Siena Heights University celebrated outstanding achievements at its annual Honors Convocation on April 25, 2025, recognizing exceptional students, dedicated faculty, and committed staff. Rooted in the Dominican values of community, preaching, prayer, and study, the ceremony highlighted the spirit of patron saint Catherine of Siena, whose conviction and courage continue to inspire. The event underscored the University’s commitment to fostering an environment where students are empowered to make meaningful contributions to the world, guided by their Dominican heritage.
“While it might seem as if scholarly pursuits are done in isolation, these are public acts and expressions, as they signal our lifelong commitment to learning, allowing us to be seekers in search of a transcendent truth that benefits and enlivens our community,” stated Dr. Gina Rossetti, Provost and VP of Academic Affairs, who led the 2025 Honors Convocation. “As we celebrate today, we carry forward the vision of the Adrian Dominican sisters, who in seeing a need for educational and spiritual enlightenment, set the foundation on which we stand today—and for this and so many other reasons—we are grateful for the sisters and their bold leadership.”
Siena Heights University Academic Awards:
Division of Business and Management
Edilson Henriques Godeiro
Division of Education
Lyndsey Benschoter
Division of Humanities and Social Sciences
Justin Scro, Humanities
Payton Renee Miller, Theatre
Emily Kilpatrick, Social Sciences
Division of Nursing
Christen Ruiz
Division of STEAMED
Christian Smolen, STEAMED
Marcela Brixner, Design + Art
Outstanding Undergraduate Students
Olivia Johnston
Payton Renee Miller
St. Catherine of Alexandria Medal
Gabriel Iott
The Louetta Harper Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) Student Award
Kimberly Delgado
Thomas A. Emmet Award
Parker Cheney
Tanner Rubinstein Jr.
Highest Team GPA Award
Women’s Cross-Country Fall 2024
In Fall 2024, the aggregate student-athlete GPA was 3.11. We are pleased to announce that the Women’s Cross Country Team had the highest overall team GPA of 3.64.
Women’s Lacrosse Winter 2025
In Winter 2025, the aggregate student-athlete GPA was 3.15. We are pleased to announce that the Women’s Lacrosse Team had the highest overall GPA of 3.76.
Siena Heights University Faculty and Staff Awards
Stimson-Tsuji Faculty Research Award
Dr. Jeffrey Lake, Associate Professor of Environmental Science
Sister Eileen K. Rice Outstanding Teaching Award
Dr. Kelly A. Ford, Associate Professor of Music
Jack Bologna Innovative Teaching Award
Dr. Carrie Mitchell-Hammer, Professor of Special Education
Sister Jean Cecile Hunt Outstanding Advisor Award
Jessica Campbell, McNair Academic Coordinator
Staff Excellence Award
Callie Zake, Senior Director of Student Services
Recognition of Faculty Years of Service
30 years
Mark DiPietro, Professor of Speech and Theatre Communications
Professor Jun Tsuji, Assistant Dean of STEAMED
25 years
Steve Wathen, Professor of Chemistry
Eleanor Wollett, Professor of Education
10 years
Anthony Farina, Interim Dean of Online and Continuing Education
Jonathon Kleinow, Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice
Mad Kro, Associate Professor of Design & Art
5 years
Andreia Gendera, Assistant Professor of Business Management
Erin Horkey, Interim Director of Nursing
