Reflections Magazine Issue #65 - Winter 2007 | Page 16

Editorial visit our new alumni website at www.sienaheights.edu from the alumni office New Year, New Possibilities As I write this, we have begun a brand new year full of new prospects and possibilities—including the odd notion of little or no snow in Michigan… did it all go to Denver?! After a whirlwind fall semester, I am gearing up for an equally lively winter and spring surrounded by energetic students, inspiring faculty, visionary leaders (especially our new president, Sister Peg Albert) and the interesting and accomplished alumni whose paths cross mine every day. Here are a few highlights of Fall ’06 in the Alumni Office: Alumni Association Board of Directors Joseph J. Balusik III ’90, President Deb Carrington Keller ’74, ’75, ’02, Vice President Mary Fairweather ’01, Secretary Keith J. Rusie ’99, Immediate Past President Peggy McCaffrey Aniol ’73, ‘74 Geraldine Boykin ‘81 Shannon Bruley ’04 Katherine A. Cusick ‘84 Paul Flowers ’94 Judy Hill ‘74 Shirley (Tootie) Horn ‘68 Karen A. Johnson ’04 Matthew Keller ’03 Michael K. Lane ‘05 Claire Lubaway ‘73 Christa Marsik, OP ‘59 Montez McDonald ’01 Jeanne Whitlow Mosley ‘59 Mary E. Phillips ‘71 Dennis Reeder ‘78 John Stoyka ’04 M. Annette Watson ’05 Dr. Anthony J. Scioly, Faculty Representative Erin Mareel ’07, Student Representative 16 Reflections Winter ’07—Be Bold. Think Higher. Alumni Weekend brought many of you to campus for a wonderful few days. New additions to the weekend included a soccer tailgate, where fans consumed 792 White Castle hamburgers provided and grilled by Jamie Richardson ’87; and an “Open Mic”event emceed by Mike Lane ’05. For a complete rundown, visit the “news and events”section found in “Alumni and Friends”on our website. Alumni came to class November 3 for Common Dialog Day, an academic celebration that kicked off the inaugural festivities for President Peg Albert. The day’s theme was “Curiosity: Asking the Bold Questions”and Seyed-Jalal Hosseini ’96 gave a compelling keynote address titled “Distorted Morality: Finding God, but Abandoning Love and Tolerance.” A native of Iran who experienced the Iranian revolution first-hand, Jalal made a powerful case for separating the institutions of state and church—any church. When government embraces religion, he said, religion ends up promoting violence and intolerance. Other speakers included Pat Hoffman Kostell ’67, Jennifer Letherer ’02, Tim Blackerby ’96, Joe Balusik ’90, Ken Thompson ’76 and Mary Jo Potter ’71. The following day, for Sister Peg’s installation as our 10th President, a distinguished gathering of alumni marched as class representatives in the inaugural procession. Deb Carrington Keller ’74 officially welcomed Sister Peg on behalf of the Alumni Association and several alumni spoke as “Voices of Siena”in the ceremony. Visit our website and check out the inauguration photo albums! Best wishes to all Siena Heights alumni—and special thanks to the members of the Alumni Association Board of Directors, dedicated graduates from across the University who provide leadership and support for our alumni programs. We are always looking for new ideas, new possibilities for serving and engaging our alumni. Won’t you share your ideas? Call, write, email or visit. Any time! Jennifer A. Hamlin Church Associate VP for Advancement & Director of Alumni Relations (517) 264-7143 [email protected]