Meghan Gillman

The Marowelli family works together, plays together, and studies together. For Siena Heights University (SHU) senior Tayleen Marowelli, family is everything. Tayleen was born and raised in Adrian with her twin sister, Tenille and her parents, Donna and Koby Marowelli. They have been married for 35 years and have stayed close as a family. The Marowellis go on a family vacation every year since the girls were born, go to the movies every Christmas Day, and manage to have lunch together weekly.

At one family dinner Tayleen mentioned how cool it would be if she was able to walk with Koby, her father. After much figuration, the decision was made; SHU would be announcing three Marowelli names this May. Tayleen would get the chance to graduate with her parents. “At first he was going to take his time to get his degree,” said Tayleen, “But now he is rushing to make sure he will be done by May.”

Donna has been working as the secretary of the Business Management Office at SHU for fifteen years. She has decided to pursue her passion and is completing her Masters in Counseling. Koby is currently a business owner, professional photographer, and a board member of the IPI. He owns the Image Gallery in Adrian on Main Street. The Image Gallery is a framing and print shop that has been opened for 25 years. It is a family- oriented shop, with two employees, one has worked there for seven years, and the other employee twenty-two years. Tayleen has also spent time working in her dad’s shop.

Working at her dad’s shop inspired Tayleen to enroll at SHU as an art student concentrating in photography. She has been taking pictures since she was ten years old. “It’s always been my passion; it’s what I love to do.” Tayleen’s senior art show will be in February in the Klemm Gallery. Her show is about overcoming her insecurities with the help of different aspects in life, including her relationship with her dad.

“I feel it’s a great thing everything fell together. We get to complete a life goal together. I am so proud of my parents to accomplish such a goal at their age. No one can say they get to graduate college with their parents.”