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.

From the President:

“…for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”— Romans 3:23

When Paul wrote this, he didn’t make any exceptions (except for Jesus Christ, of course). In fact, before his conversion to Christianity, Paul was one of the biggest offenders, ruthlessly persecuting the followers of Jesus before his conversion on the road to Damascus.

But God found redemptive qualities in Paul, eventually choosing him to tirelessly proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles before his eventual death at the hands of the Romans. What a transformation!

I believe God is still transforming people like Paul today. He certainly believes in redemption, and following His example, so do we here at Siena Heights. In fact, it’s embedded in our mission statement to “respect the dignity of all.”

In this issue, we highlight two alumni who were originally on the opposite ends of the criminal justice spectrum, but are now championing efforts to improve the system—and those in it—from the inside out.

From the President:

Come and See (And Experience) Siena Heights!

Faith and belief.

As an Adrian Dominican Sister, that was what I arrived with when I stepped on campus for the first time as President of Siena Heights University a decade ago.

My faith in God. My belief in the goodness of people and in the Siena Heights mission. What else did I really need?

Well, as you might imagine, it wasn’t as easy as just praying and waiting for good things to happen. Our faith demands action, demands hard work, demands a commitment to doing what is right, then believing that God will work through you and others to accomplish your goals—and, of course, God’s.

The last 10 years at Siena Heights have been an incredible journey. The story a few pages over in this issue documents much of that journey, and all of the wonderful and amazing things that have happened during that time. However, allow me to use this column to offer some of my personal reflections: