscarelly ’53 co-starred in “Their Hearts Were Young and Gay” and in the senior drama recital. But even the stars shared in the hard work of theater; Sister Leonilla made sure of that. “We would sit in a circle with the huge, black velour theater curtain on our laps re-hemming or repairing rips in the heavy fabric—then lug it back to Walsh Hall to rehang it,” Virginia remembers. With Leonilla’s recommendation, Virginia received a scholarship to the University of Michigan, where she earned a master’s in radio and television. Almost six decades later, she continues to act on stages near her home in Ventura, Calif.
Tell Us Your Stories About Sister Patricia Hogan, OP
The Alumni Office wants to expand its memory bank about Siena’s early faculty. We have dates and titles, but we want your input—anecdotes and personal stories to bring those teaching legends to life. In the last Reflections, we asked about Sister Leonilla Barlage, OP. This time the spotlight is on Sister Patricia Hogan, OP. Here’s what we know: Taught philosophy and history, 1966-73. Director of philosophy program from 1979-91. Known for her sense of humor and commitment to international students. What you can add? Bring this picture to life.
Send your recollections to: SHU Alumni Office, 1247 E. Siena Heights Dr., Adrian, MI 49221,
or email alumni@sienaheights.edu.
Tootie Horn ‘68 and Sister Maura Phillips, OP ‘39
100 Reasons to Celebrate:
Sister Maura Phillips, OP ‘39, who directed musical activities at Siena Heights for many years, celebrated her 100th birthday on April 25, 2014. Now living in the Dominican Life Center on the Adrian Dominican Sisters cam- pus, Sister Maura is currently the oldest living Adrian Dominican. She is “still very alert and mobile and does use a walker for stability,” according to Tootie Horn ‘68, who helped organize a birthday party for Sister Maura. SHU Music faculty member Dr. Beth Tibbs and her choir performed for the occasion. “I saw Maura’s toe tapping,” Horn comment- ed after the celebration. “Her head was down a lot, then would pop up and she would be smiling. I know she was honored!”
