Siena News, Winter 2022

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A MAGAZINE FOR ALUMNI AND FRIENDS • WINTER 2022

INSIDE:

- DREAM BIG! - HOMECOMING 2021 - CELEBRATING THE CLASS OF 2020

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WELCOME SAINTS!

This fall, Siena welcomed the largest freshman class in College history. Sound familiar? This is the third year in a row the record was topped. Take your best guess at the total number of freshmen — and check your answer on page 19.

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BOARD OF TRUSTEES

6 HOMECOMING AND 2020 COMMENCEMENT

Thomas L. Amell ’89 Thomas J. Baldwin, Jr. ’81 Ronald E. Bjorklund ’85 Thomas J. Burke Susan Law Dake H ’21 Virginia Darrow ’83 John Finneran, Jr. ’81 Howard S. Foote ’74 Fr. James G. Gannon, O.F.M. Christopher P. Gibson ’86 Paul L. Gioia Jason Gottlieb ’92 John R. Held ’80 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 Massry ’07 Tehresa M. Massena ’14 Burgandy-Leigh McCurty ’10 William P. McGoldrick, ’68 John A. McMahon ’71 Lisa J. Moser ’97 Rev. Kevin J. Mullen ’75, O.F.M., Ph.D. Patricia A. Nashelsky ’89 John J. Nigro H’13 Nipa Nobel Kenneth M. Raymond, Jr. Lewis Steverson ’87 Br. Basil J. Valente ’84, O.F.M.

SIENA NEWS – WINTER 2022 Published by: Siena College 515 Loudon Road, Loudonville, NY 12211-1462 518-782-8300 • communications@siena.edu • Publisher: Jason Rich ’98 • Editor: Julia Hess Zielinski ’15 • Contributing Editors: Alumni Relations, Jenna Antenucci, Brad Bodmer ’82, Mike Demos, Shelby Crespino ’19, Mary Beth Finnerty ’85, Joe Frumusa ’12, Dr. Chris Gibson ’86, Beth Hazelton ’16, Joe Mixie, Brandon Murphy ’17, Kelly O’Donnell, Jason Rich ’98, Emmie Roberts ’22, Mike Utzig ’07 and Lisa Witkowski.

• Art Director and Design: Sergio Sericolo, M.F.A. • Assistant Director of Development Marketing and Alumni Relations Design: Taylor Ball • Class Notes and ‘In Memory’ Design: Jean Higgs • Alumni Class Notes Editors: Christina Colucci ’21, Mary Beth Finnerty ’85, Kathy Palumbo and Brandon Murphy ’17 • Photography: Andy Murphy ’17, Siena Athletics, Siena College Alumni, Joe Frumusa ’12, Sergio Sericolo.

• Video Production: Dave Etzler

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SIENA MEN’S RUGBY: 2021 NATIONAL CHAMPIONS

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UNPACKED NDEYE TALL ’22

33 ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT 3

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FROM THE PRESIDENT

During last year’s pandemic crisis, before the vaccines arrived, Siena strove to provide as fulfilling an on-campus experience as possible. We believe we were successful, but frankly, life here was challenging and less than ideal.

This academic year is different. Here in Loudonville, our students are flourishing.

Thanks to our commitment to have a completely vaccinated community, Siena came alive again. We saw smiling faces everywhere. Classes and clubs met in person, sports teams welcomed vaccinated fans, and the Siena community welcomed its third record freshman class in a row. In fact, our campus is now home to the three largest classes in its history.

Growth is a positive only if an organization is managing that growth in a strategic and responsible manner. To that end, the College’s trustees, faculty and administrators are currently collaborating on a thoroughly researched five-year strategic plan to position Siena as a high-demand institution with a highly visible regional profile.

In full control of our own destiny, with optimized enrollment and strong financial footing, we are laying the groundwork to continue to expand our academic offerings to include indemand, high-quality programs such as preprofessional health care majors, a restorative criminal justice program and master’s degrees

and graduate credentials where mission meets market.

Our graduates are highly sought after because they are committed team players with leadership potential. In the coming years, we will take further steps to solidify our reputation as a premier leadership school.

An exceptional classroom experience steeped in the College’s Franciscan tradition is but one important component of Siena’s Education for a Lifetime. Our commitment extends to offering transformative opportunities for our students through internships, mentoring, research and the development of power skills that will best prepare them to lead in a world of work that will continuously evolve in the coming years.

The foundational knowledge and skill set they build here at Siena will stand our graduates in excellent stead no matter their career path – and that includes careers that do not yet exist.

For any organization to live and thrive, it must evolve, and that includes colleges and universities.

Siena must anticipate trends in demographics, work, technology and curriculum, while staying true to our roots as a Franciscan institution. Adapting to a changing society does not mean jettisoning that which makes us unique, and I pledge our commitment that our mission will continue to infuse everything we deliver to our community.

A world class academic program needs world class facilities, and to that end I am thrilled to announce a $35 million donation by Das ‘06 and Nipa Nobel to fund Nobel Hall, a major expansion of our science education buildings. You can read more about this exciting development on page 14.

I look forward to sharing with you in the coming months more details about our plans and the role our incredible alumni will play to bring our bold vision to life. For this new year of 2022, I wish you and your families good health and happiness, and the heartfelt hope that we will all continue to appreciate the blessings and freedoms bestowed upon us.

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SAINTS’ SEMESTER IN REVIEW

The fall 2021 semester saw our Saints back together on campus: in person, at full capacity in our classrooms, labs and dining areas, with a full array of activities and athletics that offered the richest Siena experience possible.

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THERE’S NO PLACE

LIKE HOME

Thousands of students, alumni, parents, family and friends joined us November 9-14, 2021 for Siena’s inaugural Homecoming celebration. Saints traveled from as far away

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as Brazil to come home to Loudonville and celebrate what it means to be a Saint.

Homecoming week got underway on Tuesday, November 9 with the Br. Ed Coughlin Franciscan Cup Game Watch at the East Greenbush Recovery Room Sports Grill.

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To thank our veterans for their service and sacrifice, the College hosted the 11th Annual Veterans Recognition Dinner on Thursday, November 11 on campus. President Gibson pictured with honorees Karen and Kathy Coleman (John Coleman ’62 Wall of Fame recipient, posthumous); Veteran Award recipient Joshua Deyo ’22, keynote speaker Terry Arndt ’67, and Cadet Award recipient Alan Glasser ’22.

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Over 100 alumni gathered at Fort Orange Brewing in Albany for an All Alumni Welcome Back celebration. Saints enjoyed live music by the popular cover band Stretch (Tom ’93 and Joely Miller); caught up with friends, and enjoyed beverages and wood-fired pizza from Bull & Basil, locally owned by Craig ‘87 and Carol ‘85 Turnbull.

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President Gibson ’86 and Alumni Relations hosted a Class of 2020 Welcome to Alumni Brunch on Saturday, November 13 to begin the Commencement celebrations for the class that was affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. This celebration featured the traditional Champagne Toast.

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Before the inaugural Homecoming game, alumni gathered for a pre-game social at The Hollow Bar + Kitchen in Albany.

The Classes of ’70 and ’71 celebrated their 50th reunions, reconnected and socialized before the big game.

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Mens basketball home opener vs. University of Delaware Homecoming game. Distinguished Alumni Award recipients were recognized during halftime of the Saints’ first home game at Times Union Center in nearly two years. (left to right): Chris Arnold ’80, Professor Egon Plager Award for Humanitarian Efforts; Sabrina Mosseau ’91, Professor Egon Plager Award for Humanitarian Efforts; Russ Irving ’85, Professor Joseph Buff Award for Career Achievement; John Glynn ’70, Fr. Ben Kuhn OFM Award for Service to Siena; Dr. Chris Gibson ’86, Siena College President; George ’78 and Paula ’80 Griffin, Professor Egon Plager Award for Humanitarian Efforts; Kathleen Digan DeRosa ’10, Franciscan Spirit Award; Burgandy McCurty ’10/MSA ’11, Franciscan Spirit Award.

On Sunday, November 14 alumni participated in a special Baccalaureate and Alumni Mass before the Class of 2020 Commencement ceremony (more on next page).

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CELEBRATING THE CLASS OF 2020 Siena College held an in-person Commencement ceremony for the graduating class impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

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q The Class of 2020 was honored in a full ceremony on Sunday, November 14 at the Times Union Center.

Nearly 300 graduates attended in person to walk the stage, supported by 2,000 friends and family members.

“We made the commitment to this special class that Siena would host a full, in-person graduation for them once the track of the pandemic allowed,” said Margaret E. Madden, Ph.D., senior vice president and provost of the College. “We were very pleased to welcome many members of the class, and their family and friends, to this overdue and much deserved ceremony.”

Former Siena standout athlete, Army veteran and Procter & Gamble sales leader John P. Glynn ’70 (right) was the featured speaker for the event. Biology major John Dinelli ’20 gave the student address on behalf of the graduates. Dinelli is currently a second-year student at Albany Medical College.

“What do we as graduates leave Siena College with?

Yes, we received the Education for a Lifetime. But, we also left with so much more,” said Dinelli. “We are stronger because Siena College has turned us into people who bring peace and good to the world. It is through this lesson that we become the best versions of ourselves.”

Degrees for the Class of 2020 were officially conferred in a virtual ceremony on May 17, 2020.

College administrators and friars gathered on campus in a socially distanced manner to bestow 757 bachelor’s degrees and 61 master’s degrees via a brief ceremony livestreamed via Facebook.

Madden said in her virtual remarks that day, “You will always be remembered as a special class for your commendable resilience in the face of extraordinary challenges.”

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FROM A HURRICANE TO THEIR HOME AWAY FROM HOME Twin sisters Ava and Alexa Filippone ’25 were (almost) all packed up and ready to move in at Siena as freshmen.

