Siena News- Summer 2019

SIENA A MAGAZINE FOR ALUMNI AND FRIENDS • SUMMER 2019

INSIDE

•CONGRATS TO THE CLASS OF 2019 •REUNION WEEKEND •SON OF SIENA APPOINTED TO LEAD MEN’S BASKETBALL PROGRAM

DOG DAYS OF SUMMER

What says summer more than a Bernie sand sculpture?

Future Saints were in for a surprise during this year’s Summer Open House when they arrived to see our beloved mascot modeled out of sand.

More than 800 incoming freshmen will be new to campus this fall. I haven’t met all of them, not yet. But I did spend time with hundreds of accepted students at various Admissions events during this past recruitment cycle. In fact, I made dinner for about a dozen of them.

Our Admissions team hosted a trivia event for prospective students on an overnight visit in February.

The grand prize was a home-cooked meal with (and prepared by) the president. I made them a salad, pasta bolognaise, and dessert. [I had rotator cuff surgery in March, so I had to cheat and get assistance from the Friary cook—I did fess up!]

Several students drove back to campus from hours away to enjoy their reward. One student from Long Island actually had his family take a detour (a very long detour) through Albany on their way to a vacation in North Carolina just so he wouldn’t miss the dinner.

I was amazed that a meal with future friends and classmates trumped a day at the beach for his family.

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There was another student who opened her acceptance letter on Christmas. It arrived in the mail the day before, but got shuffled to the side by a younger sibling. She said it was the best Christmas present she’s ever opened. She had applied to other schools, but when a congratulatory note from Siena came down the chimney, nothing else mattered.

Siena pride is uniquely potent. We are all reminded of that at reunion events or basketball games. But to see the Siena spirit so vibrant on the faces of high school students, months before their first Siena class?

It’s one more heartwarming example of just how special life can be as a Saint.

Wherever this magazine finds you, I hope you too are filled with the Siena spirit. My best wishes for a blessed summer.

Br. F. Edward Coughlin, O.F.M., Ph.D., President of Siena College

SIENA NEWS – SUMMER 2019 Published by: Siena College 15 Loudon Road, Loudonville, NY 12211-1462 518-782-8300 • communications@siena.edu • Publisher: Jason Rich ’98 • Editor: Julia Hess ’15 • Contributing Editors: Kayla Allbright ’20, Alumni Relations, Brad Bodmer ’82, Br. F. Edward Coughlin, O.F.M., Ph.D., Mike Demos, Adriana DiPietro ’19, Jordan Dunn ’21, Beth Hazelton ’16, Kelly O’Donnell, and Lisa Witkowski • Art Director and Design: Sergio Sericolo, M.F.A. • Front Cover Photo: Andy Murphy ’17 • Class Notes and ‘In Memory’ Design: Jean Higgs • Alumni Class Notes Editors: Mary Beth Finnerty ’85, Kathy Palumbo and Joseph Redding ’15 • Photography: Tim Cooper, Ph.D., John Devir ’92, Justin Gaines ‘20, Dave Etzler, Andy Murphy ’17, Giovanni Lisi ‘20, Samantha Lore ’19, Corey Nolen, Wendy Pojmann, Ph.D., Tony Purificato, Thomas Ruhl ’19, Sandy Spicer ’19, Siena Athletics, Siena Dance Team, Siena Dental Club, Siena Rugby Alumni, Sergio Sericolo • Video Production: Dave Etzler

4A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT CONGRATS TO THE CLASS OF 2019

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FOOD, GLORIOUS FOOD

38 INSIDE

08 - ON CAMPUS 22 - OUR FACULTY & STAFF 26 - ATHLETICS 28 - OUR ALUMNI

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REUNION WEEKEND

2019-2020 Board of Trustees Thomas L. Amell ‘89 Thomas J. Baldwin, Jr. ‘81 Ronald E. Bjorklund ‘85 Thomas J. Burke Br. F. Edward Coughlin, O.F.M., Ph.D. Susan Law Dake Virginia Darrow ‘83 Howard S. Foote ‘74 Rev. James G. Gannon, O.F.M. Jason Gottlieb ‘92 Steven L. Lamy ’73, Ph.D. Br. Walter J. M. Liss, O.F.M. Fr. Erick Lopez, O.F.M. Mallory R. Massry ‘07 Burgandy-Leigh McCurty ‘10 William P. McGoldrick ‘68 John A. McMahon ‘71 Rev. Kevin J. Mullen ‘75, O.F.M., Ph.D. John F. Murray, Jr. ‘79 John J. Nigro H‘13 Neerav Patel ‘00 Kenneth M. Raymond, Jr. Scot Salvador ‘88 Nimmi M. Trapasso ‘98, M.D. Br. Basil J. Valente ’84, O.F.M.

UNPACKED: THOM SCHLINCK ’19

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More than 800 Siena grads in business, science and liberal arts picked up their diplomas and celebrated with classmates at Commencement on May 12 in the Times Union Center.

Emma McDonald ’19, president of the Class of 2019, asked her fellow graduates who were about to take such an important step into the future to recall the start of their freshman year.

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CONGRATULATIONS TO THE CLASS OF

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SPECIAL DELIVERY

Kate Gutmann ’90, chief sales and solutions officer for UPS, delivered the Commencement

address and received an honorary doctor of humane letters degree from her alma mater.

She encouraged the graduates to take out into the world the key values stressed at Siena – integrity, diversity, inclusion, and above all, faith, family and friends.

“Forge your path and create your legacy,” she told Siena’s newest alumni.

As a special surprise, a uniformed UPS delivery person brought her framed diploma on stage. Siena President Br. Ed Coughlin signed for the package.

“Think back to orientation, when a quad full of strangers soon became best friends,” she said. “Some of these best friends will become our future apartment roommates, lifetime partners, bridesmaids, groomsmen and maybe even the godparents of our children. Because in these four years, we realized that it is not where you are that matters but who you are with.

Every challenge we have faced, we have faced together.”

Paul Commisso ’19 delivered a heartfelt and humorous senior address. “Siena professors go the extra mile every day to help their students, friars lend their stoic advice to all who seek it, and Limmy will slip you an extra nugget on chicken nugget Friday,” he said. “Find me another college with this level of close-knit friendships and I will gladly take on another student loan to go there for another four years, but I do not think that exists.”

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SPECIAL CEREMONIES

MASTER IN ACCOUNTING Graduates from Siena’s master of science in accounting program are honored in a special recognition and hooding ceremony.

NURSING PINNING CEREMONY The nursing pinning ceremony celebrates the graduates receiving Siena’s B.S. in nursing degrees.

MOHAWK ARMY ROTC’S 2019 COMMISSIONING CLASS

ALPHA KAPPA ALPHA Members of Alpha Kappa Alpha are recognized for their exemplary academic excellence, character and commitment to service.

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The Mohawk Battalion Army ROTC commissioning cerem ony represents a culmination of four years of leadership trainin g and academic excellence.

CLASS OF 2019 STUDENT SPOTLIGHT:

EMILY RADIGAN

When Emily Radigan ’19 enrolled at Siena as a freshman, her major was undeclared. When she graduated this past May, she earned her degree in three majors – with a 4.0 GPA. Radigan knew she had a passion for feminism and activism when she came to campus, but it was taking a range of core curriculum courses her first year on campus that fanned the flames of her intellect. Her academic interests were so intense and widespread that rather than focus on just one major, she earned her bachelor’s degree in political science, philosophy, and a student-designed interdisciplinary major with a concentration in gender and sexuality theory and activism. Plus, a minor in sociology. And a certificate in interdisciplinary research methods.

“The classes I took as a freshman pushed me to find out more,” she said.

Carrying 21 or 22 credit hours nearly every semester, she said, “Time management is my friend, and Google Calendar has been a lifesaver.”

The Brooklyn native is headed to Vanderbilt University this fall to pursue a Ph.D. in philosophy on a full fellowship. She hopes to have a career in academia, studying the issue of sexual violence on college campuses and “analyzing possible solutions through an intersectional lens.”

Radigan kept as busy outside the classroom as in it, serving as editor of the Promethean, organizer of the annual One Billion Rising observance on campus, and as a dedicated volunteer with Siena’s Damietta Cross Cultural Center and Sr. Thea Bowman Women’s Center.

She gives a lot of credit to her professors, especially Joshua Alexander, Ph.D. in philosophy and Laurie Naranch, Ph.D., in political science, as well as administrators Christa Grant of the Damietta Center and Beth DeAngelis of the Women’s Center.

“Emily is a remarkable student both intellectually and as an advocate for freedom of expression, campaigning against sexual violence, and for migrant rights,” said Naranch. “It has been an immense pleasure to learn with her over four years. I look forward to having her as a future colleague in feminist intersectional philosophy.”

