Siena News, Summer 2022

SIENA A MAGAZINE FOR ALUMNI AND FRIENDS • SUMMER 2022

LEADING THE WAY

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INSIDE: - STRATEGIC PLAN 2022-2027

- CELEBRATING THE CLASS OF 2022

-REUNION WEEKEND -WELCOME TO THE RING OF HONOR

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For the third year in a row, Siena College has been voted Best College in the Capital Region by readers of the Albany Times Union. This annual poll is a huge hit with area residents, who nominate and then vote for their favorite local restaurants, bands, shops and more.

Thank you for your support and for making us #1 once again!

The front cover artwork of a young St. Francis of Assisi is a sketch of a statue that will be displayed at the new Patricia Gioia Hall, expected to be completed this summer. This art was created by John Collier, and appears on the cover of our new strategic plan Leading the Way.

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BOARD OF TRUSTEES

8 CONGRATS TO THE CLASS OF 2022 14 DREAM BIG!

Thomas J. Baldwin, Jr. ’81, Chair Thomas L. Amell ’89 Ronald E. Bjorklund ’85 J. David Brown Thomas J. Burke, Jr. Susan Law Dake H’21 Virginia L. Darrow ’83 John P. Finneran, Jr. ’81 Fr. James G. Gannon, O.F.M. Christopher P. Gibson ’86, Ph.D. Paul L. Gioia, Esq. Jason A. Gottlieb ’92 John R. Held ’80, Esq. Steven L. Lamy ’73, Ph.D. Br. Walter J. M. Liss, O.F.M.

Fr. Erick Lopez, O.F.M. Jan Traynor MacDonnell ’83 Joanne E. Maloy ’80 Mallory B. Massry ’07 Tehresa M. Massena ’14 Burgandy-Leigh McCurty ’10 William P. McGoldrick, ’68 Lisa J. Moser ’97 Rev. Kevin J. Mullen ’75, O.F.M., Ph.D. Patricia A. Nashelsky ’89, Esq. John J. Nigro H’13 Nipa Nobel Daniel J. Rutnik ’80, Esq. Lewis A. Steverson ’87, Esq. Br. Basil J. Valente ’84, O.F.M.

SIENA NEWS – SUMMER 2022

13 A TRADITION OF KINGS ON CAMPUS

Published by: Siena College 15 Loudon Road, Loudonville, NY 12211-1462 communications@siena.edu • Publisher: Jason Rich ’98 • Editor: Julia Hess Zielinski ’15 • Contributing Editors: Taylor Ball, Brad Bodmer ’82, Mike Demos, Joe Frumusa ’12, Dr. Chris Gibson ’86, Beth Hazelton ’16, Kaitlyn MacLeod ’09, Clare McCrudden ’21, Joe Mixie, Brandon Murphy ’17, Kelly O’Donnell, Jason Rich ’98, Mike Utzig ’07, Mary Kate Weaver ’16, Lisa Witkowski and Cherisse Young ‘96 • Art Director and Design: Sergio Sericolo, M.F.A. • Assistant Director of Development Marketing and Alumni Engagement Design: Taylor Ball • Photography: Taylor Ball, Andy Murphy ’17, Siena Athletics, Siena College Alumni, Joe Frumusa ’12, Sergio Sericolo.

• Video Production: Dave Etzler

30 WELCOME TO THE RING OF HONOR

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26 REUNION WEEKEND

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SAMUEL HEARN ’23 3

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FROM THE PRESIDENT Siena College is leading the way in liberal arts higher education. This is evidenced by solid rankings, strong enrollment, secure financial footing, and the beauty of our expanding campus. To reinforce these positive trends and put our College on a sustainable road to the future, we are very pleased to announce the approval of Leading the Way: The Strategic Plan 2022-2027.

From start to finish, the development of this plan was a team effort. Detailed and informed input was sought from trustees, faculty, staff, administrators, friars, students and alumni, which was then forged into four key pillars that uphold our plan and reinforce our mission:

EDUCATION. EXPERIENCE. COMMUNITY. REPUTATION. These pillars helped us prioritize the College’s resources and goals, and ultimately develop the objectives and tactics that will help us achieve them. Our vision for Siena College provides the foundation for these pillars:

EDUCATION – Our College is the standard of excellence in educating and developing leaders who will build a more just, peaceful and humane world.

EXPERIENCE – Our students experience a transformative journey featuring exceptional student-faculty engagement and life-changing opportunities. Our graduates are sought-after change agents who make a positive difference in their professions and communities.

COMMUNITY – Our community is inclusive and vibrant. We attract a diverse population of students, faculty, friars and staff who are committed to academic excellence, engaged relationships, and serving the greater good.

REPUTATION – Our College is thriving. We are in high demand and nationally recognized for the dynamic and extraordinary experiences that define our Education for a Lifetime.

I would like to express my gratitude to everyone involved in the extensive and comprehensive development process of the new strategic plan over the past year and a half. Leading the Way is a blueprint for a successful and thriving future, but no plan, no matter how carefully and intentionally crafted, can guarantee success. For that, we look to the continued support and commitment of our entire Siena community: the 4,500 members of our campus community and our 40,000 alumni around the world.

Sincerely,

Christopher P. Gibson ’86, Ph.D., President 4

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LEADING THE WAY: THE STRATEGIC PLAN 2022-2027 Over the next five years, our College will evolve to best help students reach their full potential and enhance their joy during their time at Siena. We will continue to offer a broad liberal arts education, while maintaining our position as the number one college in New York state for job placement. We will look to the market to determine professional growth fields such as the caring sciences, and respond by molding its future leaders. Those leadership competencies will be steeped in Franciscan tradition, because after all, the world needs more Saints.

EDUCATION

We will…

• Develop innovative, in-demand educational opportunities aligned with the needs of our students, employers, society, and mission to create leaders who will build a more just, peaceful, and humane world.

• Enhance educational experiences by adding, upgrading, and maintaining facilities that stimulate innovation in academic programs and pedagogy delivery.

• Attract, retain, and support excellent faculty in all departments and programs.

EXPERIENCE

We will…

• Enhance and expand opportunities for engagement while ensuring broad and active participation.

• Foster a relationship-focused, action-oriented Siena experience strengthened through our Franciscan identity that inspires collaboration, personal growth, and empathy, opening doors to life-changing encounters and experiences that connect Saints to Siena forever.

• Reorganize and centralize resources to prioritize the Siena Experience, strengthen and inspire our workforce, and maximize efficiencies.

• Explore ways to better organize the administrative structure of the College to enhance student experience. Initiate processes to inspire innovation in our workforce. Utilize assessments, tools and strategies to inform decision-making.

COMMUNITY

We will…

• Build a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community where everyone is respected and included, experiences a genuine sense of belonging, and can reach their full potential.

• Ensure every stakeholder has knowledge of, and a deep appreciation for, the Franciscan tradition. Mission is a priority that is woven into all aspects of campus life.

• Foster the well-being of our campus community through a holistic support system that is grounded in our mission.

REPUTATION

We will…

• Develop, support and implement a comprehensive, institutional marketing strategy to achieve revenue goals and high-demand status.

• Expand and amplify the Siena brand to build demand, awareness and recognition.

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GIVE MY REGARDS, IN PERSON, TO BROADWAY Theatres were finally open following the pandemic shutdown, and Siena’s Broadway Theatre Experience class was in town March 11-13 to see four productions: Neil Simon’s “Plaza Suite”, the revival of Stephen Sondheim’s classic “Company”, and recent Tony Award winners “Take Me Out” and “Come from Away”.

In addition to the performances, the 10 students had brunch with some Broadway designers who are now back to work after a long hiatus.

“Broadway theatre was the most beautiful experience of exposure to such timeless entertainment. I was completely blown away by the plays I got to see, as well as the energy of being immersed in New York City. I look

forward to taking advantage of this opportunity again in the future and spending time with such wonderful faculty,” said Jaime Cochran ’25.

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AROUND TOWN A LESSON IN FINE DINING Imagine you’re sitting down to an important business dinner. It’s a formal setting so there are multiple forks, spoons, knives and glasses. Which ones do you use and when? Where do you place your napkin, and what’s the right thing to do with your utensils when you’re done eating? And before dinner even gets started, what’s the right way to work the room at the reception? How do you introduce yourself to new business contacts and make small talk? Is it OK to check your phone?

To help Siena students navigate those waters, the College’s newly-formed Student Presidential Leadership Council (SPLC) hosted its first-ever event, an “etiquette dinner.” Krysta Dennis, Ph.D., creative arts producer, coached 28 students in business attire on proper networking and dinner etiquette.

The SPLC originated in the president’s office to foster personal and professional development of

emerging leaders through leadership trainings and the coordination of professional development events centered in Siena’s Franciscan values.

“The overarching goal of the council sees members operationalizing their professional development skills and insights with diverse leadership perspectives in the Siena and larger community,” said Sam Hearn ’23. (Learn more about Sam on page 43.)

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SAINTS CELEBRATE SIENAFEST Our Saints say Siena’s end of the academic year festival is all about…

“Getting free food, hanging out with friends, playing cornhole.”

That’s all part of the experience, but Sienafest is more than that, it’s…

“Remarkable, memorable; honestly I have no words.”

Well, that almost captures it! But, how about...

“Sienafest is the best day of my entire life!”

STANDING WITH UKRAINE Cristian Spariosu ’23, a student with many familial ties to Ukraine, joined a panel of faculty on March 9 in the pop-up presentation “Ukraine: What Led to the Invasion, and Where Do Things Go From Here?” One of the advantages of being part of a college community: during times of great political and social upheaval, the campus can easily connect with faculty and student colleagues to learn and to share experiences.

Siena also held a prayer service in the Grotto the following week. The campus welcomed Fr. Mikhail Myshchuk, the pastor at St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Church in Watervliet, to stand in prayer and solidarity with the people of Ukraine. Foy Hall on campus was vibrantly lit in blue and yellow that night.

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CELEBRATING THE C Siena College’s Class of 2022 celebrated their accomplishments with two separate ceremonies, capping off a weekend of celebratory activities.

Charles F. Seifert, Ph.D., who is finishing his term as dean of the School of Business, was the featured speaker at the May 14 graduate ceremony in the UHY Center on campus.

Seventy-six master’s degrees in accounting and business administration were awarded.

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E CLASS OF 2022 The following day, the College awarded 748 bachelor’s degrees at MVP Arena in Albany. The College conferred an honorary doctorate of humane letters on Br. Michael A. Perry, O.F.M., (bottom right) former minister general of the Order of Friars Minor and the 120th successor of St. Francis of Assisi. Br. Michael also delivered the Commencement address: “Remember always to love what you do, love why you are doing it, love whom you are doing it for and love who you are becoming while doing it.”

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GRADUATE COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY The Class of 2022 graduates of Siena’s master of science in accounting, master of business administration, and advanced certificate programs celebrated their achievements in a Commencement ceremony in the Siena UHY Center on May 14.

HEOP CLASS OF 2022 Siena is proud to have one of the best Higher Education Opportunity Programs in the state of New York. Our HEOP students graduate at a rate higher than both state and national averages.

