Alumni News—Fall 2013

Tell Us Your Stories about 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.

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.

World Class

Educational Process Does Not Stop Over the Summer for SHU Faculty

King Guest Conducts at World Renowned Juilliard Music School

Wes King was in rare company last July in New York City. King, Siena Heights music instructor and director of Bands, was only one of 10 people worldwide to be selected to conduct at the Juilliard Conducting Workshop for Music Educators.

“I had thought about applying for it for a few years but I didn’t think I would be strong enough to get in,” said King, who is in his second year at SHU. “It was a big surprise for me and my family. It was just a really cool opportunity.”

King had to apply via a DVD audition. Required was a 15-minute performance and 15-minute rehearsal. For the rehearsal part of the audition, King used his work conducting a John Philip Sousa march with the Siena Heights band.

Out of more than 200 applications, only 48 were chosen. And only 10 were allowed to conduct at Juilliard, known as one of the finest schools for the arts in the world. He received another unexpected surprise when his younger brother, Greg, and his mother, helped fund his trip.

“You had people coming in from all over the world,” said King, who joined conductors from Japan, Scotland and South Africa among others. “And I was with people who had doctorates, who were working professionally. There were only a few band directors.”

SHU’s New ‘Crown Jewel’

Take a Guided Tour of the McLaughlin University Center –Through the Eyes of the People Who Use It

By Doug Goodnough

The new “Crown Jewel” of Siena Heights University was sparkling during Homecoming Weekend 2013.

The new $9.1 million McLaughlin University Center was dedicated Oct. 5 as part of the Homecoming celebration on the Adrian campus (picture above).

Major benefactor Mary Spencer and a contingent of more than 30 of her family members joined her to dedicate the facility that was named after her parents, Delbert and Donna McLaughlin. Joining Spencer and SHU President Sister Peg Albert for the ribbon-cutting ceremony were Steve and Sally Hickman of the Hickman Family Foundation, which provided the lead gift for the project.

The McLaughlin Center officially opened its doors on Aug. 1. The 34,000 square-foot student and community facility houses the University’s dining service, which includes a Mongolian-style grill, a snack shop featuring Starbucks coffee and the Barnes & Noble College Bookstore.

SHU Dean for Students Michael Orlando was involved in the early planning of the facility, and he said to see the impact that it has already made has been remarkable.

“This is because students wanted this space on campus,” Orlando said. “It was really refreshing that we were able to modify the design so it did have student input. … Although it’s just a building, it’s an indicator that this is where students are meant to be.”

Since this is a student-and people-centered facility, the staff of Reflections thought it appropriate that the people who use it every day should take readers on a guided “tour” of sorts to show off some of the favorite features.

The Online Magazine for Alumni and Friends of Siena Heights University