What’s Radigan’s secret to getting it all done?

“I’m pretty determined, so if something needs to get accomplished I’ll do it,” she said. “My advice to incoming students? Try out as many different classes as you can to find your passion. The core curriculum really helps because it allows you to explore different topics.

Also, talk to your professors about your interests – I’ve found that they’re very interested in helping to guide students.”

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AROUND TOWN

A STORY TO MAKE YOU SMILE

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For about 16 quetzal, the equivalent of two American dollars, anyone in the town of San Pedro Sacatepequez, Guatamala could walk into a local clinic the second week of May and get any dental treatment they needed courtesy of the Open Wide Foundation. The humanitarian dental outreach program was founded to positively impact oral health in communities with the greatest need. The foundation relies on skilled volunteers, and the residents of San Pedro Sacatepequez were fortunate to be sent Saints.

Siena students Alexandria Sullivan ‘20, Gregory Sileo ‘20, Reilly Boule ‘20, and Maryam Arshad ‘20, assisted with suction, a curling light, supply set up, and sanitization.

Drs. Sabita and Doug Smail established the Smail Global Medical Volunteers Program to fund service trips for Siena’s pre-dental students. Sabita and Doug travel with the students to disadvantaged regions around the world.

The Smail’s foundation, Smails Bring Hope, is the presenting sponsor of a new Siena Putt-Putt event. The net proceeds will be added to their endowment. For more information visit, Siena.edu/putt-putt.

A FRESH APPROACH TO THE OFFSEASON The Siena’s mens basketball team is known for passing, shooting, and dribbling on the court, but how are they with dicing, sautéing, and grilling in the kitchen?

Siena Fresh, the College’s dining service provider, led the squad in a team building exercise that required the ball players to prepare a healthy meal from scratch.

They prepared a brunch menu of grilled flatbreads with fresh veggies, cheese, and bacon, with desserts of whipped Greek yogurt with berries and avocado chocolate mousse.

2 3 4 DANCE TEAM, YES; PUPPIES AND BABIES, NO Destination Kia of Albany makes one fact about the car-buying experience abundantly clear — the puppies and babies featured in their ubiquitous TV ads are not included in the purchase of a Kia. The popular refrain, “puppies and babies not included,” is typically said at the end of every commercial by the Destination Kia spokesfamily. In a recent spot, the Siena dance team did the honors.

The commercial has been aired hundreds of times, and the dance team needed just a couple of takes to nail their lines. The Siena dance team picked up $2,500 (and local fame) for their effort.

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SIENA’S NEW FRIEND Marcel Theo Hall, better known by his stage name Biz Markie, is an American rapper, beatboxer, DJ, actor, comedian, television personality and spokesperson. He is best known for his 1989 single “Just a Friend,” which became a Top 40 hit in several countries. This year, as Siena’s annual Hip Hop Week keynote speaker, Biz gave Saints a look into his life and even gave a special performance for those lucky enough to grab a seat.

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SIENA MEANS BUSINESS Every college in the greater Capital Region gets a shot at the Capital Cup. For the second year in a row, though, the shiny chalice will be on proud display at Siena’s Stack Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship.

The New York Business Plan Competition is a statewide intercollegiate showdown of entrepreneurs and ideas. State finalists represent 10 regions from across New York, including the Capital Region, where bragging rights—and the Cup—belong to the Saints.

In the regional competition, the winners in each of six categories square off for the Capital Cup. This year, Yumi Kageyama ’19 won the Technology and Entertainment category, before besting the other first place finishers to secure the grand prize. Vincent ’19 and Zachary ’21 Mills were also finalists for placing first in the Consumer Products and Services category. Simon Bruno ’18 and Mikayla Lansing ’19 won the Capital Cup a year ago.

Zachary Mills ’21, Vincent Mills ’19, Michael Hickey ’83, Director of the Stack Center, and Yumi Kageyama ’19

EmpowerU Virtual Reality Kageyama originally built EmpowerU as a self-defense training program. Users were immersed in a virtual reality scenario designed to bridge the gap between classroom and real life training. She has now applied the same idea to referee training.

EmpowerU simulates competition in a virtual environment empowering officials to make the correct call.

“I’ve completely pivoted several times from one idea to the next,” says Yumi. “But I feel so blessed to be able to continue following my passions and have a meaningful impact on the world!”

Funletz One day, Zachary Mills happened to notice the aglet on the end of a sweatshirt drawstring. It was naked, as aglets tend to be. Same with the zippers. The budding

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businessman had an idea, and he shared it with his big brother Vincent ’19. The marketing majors fleshed out the idea, and came up with the award-winning Funletz.

“Most people say that family and business never work together, but in our case we believe it has benefited us the most,” says Vincent.

Their first charm was a shamrock. Next, they plan to create new designs and connect with local businesses and sports franchises to outfit aglets with a limitless number of accessories.

“We have not taken one moment for granted,” said Zachary. “We fully appreciate this journey that we’re on together.”

SAINTS IN THE HIGH SCHOOL Sometimes you just know you’re meant to be a Saint. Through our new High School Partnership Assurance Programs, many area high school students can secure themselves a seat at Siena before anyone else.

What started as a small pilot program has grown exponentially during the spring 2019 semester. Starting with Burnt Hills-Ballston

CATHOLIC CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL (CCHS): Students begin classes on Siena’s campus during their senior year at CCHS, earning up to 24 transferable college credits.

SHAKER HIGH SCHOOL: Earn a Bachelor of Science in Business and a Master’s in Business Administration from Siena.

Lake High School, the program now boasts eight partner schools and counting.

COLUMBIA HIGH SCHOOL: Earn a Bachelor of Science in Business and a Master’s in Business Administration from Siena.

NOTRE DAME-BISHOP GIBBONS: Secure enrollment in any bachelor’s degree program at Siena as soon as sophomore year.

BURNT HILLS-BALLSTON LAKE: Earn a Bachelor of Science in Business and a Master’s in Business Administration from Siena.

CLAYTON A. BOUTON HIGH SCHOOL: Earn a Bachelor of Science in Business and a Master’s in Business Administration from Siena.

TAMARAC HIGH SCHOOL: Secure enrollment in any bachelor’s degree program at Siena as soon as sophomore year.

LA SALLE INSTITUTE: Earn a Bachelor of Science in Business and a Master’s in Business Administration from Siena.

LEARN MORE ABOUT EACH PROGRAM AND THE REQUIREMENTS AT: SIENA.EDU/HIGHSCHOOL.

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ROOM AND BOARD If you haven’t been on campus in a while, the first thing you’ll notice is there have been quite a few changes!

TOWNHOUSE Remember the eight-person MacClosky townhouses? Well, students today are enjoying a slightly different experience. The College recently completed a multi-year renovation project that transformed the units into fully equipped six-person townhomes.

The renovated complexes feature multiple bathrooms (one for every two people in the house) and a reinvented kitchen – yup, dishwasher included!

A reimagined dining area allows housemates to come together, and bedrooms are almost entirely double occupancy – so plenty of chance to get away as well. There are even new furnishings and painted accent walls in the living room and bathroom. And you thought you never wanted to leave!

SIENA STREET EATS Room is only half the equation – what about board? Current Siena students have some, shall we say, different options than you might remember. In addition to the main Lonnstrom Dining Hall (which now features an omelet station, international cuisine, and a to-die-for pastry and gelato station), students enjoy grab-and-go-eats at Casey’s inside the Sarazen Student Union (think buffalo chicken wrap or sushi) to go along

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with their favorite Starbuck’s beverage (we have our own campus location) or at Bernie’s inside Snyder Hall (that’s our newest residential hall featuring double style living accommodations with private bath) which also has its own dining hall. But the most fun place to get lunch or dinner? It has to be the newly-rebranded food truck – Siena Street Eats! Head out to the quad and munch down a quesadilla! Siena life tastes good.

SOMETIMES RELIGION CAN FEEL STUFFY TO COLLEGE STUDENTS, PIZZA AND BEER HELP.

ABOVE: Emma Henderschedt ’19 shares with the group at a spring Theology on Tap meeting.

BELOW: Fr. Larry Anderson, O.F.M., prays with the attendees.

Emma Henderschedt ’19 served as a Summer Legal Fellow at Fordham Law School in the summer of 2018.

In her limited down time, she got involved with the Archdiocese of New York and attended a number of events for young adults. She found most to be inspiring,

but there was one idea in particular she felt compelled to bring back to Siena. Beer.

Theology on Tap began in Chicago years ago and has spread throughout the country. The idea is simple — bring people together, around beer and pizza and wings, for conversations about faith. Emma was Siena’s Student Ministry Board representative for social programming and coordinated events through the Chaplain’s Office.

