From the President:

Thanks for the Memories, Sage Union

For many of you, there are parts of the Adrian campus that are “sacred spaces.” Maybe it’s Trinity Garden with its majestic and spectacular magnolia trees in full bloom.

Or the magnificent stained glass-adorned St. Dominic (formerly Lumen Ecclesiae) Chapel during a reverential Torch Night ceremony.

For our more recent graduates, maybe it’s the coziness of the McLaughlin University Center living room with its welcoming fireplace.

Unfortunately, it’s time to say good-bye to another space considered to be sacred by many: Sage Union. Originally named Walsh Hall when constructed in 1923, this facility was once “The Hub” of campus. For decades, it was the gathering place for theater and music events. In fact, the main floor was legendary for its acoustical excellence. Commencement ceremonies were conducted there for decades, and many early athletic events were hosted in the basement gymnasium.

For the Adrian Dominican Sisters, many received their annual mission appointments in Sage, which was an occasion of joy for some, and sadness for others.

The Siena Effect: Dr. Kyle Griffith ’92, ’97, ’00

Dr. Kyle Griffith, 2017 Outstanding Alumni Award Winner, remembers his favorite memory with SHU Track Coach, Tim Bauer. To hear Kyle’s whole story, click on the link below.

Dr. 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.

Father Figure

Gabriel Fonseca ’99 Is Working to Change the Culture of Fatherhood and Family in Massachusetts Community

Gabriel Fonseca ’99 is a father figure, both at home and at work. As the fatherhood coordinator at Massachusetts General Hospital’s Chelsea HealthCare Center in the suburbs of Boston, he helps men become better fathers to their children and develops programs to promote what he calls the “fatherhood movement.”

“My focus is helping fathers care for their kids,” said Fonseca, who received his bachelor’s degree in psychology from Siena Heights University. “I didn’t even know there was even professions like
this out in the world.”

After earning his master’s degree from Rhode Island University, he expected to enter the field of gerontology. But then he said he “followed his heart,” taking a parent leadership trainer position in Hartford, Conn. before eventually coming to MGH to continue his work with fathers and families.