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The Online Magazine for Alumni and Friends of Siena Heights University
“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.”
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.
Sean Huddleston ’05 (Southfield) was named the new president at Martin University, a liberal arts college in Indianapolis, Ind. He previously served as the vice president for inclusion and equity at the University of Indianapolis. He formerly worked at Framingham State University in the Boston area, where he served as chief officer of diversity, inclusion and community engagement from 2016-17, and chief diversity and inclusion officer from 2015-16. He held similar positions at Grand Valley State University from 2011-14. Huddleston, 51, started his new position on March 25, 2019.
Kenneth DeGraaf (far right).
Kenneth DeGraaf ’16 was named the Northeast Conference Coach of the Year for the first-year Mount St. Mary’s (Md.) women’s bowling team. The NCAA Division 1 program finished second in the conference tournament in its first season and was nationally ranked despite having a lineup of all freshmen.
Col. John Detro ’85 of the U.S. Army moved to Fort Knox in August 2018 to become director of the Leader Development Branch. He will be the director for two years and has been selected for BDE Command. He supports the Talent Management of Army Medical Officers for the Army Surgeon General. He began his career at Fort Knox with basic training in November 1987.
