Mark Siegrist is a lifelong resident of Grand Rapids, Michigan. His parents settled in the area from Howell, MI and Abbeville, LA and he attended St. Francis Xavier School, Catholic Central High School and graduated from Aquinas College with a degree in Chemistry. He has been an active supporter of the many fine arts organizations and artists themselves in the Western Michigan area including The Grand Rapids Ballet, Civic Theatre, Circle Theater, The Grand Rapids Symphony, GRAM, UICA, Wealthy Street Theater and the Grand Rapids Opera for many years, in the past as a participant, and now as a member of the audience. He is also an avid photographer and has a passion for ballroom dancing.

Mark has been employed at Haviland Products for over 35 years in many different positions and is currently Sr. Technical Sales Account Manager. As Sales Account Manager, Mark would say that his greatest accomplishment has been building the very best sales team available. He and his team, with their winning attitude and commitment to personal and professional growth, have increased sales in a very tough market. He has a unique attachment to the area.

He has used this same skill set to build an incredibly dedicated and talented team to help build and maintain the St. Francis of Assisi Sculpture Garden.

He is the father of two adult daughters, one a Major in the USMC currently stationed in New Orleans, LA and one in accounting (as well as coaching woman’s lacrosse and field hockey) in North Carolina. The mix of children being dedicated to both military and civilian careers provides a most meaningful backdrop for dedication to peace and peaceful expressions.

In Mark’s words: “My dedication to Saint Francis Sculpture Garden has been an expression of faith in action. A renewed passion and deep commitment has motivated me to reach out and help others use their talents in a way that inspires us all to spend more time contemplating peace. I was the recipient of many treasures and teaching lessons from the Dominican Sisters of Grand Rapids. The ‘pay it forward’ belief system that these Sisters had before this was even a saying is being reciprocated.

Mic Carlson has a great vision and we, as Saint Francis Sculpture Garden board members, are working responsibly in doing the hard, but rewarding work, of making it a reality.

Do yourself a favor, please, and enjoy the special peaceful atmosphere by visiting the St. Francis of Assisi Sculpture Garden on the grounds of Marywood.