Letters to the
Editor
2
Awe and Brilliance
I read with great interest the story about Sister Helene. I arrived at Siena a year after
Studio Angelico opened in Sacred Heart Hall. I took art classes as a part of my degree
in Home Economics. I was in awe of Sister Helene’s brilliance and her stern demeanor,
probably a little afraid that one day in no uncertain terms she would express how inept I
was. (I had heard her do this from time to time). So many times in various classes when
I did not succeed well, I remember her saying: “Art is doing anything well, including the
most mundane tasks.”
A few years after graduation a group of us had the opportunity to participate in a panel
describing Siena and our days there. Sister Helene was present, as charming as she could
be. In her wry way she said she never realized how fond of our undergraduate days we
really were. We understood her meaning.
Though many years have passed, I still have the placemats I wove on the loom, and often
use the calligraphy skills I learned. Sister certainly left her legacy at Siena Heights and,
though I was a little “scared” of her most of the time, I remember her with only admiration
and fondness. Thank you for honoring her.
Vera Mae Adams ‘43, West Bloomfield, Michigan
Sr. Jeannine Klemm ‘44
I enjoyed the article about Sister Helene O’Connor very much. Now I will be looking
forward to an in-depth presentation on Sister Jeannine Klemm ‘44, after whom Klemm
Gallery is named. After all, she initiated the new building, raised funds and drew up the
plans. Also, Studio Angelico expanded considerably under her direction leading to the
certification by NASAD. I also enjoyed the other articles concerning art exploration. I
participated in the Lands of Dominic pilgrimage visiting France and Italy.
Jean Charles Birney, OP ‘50, Adrian, Michigan
Summer 2001 Issue
Letters to the Editor .................................2
President’s Message .................................3
From the Heights......................................4
Scores and More ....................................13
Alumni News .........................................17
The Campaign for
Siena Heights University .......................19
Alumni Weekend 2001...........................23
Class Notes.............................................26
On the cover:
One of the benefits of the last Siena
Heights campaign, Vision 2000, was the
construction of Dominican Hall. Today,
Dominican is an integral part of the campus
infrastructure. The first floor has one of the
largest community meeting places, Rueckert
Auditorium. The second floor is classroom
space including some technology enhanced
rooms. The third floor is home to the IBM
computer lab and the Macintosh computer
lab used by the Art Department. Turn to the
center of this issue of Reflections to learn all
about our newest capital campaign.
Sister Helene
I and my family were elated at the wonderful story and good coverage you gave to our
sister, Sister Helene, in the latest Reflections. We are so pleased that you showcased Studio
Angelico in such a lovely way. The articles by Mary Jo Fleming and Lois Chazaud were
so true and heartwarming. And the full-page picture of Helene was excellent—one we
had not seen before.
Joan O’Connor Panaro ‘52, Santa Rosa, California
Scott McClure
Congratulations on your enrollment numbers for this year (Reflections, December 2000).
Obviously, President Artman’s hard work and dedication to Siena Heights is paying big
dividends to the school. The freshman ACT scores and GPA’s are impressive. From my
point of view, I can attest to the quality of people who enroll and graduate (and work) at
Siena Heights. I can’t tell you enough how impressed I am with Scott McClure ‘86. In
a short time, he has become an integral part of our effort, playing key roles in our daily
operation and future. He is not only a fantastic employee but a person of great character.
No doubt his time at Siena Heights contributed greatly to who he is today. My hat’s off to
your outstanding university.
Steven B. Barker, President and CEO,
National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), Tulsa, Oklahoma
Ed. Note: Scott McClure ‘86 was sports information director at Siena Heights for 11 years before leaving SHU
this past September to become championship events administrator for the NAIA.
Reflections Staff
Editor:
Jennifer Hamlin Church,
Associate Vice President for Advancement
Graphic Design:
Rik Mertens
Graphic Designer and Director of Publications
Contributors:
Mark Schersten,
Associate Professor of Philosophy
Lanetta J. Williams ‘03
Antonio Galvan ‘01
Kim Kurdys,
Photography
Debbie Myers,
Communications Specialist
Lynne Redman Hill,
Director of Alumni Relations
Deb Carter,
Dean of the College of Professional Studies
Sarah Baker Korth ‘82, ‘97/MA,
Assistant Alumni Director