Hurricane Ida had other ideas.

The Filippone home in Scarsdale, New York was not spared. The basement and garage got the worst of it: the family’s cars were totaled, and belongings – including family heirlooms and photos – were floating around in dirty floodwater. Luckily, most of their college stuff was spared.

Andy Murphy ’17 and Emily Furlong ’21 from Siena’s marketing team were dispatched early in the morning of September 3 to pick up Ava and Alexa. They helped the family load up the twins’ belongings, and then hit the road with the Filippone parents, Glenn and Laura, following behind on a borrowed vehicle.

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AROUND TOWN MADDALONE WALL OF SUCCESS Siena’s annual celebration of its alumni entrepreneurs saw a big upgrade this year to help raise funds for student projects. The former reception is now a full-fledged dinner with table sponsorships.

The Maddalone Wall, made possible through the generous support of Diane ’89 and Guy Maddalone ’89, founder and CEO of GTM Payroll Services, provides a highly visible platform to honor Siena alumni who have launched their own successful businesses, and to inspire current students who have entrepreneurial plans.

The Wall has surpassed its “century mark” – there are now 101 companies honored.

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BINGO IS BACK! Siena’s famous Bingo nights are back and bigger than ever. Every weekend, Student Activities and Leadership Development’s “Siena Night Life” hosts programs such as trivia night, scavenger hunts and casino night to bring together the community. For the first time in over a year and a half, Saints gathered for a round of traditional Siena Bingo.

“It’s really awesome. I love how they get the community together and have a riot. I’m so thankful,” said Sophia Conte ‘25.

COOKING WITH THE FRIARS Many of the Siena Friars love to eat and love to cook, and for the benefit of the community, love to share. In celebration of his heritage, Fr. Roberto “Tito” Serrano, O.F.M., in partnership with the College’s Latinx Student Association, brought the taste and feel of a Puerto Rican kitchen to Siena. Fr. Tito prepared dishes of his childhood while explaining the significance of food within his culture.

“When we get into the kitchen and start cooking together there’s a lot of chaos, but there’s also a lot of joy. We are our truest selves when we’re cooking, eating and dancing together,” said Fr. Tito.

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Read all about it

Siena in the News

Fr. Mychal Judge, an assistant to the Siena president in the 1970s, would become the first certified death of 9/11 as chaplain of the New York City Fire Department. On the 20th anniversary of the attacks, many media outlets recounted stories of the 9/11 heroes, and some fondly remembered Fr. Mychal’s bravery. NewsChannel 13 interviewed Fr. Sean O’Brien, O.F.M., who knew him well. “He had the gift of empathy and really entered into other people’s suffering and pain. He was so enmeshed in the whole scene and fervently praying that God’s grace is going to somehow be revealed in this tumultuous situation,” O’Brien said. The New York Daily News also featured his lifework.

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When New York Governor Andrew Cuomo resigned in August, media outlets from all over the country often turned to political expert Len Cutler, Ph.D., professor of political science, for commentary. He appeared in The New York Times and Seattle Times, and on WPIX-11 in New York, among other outlets. He wasn’t the only Siena pundit providing insight during Cuomo’s final days in office: Vera Eccarius-Kelly, Ph.D., professor of political science, provided political analysis on WAMC’s public radio show, “The Roundtable,” which was highlighted in a video posted by The Washington Post.

Ausra Park, Ph.D., associate professor of international relations, earned a Fulbright Fellowship to Kaunas, Lithuania in 2011. Today, she maintains a strong relationship with the Baltic nation. Park was recently interviewed by the Lithuanian equivalent to our NPR. The interview, which addresses America’s presence around the world, also appeared online.

This Siena mention did not actually come from the media, but it was on White House letterhead and reached four million people. On October 8, the White House announced key Ambassador nominations made

by President Biden. Douglas Hickey ‘77 is the President’s nominee to serve as ambassador to Finland and in the official announcement, the White House recognized Hickey’s alma mater twice.

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Elevating Siena’s national profile is part of our journey toward national prominence. In a wideranging interview published in the National Observer Higher Education and reprinted in American City Business Journals in several major media markets, President Gibson touched on enrollment, fundraising, and program development.

Hilary Burns, editor of the National Observer, asked “Five or 10 years down the road, what will Siena be known for?”

“A real leadership school... When you think about the country’s challenges, there’s nothing that can’t be solved by Franciscan leaders. They are visionaries, they’re team builders, they’re inclusive, they’re creative, they’re innovative. They solve problems. They move organizations forward together. When you think about five years from now, we want to be in the same conversation as other top Catholic schools.”

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SAINTS AROUND THE WORLD

CORINNA HOFLER ’22 took classes toward her English degree while studying abroad at Korea University.

Before she left, Hofler had zero international experience. It didn’t take her long to fall in love with South Korea.

“My experience in South Korea has been one I will never forget. I’ve not only grown... but I’ve flourished. The level of independence that comes with moving to a foreign country alone is overwhelming, yet incredibly freeing.

The level of kindness communicated toward me here is indescribable. Coming from someone who has never left America and had no prior Korean language experience, I wish that more people would take the leap and travel here.”

CAROLINE GARRETT ’23 spent the fall semester at the Centre d’Études Franco-Américain de Management (CEFAM), in Lyon, France. On top of exploring all the country had to offer, the creative arts major was able to meet 30 members of her extended family for the very first time. Garrett’s grandmother was born in Lyon, but immigrated to the United States. She would often tell her granddaughter stories of her homeland and the amazing family she left behind. During her time abroad, Garrett got to experience it for herself.

“Studying abroad in Lyon, France has taught me so much about foreign cultures and different ways of life.

Being immersed in French culture has helped me progress in my language learning, and getting to visit various cities and towns has broadened my world perspective much more than I expected.”

JASON GOLDEN ’22 spent the fall semester in a Ugandan “classroom” — which he sometimes shared with elephants. He learned about different strategies to conserve endangered wildlife, and through an independent study, he explored ways to implement new conservation tactics.

“Uganda was an incredibly beautiful and diverse country, full of a variety of ecosystems, each with its own distinct features and wildlife. Everywhere we camped, we observed the animals you only ever see in pictures or zoos.

The experience of being there is unlike any other.”

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DREAM

BIG! Dreams have no inhibitions. They can’t be stifled by expectations or assumptions — only by the limitations of hope and imagination. Dreams transcend what’s thought possible, but only for those who dare to dream so boldly.

Das Nobel ’06 has always been a dreamer.

Nobel immigrated to the United States as a teenager from a small community in Bangladesh. He didn’t speak English when he arrived in New York, sometimes making him a target for bullies. No matter the setbacks he encountered, Nobel kept dreaming.

In fact, Nobel’s mantra has always been: Dream Big. Despite every valid reason not to, he dreamt of owning his own company. He aspired to change the world. Then, he

conjured the ambition to do both. The company he founded, MTX Group, is a pioneer in digital transformation with hundreds of millions of dollars in contracts across 35 states. One of MTX’s main pillars is to use its technology solutions to create positive outcomes and make a tangible difference in communities across the world.

Nobel had dreams for his alma mater, as well. In 2000, Siena opened a spot for him, even though he missed the enrollment deadline. “I was the happiest kid in town when Siena made an exception for me,” Nobel said.

Siena put Nobel on his path to learning about artificial intelligence. In return, Nobel dreamt that Siena could become a national beacon for the sciences in liberal arts education. He dreamt of a state-of-the-art facility that would be a launchpad toward Siena’s destiny as a high-demand college.

Nobel dreamt of Nobel Hall. Soon, his dream will become Siena’s reality.

On December 14, the College made the surprise announcement in spectacular fashion during a community event on the Nigro Family Plaza. Nobel and his wife, Nipa, will fully fund an expansion of the science complex and a renovation of Roger Bacon Hall. When completed, the $35 million project will transform Siena’s footprint and unleash the College’s full potential in the sciences.

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“The foundation from Siena College enabled us to give back to my alma mater in a way that will impact the next generation of leaders,” Nobel said. “I am proud to be a Siena alumnus and hope this contribution will inspire future students to dream big.”

More than 40% of the student body and nearly a dozen academic programs will benefit from the 40,000 additional square feet. Nobel Hall will feature specialized laboratories along with a designated space for collaborative and active learning. The $35 million gift is the largest single gift in Siena history, and it ranks among the all-time biggest private donations to any college or university in New York state.

“Das Nobel is a shining example of what a Siena College graduate can achieve when they dream big,” said Gibson. “His career achievements are impressive by any standard, but it is the dedication that he and his wife, Nipa, show to MTX’s employees through their people-first approach to business, and to the community through the Nobel Foundation, that illustrates what it truly means to be a Siena Saint. We are incredibly grateful for their generosity, which will transform the way Siena prepares our students for their own careers.”

Nipa Nobel co-founded MTX Group with her husband in 2015 and serves as the company’s chief brand and culture officer. She’s also a member of the Siena College Board of Trustees and shares Das’ vision for the future of Siena.

“Siena holds an incredibly special place in Das’ heart and in mine, and we are so grateful for the ability to give back to this institution,” Nipa Nobel said. “Siena has had such a positive impact on our family and on the communities where its alumni work and live. Das and I fully support Siena’s approach to creating future leaders, whose education is steeped in a commitment to serving others and in the liberal arts.”

The Nobel Foundation will be instrumental in supporting the MTX and Nobel pledge program.

All Siena students, faculty and staff were invited to the event and told it would be a celebration of a transformative moment in the College’s history, though the details were kept confidential. A week before the event, a giant wooden box appeared on the Nigro Family Plaza with instructions not to open until December 14. At the beginning of the event, Baloo - a two-year-old St. Bernard and Siena’s new mascot - burst through the doors. Minutes later, a countdown preceded the ultimate unveiling: a banner unfurled featuring an artist’s rendering of Nobel Hall, while green and yellow sparkles lit up the Academic Quad.