Theology on Tap was a success from the start, routinely drawing more than 20 students and several friars.

“I feel in my element when I am praying out loud, talking about my faith, or listening to others,” says Henderschedt. “Taking on this leadership role has helped me come to the decision that perhaps a career in campus ministry or an alternative faith based career is for me.”

Siena’s first Theology on Tap event was held at an Albany bar, but the size of the crowd made conversation in a crowded pub difficult. So, the group now meets on campus, delivery instead of dine-in.

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Food, Glorious FOOD!

NO MATTER WHERE SAINTS COME FROM, OR WHERE THEY GO, THERE IS ONE THING THEY ALL HAVE IN COMMON: A LOVE OF FOOD. NO MATTER IF THEY’RE EATING IT, STUDYING IT, THROWING IT OR EVEN DEVOURING IT AT RECORD SPEEDS, SAINTS CAN’T KEEP THEIR MINDS OFF FOOD!

THE LIFE OF PI (AND PIE)

The ratio of a circle’s circumference to its rounded diameter is 3.14. So, March 14 (3.14) is celebrated by mathematicians and dessert lovers the world over as Pi(e) Day. Students in Scott Greenhalgh Ph.D.’s calculus lab were charged with solving equations. A correct answer earned them a chance to “pie” a department professor with a plate of whipped cream. Another way to see the person who grades your exams covered in white fluff? Make a donation to Siena’s math club.

Meanwhile, if you prefer your pie with blueberries, Siena Fresh hosted a pair of pie eating contests on Pi Day. The rules were simple — no using your hands and the first person to polish off a blueberry pie (crust included) wins. To the victor, a blue ribbon and a pizza (pie) party.

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COLLEGIATE FOOD FIGHT Grocers of America are facing a growing concern, and a pair of Saints flew to San Diego to present their solution.

In a tight retail market, how do independent grocers encourage millennials, especially those from diverse backgrounds, to join their ranks?

Siena’s top supermarket minds flew to California to compete in the National Grocers Association’s version of a friendly food fight.

Russell Zwanka, Ph.D., assistant professor of marketing, Giovanni Lisi ‘20, and Justin Gaines ‘20 spent four days in San Diego at the NGA’s annual conference. On the menu - the Student Case Study Competition.

EXPRESSING THE CAFFEINATED CULTURE OF ESPRESSO Espresso packs a caffeine wallop, which ideally fuels conversation and conviviality at the place where it’s served.

This cultural phenomenon is the subject of a new book by Siena history professor Wendy Pojmann, Ph.D. “Espresso: The Art & Soul of Italy.”

Pojmann’s research took her to various espresso bars around the globe and specifically in Italy, where she carefully observed the ritual of preparing, and much more importantly, consuming, the rich beverage. The goal is to sip and to linger, rather than bolt your drink and head for the door.

“There’s always been a fascination with Italy: the food, the design. I think the “Made in Italy” phenomenon interests Americans,” when asked how the Italian espresso culture spread.

“And once you’ve had espresso, you realize how good it is!”

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TWO SAINTS GRANTED FULBRIGHT AWARDS

Adriana DiPietro ’19 Thomas Ruhl ’19 and Samantha Lore ’19 have been selected for the Fulbright U.S. Program, a prestigious and competitive program offering students the opportunity to research, study, and teach in over 140 foreign countries.

Ruhl, a history education major with a minor in community development, will be living and teaching in Malaysia. Ruhl’s decision to apply to the Fulbright Program stems from his extensive experience working with Bonner as a service leader at Siena.

“All of my opportunities have pushed me out of my comfort zone in some way, which has given me the opportunity to become comfortable with being uncomfortable.”

Lore, an environmental studies major with minors in international studies and Italian, will be using her knowledge to incorporate environmental issues into her teaching while in Italy.

She hopes to initiate after-school and community activities while in Italy, such as the building of community gardens or hiking excursions to “promote a positive setting for student learning, while also helping to develop a sustainable future.”

A FIELD TRIP TO THE FAR SIDE OF THE WORLD Students spent the spring semester learning about Japanese culture in a classroom, and for their capstone, they spent 10 days immersed in it.

Tim Cooper, Ph.D., assistant professor of history, led 16 students, two adult course auditors, and trip co-leader Ausra Park, Ph.D., associate professor of political science, on a whirlwind tour of Tokyo, Kyoto, and Hiroshima. They visited the Peace Memorial Park, Atomic Bomb Dome monument, Miyajima Shrine on Itsukushima Island, several temples and shrines in Kyoto, and fashionable shopping districts in Tokyo.

Some students attended a baseball game and participated in a tea ceremony, others chose to see the Nikko shrine, north of Tokyo, and some enjoyed a day at Tokyo Disneyland. Also, everyone took a ride on the Shinkansen bullet train, and from the train, they were awed by the view of Mount Fuji.

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“The Japanese people were the best part, and I’ll miss them the most…This trip was a dream come true, and I’d like to thank everyone involved. This truly was, the best time of my life,” said Jessica Dupont ’21.

SAINTS STANDS WITH: JAMAICA Jordan Dunn ’21

During the final week of winter break, 15 Saints partnered with the Franciscan Center for Service and Advocacy and set off to immerse themselves in island life. While on their week-long trip to Jamaica, the group spent days maximizing time to its fullest potential. From visits with local community members to rehabbing churches, kitchens, and schoolyards; to spending time in local primary schools and soup kitchens, the Saints did it all.

“It was a rewarding experience being able to interact with locals on a personal level and having the ability to be involved with projects that will effect the daily lives of those who have much less than us,” said Joe Gabriel ’22, one of three freshmen on the trip. “I am proud to say I have served on this service trip due to the positive responses we received from everyone in Jamaica and especially from the children in the local elementary schools where we worked.”

The group spent time at three different elementary schools — Little Bay Primary, Negril All-Age, and Mount Airy Primary.

“Visiting the school was my favorite part of the trip,” said Julia Fleming ’21. “I had the opportunity to sit in a class and play with the children at recess. As a Spanish major, I was so impressed that third grade students were learning Spanish!”

Fleming also shared another highlight, the opportunity to attend Sunday Mass with the local community. “Participating in mass was such a heartwarming experience. During the peace be with you prayer everyone stood up and shook hands with the entire church community! They went out of the way to welcome Siena students to Jamaica.”

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AN ACADEMIC TAKEOVER Classes were canceled on April 26 for an unprecedented display of academic pursuit and achievement on the Siena campus.

The poster session in the MAC was a full-court press of academic research and presentation stretching from one baseline clear to the other. More than 250 students participated in the poster session, sharing a year’s worth of analysis and conclusions with hundreds of classmates, faculty, and staff on subjects scattered across the entire academic spectrum. Oh, and that was just one piece of the inaugural day-long 2019 Academic Showcase.

“Putting together the Academic Showcase was a total team effort…We can’t wait to build upon this success, and make the next one even bigger and better! We’re looking to have more students presenting posters, giving talks, working with panels, and showing off their creative works next year,” said Dan Moriarty, Ph.D., associate professor of chemistry and biochemistry, director of CURCA, and organizer of the Academic Showcase.

This year’s showcase aimed to expand on the scope of Academic Celebrations of the past. Mission accomplished.

Aside from the poster session, there were more than 50 concurrent sessions, each featuring multiple students and faculty, plus all-day exhibitions from the Creative Arts department.

SAINTS SAID: “I got to learn a lot of cool new things and support all of my friends and classmates who worked so hard on their projects. I didn’t realize so many of my friends were presenting and it felt good to show them my support.”

“The Academic Showcase was both an interesting and educational way to bring together all members of Siena’s community. Seeing both students and faculty excited about their research was truly heartwarming. It was also great to learn about different majors here at Siena that I had no real knowledge of before.”

“I loved attending the Academic Showcase. This was my first time attending the poster presentations, and I found myself intrigued by all of the different kinds of research done by Siena students!”

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FAST TRACK TO SUCCESS Siena College and Albany Law School have signed an early completion agreement that will offer an accelerated program of study for students to earn a bachelor’s degree and a juris doctor degree in five years, rather than the usual seven.

Alicia Ouellette, J.D., president and dean of Albany Law School said, “Albany Law and Siena already have several successful partnerships in place, so it made sense to develop this accelerated program. It will welcome the type of disciplined student who can succeed with a heavier course load and intensive academic focus.”

Siena and Albany Law already maintain the following academic partnerships: a dual M.S.A. in accounting/J.D.; a 4+3 early admissions program; and a dual B.A. in health studies/M.S. in legal studies.

The two schools also proudly maintain a 20-year partnership called Summer Legal Fellows, where Siena undergraduates have the opportunity to work under the direct supervision of an Albany Law School professor, while undertaking original legal research with second- and third-year law students.