BALDWIN NURSING PROGRAM PINNING AND AWARDS CEREMONY The Baldwin Nursing Program Pinning and Awards Ceremony honored graduates with their nursing pin.

The winners of the Siena Future Nurse Leader Award, Engaged Heart Award and the Servant Leadership Award were also recognized.

ACADEMIC AWARDS CEREMONY

This awards ceremony recognized the outstanding scholastic accomplishments and other special achievements of members of the Class of 2022.

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BACCALAUREATE LITURGY The Siena friars offer a final blessing to the graduates, a time of prayer, reflection and gathering to celebrate the Class of 2022. Fr. Larry Anderson, OFM, Siena’s chaplain, presided over the Mass in the Siena UHY Center.

MOHAWK ARMY ROTC’S 2022 COMMISSIONING CLASS The Mohawk Battalion Army ROTC commissioning ceremony represents a culmination of four years of leadership training and academic excellence.

ALANA and LAVENDER

The Damietta Cross-Cultural Center hosts a pre-commencement commemoration to celebrate the accomplishments of graduating students of LGBTQ+ and ALANA identities (African-American/Black, Latina/o, Hispanic, Asian/Pacific Islander, Indigenous/Native American and other students of color) as well as allies.

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READ ALL ABOUT IT: IN THE NEWS

Dmitry Burshteyn, Ph.D

Quinn Murphy ‘23

Teaching U.S. history in the classroom has become politicized, often sparking contentious debates at school board meetings across the country. Ideas of critical race theory, which are sometimes misunderstood, seem to rest at the fault lines of these arguments. In his essay “Truths of U.S. history are teachable and possible,” published March 13 in the Albany Times Union, President Chris Gibson ’86, Ph.D. dissects the debate and offers a perspective from his own classroom.

Dmitry Burshteyn, Ph.D., associate professor of psychology, was born and raised in Ukraine, and shared his perspective on the invasion and alleged war crimes with local NPR affiliate WAMC, as well as Spectrum News and News10 ABC. “Day and night, I’m completely immersed in this,” he said. “The Ukrainian people are resilient. They want to be a part of Western political culture, and they aspire to the same values of liberty, freedom, and democracy that are important to Americans.”

The podcast “Message Traffic,” produced by the New York Center for Foreign Policy Affairs, interviewed Vera Eccarius- Kelly, Ph.D., professor of political science, about the Ukrainian refugee crisis. “The conception that refugees are always an economic burden is actually incorrect. We are desperate for people to come to our areas and work in industry in various sectors. So, they have really helped us.”

Quinn Murphy ‘23 applied for a job that he was hoping to do concurrently with his studies: mayor of Kinderhook,

Baloo

N.Y. The political science major was on the ballot, but finished second in the voting. News10 ABC covered the election and Murphy’s near miss. “I’m here for the people of Kinderhook above all. Win or lose, I’ll always be here for Kinderhook. I’ve got big aspirations for sure.”

Mo Hannah, Ph.D., professor of psychology, is the founder of the annual Battered Mothers Custody Conference, which provides guidance and support for mothers facing custody battles in the family court system.

The event was promoted by Newschannel 13, which interviewed Hannah on the topic: “I hear so much from people who come to the conference that the greatest thing they derive from it is a sense of connection with others and the validation of their experience.”

Siena’s Title IX office joined forces with St. Peter’s Health Partners and dozens of students to pack 500 care bags for survivors of sexual assault. The sheer volume of bags underscores an alarming uptick in sexual assault cases, as noted in the News10 ABC story. The bags were packed with personal essentials and messages of encouragement from Siena Saints – a hopeful reminder that there are people in the community who care for them.

Baloo, Siena’s beloved St. Bernard mascot, earned plenty of TV time during the MAAC basketball tournament in Atlantic City, and his star continues to rise. He was featured in a recent episode of DogCenter on AKC.TV. The lead story in an all sports-themed episode explored Baloo’s impact on the Siena campus and the fear he helped a family member overcome.

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A TRADITION OF KINGS ON CAMPUS

“That speech was an indelible part of my upbringing and it sustains me still,” said the man who is now a global humanitarian in his own right.

King spoke May 3 at the UHY Center on “Strengthening the Bonds of Racial Justice,” which echoed Siena’s commitment to diversity and inclusion. He was also awarded an honorary doctor of humane letters. It was the College’s 35th annual Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King Lecture.

King was 10 when his father was assassinated in 1968 in Memphis, Tennessee. His family, led by their late mother Coretta Scott King, has carried on the work of making lasting change for social justice in the United States and throughout the world.

With the civil rights movement in America far from over, King asked the audience to “serve humanity as a force for peace and justice.”

Latasha Deidrick ’23 introduced King at the start of his talk.

“This past year, our nation has confronted social injustice, violence and confusion around the global pandemic,” she said. “In fact, perhaps at no other time in our recent history has our world needed the clear thinking and solutions-oriented voice of Martin Luther King the Third.”

King was the third member of his iconic family to speak at Siena: his mother addressed the Siena community in 1986 when she was awarded an honorary doctor of laws degree. His sister, the Rev. Bernice King, spoke in 2002.

“I was so proud of the speech my dad had given. I knew it was special – a watershed moment in American history. Never before had I heard a leader articulate what he did.”

The “dad” to whom the speaker was referring was civil rights icon Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. The speech? The iconic “I Have A Dream” address at the 1963 March on Washington. The son who was so inspired by those stirring words? Martin Luther King III, who was the featured speaker at the annual Siena lecture series event that bears his parents’ names.

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PAWKET VET WINS THE CAPITAL CUP Meghan Brewer ’22 and her Pawket Vet app lets pet owners check in virtually with a vet to see if an in-office visit is needed, or if the necessary treatment can be obtained over the counter, or with time and TLC. She won the Capital District regional semifinals of the New York Business Plan Competition at the University at Albany.

Brewer, who received a $1,500 check for her Capital Cup victory, was previously a Siena Spark Tank winner in fall 2020.

Her family’s pets were the inspiration for her invention.

“I’m really passionate about animals and wanted to create a product that reflects that passion,” she said. “Pawket Vet is a service that lets people do a quick check-in from home so they can get a simple answer from a real vet about their pet’s care, without necessarily having to go into the office for an appointment.”

The 2022 NYBPC features regional competitions in 10 different zones throughout New York state. There are six different product tracks at regionals, and the winners of those six tracks at the Capital District event compete for the Capital Cup.

Brewer with Antonio Civitella ’91, president and CEO of Transfinder and Mike Hickey ’83, executive director of Siena’s Stack Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship

HOTSPOTTING FOR THE SUPER-UTILIZERS Hotspotting is a health care method aimed at reducing costs while improving patient health and experience. It works by identifying “super-utilizers” (those with frequent hospital visits or admissions), and provides hands-on, individualized interventions for patients with complex social and health care needs.

To examine how hotspotting works and strengthen the understanding of how interdisciplinary care is important to patient outcomes, Siena developed its first ever complex care team this academic year, comprised of six students: two each from nursing, health studies and social work.

The idea was introduced to Siena by Jenna Thate, Ph.D., associate professor of nursing and department chair.

Zoey Hall ’22 and Liz Wolaver ‘22 represented nursing; Nicole Potenza ’23 and Jacob Schoff ’23 represented social work; and Brady Olsen ’22 and Amy Peguillan ’22 represented health studies.

Elisa Martin, Ph.D., associate professor of social work and department chair, and Daniel White, Ph.D., director of health professions/health studies, helped Thate co-direct the team and noted that the high-impact experience was done on top of the students’ regular for-credit studies.

“These are students who are very invested in their own learning,” said Martin. “Siena’s team is also one of the few in the country made up entirely of undergrads; most of the other teams have mostly graduate students.”

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HABITAT FOR ANNALYN Five vans full of Siena students traveled to the Carolinas to participate in a week of homebuilding for Habitat for Humanity during the College’s spring break.

Annalyn Footman works two jobs to support her growing family that includes a seven-year-old daughter and a baby boy. She’s long dreamt of a yard and a safe place for her daughter to play. A group of Siena students were there when the dream became reality. At a home dedication ceremony on March 25, Habitat for Humanity Georgetown County, South Carolina turned the keys to its 113th home over to Annalyn.

The Saints helped to build and transport some of the walls to Annalyn’s new home from the construction shop to the build site, and in the days preceding the dedication, they worked at other Habitat sites around Georgetown, including the organization’s first-ever energy efficient cottage for retirees. The students laid sod around the house, planted trees, painted, and put up fences, among other tasks.

“This was my first-ever Habitat trip, and it was such a memorable experience! The people I went on this trip with made the experience what it was, and I’m grateful to them all! I hope to go on another in the future if I can!” said Angeline Jacob ‘24.

Concerned it’s all work and no play for the Saints? Don’t be. The students were on spring break after all! When they weren’t planting, painting, or pruning, they found plenty to do — entertaining themselves with laser tag and a trampoline park.

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VERY STUD E Y-

EVERY STUD Y-

HAS A STO T R EN

AS A S T TH O R EN

AMAL FAHEEM ’23 developed a sixth sense as a child

after she was betrayed by one of her original five. She was born perfectly healthy — it wasn’t until she was a year-anda-half old that her parents discovered something wasn’t quite perfect. Amal was born 90 percent deaf. She can make out sounds, faintly, but it’s as if the volume on life is turned so far down it’s nearly set to mute.

Amal learned American Sign Language (ASL) as a co-primary language, with English. Amal’s parents worried that if their daughter was too dependent on ASL, she might fall behind or miss out on opportunities. So, Amal worked with a speech therapist to help her speak and read lips – which she can do with superpower-like accuracy.

Amal’s parents taught her to be independent and she’s eager to push the limits. She’s planning to travel to South Korea this summer. Why South Korea? She discovered as a teenager that South Korean dramas (both on TV

and online) more consistently offered closed captioning compared to American entertainment. After that, an internship, and then graduation, and then most likely a master’s degree. And then? Absolutely anything she wants, without limits.

“I chose Siena because of the size of the classrooms and the relationships I knew I’d form with professors,” said Faheem. “Those relationships are important to my success, and I really do love my professors…I’m also so grateful to Ifrah Mohammed and Sierra Galusha. They’re both amazing friends who helped me tremendously when I’ve needed it.”

JOSEPH ISKANDER ‘23 used to hate running

because he wasn’t any good at it. He wasn’t just slow, he was the slowest kid in his school. But when a doctor told him he’d never run again, running was all he wanted to do.

Joseph was missing ligaments in both legs from birth and not all of the leg bones were aligned properly. He just didn’t know it. All he knew as a kid was that he was unusually slow, and then around 11 years old, the pain started. Doctors were finally able to diagnose the problem, but no doctor in Egypt, where Joseph lived, wanted to do the corrective surgery. Nearly a dozen doctors told him he

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was too old for the surgery, and there was too great a risk of complications. Fortunately, a doctor in England stepped in and agreed to the surgery, and when Joseph was 12, he underwent a day-long operation on his left leg. A year later, the same surgery was performed on his right leg. The surgeries were a success, but afterwards, the doctor told Joseph he would never run again.

Two more surgeries were required once he moved to the U.S., and soon walking turned into jogging, which turned into running, which turned into a spot on his high school’s cross country team.

