Siena News — Summer 2021

SIENA A MAGAZINE FOR ALUMNI AND FRIENDS • SUMMER 2021

THE WORLD NEEDS MORE SAINTS:

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This Is Our Moment

INSIDE:

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE CLASS OF 2021 SAINTS RISE TO THE VACCINATION CHALLENGE SIENA EARNS 2020-21 MAAC WOMEN’S COMMISSIONER’S CUP

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On the weekend of May 29-30, Siena celebrated the Class of 2021 with a special toast, an Academic Awards Ceremony, commencement events that followed the required guidelines, and even a special appearance from Former U.S. Secretary of State, Condoleezza Rice, Ph.D.,H’21 (Read more on page 6).

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CLASS OF 2020 CELEBRATIONS

We are excited to announce that in addition to the Class of 2020 social events already scheduled for the June 3-5, 2022 Reunion weekend, the College will host a formal Commencement ceremony on Sunday, November 14, 2021 for the Class of 2020 during Siena’s inaugural Homecoming Weekend.

Mark your calendars now — we can’t wait to celebrate you! It will be worth the wait.

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2021-2022 BOARD OF TRUSTEES

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CONGRATS GRADS!

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A SPECIAL JUNETEENTH REFLECTION

Thomas L. Amell ‘89

Br. Walter J. M. Liss, O.F.M.

Thomas J. Baldwin, Jr. ‘81, Chair

Fr. Erick Lopez, O.F.M.

Ronald E. Bjorklund ‘85

Jan Traynor MacDonnell ‘83

Thomas J. Burke

Joanne Maloy ‘80

Tehresa M. Massena ‘14

Mallory R. Massry ‘07

Susan Law Dake H’21

Burgandy-Leigh McCurty ‘10

Virginia Darrow ‘83

William P. McGoldrick ‘68

John Finneran, Jr. ‘81

John A. McMahon ‘71

Howard S. Foote ‘74

Lisa J. Moser ‘97

Rev. James G. Gannon, O.F.M.

Rev. Kevin J. Mullen ‘75, O.F.M., Ph.D.

Christopher P. Gibson ’86, Ph.D.,

Patricia A. Nashelsky ‘89. ESQ.

President

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LETTE THE P

John J. Nigro H‘13

Paul L. Gioia, ESQ.

Nipa Nobel

Jason Gottlieb ‘92

Kenneth M. Raymond, Jr.

John R. Held, ‘80, ESQ.

Lewis A. Steverson ‘87, ESQ.

Steven L. Lamy ’73, Ph.D.

Br. Basil J. Valente ’84, O.F.M.

SIENA NEWS – SUMMER 2021 Published by: Siena College 15 Loudon Road, Loudonville, NY 12211-1462 518-782-8300 • communications@siena.edu

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• Publisher: Jason Rich ’98

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SAINTS RISE TO THE VACCINATION CHALLENGE

• Editor: Julia Hess Zielinski ’15 • Contributing Editors: Alumni Relations, Brad Bodmer ’82, Mike Demos, Dr. Chris Gibson ’86, Beth Hazelton ’16, Holy Name Province, Kelly O’Donnell, Jason Rich ’98 and Lisa Witkowski • Art Director and Design: Sergio Sericolo, M.F.A. • Class Notes and ‘In Memory’ Design: Jean Higgs • Alumni Class Notes Editors: Christina Colucci ’21, Mary Beth Finnerty ’85, Kathy Palumbo and Brandon Murphy ’17 • Photography: Kate Better ’10, John Bollentin, Olivia Bordeau ‘21, Tay ’08 and Yasmin ’10 Fisher, George Ghobriel ’21, Samuel Goldstein ’23, Michael Hemberger, Katie Hohman ’09, The Family of Peyton Morse ’21, Andy Murphy ’17, Emily Nash ’23, Brendan Savage ’21, Siena Athletics, Siena College Alumni, Sergio Sericolo, Alec Sortino ’22, Kobe Stenson ’24,

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SIENA EARNS WOMEN’S COMMISSIONER’S CUP

Natalie Vu ’22 • Video Production: Dave Etzler

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KELSEY BARON ’21

51 UNPACKED GEORGE GHOBRIEL ’21

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COVID and the vaccination against it, as well as the prayer and camaraderie that helped sustain us and our friends and family.

We are stronger today as a result of what we have overcome and accomplished together.

This year wasn’t all about the pandemic. The national reckoning on race, which made many Americans take stock of our history and question our assumptions about color and privilege, made its way to our campus. We responded with a series of events and activities designed to strengthen the bonds of racial justice at Siena College, including our first ever Juneteenth reflection and celebration. We had classroom and Zoom discussions about our past and about the best way forward as a society, about political and economic solutions. Saints don’t back away from difficult conversations. We lean into them.

Now that the world is beginning to emerge from the pandemic shutdown, we should not just automatically revert to the way we did things before. This is a time to reimagine better ways to approach education, work, family and society. Plagues drive change. Yes, we made great sacrifices and experienced tremendous loss, but we also learned new ways of doing things

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that we will want to retain as we plan for our future: advances in

FROM THE PRESIDENT In a year when other colleges welcomed only part of their

community to campus or had to go on pause due to COVID outbreaks, Siena College stayed open for the entire academic year, with an on-campus experience for any student who wanted one.

Where many colleges gave up on planning any commencement at all this May, Siena not only hosted an in-person ceremony for all undergraduates, but held its first-ever ceremony for graduate degree recipients on campus.

When many institutions struggled to approach their admissions goals, Siena shattered its enrollment record for the third year in a row. This fall we will welcome the largest freshman class in Siena

pedagogy, technology and social justice that could make higher education a newer, better world.

Siena is currently laying the foundation for a new five-year strategic plan that will guide our College forward with bold and clear vision. While maintaining the dearly held and evergreen Franciscan traditions on which Siena was founded, we will set goals for student recruitment and retention, faculty support, curriculum and program development, and the evolution of our beautiful campus. We are so proud of our recent #8 Catholic U.S. College ranking (see page 19) and committed to building on the breakthrough success resulting from our current Strategic Plan.

This fall, we plan to welcome our students and faculty back to campus for a complete, on-campus experience with classrooms and residence halls at capacity, predicated of course on our community being fully vaccinated. I look forward to this new chapter in Siena’s history as we meld the best of our traditions, the hard-won lessons of the past year, and the optimistic hopes for our future.

history.

Siena Saints all gained special insight and experience during the past months – the importance of looking out for each other and sacrificing for the common good; for putting higher goals in our sights. We took to heart the importance of flexibility and of

CHRISTOPHER P. GIBSON ’86, PH.D., PRESIDENT

adaptability; we honored the science that led to the treatment of

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SAINTS IN THE NEWS

Siena Saints took a public stance this spring on advocating for

hours. The Albany Times Union picked up on the topic,

COVID vaccination and subsequent changes to health protocols,

and one day after the article was published, local

and the news media took notice.

television and radio stations flocked to the story,

President Gibson spoke out for larger capacity at graduation ceremonies in New York. He tweeted at Governor Andrew Cuomo on April 20: “@NYGovCuomo: Current venue attendance in NYS

with one station staying on campus to report live throughout its evening shows.

Later that week, the governor changed event

allows for 25% capacity for sports; just 10% for commencements.

restrictions to allow 25 percent capacity at high

This means we will have to hold 2 ceremonies at the @TUCenter,

school and college graduations in New York,

and the @SienaCollege Class of ’21 will not be able to graduate

allowing Siena to host one ceremony at the

together. Please make the policies consistent.”

Times Union Center with two guests for each

His message received hundreds of likes and retweets within

graduate.

Siena College generates more than 10,000 media mentions each year. Local and national outlets frequently cover campus events and alumni newsmakers. These are some of the stories that made headlines in 2021.

Masks protect us from COVID-19, but what about bacteria That’s according to Anna McLoon, Ph.D., assistant professor of biology. She checked for bacteria on unwashed masks as part of a science experiment for News10 ABC. The results? Yes, bacteria can form on unwashed masks, but it won’t hurt you. And when it doubt, wash it.

Wendy Pojmann, Ph.D., professor of history, was researching the history of Italian women in the Cold War. So naturally she wrote a book about espresso. Actually, it wasn’t the research that steered her toward Italian coffee, it was a conversation with a barista in Rome. The Daily Gazette interviewed Pojmann about her book, Espresso: The Art and Soul of Italy.

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forming inside the masks? Face it. “We live in a microbial world.”

As far as most people are concerned, beetles are made up of legs and ickiness. But at the molecular level, they’re natural healers. Beetles are used in Traditional Chinese Medicine and there could be more magic in the beetles yet to be discovered. Stephen Deyrup, Ph.D., professor of chemistry and biochemistry, and his two student researchers are investigating 48 species of beetles, with 129 chemical constituents. The media took a keen interest in beetlemania on campus.

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CONGRATULATIONS TO THE CLASS OF 2021

With physical distancing and masking still in force, Siena’s Class of 2021 celebrated their achievements with an in-person ceremony on May 30 at Albany’s Times Union Center.

Siena awarded 818 bachelor’s degrees, and graduates were allowed to remove their masks and fist bump Siena President Chris Gibson ’86 Ph.D. while crossing the stage.

“We felt very strongly that the entire Class of 2021 should graduate together and in person after this long pandemic year,” said President Gibson. “We thank our Office of the Provost and Academic Affairs for their tireless work to plan the weekend’s activities.”