Students accepted to the program for their freshman year at Siena will receive conditional acceptance from Albany Law. Once they complete the requirements for their bachelor’s degree, that acceptance will become official.

Students will have the option to live at Siena during the summer and while studying full time at Albany Law during the latter part of the program.

STANDING UP TO CYBERBULLYING EARNS SENIORS A NYS SENATE PROCLAMATION They have impacted the lives of literally thousands of high school students across the state, and for their outreach efforts they have received an honorary proclamation from the New York State Senate.

The honorees created an anti-cyberbullying effort called the AT&T/Siena College Upstander Program in collaboration with the Siena College Research Institute and the Tyler Clementi Foundation. To date, Siena’s Upstanders have visited 21 high schools throughout New York.

Noted in the proclamation from Senator Neil Breslin were: April Backus, Siena’s associate director of National Assessment for Service and Community Engagement and the eight graduating seniors: Nicholas Allen, Marc Badalucco, Kristina Dettori, Alyssa Lofaro, Emily Murphy, Emerald Power, Thomas Ruhl and Samuel Upson.

“My favorite part of the program is when the students we worked with throughout the day put on an assembly for their peers. They were always so passionate about the topic of cyberbullying and wanted to prevent it within their schools,” said Lofaro.

PREPARING SAINTS FOR THE NEXT STEP Naw Eh Ku ’19, a sociology major with a minor in health studies, is this year’s recipient of The Lonnstrom HEOP (Higher Education Opportunity Program) Excellence Award.

The annual award was established in 2014 by Douglas Lonnstrom ’66, Ph.D., a Siena College professor of quantitative business analysis, and his wife, Cris, to support HEOP students in pursuing their careers and goals after graduation.

Born in a refugee camp on the border of Thailand and Myanmar, Ku is a member of the Karen (pronounced Kah-Ren) ethnic group. At the age of 14, she and her family were able to achieve asylum and resettle in Albany through the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).

Ku admits, “To be perfectly honest, without HEOP’s help, I would not be able to continue my education.

HEOP has been the wind beneath my feet ever since I graduated from high school.”

Ku will next pursue a master’s of public health degree and follow her passion to improve health policies. She hopes to use her education to give back to New York state and contribute to refugee health internationally.

This has been a year of success for Siena’s HEOP, for the first time the program will graduate its entire class in four years.

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GLORIA ROSARIO ’19

SANDY SPICER ’19 Sandy has always considered her camera a time machine.

Pictures transport us back in time to people and places that would otherwise fade in our memory. Sandy’s time machine is the gift she has shared with the Class of 2019.

Sandy has always been interested in photography, but until her junior year of high school, she was just snapping pictures on her phone. A serendipitous conversation with a professional photographer at a high school basketball game changed everything. She was offered an apprenticeship and filled up her portfolio with weddings, bar mitzvahs, graduations, and sporting events. At Siena, she worked freelance as the chief student photographer, and her pictures can be seen everywhere (including this magazine).

Following graduation, Sandy embarked on a three-week road trip taking pictures of the Rocky Mountains, Grand Tetons, Yellowstone, and many more.

“Photography has allowed me to look at the world in a different way and appreciate the details that others overlook. It has also brought me closer to people I photograph. Photography has not only been a hobby of mine, but a passion and lifestyle that has opened my eyes to new perspectives.”

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Gloria’s mom didn’t have a job lined up or a place to stay. In fact, she didn’t speak a word of English. Despite all of the reasons not to, though, she believed her little girl would have a better life in the United States. So, they packed a suitcase, and took a leap of faith.

When Gloria, her mom, and her aunt emigrated from the Dominican Republic, they crashed with distant relatives in a small apartment in Manhattan. Later, they found temporary housing in the Bronx before they were able to afford their first apartment. The journey was often a struggle, but it put Gloria on a path to Jeter’s Leaders which would lead to a spot in the Siena Class of 2019.

“To see all my family members at graduation while I walked the stage was a dream come true not only for me, but also for my family.

They migrated here, learned a new language and raised their children.

This degree is not only mine, but it is ours. I am beyond grateful to Siena for allowing me to fulfill my family dreams, and this is only the beginning of a beautiful journey.”

STEPHANIE CAPONE ’19 Stephanie was a college dropout (technically, she dropped out of three colleges). She didn’t need a degree, though, or so she thought. Stephanie had a steady job tending bar. She was flush with cash, the lifestyle was a blast, and the hours were terrific. Is it a career? Maybe not. But she wasn’t too concerned about the future... until the moment her entire future changed.

On May 5, 2015, Stephanie’s daughter Olivia was born. She wanted to give Olivia everything, including a role model, and she wasn’t sure bartending would do it. So, Stephanie decided to give school another try, with an entirely different approach. She enrolled in Siena’s social work program. She held a seat on the advisory board, and served as president of the social work club.

She’s now planning to pursue her Master’s in social work.

“My daughter, Olivia, is a beacon of joy and acceptance. She is a kind and radiant little girl who possesses empathy and a bold sense of adventure. My goal is to be a role model worthy of her admiration. I want to show her that a difficult road often times leads to the best results and that life is to be lived with compassion and gratitude.”

SAM UPSON ’19 No, Sam doesn’t carry a gun. That’s the question he’s most often asked by kids. But yes, he does carry handcuffs and a baton, and most importantly, he’s sworn to serve and protect, same as a commissioned police officer. It was a pledge Sam made to his community when he was just 17 years old.

Sam is a member of the NYPD Auxiliary, a group of thousands of volunteer officers contributing more than one million hours of public service each year.

Auxiliary officers patrol parades and festivals, assist in crime prevention activities, and aid in all matters of nonenforcement duties.

It’s easy for a teenager to fall in with the wrong crowd. And in Sam’s neighborhood in Queens, trouble wouldn’t have been hard to find. But Sam credits the program for keeping him on the right path, plus, he’s a role model for the younger kids in his community.

“Many kids, parents, family, and friends in my community will come up to me and ask me how I got into the program and tell me how proud they are of me. They ask if it’s scary or if I’ve ever arrested someone. I’m glad to say I’ve never put anyone in handcuffs during my time as an NYPD Auxiliary Police Officer.”

CALEB RYOR ’19 Caleb had been an avid fan of the Pokemon video game since the third grade. When concussions ruled out physical sports, he gravitated more and more to non-contact competition. By the time Caleb was 13, he got up the nerve to compete in his first Pokemon tournament. And he completely bombed.

That could have been the end of a very unsatisfying story.

But a year later, Caleb met Gabby Snyder, a computer science major at Mount Holyoke and a major player in the Pokemon community. She mentored Caleb, and he quickly shot up the national rankings. In fact, Caleb’s competed at the National Championships nine years in a row, and in 2018, he played the world’s best from the World Championships in San Francisco.

“The Pokemon community is very much like a second family for me. I have known people from it for almost a decade now, and I don’t know where I’d be without it all.”

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OUR FACULTY AND STAFF

BRIDGIT GOLDMAN, PH.D., teaching assistant professor of biology • Blogger for the Human Anatomy and Physiology Society. Post “My Sparkly Pancreas” received the highest number of views ever.

• Presented “Fats are Friends not Foes” at the Human Anatomy and Physiology Annual Conference, Portland Oregon, May. Created

by Goldman and Sean Fitzptrick ’15.

SALADDIN AHMED, PH.D.

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SALADDIN AHMED, PH.D., visiting assistant professor of political science, Scholars at Risk program • Published “Totalitarian Space and the Destruction of Aura,” SUNY Press, March.

The book explores the way state and corporate power exert control through the destruction of aura and individual experience in society.

• Invited to speak at Williams College in February and Stanford University in April.

JACK COLLENS, PH.D., assistant professor of political science • Presented study on the field of 2018 Democratic primary candidates for the U.S. House at the 2019 American Elections Symposium at St. Anselm College in Manchester, New Hampshire, March.

• Awarded a summer research fellowship to develop a book project on the political response to the opioid epidemic at the federal level.

JON BANNON, PH.D., professor of mathematics • Awarded a Fulbright Scholarship to the UK, where he conducted research and gave seminars at the University of Lancaster from January-July 2019. While there he was an invited speaker to the British Mathematical Colloquium.

• Awarded a second Fulbright grant, the Inter-Country Fulbright Travel Grant, by the Danish Fulbright Commission and traveled to Copenhagen, Denmark to lecture on his recent work at the University of Copenhagen.

