Nominations for Alumni Association awards are welcome at any time. Award winners are usually selected each spring and honored during Homecoming Weekend. Nominations remain in the candidate pool for consideration for up to three years. In order to be considered, all nominees are required to have a minimum of three support letters. Nominations to be considered need to be submitted by March 1.
Alumni awards are open to graduates of Siena Heights University including Siena Heights College and St. Joseph College. The Honorary Alumni Award is presented to persons who are NOT graduates of Siena Heights, a Dominican university.
Potential honorees may be nominated for by SHU alumni, members of the faculty or staff, or other persons who know the nominee and the University well.
Final selection of award recipients rests with the Alumni Association Board of Directors, which reserves the right to consider a nominee for an award other than that suggested by the nominator. All awards may, but will not necessarily, be given annually.
Here are the award categories:
Saint Catherine of Siena Alumni Award:
The Saint Catherine of Siena Alumni Award recognizes alumni whose outstanding professional achievements and/or volunteer contributions promote Siena positively to the community; who demonstrate strong leadership characteristics; who serve as significant role models for others; and who embody the spirit of Siena Heights University.
Saint Dominic Award:
The Saint Dominic Award recognizes an alumna or alumnus for commitment to Christian education in family, school or community. Named for the 12th century Spanish nobleman who founded the Dominican order, the award honors persons who embody the Dominican philosophy and the spirit of Siena, and who promote pride in Christian ethics and education.
Sister Ann Joachim Award:
The Sister Ann Joachim Award is presented in memory of faculty member Sister Ann Joachim, OP, and recognizes significant contributions to the University and/or community through activities that demonstrate strong leadership, the ability to get things done, and the capacity to confront issues head on while maintaining the image and spirit of the University.
Recent Graduate Award:
The Recent Graduate Award recognizes alumni who have graduated within the past 10 years, and whose professional achievement, community involvement and/or civic commitment demonstrate dedication to Christian values and the spirit of Siena Heights University.
Honorary Alumni Award:
The Honorary Alumni Award recognizes non-alumni of Siena Heights who demonstrate exceptional commitment to and support for the mission and spirit of the University. Individuals selected for honorary alumni status shall be 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.
How to Nominate:
Please complete the online nomination form to the right. Be sure to describe in detail the personal qualities, professional achievements, volunteer accomplishments or characteristics that qualify the nominee for award consideration. Also include the names of other person(s) or organization(s) who will provide support for the nomination.
Several (minimum of three) letters of support from classmates, SHU faculty/staff, and/or work colleagues are encouraged. Support letters should be sent to alumni@sienaheights.edu. It is the nominator’s responsibility to solicit additional support as appropriate.