From the Heights—Fall 2016 Campus News

SHU and Chinese Institute Collaborate on Business Degree Partnership

Siena Heights University and the Shijiazhuang Vocational Technology Institute of China recently announced a business administration bachelor’s degree articulation agreement in August 2016. SVTI marketing and planning majors will have the opportunity to attend Siena Heights during their final year of study. Under the agreement, SVTI students will complete the first three years of coursework in the marketing and planning major at Shijiazhuang, then can attend SHU and take courses in SHU’s business administration program to complete their major. Students will also take English language courses and live on campus during their time in the U.S.

Environmental Science Students Conduct Research in Florida

In April 2016, Siena Heights Environmental Science majors/minors traveled to Florida’s Ponce Inlet and the Indian River Lagoon, the most bio-diverse estuary in North America covering two climate zones and 156 miles from Ponce Inlet to Jupiter Inlet. Students researched current environmental issues impacting a particular local habitat or species. They then toured or caught these species (live catch and release). Subsequent research involved tours of local conservation/preservation sites developed to protect these same habitats or species.

Reuss-McCann on Panel at BGSU

Professor of Sport Management Dr. Peggy Reuss-McCann was a panelist at the Social Justice through Sport and Exercise Psychology symposium April 1-2 at Bowling Green St. University. She
participated in a discussion on community engagement and social justice.

Siena Heights Hosts Inclusion Event May 20, 2016

Siena Heights hosted the American College Personnel Association’s Equity and Inclusion Summit May 20. SHU Director of Diversity and Inclusion Sharese Mathis co-chaired the event, which had a theme of “Practicing Authenticity, Integrity and Self-Care as Students and Educators.” The objective was to bring graduate students, student affairs practitioners and faculty together to discuss the challenges in student affairs, equity and inclusion and social justice work.

Class Notes—Fall 2016

Notables:

Teammates and former Siena Heights football All-Americans Kyle Connors ’15 and Donovan Campbell ’15 were part of the West Michigan Ironmen football team that reached the championship game of the American Indoor Football league in June 2016. Campbell, a tight end, caught three TD passes in the title game, a 74-32 loss to the Columbus Lions. Connors played offensive and defensive line for the Ironmen.

Lenzey Stidham ’13 was crowned Miss Cutler Bay USA 2017 in May 2016. She represented Cutler Bay at the Miss Florida USA state competition in July. Stidham will serve as the town’s good-will ambassador for the year and threw out the first pitch at a Miami Marlins baseball game. She is also the founder and CEO of 2BC Agency, a boutique modeling agency. She is a former national cham-pion for the Saints in the pole vault.

Jason Blickensdorf ’07, an officer with the Canton Town-ship (Mich.) Police Department, was named the Officer of the Year by the Police Officers Association of Michigan in May 2016. He was honored at a special ceremony at the Amway Grand Hotel in Grand Rapids, Mich (below). The award recognizes officers who have exhibited bravery, integrity and served with dignity in the line of duty.

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.

Lisa Lothringer

Graduation year (from SHU): 2014.

Current title/position: Assistant Executive Director, Downtown Development Authority, Van Buren (Mich.) Township.

What Lisa is doing: She is responsible for all marketing and community outreach for the Downtown Development Authority. She works to promote the businesses within the DDA boundaries, build relationships with neighboring municipalities and strengthen the sense of community. Lothringer also takes part in and organizes trade events to showcase and introduces the opportunities within the township to businesses locally, regionally and nationally.

My favorite moment/story while a student at Siena Heights was: Realizing that even with balancing family and working full-time, I was able to graduate cumma sum laude.

My favorite person at Siena Heights was: Julie Edwards.

Ultimate goal in life: “To enjoy what I do for work each and every day so it does not feel like a job.”

My best piece of advice for SHU students is: “Never stop reaching for your goals. Returning to school to finally finish my degree was a promise I had made to my dad just before he died. Fifteen years later, I know he was smiling down from heaven as I crossed that stage and received my degree.”