Siena News, Summer 2018 by Siena College

INSIDE

SIENA

- Celebrating the Class of 2018

- Siena Braces for the ‘Mayhem’ - A Reunion to Remember

A MAGAZINE FOR ALUMNI AND FRIENDS • SUMMER 2018

A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

I arrived at Siena in the summer of 2014 to begin my

welcomed and cared for as a brother or sister of this uniquely

one-year term as interim president. A few weeks later,

special community. As Shelby described, the all-hands-on-deck

the class of 2018 joined me on campus. It was move-in

freshman move-in day is So Siena; a light saber fight among Jedi

day, and I watched in amazement. Upperclassmen and

Friars is So Siena; students hitchhiking across the quad in my

staff scooped up suitcases and belongings and bounded

golf cart (Shelby called it a pope mobile) is So Siena.

up the freshman dorm stairs wearing green T-shirts and

I would also add to Shelby’s list the Senior Week ritual of

infectious smiles. Their energy and spirit made every new

snapping photos on the steps of Siena Hall. I’m able to look down

Saint, myself included, feel right at home. We knew in our

on those bittersweet moments from my office window. I watch as

hearts, as I overheard one student exclaim, “This is going

move-in day strangers, now lifelong friends, pose in front of our

to be great.”

iconic building to celebrate their shared past and their collective

It’s been better than great. It’s also hard to believe the time has gone by so quickly. Those students I “moved

hope for what might yet be. I hope they cherish those photos and also notice what’s

in” with are the same students I congratulated on the

written on the banners in the background, Peace and Good/

Commencement stage in May. What a journey it’s been,

Pax et Bonum! It’s a reminder to always strive to be in right

with so many ‘So Siena’ moments along the way.

relationship and to always desire the good for yourself and others

At the annual scholarship dinner in April, Shelby

in every situation. That’s a message for all of us. Siena is a part

Wadsworth ’18 (cover) created a new Siena-ism, ‘So Siena.’

of who we are, and there will always be an opportunity to bring

It’s a delightful way to explain the unexplainable – those

our compassion and knowledge and values to any situation. That

Siena-specific moments and gestures that make us all feel

is So Siena.

Br. F. Edward Coughlin, O.F.M., Ph.D., President of Siena College 2

SIENA NEWS – SUMMER 2018 Published by: Siena College 515 Loudon Road, Loudonville, NY 12211-1462 518-782-8300 • communications@siena.edu

CELEBRATING THE CLASS OF 2018

• Publisher: Jason Rich ’98 • Editor: Julia Hess ’15 • Contributing Editors: Abigail August ’19, Alumni Relations, Brad Bodmer ’82, Br. F. Edward Coughlin, O.F.M., Ph.D., Mike Demos, Beth Hazelton ’16, Holy Name Province, Kelly O’Donnell, Stephen Pendergast ’18, Julianna Rauf ’19, and Lisa Witkowski • Art Director and Design: Sergio Sericolo, MFA • Class Notes and ‘In Memory’ Design: Jean Higgs • Alumni Class Notes Editors: Mary Beth Finnerty ’85, Kathy Palumbo and Joseph Redding ’15 • Photography: Matt Bellis, Ph.D., CBS, Development Office, ECAC eSports, Shannon Gizzi ’20, Ira Goldstein, Ph.D., Mike Hemberger, Tom Mazzarelli, Andy Murphy ’17, Corey Nolen, Julia Parks ’19, Tony Purificato, Sandy Spicer ’19, Siena Athletics, Siena Women’s Center, Sergio Sericolo, MFA, and Patrick Talbert ’18 • Video Production: Dave Etzler

2018-2019 BOARD OF TRUSTEES

SIENA BRACES FOR THE ‘MAYHEM’

Thomas L. Amell ‘89 Thomas J. Baldwin, Jr. ‘81 Ronald E. Bjorklund ‘85 Thomas J. Burke Daniel “Din” J. Cahill ‘75 Judy Capano Michaelson ‘87 Br. F. Edward Coughlin, O.F.M., Ph.D. Susan Law Dake Virginia Darrow ‘83 Howard S. Foote ‘74 Jason Gottlieb ‘92 Sr. Violet T. Grennan, M.F.I.C., D. Min. Br. Walter J. M. Liss, O.F.M. Mallory R. Massry ‘07 Robert J. McCormick ‘87 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 ‘79 John J. Nigro H‘13 Robin Prunty ’85 Kenneth M. Raymond, Jr. Scot Salvador ‘88 Rev. James P. Scullion ‘75, O.F.M., Ph.D. Nimmi M. Trapasso ‘98, M.D. Br. Basil J. Valente ’84, O.F.M. Dennis L. Winger ‘69

38 INSIDE

10 - ON CAMPUS 20 - OUR FACULTY & STAFF 28 - ATHLETICS 30 - OUR ALUMNI

A REUNION TO REMEMBER

UNPACKED:

YUMI KAGEYAMA ’19

Congratulations

CLASS OF 2018 With green and gold banners, hoods, and honor cords

accenting the formal black of their caps and gowns, Siena graduates processed into Albany’s Times Union Center on May 13 for the College’s 78th annual Commencement ceremony. Bachelor’s degrees were awarded to 767 graduates, while 59 received a master’s in accounting. Gerald “Jerry” DeFrancisco ’68 addressed the graduates and received an honorary doctor of humane letters (see pg. 7 for story). For the first time ever, Siena’s Commencement speaker was introduced by a student, Gina Montelone ’18. Senior class President Meaghan Sollitto ’18 and Samantha Sattler ’18 spoke to their fellow graduates, with Sollitto recalling the first time she set foot on the Loudonville campus when she was exploring college options five years ago. “The right college had found me, and I had found my second home,” she said, before recounting many cherished memories - from Orientation to Senior Week — shared by her classmates. D. Adam Mason, Ph.D., recipient of this year’s Jerome Walton Award for Excellence in Teaching, told the graduates, “Take the lessons you learned here at Siena College out into the world.” College President Br. Ed concluded the ceremony by asking Siena’s newest alumni “to serve generously, to build relationships, and to be peacemakers wherever you find yourselves.”

SAINTâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S SHOCKING SURPRISE

SPECIAL CEREMONIES MOHAWK ARMY ROTC’S 2018 COMMISSIONING CLASS The Mohawk battalion Army ROTC commissioning ceremony represents a culmination of four years of leadership training and academic excellence. ALPHA KAPPA ALPHA Members of Alpha Kappa Alpha are recognized for their exemplary academic excellence, character and commitment to service. 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 first-ever nurses pinning ceremony celebrated the twelve graduates receiving Siena’s first B.S. in nursing degrees.

Legacy Class Gerald “Jerry” DeFrancisco ‘68 impacted the lives of thousands in the five decades since his graduation from Siena. His innovative work as president of humanitarian services for the American Red Cross helped transform the governance and service structure of the organization. He oversaw 1,500 locations and provided leadership following disasters - including Superstorm Sandy - coordinating recovery efforts and mobilizing volunteers. Before joining the Red Cross, the U.S. Army veteran was president of two global consulting firms specializing in strategy, operations and sustainability. Prior to his consulting ventures, DeFrancisco enjoyed a 30-year career at AT&T, serving as executive vice president of broadband internet services, vice president of business innovation, and president and CEO of AT&T Alascom. DeFrancisco has remained highly connected to higher education, holding adjunct professor positions across the nation, from Siena to the University of Alaska. Since 2014, he has served as distinguished civic leader in residence within Siena’s Center for Academic Community Engagement. In recognition of his lifetime of exemplary achievement, leadership and commitment to humanitarian ideals, Siena awarded DeFrancisco an honorary doctor of humane letters at this year’s Commencement. DeFrancisco delivered a memorable speech at the Times Union Center, highlighting the similarities between the Class of 2018 and the Class of 1968. He noted both classes entered the world at a time of great turmoil and unrest; in a period of prolonged economic recovery; with nuclear clouds hanging overhead; amid uprisings and protests demanding equal treatment for all; and in debate over the role of immigration in our society and in our history. “With all these parallels, there’s a common bond that unites our classes: our Franciscan heritage, expressed in

the need, the desire, and, in fact, the compulsion to stand up, step outside the walls, get involved and change things. [Siena’s Franciscan] principles not only guide your life, but they’re the keys to success in your career. At the end of the day, your success is not just measured by how much money you make, what positions you hold, how many houses you have or what kind of car you drive; it’s measured by the number of people that you’ve touched, the number of people you’ve inspired, the number of people you respect who respect you back and the people who you’ve served.”

GAME. ON. Siena reached the finals of the inaugural ECAC eSports invitational during MAAC basketball championship weekend in Albany. Intercollegiate gaming is rapidly rising in popularity and brand new to the Siena campus. The quickly assembled Siena squad beat Canisius in the semifinals.

AROUND TOWN

COME ON DOWN Samir El-Sawaf ‘18 won the prize for greatest spring break moment. That’s not all he won. Samir and Peter Aitken ‘19 managed to score seats to a taping of “The Price is Right.” But, Samir had no clue he would be a contestant until he was asked to “come on down!” He won an electric guitar, a blender, qualified for the

Showcase, and genuinely seemed to make host Drew Carey’s day. “Getting to spin The Wheel and making it to the Showcase has been my dream since I started watching the show during all those sick days home from school. Dreams do come true!”