“Siena took a chance on me and believed in me, an opportunity I want to pay forward for future students,” Nobel said at the unveiling.

“The expansion of the science complex and Nobel Hall will inspire students to collaborate and make their dreams a reality, just as I did.”

Construction on Nobel Hall is expected to begin this fall, with an estimated completion date set for 2024. What exactly will it mean for Siena, and what’s next?

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EVERY STUDENT HAS A STORY MOULAY AHMED ALADLOUNI ‘23 It’s important to choose a campus based on feeling.

Aladlouni got that feeling from an ocean away.

First-timers to the Siena campus orient themselves using Siena Hall. The College’s signature building is like its north star, and it’s a guaranteed stop on any Siena tour. Most prospective students and family are impressed by the 83-year-old building, though Aladlouni doesn’t spend much time talking about the bricks or the golden dome. He excitedly tells high schoolers about the Stack Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship then the Hickey Financial Technology Center, sometimes remembering from notes, but mostly speaking from the heart. Aladlouni chose Siena without ever seeing the campus. That’s partly why he became a Siena tour guide.

He wants to share an experience he never had.

“I love highlighting what I didn’t get to see. I really enjoy promoting the unique Siena value.”

Aladlouni grew up as an English-speaking American in Morocco, without any memories of America. He was born in Michigan to an American mom and a Moroccan dad, but when he was one year old, the family moved to Northern Africa. He spoke Arabic with his dad’s side of the

family, picked up French (spoken by one-third of Moroccans), but attended an English school.

Public schools in Morocco primarily prepare students for secondary schooling in Morocco, and there’s little movement between social classes. Aladlouni felt blessed to attend a private English-speaking school, and knew from a young age that one day he’d return to his birth country for college innovation and entrepreneurship. Aladlouni applied to nine colleges and was accepted to all of them. He spent a summer in the states before his final year of high school, and toured Michigan State, Baylor, and Arizona State, among others, and then went back to Morocco to make a decision. None of them felt right. It just so happened that Lindsay King, associate director of international recruitment, had visited his high school. Aladlouni thought about it, and then he tracked King down at a different college fair in a different corner of Morocco to ask her more about Siena. He made his decision without stepping foot on the campus.

“Siena welcomed me with open arms from the moment I stepped foot on campus, and so far, has fallen nothing short of providing the Education for a Lifetime!”

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SAMANTHA WELSHER ‘22 Welsher has never stepped foot inside of an airport, but there’s a plane leaving for Spain next year, and she desperately wants to be on it.

Welsher grew up with a lot of friends who spoke Spanish as their first, and sometimes primary, language.

It was frustrating for her to watch some friends struggle in school because of language, particularly during math class.

Math is its own language, and it can be spoken fluently by anyone regardless of their spoken language. However, if a student can’t understand the math teacher because of a language barrier, that student is unfairly set up to fail.

Welsher, as a math education and Spanish dual major, wants to teach math to middle school students who are still learning English. First, she needs to stress test her Spanish fluency. However, Welsher’s never been abroad.

The English Teaching Assistant programs place

Fulbright award winners in classrooms abroad to provide assistance to the local English teachers. The program is incredibly competitive. In fact, Fulbright generally awards grants to only 20 percent of applicants to the U.S. Student Program. This year, Siena is offering support services, like never before, to encourage and assist Fulbright aspirants like Welsher. She will hear back this spring.

“As someone who has never been abroad, getting the Fulbright award would be a life-changing experience for me. Although it will be exciting to travel to Spain for the first time, Fulbright is more than just traveling. Receiving this grant will provide me with lifelong skills in the context of cultural diplomacy and education. Through the English Teaching Assistant grant, I will enhance my teaching abilities and experience the complexities of education from a global perspective.”

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BRANDON OLDEN ’23 One summer in Iowa: 300 hours of service and 600 miles of running.

Before Olden answered the phone, he knew exactly why his coach was calling. Only days earlier, Olden became the first Saint in 40 years to qualify for the cross country national championships. He was now just a few days away from leaving for Oklahoma to compete in the biggest race of his life, pending the conversation he was about to have. Olden had recently been exposed to COVID and was in quarantine awaiting his test results.

Olden could tell the second he answered the phone: he wasn’t going to nationals.

“Right away I felt the disappointment of not getting to represent Siena on a national stage. But very shortly after, I realized it was so far out of my control that being upset about it wasn’t going to fix what had already happened. Having a ton of support from my team, my girlfriend, and my family certainly helped me get through quarantine. Then I focused on what I could control.”

Olden decided he would travel west anyway, but instead of Oklahoma, his destination was Iowa. Typically, Olden would spend the summer training in between shifts as a lifeguard, but with a new perspective came new priorities.

He discovered a program through AmeriCorps that catered to high risk students through a summer program in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. He spent nine weeks mentoring elementary-aged students, many of whom had behavioral problems.

Olden woke up most mornings at 5:30 AM and went for an easy three to five mile run. He then got on a bus with the students, and worked with them throughout the morning. In

the afternoon, he’d take the bus back, and either chaperone an after school program or sort food at an area food reservoir that supported the Cedar Rapids food pantries.

Then, Olden laced up for his second run of the day, typically about ten miles. Then dinner. Sleep. Repeat.

“At the end of the day, it was super rewarding. Those were long, hard days, but I’m so grateful for the opportunity. I would really like to do it again.”

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SIENA EXPLORES AMERICA AT A CROSSROADS A new landmark American Values Survey (AVS) by the Siena College Research Institute reveals that, while our country is profoundly divided, there is a strong alignment of shared values among our citizens. The results of the survey appeared on Page 1 of Newsday on Sunday, October 24.

The AVS was conducted this past spring under the direction of Don Levy, Ph.D. A total of 6,077 Americans from all 50 states who voted in the 2020 election took part. The scientifically-conducted study invited Americans to simultaneously consider our divisions and our shared values, as well as how to contribute to the preservation of the American experiment personally, collectively and politically.

To accompany the study, President Gibson and fellow former Congressman Daniel Lipinksi of Illinois co-authored

an in-depth position paper “America at a Crossroads,” analyzing the AVS results and examining the historical perspective of political division in America as well as our Founders’ intents toward shared power and collaboration to ensure the common good.

To read more, visit siena.edu/scri.

THE WORLD NEEDS MORE SAINTS This fall, Siena welcomed the largest freshman class in College history. The number grew from 896 for the Class of 2024 to 1,055 for the Class of 2025. It is the largest and most diverse group in College history. This year’s international student population is also reaching new heights.

“These students come from a wide range of backgrounds, and bring unique life experiences and worldviews to our corner of Loudonville. Though they’re all quite different from each other, these students all have the same aspiration: to be on Siena’s holistic, transformative journey and to earn an Education for a Lifetime,” said Susan Ambrose, assistant director for international student services.

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INTRODUCING SIENA’S CAREER AND INTERNSHIP CENTER

To better serve Siena students who are preparing for internships, careers and grad school, the College has combined operations to form a new Career and Internship Center (CIC).

Debra DelBelso, the Center’s director, said the merger will provide students with more streamlined “one-stop-shopping” for an array of services to help them prepare for professional life or further education after undergrad.

“The sooner a student starts using the Center’s services, the better prepared they will be by the time they graduate,” said DelBelso. “It’s never too early to start.”

INTERNSHIP SPOTLIGHT Saints get in the game —

and that includes rounding out their education by embracing skill-building experiences outside the classroom, including internships.

ANNA WILLIAMS ’22 was only 12 years old, but she’ll never forget the tearful goodbye to her best friend. Henry G. Williams, Jr. served as a US Marine Corps Drill Sergeant.

He also served his country in the Navy, the Air Force, and the Army. He was a decorated veteran, but to Williams, he was just “Grandie,” her grandfather and best friend (above left a young Wlliams with Grandie). And he was dying of prostate cancer.

She has spent the last two summers with Foundation Medicine, first in the pathology department and most recently in strategic operations. She helped transition the information the company received from its partners into two new databases to eliminate redundancies and improve processes.

She’d like to open a cancer center for veterans and provide more targeted, better quality care at no cost to the brave people who served their country. And that’s a promise.

“My Grandie is, and always will be, the inspiration behind the passion, ambition, and drive I have for my career. I know wholeheartedly that he is screaming ‘OORAHH!’ from Heaven watching his little girl accomplish her dreams and aspirations.”

Environmental science major GREG ZUILL ’23 was an intern for Capital Region PRISM (Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management). Wearing a Tyvek suit and gloves, Zuill hunted the giant hogweed (it can grow taller than 14 feet) and removed it, often to protect neighbors nearby.

An invasive species in an organism (plant or animal) that is not indigenous to a particular area can cause great environmental or economic harm. Zuill was responsible for identifying early outbreaks and managing known infestations (including the hogweed) for the protection of our local environment.

He was part of a team that developed important invasive species management plans that will be used for years to come.

“Working with Capital Region PRISM allowed me to further my understanding of how I can help influence the environment around me for my peers and for the betterment of my community... I look forward to being able to protect and take care of the environment for our generation and those to come after us.”

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THROUGH TEARS AND SMILES, REMEMBERING DOMINIC PAGLIA Dominic Paglia died of suicide on October 24. According to friends, he lived with a purpose to brighten the world through laughter. The echoes of that laughter have lifted his friends and family through their grief.

“Dom always tried to find the childish joy in life. He would put so much effort into something that would make somebody laugh for two seconds. But that’s all that mattered, seeing that smile on your face,” said Maura Lynch ’24.

Lynch and Paglia began dating in September of 2020. Every story—from the love notes he’d leave around her room to the Nerf gun fights he would wage through the town house— finished with the same epilogue: “He just did it to make people happy.”

Paglia put so much energy into each laugh because that was his gift, and he shared it selflessly with everyone around him.

