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 Advancement Office:

Dan Peña ’01, ’08/MA, MBA<br />Vice President of Institutional Advancement — Dan Peña ’01, ’08/MA, MBA
Vice President of Institutional Advancement

Greetings Alumni & Friends

It is with much excitement and anticipation that I assume the responsibilities of Vice President of Institutional Advancement at Siena Heights. SHU has been an amazing blessing in my life. In addition to earning two degrees at SHU, I met my wife Amber as an undergraduate. We were married in Lumen (now St. Dominic) Chapel, and dedicated our children on campus. We certainly have “blood in the bricks” at SHU and I’m so honored to come home to serve the mission.

Siena Heights is a wonderful place that the world deeply needs. Our graduates leave prepared to enjoy personal success in their lives and careers. More importantly, SHU graduates enter the world ready to lead and inspire others to become more competent, purposeful, and ethical. They embody the vision of the Adrian Dominican Sisters—To seek truth, make peace, and reverence life.

The next time you are on campus, please take a moment to stop by my office in Sacred Heart Hall to say hello. Our team welcomes the opportunity to meet and connect with the wonderful alumni of Siena Heights University who make our job such a privilege.

Go Saints!

Dan Peña ’01, ’08/MA, MBA
Vice President of Institutional Advancement
(517) 264-7146
dpena@sienaheights.edu

From the Alumni Office:

Jenny Engle ’12, ’15/MA<br />Director of Alumni Relations — Jenny Engle ’12, ’15/MA
Director of Alumni Relations

Thankful for so Many Things

As I reflect on my time here at Siena Heights and my last day as the Director of Alumni Relations, I am thankful. I am thankful for many things; amazing colleagues, my Siena education, opportunities for growth and learning, alumni I have had the privilege to serve, students I have met, experiences that have taught me so much, and lessons that I will carry with me everywhere I go. Most of all I am thankful for the friendships I have made and the kindness that has been shown by so many. As graduates and friends of Siena, I am confident that
you can relate to my experience.

I was privileged to be a member of the first cohort of Torchbearers, as part of the Heritage Project. Along with my fellow torchbearers, I explored and discovered so much about The Adrian Dominican Sisters and Siena’s history. This was an experience that I will carry with me down every path in my life’s journey. My hope is that everyone feels as lucky and as accomplished as I do, to have had an education with the influence of Adrian Dominican traditions.

Homecoming 2017 is just around the corner. Plan to come to campus October 13-15. Whether you are interested in the Arts, Academics, Athletics, or looking to connect with old friends, there is sure to be something of interest.