3. LET FREEDOM RING Three student clubs - College Republicans, Turning Point USA, and Young Americans for Liberty hosted the Let Freedom Ring: Free Speech

Conference on April 15. Six speakers, including Roger Stone (pictured), addressed the audience during the day-long event in Snyder Hall. The conversation continued with a “No Easy Answers” talk on the relationship between free speech and liberal arts education on a private college campus, hosted by the School of Liberal Arts’ Civil Discourse Working Group.

4. SAINTS IN SERVICE Twelve Siena students, along with chaperones Fr. Sean O’Brien, O.F.M., and Ashley Dwyer ’08, embarked on a service immersion trip to Negril, Jamaica through the Franciscan Center for Service and Advocacy. “Even though this was my third service trip to Jamaica, the poverty and the poor living conditions still shocked me. However, I am no longer surprised to see the same strength of the Jamaican people in

4 5

their faith and their efforts to support their communities. This was my final service trip with Siena. But I am reminded of the importance of continuing service after college in our local communities and beyond,” said Patrick Talbert ‘18 (left).

5. LOST AND FOUND Matthew McQueen was working on his golf game in Sante Fe, New Mexico when he noticed a range ball unlike the rest. “It’s a Girl!” was printed on the ball along with a name, Grace Cuttone. Instead of swinging, he put the lost birth announcement into his pocket and came up with a new game -- tracking down its rightful owner. Through some internet sleuthing, McQueen discovered that Cuttone is a freshman at Siena, and she’s on the golf team! He shared the story with the College, then sent her the ball along with a personalized note.

ON CAMPUS

COLLEGE CELEBRATES LAUNCH OF FOUR NEW PROGRAMS MASTER’S IN BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION Siena has received state approval

APPLIED PHYSICS Students pursuing the new applied

to offer a master’s degree in business

physics major can elect to specialize

administration.

in a particular field of engineering:

The College will begin enrolling students in the program for the fall

mechanical, electrical, or civil. This program brings together scholars

creativity while working with diverse teams across disciplines and industries.

DATA ANALYTICS Data analytics is among today’s

2019 semester. It will feature four tracks

in the areas of engineering, physics,

fastest-growing and highest-paid

of study: business analytics, finance,

computer science, and mathematics to

professions.

marketing, and strategic management.

help students understand the science

The data analytics advanced

that engineering supports—preparing

certificate program is open to anyone

tailored to address the needs of

them to transition directly to the

with a bachelor’s degree and at least

employers. It is designed to appeal to

workforce, or pursue graduate work in

one college level statistics course. The

individuals seeking to return to college

engineering or physics.

opportunity to work with cutting-edge

“The program has been strategically

software and analytics tools will prepare

for their MBA, those seeking a career change, and current students who want to enhance their undergraduate degree

SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT Siena’s software development major

with an MBA,” said Charles Seifert,

- one of just a handful in the Northeast -

Ph.D., dean of the School of Business.

provides the unique opportunity to pair

In addition to the traditional two-

the technical (programming, algorithms,

year, full-time program of study, Siena

data management) and problem-solving

is offering a unique 3+1 option for

skills developed in computer science

students entering Siena as freshmen.

with Siena’s liberal arts foundation.

They will have the opportunity to earn a

Students are challenged to exercise

B.S. and an MBA in just four years.

critical thinking, ethical judgment and

students to make sound, evidencebased decisions that drive business performance in any function.

SIENA’S WRITING CENTER LEADS THE WAY Stephen Pendergast ’18 Siena’s Writing Center has served as an essential resource

The Cohoes Center functions just like Siena’s— their students

for students, faculty, and staff seeking help with writing and

can come to the Center and receive one-on-one peer tutoring

communication skills. Recent alumna and Writing Center

from a Siena student. These tutoring sessions range from

leader Beth Rucinski ’17 notes, “Everyone in the Center has

conversations about English conventions to thesis statements—

the same goal—to help students reach their full potential.”

all working towards improving individual writers and to change

Rucinski has worked alongside the Center’s director, Anne Godson-Glynn ’98, to infuse high-impact service learning

the entire culture of literacy on Cohoes’ campus. Godson-Glynn’s focus on addressing inequity in education

opportunities into the existing tutor training program.

and literacy issues in the community is designed to reflect

The premise is simple: Siena’s Writing Center Ambassador

Siena’s Franciscan values.

Program aims to create sustainable, satellite writing centers

“The core idea of the Cohoes Writing Center is how can we, in a

at local secondary schools. Siena tutors are currently working

position of privilege, take our studies in literacy and composition

at Cohoes High School and Albany Leadership Charter High

and bring it to underserved areas within our education system?”

School for Girls. “This program would not be successful without the

Albright expressed that her time at Cohoes has presented her with the opportunity to develop her tutoring skills

incredible devotion to social justice that the tutors exhibit

through compassion and respecting the dignity of others. The

every day through their work,” said Rucinski. She notes a few

collaboration challenges Siena’s Center to change the way it

current tutors who have impacted this process during her

thinks about its place in education, the Capital Region, and the

time there, namely English major Serena Rizzo ’19, and Kayla

world.

Albright ’20, psychology major.

Gabby Guidice ’18, Allison Schultz, and Zachary Brimmer ’20

THEIR TIME TO SHINE have been developing the platform for two years, through

A Siena-designed platform is making a difference in the Capital Region nonprofit sector. SHINE (Share.

research, focus groups, beta testing and a recent town hall-style

Help. Innovate. Nourish. Engage.) is a place for nonprofit

presentation. Zachary Brimmer ’20, a health care management major, is the

practitioners and stakeholders to communicate, collaborate,

SHINE platform moderator.

and stay up to date on events and developments in the field. The platform launched in May and more than 150 users are

“I’ve been able to work with executive directors of nonprofits as well as the leadership team at SEFCU to develop the professional

already registered.

skills needed for my future career.”

“SHINE will support innovative community initiatives to address local needs using the region’s assets and resources,”

SHINE team leader Gabby Guidice ’18, said, “Through working

said Allison Schultz, director of Siena’s Center for Academic

on this online communication platform, I’ve been able to gain

and Community Engagement. “We are excited to see how the

ample real-world experience, which has helped prepare me for

platform will support community mobilization in the area.”

the career I’ll be starting soon. Our team has been able to make a larger impact on the Capital Region.”

Team members at the Commission on Economic Empowerment (CEO) in Troy, have already jumped on board. “As a large nonprofit, our management team is thrilled to

The SHINE project was funded by State Employees Federal Credit Union (SEFCU). Schultz said that in addition to its practical benefits, SHINE can

have a platform to share ideas and improve communication

lead to enhanced problem-solving.

with other organizations,” said Katherine Maciol, president of CEO. “In a climate of limited funding and great need in our

“There needs to be more collaboration among local nonprofits.

communities, we need to work together to share resources

One person, one organization cannot solve societal problems

and build partnerships.”

alone,” explained Schultz. “We need to break down the need to compete. SHINE is a low-risk step in the right direction.”

Students who are part of NEXT (Siena’s Nonprofit EXcellence and Transformation business consulting program)

CASEY’S

DIGITAL MESSAGING CENTER

STUDENT RESEARCH UNVEILS PESSIMISM, OPPORTUNITY Ivory Moore ’20 is feeling pretty good about her life chances these days. Moore grew up in the Capital Region and

time job with benefits, and have access to quality health care. Life chances for education rated higher. Over 80 percent

spent many hours at the Boys and Girls Club of Albany as a

said it is almost certain or very likely that young people in the

child. The formative experiences she enjoyed there provided

community will graduate from high school, with 68 percent

direction and purpose.

saying the typical young person in their neighborhood will

This drive led her to Siena where she now develops curricula for the Club as a Bonner Service Leader through the

attend college. This optimism belies current realities. Survey results also showed a sharp divide in outlooks when

College’s Center for Academic and Community Engagement

considering race and income. Thirty-one percent of non-

(ACE). Moore hopes this work will one day lead to a career –

white respondents said it was likely a young person would

perhaps as a high school superintendent or maybe something

be arrested for a felony compared to nine percent of white

even bigger: “I want to create my own high school!”

respondents. In general, those living in households with

Moore was drawn to a community-based research class at

incomes under $50,000 found it less likely that young people

Siena this spring, and the work she did with classmates just

will experience most of the positive life chance events on the

may pave the way to a brighter future for youth in the Capital

survey.

Region. The nine students in the COMD 210 course worked in conjunction with the Siena College Research Institute to

SO, WHAT’S THE ANSWER?

perform a life chances assessment in Albany and Rensselaer counties. The students developed and implemented a detailed

Eighty percent said community youth

survey to measure public perception, and conducted qualitative

programs are doing a good or excellent job at

interviews with community leaders.

providing a safe environment for youth, with

The results were revealing.

more than half saying such programs improve

Two-thirds of the more than 600 adults surveyed indicated

students’ academic performance, prevent alcohol

it is “harder today for teens to successfully move into

or drug abuse, and meet the needs of local

adulthood than when they were teens.” Just over half of those

parents.

surveyed felt it was certain or very likely that today’s youth would get a job with opportunities for advancement, get a full-

Moore and her classmates expect the data will help community leaders demonstrate the need to better fund important youth programming.