The surgeon fixed his legs, but the physical therapists helped build his strength and open his eyes to his potential.

That’s why Joseph wants to become a physical therapist, a career path that wouldn’t have been possible back home.

“I love Siena. I always recommend it to others, especially international students. I didn’t speak English very well when my family moved here. The English as a new language program has helped my speaking and writing so much, and the professors have been great,“ he said.

RACHEL BRYK ’22 changed her major three times,

dropped out of college, took up landscaping, then found her calling and her way home to Siena.

Rachel had dropped out of Siena midway through her junior year and took a paycheck working with her brother’s landscaping business. She wasn’t fulfilled in the job, but that wasn’t new. She had been chasing fulfillment for years with no luck.

Rachel was four years old when her mom, Lisa Bryk, assistant director of operations, joined Siena. Rachel felt destined to be a Saint, in fact, it’s the only college she applied to out of high school. She enrolled in 2011, but slowly realized she wasn’t in the right headspace for college. She thought a new major might do the trick; when that didn’t work, she tried another. Her situation didn’t improve.

“December of my senior year of high school, my grandmother, who I was very close with, passed away. It took awhile for the grief to hit. When it did, I was at Siena, and I developed a mental block. I tried to motivate myself, but I couldn’t, and then I’d get down on myself, and the cycle perpetuated. Eventually I gave up, tried one semester at Hudson Valley Community College, and when that didn’t take, I took my leave from education.”

That was in 2014, and it led to her brief employment in landscaping. A family friend working for St. Peter’s connected Rachel with an opportunity as a secretary to a nurse practitioner. It was a job, not a first step toward a career, or at least that’s what she had assumed.

Rachel always had the desire to help others; she just wasn’t sure how or where to apply herself. Now she knew.

Rachel started taking prerequisite courses for nursing school at night. Eventually, she returned to HVCC, got her degree, and started the career she was meant for. Rachel is now an ER nurse at Memorial Hospital.

While she was back at HVCC, Siena launched its RN

to BS program. Rachel started working on her Siena degree, again, class by class, while working full-time as a nurse, during COVID. She wasn’t just in the right headspace this time, she was fiercely motivated to fulfill an “emotional accomplishment, a dream.” On May 15, 11 years after her Siena story began, she walked across the commencement stage.

“I’m so grateful for everything Siena has given me. I’ve met so many wonderful people throughout my journey here. I’ve just always wanted to close this chapter the right way,” said Rachel.

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THE INS AND OUTS OF INTERNSHIPS

Internships are not only great for resumes, but also the best way to try out career paths, network with professionals in the field and gain contacts, develop skills, and get a glimpse at what professional life after Siena is really like. Each semester, our Saints form connections in companies of all shapes and sizes, ranging from Albany, to NYC, to London, no matter their major.

Last summer, Ifrah Mohammed ‘22 (right) worked as an editorial intern for Marketing Choices, a company that primarily handles marketing in the adoption agency space. Near the end of her internship, the company developed a brand new position for a social media intern. Ifrah had little experience, but she pushed aside the fear, and scored the internship.

“I had no experience with marketing, but the Career and Internship Center took me in, and I’ve learned so much. Just by listening to Alicia Pepe and the staff, I’ve learned that the journey to a career starts as a

freshman. Everything you do from volunteering to clubs can be leveraged on a resume. I’m really grateful for my time at the Career and Internship Center plus my experiences with Marketing Choices.”

Simon Santos’ ‘23 team researches companies that may be interested in partnering with RenderTribe.

RenderTribe works one-on-one with companies to focus their digital marketing strategies and business solutions. Simon really enjoys his team, and his boss. In fact, he just spoke to the CEO recently.

“Peter Dean ’92 and I talked this morning. He asked me all about the Habitat for Humanity fundraiser, Mr. Siena (far left, Simon pictured in Mr. Siena 2022).

It’s that sort of personal connection, and the Siena connection, that I think is really important.”

Simon’s team leader is also a Siena graduate, Regina Linder ‘22.

“If I can get five minutes with a student to share information about our internship program and career services, it usually results in a student’s formal visit to the Career and Internship Center,” said Alicia Pepe, assistant vice president for experiential learning and career development. “In this case, Simon wandered into my office for a pair of scissors to mend a fraying sweater, but what he left with was information. He took my advice to heart. He prepared, did his research and began applying. It resulted in an internship with one of our great employer partners!”

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CLASS OF ’22, BUT FAR FROM 22 Elham Malik ‘22 and her first grade friends from many years ago all graduated this year, just not together. Her former classmates earned their high school diplomas; Elham may just be the youngest Siena graduate in College history.

Freshman year, Elham was much younger than her new college friends. It wasn’t necessarily a secret, but she was nervous to share her age. So, for a long time, she didn’t. When Elham finally fessed up to being 14 years old, no one believed her.

Elham skipped the 2nd and 7th grades, received her high school diploma in 3 years, and completed college in 3 years. She graduated several weeks shy of her 18th birthday. According to the College registrar, Elham is officially the youngest Siena graduate since 1999. The records don’t go back any further, so it’s very possible, in fact probable, that Elham is now the youngest Siena alumnus in school history.

“I’m so grateful I made it this far. I don’t think I could have done it at any institution other than Siena.

I’ve had mentors, including friars, who have given me the space to grow. That’s very special to me.”

Her accomplishments at Siena are numerous, and while she’s excited to graduate, she’s not ready to leave altogether. Next year, Elham will serve one year as a Siena College AmeriCorps VISTA Fellow, continuing her interfaith work in the local community.

After a gap year of service, it’s off to dental school, where she will no doubt be the youngest graduate in the history of whichever program she chooses.

“I’ve always believed I could perform at the same level as other college students, but there are periods of time where I feel like I’m running to catch up. Sometimes I feel like I’m at a sprint, while others are walking. That’s why I’m so proud of this accomplishment. I’m glad that I get to be a part of the alumni network so young, and that gives me so much more time to do all that I want to do.”

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SEE WHAT OUR SAINTS DO: SIENA’S CENTER FOR UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH AND CREATIVE ACTIVITY

This issue of Siena News spotlights four female faculty members serving as mentors and role models in their collaboration with four female students on their academic work through CURCA. “LIVING MUSEUM AT CHERRY HILL” STUDENT: MEGAN STUART ’22 FACULTY: KRYSTA DENNIS, PH.D., PRODUCER OF CREATIVE ARTS In 1827, a man named John Whipple was shot and killed at the historic Cherry Hill home in Albany. Jesse Strang was found guilty of the murder and his execution was the last public hanging in Albany. A Halloween tour of the murder site sells out each October, but Megan has made it accessible to a much larger audience. She helped to rewrite the Murder at Cherry Hill script for virtual reality, then costumed and directed the production.

“We worked with Historic Cherry Hill to set up their normal house tour, then ghost tour, into a VR format.

Most of my time was spent rewriting the ghost tour script, then casting, directing, and costuming the actors for it.

It was a fun opportunity and it solidified my decision to pursue a master’s in education after Siena.”

“SOCIAL SURVEY AND WASTEWATER PLAN” STUDENT: SYDNEY LEVISON ’23 FACULTY: KATE MEIERDIERCKS, PH.D., DEPARTMENT CHAIR AND ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR OF ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES AND SCIENCES How has the pandemic changed life for nursing students at Siena? You don’t know until you ask. Sydney designed her own social survey that will help the College better understand the experiences of Siena’s nursing students over the past year. The results will be compared to the results of a similar survey of students working in Siena’s wastewater program.

“A main goal of the project is to compare these results to a similar survey, designed by Dr. Meierdiercks, which will be administered to the students who helped out with the wastewater program at Siena. This is my first research experience, and it has helped me realize that research is something I want to continue to do in the future and in my career.”

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“ENGAGEMENT IN ONLINE COUNTER COMMUNITIES” STUDENT: DEIRDRE MCBREEN ’22 FACULTY: KIM PREIKSAITIS, PH.D., ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF MARKETING Gossip is a cherished consumer practice that offers individuals social purpose. Consumers who engage in gossiping about beloved brands may not always mesh with the ethos of the brand community, especially when critical viewpoints are raised. Dr. Preiksaitis has been tracking gossip within online consumer communities.

Deirdre focused on the online forum “Tattle.Life” and the gossip around the parasocial relationship between viewers and personalities in the YouTube Channel, “The Chateau Diaries.”

“This research project has allowed me to explore the impact of online word of mouth and gossip on brand communities and communal relationships. This summer has allowed me to fully understand the tools to effectively analyze the complex relationships among individuals, and it has grown my interest in marketing research. It has solidified my confidence in a future career focusing on research. I am so grateful for the opportunity that Siena has given me to explore my academic interests outside the classroom.”

“REBELLION AND REVOLUTION” STUDENT: JOANNA CASE ’22 FACULTY: JANET SHIDELER, PH.D., PROFESSOR OF MODERN LANGUAGE The American Revolutionary War was the American patriots’ battle for independence, but they had foreign assistance. France and Spain supported the Patriots, and some French-Canadians took up arms against the British.

But why? Joanna researched primary sources including an examination of muster rolls from the Revolution, to see what the records revealed. She raised important questions about individuals including their motivations to fight, their treatment by leaders, and their fate in their adopted homeland.

“I researched French-Canadian involvement in the American Revolution and how they supported the Patriot cause in various ways. This project gave me valuable experience using primary sources which helped me get an internship as a researcher for the Saratoga County History Center. I have no doubt that this experience has made my goal of eventually working in a museum more attainable, and I hope that I will be able to continue research in this area in graduate school.”

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

ATHLETICS SIENA OPENS BOB GUIDO ’68 ATHLETIC ACADEMIC CENTER

Siena officially opened the Bob Guido ‘68 Athletic Academic Center with a dedication and ribbon cutting on May 2. The 2,200 square-foot state-of-the-art facility provides an enhanced environment where Siena’s more than 350 student athletes can achieve their full academic potential.

“Charlotte and I are blessed, and we are honored to support this center, which provides our student athletes with a first-class facility to assist them with their academic excellence,” said Guido who, along with his wife Charlotte, provided the lead gift for the project. Guido is a former member of the Siena Board of Trustees, and retired vice-chair of Ernst & Young, LLP. He played both baseball and football as an undergraduate at Siena. “While achieving success as a member of a team is important, achieving academic excellence and a Siena degree is invaluable in life.”

The Bob Guido ‘68 Athletic Academic Center will play a major role in Siena Athletics’ mission to “Build Better Saints.”

A critical component in developing the entire student athlete will be realized with the creation of this new facility, where the

athletic department’s S.A.IN.T.S. program – which stands for Supporting Athletes IN Their Success – can become more collaborative and engaging.

“Bob Guido has always championed creating opportunities for people, because people did that for him,” said Siena College Vice President and Director of Athletics John D’Argenio. “Our student athletes are fortunate that he and his wife know that while a college athletic career can be rewarding, demanding, and help student athletes organize themselves, the most important outcome for them at Siena is to earn a degree, because it will stay with them for a lifetime.”

Features of the Bob Guido ‘68 Athletic Academic Center include the nearly 1,000 square-foot Russ and Maureen Ferris Room, which provides an open study space to accommodate a place for all student athletes to study. The Ferris Room was officially dedicated on April 30 in honor of the former men’s lacrosse head coach and 1996 Siena Athletics Hall of Fame inductee, along with his wife, Maureen.

