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From Satellite Student to Siena Heights Saint
By Jerry Peterson ’01—Lansing Center
Why I come to the Adrian campus—and you should, too!
A large number of Siena Heights
alumni (myself included) completed
their studies without ever setting
foot on the main campus in Adrian.
This is the result of SHU’s success
developing a nationally recognized
online program as well as a network
of remote learning centers where
students can attend classes locally.
I can think of three great reasons
to make the effort to go the main
campus; and I have availed myself
of all them. The first of these was
to be part of the graduation ceremonies. I had never thought I would
obtain a degree; so when I did, I wanted to note that accomplishment
with a celebration and not just add another line on my resume.
Secondly, I wanted to feel the pride of attending a collegiate football Homecoming as an alumnus. Although the football program is
relatively new, it has all the festivities including the makings of a fun
and boisterous tailgate tradition. SHU has additional activities before
and after the game to make a day of it.
My favorite reason to travel to the main campus is to attend the
Alumni Theatre Dinner. This event is usually held in early spring and
makes a bright spot to look forward to at the end of a Michigan winter. I am surrounded by others who support SHU. I meet people from
various backgrounds including the dedicated people who work at
SHU and call Adrian their home. The dinner is wonderful. And, since
Siena Heights is known to have a first rate theater program, the play
is always excellent. I have made this a yearly event for over a decade.
Of course, a day trip to get away from home is always a good
idea. The drive to Adrian is off the interstate and can pass by lakes,
fields and woods. Adrian has a true downtown area to walk, shop,
and grab a bite. A stroll around the Siena Heights campus shows the
blending of new and old architecture accented with shade trees and
landscaped garden beds. But, ah, best of all for me is the theater!
Note: Jerry Peterson is retired from the auto industry. He now
drives to Adrian several times a year as an active member of the
Alumni Association Board of Directors.
32 | Reflections Summer ’15
LOOKING
AHEAD!
August 4, 2015—Toledo Mud Hens Baseball Outing.
Annual summer fun in the Roost at Fifth Third Field.
Picnic, beverages and baseball fun. Reservations required.
October 16, 2015—Alumni Awards. Recognizing
accomplished alumni. 4 p.m., St. Dominic Chapel.
October 16-18, 2015—Homecoming. Football, theater,
tailgating, art, Mass, memories! Reunions for classes ending
in “5” and “0.”
November 2-12, 2015—Imperial Cities Trip: Prague,
Vienna, Budapest. SHU Alumni presents an exciting trip to
Central Europe. Three days each in these cities of history,
culture and art!
BYLINES . . . Recent Words From Alumni Pens
In Due Season 2, Prayer for Spring, Lent, Easter and Summer
Feastdays—Ken Phillips ‘75
These original prayers employ ritual and poetic language, along with
symbol and gesture, to help faith communities celebrate natural and
named times that come in Spring. Designed for lay leadership, the meditations and litanies invite group participation and may be used at retreats,
meals, meetings, or any occasion where people want to express their faith
identity, spiritual journeys, or varied searches for the Divine. Ken’s earlier
book, In Due Season 1, covers Advent, Christmas and winter feastdays.
An artist, writer and musician, Ken has spent 40 years working in liturgy
and public celebrations, ministering in parishes, schools, congregations
and conference settings. A resident of Denver, CO, he received Siena’s
Outstanding Alumni ]