SIENA’S WOMEN’S CENTER EXPLORES MEXICO Julianna Rauf ’19 that we take for granted, like our

poor and vulnerable. By practicing

for Women hosted an inspiring trip

passports – we just go wherever we

compassionate leadership, DeAngelis

to Cuernavaca, Mexico in March. Led

want – while some people literally die

says that it prompts you to think

by Beth DeAngelis, director of the

to get one.”

about an important question: ‘What’s

The Siena Sr. Thea Bowman Center

Center, and Br. George Camacho,

The trip to Cuernavaca was not only

O.F.M., eight Saints explored

based around ideas of womanhood

advocacy, awareness, and women’s

within the community, but also on the

rights during their trip of a lifetime.

community’s history. They explored

The trip was filled with cultural

the history of gender, religion,

experiences that truly immersed the

and geography in Mexico to better

Saints into the lives of the women of

understand the people they were

Mexico. They talked with powerful

living amongst, and the city they were

female figures within the community

aiding.

to learn of the struggles they faced on their way to making a difference. “I think the biggest takeaway

mine to do?’

DeAngelis’s goals for the trip stemmed from the idea of compassionate leadership – to lead by

that I can reflect in my own life is

putting others first, through Siena’s

to appreciate what I have,” said Jen

commitment to social justice, service

Renter ’19. “There are little things

with others, and concern for the

MADE BY HAND WITH ALL HEART because they support the families of the Central American artisans who make them. But are these women – and they are all

the standard of living for the women who

women – really earning enough from sales

are employed,” she said. “We are looking

to improve their lives? A Siena professor and

for hard data and observations to confirm

her student recently traveled to Guatemala

that family incomes are indeed increasing,

to find out.

that no child labor is being used, that the

Vera Eccarius-Kelly, Ph.D., professor

care, and that the women are becoming

’18, went to the Central American nation

increasingly independent.” Professor and student were aided by field

trade work and how it has impacted their

workers, as some of the artisans spoke only

households and communities. Mayan Hands,

indigenous languages. They met the workers

an Albany-based collective that employs

at the homes of each crafting community’s

all the women interviewed for this effort,

elected leader. When they were able to

organized the survey of 160 women.

see the homes, they were able to see the

Mayer and Eccarius-Kelly were obtaining

families have access to education and health

of comparative politics, and Billy Mayer to interview the artisans about their fair

We see the lovely handcrafted items at

“The purpose is to test whether fair trade truly delivers on its commitment to improve

working electricity, the water filters and the

more detailed answers to baseline

extra livestock purchased with the money

information on the women’s home needs,

the women earned.

earnings, access to services, and more.

“This is the kind of experience Siena

fair trade markets – colorful scarves and

The women employed by Mayan Hands are

students receive that you would never get

table runners, toys, and more. We buy them

indigenous to the Guatemalan Highlands,

anywhere else,” said Mayer.

because they are practical and pretty, and

the poorest of the poor.

Back (L-R): Pabbi, Costello, and Hebert. Front: Lansing, Baldwin, Daly, Kageyama, and Bruno.

SAINTS SUCCEED IN THE 2018 NYBP COMPETITION Julianna Rauf ’19 Siena sent six teams of student

business based upon novel imaging

Technology Track.

entrepreneurs to the 9th Annual

technologies and predictive algorithms.

New York State Regional Business

Placed first in the Information

SUREET PABBI ’21 - AMAR ATTA

Plan Competition on April 5 at the

Technology/Software Track.

Gluten-free flour for unleavened

University at Albany’s Massry Center for Business. The final competition

dough used primarily in Indian JAKE COSTELLO ’19 AND COURTNEY BALDWIN ’19 -

cuisine. Competed in the Products Track.

took place at SUNY Poly Colleges of

GROUNDED MARKETING

Nanoscale Science and Engineering on

Digital marketing method targeted

April 27.

to small restaurants. Competed in the

for the Capital Region Cup where Bruno

Services Track.

and Lansing won the runoff to secure

The NYBPC is the only leading collegiate business competition that is

Winners advanced to the final round

the Cup for Siena. Josh Daly walked away with second

a regionally coordinated, collaborative

JOSH DALY ’18 - BUG FLUSHER

statewide program representing over

Insect trap as a protein gathering device

place in the Energy and Sustainability

75 colleges and universities. Since

for poultry and other animal feed.

track at the NYSBP finals and received

2010, more than 2,400 teams have

Placed first in the Clean Technology Track.

$2,500.

pitched their ideas and business plans

“My fellow entrepreneurs are so

to venture capitalists, angel investors,

DEVON HEBERT ’20 - CIVIE

supportive; they’ve been a difference

investment bankers, public and private

Investment platform designed to provide

maker. We pitch ideas to each other for

investors, and seasoned entrepreneurs.

access to exclusive non-financial

feedback; we’re also pushing each other

assets for the general investing public.

to be better. It’s not uncommon for all

The Siena teams that competed were:

Competed in the Services Track.

of us to be at the Stack Center until 2

SIMON BRUNO ’18 AND MIKAYLA LANSING’19 -

YUMI KAGEYAMA ’19 - SOLAR SNOW SOLUTIONS

INKY

Snow and ice removal system for

Book selection and subscription

driveways and other asphalt surfaces.

a.m. helping each other,” said Daly.

Placed second in the Advanced

FRANCISCAN MISSION, TRADITION.TRANSFORMED. Julianna Rauf ’19 Siena students saw first-hand the history, culture, and beauty of Italy as members of Fr. Mark Reamer O.F.M.’s Franciscan Mission, Tradition. Transformed class. Circling around Siena, Florence, Cortona, Assisi, Greccio, Roma, and all the beautiful

LEARNING TO LOBBY Being a lobbyist involves a strong working knowledge of the legislative process, good research skills and the tenacity to advocate for your client. Eighteen Siena students learned about it from Daniel Lewis, Ph.D., in his new lobbying class. Teams of students each selected a bill that worked its way through the New York State Legislature this past session, tracked its progress, and advocated for its passage. Lewis, associate professor of political science, said Siena is part of an initial cohort of 29 colleges across the country to teach this course, based on a prototype from Brandeis University. Each college is located in or near a state capital so students could be close to the lawmaking process and get regular experience speaking with state legislators and staffers. “It’s high-impact, experiential learning,” said Lewis, who teaches state politics at Siena and has done lobbying work himself in the past. The class had initial meetings with Senator Neil Breslin and Assemblymember Phil Steck. There were ongoing meetings during session with various legislators, staffers and fellow advocates to put into practice what they learned in class. “My goal for the course was to give students a sense of empowerment that comes from concerted action and civil engagement,” said Lewis. Lobbyists Evan Sullivan ’10 and Kathleen Digan ’10 visited class to talk about what life is like in the trenches. The key to getting the attention of legislators and staffers? Information. Gather accurate details, statistics and narratives so policymakers can cast informed votes. Lizzy Vinal ’19 and Emily Radigan ’19 lobbied for a bill that would prohibit discrimination in New York based on gender identity and expression. JaiCe Stinton ’18 lobbied for a bill that would have added funding for increased park police staffing in New York state parks. Maria Zumbo ’18 and Aiden O’Brien ’19 were on her team; O’Brien works for the state park system and has noticed a negative impact on security and safety due to high turnover and understaffing. They agreed that increased staff in the parks could help the situation. As a funding bill, it was part of the state budget. Despite the efforts of lobbyists and park unions, the line item was defeated. Stinton said it will most likely be introduced again next year.

places in between, the Saints brought back many life lessons and grew closer to the Franciscan tradition. “We’ve walked in the footsteps of St. Francis, St. Clare, and St. Bernardine in a way that is indescribable. I never would have imagined that I would have the opportunity to grow so much spiritually,” said Billy Mayer ’18. In addition to learning about the lives of dignified saints and patrons, Siena students visited numerous churches and holy sites throughout the country. The class traveled to the Dominican Church of St. Catherine of Siena, Santa Maria dei Fiori Cathedral, Franciscan Basilica of Santa Croce, Basilica of Santa Chiara, Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels, the tomb of St. Peter, and many more spiritual and historical sites that signify the beauty and strength of the Franciscan tradition. The pilgrimage also led the Siena students to some of Italy’s most historical sites: Florence American Cemetery, Michelangelo’s David, the Roman Forum, the Colosseum, and many more. “Taking this challenge to travel thousands of miles away from home was the dare I made to myself. I have been exposed to the beauty of the world now and I wouldn’t change that for [anything],” said Habiba Menko ’19.

E-NABLE REACHES NEW HEIGHTS Siena’s e-NABLE team has created prosthetic arms before, but their latest endeavor took their design and tech efforts to a new level. A 10-year-old Syracuse area girl named Colleen Sullivan was born with a right arm less than half the normal size. Previous e-NABLE designs were for limbs that attached to an elbow; Colleen’s arm ended above where the elbow would be. That missing joint presented

SAINTS AWARDED GILMAN SCHOLARSHIPS

an extra challenge for Siena’s students.

Abigail August ’19

president of the e-NABLE chapter, wanted to give it a try. She found

Shadane Franklin ’18, Emerald Power ’19, and

Her grandmother saw news coverage two years ago of Siena’s e-NABLE team presenting a Capital Region girl with her prosthetic arm and she contacted the College hoping they could help Colleen. Kristin Ludwicki ’19, a physics/engineering major who is also the plans used by a group in Florida to build an arm with robotics that

Gabriella Catena ’20 have been awarded Benjamin

made the fingers move when the upper arm muscles flexed. She and

A. Gilman International Scholarships for study

the Siena team modified those plans to fit Colleen.

abroad. This prestigious program allows students the opportunity to study abroad or partake in internships in non-traditional locations around the world. Franklin and Power are spending their summer

They worked for a year, meeting with Sullivan every few weeks to measure and test the design. Then they’d adjust it and try again. Ludwicki said that when she was discouraged about the project, it was the fourth-grader’s positive attitude that pushed her to continue. “Colleen was so excited,” Ludwicki said. “Hearing her, her

in South Africa through Siena’s Global Service

motivation, her strength, pushed me and the team along. It kept us

Internship program (GSI). GSI, within Siena’s

wanting to get it to work.”

