Reflections Magazine Issue #78 - Spring 2013 | Page 2

Column

from the president
The Siena Way
This year has been somewhat of a somber
one so far at Siena Heights.
In 2013, we have experienced an unusual
amount of deaths in the extended Siena family.
Some have hit very close to home, like the passing of longtime art faculty member John Wittersheim, who lost his fight with cancer in March.
Before that was the tragic loss of custodian
Linda Guzman, who was killed in a freak automobile accident. Both were fixtures on the Siena
campus, and we still are mourning their loss.
There have also been a string of passings to
family members and friends in the Siena community. Most seem to have occurred one right
after the other. Factor in the chill of winter lasting a bit longer than usual, and it wasn’t hard
to see why many were struggling to find the
“silver lining” in the gray clouds that seemed
to be hovering over campus.
We do our best to show all the “happy”
things happening at Siena Heights. We obviously want our alumni and friends to “feel good”
about their University, and let them know about
the excitement and energy that’s being generated
by everyone here. Sometimes, though, we need
to share some of the sadness that eventually
occurs, because it is times like these that truly
reveal the strength, support and character of
the Siena community.

The response by the people at Siena when
these tragedies occur is remarkable. Maybe it is
just a sympathetic email or phone call to ease the
hurt just a bit. Or perhaps it is something more,
like picking up some job responsibilities of that
person to help them through the grieving process. Or visiting someone at home just to talk.
I have witnessed many of these selfless acts of
charity over the past few months, and it reaffirms
the goodness that is Siena Heights University.
We all try to live the Siena Heights mission
of being more competent, purposeful and
ethical, however, you can also include terms
like compassionate, empathetic and thoughtful
when speaking about the Siena community.
It is all those qualities and more that drives
me each day, and makes me proud to serve as
its president.
As I look out my office, there’s a hint of
spring—and hopefully cheerier times—ahead.
After recently celebrating Easter and the Resurrection of Christ, I’m reminded that Jesus also
promises of more glorious times ahead for those
who believe in Him.
In the meantime, here at Siena Heights, we
will celebrate the good times, and support each
other during the bad. It’s just the Siena way.

Sister Peg Albert, OP, PhD
President

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Reflections Spring ’13