Sponsored Institutions - Stories

By Madelyn Birmingham
Content Writer, Siena Heights University

September 26, 2022, Adrian, Michigan – Siena Heights University announced a $1 million endowed scholarship gift from the Adrian Dominican Sisters. The Adrian Dominican Sisters Endowed Scholarship for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color will be available to undergraduate students of color, with a preference for first-year students. This is the third endowed scholarship gift of $1 million or more in the history of Siena Heights University.

The endowed scholarship will enhance both the Adrian Dominican Sisters and the University. Siena Heights University’s mission as a Catholic university founded and sponsored by the Adrian Dominican Sisters is to “assist others to become more competent, purposeful, and ethical in a teaching and learning environment which respects the dignity of all.” In the mission of Jesus, the Adrian Dominican Sisters serve as “bearers and recipients of his love, co-creators of his justice and peace.”

“We make this investment out of love and support for the university our foremothers founded more than 100 years ago and for the students who today are seeking Siena’s outstanding, values-based education,” said Sister Patricia Siemen, OP, Prioress of the Adrian Dominican Congregation. “It is our intention in establishing this endowment to make reparation for our Congregation’s participation in racism and to advance racial equality and transformative justice in our world.” 

“We at Siena Heights are so grateful to the Adrian Dominican Sisters for this wonderfully generous gift to support our students of color,” said Sister Peg Albert, OP, President. “Siena’s mission has always focused on respecting the dignity of all, and this gift is such an important means of advancing our mission in today’s world. We are truly blessed by the Adrian Dominican Sisters, whose unwavering generosity continues to provide pathways for our students of color to bring positive change to our world.”

Founded in 1919, Siena Heights University enrolls a diverse community of traditional-age and working adult students. The University offers associate’s, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees. It is headquartered in Adrian, Michigan, with degree completion centers in Dearborn, Southfield, Benton Harbor, Monroe, Battle Creek, Kalamazoo, Lansing, and Jackson, Michigan and online.  

Feature photo: Sister Peg Albert, OP, President, stands with 2019 Siena Heights graduates after the traditional Kente Ceremony. African American graduates received Kente stoles, woven in Ghana and representing the pride of perseverance, the honor of accomplishment, and the importance of remembering your roots. The Kente program at Siena Heights University embraces and recognizes Hispanic/Latino graduates, as well as grades of African descent.