Reflections Magazine Issue #60 - Fall 2003

The Inside Scoop A Magazine for Graduates and Friends of Siena Heights University From the Editor !MPACT! Impact is a two-way concept at SHU. The University — its mission, values, people and programs — has an impact on students that is sometimes life-changing. We know this because our alumni tell us so and because, now and then, we see it happening right before our eyes. But impact happens in both directions: Inspired by their professors, students return the favor, exciting their teachers with new questions and ideas. Alumni have a huge impact, too, shaping Siena with gifts of time, talent and financial support. In this issue. . . . From the Heights............................................................................................................. 2–13 A Student Reflects On Catholic Values............................................................................... 10 Gifts and Giving............................................................................................................ 14–17 Ensuring the Adrian Dominican Legacy............................................................................. 14 Alumni News ............................................................................................................... 18–25 . Profile: Mike Vollmar ’88................................................................................................... 18 Profile: Karen Erickson ’60................................................................................................ 20 Alumni Weekend ’03.......................................................................................................... 25 On The Cover In this issue of Reflections, you’ll meet some of the students, faculty, and alumni making an impact at Siena today — as well as some of the legendary Adrian Dominicans whose impact will be felt for generations. Commencement made a big impact on this Siena Heights graduate.  “I was really excited,” As editor of Reflections, I hope I’ve had an impact, too. It’s been a privilege and a joy to bring the University to life in the pages of this magazine for the past eight years. I’ve appreciated hearing from many of you — an editor always likes to know someone’s really reading out there! recalls Frankie (Frances) Palazzolo ’03. And I know Siena has had an impact on me. I’ve been inspired by the Adrian Dominicans, energized by our mission to be “competent, purposeful and ethical,” and invariably delighted by my meetings with Siena alumni and friends around the country. worked full-time, putting herself through SHU she deserved to be!  A theatre major who was involved with “oh, 16, 17, a lot” of productions during her four years on campus, she also with help from financial aid and supportive faculty. “Every time I thought I couldn’t make it, Mark DiPietro helped me find a way,” she Because of all of that, I am pleased to be starting a new chapter at Siena as director of the SHU alumni relations office. In this new role, I am focusing my energies on outreach and service to Siena Heights alumni. I welcome your suggestions, invite your ideas, and look forward to meeting many more of you in the months to come. With the completion of this issue, I will hand Reflections to a new editor-in-chief, Debbie Myers, who has been my capable colleague in communications for the past two-and-a-half years. I will remain involved with the magazine, but in a contributing capacity. Thanks for reading Reflections these past eight years. Let’s stay in touch! Jennifer A. Hamlin Church Reflections Staff Editor Jennifer Hamlin Church Graphic Design Jeff Masse Contributors Anthony Butler ’04 Deborah Carter Deborah Clark ’02 (Lansing) Gabrielle Clemons ’03 Holly Czupich ’05 Erin Fuller ’05 Debbie Myers Jere Righter ’93 remembers. After starring as Tina in “Tony and Tina’s Wedding” last spring, Frankie decided her heart is with improvisational theatre. She recently moved to Chicago to study with “Second City.” SHU Alumni Association Board of Directors Keith Rusie ’99, President Joseph Balusik ’90, Vice President Sarah Baker Korth ’82, ‘97/MA, Secretary Mabel Pye ’01 (Southfield) Daniel Robinson ’99 (Battle Creek) Sr. Jodie Screes, OP ’53 Amy Cousino ’96 D. Jean Heller-Britton ’75 Tootie (Shirley) Horn ’68 Deborah Carrington Keller ’74 John D. Lasiewicki, Jr. ’88 Christa Marsik, OP ’59 Mary Phillips ’71 Sr. Pat Schnapp, RSM, Faculty Representative Carol Krueger ’04, Student Representative Office of Alumni Relations Jennifer Hamlin Church, Associate VP for Advancement: Alumni Relations 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. Reflections is © 2003 by Siena Heights University.

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