“I would always have to wait at least 10 minutes for Dom to come out of his house when I picked him up, but it was worth it for the immediate one-liner or amusing anecdote or comment he would have as soon as he entered the car, always leaving me laughing. He was the funniest, kindest, most true-to-himself person I know, truly too kind for this world. I will miss him every day,” said Gus Sayre ’23.

OUT OF THE DARKNESS

The Out of the Darkness Campus Walk is hosted annually by Siena to raise awareness about suicide prevention. This year, the event took on added depth and poignancy.

The November 6 walk drew more than 400 attendees, in part due to the death of Paglia.

His parents, Regina and Tom, and his siblings, Erin and Vincent, came to campus to give and receive support from the Siena community.

The event began with a wellness fair in the Sarazen Sudent Union and speeches at the Nigro Family Plaza, with opening remarks by Mo Hannah, Ph.D., professor of psychology.

Participants then processed across the Siena campus and down Route 9 and Spring Street Road to the Grotto.

Br. Jason Damon, OFM presided over a prayer service and candle lighting ceremony.

Kate Kaufman Burns, MSW, LCSW-R, director of health promotion, said the walk is a call to action to support each other’s mental health and well-being.

“This was a transformative event for our campus,” she said. “The Paglia family, through their grace and resilience, gave us permission to move forward. We choose not to linger on the one brief moment of Dom’s passing.

That would undermine the totality of his beautiful life.”

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CURCA SCHOLARS SHINE Founded in 2012, with a grant from the Holy Name Province, Siena’s Center for Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity (CURCA) sponsors more than 200 credit-bearing projects of all academic disciplines each year.

Every CURCA-approved independent study is a partnership between professor and student promising high-impact, hands-on learning. Their research results often have practical implications with global consequences, and students will often report their findings around the country and around the world.

Each Friday during the academic year, a different project is spotlighted through the College’s CURCA Student of the Week series.

HERE ARE JUST A FEW HONOREES FROM THE FALL TERM…

Examination of Historical English-Irish Relations Faculty: Karen Sonnelitter, Ph.D., associate professor of history Student: Brendan McDonnell ’22 McDonnell would spend days looking for a needle in the haystack, and the haystack would be a digitized book or text written centuries ago, sometimes up to 300 pages long. Over the course of the summer, McDonnell worked with primary sources that ranged from books written in the 7th to the 19th century, an enormous range of material that he helped edit down to a series of manageable entries

to be used in a primary source collection on Ireland and England. The project examines the very tumultuous historical relationship between the two nations. McDonnell worked to identify relevant sections and excerpts that demonstrated important historical themes and narratives.

“Finding and extracting important themes and narratives in these often difficult reads (many were written in Early Modern English) helped me to expand my analytical skills, as well as develop a lot of patience for cryptic and complicated reading. This will be crucial for me after graduating Siena, as I hope to attend law school, which will require similar skills.”

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Repairing a Fire Prone Laser Faculty: Mark Rosenberry, Ph.D., associate professor of physics Student: Jesus Vaca ’22 All analysis of hybrid optical pumping was put on hold because the required laser caught on fire, twice. Vaca was tasked with repairing the fiber coupled diode laser. At the time, the cause of the fires was a mystery, but the proposed remedy had been to cleanly cut the fiber by hand using a ruby-tipped scribe to create a new point from which the laser could emerge. Vaca solved the problem – no more fires – on the first attempt.

“I worked on a laser pump system that polarized electrons. It was very challenging to get everything to work together, but it really served as an eyeopening experience for how real work is conducted in the physics field. I learned a lot of patience and troubleshooting and had to apply my own knowledge to get everything to work in our laser system.”

Regulation of Retrotransposons by pH Faculty: Patrick Maxwell, Ph.D., assistant professor of biology Student: Danielle McFee ’22 Many factors contribute to aging, but at a molecular and cellular level, the precise reasons for aging are still a mystery.

McFee is searching for clues in yeast. Certain DNA sequences in genomes (retrotransposons) copy themselves in a way that can potentially cause mutations that lead to aging. That process is more prevalent in older yeast cells and is marked by increased levels of pH within the cells. McFee increased pH in younger yeast cells and her conclusions could help to prevent the potentially harmful effects caused by the reproduction of aging cells.

“Working on this project has been one of my favorite things about Siena. The extra hands-on lab time outside of the usual teaching lab has been an irreplaceable experience in my Siena career. Working on this project was the major factor that confirmed my choice to get my master’s degree and to venture further into biology and research. One of the programs I’m considering has faculty research that’s similar to Dr. Maxwell’s work, and that’s something that I’m very excited about possibly exploring.”

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Soil as an Indicator of Forest Integrity Faculty: Mary Beth Kolozsvary, Ph.D., associate professor of environmental studies and sciences Student: Lauren Costello ’23 Costello designed and executed a field study to assess the health and ecological integrity of suburban forest vegetation and soils in the town of Colonie. Through

rigorous data collection and analysis, she concluded that soil quality and environmental surroundings directly impact the health and integrity of forests in our area – specifically their ability to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

“Having the freedom to guide this project from start to finish was an incredible experience. It heightened my confidence in my field skills, fine-tuned my scientific reporting techniques, and showed me that research is something I could potentially pursue as a future career. “

COVID-19 Vaccine Efficacy in Jail Faculty: Scott Greenhalgh, Ph.D., assistant professor of mathematics Student: Benjamin Reale ‘22

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Reale analyzed the efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines within a U.S. jail by creating a specific modeling approach that accounts for random probability. Using his model, he simulated an outbreak inside a jail approximately the size of the Albany County jail. Reale determined that in a congregate setting, the effectiveness of the vaccine depends on an inclusive approach to vaccine distribution.

“As weird as it sounds, learning to write a scientific paper was almost as interesting as creating the model. My plan since my junior year has been to become an actuary, but this research has led me to consider other options.”

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ATHLETICS

Siena Officially Christens the UHY Center The facility in which Siena’s women’s basketball and volleyball programs call home has both a new name and title sponsor. Despite the change, both the building and its new namesake still carry the same tradition and values that both have held over many years.

The College announced on February 4, 2021 that the naming rights to the former Alumni Recreation Center were secured by longtime Siena sponsor UHY Advisors, which thrives as one of the nation’s leading business advisory, consulting, and accounting firms. Siena and UHY officials convened outside the lobby of the UHY Center on November 17 for an official ribbon cutting ceremony, which signaled a renewal of the long-standing partnership between the pair.

“Siena College and UHY Advisors have mutually benefited from a fantastic partnership over the years, and we’re extremely grateful for their continued commitment through the naming of the UHY Center,” said President Gibson.

The official naming of the UHY Center further enhances the strong existing athletic and academic partnership between UHY Advisors and Siena, with further branding, communications, and marketing opportunities. In addition to the naming of the UHY Center, UHY Advisors will receive marquee acknowledgement with additional branding throughout the campus and facility. The firm will

also receive acknowledgement in campus maps, collateral, and imaging pieces.

“For over 55 years, UHY has long understood the benefits of investing in, supporting, and recruiting at Siena College as a way to attract the best and brightest professional talent,” said UHY Advisors Northeast Regional President and Managing Director Michael J. Mahoney.

The naming rights deal was spearheaded by Siena College Board of Trustees member and past Chair Howard S. Foote ‘74, who leads the UHY Advisors Capital Region office as managing director, while also serving as the firm’s executive vice president and as a member of the New York Region Management Committee.

“UHY and Howard Foote have been valuable partners to Siena College and our athletic programs for many years,” noted Siena College Vice President and Director of Athletics John D’Argenio. “Having UHY’s name adorn our marquee athletic facility shows how we all value the partnership.

There have been many great moments in the UHY Center, and we know that there will be many more.”

Originally opened in 1974, the tradition and stature that began with the Alumni Recreation Center have now taken on a new chapter as the UHY Center, with many new memories and exciting athletic moments on the horizon as Siena continues to March On. 25

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SIENA MEN’S RUGBY WINS NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP

Siena rugby had already planned to have a transitional year during the 2021 season, with the program entering the varsity ranks with room for even more growth. What the rugby world never could have predicted is that the Siena men’s program would embark on an unprecedented run that would culminate with a national title.

Rugby has existed at Siena since 1973, as a club sport.

But in 2019, Siena Rugby Coordinator Greg Matthew assumed his current role, and changed the trajectory of men’s and women’s rugby on campus.

After displaying a dominant regular season performance with a perfect 5-0 mark and winning its first ever New England Football Rugby Union title in early November, Siena defeated Wayne State College of Nebraska, 25-20, on December 12 to capture the National Collegiate Rugby Cup Championship. Coached by Jaco Visser, Siena finished the year a perfect 10-0 en-route to Siena’s first national title in the first year of the program’s transition from club to varsity status.

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“I’m pretty speechless, to be fair,” sophomore co-captain Isaac Frost told the Albany Times Union.

“I’ve just got to credit the boys, the coaching team and everyone around us. It’s not a one-person show. Everyone’s come together ... It’s the first year of the (varsity) program and we never expected to be here. It was our stretch goal to even get to the national championship and to win, it’s quite surreal, to be honest with you.”

Siena faced its first real opposition of the season in the championship match, trailing Wayne State for its first deficit at any point in the season.

They hadn’t allowed a try until Wayne State scored two on Sunday. Siena had won its previous three matches by a combined score of 275-0, including a 64-0 win over College of Charleston in the national semifinal on Friday.

“That is an unbelievable performance from a very, very talented young group,” said Matthew.

“This entire week, we talked about having to go to a dark place and really dig out a win. And these young men really stood up and that’s exactly what they did today. I’m incredibly proud of this group.”

As Siena’s profile and footprint expands to provide the Education For a Lifetime, the Siena College Rugby Club continues to strive for greatness among its competition and within its roster.

