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From the Heights—Spring 2014 Campus News

 

Bishop of Lansing Helps Siena Heights Dedicate New Altar in St. Dominic Chapel

SHU dedicated its new, custom-built altar in St. Dominic Chapel during Mass April 29. The Bishop of Lansing, the Most Rev. Earl Boyea, presided at Mass and the blessing ceremony. Funded by a grant from the Koch Foundation, as well as from benefactors and Siena Heights University, the new altar was hand-crafted by Amish carpenter Clayton Yoder and designed by Lenawee County architect Kara Lennard. In addition to the altar, the set also includes an ambo, presider’s chair, deacon’s chair, large table, small table, blessing font base and lectern. The bowl for the baptismal font was hand-made by an artist at the Toledo Museum of Art. A reception followed in the McLaughlin University Center. To see many more photos from the Altar Dedication ceremony, visit our web photo album here.

Bob Ritz
Bob Ritz

Ritz Retires from SHU

In December 2013, Bob Ritz announced his retirement after 11 years at Siena Heights University as learning specialist for Student Support Services and disability coordinator. His retirement was effective Dec. 31. Laura Lyall was hired to fill Ritz’s position in January 2014.

Carrie Mitchell
Carrie Mitchell

Mitchell Named Director of Education Program

Dr. Carrie Mitchell has been named the director of the Education Program at SHU. As a part of restructuring efforts, this newly created position is responsible for the administration of all aspects of both the graduate and the undergraduate Education programs. Sally Rae continues as program coordinator of the undergraduate Elementary and Secondary Education programs, while Eleanor Wollett continues as program coordinator of Language Arts and Kathy Burke as program coordinator of Child Development.

Read more . . .

Rising Stars

“Rising Stars” is a new feature making its debut in this issue of Reflections. It profiles Siena Heights University alumni who have graduated within the past 10 years and who excel in their careers, occupations or community service accomplishments. To be considered for the “Rising Stars” piece in an upcoming issue of Reflections Magazine, please 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.

Chet Hesson

Graduation year: 2009

Current title/position: Assistant Athletic Director & Director of Compliance, Stetson University.

What Chet is doing: He is responsible for the administration and full oversight of a comprehensive NCAA Division I, Atlantic Sun Conference and Pioneer League rules compliance program at Stetson University in DeLand, Fla. His primary duties include investigating and reporting rules infractions, administration of a comprehensive rules education program, preparation of waivers and releases, transfer evaluations, monitoring of playing and practicing seasons, recruiting, potential extra benefits, campus visits, social networking and the Stetson athletics website.

Favorite moment/story while a student at SHU was: My four years at Siena were very challenging between the academic rigor, working part-time, participating on two athletic teams, multiple surgeries and injuries that derailed me not only physically but mentally. But when it’s all said and done, that was the path that was laid out and it made me enjoy the successes, friendships created and resiliency needed to be successful and enjoy the simple things in life.

Favorite person at SHU was: History Professor and Advisor Sr. Jeanne Lefebvre.

Ultimate goal in life: Positively affect the lives of everything and everyone I come in contact with—a lofty goal, but that’s why we set goals, right?

Best advice for SHU students is: Work for a cause, not an applause. Live life to express, not to impress. Don’t strive to make your presence noticed, just make your absence felt. Also, college is a very impressionable time period, take the time to reflect while enrolled at SHU to feel the moment and who you are becoming. If you love yourself and who you are becoming, great; if you don’t like who you are becoming, change.

Read more . . .

Environmental Impact

Jeffrey Morisette ’90 Heads the North Central Climate Science Center

By Doug Goodnough

So, just what can you do with a degree in mathematics?

How about . . .

•  Work for NASA interpreting satellite data,
•  Map habitat from weather patterns and predicted changes in climate,
•  Bring a data-driven approach to earth and environmental sciences,
•  Run a multimillion dollar, multi-state science center for the federal government.

Dr. Jeffrey Morisette ’90 has accomplished all those things since graduating from Siena Heights University. Currently the director of the U.S. Department of the Interior’s North Central Climate Science Center, Morisette works with multiple agencies and organizations to help development long-term strategies and forecasts for what he believes is a rapidly changing climate.

Read more . . .