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. 30
SN_summer22.indd 30
6/14/22 3:20 PM
