Reflections Magazine Issue #83 - Fall 2015 | Page 30
Column
find us on facebook—search for shu alumni
from the alumni office
“So in the deepest gratitude for years that too swiftly fly…”
As I write, the glow of Homecoming 2015 still surrounds me and my mind is filled
with recollections of rain, sun, snowflakes, fun, inspiration and re-connection:
• the powerful testimony of alumni award winners Lois Hueneman Chazaud ’49,
Jacqueline Battalora ’88, Michael Donovan ’75 and Honorary Alumna Deb Carter;
•
•
•
•
the laughter and liveliness of tailgates and tailgate trophies;
the energy of athletes—varsity, alumni, and Hall of Famers;
the inquiring minds of faculty, students and alumni at the Coffee Curriculum;
the creativity of SHU musicians (Acapelicans, Choir, Band), actors (the cast of
Urinetown), and artists (Kelly Papcun Burke ’07, Brett Lawrence ’95);
• and upholding it all, the Dominican foundation of faith; of competence, purpose
and ethics; of respect for the dignity of all—and a Homecoming Mass presided over
by Fr. Dan Lannen ’05 and SHU chaplain Fr. John Grace.
Jennifer A. Hamlin Church H’13
Associate VP for Advancement &
Director of Alumni Relations
[email protected]
It was all there at Homecoming. Go, Saints.
Actually, that same mix—learning and laughter, faith and creativity, energy and inquiry—has defined my experience of Siena Heights over the past 20 years. What a couple
of decades! In that time, Siena changed from SHC to SHU. Inaugurated Rick Artman and
Sister Peg Albert, OP, as the 9th and 10th presidents. Built football and baseball stadiums,
a university center, campus apartments, and a small living community. Added football,
lacrosse and bowling in athletics. Added sport management, nursing and engineering in
academics. Established degree-completion sites in Lansing, Jackson and Dearborn. Built
one of the nation’s best online programs.
In the alumni area, in those same years, we expanded old traditions and established
new ones: Kente, Alumni Awards, tailgating, Dinner & Theater, the 50th Reunion, Toledo
Mud Hens, SW Michigan holiday gathering, Alumni Board engagement…and lots more.
Go, Saints, indeed!
Siena Heights is a special place with a rich history, remarkable alumni, and a uniquely
Adrian Dominican heart and soul. If you believe in SHU as I do—not only its past and
present but also its future—find a way to support this place. Because it is, and always
has been, people who make the difference at this school that still believes “you can
change the world.”
It’s been a privilege, and certainly my pleasure, to work with Siena Heights alumni
since 1995. Stay in touch (I’m keeping my email address). You made me an honorary
alumna so I’ll be back—but more relaxed and without a clipboard—at Homecoming
next year; and at the 100th anniversary in 2019. Best wishes to incoming Alumni Director Jenny Engle ’12, ’15/MA. And now, changing the lyrics of the Alma Mater just a bit:
“…I rise and give my thanks to you, as I say goodbye.”
30 | Reflections Fall ’15