“We’re so grateful to Mr. Guido and his family and everything that they’ve been doing for us as student athletes,” said Student Athlete Advisory Council President, Delia McDade Clay ’23.

Additional highlights include three rooms dedicated to serving group project planning, individual tutoring, and small group sessions to create a vibrant and engaging environment for Siena’s student athletes. The new space also features individual offices for S.A.IN.T.S. advisors to hold one-on-one sessions, while a separate entrance way was erected to allow for extended hours of operation for student athletes.

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WOMEN’S LACROSSE ADDS REGULAR SEASON TITLE, RECORDS TO RECENT SUCCESS Siena Women’s Lacrosse Head Coach Abigail Rehfuss carried a legacy of success to Siena when she took over the program five years ago. Several family members, including basketball star John Rehfuss ’42, previously attended Siena. As the leader of a once-struggling program, for the past five seasons she has now cemented her own legacy in the Green and Gold, and has established a consistent winning culture.

Coming off of back-to-back appearances in the Championship Game, women’s lacrosse continued to sit at the top of the MAAC, posting a 10-8 overall mark and a 6-2 conference record to earn a share of its second-ever MAAC regular season title, last in 2005. The Saints earned the right to host the championship semifinals and finals for the first time, ultimately wrapping the season with their third consecutive MAAC semifinal appearance.

“Our performance this season and in recent years is a testament to how hard our players and leaders work on and off the field, and how determined they are to achieve

greatness,” Rehfuss said. “To rebound from early-season struggles and play host to the MAAC Championship is a great accomplishment that our entire team should be proud of.”

2022 Second Team All-MAAC selection Nicole McNeely set the program’s single-game record for goals with nine in a 21-20 Siena home win over Iona on March 26.

Named the 2022 MAAC Offensive Player of the Year and a First-Team All-MAAC selection, she also set the single-season record for points and surpassed the career record for goals, as well as the single-season marks for goals and assists.

“Our offense in general is a seven-threat offense no matter

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who is on the field,” McNeely said, prior to the Saints’ MAAC Semifinal match. “Whatever we’re trying to do on the field, our underclassmen and upperclassmen alike can step up, and that has shown for us this season.”

McNeely’s standout play was complemented by senior midfielder Mary Soures ’22, whose 61 goals set a single-season program record and tied for the most during the MAAC regular season. That performance landed her a pair of national weekly awards.

“I think [being Co-Regular Season Champions and hosting the MAAC Tournament] means the world to us, but we know what was expected of us and we know we deserve this from every effort we’ve given on the field,”

Soures told The Daily Gazette of Schenectady.

The upperclassmen’s record-breaking ways were joined by freshman Grace Dobrzynski ’25, who had 41 assists to set the single-season record in that category. Together, the three allowed the Green and Gold to pepper the NCAA’s national rankings – Soures concluded the regular season ranked third nationally in goals per-game and fourth in shots per-game, while Dobrzynski ranked seventh in assists – first among freshmen – and McNeely finished tenth.

With a regular season title and three straight double-digit win seasons under their belts, Siena women’s lacrosse continues to March On to new heights as a perennial MAAC power.

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL’S FONTENELLE-POSSON REPRESENTS SIENA ON INTERNATIONAL STAGE

After turning heads in Loudonville during her first collegiate season, Siena women’s basketball’s Valencia Fontenelle-Posson ‘25 was selected to represent the Saints and her country on a national stage. The rising sophomore was chosen to play for the United States Deaf National Team at the 2022 Deaflympics held in

Caxias do Sul, Brazil from May 1-15.

Fontenelle-Posson and her team not only competed on behalf of the red, white, and blue, but brought home a gold medal. The team went a perfect 3-0 in group play, defeating Lithuania, Kenya, and Turkey. The U.S. then defeated host Brazil in the quarterfinals and

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Greece in the semifinals before taking down Italy, 9177, to win the gold.

“The Deaflympics in Brazil was such a great experience,” said Fontenelle-Posson. “The deaf community in Brazil was strong and very welcoming.

The team worked really hard to plan and execute everything that our coach wanted us to do so that we could win! Playing against people from different countries was super cool. At first I thought playing without my hearing aids was really scary, but when I came to the realization that everyone on the court couldn’t hear and we were all in the same boat, the game was actually easier to play and focus on.

Winning the gold was one of the best experiences in my life so far.”

The Altamont, New York native had a few standout performances for Team USA, which included a 19-point, five rebound game in their opening win against Lithuania. The rising sophomore finished

7-for-13 from the floor, including a 4-for-9 clip from three-point range. Team USA was one of 72 nations represented at the international event, with a total of 2,349 athletes competing.

Fontenelle-Posson developed hearing loss, known as hard of hearing, at a young age. After surgeries, she began to use a cochlear hearing device – mostly in her right ear – to only take in some information at a time, but not all.

“Being deaf and playing basketball was challenging when I was first learning, but I was fortunate enough to have coaches and teammates along the way to help me along, so I’m grateful for them and all the help that I’ve gotten,” Fontenelle-Posson remembers.

“It’s always an honor to play for your country, and this once-in-a-lifetime experience will benefit Valencia in multiple ways,” Siena Women’s Basketball Head Coach Jim Jabir said. “It’s a great opportunity to be able to travel around the world to do something that you love. We’re proud and excited for her and know that she’s made both Siena and the United States proud.”

Fontenelle-Posson appeared in 27 games for the Saints in a successful freshman campaign, making seven starts and averaging 4.7 points and 3.7 rebounds per-game. She emerged as one of the team’s top young stars, and helped the Saints win their most conference games in four years and clinch a firstround bye in the 2022 MAAC Tournament.

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Friday, June 3 kicked off the first on-campus Reunion Weekend in three years — and it was one for the record books! Perhaps it was the weather, the fact we were COVID-free, or simply that Siena magic. Regardless, several alumni said, “It was the best Reunion Weekend in recent memory!”

From All Alumni Golf on Friday morning, to fireworks under the stars Saturday evening, to the beautiful Alumni Mass in the Grotto on Sunday, nearly 700 alumni came home to Siena in celebration of what it means to be a Saint.

All Alumni Golf Friday, June 3

Alumni and friends gathered at Briar Creek Golf Course, owned by Siena’s own Jack Sise ’75, for the 18-hole scramble-format. Food, fun, and raffles ruled the day as tee signs proclaimed alumni and sponsor messages of welcome.

Franks and Friars Friday, June 3

What could be more fun than a hot dog picnic with our beloved Friars? Franks and Friars has become a popular tradition with both our students and alumni. Reminiscing about our Siena experiences to good music, food, and conversation on one of Condé Nast Traveler’s Top 50 Most Beautiful College Campuses is a wonderful way to spend the day!

The Class of ’82 Welcome Home Cocktail Reception Friday, June 3

Nearly 100 Siena sons and daughters of the Class of 1982 gathered to reminisce about their Siena days. A rousing verse of, “Put on Your Old Green Bonnet” got the party going.

The Class of 1972 50th Reunion Celebration Friday, June 3

A beautifully intimate dinner with President Gibson marked the 50th Reunion Year for the Class of 1972. With stories of the old library and Quonset huts to prayers for dearly departed classmates, this celebration of our Class of 1972 will not soon be forgotten.

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Thank You! Donor Appreciation Reception Friday, June 3

On May 31, 2022, Siena College closed its largest cash year in history with a record-breaking $10,142,716 in gifts. This is thanks to YOU and your generous support of the Education for a Lifetime. The Friday evening Donor Appreciation Reception, hosted by President Chris Gibson ’86, Ph.D., started the evening’s festivities with a spirit of gratitude and celebration.

All Alumni Welcome Home Party Friday, June 3

The Sarazen Student Union couldn’t hold everyone as they spilled onto the Paddock to enjoy live music, cocktails, and conversation under the stars. From 2021 graduates celebrating one year out to alumni from the Class of ’62, all celebrated what it means to be a Saint with laughter and gratitude.

Yoga on the Lawn Saturday, June 4

Health and wellness are a cornerstone of the Siena experience.

Among birdsong and the sunrise, owner of GYST Yoga Kaitlyn MacLeod ’09 was on hand to lead Saints through a peaceful and meditative practice. What a wonderful way to start a packed day!

Wedding Vow Renewal

Saturday, June 4

Many sons and daughters of Siena have been married by one of our beloved Friars. A beautiful tradition, the Wedding Vow Renewal and champagne toast celebrates the blessed sacrament of marriage as couples renew their blessed vows at the Grotto.

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Distinguished Alumni President’s Brunch Saturday, June 4

Over 150 alumni and friends gathered for brunch to meet President Gibson ’86 Ph.D., hear the state of the College, and celebrate the 2022 Distinguished Alumni Award recipients: The Reverend Benjamin Kuhn, O.F.M. Award Frank Joseph Pugliano ’66 The Professor Joseph A. Buff Award for Career Achievement Jason A. Gottlieb ’92 Sheila M. Lemke ’82, M.D. Andrea M. Stewart-Litchfield ’97 Christopher A. Litchfield ’97 J. Kevin McCarthy ’87, Esq. The Professor Egon Plager Award for Accomplishments in Advancing the Welfare of Others Lisa J. Copeland Moser ’97 Francis P. Kimler ’97 Franciscan Spirit Award for Service Thomas J. Burke III ’12 Matthew J. Grimes ’12 Please scan this QR code to learn more about these awards and view this year’s as well as previous recipients.

Class of 2017 Senior Gift Dedication Saturday, June 4

The Class of 2017 was in full force as they joined College Chaplain Fr. Larry Anderson, O.F.M. and President Gibson for the blessing of their class gift. With gratitude to the Class of 2017, they have endowed the Senior Champagne Toast to assure this rite of passage from student to alumni continues in perpetuity for generations of future Saints. Cheers to the Class of 2017!

The Mystic Knights of McGuire Hall Saturday, June 4

We welcomed the Class of ’67 back to campus for their 55th Reunion which included a special group — the Mystic Knights of McGuire Hall. Great fun was had by all as they recreated their iconic photo in front of McGuire Hall. They look forward to returning for another photoshoot in front of the soon to be completed Patricia Gioia Hall.

Credit: Lark Street Photo

L to R Nick Schmitt, Ralph Caruso, Dan Hollis, Ed McCarty, Tom Auletta

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All Alumni Picnic Saturday, June 4

Live music, food trucks, a bounce house, face painting, balloon art, lawn games, campus tours, and Baloo made the All Alumni Family Picnic a fun event for all. From future Saints resting in their strollers to alumni playing cornhole, the weather was perfect for a day on the Quad.

The Grotto Candle Lighting and Blessing Saturday, June 4

The inaugural Grotto Candle Lighting began the evening’s festivities with prayer and gratitude for our many blessings. Led by College Chaplain Fr. Larry Anderson, O.F.M., attendees prayed the Prayer of St. Francis before lighting candles from one another and proceeding to the All Alumni Dinner.