JAMI COTLER, PH.D., assistant professor of computer science, DMITRY BURSHTEYN, PH.D., associate professor of psychology, BETH DEANGELIS, director of the Women’s Center, and Rachael Mahar ’19 • Presented “Future of Higher Education: Emotionally Intelligent and Mindful?” at the 5th International Conference on Higher Education Advances (HEAd’19), Universitat Politècnica de València, València, Spain.

LEONARD CUTLER, PH.D., professor of political science • Working on the next volume for

JIM MATTHEWS

publication on presidential national security policies, “President Donald Trump’s National Security: Theory Versus Practice.”

NECIP DOGANAKSOY, PH.D., associate professor of accounting • Published “A Mixture Model for Determination of Root Cause Frequency” in Quality Engineering, Vol. 31, Issue 2, 2019.

• Co-inventor on a patent application sponsored by GE: System and Method for Predicting Wind Turbine Shutdowns Due to Excessive Vibration, filed March 2019.

VERA ECCARIUS-KELLY, PH.D., professor of political science • Completing “Kurdish Autonomy and U.S. Foreign Policy” with Peter Lang Publisher.

The volume features 11 well-known Kurdish scholars who discuss policies of continuity

and change by comparing the George W. Bush administration and Barack Obama’s two terms with the first 24 months of the Donald J. Trump administration’s interactions with various Kurdish movements.

ERIK EDDY, PH.D., professor of management • Presented “What are Students Thinking?

Examining the Usefulness of Teammate Evaluations,” at Lilly Conference on Evidenced-Based Teaching and Learning, California, February. Awarded “outstanding poster award” for the conference.

MARYANNE EGAN, PH.D., professor of computer science • Published “SIGCSE, Goldilocks, and the Three Bears,” ACM Inroads, January.

TOM GIARLA, PH.D., assistant professor of biology • Co-authored “A new climbing shrew from Sulawesi highlights the tangled taxonomy of an endemic radiation” in press at the Journal of Mammalogy.

JAMI COTLER, PH.D.

IRA GOLDSTEIN, PH.D., assistant professor of computer science • Published “What! No GUI? – Teaching A Text Based Command Line Oriented Introduction to Computer Science,” Information Systems Education Journal, 2019.

SCOTT GREENHALGH, PH.D., assistant professor of mathematics • Published “Managing Marek’s disease in the egg industry,” in the journal Epidemic, and “Fighting the Public Health Burden of AIDS with the Human Pegivirus” in the American Journal of Epidemiology.

• Selected to be a Project NExT fellow by the Mathematical Association of America.

DAN LEWIS, PH.D., associate professor of political science • Co-authored an article on “Morality Politics and New Research on Transgender Politics and Public Policy” with Donald P. Haider-Markel, Jami K. Taylor, Andrew R. Flores, Patrick R. Miller, and Barry L. Tadlock, The Forum, June. The team continues their survey work of attitudes toward transgender rights, including policies on military service, athletics, and public sex-segregated spaces such as bathrooms. They are also working on an experimental study on the role of perspective-taking in reducing transphobia.

TING LIU, PH.D., assistant professor of mathematics • Presented Data Science Program and interdisciplinary research with community partners in the panel, “Interdisciplinary Programs,” at The 24th Annual Consortium For Computing Sciences in Colleges Northeastern Conference.

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JIM TERESCO, PH.D., associate professor of computer science • Published and presented “A Framework for Code-Level Tracing of Map-Based Algorithm Visualizations” with student co-authors Michael Dagostino ’19, Abdul Samad ’20, and Eric Sauer ’18 at SPLASH-E Workshop at SPLASH 2018, Boston.

• Presented “Map-based Algorithm Visualization with METAL Highway Data” at 2019 Consortium for Computing Sciences in Colleges Northeastern Conference, Connecticut, April.

TING LIU, PH.D.

• Co-published “Data Science as a Liberal Arts Pursuit” in SPUR: Scholarship and Practice of Undergraduate Research,” with Ruth Kassel, associate director of academic integration, DANIEL MORIARTY, PH.D., associate professor of chemistry and biochemistry, GRAZIANO VERNIZZI, PH.D., professor of physics, and Caleb Ryor ’19.

JIM MATTHEWS, professor of computer science • Directed Siena’s Dual Enrollment Computer Science in the High School Program with ROBIN FLATLAND, PH.D., professor of computer science.

• Presented at nine STEM Education conferences in spring 2019. Keynote speaker at mathematics and science master teachers’ spring conference at SUNY Plattsburgh, “Why Do We Teach Mathematics? How About Science?

Can you List the Five Reasons for Each?”

LAURIE NARANCH, PH.D., associate professor of political science • Presented research from “Could Old Be the New Cool?: Shifting Aesthetics of the Aging Body” at ZoneModa Conference, Rimini, Italy, May. • Presented “Craft Time, Sustainability, and Political Resistances,” at the Western Political Science Association in San Diego,

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ROBERT YODER, PH.D., professor of computer science and SCOTT VANDENBERG, PH.D., professor of computer science • Co-published “Database Concepts, 9th edition,” Pearson Education, 2019.

California, drawing on a case of indigenous women’s activism in Guatemala where she travelled with VERA ECCARIUS-KELLY, PH.D., professor of political science and students over February break.

JESSICA SALMON, PH.D., assistant professor of management • Co-authored “The Effects of Global Connectivity on Knowledge Complexity in the Information Age, in Rob van Tulder, Alain Verbeke, Lucia Piscitello” in the International Business in the Information and Digital Age (Progress in International Business Research, Volume 13) Emerald Publishing Limited.

• Co-authored “Increasing Knowledge Complexity and Informal Networks in the Information Age,” Advancing the Frontiers of Alliance Research, Cambridge University Press, 2019.

CARLA SOFKA, PH.D., professor of social work • Presented “Digital Death and Digital Legacy: Awareness, Attitudes, and Planning” at the 41st Annual Conference of the Association for Death Education and Counseling, Atlanta, Georgia.

• Participated in a living history reenactment at Albany Rural Cemetery, portraying Mrs. Andrew (Jesse) Hamilton.

JESSICA SALMON, PH.D.

SCOTT GREENHALGH, PH.D.

2019 SIENA MAJOR AWARD RECIPIENTS Jerome Walton Award for Excellence in Teaching MARYANNE EGAN ’86, PH.D., professor of computer science

Fr. Mathew T. Conlin, O.F.M. Distinguished Service Award CHERYL BUFF ’82, PH.D., associate dean, School of Business, professor of marketing The James Knust Excellence in Administration Award KATIE SZALDA ’01, director of admissions Raymond Kennedy Excellence in Scholarship Award ROSE FINN, PH.D., professor of physics and astronomy

In Memoriam Fr. Reginald James Reddy, O.F.M. Fr. Reginald James Reddy, OFM, 84, a professed Franciscan friar for 63 years and a priest for 58, died on May 28.

Reddy came to Siena after beginning his doctorate degree in physics at the University of South Carolina. He returned north to teach physics at Siena while continuing his degree, completing it in 1977. He became head of the physics department and served as president of Sigma Pi Sigma.

In addition to teaching, Fr. Reginald was the founding spiritual assistant for the Franciscan Missionaries of Jesus Crucified, and was also the spiritual assistant for the local secular Franciscan fraternity from 1978 to 1992.

In 2002, he retired from Siena and was named professor emeritus. He stayed local and began ministering at St. Francis Chapel in Albany, N.Y., while also serving as chaplain to several groups, including the local Filipino community and the Knights and Dames of Malta.

“I think he would have wanted us to live on knowing that for us, as for him, Jesus is the ‘way and the truth and the life.’ He lived that out; he lived his faith, not just through his religious practices and devotions, but most importantly through his kindness.

The legacy of his kindness will be what is most remembered about him—that and his craving for sweets,” said Daniel Dwyer, O.F.M., Ph.D., associate professor of history.

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ATHLETICS

SON OF SIENA

APPOINTED TO LEAD MEN’S BASKETBALL PROGRAM For the first time since the transformative leader Bill Kirsch ’56 did so nearly four decades ago, a Siena alumnus will lead the College’s men’s basketball program. Clifton Park native Carmen Maciariello ’01 was named the 18th head coach in program history on March 25.

“I am unbelievably grateful to Br. Ed, John D’Argenio, and the whole Siena College community to have the opportunity to serve as your head coach,” said Maciariello. “I am extremely excited to be able to lead this program for years to come. It’s a great day to be a Saint!”

Maciariello, who last year served his first season as an assistant coach in his second stint on the Siena Basketball staff, helped guide the Saints to 17 wins overall and a tie for second place finish in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference this past winter. The Saints’ 17 victories tied for the most of any MAAC team, and the squad’s nine-win improvement from the previous year was tied for the 11th best turnaround nationally.

“In addition to being an excellent basketball coach with a proven track record, his passion for Siena College and our student athletes is inspiring.