Sixty-nine graduate degree recipients participated in the College’s first ever master’s degree ceremony the day before on the Academic Quad on campus (read more on page 8).

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Former U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, Ph.D. told Siena graduates in her Commencement speech that their senior year experiences during a pandemic prepared them for their futures in ways they may not yet know.

“I hope you will take a moment to reflect on what this year has said about you – your perseverance, your flexibility and adaptability, the willingness to keep going powered by the love of learning and the relationships that have sustained you,” she said. “Those are lessons that will serve you well as you go out into the world, because life, quite frankly, is a lot like this year. Unpredictable and requiring flexibility; challenging and demanding persistence; and you always need to keep your dreams and goals solidly in front of you.”

Because of COVID-related travel restrictions, Rice shared her message with the graduates in a pre-recorded video that played during the ceremony. Rice, who is currently director of the Hoover Institution at Stanford University and its senior fellow on public policy, wore a green Siena doctoral hood and displayed the framed honorary doctor of humane letters degree she received from the College.

Leonard Cutler, Ph.D., professor of political science and director of Siena’s pre-law program, introduced Rice at the ceremony.

Rice, who served as secretary of state under President George W. Bush from 2005 to 2009, was the second woman and first Black woman to hold the post. She also served as national security advisor from 2001 to 2005, the first woman to hold the position.

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SIENA’S INAUGURAL GRADUATE COMMENCEMENT Have umbrella, will graduate.

On a record-breaking cold spring day, Siena held its first-ever outdoor commencement ceremony for masters degree and advanced certificate recipients. COVID safety guidelines necessitated the event be held outside, despite the steady rain and chilly temperatures. Grads from the Class 2021 received a master of science in accounting, master of business administration, or advanced certificate; recipients from 2020 were also honored. The College’s graduate degree and certificate programs have grown enough so that they now warrant a separate ceremony; they used to be awarded at the main undergraduate commencement, with a hooding ceremony the day before.

Allison Cross MSA ’21 thanked her fellow graduates for their patience and flexibility over the past pandemic year.

“A Saint leads by example. A Saint is also one who is patient.

One common denominator we have all shared over the past year is hardship. Each and every one of us, together,” she said. “Yet, we have also triumphed, persevered.”

She left her classmates with one piece of advice as someone who “lives diligently through my Google Calendar.”

“If plan A doesn’t work, the alphabet has 25 more letters – 46 if you’re in Japan. In times of uncertainty and disorientation: embrace, adapt, and overcome.”

Andrew Murphy ’17 MBA ’21 acknowledged the sacrifices everyone made to get their advanced degrees.

“Working full time jobs while going to night classes, missing family parties to study for an audit exam or skipping a night out on the town to create flash cards for a management test. Not to mention going to school during a global pandemic,” he said. “Because of this, we have a set of characteristics that give us a leg up in any industry. We’ve TOP: Andrew Murphy ’17 G’21 was selected as MBA the Graduate Commencement class speaker.

BOTTOM: Cate Lawyer ’20 G’21 receives her diploma.

adapted to an ever-changing environment. We’re prepared for the next advancement in technology and we can conduct meetings and work anywhere in the world in real time.”

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ACADEMIC AWARDS CEREMONY This awards ceremony recognized the outstanding scholastic accomplishments and other special achievements of members of the Class of 2021.

BACCALAUREATE LITURGY The Siena Friars offered a final blessing to the graduates, a time of prayer, reflection and gathering to celebrate the Class of 2021. Fr. Larry Anderson, OFM, Siena’s Chaplain, presided over the Mass.

MOHAWK ARMY ROTC’S 2021 COMMISSIONING CLASS The Mohawk Battalion Army ROTC commissioning ceremony represents a culmination of four years of leadership training and academic excellence.

BALDWIN NURSING PROGRAM PINNING AND AWARDS CEREMONY The Baldwin Nursing Program Pinning and Awards Ceremony celebrated our first graduating class of the dual degree nursing program and our RN to BS nursing graduates from 2020 and 2021.

The ANA Future Nurse Leader Award, Engaged Heart Award and the Servant Leadership Award were presented.

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REMEMBERING PEYTON MORSE ’21 Peyton Morse ’21 died on March 12, nine days after suffering a medical emergency during training at the New York State Academy of Fire Science. He lost his life in the line of duty, and his funeral was a tribute to a fallen firefighter.

When Peyton was a freshman in Ryan Hall, he struck up a relationship with Fr. Larry Anderson, O.F.M. Every week, Peyton would assist Fr. Larry at the Grotto replacing candles. This is how Fr. Larry memorialized Peyton during a Sunday homily at a March 14 Mass: “In a video made several years ago for student orientation leaders, former president Br. Ed describes what it means to be a Saint. These are his words: ‘The Saints are the good people. When good people get to heaven they become angels. They are the ones who carry the fire.’ Peyton will always be a Siena Saint. He was one of the good ones. He is an angel now and his light shines brightly.”

A UNITED WAY FORWARD Additional funding received through VISTA

“The AmeriCorps VISTA funding will take this

AmeriCorps has led to an enhanced partnership

partnership to the next level,” said President Gibson.

between Siena and the United Way of the Greater

“We’re already seeing remarkable results, and now the

Capital Region.

College will be able to enter into even more community

Allison Schultz, director of Siena’s Center for

engaged programming.”

Academic Community Engagement, said the COVID relief-based funding will allow for 15-20 Siena students to work for United Way partners in various capacities during the summer and academic year.

“This will be a great skill-building opportunity for students who care about important community issues.

It will also help them appreciate the challenges that the COVID pandemic has placed on children and families in the Capital Region,” said Schultz.

The United Way will continue to connect with other nonprofits in the area to explore other service options for Siena students.

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A SPECIAL JUNETEENTH REFLECTION Juneteenth celebrates the end of slavery in the United States. It marks the day – two and a half years after the 1863 Emancipation Proclamation – that slaves in Texas at long last received news of their freedom via General Order No. 3.

To observe this holiday and to further the College’s commitment to strengthening the bonds of racial

Jamar Byron ’24, read General Order No. 3, and Young

justice, Siena hosted its first-ever Juneteenth reflection

presented a plaque to President Gibson with the wording

on May 5. Isis Young MBA ’22 (above, right) hosted

of the order, which will now hang in the president’s

the hybrid event in front of Siena Hall, featuring live

office.

remarks, readings, and pre-recorded messages.

Fr. Tito Serrano spoke on the history of Juneteenth

“I hope the audience learned the history and

and students and staff read poetry, including original

significance of Juneteenth, and that true change happens when we open our eyes and reflect on our

work, as well as personal statements.

Although Juneteenth is annually celebrated on June

actions towards all people,” said Young. “I hope

19, the reflection was held during the academic year to

our community feels empowered and responsible to

allow all community members to participate. On June 16,

speak up in situations of injustice. It was important

the College celebrated the holiday on the Paddock with

for me as a Black woman to represent and educate my

food, music, and readings.

community, as I strive to continue our great legacy.”

Following a performance by the Siena choir of “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” President Chris Gibson ’86 Ph.D. spoke.

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SAINTS SERVE

Earth Day is now celebrated over Earth Week. Instead of one project focused on the environment, Siena tackled nearly a dozen. The Franciscan Center for Service and Advocacy, in partnership with the Environmental and Sustainability Clubs, the Student Senate and the Habitat for Humanity Club, built new garden beds, bird houses, repaired and painted Thompson Trail, cleaned up the wetlands and so much more.

AROUND TOWN MY HIJAB IS A BADGE OF HONOR

Many Muslim women and girls around the world choose to veil their hair, necks and upper chests, and dress modestly, as one of the tenets of Islam. What does this tradition mean, and why is it practiced in nations that are not predominantly Muslim? To explore these topics, Siena’s Muslim Student Association (MSA) hosted a panel discussion as well as an opportunity for Siena women to try the hijab themselves in allyship with their Muslim sisters.

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A BOX OF WONDER

The Mindful Nest is a new creative and conceptual space located just off the Chaplain’s Patio. The Siena community is free to stop and leave a book, journal, note of encouragement or other little gift for others to take with them in the spirit of inspiration and love. If you have a zine, art project or poetry verse that you would like to send out into the world, stop by and leave it in the Mindful Nest.

English major Kiera Mitru ’21 wanted to create a place on campus where students and staff “can share love, literature and writing.”

A WEEKEND WORTH THE WAIT

Saints typically wait all year for the carnival to come to campus but because of COVID, the students had been pining for SienaFest for two years. The annual spring festival was moved online in 2020, but this year — even with masking and physical distancing guidelines — SienaFest almost felt normal.

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READY, SET, ACTION When students and alumni look back on their Siena experiences, more often than not friars are a staple in their stories.

The Franciscan presence on campus is rooted in Siena’s mission to educate the mind, body and spirit. But with social distancing protocols in place, one of Siena’s newest friars, Fr. Roberto “Tito” Serrano, wanted to figure out a way to continue to engage and connect with the student body.

“Part of why I chose to be at Siena is to help connect us friars to the students,” he said.

Inspired by his passion for movies, Fr. Tito huddled with his fellow brothers around the Friary fireplace and started to ask each of them about their favorite film. A spark from the crackling wood fire sparked an idea in his mind: recreating famous movie posters. Pairing the famous films with the friars wasn’t a hard task — each was able to pick their favorite, or embrace a theme that they found important to showcase. Two of Siena’s newest friars, Fr. Robert Sandoz and Fr. Greg Gebbia, took inspiration from the classic film Goodfellas, and created a poster for their own version, Godfellas.