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MEN’S SOCCER

TERRIFIC TURNAROUND When Siena Men’s Soccer Head Coach Graciano Brito took over the program in July 2020, he faced a world of uncertainty in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, with everything from his roster to the team’s schedule up in the air. Following the postponement of fall sports to the spring of 2021, Brito manufactured a trip to the MAAC Tournament for the first time in four years and an unbeaten mark at home during the Saints’ abbreviated campaign, which featured only eight matches.

Entering the fall season, the former NCAA Division I All-American was given the chance to excel with a loaded recruiting class full of hungry newcomers and a more traditional schedule featuring a full slate of play. What transpired was one of Siena’s best turnarounds in recent memory and what should be the start of success for years to come.

“This season presented a quick turnaround from the spring and I thought our team, returners and newcomers alike, did a great job of accepting the challenges that were brought before them,” Coach Brito said. “We weren’t completely satisfied with the end result, but produced something that we can build off of in the future and hopefully see hard work continue to pay off.”

Siena’s roster came together as a mix of transfers, players from the previous coaching staff, and 10 newcomers who journeyed to Loudonville for the first time, many from other parts of the world. All together, Siena men’s soccer had representation from nine different countries this past season including Norway, Denmark, Sweden, Iceland, and Slovenia, to name a few, making it the most geographically diverse team on campus. Despite coming from varied backgrounds, the roster found a way to rally around the game they love and come together when the whistle blew.

The team overcame challenges to start the season

on a strong note, eventually stringing together a sevenmatch unbeaten streak at home to complete the regular season. Siena finished in fourth place in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC), while outscoring conference opponents, 17-13. While the team’s season ended in the MAAC tournament quarterfinals, a 9-7-3 mark illustrated a seven-win turnaround from the shortened spring. The Green and Gold produced the most wins in a season since 2014, the most at home (six) since 2016, had the most unique point scorers (17) in a season since 2002, and hosted a postseason match at Hickey Field for only the second time in program history.

The Saints’ youth shined in their first collegiate action, with five different freshmen taking home at least one MAAC Rookie of the Week award, and a program-record six earning postseason honors. Denmark native Jacob Sandun Arachchige-Jensen ’25 became the fourth Saint in program history to win MAAC Rookie of the Year, behind five goals and seven assists. He also became the first Siena freshman ever to land on the All-MAAC First Team.

With work still left to be done, the future looks bright for Coach Brito and Siena men’s soccer, with much potential left to be harnessed among the young group of Saints’ footballers.

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BOARD OF ADVISORS The Siena Board of Advisors (BOA) is a dynamic group of alumni and friends who have committed themselves to the betterment of the College and our Saints.

Under the current leadership of Chair John Finneran, Jr. ’81, the BOA recently met on campus and via Zoom to assess and advise on the College’s Strategic Plan, as well as review upcoming enhancements to the Career and Internship Center.

Vice President of Development and External Affairs Dave Smith ’79 states, “The feedback from our BOA is instrumental in planning and execution.

They support us in so many ways, from hosting and attending events, to providing internships and employment for our students, to being ambassadors within the community, we cannot overstate the importance of their contributions both individually and as a whole.”

We thank the 2021-2022 Board of Advisors and look forward to the next meeting on Thursday, April 7, 2022. If you are interested in learning more about the BOA, please contact Beth Hazelton at bhazelton@siena.edu.

2021-2022 Board of Advisors Christopher T. Alfieri ‘89

John P. Finneran, Jr. ‘81, Chair

Francis J. Ambrose ‘85

Matthew J. Grimes ‘12

Stephen J. Anglim ‘87

Michael R. Hartigan ‘05

Michelle M. Annese Bleichert ‘85, Vice Chair

Andrew A. Heck ‘88 Kathryn M. Hohman ‘09

Caroline M. Bertholf ‘15

Frances J. Howard ‘86

Nathaniel J. Bette ‘10

Patrick Hughes

Bonnie B. Blanchfield ‘81, Sc.D.

Eric J. Hungershafer ‘04

Jennifer M. Boll, Esq. ‘96

Gary W. Krisanda ‘03

Gregory R. Britton ‘02

Kathryn A. Landolfi Ozimek ‘95

Thomas J. Burke, III ‘12

Brenden J. McCarthy

Rosemary Chersi ‘83

Thomas P. Morr ‘12

Paul L. Clickman ‘95

Sabrina S. Mosseau, BS, RN, OCN ‘91

Jessica W. Coles

Thomas J. Murphy ‘80

Orion J. Colfer ‘93, M.D.

Brian P. Murphy ‘04

Christine C. Conway ‘97

Karen E. Patricia ‘06, M.D.

D. Joseph Corr ‘73

Elaine C. Ramundo ‘84

Allison E. Crepeau ‘01, M.D.

Jean P. Reamer ‘76

Diana Vienne ‘92

Mark A. Smith ‘91

Todd C. Curley ‘97

Gregory M. Stewart ‘89

Kelly K. Curtis ‘00, M.D.

Timothy M. Tattam ‘80

Kathleen A. Digan DeRosa ‘10, Secretary

Melissa A. Goetz ‘04

Todd J. Drowlette ‘03 Christopher H. Elsesser, IV ‘06

Perla M. Terrero ‘07 Edwin F. Williams, III, M.D.

GIVING TUESDAY THANK YOU to our alumni, parents, students, faculty, staff, administrators, and friends who came together and supported our Saints to break records on Giving Tuesday!

400+ donors helped raise more than $150,000 to support our Saints and the Education for a Lifetime.

A special thank you to the Siena College Board of Advisors for their Giving Day Challenge — we appreciate everything you do! The gifts for the Siena community empower our students and prepare them academically and spiritually as lifetime learners and responsible leaders.

The World Has More Saints Today Thanks to Your Support!

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Go Green Live Gold 2021 Siena College’s “Go Green, Live Gold” Fundraiser, co-chaired by Trustees Joanne (Fitzpatrick) Maloy ’80 and Kenneth Raymond, Jr., helped establish the Green Revolving Fund (GRF) to support and promote sustainability across campus. The Green Revolving Fund allows Siena to fund resource-reducing projects and the money the College saves from these projects goes back into the Fund. It is overseen by the College’s Sustainability Committee, which is a collection of students and faculty from various departments on campus and helps facilitate projects and communication.

We are called on to be aware of the footprints we leave on the Earth; however, for the average student sustainable alternatives are not always accessible. The Green Revolving Fund works to shift this narrative, allowing students to do their part through simple tasks, such as using the refillable water bottle fountain in the Marcelle Athletic Complex or taking advantage of the composters all around campus.

We look forward to a greener and more sustainable campus in the years to come.

THANK YOU TO ALL OF OUR SPONSORS!

PRESENTING SPONSORS

Ambassador Douglas T. Hickey ‘77 PLATINUM SPONSORS

Trustee Lisa J. (Copeland) ‘97 and Robert J. Moser

GOLD SPONSORS Trustee Ginny Darrow ‘83 and Armand G. Maldonado ‘81 Frank J. ‘66 and Mary Ellen Pugliano Elaine Ramundo & Associates - Nationwide Elite Agency Turner Construction Company SILVER SPONSORS Alpin Haus Callanan Industries, Inc. LeChase Construction Services, LLC Trustee Joanne (Fitzpatrick) ‘80 and John E. Maloy, Jr. ‘76 Mary Beth O’Brien Frank J. and Delores Parillo Prime Properties Rose & Kiernan, Inc. Stewart’s Shops / Dake Family BRONZE SPONSORS Briar Creek Golf Course Robert F. Campbell ‘66 Grace R. and John J., III Conway Graney & King, Financial Advisors Lavelle & Finn, LLP Trustee William P. ‘68 and Elizabeth C. McGoldrick Sneeringer Monahan Provost Redgrave Title Agency, Inc. Vermeer North Atlantic Sales & Service

HONORARY COMMITTEE Direct Advisors Cynthia A. (Haselsteiner) ‘82 Pettit

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CELEBRATING FR. DENNIS TAMBURELLO ’75 O.F.M. On October 16, the Siena community joined to celebrate Fr. Dennis Tamburello ’75, O.F.M. to honor his 45 years of service as a Franciscan friar. The event was a combination of all things Fr. Dennis: musical performances, friends and family, and an outpouring of love and camaraderie.

Beginning with Mass in St. Mary of the Angels Chapel, and an accompanying dinner composed of all of Fr. Dennis’s favorite foods, the event was a true homage to the man of the hour. Guests were entertained by a lively program featuring the Siena Chamber Singers, and Fr. Dennis singing James Taylor’s “You’ve Got a Friend” and “Jane” by Barenaked Ladies, featuring Dr. Philip Skiba ’96. Friars from New York City, Boston, and Florida, as well as all living Siena College presidents were present to celebrate a man who means so much to so many.

and beyond. The impact of his service and contributions is felt across campus and generations, echoed by many whom he has nurtured over the years, including students, alumni, friends, and colleagues alike. His personable nature and faithful devotion has led to relationships that have lasted a lifetime and contributed to the memorable and unique Siena experience.

In his own words, “I am filled with gratitude for the celebration. It meant a lot to me to have so many Siena alumni, faculty, staff, and students present — not to mention my family, every living president of Siena, and a large group of friars. I am overwhelmed by the generosity of the donors to the Tamburello Family Scholarship, which I hope can now help more students. All in all, it was a night I will never forget.”

Fr. Dennis has inspired generations of Saints, ensuring that our Franciscan tradition leaves an indelible mark on the Siena community

VETERANS RECOGNITION DINNER On November 11, the campus kicked off Siena’s inaugural Homecoming celebration with what has become a yearly tradition to honor our veterans. With the COVID-19 pandemic forcing last year’s event to go virtual, more than 140 people filled the Maloney Great Room in the Sarazen Student Union for the 11th Annual Veterans Recognition Dinner.