All Alumni Dinner with President Gibson Saturday, June 4

Reunion classes joined together to break bread and celebrate Siena — yesterday and today. President Gibson shared news of Siena, an update on our Strategic Plan, and how Siena has become an in-demand school — all thanks to YOU, our alumni. Newly appointed Director of Alumni Engagement Cherisse (Rabl) Young ’96 welcomed everyone to campus before inviting all to do what Saints do best — go party!

“Cheers to Us” All Alumni Party Under the Tent Saturday, June 4

A “Welcome Home!” fireworks display surprised and delighted everyone and tours of the Breyo Observatory brought alumni closer to the stars. Alumni and friends danced the night away to songs spanning the decades.

Alumni Mass at the Grotto Sunday, June 5

40th Reunion alumni (and former roommates!) Fr. Ken Paulli ’82, O.F.M. and Deacon Mike Decker ’82 concelebrated Mass at the Grotto to close Reunion 2022. The weather could not have been more beautiful as together we prayed, received the Eucharist, shared our gratitude, and wished peace for all Siena alumni — both living and deceased.

SAVE THE DATE!

Friday, June 2 to Sunday, June 4, 2023 is when Reunion Weekend officially becomes Alumni Weekend celebrating Reunion Classes ending in ’3 and ’8. Why wait five years? Secure your plans and come home to Siena!

And don’t forget about our 2nd Annual Homecoming Weekend, happening November 11-13!

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WELCOME TO THE RING OF HONOR The Siena College Ring of Honor has become an integral part of our campus, promoting fellowship among our students and serving as a visual focal point at the center of our Academic Quad. The granite ring of benches was originally dedicated on September 29, 2016 to recognize 25 of Siena’s transformative philanthropists. On June 2, Siena’s 11 most recent transformative donors were celebrated and blessed.

Trustee Fr. Kevin J. Mullen ’75, O.F.M., Provincial Minister of the Holy Name Province blessed the benches, the Siena community, and most importantly, the following transformative donors to Siena College:

Chairman of the Siena College Board of Trustees Thomas J. Baldwin ’81 and Laurie (Kowalczyk) Baldwin ’80 Tom and Laurie Baldwin exemplify what it means to be a Siena Saint. Through Tom’s leadership as Chair of the Board of Trustees and beyond, both he and Laurie have generously served our campus through several initiatives and programs, as well as through their effervescent positive demeanors.

Vice-Chair of the Siena College Board of Trustees, Ronald E. Bjorklund ’85 and Catherine M. (Casey) Bjorklund ’85 Ron and Cathy Bjorklund are a Siena couple through and through. Ron and Cathy have dedicated their time, energy, and resources to help make Siena College a jovial place for students, staff, and alumni alike. Ron and Cathy’s passion for Siena Rugby, as well as their support and guidance, were a driving force in Siena’s recent national championship. Their legacy is also defined both by their son, Eric, a 2018 graduate, and the relationships they have continued to cultivate throughout their Siena journey.

William Cade, Esq, ’62 and Mary Elizabeth Cade William J. Cade, Esq, ’62 grew up in Albany, and after graduating from Albany High School, came to Siena College where he quickly discovered a supporting environment created by the Franciscan Friars, the faculty, and his fellow students. Bill went on to law school and returned to Albany to become one of the premier trial lawyers in the country. Bill has maintained a lifelong fondness for Siena College as a place that helped set him on the road to life. He professes a great admiration for many of the Franciscan Friars who helped him along the way and the great faculty who instructed him, of note Dr. Egon Plager. To pay forward the quality education and many kindnesses Bill received in those formative years, he and his wife, Mary Elizabeth, created the future Deborah Cade Wellness Center.

Allan Gandler ’59 and Cheryl Gandler For decades, Allan and Cheryl have been consistent and enthusiastic patrons of the College who have assured their legacy at Siena College in a variety of ways. Their enthusiasm for everything Siena and friendships they have made epitomize the Franciscan values we hold so dear. The scholarship the Gandlers have created with their transformative gift will provide the Siena experience and Education for a Lifetime in perpetuity for generations of future Saints.

Trustee Paul Gioia and his late wife Patricia Gioia When you think of philanthropy and giving back to the community, it is hard not to think of Paul and his late wife Patricia. Paul is the lead benefactor behind the nearly completed Patricia Gioia Hall, a beacon of welcome for incoming and prospective students, starting fall of 2022. The Gioias have lived their lives exemplifying the Franciscan way at Siena and across the Capital Region. Siena College is truly honored to commemorate them among our transformative donors.

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Donald ’75 and Barbara Lucarelli and Family The Lucarelli Family continues to leave their impact on Siena through both their generosity and kindness across campus with landmarks such as The Lucarelli Entrance within The J. Spencer and Patricia Standish Library and The Paddock at the Sarazen Student Union. The Lucarelli Family is a Siena legacy family and we are grateful to celebrate their addition to the Ring of Honor.

John F. ’79 and Kellyanne Healey ’81 Murray Former Board Chair John and his wife, Kelly, have been pillars of the Siena community since the ’70s. Both have dedicated their time, energy, and resources to make Siena the best campus it can be for our students, staff, and alumni alike. Most recently they have contributed to The Patricia Gioia Hall through their generous gift of The Franscican Friars Commons, honoring the Friars who have had such an impact on their Siena experiences. John and Kelly have been consistent leaders in both philanthropy and selfless service to Siena.

The Raymond Family Ken and Pat Raymond have dedicated their time, experience, and resources to making Siena the best that it can be for students and alumni alike. A former Trustee, Ken has led by example in supporting our student athletes and different programs across campus. Ken and Pat are not the only Raymonds who have dedicated themselves to Siena: their children are Siena graduates, and Ken’s grandson just completed his freshman year. Ken and Pat are Siena parents, friends, and true Saints in every definition of the word.

Additionally, the College is grateful to the following donors posthumously inducted to the Ring of Honor: Gloria Ballien The founder of The Gloria Ballien Fund, Gloria endowed a legacy that will enable Siena students to continue their academic pursuits for generations to come. Gloria’s intent was to thank Siena College for providing a great and generous service to seniors in the Capital Region and for its support of the Siena Opera Club. Gloria’s induction to the Ring of Honor assures her name and legacy will be remembered at Siena in perpetuity.

David ’51 and Lucy Kazlauskas Del Grosso Residing within five miles of campus, Siena College was integral to David and Lucy Del Grosso. Founder of The David A. ’51 and Lucy Kazlauskas Del Grosso Memorial Scholarship in honor of Lucy, David was known to support and remain in contact with his recipients beyond their time at Siena. The Del Grosso legacy also lives on at Siena through the Del Grosso Marketplace in the Sarazen Student Union as well as the Del Grosso Practice Court in the Marcelle Athletic Complex.

Stephen J. Smatlak ’51 A biology major from the Class of 1951, Stephen was determined to provide the Siena experience to generations of future science majors. While attending the College in the late 40s, Stephen formed friendships with the Friars on campus, often being quoted as saying how impactful Fr. Matt Conlon had been in his life. Upon his death, in addition to increasing The Stephen J. Smatlak Scholarship, Stephen’s transformational estate gift helped support the renovation of Patrica Gioia Hall.

It has been our honor and privilege to get to know all of these families both professionally and personally over these years. We are grateful to them for being trailblazers in not only helping to set Siena apart from the rest, but for success as we continue to revolutionize what it means to be Siena Saint.

To learn more about the Ring of Honor, please contact Assistant Vice President for Development Bradley W. Bodmer ’82, Esq. at bbodmer@siena.edu or 518-783-2432.

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ALUMNI CLASS NOTES Please submit all of your Class Notes information to your class coordinator. If there is no coordinator listed for your class, please send all information to alumni@siena.edu for posting in the magazine. We look forward to hearing from you.

MINI-REUNION

John Leonard ‘64, Michael Hoblock ‘64, and Jim Venter ‘64 met up in Sarasota, Florida.

1942

alumni@siena.edu

1947

alumni@siena.edu

1952

Frank Regnante frank.regnante@gmail.com Frank Regnante lives in Long Island and is the Chair of the United Veterans Beacon House Veterans Salute Committee, which provides safe housing at 49 residences throughout Long Island for homeless men and women veterans.

1957

alumni@siena.edu

1958

REUNION 2023

alumni@siena.edu Joseph V. Allegretti is 97 years old and is enjoying his time with his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

He retired from the NYS Thruway Authority as the Director of the Bureau of Accounting, and received many major awards for his service in WWII.

NEWSMAKER

Greg Bell ‘75 celebrated 30 years of promoting music concerts in the Capital Region. In June, Greg was inducted into the Capital Region Thomas Edison Music Hall of Fame.

1959

David Perry dthesilverfox@aol.com Dave Carpentier lives in Florida and enjoys spending time with his wife, children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. He is looking forward to our 65th reunion in 2024!

1960

Joe Harrison Jolter60@gmail.com Philip M. Palmer resides in Las Vegas with Donna and is enjoying his time with his two children, and four grandchildren.

1961

Lou Zampier jeanzampier1942@gmail.com Patrick Flynn co-authored two books on Constructivist Education: Applying StandardsBased Constructivism: A Two-Step Guide for Motivating Elementary Students and Captivating Classes with Constructivism.

NEWSMAKER

Patrice Ricciardi ‘75, is the Senior Director of Business Development at Freedom Federal Credit Union and was recently honored for the second time by the Maryland Daily Record as one of Maryland’s “Top 100 Women in Business.”

John Moore and his wife Peggy will celebrate their 56th wedding anniversary in September! They are enjoying their time with their children and grandchildren.

Joe Healey lives in Florida where he enjoys following Siena’s athletic programs, and is looking forward to the men’s basketball team traveling to Orlando this coming winter for a tournament.

1962

alumni@siena.edu

1963

REUNION 2023

Kevin Raymond Kevinraymond317@gmail.com

1964

Joe Suozzi joesuozzi@msn.com Ed Fennell is spearheading an initiative for the International Foundation of CDKL5 Research to bring advances to the

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NEWSMAKER

MINI-REUNION

with multiple adverse effects of a life altering concussion/brain injury.

Jerry DeFrancisco reports to stay tuned for more information about our “Double Nickel” (55th) reunion next year!

2022 Masters Tournament 2022 Masters Tournament pictured (L-R) John McDonald ’81, Dan DeMars ’81, Jim Gaffney ’81, and Matt Meachem ’81.

In April 2022, Douglas “Doug” Hickey ‘77 was sworn in as U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Finland. Doug has more than 30 years of operational experience holding senior-level positions in the telecom, Internet, and technology industries. President Obama appointed Doug as the U. S. Commissioner General at Expo Milano in 2014.

pediatric neuroimaging field to children who are nonverbal and developmentally disabled.

1965

Jack Mulvey jkmulvey@gmail.com Peter Bentley’s grandson, Gage, and his wife, Emma both graduated from Siena in May! Kenneth J. Hoffer M.D. plans to retire in July after exactly 50 years of practice as an ophthalmologist.

Daniel Lavista and his wife Rosemary live in Charleston where they enjoy spending time with their five grandchildren, and volunteering in the community.

Lefty McClellan is enjoying retirement in Dallas playing (bad) golf, traveling, and spending time with his children and grandchildren.