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SAINTS AROUND THE WORLD Typically, a semester abroad would be an opportunity to cross cities and countries off each student’s dream travel bucket list. However, because of the pandemic, country hopping is discouraged. Instead, our Saints abroad spent the semester exploring their country of choice — immersing themselves in the culture, cuisine, history and landscapes.

Natalie Vu ’22, a biology major with a French minor, studied this spring from the Centre d’Études Franco-Américain de Management (CEFAM), an international business school located in Lyon. Vu’s mother grew up in France and her grandparents still live there, so her semester away included much missed family time.

Natalie Vu ’22 in France

“I believe the restrictions have motivated me to learn more about the French community and even become part of it.”

Alec Sortino ’22, a communications and creative arts double major with a sports concentration, spent his semester at University College Cork where he was able to learn about countries and cultures from around the world — all from the confines of his apartment. Sortino was housed with six other UCC students — hailing from Australia, Finland, Canada, South Korea, and of course, Ireland. The new friends discussed and shared their different cultures, foods, and traditions.

“For me, the true magic I have come to experience in Ireland and perhaps my favorite part about studying abroad is when I have the opportunity to share my Italian-American culture with my new friends who have never been to the

Alec Sortino ’22 (middle) with roommates in Ireland

United States.”

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EVERY STUDENT HAS A STORY “My father is a huge presence in my life. I definitely think about what I can do just to be like him as a person. I don’t want to be anything that wasn’t him. There’s an award for sportsmanship in his honor. I want to be a person everyone likes by the way I act, just the way he acted.”

Kobe Stenson ‘24

KOBE STENSON ’24

Kobe Stenson ’24 dreams of being a professional baseball player just like his dad - the person in the world he admires most, but can’t remember.

Dernell Stenson was the 91st overall pick in the 1996 Major League Baseball draft. In 2003, he signed with the Cincinnati Reds. He hit three home runs over 37 games that fall. One month later on November 5, he was murdered outside a Phoenix suburb. Four men were arrested; two are serving life sentences.

Kobe grew up in Syracuse, and by his junior season at Liverpool High School, he had a growing list of Division I suitors. But, he blew out his knee that year, then lost his senior season to the pandemic, and the scholarship offers dried up.

Only two remained, Siena and Oswego. Kobe chose Siena for the coaching staff and the applied physics major (mechanical engineering track). He dreams of playing pro ball like his dad, but he’s smart like his dad, too.

Kobe keeps pictures of his dad on his phone, but it’s not the pictures that matter most, it’s the stories he’s heard. Kobe’s dad was an outstanding baseball player, but he was an even better person.

When Kobe says he wants to be like his dad, he’s not talking about the swing they share.

Sharing personal experiences, educating peers and keeping open the lines of communication – when Americans were marching in the streets and having long overdue discussions about race, Siena hosted two virtual town halls in July themed Strengthening the Bonds of Racial Justice.

The first was offered for students; Burgandy Leigh McCurty ’10 and Tehresa Coles ‘14, both members of Siena’s Board of Trustees, hosted a panel of four current students who spoke about their campus experiences as students of color. The second was hosted the following day by Siena President Chris Gibson ’86 Ph.D., who spoke to faculty, staff and administrators about the student event, and his commitment to making the campus a welcoming place for all.

“These conversations aren’t easy, but given the fact that we are a Franciscan institution, we are well equipped to begin them,” said McCurty. “I think they will be eye opening for many, and much needed.”

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Gibson called the testimony by students and alumnae “moving, and at times painful and uncomfortable to hear.”

At the student panel and the employee town hall, both

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Emily Nash ’23 was unexpectedly pulled out of class and directed to the principal’s office.

A fleet of news vehicles and live trucks had descended on tiny Lunenburg High School. The reporters were all there to speak to Nash.

Her high school wasn’t big enough to field a girls golf team, but Nash was invited to play with the boys. In October of 2017, Nash and her teammates were at the Central Massachusetts Division 3 boys golf tournament. Playing from the same tees as the boys, she fired an impressive 75. It turned out to be the low round of the tournament.

According to Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association rules (at the time), girls could play in the boys team tournaments, but were not eligible to compete in the individual tournaments. The runner-up scored the trophy and tried to give it to Nash, but rules were rules.

The story appeared in the newspaper the next day.

Nash got a text message from her dad, “I just want to make sure your phone is on.” A few minutes later, Nash was in the car with friends when an unfamiliar number appeared on her cell. It was Annika Sorenstam — one of the most successful professional golfers of all time.

Sorenstam wanted to call to share her own story

EMILY NASH ’23

of playing with the boys and being denied.

Nash may consider playing professionally, but if it doesn’t work, she hopes to always be involved with the sport. She wants to own her own golf academy, help girls pursue their dream of playing in college — not only with their game but, create more opportunities for women’s golf to grow. In many ways, she’s already begun.

In Massachusetts, girls are now eligible to qualify for the boys individual state tournament.

“The golf coaches and facilities here are amazing, and I felt that under the guidance of Coach Dave Wronowski and Coach Mike Behan I would be able to achieve my future goals.” Emily Nash ‘23

SABRINA DELLA BELLA ’23

For some students, being far away from home for their college experience is out of the question.

For Queensbury native Sabrina Della Bella ’23, a cross-country experience was exactly what she was looking for. Nothing could change her mind. Right after finishing her senior year of high school, Della Bella jetted off to the Sunshine State.

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While spending time back home during her first year in Florida, she stopped by Siena’s campus to visit her friend Alli Gillam ’23 (pictured on page 17 with Della Bella), a freshman at the time.

“The atmosphere that weekend felt like my type of people. I didn’t meet one student that weekend who wasn’t nice.”

Everyone remembers where they were when things started to shut down last March. Unfortunately, Della Bella was in Jamaica. It was on her frantic flight home that she had a lightbulb moment. She realized she needed to change direction. Right after landing back in New York, she applied to Siena.

No more than a week later, she sent her deposit in.

“I love Siena with my whole heart; it has been such an amazing experience.

The people here and the community are unmatched from any other college campus. Nowhere else can you find a student body full of kind people and an academic experience like I have received.”

Sabrina Della Bella ‘23

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BEST OF THE BEST

For the second consecutive year, Siena was voted Best College in the Capital Region in the annual Times Union Best of the Capital Region rankings. Siena also cracked the top ten in the College Consensus ranking of the best Catholic Colleges & Universities (#8 to be exact). Notre Dame, Georgetown, Boston College, Holy Cross, Loyola Maryland, Fairfield, Villanova, University of Dallas, and Saint Mary’s combined with Siena to complete the top 10. The list incorporated reputable rankings with student reviews.

DISTINGUISHED VISITING PROFESSOR OF PUBLIC SERVICE LEADERSHIP HOSTS BIPARTISAN PANEL

The second in a series of bipartisan Congressional panel discussions on racial justice and police reform was held May 6.

President Chris Gibson ’86, Ph.D. moderated U.S. Rep. Antonio Delgado (D-NY-19) and U.S. Rep. John Katko (R-NY-24), who discussed the two major legislative proposals for policing reform. Students from three political science classes gathered at Serra Manor, with others joining in virtually.

To prepare for the event, the student attendees read background material on a police reform proposal authored by the local grassroots organization All of US, entitled “13 Demands,” as well as a New York Times article on a Black police officer from Minneapolis.

“The articles gave the students a sense of the complexity and acute difficulty of this issue,” said Gibson.

“Their being here showed us that the democratic process is important – we don’t live in a bubble. It was great to see two members of Congress who are committed to bipartisanship when so many are not, trying to make the world a better place. We also enjoyed the opportunity to directly ask them questions – and follow-up questions,” said Amir Taylor ’22.

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SAINTS RISE TO THE VACCINATION CHALLENGE The COVID vaccine was a shot in the arm for campus health and morale this past semester.

By the end of the spring semester, more than 60 percent of Siena employees and students had completed their vaccination series, and by the start of the 2021-22 academic year it is expected that nearly 100 percent of the campus community will be fully vaccinated.

As soon as the FDA issued emergency approval of the COVID vaccine for those over 16, Siena swung into action and scheduled on-campus clinics for students. After more than a year of life on hold – masks, social distancing, cancelled activities and upended routines – Siena kicked off its first on-campus vaccine drives on March 31 and April 6 with a clinic in the

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UHY Center in the MAC. Nearly 500

aggressive surveillance testing, in

Hogan, director of health services.

in-person residential and commuter

addition to personal accountability,

More than 50 percent of all student

students received their first

stamped out the virus on campus by

appointments were made via

Pfizer shots; hundreds more were

mid-April.

telehealth, and a student health

vaccinated later in the semester

“Despite all of the challenges this

web portal was implemented to

at campus clinics coordinated by

year, I am proud to say that Siena

allow students to manage their

Siena’s Health Services, Albany

College made it thanks in large part

health care.

