From the President:

Moving Forward in Faith, Fortitude and Conviction!

Over the last few months, there have been so many things that have been put in our path, from the COVID pandemic to racial injustice. As I write this, we are finalizing our plan to open the 2020-21 academic year, and there is still so much uncertainty surrounding us as we at Siena Heights try to move forward.

First, the actions that caused the death of our brother, George Floyd, and many others, are totally unacceptable and an affront to our mission of respecting the dignity of all. As a faith-based university in the Catholic-Dominican traditions, our search for truth is of the utmost importance. And, sometimes, the truth is difficult for us to accept and face. We must take a long, loving look at ourselves and recognize our sinfulness. We must own where we have fallen short by recognizing how we have been a part of oppressing others either consciously or unconsciously. As a result, I have set up an advisory committee that will report to me and will assist the SHU community in dealing with these injustices.

Rising Stars

“Rising Stars” is a regular feature in Reflections. It profiles Siena Heights alumni who have graduated within the past 10 years and who excel in their careers, occupations or community service accomplishments. To be considered for “Rising Stars” in an upcoming issue of Reflections, 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.

Kayla Herold

Graduation year: 2017.

Current title/position: Lesotho (Africa) Peace Corps Volunteer.

What Kayla is doing: She is currently a Peace Corps volunteer serving in Lesotho. She is placed in the village of Ha Dinizulu and teaching at the primary school Serooeng. She is helping to coach the teachers in English and life skills in grades 4-7. She also hopes to do phonics with all grades in her second year of service. Her other project is to have all her teachers trained in how to teach phonics and life skills so that her education project is sustainable after her service time is complete.

My favorite moment/story while a student at Siena Heights was: “My favorite moment was the very first Saint Catherine of Siena (feast) day. It was so great to have so many people come out and celebrate one of our patron saints!”

My favorite person at Siena Heights was: “Kevin Grasley. He was a wonderful professor and I learned so much from him!”

My ultimate goal in life is: “To be a Peace Corps volunteer. …So now I need a new life goal.”

My best piece of advice for SHU students is: “Don’t be afraid to branch outside of your “group.” College is a time for meeting all kinds of people. Keep an open mind and you never know what you can learn about someone.”

SHU Announces 2019 Alumni Award Winners

This Year’s Recipients Were Honored Oct. 11 During Homecoming Weekend

Outstanding Alumni Award

Harold Love ’08
Clarkston, Michigan

Love had a distinguished career with the Michigan State Police and is currently the owner of Harold Love and Associates in Southfield, Mich. His company focuses on behavioral health services for public safety professionals. The Outstanding Alumni Award recognizes outstanding professional achievements and/or volunteer contributions to promote Siena positively to the community, demonstrate strong leadership characteristics and serve as significant role models for others.

Saint Dominic Award

Sister John Norton, OP ’57
Adrian, Michigan

Sister Norton was an educator for more than 50 years at St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. The Saint Dominic Award recognizes commitment to Christian education in family, school or community.