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October 31, 2023, Adrian, Michigan – Siena Heights University undergraduate social work students and clinical mental health master’s degree students now have a dedicated space to practice their counseling skills and receive feedback. On October 14, 2023, during Homecoming weekend, the University dedicated the Sister Peg Albert Social Work Simulation and Practice Lab.

A classroom in the lower level of the science wing of Sacred Heart Hall was renovated to create the social work classroom and lab. The lab was named in honor of Sister Peg, who retired in July 2023 after serving 17 years as President of Siena Heights University. Before serving in administration, Sister Peg ministered as a social worker, particularly with college students.

Sister Peg Albert, OP, PhD

“I’m humbled and honored to have the Social Work Simulation and Practice Lab named in my honor,” said Sister Peg, who could not attend the dedication. “Social work is a much-needed profession today with all the mental health issues people are experiencing, particularly since COVID. Siena Heights social workers will be well trained, given the opportunity to learn by using the lab and receiving feedback from others.”

Sister Peg said she “loved every minute” that she practiced social work, especially with college students. “I knew that my time with them was sacred because of their willingness to share their deepest thoughts and emotions with me … I used my social work skills throughout my whole life, whatever I was doing.” 

Douglas Palmer, PhD, President of Siena Heights University, said the University was founded “to bring light in places that were cast in darkness – the light of education but also the light of service. I can think of no better dedication for Sister Peg, nor better outreach of our mission here at Siena Heights, than training the future generations of social workers to go out into the world and bring light into the darkness.”

Elizabeth Davis, Director of the Social Work program, noted that, of about 12 social work programs in Michigan, Siena Heights University is one of only five that offers students a simulation and practice lab – and one of only two bachelor’s degree programs to do so. “This has been a dream for seven years, and it has finally come to fruition,” she said. “Typically, students would have to wait to get to the MSW level to have such a space …. We are really on the cutting edge here.”

The lab includes a classroom with two smaller rooms in the back: one replicating a typical social worker’s office and the other a home situation. Students have the opportunity to practice their skills in these rooms. Cameras will allow classmates to watch the practice on an 86-inch screen and offer feedback. Another portion of the lab includes a circle of chairs, allowing students to practice leading groups.

Susan Shelangoskie, Vice President of Academic Affairs – who brought Elizabeth’s proposal to the President’s Cabinet for approval – noted the hard work that Elizabeth put into the project, from cleaning the floor to preparing the room to be painted. “She has put a lot of sweat equity into this, as well as a lot of her intellectual skill and expertise,” she said.

Sister Sharon Weber, OP, who served with Sister Peg as Vice President of Academic Affairs, led in the blessing of the lab. “We ask you to bless the individuals, the faculty, and students who will use this space to teach and learn the skills that will help them and the many lives they will touch in the future,” she prayed. “Most especially, we ask you to bless the relationships that the skills in social work and counseling will develop here and through many years into the future through the work of our future alums.”

Sister Sharon also prayed for blessings on Sister Peg, “for whom we dedicate this space and who brought her own social work education and skills to benefit so many in her lifetime, and especially in her time in leadership here at Siena Heights.” 

After the blessing, the approximately 35 Social Work faculty members and students, administrators, alumnae, and friends stayed to enjoy refreshments and tour the new lab before participating in other Homecoming events.
 

October 20, 2023, Adrian, Michigan – Sister Beth Butler, OP, was named an Honorary Alum of Siena Heights University in recognition of her positive influence on criminal justice students 40 years ago. She received the award during the October 13, 2023, Distinguished Alumni Awards Ceremony at Rueckert Auditorium. The awards program was part of Siena Heights University’s Homecoming weekend, October 13-15, 2023.

Alumni, students and staff of Siena Heights University, and friends and family of the honorees were welcomed by Andy Switzer ’13, President of the Alumni Board, and by Douglas Palmer, PhD, President of Siena Heights University. 

“Today, we’re here about honoring those who have come before – welcoming our wonderful alumni who have represented Siena Heights University and are doing so well,” Dr. Palmer said. “We are thankful to have people like you who continue to demonstrate the values of a Siena Heights education. What you offer to the world is invaluable.” 

