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September 10, 2019, Adrian, Michigan – Siena Heights University kicked off its centennial academic year, 2019-2020, with the dedication of its Centennial Mall on August 26, 2019, during the first week of classes. Designed to reflect the University’s Adrian Dominican heritage, the Mall in front of Sacred Heart Hall includes a large sculpture of a torch, designed and created by Siena Heights graduate Ken Thompson, a sculptor. The four pillars of Dominican life are engraved around the torch’s base. Flanking the sculpture are two rows of five apple trees, reminiscent of the apple orchard that Mother Camilla Madden purchased indirectly from a local farmer for what became St. Joseph College.
Sister Peg Albert, OP, PhD, President of Siena Heights University, lit the torch at the base of the sculpture using a smaller torch that had been relayed through each of the University’s eight campuses outside of Adrian and handed on to several representatives of the Siena Heights community. Participants in the local relay including Nancy Murray, OP, portraying St. Catherine of Siena, and Frances Nadolny, OP, General Councilor and Administrator, as well as a member of the Board of Trustees of Siena Heights.
The dedication of the Centennial Mall is one of 100 events marking the Centennial Year. The first event took place on August 30, 2019, when participants in Embracing the Future / Encuentro con el Futuro / Pagyakap sa Hinaharap were invited to a reception and tour of the University’s new Performing Arts Center.
Read the full article, written by Spencer Durham and printed in The Daily Telegram.
The torch sculpture, created by Siena Heights graduate and sculptor Ken Thompson, lights up the sky in front of Sacred Heart Hall. Michael Orlando, Dean for Students, passes the torch on to Sister Nancy Murray, OP, portraying St. Catherine of Siena. Photos Courtesy of Siena Heights University Marketing