The evening began with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres in the halls of the Sarazen Student Union before attendees took their seats. Asst.

Vice President of Development, Bradley Bodmer ‘82, Esq., Esq. a veteran himself, opened the night followed by a performance of the national anthem by the Siena Chamber Singers, the posting of colors, and a blessing from College Chaplain Fr. Larry Anderson, O.F.M. After dinner, President Chris Gibson ‘86, Ph.D., also a veteran, welcomed the in-person crowd and several outof-towners tuning in via Zoom.

Terry Arndt ‘67 gave the keynote address, talking about two of the most important influences in his life: Siena College and the United State Marine

Corps. “Both institutions taught me lasting personal values,” he said. “Integrity, compassion, courage, ethics, and respect for all others, whatever the rank. Lasting values that probably drive most of our lives today.”

As the night continued, Joshua B. Deyo ‘22 received the Veteran Award; Alan Glasser ‘22 received the Cadet Award; Duane Matcha, Ph.D, professor of sociology emeritus, received the Siena College Community Special Recognition; and John Coleman ‘62 received a posthumous induction into the Wall of Fame.

Siena established the Veterans Recognition Dinner in 2011, the same year John Atkinson ’86 and James Scully ’87 established The Veteran and Cadet Fund. This Fund provides support for returning vets who need financial help due to service related issues and, when appropriate, extra funds to help recruit top high school and college students into ROTC (Reserve Officer Training Corps) by providing aid for room and board.

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UPCOMING EVENTS January 21, 2022 Men’s Basketball at Manhattan Pre-game and Game Watch January 22, 2022 Class of 2022 Senior Class Kick-Off Party

June 2021 Yoga on the Lawn

February 4, 2022 Saints Circle (Virtual) February 14, 2022 Senior Saints (Virtual) March 4, 2022 Saints Circle (Virtual) March 8-12, 2022 MAAC Tournament March 16, 2022 Giving Day April 1, 2022 Saints Circle (Virtual) April 7, 2022 Meeting of the Board of Advisors

June-August 2021 Summer Sweat

April 7, 2022 Annual Stewardship Dinner May 15, 2022 Commencement June 3-5, 2022 Reunion Weekend Thank you for joining us for our virtual and in-person events! From monthly meet-ups, to Meet the President receptions, golf tournaments, game watches and more, it’s been great to gather in person again. We look forward to seeing you in 2022!

September 2021 Charlotte Alumni Networking Event

Visit siena.edu/events to join us!

September 2021 Legacy Families Move-In Day October 2021 Westchester Meet the President Reception hosted

by Trustee Patty ‘89 and Larren Nashesky

October 2021 Deacon Frank Bice ’82 Mass and Grotto Bench Blessing

October 2021 Monthly Meet-Up: Albany Distillery and DeFazios

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ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT Elizabeth “Beth” Smith-Boivin ’82 is the Executive Director/CEO of the Alzheimer’s Association Northeastern New York Chapter.

Beth’s 2012 appointment as Executive Director is the continuation of a 35-year career in care of and service to the geriatric community and individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, including over 30 years of service to the Alzheimer’s Association. From 1993 to 1998, she served as president of the board of the Northeastern New York chapter, and from 1997 to 2005, served as a member of the Alzheimer’s Association’s National Board of Directors. Beth also served as a board member for Colonie Senior Service Centers, Bethlehem Senior Projects and the Siena College Alumni Association.

Beyond her direct board service and work experience, Beth has also served as an instructor for the New York State Police and as a reviewer for the New York State Department of Health Dementia Grants Program. She is an appointee to the NYS Governor’s Coordinating Council for Services Related to Alzheimer’s Disease and Other Dementias.

In May, 2021 Beth was recognized as a Woman of Excellence by the Capital Region Chamber in the business development category. Upon joining “this sisterhood of incredible women,” Beth humbly shared: There are so many things that contributed to my being here today, but in the interest of time, I’ll highlight these three: my Siena College education, my commitment to learning, and surrounding myself with people who inspire and challenge me.

In the many years since I graduated from Siena College, I’ve come to understand that the most valuable lessons I learned there happened outside of the classroom. Siena instilled in me the importance of critical thinking as well as the value of service to others. As such, I know how important it is to lead with a strategic plan, and the understanding that it may need to be modified as circumstances dictate. My service to others began at Siena when I served as a Big Sister and Eucharistic Minister.

Since then, I’ve been a Pop Warner Medic, Girl Scout Leader, Room Mother and logged over 25 years of volunteer service with the Alzheimer’s Association, locally and nationally. I have learned so much from these opportunities and made many new friends along the way. If you are not, or have not, volunteered in your community, I urge you to do so with the promise that the return will be much greater than the investment.

Thank you, Beth, for your leadership and witness of Francsican values. Thanks to you, the World Has More Saints!

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SAINTS DON’T SIT O Saints Don’t Sit on the Sidelines is a weekly social media series that highlights members of our Siena community who are dedicated to making a difference.

Follow along every week @sienaannualfund on Instagram and Facebook!

BRIANNA BROWN ’20 G’21 Five years and two degrees later, it was hard to say goodbye to Siena.

Brianna Brown ‘20 G’21 says she will forever cherish all the memories and experiences at Siena. During her time here Brianna was a community assistant, became involved in clubs such as The Thirst Project, the Black and Latino Student Union, several student advisory boards, and multiple internships on and off campus. In 2019, she became a mentor community assistant, enabling her to reach her full potential as a leader. In 2020, Brianna began the MBA program and became the graduate assistant for the School of Business. Upon graduation, Brianna accepted a job at Albany Medical College as the associate director of financial aid and federal workstudy coordinator. Brianna started a ‘zine (creative magazine) called liberated that focuses on creativity, innovation, and activism. It launched in March 2021 and can be found on Instagram and TikTok @get_liberated.

BRUCE BOYEA ’73 If you ever meet Bruce W. Boyea ‘73, you can bet your socks that he will be sporting brilliantly hued, multicolored striped socks — whether he’s wearing a suit and tie in his capacity as chairman of the board of Security Mutual Life Insurance Company of New York, or wearing jeans while spending time with family and friends. The socks are the symbol of Sock Out Cancer, with the sock colors representing the various types of cancer and symbolizing the fight against this disease in all its forms. A nonprofit initiative of the Security Mutual Life Foundation, Sock Out Cancer was established in 2017 and works with local hospital foundations and other charitable organizations to help support financially distressed cancer patients and their families. The program helps pay for basic non-medical needs such as food, housing, and transportation to medical treatments so patients can put all their energy into fighting cancer. It is funded through donations, community-based fundraising events, and the sale of Sock Out Cancer’s signature multi-colored socks, all of which also help raise public awareness of the enormous emotional and financial challenges facing families fighting cancer.

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T ON THE SIDELINES RIDGE HARRIS ’12 Ridge Harris ‘12 is a Siena Saint who is motivated by the opportunity to serve others and make communities stronger. He says lessons learned at Siena and the Franciscan approach to life have become a part of who he is. Ridge has served as chairman of the board at his alma mater, Catholic Central High School in Troy, NY. In that role, he helped foster the Crusader to Saint Program, a first-of-its-kind partnership which provides CCHS students with an opportunity to attend class on Siena’s campus and earn college credits while still in their senior year. Ridge serves as the president of the board of advisors of Pyramid Life Center, a retreat center located at Pyramid Lake and enclosed by nearly 800 acres of Adirondack wilderness that is owned by the Albany Catholic Diocese.

LIMMY CHUNG Life in Lonnstrom Dining Hall is better when Limmy Chung is behind the breakfast bar making her world famous omelettes. Limmy, who has served up Siena-sized morning meals for the past 13 years for Sodexho and now AVI, looks forward to seeing her favorite Saints every day. She truly believes in putting out into the world the energy you wish to receive back and it came full circle over the last year. Her husband, who was diagnosed with stomach cancer right before the start of the pandemic, has battled through. Limmy had to create a new way of feeding her own family with new smaller meals more often throughout the day to accommodate her loved one. She is proud to announce that he was recently diagnosed as cancer-free.

THE WORLD NEEDS MORE SAINTS... AND FOLLOWERS! The Annual Fund office has been keeping the Siena community connected through its Instagram social media page and is currently one of the most followed college giving pages nationally with over 2,300 followers. Over the last three years, @SienaAnnualFund has launched popular programs to spotlight alumni, students, and memories of campus such as Saints Don’t Sit on the Sidelines, Since You’ve Been Gone, and Townhouse Tales to share why Siena truly is the Education for a Lifetime.

Follow @SienaAnnualFund to stay up to date on upcoming events such as Giving Day on March 16 and be entered to win Siena swag giveaways monthly!

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SUPPORTING SIENA THROUGH LEGACY GIVING If you answered YES to these questions, a gift from your IRA may be the best way to support Siena College.

You can make a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD)* by: • Contacting your plan administrator to learn their process and timing

Would you like to support Siena College in a more tax-efficient manner?

Are you 70 1/2 or older?

Are you trying to maximize the benefit of a Qualified Charitable Distribution?

For details, visit sienalegacy.org/ira Bradley W. Bodmer ‘82, Esq. Assistant Vice President for Development and External Affairs 518-783-2432 • bbodmer@siena.edu

• Sharing Siena College’s information with your plan administrator: Legal name: Siena College Tax ID number: 14-1338498 Address: 515 Loudon Road, Loudonville, NY 12211-1462 You can also make Siena College the beneficiary of your IRA, an easy way to create a meaningful legacy for the future without affecting your current assets or cash flow. *QCDs must have been made by Dec. 31, 2021, to qualify for the 2021 tax year.