Center for Academic Community Engagement

The arm was designed in the armored style of Colleen’s heroine,

(ACE), offers international community

St. Joan of Arc, and presented at a special campus ceremony in Roger

development opportunities for Saints to travel

Bacon Hall on May 5.

beyond their familiar surroundings. Franklin and Power are also Bonner Service Leaders through ACE. “Now I have the opportunity to take my passion and experience with Bonner abroad and serve from an international perspective,” said Franklin.

Colleen Sullivan (right) shows off her new Joan of Arc-inspired

Catena will spend her summer in Shanghai,

arm to one of the student

China, where she will intern with the Fashion

creators, Kristin Ludwicki ’19.

Institute of Technology. She chose to study in Shanghai because of her desire to challenge herself by exploring an unfamiliar location, culture, history, and program. Since 2011, 34 Siena students have won this prestigious award, totaling $112,000.

Emerald Power ’19, Gabriella Catena ’20, and Shadane Franklin ’18

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT AGATHA PERMALINO ’20 Permalino spent the spring semester performing accounting and data entry for the U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants (USCRI) in Albany. But it was the extra attention she gave to new immigrants – working far more than her required hours – that really captured her heart. She and her family – who came to the U.S. by way of the Philippines and Saudi Arabia - know what it’s like to get settled in a new country. “I wanted to have interaction with people who just came to this country,” she explained, “I know what they’re going through, because I’m an immigrant myself.” When her accounting work was done, she assisted immigrants with a wide variety of tasks: finding a place to live, signing up for English language classes, crafting a resume and looking for a job, enrolling their children in school, locating a halal grocery (one that stocks food prepared according to Muslim law), and even finding their way around their local Walmart.

JERRY CASERTINO ’18 The summer before senior year, Casertino enrolled in the Zone 5 Regional Law Enforcement Training Academy. He kept up a full-time senior year course load at Siena while training full time as a police recruit. By December, he was in uniform and on patrol for the Mechanicville Police Department as their youngest – possibly ever – police officer. And did we mention that he’s also a licensed EMT for the Moreau Emergency Squad? And that he’s going to law school this fall? The English/pre-law major —complete with police badge #105 — will enroll at Albany Law School this September with an eye toward working some day for the federal government. “I definitely think my experience as a police officer will make me a better lawyer,” said Casertino. “A lot of the same principles and ethics are involved, and these lines of work complement each other.”

TRAVIS BRODBECK ’17 G’18 Brodbeck (right, pictured with Necip Doganaksoy, Ph.D.) was named National Collegian of the Year by the business fraternity Delta Sigma Pi. If there is an executive position with Siena’s Delta Sigma Pi chapter, he has held it: president, senior vice president, hazing prevention week chair, St. Jude’s Walk committee co-chair, Dress for Success fashion show committee chair and more. He currently serves as the Northeastern provincial professional development chair, as well as district director for the Binghamton University chapter. Brodbeck has previously been Collegian of the Year for Siena’s chapter, the Niagara Region, and the Northeast Province. “Thanks to this fraternity, I have been able to practice leadership, network across the nation, and gain real world experience. Looking back, I can’t imagine my college experience without Delta Sigma Pi,” said Brodbeck.

MADELINE HAGEN ’19 Working at CERN is an amazing experience for any physics undergraduate. Hagen (right, pictured with Jamie Bedard ’18), is already returning to the world’s largest particle physics lab for the second time in her fledgling career. Hagen is one of only six college students in the United States selected to participate in the University of Michigan-CERN research semester this fall. She will conduct particle physics research at the super-lab that is home to the world-famous Large Hadron Collider. The super-lab is located on the border of France and Switzerland, and she will live on the French side of the border in St. Genis for the semester. “Siena really prioritizes research as a part of undergraduate education,” she said. “Because we focus on undergraduates here, there is excellent opportunity for students to do research in addition to their classwork. CERN is the lab of my dreams.”

OUR FACULTY & STAFF

THESE NEW FACULTY BOOKS ARE A KNOCKOUT! 20

“My goal in writing the book was to dig into the motivation to climb through the ropes and get punched intentionally,” said Snyder. “It was something different for everyone.”

LEN CUTLER, PH.D. PROFESSOR OF POLITICAL SCIENCE TODD SNYDER, PH.D. ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR OF ENGLISH

President Obama’s Counterterrorism Strategy in the War on Terror: An Assessment analyzes President Obama’s

12 Rounds In Lo’s Gym: Boxing and

counterterrorism policy as it evolved

Manhood in Appalachia is part family

throughout his presidency, from the

memoir and part commentary on class,

expanded use of drones to the contro-

gender, and politics set in the West

versial decisions regarding the Syrian

Virginia coal country - and boxing gym

conflict. The work concludes with a con-

- where Snyder grew up. It trended at

sideration of counterterrorism policy

#1 on Amazon for books about boxing

post-Obama.

during the spring. Snyder did a series of public readings throughout the Appalachian region and Northeast about his upbringing in the

KIMBERLY LAMAY-LICURSI, PH.D. VISITING ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF HISTORY With the 100th anniversary of the

region and the lessons – both physical

armistice of World War I being observed

and mental – learned in the certified

this year, Lamay-Licursi’s timing is

boxing gym run by his father, Mike “Lo”

perfect for the publication of

Snyder.

Remembering World War I in America.

The gym, which had its start in the

The adjunct history professor

back of his mother’s beauty salon in

searched state archives for personal

Cowen, before it moved to a former

accounts from soldiers, and also focuses

Baptist church, was as much a place

on how the United States emerged as a

of support for the community’s youth

world power following the conflict.

as it was a place to train in this most

FR. KEN PAULLI ’82, O.F.M., ED.D. ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR OF EDUCATION From his experiences conducting parish missions and teaching about Franciscan service, Paulli penned a book of nine personal stories that offer the opportunity for prayer and reflection.

Outside the Walls: Encountering God in the Unfamiliar is the result of many talks he has given about ministering to others and how all of us can make that same outreach. In sharing his stories, Paulli shows how going beyond one’s usual boundaries – both personal and spiritual - allows us to experience God.

DONNA TYTKO ASSISTANT DEAN IN THE SCHOOL OF LIBERAL ARTS Night Air, a psychological thriller about a woman who must struggle to keep her identity a secret in the era of readily available information, is the first published novel for Tytko. The story is set first in New Orleans then the Capital Region; Siena College and a fictional student are also featured in the story. The main themes are respect and equality in relationships, Franciscan values, the importance of a secure and loving childhood, and the supernatural.

hyper-masculine of sports.

(OPPOSITE PAGE) TODD SNYDER, PH.D. (LEFT TO RIGHT) DONNA TYTKO, LEN CUTLER, PH.D., FR. KEN PAULLI ’82, O.F.M., ED.D., KIMBERLY LAMAY-LICURSI, PH.D.

AND THE RECOGNITION GOES TO ...

Left: Jerome Walton Award for Excellence in Teaching recipient D. Adam Mason, Ph.D., associate professor of biology (second from right), and Raymond Kennedy Excellence in Scholarship Award recipient Joshua Alexander, Ph.D., associate professor of philosophy (third from left), pictured with Br. Ed, Dr. Margaret Madden, Jerry DeFrancisco’68 H’18, and Howard Foote ’74. Right: Fr. Matthew T. Conlin, O.F.M. Service Award winner James Nolan, Ph.D., professor of quantitative business analysis and computer science (left) pictured with Paul Dwyer, Esq., faculty chair.

JOSHUA ALEXANDER, PH.D., associate

professor of philosophy, participated in an “author meets critics” session at the Pacific Division Meeting of the American Philosophical Association, San Diego, March. “Epistemology for the Rest of the World,” accepted for publication in Oxford University Press, June.

JON BANNON, PH.D., associate professor of mathematics, received Fulbright Fellowship award, April.

CYNTHIA BOTT, PH.D., assistant professor of social work, awarded the Siena School of Liberal Arts Award for Outstanding Teaching Scholar Excellence.

FREDERICK DECASPERIS, ED.D., professor of management, ANDREA SMITH-HUNTER, PH.D., professor of management and sociology, MANIMOY PAUL, PH.D., associate professor of quantitative business analysis, and JAMES NOLAN, PH.D., professor of quantitative business analysis and computer science, co-authored “Gender Job Satisfaction Levels and Gender Role Perceptions: A Look at Pre and Post 2008 Recession Data,” accepted for publication in the Journal of International Management Studies. Presented at the International Academy of Business and Economics National Conference, March.

DIRK DE JONG, PH.D., assistant professor of social work, published “Second Chances,” in Reflections: Narratives of Professional Helping. “Christian Social Work Students and Gender Variance: An Exploratory Study,” accepted for publication in an upcoming issue of Social Work & Christianity.

STEPHEN DEYRUP, PH.D., assistant professor of chemistry and biochemistry, received Fulbright Fellowship award, April.

THOMAS GIARLA, PH.D., assistant

professor of biology, co-authored “A new genus and species of shrew (Mammalia: Soricidae) from Palawan Island, Philippines,” Journal of Mammalogy, May.

SCOTT GREENHALGH, PH.D., assistant

professor of mathematics, “The antimalarial benefit of HIV antiretroviral therapy in areas of low to moderate malaria transmission intensity,” accepted for publication in the Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes. “The somatic genetic architecture of radiation-associated meningioma,” published in the Journal of Neurosurgery. Presented, “Fighting the public health burden of AIDS with the Human Pegivirus,” at the Canadian

Applied and Industrial Mathematics Society Conference, Toronto, June.

