Reflections Magazine Issue #77 - Fall 2012

Alumni News alumni and campaign news Alumni Association Note: Patricia Schnapp, RSM, now in her 26th year on the Siena Heights University English faculty, became an honorary member of the Alumni Association this fall. Her record—as a creative and inspiring teacher, accomplished author and editor, dependable mentor and fan of students, dedicated prison volunteer and advocate for the homeless, irrepressible lover of literature, and faith-filled friend to all at the University—surely qualifies her as a true Saint. Known to provide rhyming verse for any occasion, she wrote and recited the following on the occasion of receiving the 2012 Honorary Alumni Award. A Short Ode of Tribute to Siena Heights University By Sister Pat Schnapp, RSM Honorary Alumna of SHU Siena to me has been more than hospitable, its kindnesses gen-rous and quite unforgittable. It’s infused with the spirit of Sisters Dominican, who can sure keep their charism vital— if iny kin! Deans ‘n colleagues are sharp and are always congenial, and they rarely show flaws either mortal or venial. Yes, salt of the earth are Siena’s professors, though I’ve never consulted their shrinks or confessors! They’re gen-rous with time and their talents and knowledge, which makes this a vibrant, unique, and fine college. Our students come here both to work and to learn. Well, the bulk of them?—and it is rare that they spurn . . . Our exertions in class. And indeed they remind us, that from them will come the next Thomas Aquindus! By our fine arts pursuers we’re constantly wowed, And our athletes continue to make us all proud. As precious as once was the heavenly manna, is Adrian’s jewel and pride—our Siena! And if in the future I ever feel glum, I’ll remember: I’m an Honorary Siena alum! This thought will revive me and make my heart cheerful. And here ends my verse— since you’ve had quite an earful! athletic events such as football, track and field, soccer and lacrosse. The baseball field, completed last spring, features an artificial surface infield and is considered one of the premier small-college facilities in the region. In July 2012, the Mary and Sash Spencer Athletic Complex opened adjacent to the stadium and features state-of-the-art lockerrooms, offices and training facilities. Construction is currently underway on the new McLaughlin University Center, On Higher Ground Campaign Closes with $19 Million Raised Siena Heights University closed the most successful campaign in the institution’s history with an on-campus celebration Oct. 16. The On Higher Ground Campaign shattered its original goal of $13 million by finishing with more than $19 million in pledges and gifts over a three-year period. The campaign officially ended on June 30, 2012. “The campaign response was everything we had hoped for and more,” said SHU President Sister Peg Albert, OP, PhD. “We secured the largest individual gifts in the institution’s history, and we now have visible evidence of what this campaign has meant for Siena Heights— especially for our students.” The campaign addressed three primary priorities: new athletic facilities, a new university center and growing the endowment through securing planned and estate gifts. O’Laughlin Stadium and Dawson Field were completed in fall 2011, and now host which will include a dining service, bookstore, community rooms and recreational space. The student center will be a functional gathering space and will benefit all segments of the university community, enhance the quality of student life for resident and non-resident students alike and support more community events. The center is scheduled to be open by the time classes begin in fall 2013. “None of this would have been possible without the generosity of our donors, some of whom have created a lasting footprint and legacy at Siena Heights,” President Albert said. “Our benefactors recognized what great things are happening here at Siena Heights, and now have a chance to create even more opportunities for our students. We are certainly now ‘On Higher Ground’ from a facility and student support standpoint.” Reflections Fall ’12 33

Reflections Magazine Issue #77 - Fall 2012 | Page 33