Column
from the editor
Doug Goodnough Editor
Alumni , Keep Those Stories Coming !
I continue to be amazed at the alumni of Siena Heights University .
During the most recent Homecoming Weekend , I had a front row seat for both the alumni awards ceremony and the athletic hall of fame banquet . Those who were honored had some astounding stories to tell .
Katie Guilbault Decker , ’ 89 was honored with an alumni award for her work in transforming a struggling inner-city school in Las Vegas into one of the most successful in Nevada . In her acceptance speech , she talked about how the Adrian Dominicans made her Siena Heights education happen . Not able to afford the tuition , she spoke through tears about how the Adrian Dominicans stepped in and paid for her tuition , allowing her to earn her degree in teacher education , and go on to become the award-winning principal she is today .
Then there ’ s the story of small-town boy Adam Hartle ’ 06 . A promising pole vaulter from the tiny farm town of Homer , Mich ., he was garnering some Division I attention before he suffered a broken back . After doctors advised him that he should never compete again , most of the schools who were recruiting him left the picture . Not Siena Heights . Again , through a tearful Hall-of-Fame acceptance speech , Hartle talked about how Siena Heights and coaches Tim Bauer and Mark Dooley believed in him . The payoff : Hartle went on to become a national champion pole vaulter for the Saints . And most importantly , he earned his degree and is a successful and productive member of society .
In the pages of this issue , you have two more unbelievable examples of Siena Heights graduates in action .
Zach Bailey ’ 14 talks about how a college internship with Disney that almost didn ’ t happen transformed his life and allowed him the career of his dreams . How many 20-somethings can say they have worked with people like Prince Harry , George Lucas and J . K . Rowling ?
And then there ’ s our cover story , Stacey Kozel . Suffering from the debilitating disease lupus since high school and living through two life-threatening accidents , Kozel considered it a major accomplishment when she could walk across the stage and receive her Siena Heights diploma in 2015 . A year later , the paralyzed 42-year-old completed the 2,190-mile Appalachian Trail on foot — and has become a national story doing it . Just wow .
Do you have a story to tell ? If you are a Siena Heights graduate , I ’ m sure you do . Don ’ t be afraid to tell us about it . You can reach out to me at dgoodnou @ sienaheights . edu . Also , we have online nomination forms for both the alumni awards and the athletic hall of fame , not to mention the Rising Stars piece in every issue of the magazine . They are available at www . sienaheights . edu .
Keep those stories coming !
4 | Reflections Fall ’ 16