EARL S. JOHNSON, JR., PH.D., lecturer in

religious studies, authored “Simple and Complex Faith: The Believing Scientist,” Presbyterian Outlook, Issue Faith and Science, October 2017.

ERIN KOLONKO, PH. D., assistant

professor of chemistry and biochemistry, “Synthesis of (E)cinnamyl ester derivatives via a greener Steglich esterification,” accepted for publication in Bioorg. Med. Chem, April.

MARY BETH KOLOZSVARY, PH. D.,

associate professor of environmental studies and science, collaborated on “Effects of urbanization on the population structure of freshwater turtles across the United States,” Conservation Biology, May. Received grant from CapMo PRISM (Capital-Mohawk Partnership for Invasive Species Management) for “Identifying Priority Invasive Species Conservation Efforts in Key Natural Areas in the Town of Colonie,” work with Siena students during summer term.

MAX LEVINE, PH.D., associate professor of psychology, presented “Sex differences in susceptibility to nausea and motion sickness” at Psychosomatic Medicine, Louisville, March. Collaborated on research with Samantha Fontaine ’18 on “Social influences on the incidence and severity of nausea.”

DANIEL LEWIS, PH. D., associate

professor of political science, coauthored, “Challenged Expectations: Mere Exposure Effects on Attitudes about Transgender People and Rights,” accepted for publication in Political Psychology, February. Co-authored, “Transgender Prejudice Reduction and Opinions on Transgender Rights: Results from a Mediation Analysis on Experimental Data,” accepted for publication in Research & Politics, March. Co-authored, “Tensions over Gay and Transgender Rights between Localities and States,” accepted for publication in PS: Political Science & Politics, January.

ELISA MARTIN, PH.D., assistant

professor of social work, co-facilitated, “7th Annual Emerging Leaders Forum: Journey Towards Tenure

Tololo Inter-American Observatory in Chile. Work featured in NOAO Currents article and publication, “Overview of the DESI Legacy Imaging Surveys.”

DONNA MCINTOSH, M.S.W., professor

STEFANIE SIMON, PH.D., assistant

of social work, presented, “Resources for Teaching the Landscape of Environmental Justice,” at National Policy Conference 2.0, St. Louis, MayJune.

KRISTIN MILLER, PH.D., associate

professor of psychology, received Crossroads Center for Children Distinguished Service Award at annual gala, Schenectady, March. Presented with a New York State Assembly Certificate of Merit by Assemblyman Angelo Santabarba, chair of the Assembly’s subcommittee on Autism Spectrum Disorders, March.

JOHN MOUSTAKAS, PH.D., assistant

professor of physics and astronomy, co-authored work highlighted in National Optical Astronomy Observatory (NOAO) Currents, April. Traveled with students to Kitt Peak National Observatory in Arizona and the Cerro

KATHERINE MEIERDIERCKS, PH.D., associate professor of environmental studies and sciences (pictured center), MARY BETH KOLOZSVARY, PH.D., associate professor of environmental studies and sciences, and KEVIN RHOADS, PH.D., associate professor of chemistry and biochemistry, co-authored, “The role of land surface versus drainage network characteristics in controlling water quality and quantity in a small urban watershed,” accepted for publication in Hydrological Processes,

and Promotion,” Atlanta, March. Collaborated with Amelia O’Rourke ’18 on, “The Evolution of Camp to Belong NY,” for Northern Rivers, March.

September 2017.

professor of psychology, “Exploring Blacks’ Perceptions of Whites’ Racial Prejudice as a Function of Intergroup Behavior and Motivational Mindsets,” accepted for publication in Social Psychological and Personality Science, May. Presented “Putting Yourself in the Victim’s Shoes: Does PerspectiveTaking Affect Judgments of Sexism and Legal Decision-Making?” at the annual meeting for the Society for Personality and Social Psychology, Atlanta, March. Co-authored, “Women and Leadership” in 8th edition of P. Northouse’s Leadership: Theory and Practice, February. Mentored students in research, “Exploring the Gender Gap in Economics: What Stereotypes are Associated with the Economics Field?” April.

CARLA SOFKA, PH.D., professor of social

work, presented ”Grieving for Strangers: Emotional Rubbernecking or Experiential Empathy?” at 40th Annual Conference for the Association for Death Education and Counseling, Pittsburgh, April.

HOLY NAME PROVINCE TO UNIFY WITH FIVE OTHER FRANCISCAN PROVINCES Holy Name Province Communications The Holy Name Province and five other provinces of the

“The new entity will better serve the friars’ fraternal life and mission in the United States by making adjustments to

Order of Friars Minor voted on May 30 to form one new

the current administrative structure,” said Fr. Jack Clark

province. The new province will comprise the almost 1,000

Robinson, O.F.M, the provincial minister of Our Lady of

Catholic Franciscan friars belonging to the existing provinces

Guadalupe Province.

– both brothers and priests – and will be headquartered in a yet-to-be-determined location. The Franciscan friars of Assumption of the Blessed Virgin

Like many other religious communities throughout the United States, the Franciscans are facing a reduction in membership. During the 1960s and 1970s, the number of

Mary Province (based in Franklin, Wisconsin), Holy Name

Friars Minor in the United States peaked at 3,252, but today

Province (headquartered on 31st Street in New York City),

the total is fewer than 1,000 friars.

Our Lady of Guadalupe Province (Albuquerque, New Mexico),

Talks on possible U.S. restructuring began in 2012,

Sacred Heart Province (St. Louis), St. Barbara Province

reflecting a worldwide trend among religious communities.

(Oakland, California), and St. John the Baptist Province

Friars in countries such as Canada and Germany have already

(Cincinnati) have been in dialogue about unifying their

voted to form a single province.

communities since 2012.

Franciscan leaders expect that the new province will be officially formed in late 2022 or early 2023.

In Memoriam

BR. GARY MACIAG, O.F.M. Br. Gary Maciag, 61, a professed

ELAINE OGNIBENE, PH.D. Elaine Ognibene, Ph.D., an English

PATRICK JOHN SHERIDAN, MBA Coach, mentor, friend and Siena

Franciscan friar for 37 years, passed

professor from 1973-2008, passed away

professor of 27 years, Patrick John

away on February 25 in New York City.

on December 25.

Sheridan passed away on December 1.

Maciag came to Siena in 1984 and

She published articles, presented at

Sheridan’s work didn’t stop once his

stayed with the College until 2007. He

national and state academic organiza-

class periods were over; he played an

was an assistant professor of creative

tions, held leadership positions in those

important role in the Siena community

arts, director of theatre, and director

organizations, and did service within

and the lives of his students. He sat

of the Siena College International

her institution and her community.

on many committees, was the finance

Playwrights Competition, while also

“What [Elaine] modeled for me

department chair for over 10 years

stepping in as department head for six

was how to be a truly extraordinary

and initiated an internship program to

years.

teacher, a committed scholar on the

connect students with local businesses.

front lines of women’s and minority

On top of these duties, he also coached

went beyond the classroom, and onto

issues, and how important it is to have

the Siena hockey team, taking them to

the stage. He directed numerous

relationships, to care about the people

national championship tournaments.

productions, including the world

you work with,” said Meg Woolbright,

He held close connections with his

premieres of Territorial Rights, Storms

D.A., professor of English and director

students even after their time at Siena

Without Warning, Suburban Angst and

of the First-Year Seminar program.

had ended. Sheridan was a friend and

Anarchy, and Monster Island Abbott’s

“Elaine was one of the very first people

a mentor, and was invited to many

Dance.

to invite me to her home for dinner,

weddings of his former students.

His contributions to the College

He was also a practicing actor, performing in “Victoria Station,” “Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead,” and “Benedictus.” His classes in theatre, acting, and directing aimed to cultivate and impassion the next generation of actors, playwrights, directors and producers.

something I have never forgotten.” Woolbright was not the only guest invited to dinner at Ognibene’s house; it was a shared tradition among her colleagues, students, and friends.

ALTER EGOS AND

ED TRAVIS, assistant director of services: “When there’s evil in Gotham (or kids in need of entertainment), I’m Batman.” 26

BR. ED COUGHLIN, president: “My nickname in college was ‘Fuzzy.’ The 1960s and ‘70s were a time to grow your hair – mine was thick and curly in those days – a nice ‘fro.”

LARA WHELAN, dean of the School of Liberal Arts: “For the last 10 years or so, I have been a teacher and performer of Middle Eastern dance. I won the best belly dance competition in Atlanta in 2012 and came second in the Jewels of the South competition in 2013 (I lost points for forgetting to put on lipstick – oops!).”

DALE TAYLOR ’02, assistant director of admissions: “In high school, I played against NBA legend Kobe Bryant at an invitational camp. I got to guard him on defense (and that meant he had the pleasure of guarding me). My team lost in the final seconds – but only by two or three points.”

DAVE SMITH ’79, vice president for development and external affairs: “I was drafted by the New York Mets during my junior season at Siena. I had a brief career in the minor league system (I had a career batting average of .300). At the time, MLB Hall of Famer Willy Mays was our organization’s hitting coach.”

J BEBB, associate dean of students: “I ran track in high school and was a race walker my senior year. I’m pretty certain I did not win one race.”

