Mark Murray introduced today’s speaker, Sister Peg – President of Siena Height University, who began her presentation by saying how humbled she was by his introduction of her and the fact that was speaking before a group that does so much in this community.
Sister Peg has headed SHU for ten and a half years. Here is a list of things she shared with us:
Changing their enterprise system.
Enrollment is very strong. 2,600 total students of which 1,060 are traditional undergraduate. When Sister Peg arrived 10 and a half years ago enrollment was 640.
Graduate programs are growing as well as the number of their off-campus sites and on-line classes.
This is the 8th consecutive year SHU has been named a “Military-friendly” institution.
Also recognized as a “College of Distinction” as well as a “Catholic College of Distinction”.
Their on-line programs are rated second nationally among all other institutions their size and 5th in the nation among all private colleges and universities.
SHU launched a new degree completion center at Kalamazoo Community College.
SHU has a new dean of the College of Arts & Sciences.
Matt Kohn is now the new permanent football head coach.
Former head coach Jim Lyle remains at SHU and is recruiting marching band members.
SHU has an engineering program in conjunction with North Dakota.
SHU created the first Engendered Studies Institute as well as a Social Justice group.
An SHU English professor wrote a new book titled “Children of the New World” – a national bestseller.
SHU will be building a new 300-seat Teaching Theater – a $11.3 million project along with the conversion of their current theater into a music hall with an addition for their marching band.
The Academy was turned over to SHU by the Dominicans and will be renovated in 3 phases (by floor). Each of the 3 floors will cost $1.6 million to renovate and will allow the university additional academic teaching space.
A new women’s softball field is also in the plans.
A Heritage Program was started at SHU to train lay staff about the rich heritage and history that the Dominican Order has always valued.
SHU received a $300,000 federal grant to educate people about “Violence Against Women”.
Vocational Lunches – Yours Truly thanked Patty, Kathy and Barry for hosting the lunches this year and to those who attended. Rhonda requested that those who were in attendance and pre-pay their regular meals, to pay her for last week’s meal. Thank you.
The Art of Mingling – Thanks to everyone who volunteered on January 19th. It was an awesome turnout and the students, we heard, particularly enjoyed hearing from the professionals.
Rotary Logo Shirt Sale – REMEMBER – the shirt/blouse samples with logos will be sold to any interested parties. They will be $37@. There is a regular as well as a V-neck style for the ladies.
Semi-annual Club Dues are Due – Please pay your dues if you have not already. Checks can be dropped off at a regular meeting.
RI Foundation Giving Levels – Anyone who would like to know what the status of their giving is to contact Chair Mike Olsaver as he has all that information.
District 6400 Newsletter – AG Mary encouraged all members to read the great district newsletter which is available at: http://rotary6400.org/?page_id=301 . There is a great pic from the recent AM Club’s Celebrity Wait.
Random Acts of Kindness – Whether you’re out and about or at work go to rotar6400kindness.com and do something good for somebody! Deadline for this will be mid-April.
Bottle Cap Program – As a reminder, Mike Olsaver will be taking bottle caps only until February 15th. They will be recycle to provide plastic benches at Michener Elementary. Mike told the audience that it takes four 55 gallon drums of caps to make one bench. The total collected amounted to eight 55-gallon drums which will make TWO benches. Thanks everyone!
Passport Program – We are looking for members who can pay a visit to a Canadian Club. This will complete our 4 visits that qualify us for part of the Presidential Citation Award in Cleveland in May. Nate along with Greg and Marje Simay volunteered to attend. We need one more so please contact me should you be able to go.
DATES TO REMEMBER
February 16 – District Grant Writing Seminar – Thanks again to Sue Lewis and Chip Moore we will have the minimum number required to attend. The seminar will be presented by PDG Donna Schmidt at Madison Middle School beginning at 6:30 and going to 8:30pm. Attending this seminar qualifies us for matching grants though District 6400.
February 18 – Walk 4 Warmth 2017 – REMEMBER - this upcoming event (March of the Penguins) will help people in need have heat in their homes this winter.
February 23 – Meet the Governor – The Southgate Rotary Club will be hosting this event so members can meet the incoming Governor, Rick Caron (2017-18). The 23rd is the same day as our regular meeting but if you would like to go, please let us know.
May 11 – 15 – District Conference – Are you signed up yet to attend? AG Mary again provided details of the event. Time is running out especially if you want to take advantage of a “first time attended $100 subsidy” and matched by District 6400! Cleveland here we come!! And the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame!
So, let’s hear from you. Signed up to go as of this writing are: Yours Truly, Nate Smith, Patty and Jane Clark, the Olsaver fam.
Upcoming Programs
Feb 9 – RYLA Students
February 16 - Chris Miller on the Upstart Program
February 23 -
March 2 – Laura Pips – Family & Children Counseling Services
March 9 –
March 16 – Stuart Kail – Owner of Aurbees
March 23 – Greg Simay – Member Moment
March 30 – Jim Perri – Membership Director for District 6400
GUESTS: Junior Rotarians Sarah Ford and Sidney Yatzek; Ted Crockett, guest of Yours Truly; Jacob Maxson, guest of John B.
It was Rod Pender’s turn this month. He fined these deserving Rotarians: Gage, Mark M. (4), Mercer (2), Williams (3), Nelson (4), Mary M. (2), Chase (4), Marti (2), Olsaver (2), Moore, Baldwin (3), Smith, G. Simay, M. Simay, DuMars, Slater (2), Sack, Maxe, P. Clark, Lewis, S. Tobey, M. Tobey, Soto (2), Hokenson, J. Clark.
Mark Murray introduced today’s speaker, Sister Peg – President of Siena Height University, who began her presentation by saying how humbled she was by his introduction of her and the fact that was speaking before a group that does so much in this community.
Rotary Logo Shirt Sale – REMEMBER – the shirt/blouse samples with logos will be sold to any interested parties. They will be $37@. There is a regular as well as a V-neck style for the ladies.
February 16 – District Grant Writing Seminar – Thanks again to Sue Lewis and Chip Moore we will have the minimum number required to attend. The seminar will be presented by PDG Donna Schmidt at Madison Middle School beginning at 6:30 and going to 8:30pm. Attending this seminar qualifies us for matching grants though District 6400.