He carries a deep understanding and commitment to the Siena mission, the community, and this special program that will serve him well,” said Br. Ed. Maciariello recently completed his 11th season as a Division I assistant coach, which has included stops at Siena (2018-19), George Washington (2014-18), Boston University (2011-14), and

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Fairfield (2008-11). He first entered the collegiate ranks as Siena’s director of basketball operations during the 2005-06 season under the direction of Fran McCaffery.

“Carmen has an outstanding coaching resume at all levels of basketball, and has been part of championship teams everywhere he’s been,” said Siena College Vice President and Director of Athletics John D’Argenio. “He has forged strong relationships both here in the Capital Region and across the country.”

Maciariello inherits a Siena Basketball program on the rise.

The Saints are set to welcome back 11 letterwinners including three starters from last year’s breakout squad, highlighted by the return of Freshman All-American, unanimous MAAC Rookie of the Year, and First Team All-MAAC selection Jalen Pickett ’22.

“We’re going to strive for excellence in all that we do,” added Maciariello.

ROSSI COMPLETES MILESTONE SEASON Baseball head coach Tony Rossi added more memorable milestones to an already legendary career this spring. He became the first Division I head baseball coach to reach 50 seasons, while also securing his 900th career win.

“The game has been my life,” said Rossi. “If you like the game, that’s the main thing. I like the game.

I like our players, and these guys work hard. When you can put it all together, that’s what makes it very rewarding.”

Rossi, who also coached in his 2,000th career game at Siena this spring, recorded his 900th career win against eventual MAAC Champion Quinnipiac on April 19 on campus at Connors Park. The winningest coach in both Siena College and MAAC history in any sport, he broke the conference record for wins the previous time the Saints hosted the Bobcats in 2016.

Rossi, who developed his 26th Major League Baseball draft pick with Brendan White’s selection by the Detroit Tigers in June, still enjoys teaching the game and developing players.

“It’s always been about the players,” he said. “It’s not about me. It’s their program. The program belongs to them.”

WOMEN’S LACROSSE ENGINEERS HISTORICAL TURNAROUND One win two years ago. One goal from a MAAC Championship this spring. The women’s lacrosse team orchestrated the best season in program history, culminating with the Saints’ second-ever MAAC Championship Game appearance. Although Siena fell just a goal short in overtime of the program’s first title, the Saints made history this spring.

“They had so much fight in them all season long,” said head coach Abigail Rehfuss. “I think a lot of (that fight) came from the fact that we only had 20 on our roster this year, so we had no choice but to put up a fight. We certainly did that from the first whistle to the last, and I’m so proud of our team.”

The Saints won a program-record 12 games, and their sevengame improvement from the previous year was tied with Syracuse

for the second greatest turnaround nationally.

Kerry Gerety ’21 broke the program’s single-season records for points, assists, and draw controls, while Sammy Horton ’19 enjoyed a breakout season earning the program’s first-ever MAAC Goalkeeper of the Year honor.

“Abby just taught us to believe in ourselves, and I thought that was one of the biggest things ever,” said Horton. “Our coaches really changed the culture of this team, and I’m excited to see where (the future of the program) is going to go.”

The sky is the limit for a squad focused on fighting its way to a first championship in 2020.

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OUR ALUMNI

THE GOLUB LECTURE SERIES 2019: MIKE MARUSIC ’88 President and CEO of Sharp Imaging and Information Company of America, Mike Marusic ’88, was the 2019 Lewis Golub Executive Lecture Series keynote speaker.

Mentored as a student by Len Cutler, Ph.D., professor of political science, Marusic learned that in order to succeed in the world, no matter what field you enter, you must be prepared, learn how to learn and always

think about the other person’s point of view.

Marusic transitioned from his political science degree into the world of accounting, eventually taking on his current role at Sharp Electronics. He has previously served as chief operating office for Sharp Electronics Corporation and as the Executive Vice President, marketing, operations and technical services for all B2B products. In this role he was responsible for bringing new products to market, identifying customer needs, and improving operational processes to maximize Sharp’s business opportunities.

ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR: JIM MORRELL ’66 James J. “Jim” Morrell ’66 has been named Siena’s 2019 Entrepreneur of the Year.

“Jim Morrell embodies the type of individual we imagined when Siena College created the Entrepreneur of the Year award,” said Michael J. Hickey ’85, director of Siena’s Stack Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship. “He not only is a successful serial entrepreneur but also a philanthropist, who continues to support a multitude of great Capital Region causes.”

Morrell is currently the chairman of Pamal Broadcasting, which operates nearly two dozen radio stations in New York and Vermont.

Morrell and his family own Destination Nissan and Destination Kia in Albany; ABC Sports and Fitness, Add Development & 28 28

Management, and the Holiday Inn Express & Suites, all in Latham; and several other businesses in the Capital Region.

The Morrell family and its business enterprises have a long history of philanthropy in the area. The Morrell Science Center on the Siena campus houses classrooms, lab space and the Stewart’s Advanced Instrumentation and Technology (SAInT) Center, and the family has long been a lead donor to the College, according to Hickey. Morrell is a former member of the College’s Board of Trustees; his wife, Kathleen, was an associate trustee.

“When I was a student at Siena, I very much looked to others for mentorship,” Morrell said as he accepted his award, and explained the impact his days at the College had on him. “I was surrounded by people who gave of themselves day in and day out.

They led the way.”

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SHARING SUCCESS

KRISTIN BERNERT ’96

Kayla Allbright ’20 Senior Vice President of Business Operations at Madison Square Garden (MSG) Sports, Kristin Bernert ’96 shared what she has learned from her experiences working closely with major sports teams such as the New York Knicks and New York Rangers with Siena students.

Before being considered a “game changer” for having a major impact in the sports industry by The Sports Business Journal, Bernert was a psychology major at Siena and on the women’s basketball team.

On top of working with the Head of Ticket Sales at MSG and engineering a sophisticated approach to dynamically price every ticket and moderate it daily, Bernert is also in charge of event presentation. She attended 82 games just this year, 41 Knicks games and 41 Rangers games.

“From the minute someone steps in the arena to the minute they leave, I am responsible for making sure everyone is safe and satisfied. It is a taxing job, but fun too.”

Getting to work closely with the NBA and NHL Presidents and across the company with different leadership was not Bernert’s plan. When she sat in the seats our Siena Saints sit in now, she had no set plan.

“From someone who sat in your chair, don’t worry about it if you don’t know what you want to do. I thought I wanted to be a physical therapist and then I did an internship and realized it was not a good idea. Maybe I wanted to be a guidance counselor, tried that and it did not feel right. But I knew I liked to help people. ”

Adriana DiPietro ’19 Senior sales manager for Olympic Forest Products Company Moises Rivera ’09 returned to his alma mater to share his life story. Through his presentation “Who Am I?,” Rivera retold both the amazing memories and the immense hardships he faced that made him who he is today.

Growing up in New Paltz, New York, Rivera was a first generation Puerto Rican-American who came from an extremely loving and hardworking family. He spent a lot of his childhood with his grandparents while his parents worked to provide him a chance at the American Dream.

On top of his parent’s influence, Rivera’s drive to succeed was developed through the bullying he experienced. Despite this, he quickly turned himself into a leader — holding a position on the board of student representatives and as captain on his varsity baseball team in high school.

During his time as a Saint, Rivera excelled. He majored in marketing and management while also playing men’s Division I baseball—breaking Siena baseball records and making NCAA history with his team.

“I challenged myself to overcome; I have challenged myself to not make excuses, and I have challenged myself to be a better person.”

MOISES RIVERA ’09

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Loudon Road, Take Me Home

The 28th Annual Scholarship Dinner brought together scholarship donors and student recipients for a great evening during which donors were thanked and recognized and shown the impact of their scholarship gifts.

Many guests witnessed first-hand Siena’s unique ability to educate the mind, body, and spirit. Guests were invited to tour the new Breyo Observatory, the renovated training and fitness facilities, or the illuminated Saint John’s Bible exhibit — seeing The Education for a Lifetime in action. Without the generosity of donors, these incredible advancements would not have been possible.

Scholarships continue to make a difference in the lives of countless Siena students.

If you would like additional information about our scholarship program, please email stewardship@siena.edu.

NEW SCHOLARSHIPS As the night’s co-host, Emma Henderschedt ’19 said, “When we talk about the Siena College Education for a Lifetime, we mean an education that enriches the mind, empowers the body, and enlightens the spirit.” Co-host Thom Schlinck ’19 and Henderschedt then shared with the crowd a Siena-tized take on John Denver’s classic “Take Me Home, Country Roads,” titled “Take Me Home, Loudon Road.”