Francis (Frank) Ryan spent his career as a “Rocket Scientist” at Pratt & Whitney Space Propulsion in CA. After retirement he and his wife Jean, moved to the Central Gulf Coast of Florida, where they enjoy spending time with their grandchildren.

1966

Nick Laiacona nlaiacona43@gmail.com Nick Laiacona serves on the La Salle Institute Alumni Association Board of Directors and is a member of both the NYS Military Museum Board of Trustees and Capital District of New York Chapter of the Association of the United States Army. Nick enjoys spending time with his wife, Chris and their three sons and six grandchildren.

Doug Lonnstrom has retired from Siena after 47 years of teaching. Doug served as head of the Quantitative Business Analysis Department and Dean of the School of Business at Siena. He is also co-founder of the Siena College Research Institute.

1967

Rick Spataro rspataro67@gmail.com

1968

REUNION 2023

Jerry DeFrancisco gdefrancisco@siena.edu I am happy to report I participated in the opening and dedication of the Bob Guido Athletic Academic Center. Bob was his usual humble self, as we all remember him. A group of us attended (Barrett, McCabe, McGoldrick, Sleasman and myself).

Don Brady presented at the BIANYS Annual Conference in Saratoga Springs this past June. His presentation was titled, This psychologist’s personal experience

Jerry DeFrancisco, Fr. Mark Reamer O.F.M. ’83 and a few others visited Tommy Dolan at his home earlier this year to present him with a 50 year medallion. They enjoyed sharing Siena football stories together.

Fr. Joseph Ciarciaglino, Jr. was reelected to the Orthodox Church in America’s Metropolitan Council. He is the pastor at St. Philip the Apostle Orthodox parish in Tampa.

James (Jim) E. Williams Jr. was featured on Cancer.net for his advocacy story on prostate cancer. He is the Chairman of the Pennsylvania Prostate Cancer Coalition, where he is a patient advocate raising men’s health awareness, encouraging them to talk about health issues, and providing ongoing support to those in need. He shares his own story and what it means to be a patient advocate.

1969

Ken Dedrick ken.dedrick1030@gmail.com Dan Belsito’s granddaughter Cassandra will start at Siena in the fall as a member of the lacrosse team.

Frank Carrese and his wife Betsy’s niece Kayla is headed into her senior year at Siena.

Bill Gordon’s granddaughter Olivia will be playing softball at Siena starting this fall.

Jim McElwain lives in Philadelphia where he enjoys cycling and serves on the boards of two non-profit organizations.

Ed White lives in Ponte Vedra Beach where he volunteers for Coach Tom Coughlin’s Jay Fund, tutors students at Jacksonville school, and still makes time to get out to the golf course.

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MINI-REUNION

NEWSMAKER

Lauren McKenna ‘85 was named to the City and State PA’s Philly Power 100 list of the city’s most influential people. She is Chancellor of the Philadelphia Bar Association and President of Eagles Fly for Leukemia.

Phil Yauch and his wife, Maureen, have retired and moved to Vermont. Phil volunteers for the Addison County Habitat for Humanity and serves on his parish finance committee.

1970

John Glynn Jr. johnnypg@comcast.net Class of ’70 is alive and well! Contact me with your updates to get in the next edition of the Siena Magazine.

Bob Campbell and his wife Cathleen live in Williamsburg, Virginia and celebrated their 50th year together this past year.

Mike Flanagan and his wife live in Ojai, California and enjoy spending time with their children and grandchildren.

John and Regina Glynn live in sunny Pal City, Florida and enjoy spending time with their children and grandchildren. Some of you may recall that John and Regina were married before the start of senior year!

Al Kovanis lives in Santa Rosa, California with his wife Betty. They will be celebrating their 52nd wedding anniversary in August.

Tim Murphy and his wife Joann celebrated their 52nd wedding anniversary this past year. They had dinner with Fr. Hugh Hines in Boston, who married them 52 years ago in Saugerties, New York.

As a Director and Board Member for the Albany Wine & Dine for the Arts, Sue Tase Cleary ’85 invited several of her Siena classmates to her table for the annual gala to provide sustainable funding for the not-for-profit arts community in Albany, NY. A good time was had by all! Front row from left to right: Ann Kelly Coughlin ’85, Joann Naccarato Madigan ’85 Back row from left to right: Karen Forth Lafreniere ’85, Sue Tase Cleary ’85, Katie Hohman ’09, Cathy Casey Bjorklund ’85, Jenny Fountain MacAskill ’85.

Mike Shine and his wife live in Philadelphia where he works in the health insurance industry and is enjoying his time with his family, including his first grandson.

1971

Nicholas Positano njpositano@gmail.com Mike Connors is enjoying retirement with his wife, and loves spending time with his six kids and four granddaughters!

1972

Dennis McGovern elephantdonkeymouse@yahoo.com Fred Schmidt recently retired after owning two retail businesses — a wine and liquor store and a hardware store.

He is celebrating 50 years of marriage with his wife and his beautiful family: two children and six grandchildren.

1973

REUNION 2023

Brian Valentine bgvalentine@verizon.net

NEWSMAKER

Lynda Hillin Brennan ‘86 received the Presidential Award for Excellence in Teaching Math and Science. She is a teacher at R.P. Connor Elementary School and will receive a certificate signed by President Joe Biden as well as $10,000.

they enjoy spending time with their four children and four grandchildren.

Barry Hughes was appointed the title Professor Emeritus of Accounting at The College of Saint Rose.

Dr. Steven L. Lamy, Professor Emeritus of International Relations and Spatial Sciences at the University of Southern California, begins his second term serving on the Siena Board of Trustees this year.

Steve retired after 40 years as a professor at USC but has been recalled to service to create a new master’s degree in Global Security, which will begin in the fall of 2022.

1974

Denise (Herb) Mazzotta denisemazzotta@hotmail.com Denise Herb Mazzotta graciously volunteered to be the next class coordinator! Please send updates to her.

1975

Michael Stringer michael.stringer@gmail.com

The Class of 1973 will hold their 50th reunion anniversary next year. If you have ideas about a class gift to Siena College, please write to me.

Evelyn (Westervelt) Johnson retired from a career in secondary education and is enjoying volunteer work in the adult technology and literacy field.

LTC(R) Joseph Cerone lives in Cary, North Carolina with his wife Maretta where

Sue Ellen Kelly is enjoying retirement where she spends most of her time with

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NEWSMAKER

MINI-REUNION

Dave Verbraska ’89 visits Bob Aldridge ’89 at the St. Francis Winery in Sonoma Valley, California.

Guy Maddalone ‘89 was awarded by the International Nanny Association with their Meritorious Service Award for his leadership at GTM Payroll Services.

her large, loving Irish family including 72 nieces and nephews!

Mike Murphy is working on his second doctorate in biomedical ethics at Albany Medical College. He’s published several articles, including one on “The Ethics of a Nurses’ Strike During a Pandemic‘’ in the American Journal of Nursing. Next up, he is on his way to Bratislava, Slovakia on a Fulbright to teach at the Slovak Medical University.

James Nolan just completed his 40th year teaching at Siena as a Professor of Business Analytics and Computer Science. In January he was elected as the Supervisor of the Town of Greenwich and became a member of the Washington County Board of Supervisors.

Joe Paladino received the inaugural Lifetime Achievement Award from the Department of Pharmacy Practice at UB School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences.

Jim Ringel will publish his novel, Disappearances in the fall. See jimringel.com for more information.

Andy Shea wishes you all a happy 47th anniversary of our graduation! He enjoys spending time with his family, and recently welcomed his grandson Harrison Andrew.

Evelyn (Evy) Smith is still counseling as an Employee Assistance Counselor at the

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University of Vermont Medical Center, providing training in mindfulness, selfcare and stress management principles and practices to her colleagues in the demanding healthcare arena.

Michael Stasack retired after a career in educational textbook sales, and relocated with his wife to Naples. Together, they have one son who is an engineer with Pratt and Whitney.

MINI-REUNION

50 classmates from the class of 1989 traveled near and far for a 55th birthday celebration in Saratoga!

Dan Scales recently relocated to the west coast of Florida and enjoys spending time with his two sons. He still owns his manufacturing business.

1978

REUNION 2023

Rick Gabriel rgabrielsyr@gmail.com

1979

Sue Reilly Hayes Clifton522@aol.com

Richard Urban retired after 35 years in clinical practice of family medicine in Pittsburgh. He works part time for his healthcare network and also volunteers at Carnegie Science Center, where he works in the Demonstration Theaters and Planetarium.

Paul Stec retired from Siena College in June as the Vice President for Finance and Administration. He served in this role since his arrival at Siena in April of 2002. The College is forever grateful to him for historic advances made under his leadership.

1976

1980

Jean Reamer jean.reamer@gmail.com Jack Gerien retired after a 46 year career, most recently working for the NHL as their Senior IT Director. He says his career is “all due to that great Siena education!”

Congratulations to Barbara Mulholland Rivera on the birth of her granddaughter Kay Lennon Reda.

Mark Thibault volunteers at Jezreel International, The Veterans Miracle Center, and The Military Courtesy Room at the Albany Airport.

1977

Eileen Foley classof1977newsnotes@gmail.com Dominick Calsolaro and his wife Mary LaMont welcomed their second grandchild Olivia in November.

Diane DeSilva diane0429@gmail.com Donna M Ross, Principal Court Attorney, retired in November after 37 years with the NYS Unified Court System. Her career included numerous and diverse assignments in the Supreme, County, Family and Surrogate’s Courts, most in the 4th and 3rd Judicial Districts. She was honored at a Courthouse luncheon, and at a Montgomery County Bar Association dinner, where she expressed her gratitude and good fortune to have worked for four dedicated judges and to have made many friends among the bench, Bar and court personnel.

John Parmeter, Jr. just finished a two year term as President of the Jefferson County Bar Association in December.

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NEWSMAKER

NEWSMAKER

Laura Yaun ‘90 joined BST & Co. CPAs, LLP. as the new Director of Finance.

1981

Jeannie DiCaprio jdicap@nycap.rr.com

1982

Bob Young rjy60@yahoo.com

1983

REUNION 2023

Elvira Altimari-Jaeger Eaj6@optonline.net Peter Hartney is the Vice-Chairman of the Ocean County Board of Social Services in Ocean County, New Jersey.

1984

Lisa San Fratello McCutcheon mcclisa107@gmail.com Peter Antoinette is the Senior Account Executive at SAP, in the East Region Market Unit.

Julie Canepa, co-wrote and produced the documentary film, “Return to Auschwitz: The Survival of Vladimir Munk.” Her film was nominated for many awards, and one Awards of Excellence at the IndieFest Film Awards for both Documentary Short and Jewish categories.

Kathryn Fletcher was promoted to the CEO of Equinox in Albany.

Timothy Hedley was named chair-elect for the Connecticut Society of Certified Public Accountants Board of Directors for 2022 - 2023 activity year.

In March 2022, Kathleen “Kate” Gutmann ‘90 was promoted to UPS, Executive Vice President and President International, Healthcare and Supply Chain Solutions. The businesses that report up to Kate generated over $37B in revenue in 2021.

Lisa McCutcheon is going on ten years in admissions at Cornell University.

