Saints Athletics Highlights—Spring 2014

Cross Country

Women: Elaine Johnson was eighth overall as the Saints placed fourth at the Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference Championships. Johnson earned honorable mention all-conference and represented the Saints at the NAIA national championships. Junior Arika Knannlein was named a NAIA Scholar Athlete.

Men: The Saints placed third at the Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference Championships. Samuel Parlette led SHU with an 11th place finish (26 minutes, 17 seconds) and was named the WHAC Newcomer of the Year. Parlette and Brett Smith both earned honorable mention all-conference. Parlette, Smith and Justin Bateson each represented the Saints at the NAIA national championships. Parlette earned a top 100 finish, finishing 98th overall at 25 minutes, 52 seconds.

Golf

Women: The Saints finished third in the final Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference standings last fall. Freshman Andrea Richards was named to the All-WHAC first team, while teammates Ashley Everett and Sydney Gossett each earned honorable mention recognition. Andrea Rumler was the team’s Champions of Character recipient.

Men: Senior Nick Campbell was named to the All-Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference first team after earning conference medalist honors last fall. Joe Forest received the team’s Champions of Character award. SHU finished third in the final team WHAC standings.

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From the Heights—Spring 2014 Campus News

Bishop of Lansing Helps Siena Heights Dedicate New Altar in St. Dominic Chapel

SHU dedicated its new, custom-built altar in St. Dominic Chapel during Mass April 29. The Bishop of Lansing, the Most Rev. Earl Boyea, presided at Mass and the blessing ceremony. Funded by a grant from the Koch Foundation, as well as from benefactors and Siena Heights University, the new altar was hand-crafted by Amish carpenter Clayton Yoder and designed by Lenawee County architect Kara Lennard. In addition to the altar, the set also includes an ambo, presider’s chair, deacon’s chair, large table, small table, blessing font base and lectern. The bowl for the baptismal font was hand-made by an artist at the Toledo Museum of Art. A reception followed in the McLaughlin University Center. To see many more photos from the Altar Dedication ceremony, visit our web photo album here.

Ritz Retires from SHU

In December 2013, Bob Ritz announced his retirement after 11 years at Siena Heights University as learning specialist for Student Support Services and disability coordinator. His retirement was effective Dec. 31. Laura Lyall was hired to fill Ritz’s position in January 2014.

Mitchell Named Director of Education Program

Dr. Carrie Mitchell has been named the director of the Education Program at SHU. As a part of restructuring efforts, this newly created position is responsible for the administration of all aspects of both the graduate and the undergraduate Education programs. Sally Rae continues as program coordinator of the undergraduate Elementary and Secondary Education programs, while Eleanor Wollett continues as program coordinator of Language Arts and Kathy Burke as program coordinator of Child Development.

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From the Heights—Fall 2013 Campus News

SHU Welcomes Largest Freshman Class in History

This fall Siena Heights welcomed the largest freshman class in the institution’s history (photo above). A total of 311
full-time freshmen began classes Aug. 26 on the Adrian campus, according to SHU Vice President of Enrollment Management George Wolf. “The largest freshman class in the University’s history is further evidence that Siena Heights continues to develop itself as a highly valued college choice,” Wolf said. “This large class continues the planned growth and development of Siena Heights University to offer an affordable and flexible high-quality education.” The University also experienced record enrollment this fall in its degree completion centers, which include locations in Battle Creek, Benton Harbor, Jackson, Lansing, Monroe, Southfield and online.

Dr. Sue Idczak Honored with IU Alumni Award

Siena Heights Director of Nursing Dr. Sue Idczak was honored with the Distinguished Alumni Award from the Indiana University School of Nursing. The award honored her national recognition for “significant professional and academic contributions to the field of nursing.” She also was recently published in “Reflections on Nursing Leadership,” a peer reviewed international online nursing journal. The article was titled “Fall Into Presence.”

Siena Heights Names New Graduate College Dean

Siena Heights University named Dr. Linda Sandel Pettit, Ed.D., as its new dean of the Graduate College on July 8. Pettit most recently served as assistant professor of Counselor Education and the program director for the graduate Counseling program at SHU. In her new role as dean, Pettit is responsible for leading Master of Arts programs in leadership, teacher education and counseling and for exploring opportunities to expand the University’s graduate offerings. Pettit, a licensed psychologist, has a doctorate in counseling psychology from West Virginia University, a master’s degree in counselor education from Siena Heights and a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Michigan State University. Before joining SHU in 2011, her career spanned psychological counseling, life coaching, international speaking and training, consulting, teaching in higher education and public relations management. She has worked in hospital, community agency, private practice, business and academic settings.