ATHLETICS

THE NEW HOME FOR SIENA ATHLETICS The $13.5 million, multi-phase project which began just over two years ago is entering its final phase. Over the academic year, upgrades have included

CHRISTIAN TO LEAD MEN’S BASKETBALL PROGRAM

the completion of new strength and conditioning and sports medicine suites, as well as a new ARC event entrance and an overall outdoor facelift, which have

“Mayhem” is coming to the Capital Region.

mater. He guided them to a pair of

transformed the entirety of the south end of

Jamion Christian, whose exciting style of

NEC Tournament Championships

the facility.

play propelled Mount St. Mary’s University to

and NCAA Tournament appearances

success over his six seasons, was appointed the

in 2014 and 2017, highlighted by a

17th head coach in Siena basketball history

First Four victory over New Orleans

May 2.

in 2017.

“I was immediately drawn to Siena by its

“Jamion leads by putting

rich history of basketball excellence and high

the student athletes first, and

levels of achievement. I am looking forward

he demands that wins and

to bringing an exciting brand of basketball to

championships are earned with

the Capital Region, and building upon what

dignity. I’m elated for our student

is already a strong Siena basketball tradition.

athletes, for our community, and for

I love the passionate fan base, and I implore

Siena basketball fans everywhere,”

them to help amplify our style of play which is

said Br. Ed.

going to be a real problem for all opponents

The architect of “Mayhem,”

who enter the Times Union Center,” said

which features a pressure defense

Christian.

predicated on limiting threes and

The 36-year-old piloted the Mount to 101

an offense fueled by three-point

wins and a 67-39 (.632) record in the Northeast

shooting, Christian led the Mount to

Conference in six seasons leading his alma

an 18-14 overall record, including a

The 2,700 square-foot. strength and conditioning suite officially opened for the start of the school year. The facility includes free weights and platforms, as well as an artificial turf area for agility training.

tie for second place in the NEC with a 12-6 league mark this past season. Christian’s brand of basketball saw the Mountaineers lead the NEC and rank 19th nationally in threes (10.1), 34th in turnover margin (+2.7), and 49th in three-point field goal percentage (.379). Christian has set the bar high from day one for a storied Siena basketball program, which has made six NCAA Tournament appearances and won five MAAC Championships. “I’m excited to be the guy who’s going to push you guys to be the very best, and let’s be excited because we’re going to turn this page in Siena basketball, and we’re going to achieve our own set of history,” Christian said. “We’re going to set a new standard that has not been seen before.”

The new 2,800 square-foot sports medicine suite opened just after the start of the year. Features include hot and cold hydrotherapy pools, taping, treatment and rehabilitation areas, and a doctors’ exam room. The final phase of the project culminated shortly after Commencement, and features the enhancement of the fitness center in the MAC. Upgrades include the addition of an 8,725 square-foot second story to the Callanan Field House, with ample weight and cardio training equipment overlooking the picturesque Connors Park baseball field.

CHRISTIFULLI, KIBET CLAIM NCAA BERTHS A pair of Siena student athletes captured NCAA berths this spring. Golfer Michael Christifulli ’18 won the MAAC Individual Championship to qualify for the NCAA Tournament, while runner Evans Kibet ’20 became the first in program history to earn a spot in an NCAA event. Christifulli carded rounds of 69, 75, and 74 to win the individual title at the MAAC Championships held at Disney’s Magnolia Golf Course in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. The Arizona native became the Saints’ fifth McLeod Trophy recipient. Siena’s 2017-18 Male Student Athlete of the Year continued on to the NCAA Pacific Regional at The Reserve at Spanos Park in Stockton, California, where he finished his collegiate career strong by shooting a final round score of one-under 71. “One of Michael’s goals had

championship, and I could not have been more excited for him to accomplish that his senior year,” said head coach Steven Jensen. Kibet became the first Siena runner to compete in an NCAA Track Championship, running in the 800-meter race at the NCAA East Preliminary Championships in Tampa. The Kenyan standout qualified for the event by virtue of his 1:49.21 performance at the Army Twilight Meet, which placed him 31st in the East and 58th nationally. Kibet’s qualifying time marked the first sub1:50 performance in program history, and was the fastest outdoor 800-meter time in the MAAC since 2015. “Having Evans toe the line against

KIBET

the best in the NCAA this year was a big opportunity for our program and for Siena as a whole. I hope that his achievement shows all of our student athletes what’s possible at Siena,” explained head coach John Kenworthy.

always been to win the individual CHRISTIFULLI

SAINTS SECURE SCHOOL RECORD, MAAC LEADING NINE NCAA PUBLIC RECOGNITION AWARDS For the second straight year, Siena set a new school record and led the MAAC in NCAA Public Recognition Awards. Nine programs received the awards for achieving Academic Progress Rates (APR) in the top 10 percent of their sports nationally. Men’s cross country, men’s golf, men’s lacrosse, men’s tennis, men’s track, softball, women’s tennis, women’s track, and volleyball teams were all honored for their academic excellence. “Our student athletes are winning in the classroom with focused discipline, commitment, and sacrifice. Their academic successes are also shared by our coaches and staff,” said

Br. F. Edward Coughlin, O.F.M., Ph.D. The APR measures eligibility, graduation, and retention each semester or academic term, and provides a clear picture of the academic performance for each Division I team in every sport. This marks the eighth year in a row at least five Siena athletic programs have earned awards. The Saints’ men’s and women’s tennis teams were recognized for a milestone 10th consecutive year, while volleyball earned its fourth straight honor. Of special note: men’s lacrosse was one of just seven programs honored nationally in their sport.

NCAA PUBLIC RECOGNITION AWARDS MAAC Schools

SIENA – 9 Fairfield – 7 Canisius – 5 Marist – 5 Quinnipiac – 5 Iona – 4 Niagara – 4 Monmouth – 3 Manhattan – 2 Rider – 1 Saint Peter’s – 1

OUR ALUMNI

GOLUB LECTURE SERIES 2018: CHRISTOPHER BALDWIN ’85 Julianna Rauf ’19 CHRISTOPHER BALDWIN ’85 visited the College on April 9 for the

is nobody better at “being you than you.” He said to be

annual Lewis Golub Executive Lecture Series. He is currently

yourself, act with integrity, be empathetic, and look to serve

president and CEO of BJs Wholesale Club, as well as chairman

first – never underestimate your ability to drive change.

of the board of the National Retail Federation. Baldwin has previously held positions at Hess Retail Corporation, Procter and Gamble, Kraft Foods Group, and the

“At Siena I learned that empathy, the ability to see the world through someone else’s eyes and serve them, is everything. The question is how you’re going to use it.”

Hershey Company. Baldwin acknowledged he works in an industry rapidly transforming. But his experiences at Siena, as part of the working/middle class, and his community and family-

THE “ACCIDENTAL ENTREPRENEUR”

oriented nature, have led him to instill a culture of service within BJs Wholesale Club. “Service is all that really matters,” said Baldwin. “We will always make sure we are serving every constituency possible in the best way we know how. My job is to serve those people, those customers, and those communities. If I do that well, then we are doing just fine.” He provided advice to the audience about what they should consider as they develop their careers. He listed quantitative skills, strategic agility, digital fluency, and, most importantly, using watches not calendars, to track project success. “We aren’t looking to develop five-year plans anymore, we are looking to live in the present and go day-by-day. People should turn to their watches when thinking about timelines and deadlines instead of looking at monthly calendars.” Baldwin made sure to bring attention to the fact there

DANIEL J. RUTNIK ’80, founder and president of Bender Lane Advisory LLC, a multifamily wealth management company, was awarded Siena’s 2018 Entrepreneur of the Year. Rutnik founded Bender Lane in 2002 out of his Delmar home, and named it after the street where he lives. Bender Lane provides a range of financial services to a select group of wealthy families, as well as internal accounting and tax services to private investment partnerships. “My Siena education was fundamentally important to what I achieved in life,” said Rutnik.

2018 SPRING SCHOOL OF BUSINESS LECTURES J. DAVID BROWN, president and CEO of the Capital Region YMCA and former member of Siena’s Board of Trustees, challenged future business men and women to find their ‘why’—something Brown believes challenges a person to find their individuality to grow, and influence people around them. During his time serving on Siena’s Board, he found an opportunity to hone his ‘why’ and to help others find theirs.

As a brand marketer for most of her career, including coordinating with popular events such as Comic Con, SXSW, and the Puppy Bowl, CHRISTINE KERWICK WIKER ’78 told students marketing opportunities are endless. She emphasized that no matter which marketing avenue students decide to pursue, it is important to have good communication skills.

From Manhattan to Germany, from Italy to Greece, the career of NICHOLAS KONDOPRIAS ’89 has taken him around the globe. He came back to where it all began—Siena College—to share his wisdom with students. Kondoprias partnered with the founder of the Herakleidon Museum to establish the PAN Art Connections Inc., which focuses on the management of fine art and science based collections that can be exhibited in museums around the world. His passion and dedication to community outreach is evident through the founding of scholarships that have benefited thousands of students in Greece. “I’m still learning as I go. I don’t have all the answers yet - I don’t think I ever will… But [my wife and I] are really excited about making a difference, helping the world through art and education.”

TIM HASSETT ’86, CEO of TDBBS, Inc., returned to his alma mater in March to talk about his passion for exploration. While he has been at TDBBS, a pet treat and chews company, just over 100 days, he says he has learned more than he has in the last 10 years. “How you conduct yourself as you advance through your career will go at least as far as the technical mastery you will bring.”