Ann Finnegan Miller was recently appointed to President of the National Development Council Community Impact Loan Fund, a community development financial institution mission driven to increase access to capital for minority and women-owned small businesses and nonprofits.

1985

Cathy Casey & Ron Bjorklund Bjork90@comcast.net Chris Baldwin was honored along with the organization’s first team at the Harlem Lacrosse March Gala. As one of Harlem Lacrosse’s earliest board members, Chris has driven the growth of this program with his characteristic optimism, leadership, and generosity.

Founded in 2008, Harlem Lacrosse changes the life trajectories of youth through daily wrap-around academic support, mentoring, leadership training, college readiness, career exploration, admissions counseling and lacrosse instruction. Having started with just a single team, Harlem Lacrosse now serves more than 1200 students from low income communities in Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore and Los Angeles.

After 14 years in the offices of Alumni Relations and Development at Siena, Mary Beth Finnerty has joined ESI Employee Assistance Group as VP of Client Services. We are so thankful to MB for all she has done for our class and for Siena over the years and we wish her the best of luck in her future endeavors!

Jeff Pitkin is the new CEO of Capitol CFO. Jeff retired from his role as Treasurer (chief financial officer) of New York State Energy Research and Development Authority in July 2021, a position he held for 20 years, and previously served as its Controller since 1991. During his career, Jeff grew the organization’s systems and processes from an annual budget of about $40 million to $1.5 billion.

Paul J. Scullion joined Science Applications International Corporation in September as a Solution Architect Senior Principle in the Defense and Civilian Sector.

1986

Janice Linnan jalinnan@me.com

1987

Maryann King jrkingfamily@aol.com Judy Capano Michaelson and her husband Steven own Calcium, a leading mid-size healthcare marketing agency, and recently partnered with NexPhase Capital to support their growth plan. Judy now serves as the CEO. Fr. Patrick Tuttle, O.F.M. continues to work with systems that serve underrepresented communities including elderly, the poor, and immigrants. Right now, he works in Macon, Georgia with a federal prison and the local elementary and Catholic high school.

1988

REUNION 2023

Jim Monaghan Jpmonaghan65@yahoo.com Dawn (Butterfield) Barrack relocated to St. Augustine, Florida and would love to connect with any Siena alumni in the area. Email us at alumni@siena.edu if you would like her information.

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NEWSMAKER

NEWSMAKER

Cherisse (Rabl) Young is the Director of Alumni Engagement at Siena College.

1997

Selena Dutcher selenadutcher@gmail.com

1998

REUNION 2023

Janine Trapp Scotti Sienasaints98@yahoo.com In March 2022, John Devir ‘92 was promoted to Managing Director of PIMCO (Pacific Investment Management Company) in Newport Beach, California. PIMCO is a worldwide investment company with over 3,100 employees. John is one of 80 managing directors. John said, “It is a proud moment for me and my family and all it took was hard work and my Siena College education.”

Lisa Marrello’s twin sons, Carter and Brooks, graduated from Siena in May, each with their MBA. Michael “Bear” McCartney celebrated his 30th year in General Dentistry in May. He worked for 3 years in the US Air Force Dental Corps and 27 years in private practice in Adel, Georgia.

Jerry and Susanne (Delamater) Witkop’s son, Matthew is starting at Siena College this fall as a member of the class of 2026.

1989

Bill Maloney wjm10@nyu.edu

1990

Janet Shotter Swierbut jswierbut@yahoo.com

1999

Angela Cella amcella99@yahoo.com Darrin Tulley ‘92 published a book, Live Your Possible, where he guides humans and leaders to find greater meaning in life, connect with a higher purpose, and better invite the world in as your happiest, most authentic self.

Brian Terry accepted a position with BNY Mellon - Pershing as Principal, Trading Product Manager. He has been with the company for 8 years in numerous roles, most recently as Vice President in Wealth Solutions.

1993

REUNION 2023

Sue Hannon Shannon@ryeneck.k12.ny.us Kiersten (Brown) Hitchcock retired from the FBI after 22 years as a Special Agent. She is now working as a Senior Intelligence Collection Manager at Intel 471.

1994

Glenn Hofsess ghofsess@yahoo.com

1991

Geoffrey Mullen was recently named Shareholder for Teal, Becker & Chairamonte, CPAs, P.C.

Michael Clarq is the co-Owner of Carnegie Cellars Wine Bar and Kitchen in Rochester.

1995

Maureen Harris siena1991@yahoo.com

1992

Mary Pat McLoughlin Holler jmpholler@yahoo.com Louis DelPonte is the Area Manager, Marketing Development GI at Castle Biosciences.

Neil Wilcove neil.wilcove@millermartin.com

1996

Brian Murray murray21@hotmail.com Kristin Bernert has been hired as the President of Business Operations for the Columbia Crew soccer club.

Kimberly A. (Thomas) Lloyd married Erin P. Lloyd in Boulder in August 2019.

2000

Chris Madigan CDMadigan@gmail.com Suzanne (Turchetti) Schneeberger was appointed President of HCR Home Care this past February. HCR is a regional certified home health care agency serving 25 counties in Upstate New York.

2001

Maura Mack Maura820@yahoo.com

2002

Christine Cinnamond Christine.cinnamond@gmail.com

2003

REUNION 2023

Bill Bordak sienanotes2003@gmail.com

2004

Melissa Termine Goetz melissagoetz109@gmail.com Lauren Weber Lwebs13@gmail.com Blake Hanan, and his wife, Jeslyn welcomed Braelyn Chance to the family in February.

Jeannine Miranne is a Uro-Gynecologist at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, as well as an Assistant Professor of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology at Harvard Medical School.

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NEWSMAKER

2008

REUNION 2023

MINI-REUNION

Danielle Grasso Utzig Patrick Preston Sienacollege2008@gmail.com Jen Armstrong and her husband, Nick welcomed their daughter, Vivian June in December.

Kristen Curran was appointed Director of Government Relations for the NYS Catholic Conference in January.

Katie Forbes and her husband welcomed a baby girl, Olivia in April.

Greg Albert ‘08, Vice President of Professional Services for Naviant Inc. was featured in 40 under 40 in Madison, Wisconsin.

Monica Prinzivalli is publishing a children’s book in November called Brave Like Mom. Scott Randall won a Sports Emmy Award for Best Daily Studio Show as a Producer for SportsCenter at ESPN. Way to go Scott!

2005

Breanne Suhrland Elsesser belsesser19@gmail.com

2006

Chris Elsesser celsesser19@gmail.com

Alex and Katie (Sokol) ‘11 Romero welcomed a son, Caiden Jack in January.

Big brothers Leo and Myles are so thrilled!

Mark Vena was recently named Shareholder for Teal, Becker & Chiaramonte, CPAs, P.C.

2009

Tiffany Salonich tsalonich11@aim.com Marie (Walker) and Derek ‘11 Gavin welcomed baby boy, Noah Edward in February.

Amanda Lohnas-Greenwalt and Jon Greenwalt welcomed their son, Grayson in December.

2007

Michael McCarthy and Meghan (Williams) McCarthy welcomed their second child Maeve in December.

Cristina Garcia is the Associate Dean for Inclusion and Belonging at Gettysburg College.

Jillian O’Callaghan-Wisda received her Doctoral degree in Educational Leadership from the American College of Education this past November. She works for Fairfax County Public Schools in Virginia.

Stan Horton Kristen Carlson Rubin Sienacollegeclassof2007@gmail.com

Dave Jalette and Laura welcomed their daughter, Cali Anne Luella Jalette, in February.

Adam Mastroianni and his husband, Logan welcomed their baby boy, Anthony James in January.

Mara O’Toole and James Briggs got married on April 22 where many friends of Siena were in attendance!

Amanda Filippazzo ’12, Jessica Rupert ’12, and Alyssa Sceppaguercio ’12 all met up in London this past May!

Marcel Bedard mp30beda@gmail.com Derek Gavin and his wife, Marie ’09 welcomed baby boy, Noah Edward in February.

Keegan Hayes is the Senior Program Manager for AppExchange at Salesforce.

Katie and Alex Romero ’08 welcomed a son, Caiden Jack in January. Big brothers Leo and Myles are so thrilled!

Nick Theos is Principal at UHY, and was named 2021 “Business & Finance Professional” honoree by Long Island Business News.

2012

Therese Daly tdaly@nysenate.gov Diana (Nystrom) Coleman welcomed baby number two this past March.

Emily (Pritchard) Delancey accepted a position as the Climate Accounts Budget Administrator at Washington State Department of Ecology in December.

2010

Amanda Filippazzo is a Patient Experience Specialist for Northwell Health on Long Island.

Kristen and Joe Caschera welcomed a beautiful baby boy, Rocco Jerome in November.

Joe Kaczmarek and Emily Curro ’13 welcomed a daughter this year.

Kelly Peckholdt kellypeckholdt@gmail.com

2011

Carmen Francella III cfrancella3@gmail.com

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NEWSMAKER

NEWSMAKER

Thomas Moran ‘13, was promoted to Vice President in Human Resources at Nielson, making him the youngest VP in HR at the company.

Katie Hingher ‘17 works as an occupational therapist at a subacute rehab center on Long Island. She was featured in the National Amputee Coalition’s Monthly Magazine for her work with amputee patients.

MINI-REUNION

Tim Ciarniello ’13 and Brittany Bilello ’13 celebrated their marriage in December with their closest Siena friends and family.

Cheryl Posillico continues to work at a mental health clinic providing individual psychotherapy and support groups for individuals with autism, as well as caregivers of individuals with autism.

Jessica Rupert lives in London and is working at the oldest working theater in London!

Alyssa Sceppaguercio is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, and is finishing up her Ph.D. in Mental Health Counseling at Pace University.

Kelly Werner, MD presented her awardwinning essay entitled “The Gender Gap in Caring for Children with Medical Complexity” at the Pediatric Academic Societies 2022 conference this April.

Elizabeth Woodward is the Director of Finance at Foodlink in Penfield, New York.

2013

REUNION 2023

Cassy Jane Werking C18werk@siena.edu Caitlin Cahalan was promoted to Vice President, Assistant Treasurer at Nielsen.

Jennifer Cullen moved to NYC to work for Disney Theatrical. She serves as the Executive Assistant to the VP of Marketing, Publicity, Sales and Education.

Kristina Hartmann and her husband, John welcomed their second child, Harper in March.

Stephanie LaMountain and Kirk Schneider got married in April.

Arianna (Palumbo) Livshits and her husband, Vadim welcomed their first child, Chloe in March.

Thomas Moran, was promoted to Vice President in Human Resources at Nielson, making him the youngest VP in HR at the company.

Alexandria Pizzola recently accepted a position as the Assistant Director of Academic Advising in Cornell University’s College of Engineering.

Charles Smith was promoted to Senior Manager at UHY.

2014

If you are willing to help as a class news notes coordinator, please contact alumni@siena.edu.

Nick Longo and Jacqueline Merchant ’16 were married on June 18 in Saratoga.

Emily Curro and Joe Kaczmarek ’12 welcomed a daughter this year.

Tim Lynch and Jacqueline Vavoules ’15 were engaged this past February.

Stacey Flynt got engaged in October to her fiance, Ben.

