Siena Heights University

09/20/2024

“Keep Going. Don’t Stop.”

Valeria and Viviana Morales, born just blocks away from Siena Heights University, share more than sisterly bonds—they share a vision. Their mother’s unwavering encouragement echoed daily: “Go to college!” And so they did. As first-generation Hispanic students, they faced unique challenges—the financial hurdles, the language barriers—but their determination blazed a trail. Valeria, now a junior pursuing a marketing degree, briefly left Siena but returned, fueled by the support of staff and administration. Viviana, a freshman aspiring to be a high school teacher, knows this journey isn’t just about diplomas; it’s about rewriting their family’s narrative. Let’s celebrate these SHU sisters who embody resilience and the power of dreams.

Valeria and Viviana’s story reminds us that education transcends borders and language. Their pursuit of knowledge is a testament to their mother’s unwavering belief and the community that rallied around them. At Siena Heights, we’re honored to be part of their journey, and we echo their mother’s words: Keep going. Don’t stop.

These SHU sisters are working hard to get the first college degrees in their family.

09/19/2024

Constitution Day was the perfect opportunity to practice thinking critically. Thank you, Jordan C. Valentine, Siena Heights University Board of Trustees member and full-time associate with Varnum Law Firm for leading a deep-dive on presidential immunity through the lens of history and current events. It opened a great dialog among students, faculty, and staff.

09/18/2024

On campus, we're settled into the semester. It was just a few weeks ago that all our incoming students gathered for fall convocation to set the tone for their academic journey. What tone, you ask? Here is an excerpt from opening remarks by our Provost, Dr. Gina Rossetti.

"For us at Siena Heights University, a campus inspired by the Dominican charism of community, we must answer this call to be counter cultural for there is no community without welcome, there is no community without hospitality, there is no community without the humble recognition that each of us is made in the image and likeness of God with an intrinsic sense of dignity. And, so as our time together unfolds during this academic year, let us extend to one another this grace, for we do not only celebrate one another, but we also recall the One through whom such is made possible."

09/16/2024

Our official album of photos from Saturday of Orientation Week are now available! Click the link below to check out the whole collection and download copies. Photos by SHU Marketing Senior Multimedia Manager, Laura Harvey.

https://buff.ly/4gqqFl4

09/16/2024

Take it from our students on what it means to be making college more accessible for Hispanic families. This past Friday, Siena Heights University and the Michigan Chamber of Commerce announced a scholarship and tuition discount program. Thank you 13 ABC for coming to campus and helping us get the word out.

Through this new program, eligible MHCC employees and members, along with their dependents, will receive a 25% discount for SHU’s undergraduate, online and graduate degree programs.

09/13/2024

Siena Heights University and the are pleased to announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that establishes a significant partnership aimed at expanding educational opportunities for MHCC employees, members, and their dependents.

This collaboration underscores a shared commitment to fostering educational advancement and professional growth within the Hispanic business community. Through this agreement, eligible MHCC members and their families will have access to Siena Heights University’s undergraduate degree completion and graduate degree programs at a discounted tuition rate, further fostering their professional and academic growth.

“We are excited to partner with the Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce to provide greater access to higher education for its members and their families,” said Siena Heights University President Douglas Palmer. “This collaboration aligns with our mission to create a more inclusive and educated community.”

“The Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce is committed to supporting the professional and academic growth of our members,” said Mark Moreno, Executive Director of MHCC. “This partnership with Siena Heights University will open doors for our community, offering valuable opportunities for educational advancement and career development.”

Read more at https://buff.ly/4d47hHK

09/10/2024

Come out and cheer on the Saints for Family Day this Saturday, September 14th. Kickoff is at 12:00pm. The game theme is Tie Dye. Kids 12 and under get in free! Anyone 14 and under who would like to participate in the Saints Run-Out will be invited on the field with 5 minutes left on the pre-game clock. Posters will be given out to the first 100 kids in the gate. Stay after the game to have your poster signed by Saints Football Players! GO SAINTS!

