Reflections Magazine Issue #58 - Summer 2002 | Page 2

The Inside
Scoop

2
From the Editor

In this issue...

Farewell to a Scholar

President’s Message ............................................................................................................. 2
From the Heights: News About People, Programs and Events at all SHU Locations
Commencement 2002.................................................................................... 4
Thirtieth Anniversary of Eclipse.................................................................... 4
Excellence on Campus .................................................................................. 6
VanHorn Garden ............................................................................................ 7
Remnant Trust ............................................................................................... 7
Campaign Update: The Kresge Challenge! ......................................................................... 8
Fieldhouse Expansion.................................................................................... 9
Alumni Spotlight: Krista Purvis Forys ‘98 .................................................. 10
A Community of Scholars ................................................................................................. 11
The Literary Tradition of Harry Potter ........................................................ 12
Tod Marshall ’90: Publishing Persistence ................................................... 13
Student Studies Purple Loosestrife.............................................................. 14
The Busy Life of a Student Scholar............................................................. 15
McNair Scholars Program .......................................................................... 18
A Legend Passes: Remembering M2 .................................................................................. 20
Class Notes ..................................................................................................................... 22
Alumni Spotlight: Mary Sullivan McLaughlin ‘38............................................................ 23
Alumni Spotlight: Jennifer Aschenbrener ‘97 ................................................................... 25

On my first day of work at Siena Heights
seven years ago, Miriam Stimson marched
into my office, introduced herself briskly and
said, “I certainly hope you’re not going to…”
As it happened, I WAS going to...
And I spent the next hour or so explaining
why. We discussed the issue at length, articulating our opposing views, finally agreeing
(more or less) to disagree. By the end of that
conversation, I had a friend.
Although Miriam and I often did not see eyeto-eye, I held her in the highest regard; and
she seemed to appreciate my willingness to
consider and debate most any issue of interest. Her independence, humor and tenacity,
combined with the joy she found in God’s
world, quickly made her, in my eyes, a role
model for growing—and growing old—with
vigor and zest.
How appropriate that we say farewell to
Miriam, a great scholar, in an issue of Reflections that celebrates scholarship.

On the Cover:

Sister Miriam Michael Stimson taught chemistry at Siena
Heights from 1939 to 1968 and was a familiar figure to hundreds
of Siena Heights alumnae, working in the chemistry lab in full
habit. Later, when she returned to campus to direct the graduate
studies program, new generations of alumni became acquainted
with the scholar known for her large and distinctive hats. On page
20, we remember Miriam, who died in June. We also celebrate
our “Community of Scholars” and the excitement of a campaign
challenge from The Kresge Foundation.

Jennifer Hamlin Church
Editor

Letters to the Editor
I thoroughly enjoyed the Spring Reflections.
I sat down and read the entire issue with
enthusiasm and interest. I loved the message on ethics, various kinds and methods
of education, the photography, the Dominican Life Center, honors bestowed—just
everything!

The Mission of Siena Heights University
The mission of Siena Heights, a Catholic university founded and sponsored by the Adrian
Dominican Sisters, is to assist people to become more competent, purposeful and ethical
through a teaching and learning environment which respects the dignity of all.

Kathryn Noonan, OP ‘46
Adrian, MI

I was greatly impressed with your recent
magazine. I’m sure Catherine of Siena is
very proud of you!
Alice Wolski, OP ‘49
Warren, MI

Reflections Staff
Debbie Myers,

Editor
Jennifer Hamlin Church,

Communications Specialist

Associate Vice President for Advancement

Steve Ott,

Graphic Design
Rik Mertens,

Director of Marketing for Off-Campus Sites

Graphic Designer and Director of Publications

Jere Righter ’93,

Contributors
Deb Carter,

Mary Weeber ’83,

Dean of the College for Professional Studies

Director of Grants and Foundations

Adjunct English Faculty

Reflections is © 2002 by Siena Heights University.