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The Online Magazine for Alumni and Friends of Siena Heights University
The (Adrian) Dominican Tradition is
Alive and Well
It’s been a year to remember at Siena Heights University.
Of course, all eight or so years I have been at Siena Heights have turned out to be memorable in their own way. But this year, there was a special emphasis on strengthening the Dominican tradition on campus.
Last spring, faculty member Sister Pat Walter, OP, delivered an end-of-the-year address to our faculty and staff on our Catholic identity. Her presentation sparked a newfound interest in just what that “identity” was on our campus. In fact, many of our faculty and staff—some of whom are not even Catholic—wanted to know more about this “Catholic, Dominican tradition.”
This spring, we had a series of luncheon discussions exploring aspects of our Catholic identity. These occurred not only on the Adrian campus, but at some of our other campuses around Michigan.
Integrating the Dominican tradition in a more visible way is also happening with many our academic programs, especially in the liberal arts. And our newly designed Leadership program in the Graduate College will have the Dominican tradition as a focus.
Jennifer Hamlin Church, Associate VP for Advancement & Director of Alumni Relations
Yes, in so many different ways!
For almost a year, the Alumni Board of Directors has been discussing networking as a way for alumni to connect with Siena Heights. Early conversation focused on how alumni might assist current students—offering mentoring or job shadowing opportunities, welcoming student interns, or simply sharing the wisdom of experience. In a pilot effort, a few alumni did some wisdom-sharing at Homecoming last year, discussing careers with students over Saturday morning coffee.
The talk since then has gone in many directions: How do we bring students and alumni together? What programs or activities might work? And, at our February Board meeting, this question: What are the benefits of connecting undergrads and graduates? Does it make a difference?
Katie Hatch ’07, vice president of the Alumni Board, recalled the impact of a now-nameless art alumna who spoke in a long ago class in Studio Angelico: “She was a woman who worked, had a husband and children, and did her own art, too,” Katie said (attending this Board meeting by Skype from her snowbound home near Akron). “I thought, ‘Wow. If she can teach, have a family, and also do art—I can, too.’ After that, I was ready to major in art. It was a pivotal moment.”
“Rising Stars” is a new feature making its debut in this issue of Reflections. It profiles Siena Heights University alumni who have graduated within the past 10 years and who excel in their careers, occupations or community service accomplishments. To be considered for the “Rising Stars” piece in an upcoming issue of Reflections Magazine, please fill out the online form at www.sienaheights.edu/risingstars. Those who are selected to be included in an upcoming issue of the magazine will be contacted by the Reflections staff.
Chet Hesson
Graduation year: 2009
Current title/position: Assistant Athletic Director & Director of Compliance, Stetson University.
What Chet is doing: He is responsible for the administration and full oversight of a comprehensive NCAA Division I, Atlantic Sun Conference and Pioneer League rules compliance program at Stetson University in DeLand, Fla. His primary duties include investigating and reporting rules infractions, administration of a comprehensive rules education program, preparation of waivers and releases, transfer evaluations, monitoring of playing and practicing seasons, recruiting, potential extra benefits, campus visits, social networking and the Stetson athletics website.
Favorite moment/story while a student at SHU was: My four years at Siena were very challenging between the academic rigor, working part-time, participating on two athletic teams, multiple surgeries and injuries that derailed me not only physically but mentally. But when it’s all said and done, that was the path that was laid out and it made me enjoy the successes, friendships created and resiliency needed to be successful and enjoy the simple things in life.
Favorite person at SHU was: History Professor and Advisor Sr. Jeanne Lefebvre.
Ultimate goal in life: Positively affect the lives of everything and everyone I come in contact with—a lofty goal, but that’s why we set goals, right?
Best advice for SHU students is: Work for a cause, not an applause. Live life to express, not to impress. Don’t strive to make your presence noticed, just make your absence felt. Also, college is a very impressionable time period, take the time to reflect while enrolled at SHU to feel the moment and who you are becoming. If you love yourself and who you are becoming, great; if you don’t like who you are becoming, change.