In introducing Sister Beth, Sister Sharon Weber, OP, PhD, noted that Sister Beth was chosen as an Honorary Alum because she is “an inspirational model who made a difference for Siena Heights by demonstrating exceptional commitment to it and support for the mission and the spirit of the university.” 

Sister Beth began her years of study at Siena Heights but graduated from Barry University and earned a master’s degree in criminal justice at Michigan State University. In her master’s work, she traveled to Europe to compare the criminal justice systems in the United States with those in other countries.

Sister Sharon said Sister Beth was “instrumental in the formative years of the Criminal Justice programs at both Siena Heights and Barry universities,” both sponsored by the Adrian Dominican Sisters. She was a criminal justice professor at Siena Heights in the 1980s, serving as a mentor to her students.  

Through the years, Sister Beth also ministered in the criminal justice system, teaching prison inmates in Michigan and California and serving as a probation officer, chaplain of the Miami Police Department, and supervisor for public safety and security at Dominican Hospital in Santa Cruz, California.

Sister Beth Butler, OP, displays the Honorary Alumni Award with Douglas Palmer, PhD, President of Siena Heights University.
Photo by Laura Harvey, courtesy of Siena Heights University

But Sister Beth was especially honored for her influence on her criminal justice students, who nominated her for the award. “As they looked back 40 years, they remembered that her honest questions about how they were doing in and out of the classroom played an integral part in their growth,” Sister Sharon said. “She always showed up for them and still does, offering friendship and support in many circumstances.” At the same time, Sister Beth had high expectations, requiring “hard work and perseverance on their part.”

Sister Sharon noted the continuing effect of Sister Beth’s influence over the years as her students carried forward the same qualities of care and dedication in their own work – “work that has influenced the criminal justice system where they have served at all levels…. Her influence has been widespread.”

Upon accepting the award, Sister Beth said it was an honor.

“What you have done is outstanding,” Sister Beth told her students. “You have not only worked in every field in the criminal justice system … you have been in all institutions: federal, state, county. You have become managers, directors, supervisors, chiefs. 

“Your success is because you have been standing on the shoulders of many professors, Dominican Sisters, family, and friends who have influenced you in the past,” Sister Beth said. “I’m very proud of your accomplishments, and our alumni family shares this pride with me.”

The Honorary Alumni Award recognizes non-graduates of Siena Heights who “demonstrate exceptional commitment to and support for the mission and spirit of the University.” They are also “inspirational role models who have made a significant difference for Siena Heights by sharing themselves through generous and sustained gifts of time, talent, and/or treasure.”

Also recognized during the Distinguished Alumni Awards were:

• Douglas “Doug” Small ’82, received the Outstanding Alumni Award for his work as President and CEO of Experience Grand Rapids, which attracts tourism and conventions to the city. He worked with others to create a hospitality and tourism academy to assist disadvantaged high school students. The Outstanding Alumni Award is presented to those “whose outstanding professional achievements and/or volunteer contributions promote Siena positively to the community” and who demonstrate strong leadership.
• Tammy R. McCrorry ’12, recipient of the Recent Graduate Award, is a public health project leader who opened the McCrory Center to support families and children with psychological conditions. The Recent Graduate Award recognizes alumni who have graduated within the past 10 years whose “professional achievement, community involvement, and/or civic commitment demonstrate dedication to Christian values and the spirit of Siena Heights University.”
• Jeremy J. Romer ’08, recipient of the Sister Ann Joachim Award, was noted for successfully taking on complex cases and tasks for the Dearborn, Michigan, Law Department. He serves several roles for the City of Dearborn, handling the challenges with “skill, diplomacy, and dignity, resulting in positive outcomes.” Named in memory of faculty member Sister Ann Joachim, OP, the award recognizes “significant contributions to the University or the community through activities that demonstrate strong leadership … and the capacity to confront issues head-on while maintaining the image and spirit of the University.”

Feature image caption: Distinguished Alumni Award recipients are, from left, Douglas Small ’82, Outstanding Alumni Award; Sister Beth Butler, OP, Honorary Alumni Award; and Tammy R. McCrory ’12, Recent Graduate Award. Not pictured is Jeremy J. Romer ’08, recipient of the Sister Ann Joachim Award.
Photo by Laura Harvey, courtesy of Siena Heights University