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The Online Magazine for Alumni and Friends of Siena Heights University
“Best Homecoming ever!” We heard those words a lot this year. Lively reunions, big crowds, enthusiastic visitors to the new McLaughlin University Center, good food, energetic athletics, great theater and music and art: It was all here for Homecoming 2013!
Of course, we’re already working to make next year’s even better. So contact your “classmates fond and true.” Start planning now to revisit your “sweet golden days of dreams:”
Mark your calendar now for next fall’s Homecoming Weekend—September 26-28, 2014 and start planning your visit to the Heights!
Homecoming fun in the Octoberfest photo-booth! Allan Rodewald ‘80, Dan Tarrant ‘80, Joe Orange ‘82, Crystal Tennant, Susan Dougherty Nixon ‘78, Sherry Schudlich Forster (77-78), and Vicky DeSanto Clark ’79.
Mission Accomplished: McNair Graduate Matt Larson ’07 Completes PhD, a First for SHU-Based Program
Matt Larson
Matt Larson ’07 was the first, and hopefully, not the last. The graduate of the McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program was the first Siena Heights University student to receive his doctorate since the program was instituted on the SHU campus.
Larson, who finished his dissertation and earned a PhD in criminology and criminal justice from Arizona State University last spring, is currently an assistant professor in the College of Public Health and Social Justice at St. Louis University.
“When I started at Siena I had no clue that I would go on to graduate school,” said Larson, a first-generation college student. “I was just thrilled to be pursuing my bachelor’s degree.”
In fact, Larson was perfectly content running on the track team and taking criminal justice courses until he discovered McNair, a federally funded program designed to encourage eligible students to pursue graduate studies leading to the completion of a doctoral degree.
“I found out about the McNair program at about the same time I started to fall out of love with running and in love with academics,” Larson said. “I knew at that point that graduate school was one of my options, so applying was a no-brainer.”
Tell Us Your Stories about Sister Leonilla Barlage, OP
Sister Leonilla Barlage, OP
The Alumni Office wants to expand its memory bank about Siena’s early faculty. We have dates and titles, but we want your input—anecdotes of personal stories to bring those teaching legends to life. In the last Reflections, we asked about Sister Ann Joachim (see below). This time the spotlight is on Sister Leonilla Barlage.
Here’s what we know: Professor of English, Speech and Drama (1934-45, 1948-69). An innovator who directed yearly productions including the annual Lenten play. She established the “Little Theater” for productions in the basement of Sacred Heart Hall, across from the radio station she established (now SHU marketing and an adjoining faculty office) where students went on-air for a local radio station (far left, photo right,).
What can you tell us about Sister Leonilla? Bring the picture to life.
Send your stories and recollections to:
SHU Alumni Office, 1247 E. Siena Heights Drive, Adrian, MI 49221
or email to alumni@sienaheights.edu.
Sister Ann Joachim, OP
Insights into Sister Ann Joachim, OP
Thanks to all who sent stories about Sister “AJ.” Here are a few:
“I met Sister ‘AJ’ within a week of my arrival at Siena. I was a lowly freshman. We students were eating lunch when this Dominican nun—in my eyes she was 6’ tall—came striding into Benincasa cradling a shotgun! ‘I’m gonna get that crow yet!’ she announced. Later, of course, I got to know her as an inspired political science teacher.”—Marianne Egan McKeague ‘54.
“You did not cross your legs in Sister’s class. If you forgot, her stern look reminded you immediately.”—Rose Marie Campbell Freeman ‘56.
“I was impressed seeing Sister Ann study from 3×5 cards she always carried with her as she walked everywhere. I was an immigrant from the Netherlands and Sister helped prepare me for the examination and citizenship process.”—Maggie van Staveren ‘69.
