Siena Heights University (SHU) has set a record for incoming students on its Adrian, Michigan campus. A total of 445 students start their collegiate journey with SHU today; over 100 of which are being served by the University’s Brain Gain program, a tuition-free guarantee for eligible Michigan high school graduates designed to increase access to quality, affordable, private education in their home state. To share in the excitement, the community is invited to the season opener football game against Taylor on Thursday, August 29 at 7 p.m. with celebratory fireworks immediately following. Tickets are available for purchase at shusaints.com.

“Demand is strong for what Siena Heights offers: a Dominican intellectual tradition. We value prayer, study, ministry, and community; we are using reason and working toward the greater common good,” said Dr. Cheri Betz, Executive Vice President and Vice President for Enrollment Management. “What that means for students today is a place they can grow their faith in an inclusive and forward-looking environment.”

Athletics has long been a draw for students with this year’s class having the most student athletes ever. Siena Heights’ new women’s flag football has recruited 18 new students alone. Changes at the University on campus in athletics, the arts, and academics over the last year have been making a difference with focus on growth without losing the University’s identity.

While campus life booms, so too does the University’s online program, SHU Global, which is proud to meet students where they are. It has earned the status of #1 undergrad online program in the state of Michigan, #26 best program in the nation for veterans, and #2 ranked online Catholic institution on the list. “All things considered, we are the best Catholic online university in the United States,” added Dr. Betz. “And if that’s what we can offer in an async online environment, imagine what happens here on campus.”