From the Editor:

Siena Heights: A Century in the Making

We’re having a party, and you’re invited!

Siena Heights University will celebrate its 100th anniversary during the 2019-20 academic year.

When you have an event this important, you need an entire year to celebrate. And we plan on doing it up right!

Even though we are still more than a year away, things are already in motion. Some of the planned activities include a statewide Olympic-style torch relay event in August 2019 to begin the anniversary year, as well as a “Kickoff Week” and special Homecoming Weekend celebration.

A unique “100 Events for the 100th” concept is also in works, as well as historical displays both on campus and at the Lenawee Historical Museum. And there’s so much, much more to come!

From the President:

Thanks for the Memories, Sage Union

For many of you, there are parts of the Adrian campus that are “sacred spaces.” Maybe it’s Trinity Garden with its majestic and spectacular magnolia trees in full bloom.

Or the magnificent stained glass-adorned St. Dominic (formerly Lumen Ecclesiae) Chapel during a reverential Torch Night ceremony.

For our more recent graduates, maybe it’s the coziness of the McLaughlin University Center living room with its welcoming fireplace.

Unfortunately, it’s time to say good-bye to another space considered to be sacred by many: Sage Union. Originally named Walsh Hall when constructed in 1923, this facility was once “The Hub” of campus. For decades, it was the gathering place for theater and music events. In fact, the main floor was legendary for its acoustical excellence. Commencement ceremonies were conducted there for decades, and many early athletic events were hosted in the basement gymnasium.

For the Adrian Dominican Sisters, many received their annual mission appointments in Sage, which was an occasion of joy for some, and sadness for others.

An Active Educator

English Faculty Member Karin Barbee Recipient of Rice Award for Outstanding Teaching

By Julie Bonk—Student Writer

Despite winning the 2017 Eileen Rice Award for Out-
standing Teaching, Siena Heights University Associate Professor of English Karin Barbee remains humble about her accomplishments.

Barbee said she was “shocked” when she learned she had received the award.

“It was surprising,” Barbee said. “I spent a lot of time on the speech for the Fall Convocation because I knew I had to take advantage of this because I’m never going
to get it again.”

Barbee mainly teaches composition and creative writing and occasionally literature. She spent seven years teaching at Bowling Green State University before coming to Siena Heights.

When it comes to her teaching philosophy, Barbee said she likes to focus on the students and their personal improvement.