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THE ANGELO FAMILY Scholarship THE KENNETH ‘79 AND KAREN CARTER Endowed Scholarship THE CARTER FAMILY Scholarship THE NORBERT AND MARGARET CHARRON Endowed Scholarship THE CORNELIUS/LACY FAMILY Endowed Scholarship THE E. TIMOTHY MCGOWAN, FRANCIS J. FENNESSY ‘43, AND EDWARD F. FENNESSY ‘50 Families Scholarship THE PROFESSOR PATRICK J. SHERIDAN Memorial Scholarship THE JONATHAN TELLSTONE ‘93 Scholarship THE FRANK V. TRAINA ‘98 Scholarship

ENDOWED FUNDS

THE TOUHEY FOUNDATION FUND for Academic Community Engagement

PLANNING YOUR LEGACY Many Siena College alumni, friends and donors choose to support the College’s work through planned gifts, which include gifts of marketable securities like stocks and bonds; estate gifts through a bequest in a will or trust; gifts like charitable gift annuities or charitable remainder trusts that provide a lifetime income stream to the donor; and other gifts of real estate or tax-deferred retirement assets.

A donor-advised fund, or DAF, is a giving vehicle established for the sole purpose of supporting charitable organizations important to you.

A DAF allows donors to make a charitable contribution, receive an immediate income tax deduction, and recommend grants from the fund over

time. Donors can contribute to the fund as frequently as they like, and then recommend grants to their favorite charities at any time.

For more information about planned giving at Siena College, contact Brad Bodmer ’82, esq., Assistant Vice President of Development and External Affairs at bbodmer@siena.edu or 518-782-6907.

THE GROTTO THE GROTTO AT SIENA COLLEGE WAS DEDICATED ON OCTOBER 19, 2014 –FIVE YEARS AGO THIS FALL!

Modeled after the famous shrine in Lourdes, France, the Grotto was a labor of love funded solely by donors to provide a special and sacred space for prayer, contemplation, healing, and peace. Over the past five years, the Grotto has become a favorite place for members of the Siena community, local and worldwide, to visit.

During this anniversary year of the Grotto, Siena will offer multiple occasions to attend Mass, prayer services, and contemplation. There will also be opportunities to remember loved ones in very special ways.

To inquire about honoring a loved one at the Grotto, please contact development@siena.edu or call 518-783-2432.

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THANK YOU

Thank you to all who supported the Annual Fund this past academic year.

Your commitment to the Education for a Lifetime impacts all Saints, including recent graduates like Megan Kelly ’19.

“I do know I want to keep Siena a part of me always. I want to be as generous as our friars, as intelligent as our professors, as genuine as our students, and as supportive as our community. I want to take Siena’s values with me and change someone’s world, as Siena did for me,” said Megan Kelly ’19 As Siena’s graduates forge their paths, their lives have been forever touched by your Annual Fund support. Thank you for changing someone’s world.

After all, the world needs more Saints.

The goal was simple but ambitious for our annual Siena Giving Day. We asked alumni, employees, and all friends of the College to band together for an unprecedented show of Siena support. We asked for 1,000 donors in 24 hours. We humbly received 1,092.

In total, you raised more than $200,000 that will benefit the Annual Fund, scholarships, and academic programs. You raised the banner for Siena, and some of you are now literally flying that banner in and outside your homes. The first 100 gifts of $250 or more entitled donors to an authentic Siena banner that once hung from a campus flag pole. Those banners are now proudly waving all over the country.

No matter the size of the donation, a huge thank you to everyone who participated! We aimed high and your efforts made the day a smashing success. Together, let’s aim even higher in 2020!

For more information, please visit siena.edu/makeagift or call 518-783-2461.

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RUGBY’S LATEST PITCH Siena College rugby has a new face in the game—Rugby Coordinator Greg Matthew. In his new position, Matthew will recruit students to Siena to play the fastest growing sport in the country, coordinate relationships with regional and national programs, and mobilize Siena’s Rugby Alumni Ambassador program.

Matthew, who hails from Scotland, has development and coaching experience for rugby teams in his native country and the United States. At Siena he will focus on rugby student recruitment and developing strength and conditioning regiments for all of the College’s club sports teams.

“I’m pleased to be a part of this dedicated effort to grow the rugby program at Siena,” said Matthew. “Both teams are very competitive and have excellent coaches and extremely dedicated alumni. The program has a very bright future here.”

He was able to connect with Siena’s vast network at the 18th annual Rugby Alumni Weekend May 3-4. The annual golf tournament kicked off the weekend, with proceeds benefitting rugby programs and scholarships at Siena. On Saturday, Mass was celebrated by Fr. Kevin Tortorelli, O.F.M., former professor of religious studies at Siena and Rugby Club chaplain, who made the trip from St. Petersburg, Florida to Loudonville just for the event.

This was followed by women’s and men’s games, a field-side barbecue and recognition of graduating seniors.

At the conclusion of the matches, Kevin Quinn ‘05 brought the day to a close, recognizing the graduating seniors by welcoming them to the alumni network.

Rugby’s Alumni Weekend began in 2002 following the terrorist attacks of September 11 in honor of Terrence McShane ’86 and Mike Taddonio ’84, program alumni who perished in the attacks.

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ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

JOHN DEVIR ’92 EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT AT PIMCO HOMETOWN: SUFFERN, NY (NEWPORT BEACH, CA) MAJOR: ECONOMICS

TALK ABOUT YOUR CAREER PATH Honestly, I was always interested in finance and economics and working on Wall Street after graduation. During my senior year at Siena, I held an internship with the New York State Office of Regulatory Affairs (Division of Administrative Rules) where I worked on real-life telecommunications rate cases. We would use econometrics models, multiple regressions, filing analysis and conduct reviews to determine if rates made sense. Siena professor Scott Trees, Ph.D., recommended me for this position and it had a major impact on my career. After graduation I moved to New York City with three Siena friends and took a job with an investment bank that led to a job in telecommunications research. When I arrived on Wall Street, New York was about to become one of the first states to lift regulations on monopolies in the industry, and my internship experience gave me a leg up. But I didn’t want to write research; my passion was on the investment side – putting money to work. I worked at Credit Suisse for nine years, then Lehman Brothers and Barclays before joining PIMCO in 2011.

PIMCO is based in Newport Beach and is one of the largest bond managers in the world. It is an extremely competitive, invigorating place to work and I’m honored to be here.

DESCRIBE YOUR TYPICAL DAY I wake up at 3:40 a.m., check email, and get to work by 4:15.

We’re based on the West Coast, but we’re working New York hours and need to track the global markets. I’m constantly

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checking the news and emails, making sure nothing happened that can impact our investments. It is a very iterative process; I’m taking in new information each day, weighing risks and rewards, meeting with companies and investors, doing research, assessing investments, and ultimately making decisions. I try to get home by 4:30 or 5 p.m. so that I can enjoy dinner with my family and help my daughters – Evelyn (12), Vivienne (10) and Caleigh (6) – with homework or watch them play sports. My wife Tina and I are usually playing whack-a-mole, just trying to keep up. Tina grew up in Southern California – and it was important to both of us to move out here – we really appreciate the opportunity to live here.

WHAT WOULD SURPRISE PEOPLE ABOUT YOUR JOB? For someone who doesn’t invest for a living, the amount of failure you have to deal with is hard to comprehend. Most successful investors fail about half of the time. The best have ‘batting averages’ slightly higher than .500 and definitely lower than .600. You are consistently dealing with failure, and that can be extremely emotional, because it means you are losing money. It takes a certain type of personality because you have to shake it off and make sure it doesn’t take a toll on you. You have to know things are going to go wrong. Good investors have four distinct traits: humility, maturity, discipline, and intellectual honesty to persevere through hard times and keep level-headed through good times.

had something to prove. I was at Siena during a very exciting time, the school was a bit of an upstart with the quality of education, accessibility of professors, and what was happening in athletics with the basketball team. Siena is still a big part of who I am.

FAVORITES CLASS AT SIENA Econometrics with Dr. Trees. It was my hardest class and I learned the most. I still use lessons learned to this day.

SPORTS TEAM Utah Jazz. My brother has worked for them for 20 years

HOW DID SIENA PREPARE YOU FOR WHERE YOU ARE TODAY?

FOOD Sushi

Siena gave me a very good education; I had the desire before, but there was kerosene poured on the fire during college. At PIMCO, I’m competing with the best and brightest and although Siena is not as well-known or valued as Harvard or Wharton, I’ve used this to my advantage. I know I received a very solid education and carried a bit of a chip on my shoulder that forced me to work much harder. You have to have confidence and you have to be relentless to succeed in this world, and coming out of Siena I was determined to succeed – there was zero chance I was going to give up. My grandparents came to the United States from Italy and refused to fail. I tell my daughters that the key is to think like an immigrant: be paranoid, but be optimistic. I felt very comfortable in my knowledge and desire, but I also knew I

PLACE TO TRAVEL Deer Valley, Utah. Every February my family takes a skiing trip and we make sure to work in a Jazz game.