09/09/2024

At this weekend's football game, we welcomed back our 2014 team members and their families for 10-year reunion of our football program! We had around 100 guests including our founding-year coach, Coach Jim Lyall, and our former Campus Minister, Father Tom Helfrich. Everyone had a great time and we hope to have more reunions in the future!

09/06/2024

Join us for our Military & First Responder Appreciation Football game this Saturday! Theme is red, white, and blue fand all military and first responders get in free with a valid ID. Kickoff is at noon vs Marion. Get your tickets at the link below!

https://shusaints.com/sports/fball/tickets/index

09/03/2024

A great article from the The Lenawee Voice featuring our Brain Gain Promise!

https://lenaweevoice.com/2024/09/03/editorial-yes-college-can-still-be-affordable/?fbclid=IwY2xjawFECItleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHZuw9HsU-l48Om0VoRX3w2viBWzpSsduWSzTY4lPANtEB8TyNUZY4ay0cQ_aem_Rkjy4HMpnKKVVwIw133SRQ

Last month in this space, we wrote about a poll by the Detroit Regional Chamber that revealed a startling disconnect between the facts about Michigan’s economy and residents’ perceptions of it. We didn’t discuss another troubling finding of that survey, which concerns what Michigan residents b...

08/30/2024

It's been a great Orientation Week and First Week of classes! Class of 2028, as you embark on this transformative journey, remember that the next four years will be a time of exploration, self-discovery, and growth, and we can't wait to share this adventure with you!

08/26/2024

This Thursday we will celebrate our largest incoming class with a fireworks promotion after the Saints' season-opening football game against Taylor! Fans and members of the community are invited to O'Laughlin Stadium for this exciting celebration!

Parking Update: O'Laughlin Stadium lot will open at 5 PM - $10 presale (at the link below) and $12 gameday. The track and field throwing area adjacent to the stadium will open at 6 PM – $10 gameday. Free parking at the Fieldhouse.

Presale ticket link: https://sienaheights.prestosports.com/sports/fball/tickets/index

08/25/2024

So ends an amazing Orientation Week for our biggest class of incoming students yet! Welcome, Saints!

08/20/2024

Tomorrow is move-in day, and we want to hear from alumni and upperclassmen! What's your best piece of advice for incoming students?

08/09/2024

Please help us welcome our new Men's Wrestling Coach, Rudy Corpus!

Rudy Corpus Named Men's Wrestling Coach

07/29/2024

SHU Nursing is seeking to immediately fill the adjunct faculty position which will begin on Sept. 30th! Email your resume to [email protected]

07/25/2024

Today marks our second year of celebrating National Intern Day in Lenawee County! We had the pleasure of welcoming over 40 interns from local businesses who joined us in making this day memorable. 🤝This year's service project was joining forces with I92 Food Relief Ministries to pack weekend meal packs for Lenawee County school kids. The meals are delivered to every school in Lenawee, every weekend during the summer. They serve over 650 kids in Lenawee every week. Today, the interns packed a whopping 400 meals!!! Thank you to all who came and made a difference today 💙💛💙💛

07/19/2024

🎉 SHO Day Success! 🎉

Our final SHO Day before the school year was a blast and the biggest one yet! We welcomed 123 new and bright faces to our beautiful campus today. 🌟 It was amazing meeting each and every one of you, and we can’t wait to discover all the unique qualities that make you YOU! 💙💛💙💛

Stay tuned for more exciting adventures ahead!

