“Rising Stars” is a regular feature in Reflections. It profiles Siena Heights alumni who have graduated within the past 10 years and who excel in their careers, occupations or community service accomplishments. To be considered for “Rising Stars” in an upcoming issue of Reflections, 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.

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Kendall Acho

Graduation year (from SHU): 2012.

Current title/position: Director of Ticketing and Special Events, University of Detroit Mercy.

What Kendall is doing: After receiving her master’s degree in sports administration from Marshall University in 2014, she is currently at the University of Detroit Mercy, overseeing ticketing for all athletic events, as well as any outside events hosted in our venues. She also helps plan marketing and advancement initiatives for the athletics department and university.

My favorite moment/story while a student at Siena Heights was: “Besides playing on the women’s basketball team, was being the only student representative on the football exploratory task force. It was very rewarding to see the hard work of so many people finally come to fruition with the inaugural season during my senior year at SHU.”

My favorite person at Siena Heights was: My basketball coach, Sue Syljebeck.

My ultimate goal in life is: To hold an executive position with a professional sports organization.

My best piece of advice for SHU students is: “Don’t take your time in college for granted, they will be some of the most fun and carefree years of your life. Also, don’t worry about what others think, step out of your comfort zone to try new things.”

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Jose Paez

Graduation year (from SHU): 2011.

Current title/position: Accountant, Miami Marlins professional baseball team.

What Jose is doing: He is currently an accountant for the Miami Marlins professional baseball team. He was a graduate assistant at Barry University from 2012-14, where he earned his MBA. After completing an internship with the Marlins, he was promoted to full-time and is currently entering his third season with the club.

My favorite memory/story while a student at Siena Heights was: “I enjoyed going on the spring trips to Florida as a member of the baseball team.”

My favorite person at Siena Heights was: Coach (John) Kolasinski.

Ultimate goal in life: CFO of a sports organization.

My best piece of advice for SHU students is: “Take on as many internships as possible. Even if it is a volunteer opportunity, or unpaid. It is important to start building relationships while you’re still in school in hopes that they can develop into possible career opportunities in the future.”

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Kaitlin Ludwig

Graduation year (from SHU): 2012.

Current title/position: Cost engineer/Project accountant, Lee Kennedy Co., Boston, Mass.

What Kaitlin is doing: She is employed by Lee Kennedy, a general contracting company, which has contracts for new commercial construction and renovation in Boston. As a cost engineer, she primarily works with project management teams that are coordinating projects at Harvard University and MIT. Her role on the team is to work with clients and subcontractors on behalf of Lee Kennedy to manage financial risk, track expenses and ensure financial targets are met.

My favorite memory/story while a student at Siena Heights was: “Driving to Chicago with my roommate to watch the first ever SHU football game.”

My favorite person at Siena Heights was: Liesel Riggs.

Ultimate goal in life: To be happy and successful personally and professionally.

My best piece of advice for SHU students is: “Study abroad. One of the greatest adventures I’ve had thus far in life was traveling to London for study abroad. The class I took was educational, but I believe I learned the most just by traveling to a foreign country by myself. This was a huge step for me, and I did not regret one second of it, and still look back on my summer in London as one of the greatest memories yet.”