County Department of Health and

to the commitment of a core group

St. Peter’s Health Partners.

of dedicated professionals who

return to traditional delivery modes

put in long hours, late nights, and

of instruction for this fall semester

the Siena Vaccination Challenge to

weekend calls to ensure as safe and

without restrictions, when it will

offer a change in operations once

healthy an environment as possible

welcome its largest ever freshman

a certain percentage of in-person

for our students,” said Adam Casler,

class. Classrooms, residence halls

students were fully vaccinated. This

assistant dean of students. “Where

and dining areas are expected to

challenge, combined with loosened

other colleges faced shutdowns

be at normal capacity, with a full

restrictions by New York state and

and ‘pauses,’ Siena was able to

slate of student activities, clubs

the CDC, meant that by mid-May

persevere.”

and athletics being offered. Siena’s

President Gibson introduced

vaccinated Saints could remove their

Throughout the pandemic

Siena is eagerly planning to fully

ability to repeal all masking and

masks outdoors and in classrooms,

months, an ad hoc operations team

distancing protocols is contingent

resume more group activities, and

made up of key contacts from across

on a vaccinated community,

enjoy in-person commencement

campus met every weekday to track

according to Gibson.

events with limited guests.

cases on campus, direct operations,

“We have all gained special

A vaccine mandate will be

and enact changes to health and

effective for the start of the 2021-22

insight and experience – the

safety protocols in compliance with

academic year, for students who will

importance of looking out for

ever-changing regulations from

be on campus, pending full approval

each other and sacrificing for the

New York state and the CDC.

of the vaccine by the FDA.

common good; for putting a higher

COVID changed the way Siena

“Every reputable study proves the

goal in our sights,” President

provides health care to the Siena

benefits and safety of the vaccine,

Gibson wrote in a message to the

community, according to Carrie

both to individuals and on a macro

community. Rapid vaccination and

level,” said Gibson.

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SAY ‘HELLO’ TO THE PATRICIA GIOIA HALL WELCOME CENTER Patricia Gioia (Joy-Ah) was a modest, deeply devoted

presentation space or updated amenities – gave an

person of faith. She often quoted St. Francis, “Preach

underwhelming impression. In the summer of 2022,

the gospel always, and if necessary, use words.” When

thanks to a lead gift made by Paul Gioia, the Admissions

she moved from New York City to the Capital Region,

building will be magnificently reborn as Patricia Gioia

she explored the area in her little yellow VW Beetle

Hall.

convertible. That’s how Patricia – a great admirer of the

The renovations will include a new front entrance and

Franciscan tradition – serendipitously found Siena. Her

lobby and a 90-seat multi-purpose room overlooking

husband, Paul, describes Patricia as a true Franciscan,

the Grotto. Former Board Chair John Murray ’79 and

both in spirit and action. Patricia was very much

wife Kellyanne (Healey) ’81 provided a donation for the

involved in charitable work and never wanted credit

space, and in collaboration with the College friars, chose

or attention for the work she did… yet no one is more

to call the room Franciscan Friars Common, in honor of

deserving.

friars past, present, and future. Patricia Gioia Hall will

INTRODUCING THE PATRICIA GIOIA HALL

also feature a new event space vista, an added wing for

WELCOME CENTER

office space, and a conference room named by Trustee

Paul wanted to celebrate Patricia’s life’s work and honor her relationship to Siena. Now a member of

Jan Marie (Traynor) ’83 and Russell MacDonnell.

To inquire about other naming opportunities within

the Siena College Board of Trustees, he met with

Patricia Gioia Hall, including the alumni windows,

President Gibson, and talked a lot about his late wife

please contact the Development office at development@

and opportunities for honoring her memory. Together,

siena.edu or 518-783-2432.

they came up with a plan to create a new visitor’s center named after Patricia.

Construction and renovation began on the College’s

“Patricia and I always respected Siena’s approach to education and its Franciscan tradition,” said Paul Gioia. “I’ll be very proud to see her name on this

admissions building, formerly McGuire Hall, in June.

important project. It is satisfying to know there will be

Admissions is typically a prospective student’s first

a permanent remembrance of Patricia at such a special

impression of campus. The existing building – without

place like Siena.”

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SUPPORTING SAINTS’ FUTURES

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Left to Right: President Gibson, Simmons, The Lonnstroms, and Fisher.

Tyler Simmons ’21, a philosophy major from Harlem,

While at Siena, Simmons participated in multiple

is this year’s recipient of the Lonnstrom Higher

leadership roles for the HEOP program and the Siena

Education Opportunity Program Excellence Award.

community: peer tutor, peer mentor, tour guide, and

The annual award was established by Douglas

peer counselor. He was also part of the Black Student

Lonnstrom ’66, Ph.D., a Siena professor of quantitative

Union, intramural basketball, the Urban Scholar STEM

business analysis, and his wife, Cris, to support HEOP

program, and the Summer Legal Fellows Program with

students in pursuing their careers and goals after

Albany Law.

graduation.

HEOP Director Yasmin Fisher ’10 said Simmons will

“I was able to train in legal research and focus on police oversight and police reform with the Albany

serve as head counselor of HEOP’s summer program,

Law program, which was an excellent leadership

helping incoming freshmen make their transition to

opportunity. I worked with the Albany Police

college life. This fall, he will attend the Rockefeller

Department, state legislators, and local government

College of Public Affairs at the University of Albany to

officials on this project, which allowed me to diversify

earn a master’s degree in criminal justice.

my skills, study from those around me, and build connections that will continue to grow after Siena.”

SETTING UP STUDENTS FOR SUCCESS

Siena’s Admissions Office has unveiled a new College Coach Service to help not only future Saints, but students across the country, navigate the college search process.

Through personalized sessions, high school students will work one-on-one with a Siena admissions counselor to map out a game plan for their college search including: interview prep, essay brainstorms, visit tips, application assistance, choosing a major, and more.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE COLLEGE COACH SERVICE AT SIENA.EDU/VISIT.

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CURCA SCHOLARS SHINE Founded in 2012, Siena’s Center for Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity (CURCA) sponsors more than 200 credit-bearing projects of all academic disciplines each year. Every CURCA-approved independent study is a partnership between professor and student promising high-impact, hands-on learning.

Their research results often have practical implications with global consequences, and students will often report their findings around the country and around the world. Each Friday during the academic year, a different project is spotlighted through the College’s CURCA Student of the Week series.

Evaluating Camera Trap Performance Faculty: Dan Bogan, Ph.D., assistant professor of environmental studies and sciences Student: Allyson Paradis ’21 Paradis investigated the obscure diet items consumed by coyotes and other carnivores in New York. Most carnivores of the region are omnivorous and eat a wide array of items, ranging from plants, rodents, squirrels, rabbits, white-tailed deer, and occasionally human sources of food items such as bird seed, pets, and trash. While some of these items are easier to identify visually with minimal magnification, many of the small mammals and rodents require rigorous investigation using dissecting and compound microscopes.

“I have been on this research project with Dr. Bogan since the summer of 2018, but this past year I focused on diet analysis of the eastern coyote and how the diet may change in different habitat settings. This research project has helped me realize that after graduation I plan on attending graduate school and focusing on mammal behavior and research.”

Allyson Paradis ‘21

Here are just a few honorees from the spring term.

Sentiment Toward Brand Performance Faculty: Kim Preiksaitis, Ph.D., assistant professor of marketing Student: Kyle Loughlin ’20 G’21 Dr. Kimberley Preiksaitis has been tracking various brands via social media to better understand how consumer sentiment shapes the meaning of brand performances. Kyle Loughlin tracked Taco Bell, more specifically, the Taco Bell Hotel. In 2019, the fast food restaurant took over a Palm Springs Hotel for four days. Was it deemed a success for the brand on social media? Loughlin sifted through 15,000 tweets all using the hashtag #tacobellhotel.

“My project was about examining the role of online consumer sentiment towards a company’s brand performance. We tracked, recorded, and analyzed consumer sentiment and engagement on the brand performance of the Taco Bell Hotel through the usage of the hashtag #tacobellhotel on Twitter. I thoroughly enjoyed working with Dr. Preiksaitis on her research and have already used much of the analytical skills learned to land a full-time job!”

Kyle Loughlin ’20 G’21

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Wonder Drugs and Where to Use Them Faculty: Scott Greenhalgh, Ph.D., assistant professor of mathematics Student: Ahmani Roman ’22 High doses of the drug ivermectin have proven successful in killing mosquitos feeding on humans. Stopping the mosquitos can slow the spread of malaria in Sub-Saharan Africa. But, what’s the best way to distribute the drug? Ahmani Roman and Dr. Greenhalgh modeled multiple scenarios of varying ivermectin usage among natives. To account for the drug’s effect on malaria transmission, they incorporated estimates of ivermectin’s ability to inhibit malaria transmission and kill mosquitoes based on the findings of a recent study in Burkina Faso.

“Because of this project, I’ve decided that I want to get more involved with coding. As a physics major, I also began to ponder how I could use my degree following college to help others less fortunate than myself.

This opportunity revealed to me that both mathematics and coding can be used for the betterment of others, and I will use this knowledge in the job field.” Ahmani Roman ‘22

Inequality Gap in Latin America Faculty: Andrea Smith-Hunter, Ph.D., professor of management and sociology Student: Avni Patel ’21 Avni Patel’s project addressed economic, political, and social issues for Women in Latin American and Caribbean countries. The paper looked at 23 statistical figures, such as infant mortality rates pregnant mortality rates, entrepreneurship and employment rates, and educational levels. The research paper compared and contrasted women’s position across these various social, economic, and political factors in fourteen countries.

“In the gathering of statistics and extensive research, I addressed the inequalities that people face, predominantly based on gender, racial, socioeconomic, and generational differences. This allowed me to form a perspective that I can use in the future to help decrease the inequality gap from a financial standpoint.”

