There Are at Least 100 Reasons to Celebrate the Siena Heights Centennial

In fact, the University is planning a host of special events and activities during its 100th anniversary, which will be observed during the 2019-20 academic year. The following are just a few highlights scheduled for the Centennial year:

Centennial Torch Relay Presented by the Alliance Catholic Credit Union

The 100th Anniversary officially kicked off with the statewide Centennial Torch Relay Presented by the Alliance Catholic Credit Union from Aug. 19-26. The bicycle Olympic-style relay began at SHU’s Lake Michigan College center and worked its way across the state, finishing at the Adrian campus Aug. 26. SHU’s Centennial Committee worked with local bicycling club enthusiasts to develop the 342-mile route that went from “coast-to-coast.” Individual riders carried a custom-designed torch during legs of the relay event. Each day in conjunction with the relay, SHU hosted a special event at one of its community college partner campuses located in Benton Harbor (Lake Michigan College), Kalamazoo (Kalamazoo Valley Community College), Battle Creek (Kellogg Community College), Jackson (Jackson College), Lansing (Lansing Community College), Southfield, Dearborn (Henry Ford College) and Monroe (Monroe County Community College). The last leg of the relay concluded with a special event at SHU’s main campus in Adrian.

Centennial Mall Dedication

The final leg of the Centennial Torch Relay Presented by the Alliance Catholic Credit Union finished with an all-University opening ceremony on Aug. 26. The Siena community gathered to dedicate the new Centennial Mall that features a 20-foot eternal flame sculpture that will be a permanent fixture in front of Sacred Heart Hall. Designed by Siena Heights alum and artist Ken Thompson and SHU art faculty member Tim Van Beke, the sculpture and reinvented space were dedicated to the Adrian Dominican Sisters, the founders and sponsors of the University. There were food and activities in a “carnival-like” atmosphere that was a fun way to start the academic year. More pictures of the Centennial Mall Dedication can be viewed here.

Leah Crocetto Benefit Concert

Leah Crocetto, a Siena alum and one of the top opera talents in the country returned to the Adrian campus for a benefit concert on Sept. 7. The concert, which benefited student scholarships, featured the new McLaughlin Music Hall in the newly completed Spencer Performing Arts Center. A pre-concert dinner was also held.

“Hail Siena!” Anniversary Book

Former SHU alumni director and honorary alum Jennifer Hamlin Church has authored an anniversary book on the history of the institution. “Hail Siena! 100 Years of Siena Heights University,” extensively details the people, places and events of the institution from its founding to present day. Exclusive content, including stories and pictures, tell the Siena Heights story like never before.
To order, please visit 100.sienaheights.edu.

Homecoming Weekend 2019

Homecoming is always a special occasion, but this year’s weekend was a supersized Centennial version of the popular annual event. Focused on the anniversary year, Homecoming featured several keynote events, including the Alumni Awards and the dedication of the newly renovated St. Joseph Hall. Also held was a juried alumni art show with more than 30 alumni submissions, as well as special reunions and alumni gatherings. The Athletic Hall of Fame honored longtime coach and athletic director Fred Smith in a special ceremony in the Fieldhouse. He was this year’s only inductee. “Catch Me If You Can” was the Homecoming theater production on the Haller Stage, and there were also be several on-campus athletic events, including a home football game against Taylor. Pictures from Homecoming and all of these events can be viewed here.

‘100 for the 100th’ Events

In planning the Centennial year, University faculty, staff and students were asked to plan special events in the areas of academics, athletics and the arts. A special calendar was created that highlights the “100 for the 100th” events during the anniversary year. A monthly Legacy Speaker Series will bring featured alumni guest speakers to campus to share their stories and experience with the Siena community. A special Mass with Bishop of Lansing the Most Rev. Earl Boyea was held on Sept. 5 and allowed the Siena community to gather in faith to ask for a blessing on the anniversary year. Annual events such as Common Dialogue Day will have extra emphasis, and each athletic team will host a home event that will bring the anniversary into focus. Siena Heights will also reach out to the community in the area of student service and special off-campus events as the institution emphasizes its attention to collaboration and community-building. The official SHU Centennial Calendar can be viewed here.

Anniversary Documentary

Jesse Ramirez ’19 has created a documentary that details the 100-year history of Siena Heights. Watch it below.

For more information about the 100th Anniversary celebration at SHU, visit 100.sienaheights.edu.