NEW SCHOLARSHIPS: THE ALUM FROM ’81 SCHOLARSHIP THE CHRISTOPHER AMBROSE MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP THE PRUNTY FAMILY SCHOLARSHIP THE TRICIA A. CARNEY ’94 SCHOLARSHIP

THE 27TH ANNUAL SCHOLARSHIP DINNER The 27th Annual Scholarship Dinner was the largest

The Christopher Ambrose Memorial Scholarship was established by Frank ’85 and Sheila Ambrose to honor

in Siena history. Over 400 donors—representing 89

Frank’s brother and to help support Siena’s new

scholarships—and student recipients came together for

health studies program. The scholarship serves as a memorial to Christopher, who passed prematurely from Leukemia.

a great evening where donors were shown the impact of their scholarship gifts and students met those who make the Education for a Lifetime possible. “So Siena” was the theme. Coined by Shelby Wadsworth ’18, “So Siena” demonstrates the values and experiences that make Siena different. Students and donors celebrating the joys of being a Saint together— that’s “So Siena.”

THE CHRISTOPHER AMBROSE MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

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 or call 518-783-2432.

THE CLASS OF ’68 HAD A PLAN

FOR THEIR 50TH REUNION, 1968 ALUMNI RAISED A SIENA RECORD $1.1 MILLION CLASS GIFT (SEE PAGE 39).

estate plans. Ownership of the policy can be

gift or have already made arrangements for

planned giving opportunities.

assigned to Siena and the proceeds may be

Siena in your estate planning, please contact

—Charitable Gift Annuities: Several ’68

directed toward a scholarship, program, or

Director of Development Bradley Bodmer ’82,

donors capitalized on this opportunity. Siena

another area that resonates with the donor.

Esq. at bbodmer@siena.edu or 518-783-2432.

guarantees to pay the donor (and spouse) an

—Will Bequest: A major portion of the class gift

annual set sum for life.

has been promised for the future. This option

— Charitable IRA Rollover: Like the Class of ’68

allows a donor to make a gift today simply by

How did they do it? By taking advantage of

alumni, anyone 70 ½ or older can transfer up to adding a couple of sentences to their will. Donors who support Siena through a planned $100,000 directly from an IRA to Siena without incurring income tax, and this counts toward

gift are enrolled in the St. Francis Society, a

any required minimum distributions.

community of alumni, friends, faculty, and staff

— Life Insurance: In light of their 50th reunion,

who support the vision for Siena by including

several alumni determined an old life insurance

the College in their long-term financial and

policy was no longer a necessary piece of their

estate plans. If you are interested in a planned

2017-18 ANNUAL FUND: A GOAL-SHATTERING SUCCESS! Thank you to all who supported the 2017-18 Annual Fund. Your generosity contributed to the second-best year in Siena Annual Fund history! Together, we raised a grand total of $1,930,412 – that’s more than $55,000 in excess of the goal. A special acknowledgment to all members of the President’s Circle. The Annual Fund depends on your leadership and your commitment to Siena’s mission. Anyone can join the President’s Circle with an entry level gift of $1,500 and receive a quarterly letter from the President as well as other benefits reserved exclusively for President’s Circle donors! To make a gift to the 2018-19 Annual Fund or to become a member of the President’s Circle, email annualfund@siena.edu or call 518-783-2461. You can also make your gift online at siena.edu/makeagift.

1 ALUMNI CONNECTION 1. A LOOK BEHIND THE SCENES A delegation of Siena students took a day trip to

Jim Foster ’76, hosted an alumni reception at his

Manhattan on May 4 to learn from Michael Dempsey ‘83,

restaurant, the Selwyn Avenue Pub. He welcomed

currently a senior fellow at the Council on Foreign

alumni and students back open with arms—and his

Relations.

famous pizza.

Dempsey knows his subject well. He previously worked in the White House as acting director of national intelligence. He was President Obama’s primary intelligence briefer, and he represented the intelligence community on the National Security Council and in congressional testimony. The trip was led by Leonard Cutler, Ph.D., professor of

More than 80 Siena alumni and friends gathered in January at the New York Athletic Club to share memories and to celebrate the 40th ordination

political science at Siena.

anniversary of Fr. Jerome Massimino, O.F.M.

2. A TOAST TO THE CLASS OF 2018

J. Massimino, O.F.M. Scholarship, Siena alumni and

As Senior Week rolled into Commencement Weekend, the annual Champagne Toast reception symbolized the

With a goal to raise $40,000 for The Fr. Jerome friends far exceeded all expectations. “I owe so much to Fr. Jerome and Siena,” was

transition from student to alumni life for Siena seniors.

the repeated message as gifts poured in. By the

This event has also become a perfect opportunity to

end of the event, a total of $70,500 was raised

celebrate the completion of a successful Senior Class Gift

for the scholarship, which awards students with

Campaign. The Class of 2018 raised a single-year Senior

financial need who are active participants in school

Gift campaign record of $21,423!

activities and value the Franciscan charism of

3. AT HOME DOWN SOUTH Jake Hill ‘09, associate director of alumni relations,

service to others. Fr. Jerome worked at Siena from 1978 to 1990, first as director of the campus ministry and then

led a group of 11 students on a spring break Habitat for

as director of development for special projects. He

Humanity trip to Charlotte, North Carolina. They built a

is a former member of the Siena College Board of

shed, installed baseboard trim and window sills, painted,

Advisors and Board of Trustees .

and handled chop saws, circular saws, jigsaws, and more. Ken Dedrick ‘69 brought lunch to the jobsite, picked up a hammer and joined in.

4. CELEBRATING FR. JEROME’S 40 YEARS

5. ALL IN THE FAMILY Siena is a family affair for the DeFilippis. Ron ’73 and Patti ’75 met as students while on campus; their sons Chris ’02, and Kevin ’04 and Kevin’s wife Rosemary ”Rosie” ’04 are all graduates.

Siena plays such a special part in this family’s history that Kevin and Rosie even named their daughter Siena! So, it is no surprise that when the idea of hosting an event for alumni came up, the family welcomed their fellow Saints with open arms. They hosted close to 30 Saints, spanning all generations at Ron’s Office, Mills & DeFilippis, CPA LLP in Randolph, New Jersey, for an afternoon of memories and stories.

FROM STUDENT TO MENTOR Abigail August ’19 The 31st annual High School Programming Contest, sponsored and hosted by Siena’s Computer Science department, took place on campus April 13 with the helping hand of Tony Civitella ’91. Due to an increase of interest over the years, Jim Matthews, professor of mathematics and computer science, knew he would need a sponsor to continue hosting the competition. Matthews was able to find the perfect person for the job. Civitella is president and CEO of Transfinder, a global logistics software company providing intelligent solutions to municipalities, schools, and adult care facilities. But, 29 years ago, Civitella actually attended the 2nd annual programming contest while in high school. It was the perfect pairing—Civitella and Transfinder became supporters of the program. More than 160 high school students from 43 teams participated in the contest. They were challenged to work together to complete solutions to seven problem sets. Teamwork was the theme of the day where 160 students, 12 computer science faculty members, more than 50 Siena students, and Civitella came together to celebrate their love of computer science.

NEW AWARD CELEBRATES YOUNG ALUMNI The G.O.L.D. (Graduates of the Last Decade) Standard Award, will annually recognize five young alumni for extraordinary achievements in their careers, service to the community and/or engagement with Siena College. Nominees must have graduated from Siena within the past 10 years and may only receive the award once. Gold Standard award winners must embody Siena’s mission and values, and demonstrate the distinct value of a Siena degree. Nominations will be taken in July through September. Winners will be announced in mid-October. Visit siena.edu/goldaward to nominate your peers.

UNITED NATIONS OF SIENA

(from L-R) Ismete Cake, Laura Forgea, Sugam Langer, Perla Terrero, and Jamaree Stinson in New Orleans

They call themselves the United Nations of Siena.

jokes, referring to India (her native country), Albania (Cake)

The union was formed in 2003 and strengthened through

and the Dominican Republic (Terrero).

variety performances, world travel, and endless hours of ‘Saga sitting.’ Ismete Cake, Laura Forgea, Sugam Langer, Jamaree Stinson and Perla Terrero – all 2007 graduates – took different paths to and from Siena, but their formative experiences

After their last trip that the group decided they wanted to find a way to give back to the place that gave them so much. They pooled their resources and contacted Siena’s development office to announce an initial joint gift to the College. “We want this to serve as an inspiration and to show our

under the dome binded them forever. Now, with a joint gift

support for the many diverse faces that flourished at Siena,”

to the

Langer said. “We know we can do more in the future, but we

College, they’re determined to make sure others have the

figured this will be a good start to ‘get our feet wet’ and to

same opportunities.

reconnect with the community.”

“Three of us were not even born in this country,” Forgea noted. “The relationships we made at Siena taught me more than I could ever learn in the classroom.” Life has taken the lively quintet to opposite ends of the

Siena opened doors that weren’t initially easy to walk through, but there’s been no turning back. “The first time I arrived on campus was a bit of culture shock,” Terrero said. “But I always felt it was a community

country - from Terrero’s job as Nestle’s manager of corpo-

where you could safely explore different environments. There

rate talent in New York City to Langer’s managing consultant

were so many opportunities to comingle and embrace people

position for Navigant in Los Angeles - yet they still find time

of different backgrounds.”

to get together each year to catch up and relive their college days. The annual ‘UN Summit’ has made its way to Las Vegas, Miami, New Orleans, and, most recently, Atlanta. “Our goal is to one day visit the motherlands,” Langer

Opportunities that feel especially relevant today. “Given the current state of our world, it is so important for young people to gain perspective and empathy for others,” Forgea said. “That’s what the Siena experience is all about.”