Avni Patel ‘21

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ATHLETICS

A Special Siena Athletics Season To Remember Despite a truncated season, which featured all but two of 212

In the classroom, Saints continued to improve upon a

games and events contested during the 2021 calendar year in a

department all-time best GPA with a 3.34 cumulative mark

span of just 139 days from January - May, the Saints sprinted to

through the conclusion of the Spring 2021 semester, which was

a fantastic finish. Two teams (women’s soccer, women’s tennis)

six points higher than the College’s non-student athlete average.

and one individual (Brandon Olden ‘23 - Men’s Cross Country/

Additionally, Athletics achieved a 93% Graduation Success Rate in

Track, qualified in cross country) won MAAC Championships

the latest NCAA Report, matching the department’s highest rate

and qualified for NCAA Tournament appearances, two secured

in eight years, while ranking three percent ahead of the national

conference regular season crowns (men’s basketball, women’s

Division I record-setting average.

soccer), a pair more earned second-place finishes (women’s

While 2020-21 won’t soon be forgotten due to the

cross country, women’s lacrosse), and three competed in MAAC

unprecedented challenges wrought by the COVID-19 pandemic,

Championship games (women’s lacrosse, women’s soccer,

the school year will forever be fondly remembered for how Siena’s

women’s tennis).

more than 350 student athletes not only persevered but thrived to March On to remarkable levels of success in all areas.

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Siena Earns 2020-21 MAAC Women’s Commissioner’s Cup For the first time in school history, Siena College captured the 2020-21 Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Women’s Commissioner’s Cup. Siena’s 12 women’s sports teams

points awarded for the MAAC Basketball Championships plus the top-four men’s and top-four women’s scores.

“This is a wonderful accomplishment for our athletic

contributed to earning the title by winning two MAAC Tournament

department, and a testament to our women’s teams who all did

Championships (soccer and tennis), coupled with a pair of

an outstanding job performing both athletically and academically

second-place finishes (cross country and lacrosse).

while navigating a pandemic,” noted Vice President and Director

“This record-setting achievement by the student athletes is

of Athletics John D’Argenio. “They all appreciated the opportunity

particularly noteworthy given the pandemic environment these

in front of them to compete during this unique school year, and

athletes trained and competed within during a compressed,

their steadfast commitment to following the protocols allowed

largely spring semester, of MAAC competition. Congratulations to

our women’s teams to bring home a pair of MAAC Championships

all the competitors,” said MAAC Commissioner Rich Ensor.

and NCAA Tournament appearances, with two other teams

The MAAC annually awards an overall, men’s, and women’s

adding second-place finishes, all of which contributed to us

Commissioner’s Cup as a symbol of excellence in athletics. Due to

earning our first-ever MAAC Women’s Commissioner’s Cup.”

the unique circumstances of this past school year, which included

Thanks in large part to the women’s success, Siena also placed

truncated seasons, fall sports being moved to the spring, and

fourth in the MAAC Overall Commissioner’s Cup Standings,

the cancellation of the indoor track and swimming and diving

equaling the athletic department’s best-ever finish since joining

Championships, the standings were calculated based on the

the conference in 1989-90.

2020-21 MAAC WOMEN’S COMMISSIONER’S CUP FINAL STANDINGS 1. SIENA 59.75 2. Fairfield 58.00 3. Quinnipiac 56.25 4. Monmouth 51.25 5. Rider 50.75 6. Marist 46.50 7. Manhattan 45.75 8. Niagara 40.50 9. Iona 39.50 10. Canisius 36.25 11. Saint Peter’s 22.00 27

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Resilience Rewarded Five hundred and twelve days between matches. Predicted

Goalkeeper of the Year. Adams made two huge saves during the

to finish eighth according to the MAAC Preseason Coaches’

decisive penalty kick shootout in the MAAC Championship match,

Poll. An in-season COVID-19 pause. Five regular season

while MAAC Tournament MVP Emily McNelis ’22 sealed the title

matches in 10 days. MAAC Champions. Siena Women’s Soccer

with the winning conversion.

overcame all obstacles to earn perhaps its most gratifying

“Just looking back at the season, we made tremendous steps

MAAC Championship in program history this spring. The Saints

and progress, made history a couple of times, and I honestly

posted a 6-1-2 overall record, highlighted by the program’s third

couldn’t be more proud of this group and team,” added senior

conference crown and first-ever MAAC regular season title.

captain Deanna Lomino ‘21.

“They’re a tough group, we went through a lot in the last year and a half since our last season,” said MAAC Coach of the Year Steve Karbowski ‘93. “Just all the stops and starts and pauses and delays. It’s been mentally tough for them, but they kept themselves together and focused on this goal. This is hard to get to, so for them to come out on top shows a lot.”

Siena was one of just six teams nationally to achieve an undefeated record prior to the NCAA Tournament, outscoring the opposition by an 18-3 margin with five shutouts over their first eight matches. A complete team effort throughout the nontraditional spring, nine different players accounted for the team’s 18 goals, while the squad’s six game-winning tallies came from six different players.

Brianna Montinard ’22 earned MAAC Co-Defensive Player of the Year honors, while junior goalkeeper Leslie Adams ’22, who made her collegiate debut just this spring, was named the MAAC

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Serving Up Success Siena is back on top in women’s tennis. Fifteen years after

securing the program’s first title, the Saints won the MAAC Tournament Championship this spring.

“It’s been a great journey this year,” said head coach Jeff Osborn. “It took an entire team to win the championship, and they really brought everything to that weekend. With all that our team accomplished in such a tough time with COVID, I couldn’t be any happier.”

The Saints capped a five-match win streak by avenging 5-2 regular season losses to both Fairfield and Quinnipiac. Seeded

last, posting a dominant 6-0, 6-0 win at No. 1 singles while teaming

third in the MAAC Tournament, Siena turned the tables to post a

up with Kylie Mullaney ’21 to secure a 6-3 triumph in top doubles

pair of commanding 4-1 wins over the top-two seeds in the Stags

in the MAAC Championship match. 2020-21 Siena College Female

and Bobcats to claim the crown.

Rookie of the Year Emma Boggiali ’24 clinched the MAAC

MAAC Tournament MVP Meagan Brown ’22 saved her best for

Championship point.

COMING SOON!

Siena Athletics is excited to announce the forthcoming construction

of the Bob Guido ‘68 Athletic Academic Center. Construction is expected to commence in the late summer/early fall once all funds have finished being raised for the 2,200 square-foot state-of-the-art facility which will help Siena Athletics “Build Better Saints.” The College has raised in excess of $1 million for this project. Thank you to all our donors for your support!

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While COVID prevented us from hosting Reunion ‘21 in person, we were able to bring a bit of Siena to our alumni, virtually!

On Thursday, June 3, members of the Class of 1970 and 1971 celebrated their 50th Reunion via Zoom (right). They were joined by Siena president, Dr. Chris Gibson ‘86, Fr. Kevin Mackin ‘68, OFM and Fr. Kevin Mullen ‘75,OFM. Conversations revolved around former professors and friars, memories of great victories on the field, and shenanigans from their glory days in Loudonville. While the alumni were unable to be together physically, many were able to reconnect virtually after many years and miles apart. It was great to share stories and laughs with everyone!

Other events included a virtual concert by the popular cover band Stretch, featuring Tom ’93 and Joely Miller, a virtual tour, and Mass from the Grotto, both live streamed and in-person.

WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING ALUMNI IN PERSON DURING OUR INAUGURAL HOMECOMING WEEKEND, NOVEMBER 12-14, 2021 AND REUNION, JUNE 3-5, 2022.

Making your own memories in the meantime and gathering with friends to celebrate from afar? Let us know and we’ll send you a Siena banner for your photos. Visit siena.edu/reunion for more information!

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2021 ALUMNI EVENTS

Full event schedule and registration: siena.edu/alumni/events AUGUST August 1-21 — Siena Summer Sweat: Water Games August 7 — Class of 2021 100 Days Party August 19 — Senior Saints with Vice President & Director of Athletics John D’Argenio — LBI Happy Hour at Ship Bottom Brewery, Beach Haven New Jersey — Monthly Meet Up: Franks, Friars, and Fun at Siena SEPTEMBER September 10 — Saints Circle September 13 — Saints Alive! Golf Shoot-Out September 15 — Siena Putt-Putt to Benefit the Pre-Dental Program — Go “Green,” Live Gold 2021 September 25 — Men’s Lacrosse Golf Tournament — Baseball Alumni Golf Outing

NOVEMBER November 5 — Saints Circle November 9 — Coughlin Cup Game Watch November 11 — 11th Annual Veterans Recognition Dinner November 12-14 — Homecoming Weekend November 30 — Siena Giving Tuesday DECEMBER December 2 — New York Metro Christmas Celebration TBD — Boston Christmas Celebration December 10 — Saints Circle

Fr. Dennis is a popular professor of religious studies and a beloved friar in residence. He’s a talented musician – drums and guitar – and he’s hosted progressive rock shows for WVCR. He’s officiated Siena

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OCTOBER October 1 — Saints Circle October 10 — Celebration of Deacon Francis Bice ’82 October 15 — Rugby Alumni Golf Tournament October 16 — Rugby Alumni Mass — Celebration of Fr. Dennis Tamburello ’75, O.F.M.

weddings, and he’s baptized countless Saints. Fr. Dennis Tamburello ’75, O.F.M., has been a celebrated member of the Siena community for more than 45 years. On Saturday, October 16, join us in honoring his legacy! To reserve your tickets to the on-campus event, visit siena.edu/ give/frdennis.