Daniel Menoncin joined NSH USA as a Senior Project Manager and moved back to the Albany area in May.

Timothy Sopok works in Miami as a Senior Associate for a commercial real estate firm. His brother Brian graduated Siena in 2016 and his sister, Lea just graduated this past May. Their grandmother wanted to spend her 100th birthday at a Siena basketball game!

Alana Strassfield worked on a land repatriation project with the Seattle Global Shapers and was featured in CNN.

2015

Helene Rached Caroline Bertholf SienaNotes2015@gmail.com Brenda Costabile and her husband welcomed a beautiful baby boy, Liam Isaiah in November.

Jared DeGroff joined the Career and Internship Center at Siena College as the Assistant Director of Marketing and Technology.

Maura Hurley is the Practice Leader at Hudson Headwaters in Queensbury.

Gian Carlo Maxino earned his MBA in Accounting from Penn State.

Jacqueline Vavoules and Tim Lynch ’14 got engaged this past February.

Louis Walsh is the Assistant Director of Licensing at Purshe Kaplan Sterling Investments in Albany.

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2016

Anthony Bjelke Matt Lorini Sienanotes2016@gmail.com Taylor Davis graduated from SUNY College of Optometry in May 2021 and is working as an Optometrist in the Bronx.

Tanner Donovan is a Sales Development Representative at Moody’s Analytics.

Annie Fiorillo started a new job as the Sales Service Executive for the MLB. Elizabeth Fournier started veterinary school at St. George University.

Sean Fogarty graduated from the Roger Williams University School of Law in May 2021, and practices education law in Bergen County, New Jersey. He enjoys following the Siena Cross Country and Track team.

Brian Kelly began a new job in March as the Associate Manager, Sales Development at ContractPodAi.

Jacqueline Merchant married Nick Longo ’14 on June 18 in Saratoga.

Stephanie Lopez was hired by a Continuing Education Training company to create and instruct training opportunities for clinicians in a variety of fields on mental health best practices.

Brian Sopok is working as a Software Engineer in NYC. His brother, Tim graduated from Siena in 2014 and his sister, Lea just graduated this past May. Their grandmother wanted to spend her 100th birthday at a Siena Basketball game!

Brandon Valvo was promoted to Manager at UHY. Mary Kate Weaver is the Assistant Director of Alumni Engagement at Siena College.

2017

Amy Polchinski Anthony Pelliccia siena17classnews@gmail.com Monica Maxino earned her MPH in Health Behavior and Community Health from NY Medical College.

Brittany Onesto is a Human Resources Manager at ViaComCBS Streaming.

2018

Mary Grace Judge mg08judg@alum.siena.edu

2019

REUNION 2023

Megan Kelly Patrick Moran siena19news@gmail.com Matt Cawley is an Operations Associate at Centerbridge Partners.

Joseph Kuehner was promoted to Analytical Specialist at Regeneron.

Pat Moran started a new position as a Sales Manager and Analytics Consultant for Vail Resorts in Park City, Utah. He is also a volunteer assistant ski race coach at the University of Utah.

Ryan O’Connor was promoted to Senior Staff at UHY. Thom Schlink came home to Siena and works as the Operations Manager in Student Activities and Leadership Development.

John Wall is a tax associate at KPMG. Natalie Weaver, Annie Phillips, Olivia Fleming, Sam Shulman, Brendan Nashelsky, Allie Mahoney, and Jacob Mantey graduated from Albany Law School.

2020

Brianna Brown Zach Brimmer siena2020classnotes@gmail.com Morgann Barker is working at Nathan Littauer Hospital Ear, Nose, and Throat as the Office Coordinator. She is hoping to start graduate school in the fall to become a physician assistant.

William Carmello earned his Masters in Applied Economics from Boston College in December and recently started a job as a Model Risk Analyst at Browns Brothers Harriman in Boston.

Kylie Gilbride graduated from Rockefeller College of Public Affairs & Policy at UAlbany earning her MPA with a concentration in policy process, politics and institutions.

Brianna Muniz was promoted to Senior Staff at UHY. Andrea Sicina earned her MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling this past May. Mason Winnie was promoted to Senior Staff at UHY.

2021

Meg O’Neill & Bobby Baillie siena2021classnotes@gmail.com Celena Ly was promoted to Team Leader while serving AmeriCorps in Utica.

Clare McCrudden was promoted to Assistant Director of Alumni Engagement at Siena College.

Diana Procopis completed her Army Training in February.

Michael Weaver works as a Business Development Specialist on the sales team at Fenimore Asset Management.

Thank You Howard Foote ’74 and UHY LLP! Siena College is so grateful for the sponsorship and support from former Trustee Howard Foote ’74 and UHY LLP. For their decades of support of scholarships, event sponsorships, naming the UHY Center and its video scoreboard, as well as many initiatives too numerous to count, the entire Siena community says THANK YOU to Howard Foote ’74 and UHY LLP for being Saints!

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IN MEMORY

Siena College mourns the loss of the following members of our community: Richard Y. Bayly, II ‘41 Thomas A. McTague ‘43 Fr. Peter A. Fiore, O.F.M., Ph.D. ‘49 Larry J. Patlen ‘49 Gerald T. Goard ‘51 Thomas E. Hannan ‘51 Anthony Barbro ‘52 Peter M. Pryor, Esq. ‘52 Anthony N. Sacco, Jr. ‘52 Emanuel J. Aragosa ‘53 Paul R. Tuohey ‘53 Arnold Carrese ‘54 Joseph F. Buff ‘55 Robert R. Hayden, Ph.D. ‘55 Robert F. McEnroe ‘55 John W. Zampier ‘55 E. David Duncan ‘56 Douglas H. Hoyt, Ph.D. ‘56 Robert J. Perry ‘56 Richard A. Roth, CLU ‘56 Salvatore D. Catalano ‘57 Richard F. Cesare ‘57 James H. Meaney ‘58 Joseph W. Shay ‘59 Carl Simoson ‘59 Edwin J. Tobin ‘59 Kenneth F. Webel ‘59 Edward J. Gusty ‘60 Joseph M. Russo ‘60 Robert F. Champine ‘61 Robert Dalessandro ‘61 David M. Holohan ‘61 David L. Tenney ‘61 Marcel W. Charland ‘62 William J. Cooke, Ph.D. ‘62

Donald J. De Angelus ‘62 William G. Kelly ‘62 Robert M. Mullarkey ‘62 Daniel E. Murray ‘62 Walter Suprunowicz ‘62 Charles O. Adams ‘63 Thomas L. Malone ‘63 Donald A. Ogonowski ‘63 William F. Anderson ‘64 William B. Cosgrove ‘64 Robert L. Marois, Ph.D. ‘64 Peter N. Pagones ‘64 Michael W. Bryant, USA (Ret.) ‘65 John J. Evers ‘65 Patrick D. McCarville ‘65 Eleanor A. Shea ‘65 Joseph J. Jorlett ‘66 John J. McTague, Jr., Ph.D. ‘66 Kevin J. Carmody ‘67 Charles Fitzsimmons ‘67 Robert Magil ‘67 Fr. Neil J. O’Connell, O.F.M. ‘67 Terrance R. Small ‘67 Dennis M. Coker ‘68 Rev. James K. Joyce ‘68 Robert J. Sullivan ‘69 Joseph D. Hilton ‘70 Jane C. Leach, R.S.M. ‘70 Ronald C. Mayer ‘70 Larry Parks ‘70 Darwin J. Koester ‘71 Gary M. Mazula ‘71 David M. Nedelsky ‘72 Walter R. Pincher ‘72 Richard Wert ‘72

Louis R. Piazza ‘73 Edward J. Hurley, AC, LPN ‘74 Gerald E. Wilmot ‘74 Joseph P. Bobinis ‘75 John F. Decatur, Jr. ‘75 Patrick J. Rielly ‘75 John A. Snyder ‘75 John F. Szypulski ‘75 William J. McCarthy ‘76 Ann M. Dott ‘77 Daniel F. Minehan ‘77 Walter S. Wrobel ‘77 Joseph L. Angerami ‘78 Michael G. Duffy ‘78 James Polito, Sr. ‘78 Paul D. Nolan ‘79 Russell J. Percenti ‘80 Joseph C. Farina, II ‘81 Monique K Waller ‘81 Kathryn A. Connolly ‘82 Margaret J. Mc Cullough ‘82 Loreen M. Pelicone ‘82 Stephen A. Lagoy ‘84 James V. Parravani ‘85 Kevin M. Guthrie ‘86 Leonard A. Moore ‘87 James W. Ryan, III ‘88 Christene M. Beaudin ‘90 Melissa L. Siega ‘90 Erin Kate Reagan ‘93 Jamie R. Cote ‘94 Maureen Denison ‘97 Shannon L. Rogers ‘98 Meaghan D. McGonagle ‘02 Daniel M. Hogan ‘13

11/1/21 - 05/15/22 *all reported to the alumni office

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

UNPACKED

SAMUEL HEARN ’23

Sutton, MA Political Science & International Relations Major, Minors in Business and Healthcare Administration, and a Certificate of Community Development During my freshman year I was elected Class President, where I worked as an active member of the Student Senate and led the 2023 Class Council. This prepared me to work in the President’s Office as the Executive Intern. One initiative I’ve helped launch there and chair is the Student Presidential Leadership Council, where I have the pleasure to work with other incredible student leaders in creating professional development and leadership events, including a recent etiquette dinner

and a fall leadership conference for the Siena community. Other experiences I’ve enjoyed include my work as a NExT Fellow, an AmeriCorp Leader, the School of Liberal Arts Student Representative on the Board of Instruction, a Peer Mentor, and a Health and Wellness Leader/Certified Peer Health Educator.

One of my favorite opportunities has been serving as the Student Chair of the Spirit of ’68 Committee.

I thoroughly enjoy the Committee’s meetings, deep conversations about

creating as impactful of an event as possible, and our collaboration and integration with other leaders, offices, schools, and colleges in planning and carrying out these events. The administrators and faculty, especially Dean Seifert and Dr. Jerry DeFrancisco ’68 have been incredible mentors, who continue to add so much to my personal, professional, and spiritual growth – let alone my sense of humor. I have always identified with the field of health care since I was young and needed two open-heart surgeries to save my life. Growing up right around the corner from Paul Newman’s Hole in the Wall Gang Camp, a nonprofit started for children with chronic and/or terminal illnesses, it was always my dream to work there with this amazing population.

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This year, with programs back open, I was finally able to apply to work at Camp for this summer, and offered the position of Expedition Leader, where I’ll be responsible for coordinating and leading the Camp’s camping and backpacking, as well as integration of programming and necessary medical support to these activities, among my other responsibilities. To me, being a Saint means operationalizing Siena’s mission and Franciscan values in our daily lives to serve others and build community.

When I was deciding on where I wanted to attend college, part of the main reason I came to Siena was because of its mission and Franciscan values.

In my college search, I was looking for a liberal arts college where I could study both the humanities and business. Meeting then- President Br. Ed Coughlin, O.F.M. and other administrators/faculty who embody the mission on Preview and Accepted Student Days helped me see the values in action. I also had the opportunity to sit in on a health policy class with Dr. Duane Matcha, who would later become a mentor when I enrolled.

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