Reflections Magazine Issue #75 - Winter 2012 | Page 25

Homecoming Feature F ootball made its debut on the Siena Heights University campus as part of Homecoming Weekend Oct. 7-9. 2 The Saints played the University of Michigan-Flint for their first home game in the newly completed O’Laughlin Stadium and on Dr. Mike and Lynne Dawson Field. A crowd of nearly 5,000 witnessed the Saints’ victory over the Kodiaks 42-6. There was a special stadium dedication ceremony on the field before the game, with SHU President Sister Peg Albert leading the dedication of O’Laughlin Stadium and Dr. Mike and Lynne Dawson Field. 3 The weekend had many other activities and events for SHU alumni and friends, as well as the community. The weekend actually began Oct. 6 with the Theatre Siena production of “As You Like It” in Francoeur Theater. On Friday there was also an alumni welcome reception, a women’s volleyball match and women’s soccer match, an alumni veterans barbecue and an alumni artists’ talk. 4 Most of the other events occurred on Oct. 8. There was a homecoming brunch in Benincasa Dining Hall, a groundbreaking ceremony for the new Mary and Sash Spencer Athletic Complex, an alumni art exhibit featuring Robin Wagner ’87, Brooke Hine ’00 and Nick Ford ’02 in Studio Angelico, a men’s soccer match and a Stadium Fest that featured games and activities for people of all ages. 5 The Alumni Award winners were honored during a special ceremony in St. Dominic Chapel. This year’s award winners are highlighted on page 23. Saturday night featured the annual Alumni Banquet and Octoberfest, as well as the SHU Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2011 induction ceremony and banquet. This year’s Hall of Fame honorees were: • Krista Purvis Forys ’98—volleyball. • Jeff Gullekson ’01—basketball. • Tom Jakubowski ’90—cross country/track (photo page 26). • Don Kleinow (posthumously)—women’s cross country coach. • Matthew Pike ’01—baseball. • The 1988 Women’s Soccer Team (photo top of page 21). 1—An aerial view of O’Laughlin Stadium and Dawson Field during the stadium dedication ceremony on Oct. 8. Nearly 5,000 people attended the first home football game in the University’s history. 2—SHU head football coach Jim Lyall (far left) with benefactor Mary Spencer and SHU President Sister Peg Albert after the groundbreaking ceremony for the Mary and Sash Spencer Athletic