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The Online Magazine for Alumni and Friends of Siena Heights University
SHU Announces 2017 Alumni Award Winners
This Year’s Recipients Were Honored Oct. 14 During Homecoming Weekend
Sister Ann Joachim Award
Margaret Lawler Michael ‘82, ‘85/MA
South Lyon, Mich.
A Licensed Professional Counselor and a board certified Professional Christian Counselor, Michael is currently the director of Restore Ministries at Oak Pointe Church in Novi, Mich. The organization provides counseling support and training as part of its ministry. Recently completing her advanced certificate in Biblical Counseling, she he has worked in high schools, community colleges and universities as a guidance counselor and faculty member. She is also actively involved as a volunteer for several organizations in the metro Detroit area. The Sister Ann Joachim Award recognizes significant contributions to the University and/or community through activities that demonstrate strong leadership and the capacity to confront issues head on while maintaining the image and spirit of Siena Heights University.
Saint Dominic Award
Sister Patricia Dulka, OP ‘68
Darien, Ill.
A longtime educator in Detroit and Lansing, she spent many of her summers living and ministering in the Appalachia region of Kentucky and Tennessee. After a time as principal at Aquinas Dominican High School in Chicago, she decided to focus her ministry in social work. She became a Certified Social Worker and went on to become a director and a therapist for Catholic Charities of Lenawee County for 11 years. Sister Patricia was elected prioress of the Dominican Midwest Chapter in 1998. The Saint Dominic Award recognizes commitment to Christian education in family, school or community.
Griffith is currently the assistant superintendent of the Lenawee Intermediate School District. During his time with the LISD, he has helped increase dual enrollment opportunities for Lenawee County students through the College Now program. He also has been instrumental in the development of several new programs and initiatives, including the robotics program and science and math career camps. A former teacher, principal and superintendent at Morenci (Mich.) Area Schools, he also was principal of the Jackson College/LISD Academy, a regional middle college that helped educate underserved students in Lenawee County. He earned a Rising Star Award from the Michigan Association of Schools Boards and is active in several service organizations in the Lenawee community. The Outstanding Alumni Award recognizes outstanding professional achievements and/or volunteer contributions to promote Siena positively to the community, demonstrate strong leadership characteristics and serve as significant role models for others.
Honorary Alumni Award
Dr. Mark Schersten
Adrian, Mich.
Dr. Schersten taught philosophy at Siena Heights for 27 years and chaired the Humanities Division before serving as the dean for the College of Arts and Sciences until his retirement in 2016. During his time at Siena Heights, he participated on numerous regular and ad hoc committees, served as faculty ombudsperson, chairperson of the Teaching Faculty Assembly and was the coordinator of the annual Chiodini-Fontana Ethics Lecture Series. He and his wife, Becky, also created a student scholarship in their name. The Honorary Alumni Award recognizes non-alumni of Siena Heights who demonstrate exceptional commitment to and support for the mission and spirit of the University.
To see more photos from Homecoming 2017 and the alumni award winners ceremony, visit our online web album.