REUNION Over 700 attended events throughout the weekend! Family and friends of all ages enjoyed celebrating, reminiscing and catching up with old friends.

The Sprit of ’68

The Class of ’68 memorably marked its 50th Reunion this summer by making the largest single year class gift in Siena history. They had hoped to be the first class to raise more than $1 million. By Reunion Weekend, 83 members of the Class of ‘68 collectively gifted $1,110,389 to the College. Sixty of the 260 graduates have passed away, including John Dawson ’68. But it was his eternal commitment to Siena that made this seven-figure gift possible. “When we found out last year that John had left Siena over $400,000, and when we assessed our leadership gifts, we found we were close to $800,000,” said Jerry DeFrancisco ’68. “We decided we wanted to be the first ‘million dollar class.’ And our classmates stepped up and made it happen.” “We didn’t have specific courses on Franciscan values in the 60s, but those values permeated all our classes.” said DeFranciscio. “I counted 48 friars in our yearbook, and their lessons and examples have had a profound impact on all of us. It’s amazing how many of us have been involved in social causes and non-profits that keep the Franciscan tradition alive.” The Class was awarded both Reunion Cups for highest number of class members attending Reunion, as well as their generosity.

For the first time, Reunion Weekend included a group alumni wedding vow renewal. Led by Fr. Larry Anderson, our alumni couples celebrated at the Grotto with Br. Ed.

q 2018 DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI AWARDS: (L-R) Sean Figy ’08, MD, The Franciscan Spirit Award; Ann Malagisi Dejnozka ’93, The Fr. Ben Kuhn Award for Service to the College Kuhn Award for Service to the College Community; Jan Traynor MacDonnell ’83, The Professor

A group of Saints pose with

Community; Br. Ed; Joe Corr ’73, The Fr. Ben

the new interactive sign near Lonnstrom Dining Hall.

Joseph Buff Award for Career Achievement; Danielle Grasso ’08, The Franciscan Spirit Award; Tom Mazzarelli ’93, The Professor Joseph Buff Award for Career Achievement.

Chris Madden ‘77 hosted the “Sons of the Desert” golf outing during Reunion Weekend at Schuyler Meadows Club.

The Class of ’13 enjoying a warm embrace on the Paddock.

q FEATURED WEEKEND EVENTS: •Alumni golf tournament at Briar Creek Golf Course •Class of 1968 50th Reunion dinner •All-alumni welcome back party •President’s brunch and distinguished alumni awards •Alumni and family picnic •Campus tours •Craft beer tasting sponsored by four alumni brewers •Class of ‘08 (10th) and Class of ‘93 (25th) reunion receptions •All-alumni party under the tent with music and dancing •Alumni and family Mass celebrated by Fr. Brian Jordan ‘78, O.F.M.

•Music provided by three alumni bands

Want to be kept up to date on the latest news, events and opportunities? 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.

Siena’s senior class in 1968 gifted the College new entrance signs. The old signs, therefore, were no longer of any use to the College — at least that was the logic of classmates and best friends Jim Clement (left) and Tom Hanley (right). So, just prior to Commencement, and with the help of their then girlfriends (and now wives), they set out under the cover of darkness to swipe the Siena property. They figured no one would mind. And then the Colonie police showed up. They talked their way out of trouble and made off with the signs — which the now retired teachers kept for the next 50 years. On the eve of their 50th reunion, they returned the signs to Siena.

TOM MAZZARELLI ’93 CO-EXECUTIVE PRODUCER OF THE TODAY SHOW

ly talking to the anchors and director, changing things on the fly. It’s pretty intense and pretty pressure-packed.

HOMETOWN: NEW WINDSOR, NY

LASTING MEMORIES FROM THE SHOW?

MAJOR: HISTORY

I was here for the Bush/Gore election,

HOW DID YOU END UP WORKING FOR THE TODAY SHOW?

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

and September 11. I’ve been all around the world courtesy of this job – North Korea, Saudi Arabia, multiple countries

It was a long and circuitous route here.

in Europe, and dozens of states. I’ve

After Siena I interned at CNN, courte-

covered the Olympics, Super Bowls – all

sy of Siena graduate Sue Bennett ’82.

because of this job. It’s really remark-

I met her at an event on campus as a

able. One experience that really stands

sophomore in the days when you took

out: We flew to France and boarded

a business card. She helped me land

the USS Theodore Roosevelt, crossed

the internship in Washington, D.C.

back across the Atlantic and got off in

and I credit her with giving me my

Virginia. We wanted to broadcast the

first break. I ended up getting a job at

homecoming for troops who had fought

CNN and then, as often happens in this

in the invasion of Iraq. In order to do

business, a co-worker got a job at NBC

that, we needed to get the equipment

in New York and I followed her there.

and everybody on board because you

My first job was with MSNBC – I started

can’t just chopper out there in the

there as a researcher working on the

middle of the Atlantic. The trip took

Keith Olbermann show and ended up

about 10 days and we got to spend time

working on Hardball before getting the

with the soldiers and obviously capture

job with the “Today” show.

that moment when they were greeted

WHAT WOULD SURPRISE PEOPLE ABOUT YOUR JOB?

by loved ones who hadn’t seen them in months. It’s one of those things you’ll never forget.

Everybody always asks me about my hours. I get up at 2:45 a.m. and I’m

FAVORITE SIENA MEMORY

logged in for our first conference call at

I look back fondly on my time at Siena,

3:45. At 4 a.m. I’m at my desk and ready

I met my wife, Caryn Mautner ’94, and

to go. I often joke that I live in a state of

a ton of friends. We all remain pretty

perpetual exhaustion. But who would do

close to this day. One of the best things

that if they didn’t love their job – and I

about Siena in terms of why it remains

do. The “Today” show is unique because

a big part of who I am is the way you

it covers everything from Syria to syrup

learn – it’s a liberal arts education.

over the course of a couple hours. Ev-

You have to learn a lot about a lot.

erything else on TV is really niche now.

That mindset and approach is still a

We can do politics and hard news in the

big part of what I do now. You don’t

first hour and by the end of the show

know what’s coming next – could be

do a concert in the Plaza. My job entails

pop culture, terror, politics, etc. You

everything from story selection to how

have to learn balance and how to adjust

we stack the show. Once we’re on air,

on the fly. It is a testament to a Siena

I’m in the control room – it’s kind of

education that you can start as a history

like air traffic control. I’m constant-

major and end up producing the “Today” show.

FAVORITES SIENA PROFESSOR: Dr. Jim Harrison CLASS AT SIENA: The Greek and Roman Civilization courses I took with Dr. Rice SPORTS TEAM: I’m a huge Yankees fan and have been all my life PLACE TO TRAVEL: Italy MUSICAL ARTIST: Pearl Jam MOVIE: “Midnight Run” FOOD: Pizza LOCATION ON CAMPUS: The original townhouses. I think a big part of the reason Siena people stay so close is everyone is together for four years. It lends itself to a sense of community that I think most schools don’t have.

UNPACKED

YUMI KAGEYAMA ’19 MARKETING MAJOR HIGH HEELS.

TAKE-OUT MENUS.

GOLD MEDAL.

I truly believe when you look good, you feel

The bane of my existence! I LOVE eating

I won gold at the 2018 New York State

good! I 100 percent embrace the fact that

out (or bringing the food in). My favorites

Taekwondo Championships! It was my first

I’m a female entrepreneur with two start-

are pizza and wings or sushi, but I enjoy

competition fully recovered from an ACL

ups: a Taekwondo school, Risen Taekwondo

trying new places and new foods!

reconstruction surgery. Speaking of titles -—

(no, not a family business!) and an advanced

this spring, I had the honor of hosting Korean

technology startup, Solar Snow Solutions.

National Team member Suji Kang at my

I love pitching ideas in heels (perhaps

Taekwondo school. Kang is a four-time world

because I’m short and the heels boost

champion!

my height and my confidence)!

MY MANY PROTÉGÉS. My priorities are God, family and friends, then me. I consider my students among family and friends. The three core pillars of Risen Taekwondo are: Fitness (building physical and mental strength), Community (learning in a positive environment), and Discipline (gaining confidence through strength in character). I am so proud of my students for pushing each other to be the best versions of themselves.

THE PROTOTYPE. Solar Snow Solutions is a snow and ice removal system. The advanced technology mat melts snow and ice from driveways and other asphalt surfaces. I’m very excited to be accepted to the IgniteU Summer Accelerator Program. It’ll be an opportunity to take Solar Snow Solutions to the next phase!

SUMMER READING. I’m an avid reader and when I get the chance, I can read a couple hundred pages in a matter of hours. However, during the academic year, I don’t have as much time to read for myself. This summer, I’m excited to dive into (and learn from) some entrepreneurship books I’ve been setting aside!

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

A NEW WAY TO EXPLORE SIENA If you’ve visited Siena.edu recently, you may notice a difference—a huge difference. Over the last year, a Siena team has been working on a website redevelopment project. With the help of our partners at Fastspot, we have designed a web experience that is laser-focused on the user—helping them find exactly what they want and need.

HERE IS A LOOK INTO SOME KEY FEATURES OF THE NEW SIENA.EDU: • The new design introduced through a dynamic, responsive homepage allows us to tell the Siena story in more powerful ways.

• Clicking on the strategically placed, tucked away menu directs users to five prominent links aimed at our primary audiences, along with secondary options that quickly get other frequent visitors where they need to go. • Innovative components allow our web editors to display their content in unique and eye-catching ways. • Interactive Find Bar that streamlines navigation.

SEE PAGE 18