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.

Ministry of Presence

Michael Donovan Chooses a Retirement of Helping Others on Chicago’s South Side

Michael Donovan ’75 chooses to see the best in humanity, even when it is at its worst.

As someone who witnessed the World Trade Center attack on that tragic day of Sept. 11, 2001, Donovan had no choice but to watch the horror unfold from his Manhattan IRS office just across the street from Ground Zero.

However, when he retired at age 50 after a distinguished nearly 30-year IRS career, he did have a choice. He could do pretty much whatever he wanted during his retirement years. But instead of spending his time sitting on a beach in Florida, Donovan moved to Chicago to volunteer in prison ministry and restorative justice efforts.

“I knew it was time to give back,” said Donovan of his decision to get involved in helping those involved with violence and conflict. “I absolutely felt I did not have the time while I was working to give back. I wanted something substantive, and jail ministry and working in the inner city seemed like the right thing to do.”

For the past 13 years, he spends most of his days visiting prisoners at penitentiaries around the State of Illinois, and nights helping with the Precious Blood of Reconciliation ministry in Chicago’s infamous South Side. Donovan, a devout Catholic, said he believes this is what he was called to do.