SIENA CELEBRATES OUR SENIOR SAINTS! The Senior Saints quarterly social series highlights alumni who have celebrated their 50th reunion and beyond to reminisce about the past while connecting today on everything Siena. Do you remember donning your Siena Dink to begin your freshman orientation? This was the topic of the latest Senior Saints Zoom and it brought back a rush of memories.

November’s Senior Saints began with a special blessing from Fr. Tito Serrano, O.F.M. followed by an overview of the Siena College Beverage Institute. The latest Senior Saints newsletter featured a spotlight on the Class of 1967 with a special note about the famous drum marathon before the first win of the basketball season. We look forward to seeing this special class in June 2022 when they come home to Siena for their 55th Reunion. For more information about the upcoming reunion, please visit siena.edu/reunion.

Save the date as we get closer to Valentine’s Day as the next Senior Saints Zoom will highlight the special connection between Siena and Saint Rose couples. If you would like to share your story, please contact us at annualfund@siena.edu or by calling 518-783-2914.

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AFTER ALL, THE WORLD NEEDS MORE SAINTS! Visit siena.edu/givingday to set a reminder!

New Scholarships Fenimore Asset Management, Inc. Opportunity Fund Fenimore Asset Management, Inc. Women in Finance Scholarship The Donald F. Chase, Jr. ‘52 Scholarship The Farr Family Scholarship The Frank ‘69 and Betsy Carrese Scholarship The Gerald E. Symeon ‘64 Scholarship The Matthew Halloran ‘68 Memorial Scholarship The Paul R. Bechet ‘63 Scholarship The Rev. William G. Reamer Scholarship

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The Robert M. and Linda A. Curley Scholarship The Sister Mary Alice Reamer, RDC Scholarship

New Endowed Funds The Francis Hohman Memorial Fund The Paul and Suzanne Murray Martin Luther King, Jr. Courage Awards

Legacy Gifts The Dr. James D. Provenzano ‘59 Scholarship As of December 3, 2021

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q

OUR FACULTY CRYSTAL ADAMS, PH.D. assistant professor of sociology • Joined Siena’s Health Studies program teaching in Health Policy.

REBECCA ADIKES, PH.D., assistant professor of biology • Selected as a 2021 New Faculty Fellow for the Leading Edge Symposium • Selected for talk on “Membrane and Cytoskeletal Dynamics During Muscle Progenitor Migration, Proliferation and Differentiation,” at the Annual American Society of Cell Biology Meeting in the Subgroup Cytoskeletal Dynamics in Health and Disease.

• Coauthored “A Proliferative to Invasive Switch is Mediated by srGAP1 Downregulation Through the Activation of TGF2 Signalling.”

GEORGE BARNES, PH.D., professor of chemistry and biochemistry • Coauthored “AutoMeKin2021: An open-source program for automated reaction discovery,” published in the Journal of Computational Chemistry, 2021.

• Coauthored “Exploring the Effects of Methylation on the CID of Protonated Lysine: A Combined Experimental and Computational Approach,” published in the Journal of the American Society for Mass Spectrometry, in press.

MATT BELLIS, PH.D., associate professor of physics

• Co-author on “Unveiling Hidden Physics at the LHC,” Fischer et al. Sept. 2021, A survey article summarizing a number of outstanding anomalies in particle physics and the role that open data can play in addressing them.

• Organized the “Quantum Party!” workshop with Siena physics major Nada Mohamed for local STEM middle and high school teachers, July 2021.

Teachers received a copy of the Siena-developed “Quantum Party!” board game and learned how it can be used in their classrooms to introduce students to quantum physics.

• Co-organized and facilitated the virtual “CMS Open Data Workshop,” July 2021, with Siena physics major Sarah Markham. Scientists from all over the world participated to learn how to access and analyze publicly available data from the CMS experiment, located at CERN in Geneva, Switzerland.

CYNTHIA BOTT, PH.D., LCSW, associate professor of social work • Co-presented “Flipping the Script: Evictions Proceedings in Albany,” at the New York State Social Work Education Association.

NORA MILLS BOYD, PH.D., assistant professor of philosophy • Published Epistemology of Experimental Physics GREG BYRNES, PH.D., associate

professor of biology • Coauthored “Inertial Tail Effects during Righting of Squirrels in Unexpected Falls: From Behavior to Robotics” in Integrative and Comparative Biology 61.

• Coauthored “Mechanisms for Mid-Air Reorientation Using Tail Rotation in Gliding Geckos,” in Integrative and Comparative Biology 61.

Coauthored “Tails stabilize landing of gliding geckos crashing head-first into tree trunks,” in Communications Biology 4:1020.

THOMAS COOHILL, PH.D., professor of physics • Co-Investigator on a grant with Emily Seto of Honeybee Robotics to design and build an ultraviolet sterilizer for extraterrestrial space flights.

Awarded in October 2021. Grant will commence funding in Feb 2022. Total grant, $495,145.

STACEY DEARING, PH.D., teaching assistant professor of English • Presented her paper “Dorothy May Bradford’s Death and Reconceiving Realness” at the 2021 Society for the Study of American Women Writers Conference in November.

Her related piece, “More Authentic but Less Real: The Mayflower and the Challenges of Early American Film and TV Adaptations,” has been accepted for publication in an edited collection titled Scripting the Past in the Present: Early America and Contemporary Culture.

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

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• Coauthored “Azaphilones from an Endophytic Penicillium sp. Prevent Neuronal Cell Death via Inhibition of MAPKs and Reduction of Bax/Bcl-2 Ratio,” published in the Journal of Natural Products.

• Coauthored “Plant-derived lignans as potential antiviral agents: a systematic review,” published in Phytochemistry Reviews.

GERMAINE GATEWOOD, M.F.A., visiting assistant professor, digital arts • Exhibited artwork in The Idiosyncratic Pencil at the Elizabeth Stone Gallery in Clinton, South Carolina, and in the 2021 Palm Photo prize exhibition at 10 14 Gallery in London.

• Her photographs were published in Assuming the Ecosexual Position: The Earth as Lover, University of Minnesota Press, 2021.

TIMOTHY RENO, D.M.A., associate dean of liberal arts • Currently serves as Interim Choir Master at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Albany.

Was the invited guest clinician for SUNY Schenectady County Community College’s annual high school choral workshop in October, and led the Clare Ensemble Singers in concert in November.

• Continues to serve as a national board representative for the National Collegiate Choral Organization.

ANDREW GERAGOTELIS, PH.D., visiting assistant professor of chemistry and biochemistry • “Anomalous Diffusion of Peripheral Membrane Signaling Proteins from All-Atom Molecular Dynamics Simulations,” J. Phys. Chem. B, 2021.

TOM GIARLA, PH.D., associate professor of biology • Coauthored Phylogeny based on ultra-conserved elements clarifies the evolution of rails and allies (Ralloidea) and is the basis for a revised classification, in Ornithology, 2021.

MAUREEN HANNAH, PH.D., professor of psychology • Participated in a “Mad in America” panel presentation

called “The Psychiatric Drugging of Our Children: An International Crisis” in August.

• Featured presenter at the “Forever Family Grief Retreat” in July. The title of her presentation was “Moving Out of the Darkness of Grief - By Someone Who’s Been There.”

• Featured in a podcast called “Crimes Against Women”; her contribution was entitled “Deafening Silence: Exploring

the Silent Treatment and its Impacts on Victims and Abusers.”

GEORGE HASSEL, PH.D., teaching assistant professor of physics • Awarded an equipment grant from the American Meteor Society to study radio scatter from meteor trails.

JILLIAN HOGAN, PH.D., teaching assistant professor of

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psychology • Recipient of the 2021 Frank X. Barron Award, which is given by the American Psychological Association for superior contributions to the psychology of aesthetics, creativity, and the arts.

JOSH IDDINGS, PH.D., assistant professor of writing and communications • Published article “Empowering students’ writing through a more useful metalanguage: A language-based approach to high school English language arts” in Linguistics and Education.

• Co-presented an experimental research agenda for systemic functional linguistics at the online European Systemic Functional Linguistics Conference.

TAEWOO KANG, assistant professor of political communication • Invited by Dr. Brittany Wood at Murray State University to give a guest lecture to her students taking Politics of East Asia this semester. Dr. Kang’s lecture covered major historical/ political events (1945-2021); dominant discourses in Korean society; and Squid Game/ Parasite/Meokbang!

MAHMOOD KARIMI-HAKAK, M.F.A., professor of creative arts • Published a book chapter titled, “Iran Is the Stage and Youth Its Major Players” in Performing Iran: Culture, Performance, Theatre.

Published by I.B. Taurus, August 2021.

• Presented “A Common Tale On An Uncommon Stage: What do American youth share

with an Iranian rebel poet and a mystic?” at the Dayereh Iranian Students Association at Concordia University in Montreal in November.

JEANNINE KASKOUN, clinical/ lab coordinator and teaching instructor of nursing • Coauthored “Perceptions of school nurses in addressing student mental health concerns: An integrative review,” published in an advanced online format by the Journal of School Nursing.

• Presented “The whole school, whole community, whole child model: Supporting teams in IEP and 504 planning” at the American Public Health Association’s annual national conference.

Kristopher Kolonko, Ph.D., instrumentation center director Coauthored “Exploring the Effects of Methylation on the CID of Protonated Lysine: A Combined Experimental and Computational Approach”, published in the Journal of the American Society for Mass Spectrometry, in press.

MARY BETH KOLOZSVARY, PH.D., associate professor of environmental studies and sciences • Coauthored “Toward a universal theoretical framework to understand robustness and resilience: from cells to systems,” published in Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution.

• Coauthored “Developing a flexible learning activity on biodiversity and spatial scale concepts using open-access vegetation datasets from the

National Ecological Observatory Network,” published in Ecology and Evolution.

• Granted funding from Capital Region Partnership for Invasive Species Management (PRISM)/ Cornell Cooperative Extension, Saratoga County for her proposal “Determining high priority species and increasing public awareness of invasive species in the Town of Colonie.”

