Prison Break

Aaron Kinzel ’10 Uses Education to Be on the Right Side of the Criminal Justice System

If Aaron Kinzel ’10 was born with a silver spoon in his mouth, it was probably stolen.

At age 5, he was taught to pick locks and steal. Continually surrounded by bad people and bad influences at home, the angry, pot-smoking 15-year-old shoved a teacher at a basketball game one night, and then tangled with police who tried to arrest him. That landed him in the juvenile detention center. From there, he moved on to drugs and guns.

The tipping point for Kinzel came at age 18, when his violent confrontation with police led to a five-felony conviction. He served nearly 10 years in federal prison, but spent some of that time learning. He learned about the legal system. He learned about the cultural stigmas of being a convicted felon. And he learned that he didn’t have to be angry any more.

Turning to education, one prison correspondence class sparked an amazing educational journey that continues to unfold. Now a Siena Heights University graduate on his way to a doctorate, Kinzel is teaching others about the criminal justice system—from his own unique perspective.

From the President:

“…for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”— Romans 3:23

When Paul wrote this, he didn’t make any exceptions (except for Jesus Christ, of course). In fact, before his conversion to Christianity, Paul was one of the biggest offenders, ruthlessly persecuting the followers of Jesus before his conversion on the road to Damascus.

But God found redemptive qualities in Paul, eventually choosing him to tirelessly proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles before his eventual death at the hands of the Romans. What a transformation!

I believe God is still transforming people like Paul today. He certainly believes in redemption, and following His example, so do we here at Siena Heights. In fact, it’s embedded in our mission statement to “respect the dignity of all.”

In this issue, we highlight two alumni who were originally on the opposite ends of the criminal justice spectrum, but are now championing efforts to improve the system—and those in it—from the inside out.

From the Editor:

Small Things

I work with such creative people.

By nature, I guess we have to be. As the office that handles many marketing and publications projects for the University, we are asked to come up with all sorts of “fun stuff.” Posters, postcards, brochures, fliers, videos, photos—even logos and a bus wrap from time to time—are part of our day-to-day duties. And, of course, the magazine you are reading.

So when our new dean, Matt Draud, asked me about improving a rather drab entrance-way to the back entrance of the Science Building, my answer was “Sure, let’s see what we can come up with.”

Now, usually with such spaces that have large, concrete block walls, our solution is a graphic printed on either a large poster board or durable PVC (plastic). So when I asked one of my team members, Angie Sieler, to head the project, that was my suggestion.

From the Advancement Office:

Dan Peña ’01, ’08/MA, MBA<br />Vice President of Institutional Advancement — Dan Peña ’01, ’08/MA, MBA
Vice President of Institutional Advancement

Greetings Alumni & Friends

It is with much excitement and anticipation that I assume the responsibilities of Vice President of Institutional Advancement at Siena Heights. SHU has been an amazing blessing in my life. In addition to earning two degrees at SHU, I met my wife Amber as an undergraduate. We were married in Lumen (now St. Dominic) Chapel, and dedicated our children on campus. We certainly have “blood in the bricks” at SHU and I’m so honored to come home to serve the mission.

Siena Heights is a wonderful place that the world deeply needs. Our graduates leave prepared to enjoy personal success in their lives and careers. More importantly, SHU graduates enter the world ready to lead and inspire others to become more competent, purposeful, and ethical. They embody the vision of the Adrian Dominican Sisters—To seek truth, make peace, and reverence life.

The next time you are on campus, please take a moment to stop by my office in Sacred Heart Hall to say hello. Our team welcomes the opportunity to meet and connect with the wonderful alumni of Siena Heights University who make our job such a privilege.

Go Saints!

Dan Peña ’01, ’08/MA, MBA
Vice President of Institutional Advancement
(517) 264-7146
dpena@sienaheights.edu

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