07/12/2024

Our official photo album from Late Night Breakfast is now available! Click the link below for the full photo gallery and to download copies of your own. Photos by SHU Marketing Student Photographer (now alumna!), Brittnee Byers.

https://sienaheightsuniversity.zenfolio.com/LateNightBreakfast2024

07/05/2024

Our full collection of photos from Commencement 2024 is now available at the link below. Please feel free to download and share! Photos by SHU Marketing Senior Multimedia Manager, Laura Harvey.

https://sienaheightsuniversity.zenfolio.com/Commencement2024

07/04/2024

🎆 Happy 4th of July from Siena Heights University! Celebrate freedom, unity, and excellence with us! 🌟🎓

07/03/2024

Congratulations to all our our Rising Education Program graduates at the Michigan Department of Corrections Cooper Street Facility in Jackson. Two groups of graduates received their diplomas - one from the Siena program and one from Jackson College. This was the second of two Commencement ceremonies in the Rising Education Program! Truly inspiring!

To see the full photo album and download copies of your own, visit the link below!

https://sienaheightsuniversity.zenfolio.com/RisingEducationProgramCommencement-Cooper2024

06/24/2024

This past weekend, we hosted another successful Siena Heights Orientation (SHO) Day here on Campus. We were thrilled to see so many new faces eager to start their journey with us.

Our campus was full of excitement and wonder as students and their families engaged in fun, interactive sessions designed to introduce them to life at Siena Heights. From meeting fellow students to learning about our diverse programs and resources, it was a day packed with discovery and connection.

A big thank you to everyone who participated and made this event a success. Your enthusiasm and curiosity truly embody the spirit of Siena Heights University. We can’t wait to see what you’ll achieve here!!

To those incoming Freshmen who have not yet attended, our next in-person SHO Day will be Friday, July 19th 💙💛💙💛

06/22/2024

Our full Kente photo album is now available. To see the whole collection and download copies of your own, visit our photo website at the link below. Photos by SHU Marketing Senior Multimedia Manager, Laura Harvey.

https://sienaheightsuniversity.zenfolio.com/Kente2024

06/21/2024

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Sister Beth Butler, OP, a beloved member of our Siena Heights community. Sister Beth dedicated her life to education and justice for all those around her. Among many other wonderful things about Sister Beth, we will miss her compassion for others, infinite wisdom, and unwavering sense of humor.

"It's not what's taught, but it's what's caught"

As an educator, Sister Beth touched countless lives, who have gone on to be who they were meant to be, and indeed set the world on fire. May her legacy continue to inspire us all. Rest in peace, Sister Beth.

Below is Sister Beth's Honorary Alumni Award Recipient video interview.

06/19/2024

Campus is closed today in observance of Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day. June 19th, 1865 marks the day troops arrived in Texas to enforce the Emancipation Proclamation and free the final 250,000+ enslaved black people in the U.S.

06/17/2024

🎉🏀 Exciting News from Siena Heights University! 🏀🎉

We’re celebrating as Sue Syljebeck steps up to Vice President of Athletics! 🌟

But that’s not all! We also welcome Candice Leatherwood, a Siena Heights alum, as the new head women’s basketball coach!

Join us in this new chapter of SHU athletics! Check out the full story here: https://www.sienaheights.edu/syljebeck-leatherwood/

06/14/2024

Congratulations to our Winter 2024 Academic Achievement List students!

Siena Heights University recently announced its academic achievement lists for the Winter 2024 semester. Students are recognized each fall and winter semester for high academic achievement by being named to the Dean’s List or Academic Achievement List. To make the lists, students must achieve a mi...

06/13/2024

Thank you to all the teams who participated in our Scholarship Spectacular Golf Outing last week at the Hills of Lenawee Golf Club and Banquet Center! Your support goes a long way toward removing barriers to higher education for countless students! To download high resolution copies of your team photo, click the link below. More photos will be available in the future so watch this page!

https://sienaheightsuniversity.zenfolio.com/GolfOuting2024

06/07/2024

On the morning of Commencement, graduates are honored in a very special Baccalaureate Mass where each receives a cross from the university president. Check out the full photo collection and download copies of your own at the link below. Photos by SHU Marketing Senior Multimedia Manager, Laura Harvey.

https://sienaheightsuniversity.zenfolio.com/BaccalaureateMass2024