SPOT ON CAMPUS The Rathskeller or the library SIENA MEMORY It is hard to pinpoint one thing. I’m still on a thread with my townhouse roommates from senior year and it’s amazing after 27-plus years how not much has changed. We still like to kid around with each other as we did at SAGA on Saturday mornings.

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ACTIVITY I try to spend as much time with our girls – follow them around and watch them grow, celebrate their achievements. It’s an unbelievable experience.

On February 15, 2019 John (center) and some of his colleagues at PIMCO were invited to ring the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange after launching NRGX, a global energy-focused closed-end fund. “It was a tremendous honor and my parents and sister were able to make it down – I remember seeing them over the crowd on the floor of the NYSE. One of my most lasting memories from the day was racing to the airport to fly back across the country so that I could be home for my daughter’s birthday.”

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ALUMNI CONNECTION

!

E T A D AVE THE

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EVEN A N E I S G OMIN

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y Hour at iena Happ S g 9 ge Brewin er 27, 201 Fort Oran Septemb Wine 20th d n a d ino Foo V ta s e F

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hristmas r 5, 2019 Alumni C Decembe c vin e Name Pro at Holy nior Class f 2020 Se o s s la C

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D 0 2 ip 0 h 2 rs , 8 la 1 o Sch March h on Brunc 2020 Appreciati April 19, kend e e W Alumni y b g u R

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2020 June 5-7, y tuned! come – sta to s a re a re many mo re dates in o m y n a M

DAVE COLLINS

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2019 CHAMPAGNE TOAST The annual champagne toast reception is the opportunity to celebrate a successful senior class gift campaign. The Class of 2019 Senior Gift will contribute funds to the construction of The Nigro Family Plaza that will serve as the main entrance to the Sarazen Student Union from the Academic Quad. It will provide a new, outdoor congregation location to complement areas such as The Paddock, Williams Way and the Roginski Rings, Lonnstrom Landing, and the Thompson Trail. To complete the construction of the project, trustee John J. Nigro H’13 (above, fourth from right) matched the Class of 2019 gift 10-1.

2018 HALL OF FAME INDUCTION CEREMONY The Siena Athletic Hall of Fame was established in 1964. Over the past years, Siena has distinguished their most exceptional athletes and coaches with induction into the Hall of Fame.

LEFT TO RIGHT: Vice President and Director for Athletics John D’Argenio; Bryan Neufeld ’12, men’s lacrosse; Brittany Pavolko ’11, swimming and diving; Lesli Akeo ’13, volleyball; Br. Ed.

NEW CHAIR OF THE BOARD APPOINTED John F. Murray Jr. ’79 has been confirmed as the new chairman of the Siena College Board of Trustees.

He originally joined the Siena board in 2000, after serving on the College’s Board of Associate Trustees (now the Board of Advisors) from 1992 to 1999. He was the associate board’s chair from 1997 to 1999.

“I am deeply honored to be named chair of Siena College’s Board of Trustees,” said Murray. “As a Siena alumnus, I know firsthand what an excellent experience the College provides its students, and the loyalty bestowed on it from thousands of alumni. As a longtime board member, I look forward to helping guide the College through the second half of its five-year strategic plan ‘Tradition. Transformed.’ and helping to provide a new generation of Siena students with the Education for a Lifetime.”

Murray is currently chairman and chief executive officer of Rose & Kiernan, Inc. He also established and serves as a director of the Rose & Kiernan Charitable Foundation to support community activities and charitable works throughout New York.

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REUNION

NO MATTER WHERE YOU ARE,

NEAR OR FAR,

YOU’LL ALWAYS BE A SAINT

Each year Saints from all over the world return to their alma mater for Reunion Weekend. Whether they are looking forward to catching up with old friends and classmates, seeing campus updates and additions, sharing Siena with their children, or just hanging out with Bernie, it’s impossible for alumni to not fall in love with Siena all over again.

While not every Saint is able to make it back to campus, that doesn’t stop alumni from putting together their own mini reunions. No matter where they gather—a backyard, a brewery, or a big city—the spirit of Siena is all around.

Our 35,000+ alumni reside all over the globe but they all have one thing in common—they are Siena Saints for life.

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2019 DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI AWARDS:

Each year alumni are recognized for their outstanding professional and personal achievements, community contributions, and commitment to service.

Professor Egon Plager Award Reverend Benjamin Kuhn, O.F.M. Award for Humanitarian Efforts for Service to Siena JOE VARKEY ‘64 GUY MADDALONE ‘89 PATTY ASHE NASHELSKY ‘89

Franciscan Spirit Award for young alumni demonstrating success in their careers, service to the Siena Community, and service to the community AMY MCCARTHY ‘09 KAITLYN MACLEOD ‘09

Professor Joseph Buff Award for Career Achievement RICH SLEASMAN ’79 LORRIE SCARDINO ’79

RAISING THE CUP 2019 REUNION CUP winner for Reunion class attendance was the Class of 1994. In 1994, the Siena men’s basketball team won 3rd place in the NIT at Madison Square Garden and the women’s team won the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC).

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2019 GREEN AND GOLD CUP winner for class giving participation was the Class of 1959. In 1959, Plassmann and Serra Dining Hall became part of the campus facilities.

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CELEBRATING 50

Siena’s Class of 1969 celebrated their 50th Reunion Dinner. In 1969, Siena’s first female full-time day students began classes and the political science major was established.

WANT TO KEEP UP TO DATE ON THE LATEST NEWS, EVENTS AND OPPORTUNITIES?

NEW TO REUNION THIS YEAR

• Tours of updated Marcelle Athletic Complex’s multimillion dollar renovation • Guided viewings at the largest telescope in the Capital Region, from Siena’s own Breyo Observatory • An all-alumni dinner with Siena’s President, Br. Ed • Food trucks on the quad during the alumni and family picnic

We’d love to hear from you!

Make sure your contact information is updated by visiting Siena.edu/update.

To see more photos from Reunion, visit flickr.com/ sienaalumni.

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UNPACKED

1

THOM SCHLINCK ’19

Orangeburg, New York - History major with a Spanish minor

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1. Music has always been an important part of my identity, and being a

part of the Siena Pep Band gave me an opportunity to keep playing my favorite instrument, which I’ve been playing since fourth grade. It also gave me one of my most commonly-used nicknames, Tuba Thom. Some of my best memories have been courtside at basketball games, playing music and making some noise for our Saints!

2. For the past three years, I’ve participated in Mr. Siena, a competition that raises money for Habitat for Humanity. All three shows were awesome experiences and I’ve made some of my best friends through this event. My sophomore year, I won first runner-up, and I finally won Mr. Siena my senior year (although we all certainly deserved it!)

3. My uncle Joe Sheehan ’73 is the reason I came to Siena. He passed away during my senior year of high school, but he set me on the path to become a Saint and introduced me to the Franciscan tradition. I’ve carried the same copy of his prayer card every day since his funeral, and the Prayer of St. Francis, written on the card, is a constant reminder of what I’m called to do.

4. I got this hat while filming a promotional video for the Franciscan Center for Service and Advocacy just before the start of my junior year.

Since then, it has accompanied me on every service trip I’ve taken, and it has dirt and paint on it from several different countries throughout Latin America. I also often wear this hat while spending time with the kids in the Siena Mentoring Program, so this has become my favorite article of clothing because it’s synonymous with service and my passions!

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BEST IN CLASS

The best part about Siena’s blending of professional training with a broadbased liberal arts education and strong values—is that it works. Our alumni are proof of that. Every year, Siena graduates go out into the world ready to make a great living and live a great life.

And that’s because during their college careers, they benefit from an education, experiences and an alumni network that lead to success.

But don’t just take our word for it— career and research company Zippia agrees. They named Siena College the #1 college in New York most likely to score you a job. They looked at the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard to check employment rate data for all higher education institutions coast to coast, and Siena topped the list for New York state.

CAREER

?

LD G0 NDARD STA

Do you know a young alumnus who is excelling in their career, personal life or in their community? Let us know! Our G.O.L.D (Graduates of the Last Decade) Standard Award annually recognizes five young alumni for extraordinary achievements.

Award recipients distinguish themselves through professional success, service to the community and/or engagement with Siena College.

Learn more and nominate a Saint today: Siena.edu/goldaward

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TM

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515 Loudon Road, Loudonville, N.Y. 12211-1462

HATS OFF TO THE CLASS OF 2019