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REUNION WEEKEND
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!”
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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.
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.
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.
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!
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!
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.
L to R Nick Schmitt, Ralph Caruso, Dan Hollis, Ed McCarty, Tom Auletta
Credit: Lark Street Photo
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!
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.
“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.
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!