SAVE THE DATE

March 16, 2022 — Siena Giving Day April 7, 2022 — Annual Scholarship Dinner June 3-5, 2022 — Reunion Weekend

NEW SCHOLARSHIPS

Through the generosity of friends, family, and alumni of the College, Siena has established the following new scholarships: The Amy Plaisted Memorial Scholarship The Leah and Abe A. Gaies Scholarship The Joseph S. Murphy ’74 Scholarship The John Papa Scholarship The Siena Opportunity Fund 31

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ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

THOMAS J. BALDWIN JR. ’81, CHAIR OF SIENA’S BOARD OF TRUSTEES

SIENA COLLEGE CLASS OF ‘81 I arrived at Siena planning to be a history major but

My three brothers went to Siena as well, and three of

on drop-off day my Dad convinced me to switch to

the four of us met our spouses on campus. Between

business. We walked over to Siena Hall and found

all our families, we have a dozen Siena graduates,

Bernie Feldstein, the dean of the School of

including our son. The Siena friars have also been a

Business at the time. An hour later, I was an

big part of our lives. In addition to being good friends,

accounting major with a whole new schedule.

they have presided over family weddings, baptisms,

My accounting degree from Siena has proven to

anniversaries, and funerals. I’m on an active text chain

be incredibly helpful and useful throughout my

with 20 of my closest friends from Siena. Not a week

career. I also had the opportunity to play lacrosse

goes by that we’re not in contact with each other.

at Siena and made many lifelong friends. In 1979, we finished the season undefeated (12-0) – it

A DAY IN THE LIFE

remains the only undefeated season in all of Siena

I started my career at the accounting firm Coopers &

athletics.

Lybrand (which later merged with Price Waterhouse to

A SIENA FAMILY AFFAIR I met my wife, Laurie (Kowalczyk) ’80, at Siena.

form PwC). For more than 20 years, I’ve been a partner in the private equity firm BRS and Co. The company, based in New York City, makes majority investments in

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companies – usually in consumer goods and services – that are looking to expand or enter new markets. There is no such thing as a typical day. I’m always looking for new investments for the firm. I’m also on the road frequently, often meeting with management teams and analyzing businesses.

DEDICATED TO OUR MOMS My mom was a nurse and so was my mother-in-law.

Our oldest daughter is a nurse practitioner, our daughter-in-law is an oncology nurse and our youngest daughter also works in healthcare. So we understand that nursing is often more than a job, it is a vocation or calling. It also fits so well with the principles of our Franciscan community. Laurie and I were privileged to provide the lead gift that helped to launch Siena’s Baldwin Nursing Program. This May, we proudly sat on the stage for the program’s pinning and awards ceremony.

It was very emotional sitting there thinking about our moms, to whom the program is dedicated, and the next generation of Saints who will take their place.

CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD I was honored to be asked to serve the College as Chairman of the Board of Trustees. Shifting and shrinking demographics will challenge private colleges this decade like never before in their history. Siena must solidify its position among the ranks of high-demand liberal arts institutions. President Chris Gibson has already been tremendously influential in navigating the pandemic and preparing Siena for what’s next. In collaboration with the President and Trustees, as well as the Siena faculty and staff, I am committed to Siena’s growth and continued success in the face of these challenges.

THE PLACES WE GO

and Clare, stood at the crypt where the remains of St. Francis are interred, and sat in San Damiano church where Christ spoke to Francis from the now iconic

We have a vacation home on Cape Cod, but we love

crucifix. Nearby, there’s a mountain where Francis

exploring the world with our family. We’ve seen most

and his companions would often escape. For centuries,

of the U.S. and many of the countries in Europe. For my

friars would (and still do) climb to the summit, the

60th birthday, we went on a photo safari in Kenya and

Carceri, where rocks designate St. Francis’ original

Tanzania, along with my brother Mike and sister-in-

followers, “Fraticelli” (Little Brothers). Taxis can now

law Bettianne (both Siena Class of ’82). It’s a different

take pilgrims to the hilltop, but Laurie and I decided

experience seeing a lion outside of captivity! However,

to hike it instead – on a brutally hot day – as Francis

no trip has been more impactful than our pilgrimage

and his brothers once did. We tried to absorb the

to Assisi, Italy. In 2014, my wife and I spent several

environment as we walked in their footsteps. Assisi

days there; we visited the Basilicas of Saints Francis

is an incredibly spiritual place and provided us an unforgettably moving experience.

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SAINTS DON’T SIT ON THE SIDELINES Siena’s Development Office’s “Saints Don’t Sit on the Sidelines” feature is a bi-weekly email highlight of how our Siena alumni are standing up and standing out in their communities and the world.

KATE BETTER ‘10 & KATIE HOHMAN ‘09 were two Saints dedicated to making sure those in the greater Albany area didn’t go hungry during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Better and Hohman first met as political science majors and now work together to serve the students and families of KIPP Albany, a network of four co-ed public charter schools.

KIPP Albany has sponsored drive-thru community food drives throughout the 2020-2021 school year. All pantries are open to the public. The pantries are made possible through the USDA Farmers to Families food box program.

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TAY ’08 & YASMIN ’10 FISHER embody the Franciscan mission in nearly everything they do.The 2008 MAAC Champion basketball player and retired Harlem Globetrotter known as “Firefly,” Tay continues to commit his time to the court. On top of hosting basketball camps, clinics, individual basketball training, and motivational speaking engagements, he also created a bullying prevention program called T-A-Y (Talk, Ask Questions, You) geared towards students in grades K-6.

Yasmin is currently the director of the Higher Education Opportunity Program at Siena. In reaction to the pandemic, they converted to remote services and delivered a five-week summer program that prepared their freshmen for the college experience — all while having to shift to tutoring and counseling remotely.

Tay and Yasmin are also raising a future Saint! Durand Quincy Fisher was born in 2019 and he is their bundle of joy.

We’d like to showcase a very special group... YOU! Thanks to your generous gifts and support our students can continue to get the Education for a Lifetime! To all those who respond to an email, like a post on social media, or take a call from one of our phonathon callers, we want you to know your support has not gone unnoticed. You proved that even in the midst of a global pandemic that continues to reshape our lives every day, you’re truly Saints who don’t sit on the sidelines and for that, we thank you!

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SIENA CELEBRATES SENIOR SAINTS! As the Class of 1972 prepares for their 50th Reunion, we are pleased to welcome them to Siena’s Senior Saints!

WHO ARE SENIOR SAINTS? Senior Saints is an exclusive group of alumni who have celebrated their 50th class reunion. After all, we all stand on the shoulders of those who came before us!

Senior Saints receive monthly newsletters, invitations to exclusive events, and College updates – all provided in honor and respect of their alumni status with Siena.

Our next Senior Saints event will be held at noon on Thursday, August 19 when Vice President and Athletic Director John D’Argenio will provide an update on the Bob Guido ’68 Athletic Academic Center as well as the upcoming athletic season.

If you are a graduate of the Classes of 1941 – 1971 and have not joined Senior Saints, please contact us TODAY at giftplanning@siena.edu!

DO YOU LOVE SIENA COLLEGE AND BELIEVE IN OUR FUTURE? Whether you’d like to shout it out and inspire others or whisper it to us and remain anonymous, please let us know if you would like to or have already included Siena in your estate plans. Saints of all ages have become members of the St. Francis Society by making Siena part of their estate plans. Please contact us at giftplanning@siena.edu and let us welcome you today!

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SAINTS!

Phone

518-783-2461

Siena News Summer 21-3.indd 2

This May, more than 800 students joined the biggest club they will ever be a part of: The Siena Alumni Community.

Close to 40,000 members strong, our alumni network continues to hold doors for fellow Saints.

As Siena begins our new academic year, please consider making a gift to support the foundation of the Education for a Lifetime.

2021

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There is nothing like the thrill of celebrating with your fellow Saints as you toss your mortarboard in the sky to culminate an incredible educational and personal journey.

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Siena College Annual Fund 515 Loudon Road Loudonville, NY 12211 6/4/21 6:40 PM

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OUR FACULTY JOSHUA ALEXANDER, PH.D., department chair and professor of philosophy • Presented his paper “Why you just can’t count on unreliability” at the Pacific Division Meeting of the American Philosophical Association in April. The paper appears in Analysis in a book symposium on Edouard Machery’s Philosophy Within Its Proper Bounds.

JAMES ANGSTADT, PH.D., professor of biology • In collaboration with Matthew Rebel ’20, Megan Connolly ’20, “Effects of calcium-activated potassium channel modulators on afterhyperpolarizing potentials in identified motor and mechanosensory neurons of the medicinal leech,” published in Journal of Comparative Physiology A: Sensory, Neural, and Behavioral Physiology.

• In collaboration with Veronica Lammardo ’21, Elizabeth HeathHeckman, Shinja Yoo, Winchell, Maurizio Pellegrino, James Angstadt, Diana Bautista, F. De-Miguel, and David Weisblat, authored “Transcriptional Profiling of Identified Neurons in Leech.”

KARL BARBIR, PH.D., professor emeritus of history • Published “Repertories of Empire: How Did the Ottomans Last So Long in a Changing World?” in Dimensions of Transformation in the Ottoman Empire in Memoriam of Metin Kunt, ed. Seyfi Kenan and Selçuk Aks in Somel. (Leiden and Boston: Brill, 2021), 441-454.

