What's Happening

September 23, 2026, Adrian, Michigan – In the presence of members of the Greater Lenawee Chamber of Commerce, Sisters, Co-workers, and friends, the ribbon was cut marking the public opening of the new History and Archive Center on the Motherhouse campus.

During the September 21, 2026, event, visitors toured the new facility, which features an extensive history exhibit, archive, facilities for private historical research, and offices for Co-workers who manage the archive and exhibit. The building also includes an outdoor patio and kitchenette.

The name of the exhibit, “A Place of Pilgrimage,” is a reference to a quote by Mother Benedicta Bauer, OP, Prioress of the Dominican Holy Cross Convent in Ratisbon, Germany: “We go, we travel constantly, for our life is a journey and this world a place of pilgrimage.”

After cutting the ribbon, Sister Elise D. García, OP, Prioress of the Adrian Dominican Sisters, welcomed guests to the History and Archive Center. “We really see this center as the place that tells the story of how we Dominicans came to Adrian,” in addition to the Congregation’s Mission and ministries, she said. The Adrian Dominican Sisters “carry this sacred place [Adrian] with us wherever we go. We hope you will find this as a pilgrimage for yourself, a place where you can connect to a parallel meaning in your own life.”

Melissa Tsuji, Director of the Greater Lenawee Chamber of Commerce, thanked Adrian Dominican Sisters “for your rich history and the impact you have had on us.”

Construction of the 12,000-square-foot History and Archive Center began in early 2025. Even before construction began, however, many people were involved in the designing and planning of the building. Lisa Schell, Congregation Archivist and now Director of the History and Archive Center, worked with The Collaborative, an architectural firm based in Toledo, to design the building. She also made recommendations on the design of the archive itself. 

Adrian Dominican Co-workers Jennifer Hunter, Chief Operating Officer; Joel Henricks, Executive Director of Property Operations; and Sara Stoddard, Chief Financial Officer, worked closely with The Collaborative and with builders Krieghoff-Lenawee. 

In addition, Sisters, Associates, and Co-workers worked together to produce the content of the History and Archive Center that was brought to life by Hunt Design, of Pasadena, California.

The History and Archive Center is open to the public from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Mondays through Fridays; 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on the first Saturday of each month; and noon to 4:00 p.m. on the first Sunday of each month. Those desiring a tour at other times may make an appointment at 517-266-3583 or [email protected].

Caption for above feature photo: Sister Elise D. García, OP, Prioress of the Adrian Dominican Sisters, center left, and Lisa Schell, Director of the History and Archive Center, prepare to cut a ribbon marking the public opening of the space. With them, from left, are Melissa Tsuji, Director of the Greater Lenawee Chamber of Commerce, and General Council members, Sisters Lorraine Réaume, OP, Corinne Sanders, OP, and Frances Nadolny, OP, and Chamber Ambassador Geraldine Boykin.

May 19, 2026, Adrian, Michigan – During the weekend of Siena Heights University’s final Commencement, 11 Adrian Dominican Sisters, Associates, and Co-workers were among more than 60 people recognized for their dedicated service to the University.

Founded and sponsored by the Adrian Dominican Sisters in 1919, Siena Heights closed its doors at the end of the 2025-2026 academic year. The announcement was made by University administrators and the Adrian Dominican Sisters General Council in June 2025 to allow the university to come to an honorable close.

“You have not simply followed a path – you have forged one,” Dr. Cheri Betz ’07, President, said at the beginning of the Honors and Awards Ceremony, May 8, 2026, in the University’s Performing Arts Center. “You’re a torchbearer to the world. You allow us to weave your legacy into the very fabric of Siena Heights University.”

Among the 10 recipients of Dr. Betz’s President’s Distinguished Service Awards were two Adrian Dominican Co-workers: Jennifer Hunter, Chief Operating Officer, and Sara Stoddard, Chief Financial Officer. The two worked closely with Siena Heights University administrators during the final academic year. 

Harry “Dusty” Steele, Chairman of Siena Heights University’s Board of Trustees, presented the Chairman’s Distinguished Services Award to members of the Board, including Sisters Mariane Fahlman, OP, Frances Nadolny, OP, Corinne Sanders, OP, and Mary Soher, OP. 

Tim Fortescue ’01, Chair of the Academic and Student Affairs Committee of the Board of Trustees, bestowed the Catherine of Siena Medal – the highest honor of the University – on nine individuals, including Sister Peg Albert, OP, President of Siena Heights from 2006 to 2023; Trudy McSorley, and Adrian Dominican Associate and long-time faculty member and administrator; and Sister Sharon Weber, OP, who ministered for more than 40 years at Siena Heights, most recently as Vice President of Academic Affairs. The final Siena Heights Medal was presented to the Adrian Dominican Congregation and accepted by Sister Elise D. García, OP, Prioress of the Congregation.   

Two surprise Honorary Degrees were bestowed during the closing Commencement Ceremony on May 9, 2026: Sister Nancy Murray, OP, who travels throughout the world with her one-woman portrayal of St. Catherine of Siena and other notable Sisters and saints, and her brother, comedian Bill Murray. The commencement celebrated the graduation of 440 students who crossed the stage to receive their degrees, bringing the desired honorable closure to a beloved institution.  

“President Cheri Betz, Provost Julie Barst, Board Chair Harry Steele, and the other outstanding members of the President’s Cabinet and Board of Trustees, as well as incredibly dedicated faculty and staff rightly celebrated the awesome achievement of bringing the University to honorable closure through this most challenging year,” Sister Elise said later.

 

 

 

 

Caption for above feature photo: From left, Sisters Mary Soher, OP, Corinne Sanders, OP, and Frances Nadolny, OP, wait to receive the Chairman’s Distinguished Service Award from Harry “Dusty” Steele, Chair of the Board of Trustees of Siena Heights University. Sister Mariane Fahlman, OP, also received the award but was unable to attend the event.