GEORGE BARNES, PH.D., professor of chemistry and biochemistry • Selected as the 2021 Raymond Kennedy Excellence in Scholarship award recipient.

JAMES BELFLOWER, PH.D., teaching assistant professor of English • Published excerpts from his collaborative visual poem “The Rescue of Hist,” in Pulp Mouth, The New Delta Review, and has excerpts

forthcoming in Word for Word, and Diagram.

• Along with STACEY DEARING, PH.D., teaching assistant professor of English and SHANNON DRAUCKER, PH.D., assistant professor of English, he was awarded a diversity grant to host “Diversity in Pedagogy,” a speaker series focused on implementing practical strategies for antiracist teaching.

• In fall 2020 he produced In Form, a radio show that explores the diversity of poetic forms, with segments co produced by students from his course “ENGL 259 Linguistic Architecture | The Histories of Poetic Forms.” He received a grant from CURCA in spring 2021 for the show, and the first episodes of In Form were broadcast on WVCR 88.3 The Saint during the spring 2021 semester.

New episodes will be broadcast in fall 2021.

MATT BELLIS, PH.D., associate professor of physics • Conference Report, “Using CMS Open Data in research – challenges and directions,” at 25th International Conference on Computing in High-Energy and Nuclear Physics, May. • Developed “Quantum Party!” a board game for middle- and highschool students that incorporates the rules of quantum mechanics into the game play. Designed in collaboration with GERMAINE “GIGI” GATEWOOD, teaching assistant professor of creative arts, and Abby Huffman `22, the game is available for purchase at The Game Crafter website.

SARAH BERKE, PH.D., assistant professor of biology and REBECCA CLARK, PH.D., assistant professor of biology • Collaborated on “Student-led field studies of herbivory: Handson experiences for remote (or in-person) learning,” Invertebrate Biology.

NORA BOYD, PH.D., assistant professor of philosophy • Presented “Enigma Variations: Bottle, Beam, Both” for the Kinds of Constants conference at the University of Edinburgh in April.

• Presented “Is Laboratory Astrophysics Astrophysics?” at the Philosophy of Physics Seminar at the University of Oxford in May. • Awarded New Directions in Philosophy of Cosmology Seed Fellowship worth $4,000 for her project “Methodology and Epistemology of 21-cm Cosmology.”

KATE BURNS, MSW, LCSW-R, director of health promotion, and DAN WHITE, PH.D., director of health professions/ health studies • Had their abstract, co-authored with Kendall Paluch ’22, accepted for the 2021 Northeast Association for Advisor of Health Professions Meeting. “Forging Campus Connections to Evaluate Innovations,” was presented in June.

MATTHEW DAVIS, PH.D., assistant professor of economics • Co-authored “Disasters, Disaster Aid, and Bankruptcy Filings in the United States,” Natural Hazards Review.

STACEY DEARING, PH.D., teaching assistant professor of English • Published, “Remembering Dorothy May Bradford’s Death and Reframing ‘Depression’ in Colonial New England” in Early American Literature in February.

• Presented papers at both the 52nd Northeastern Modern Language Association (NeMLA) and Society of Early Americanists’ (SEA) conferences in March. In June 2021 she co-presented on inclusive pedagogy at Siena College’s annual “Engage for Change” conference.

STEPHEN DEYRUP, PH.D., associate professor of chemistry and biochemistry

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• Co-authored “Plant-derived isoquinoline alkaloids that target ergosterol biosynthesis discovered by using a novel antifungal screening tool,” Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy, May. • Co-authored “Drug Discovery Insights from Medicinal Beetles in Traditional Chinese Medicine,” Biomolecules & Therapeutics, March.

BRUCE EELMAN, PH.D., chair of the history department • Organized and hosted a panel featuring Siena student-athlete alumni focusing on diversity in Sports in America as part of his HIST276 Sports in American History course.

NECIP DOGANAKSOY, PH.D., associate professor in accounting • Co-authored a paper that was selected for inclusion as a book chapter in the 2020 issue of The Best Writing on Mathematics.

SHANNON DRAUCKER, PH.D., assistant professor of English • Co-edited a special issue of Nineteenth-Century Gender Studies titled “‘Teaching to Transgress’ in the Emergency Remote Classroom,” which explores pedagogical responses to the COVID-19 pandemic and celebrates innovative teaching during a difficult year.

Draucker co-wrote the introduction to the special issue. She also wrote an article titled “Google Jamboard and Playful Pedagogy in the Emergency Remote Classroom,” featuring “jams” from her students.

JOSEPH FITZGERALD, PH.D., interim director of the health studies program • Joined seven other faculty members (Matcha, White, Murphy,

DANIEL DWYER, OFM, PH.D.,

associate professor of history • Received the Fr. Matthew T. Conlin-O.F.M. Distinguished Service Award from Siena and was re-elected as Chair of the Academy of American Franciscan History.

PANELISTS INCLUDED: Tehresa Coles Massena ’15, Prosper Karangwa ’03, Tay Fisher ’08, Danielle DeLisio ’15

Kruczlnicki, Adams, Stein, and Smith-Hunter) to participate in the TEACH GLOBAL HEALTH: 2021 Summer Institute for Undergraduate Curriculum and Course Design in June. It was hosted virtually by Allegheny College, Meadville, Pennsylvania.

RONG FU, PH.D., assistant professor in sociology • Worked with CURCA winter scholar Kendall Paluch ’22 on a research project, RemotelyDelivered Interventions for Informal Caregivers of Dementia Patients. Paluch presented the initial findings of this research at Academic Showcase in May 2021.

• Along with JENNA THATE, PH.D., department chair and assistant professor of nursing, supervised CURCA winter scholar Marlie Frisco ’21, on the project Exploring the Digital Divide: Factors Related to the Use of Patient Portals.

Her research has been presented at several local, regional, and national conferences including New England HIMSS 2021 Annual Spring Conference, The Siena College Academic Showcase, Siena’s Community Engaged Talks, and the National Conference for Undergraduate Research.

• Served as faculty advisor to health studies/health science students: Lauren Riccobono ’21, Noelle Saxe ’21, Skye O’Connell ’22, Abigail Altimonda ’22; Taylor Roadarmel ’22.

SHAHRYAR GHEIBI, PH.D., assistant professor of business analytics • Worked with JOSEPH MCCOLLUM, PH.D., associate professor of business analytics, and JOHN O’NEILL, PH.D., to publish “Siena College: Course Scheduling for the Business Analytics Department,” in Case Research Journal.

SHAHRZAD GHOURCHIAN, PH.D., visiting assistant professor of economics • Presented “Schools Financing System in Oklahoma: A Resource Curse,” the 47th Eastern Economic Association Annual Conference, February.

• Presented “Unearthed: An Exploration of Shale Development on House and Income Inequality,” Allied Social Science Associations (ASSA), AEA poster session, January.

SCOTT GREENHALGH, PH.D., assistant professor of mathematics • Contributed the talk titled “A generalized differential equation compartmental model of infectious disease transmission” at the Hudson River Undergraduate Mathematics Conference 2021.

• Contributed the talk titled “Confining the Virus: Modeling the Spread of COVID-19 in Prisons” at the New York State Economics Association 2020 Annual Conference.

• Awarded COTFD funding to model the effectiveness of COVID-19

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vaccination in correctional facilities.

MAUREEN HANNAH, PH.D., professor of psychology • Presented research co-written titled,”Court-Ordered Abuse: Long-Lasting Trauma to Women Forced to Co-Parent with Their Abuser,” at a virtual conference on Crimes Against Women in May. • In February, she was interviewed for an article that appeared in The Evangelist Newspaper.

• In January, featured in an episode of “Surviving Death” on Netflix.

LINH HOANG OFM, PH.D., professor of religious studies • Published “Understanding the Diversity of Asian American Pacific Islanders” for the California Catholic Conference.

MAHMOOD KARIMI-HAKAK, M.F.A., professor of creative arts • Published a chapter “Iran is the Stage, and Youth its Major Players’ in Performing Iran, edited by Babak Rahimi, published by I.B. Taurus.

RUTH KASSEL, PH.D., associate director of academic integration, DONNEAN THRALL, D.N.S., assistant professor of nursing, and DAN WHITE, PH.D., director of health professions/ health studies • Hired a team of students with AmeriCorps funding to work on a “Vibrant Communities” project.

They will be working with Sara Smith ’23, Meagan Reilly ’22, and Kendall Paluch ’22 on a Black wealth, well-being, and ownership project in the South End neighborhood of Albany this summer. This is a continuation of work that Kassel has done for three years, Dan has done for two years, and Donnean will start this year.

RUTH KASSEL, PH.D., associate director of academic integration • Collaborated with KRYSTA DENNIS, PH.D., producer of creative arts, ROBIN FLATLAND, PH.D., professor of computer science and SCOTT NELSON FOSTER, M.F.A., department chair and associate professor of creative arts, to author “The Journey to Community-Engaged Transdisciplinary Research,” which discusses their transdisciplinary Living Museum project. The article

will appear in Impact: The Journal of the Center for Interdisciplinary Teaching & Learning later in 2021 ARINDAM MANDAL, PH.D., associate professor of economics, • Appointed as Economics Section Editor of the journal SAGE Open.

• Selected as “Advisor of the Year” for the Northeastern Region of Delta Sigma Pi. • Published an editorial with AARON PACITTI, PH.D., associate professor of economics, titled “Higher Minimum Good for Country” in the Times Union.

• Co-authored “Health, health production and input financing: A theoretical note,” Theoretical & Applied Economics.

ELISA MARTIN, PH.D., department chair and associate professor of social work • Published “College student selfcare: A journey, not a destination,” College Student Journal.

DUANE MATCHA, PH.D., professor of sociology and founding director of the Siena College Health Studies Program, • Retired upon completion of this academic year after 30 years of service to the College, September 1991 - June 2021.

ANNA MCLOON, PH.D., assistant professor of biology • Co-authored “We tried a sociallydistanced classroom. Here is what we learned,” with SARAH BERKE, PH.D., assistant professor of biology, Inside Higher Ed. JOHN MOUSTAKAS, PH.D., department chair and associate professor of physics • The Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI), which boasts Siena College as one of the participating institutions, began its 5-year survey to unveil the mystery of dark energy. Multiple students have been involved in the hard work for many years leading up to the start of the DESI survey.

• Along with ROSE FINN, PH.D., professor of physics, was awarded $190,766 from the NASA Astrophysics Data Analysis Program for their proposal, Probing Quenching in the Cosmic Web using Spatially Resolved Star-

formation Maps from WISE and GALEX, which will lead to new insights into how galaxies form and will involve Siena undergraduate students in all stages of the project.

SCOTT NELSON FOSTER, M.F.A., department chair and associate professor of creative arts • Exhibited work in the Orange County Contemporary Art Center’s Car Culture show in Santa Anna, California. The exhibition was juried

by Bryan Barcena, assistant curator at L.A.’s Museum of Contemporary Art, and was reviewed in the L.A. Times.

WENDY POJMANN, PH.D., professor of history • Published Espresso: The Art and Soul of Italy with the Bordighera Press ASHLEY PROVENCHER, PH.D., associate professor of economics • Presented the Annual Hickey Lecture in Business, as a virtual research presentation with her research collaborators, SCOTT GREENHALGH, PH.D., assistant professor of mathematics; Brooke Boermeester ’22; and Benjamin Reale ’22. The Topic was: “Inclusive Health: Modeling COVID-19 in Correctional Facilities and Communities.”

TIM RENO, D.M.A., associate dean of liberal arts • Collaboratively edited and performed the solo cantata Strephon and Myrtilla by Pieter

JODI O’DONNELL, PH.D., associate professor of chemistry and biochemistry • Selected as the 2021 Jerome Walton Excellence in Teaching award recipient.

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021 cipient.

Hellendaal, as part of Musicians of Ma’alwyck’s Dutch Culture USA program sponsored by the Consulate General of the Netherlands in New York.

MICHAEL RINGS, PH.D., teaching assistant professor of philosophy • Commented on Carolyn Korsmeyer’s book Things: In Touch With The Past at the Canadian Philosophical Association Meeting in June.

CHANTIE RONY, M.F.A., adjunct professor of creative arts • Exhibited a drawing in the Albany Art Room’s Black and White show and was awarded an honorable mention by the juror.

ELIAS SHUKRALLA, PH.D., associate professor of economics • Co-authored “Infrastructure, Trade Transaction Costs, and Aid for Trade: The Imperatives for African Economies,” the Journal of African Development, accepted in January.

• Worked with CURCA Winter scholars on two projects: “Remittances and Food Security in Developing Nations,” and “Do Labor Market Institutions Impact Outcomes from Globalization?

Evidence from OECD Countries.”

STEFANIE SIMON, PH.D., assistant professor of psychology • Published a chapter called “Women and Leadership” in the 9th edition of Leadership: Theory and Practice.

• Participated in a panel discussion called “Sexual Harassment: How Do Race and Sexual Orientation Shape Women’s Experiences of It and How Can We Create More Inclusive Workplaces?” at the virtual meeting of the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology in April.

TODD SNYDER, PH.D., associate professor of English • Continued to promote Bundini: Don’t Believe the Hype, his 2020 biography of Drew Bundini Brown, the enigmatic trainer to boxing legend Muhammad Ali. He has appeared on numerous radio broadcasts, sports podcasts, and television programs, such as Showtime’s popular series Al

Bernstein Unplugged. The book was excerpted in Sports Illustrated, Lit Hub, and Ring Magazine, while also receiving rave reviews in The Irish Times and The Wall Street Journal.

A short film, based off of his work, is showing at festivals around the country.

• His upcoming book BeatBoxing: How Hip-Hop Changed the Fight Game will be published on November 3.

KAREN SONNELITTER, PH.D., associate professor of history • Accepted into the National Endowment for the Humanities Summer Institute on Law and Culture in Medieval Europe.

• Published a book chapter, “‘Such frequent wants and famines’: Philanthropy and the Famine of 1739-41,” in Irish Famines Before and After the Great Hunger, Christine Kinealy and Gerard Moran, eds.

(Cork University Press, 2020).

• Article accepted “Poor in the Dublin Workhouse 1726,” in Archivium Hibernicum.

RACHEL STERNE-MARR, PH.D., professor of biology • In collaboration with three Saints, authored “The Open Question of How GPCRs Interact with GPCR Kinases (GRKs),” Biomolecules.

professor of creative arts • Awarded a COTFD research fellowship for her project, “Thoreau Wild and Free: From the Coast of Cape Cod to the Shores of Walden Pond.”

• Promoted to full professor in the Creative Arts Department in recognition of her teaching, scholarship and service to the College.

• Finalist again for the 2021 Raymond Kennedy Excellence in Scholarship Award, which recognizes faculty who have a significant record of scholarly and creative activity.

BEVERLY THOMPSON, PH.D., associate professor of sociology • Published her book Digital Nomads Living on the Margins: RemoteWorking Laptop Entrepreneurs in the Gig Economy, in June.

DAN WHITE, PH.D., director of health professions/health studies • Book review of textbook, Social and Behavioral Science for Health Professionals, 2nd edition. Brian P. Hinote and Jason A. Wasserman, used in HLTH 450, was published in June 2021 in The Advisor, the journal of the National Association of Advisors of the Health Professions.

REBECCA TAYLOR, J.D., associate

AARON PACITTI, PH.D., associate professor of economics

• Served as a Friday Panel Member for WAMC 90.3 Round Table • Citation in:“A V-Shaped Recovery Doesn’t Mean a V-Shaped Jobs Market,” by Mike Bird, Wall Street Journal, December 2020. • Published “Conquering Crises Will Rebuild America” (with Judith Enck), Times Union, January.

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UNPACKED GEORGE GHOBRIEL ’21 AIRMONT, NY

BUSINESS MAJOR; CONCENTRATIONS IN CORPORATE FINANCE AND ACCOUNTING THEORY AND FOUNDATIONS This all-star intern, first-generation graduate, and 2021 Mr. Siena gives

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a glimpse into what it means to make the most of your Siena experience.

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will definitely stick with me throughout my life.

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would be pretty cool!

To me, being a Saint in one word means - service. It’s more than just holding the door open for someone — more than just asking someone how they’re doing. It’s about being there for them on their worst days and celebrating them on their best. It’s not an action, it’s a mindset. Getting up every day and actively looking for how you can give back to the world — how you can make someone’s day even just a bit better. I think St. Francis’ values are so well ingrained throughout the Siena community and it

God gave my parents the opportunity to immigrate to the states and escape religious persecution so that my parents could give their children more opportunities than they had. This has been the biggest privilege of my life. Being the first in my family to graduate from college has been the greatest honor. My sister (top photo) attends Siena as well and it makes me super happy to have begun a Siena legacy here. I’m honored.

My brother has also expressed interest in coming to Siena after high school. A trifecta

One of my favorite experiences during my time at Siena has been working with Habitat for Humanity. Being able to go down to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina and participate in a home build was super rewarding. Having the opportunity to meet the family and know that the work this organization does is really impacting people was awesome.

This year, I participated in Siena’s annual fundraising event for Habitat — Mr. Siena, and I won!

I always wondered how I may be able to combine my passion for serving others with my interests in finance and accounting. This dual major allowed me to gain a strong understanding of both areas of study and would help me help others reach their financial goals. During my time at Siena I had multiple opportunities to get handson experience through internships. I was an audit intern with ICA Risk Management Consultants, a financial planning intern with Cetera Investments, a financial wellness intern with Goldman Sachs Ayco Personal Financial Management, and a business development manager with Wicker Hamilton during my time abroad in London.

I’m looking forward to beginning my full time career at Goldman Sachs Ayco Personal Financial Management as a financial analyst in the Albany area. I am happy to be staying close to the Siena community during this next phase of my life.

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

WHERE WE’VE BEEN AND WHERE WE’RE GOING We are stronger today as a result of what we have overcome and accomplished together.

Siena is eagerly planning to fully return to traditional delivery modes of instruction for this fall semester without restrictions,

SEPTEMBER 2020

MARCH 2021

As the academic year began, Siena’s

As soon as the FDA issued emergency

campus looked different than ever before

approval of the COVID vaccine for those

— Saints started the year with strict social

over 16, Siena swung into action and

distancing and masking guidelines.

scheduled on-campus clinics for students.

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when it will welcome its largest ever freshman class.

MAY 2021 Rapid vaccination and aggressive surveillance testing, in addition to personal accountability, stamped out the virus on campus by mid-April and allowed for the Class of 2021 to celebrate their Commencement at the Times Union Center on May 30. (see page 6.)

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