LISA LALLY, D.N.S., director of nursing and associate professor of nursing • In October 2021, was certified as a Caritas Coach® after completing the six-month intensive (220 CEU) Caritas Coach Education Program®.

• In November 2021, was asked to be the keynote speaker at the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing (Iota Delta Chapter at Large in Florida) on the topic of Caring for the Caregiver: Infusing Self Care and Caritas Literacy into your Nursing Practice.

DANIEL LEWIS, PH.D., associate professor of political science • Coauthored “Antidiscrimination Interventions, Political Ads on Transgender Rights, and Public Opinion: Results from Two Survey Experiments on Adults in the United States” published in the Frontiers in Psychology.

The study examines tactics to reduce transphobic attitudes, including the ways in which these approaches can backfire.

• His research team also presented “Attitudes Towards State Policy Regulating Public Bathrooms” at the Annual Meetings of the American Political Science Association in

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Seattle in September.

KARIN LIN-GREENBERG, PH.D., associate professor of English • Story collection Vanished won the 2021 Prairie Schooner RazShumaker Book Prize and will be published by the University of Nebraska Press in 2022.

• Her story “Housekeeping,” originally published in The Southern Review, won a Pushcart Prize and will be published in Pushcart Prize XLVI: Best of the Small Presses in December. “Housekeeping” was also named a Distinguished Story of 2020 in Best American Short Stories 2021.

ELISA MARTIN, MSW , PH.D., associate professor of social work • Coauthored “Telehealth on the fly: Why we need a more thoughtful approach in social work education” published in the Journal of Social Work Education.

PATRICIA MURPHY, M.S., lecturer in health studies and nutrition • Attended the United Nations Food Systems Summit held virtually from the United Nations Headquarters, New York City on September 23, 2021. The Summit was attended by 155 member states working together to address climate change, sustainability, and food insecurity.

AUSRA PARK, PH.D., associate professor of international relations • Published “Small State StatusSeeking: Lithuania’s Foreign Policy Status Aspirations” (with Gerda Jakstaite-Confortola), Europe-Asia Studies, August 2021, vol. 73, Issue 7.

• Presented four papers at selective virtual international conferences: “Gendered diplomacy and small states: a case study of Lithuania,” European International Studies Association (EISA); “Who Leads Matters: Leadership in the Foreign Policies of the Baltic States,” EISA; “The Grybauskaite Effect?

Women’s Representation in Lithuania under Grybauskaite’s Presidency,” German Political Science Association; and “The ‘Iron Ladies’ of the Baltic States: the First Women Heads of State of Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia,” Council for European Studies 28th International Conference.

• Selected from the national application pool to participate in the 2021 Curt C. and Else Silberman Faculty Seminar on the topic of “Teaching Mass Atrocity: The Holocaust, Genocide, and Justice” organized by the Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel Center for Advanced Holocaust Studies, The US Holocaust Memorial Museum • Interviewed by the Lithuanian National Radio and Television channel in September.

Published a policy relevant analysis on the current president of Lithuania titled “President Nauseda—Half a Year Filled with Confrontations and Conflicts” at Presidential Power blog.

STEFANIE SIMON, PH.D., assistant professor of psychology • Named the winner of the 2020-2021 Siena College School of Liberal Arts Tenure-Track Award for Outstanding Service.

CHRISTOPHER STEIN ’11, PH.D., assistant professor of management Joined Siena’s Health Studies program teaching in Healthcare Management.

LAURA TEETER, lecturer in creative arts • Recently started her 18th season performing with the Ellen Sinopoli Dance Company (ESDC), the resident company of The Egg. In 2021 the ESDC performed an outdoor summer series that brought them to the Chesterwood Museum in Stockbridge, Massachusetts; four site-specific performances throughout downtown Troy for each month’s Troy Night Out celebration; and Scotia’s Freedom Park outdoor stage.

DONNEAN THRALL, N.D., R.N. AHN-BC, assistant professor of nursing and DANIEL WHITE, PH.D., director of health professions/health studies • Led the Medicinal Plant and Apothecary Garden Project (June to August 2021) supported

by ACE and CURCA with student researchers Kendall Paluch, Meagan Reilly and Sara Smith.

ROSIE VAN PATTEN, PH.D., assistant professor of nursing • In October 2021, was certified as a Caritas Coach® after completing the six-month intensive (220 CEU) Caritas Coach Education Program®.

• Published “Creating an infusion nursing course using the INS FIT Program,” in The INSider, November/December, 10-11.

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ALUMNI CLASS NOTES Editors: Mary Beth Finnerty ’85, director of alumni relations; Brandon Murphy ’17, associate director of alumni relations; Kathy Palumbo, development assistant of alumni relations; and Stephanie Fortune ’22, alumni relations intern.

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

1942 1947 1952 1957 1960

Joe Harrison Jolter60@gmail.com

1961

Lou Zampier jeanzampier1942@gmail.com On August 25, four ­couples from our class met at ­Molola’s Restaurant in ­Loudonville.

Those present were Tom Pillsworth and Jackie, Dan Keegan and Fran, Howie Huntington and Pat, and Lou Zampier and Jean. Their gathering gave them a good opportunity to reminisce about their time at Siena. The realization that it was over 60 years ago that they graduated was not lost on any of them.

They all agreed that they will meet again in 5 years.

1962 If you are willing to help as a class news notes coordinator, please contact alumni@siena.edu.

1963

Kevin Raymond Kevinraymond317@gmail.com

1964

Joe Suozzi joesuozzi@msn.com

1965

Jack Mulvey jkmulvey@gmail.com

1966

Nick Laiacona nlaiacona43@gmail.com

1967

Rick Spataro rspataro67@gmail.com They once “zoomed” up and down the hardwoods of ­“Gibbons Gardens” to, shall we say, the strong exhortations of Coaches Cunha and then Hannon with the scent of Cramer’s most potent ­analgesic, Atomic Bomb ­permeating the air, trying to cure whatever ailed them, especially the inevitable ­February shin splints that were more than likely caused in playing their beloved game in canvas Chuck Taylor All Stars when Nike was a missile and not an athletic shoe.

They played games, not in fancy modern arenas, but in “Hoosiers” like settings like Gibbons Gardens, The Washington Avenue Armory, the Jersey City Armory and the 69th Regiment Armory in Manhattan before Siena fans as rabid as those who cheer on the team today. They were nicknamed the Indians and were not Saints.

They met in the early ’60s, and their overlapping careers ran from 1961 until 1967.

Their friendships endured and were maintained through 60 years with annual get togethers at Siena games, home and away, and annually at the Spa. There were some interruptions, that unpleasant skirmish in Southeast Asia, marriages, kids, careers, but the bond remained intact.

The pandemic hit us all in March of last year and when the basketball season came to an abrupt end and the annual reunion at the Spa an impossibility, these teammates would not be deterred. So, every Thursday at 4:30 PM for a set one hour period Marty Canavan ’64, Rick Avella ’65, Bob Milhizer ’65, Ed ­Marakovitz ’65, Jack Mulvey ’65 and Dan Hollis sign on to a Zoom call for that hour of friendship, laughter, exaggerations, thoroughbred racing analysis, college hoops, world and national affairs, and “whatever happened to.” The level of conversation is only marginally more erudite than it was in the locker room getting ready for practice.

In closing, and on a more serious note, we all simply wanted to share what we all feel the privilege of wearing the Green and Gold was and has been and the joy and love for each other that privilege has provided.

Go Saints.

1968

Jerry DeFrancisco gdefrancisco@siena.edu Ground has been broken for the Bob Guido Athletic Academic Center. Thanks to Bob Guido’s generous lead gift, and to you his classmates, who have added about $50,000 to date, according to Siena Athletic Director, John D’Argenio, this facility has become a reality. A place where Siena’s athletes can continue to excel academically as well as on the field, court, pitch, and course.

John Rowe and his husband Jim Christen gifted a Boston baby grand piano to the College in memory of John’s brother Thomas Rowe ’61.

Siena will also receive a new upright practice piano as part of the gift. Thanks John, you are a great example of how an alum can benefit Siena with a gift that represents his talents and passion.

Speaking of musical ­talent, our own Dan ­‘Andrea B’ Sleasman, as part of ­“Saratoga Voices,” ­presented “Handel’s Judas M ­ ccabaeus” on November 19, at the ­Historic Universal Preservation Hall in Saratoga. For those of you who couldn’t make it, call Dan and he will come to your house and ­present a personal reprise.

And finally, the C ­ ollege presented its “first” ­Homecoming Weekend. As class historian, I must point out that the actual first

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Homecoming Weekend was Oct. 7, 1966, and saw Siena’s first football victory, 18-8 over Utica College at Bleeker Stadium. And, Siena’s first homecoming queen, ­Leslie Beauchaine (now Leslie Long).

Thankfully, like most of us, Mike Long “Married Up.” Stay well friends and let us know what’s going on in your lives.

1969

Ken Dedrick ken.dedrick1030@gmail.com Ed Ryan is active with his law firm. He and his wife have a son (attorney) and daughter (physician). They have 5 grandchildren. Ed served as the Chair of Trustees at LaSalle Institute which sends many students to Siena.

Steve Kessing has been a Builders Club volunteer at Habitat for Humanity in ­Roanoke for over 10 years.

Their group has built or ­rehabbed over 225 homes.

Dr. Joe Mylotte was ­involved in a national project in 202021 to assist n ­ ursing homes in dealing with ­COVID-19.

Henry Nolan was elected President of Alumni Association at LaSalle Institute, and September saw enrollment of young women for the first time. He is excited to be ­involved with it.

Joe McNichols helped start the Plattsburgh Air Force Base Museum and he c­urrently leads the volunteer docents.

Everything at the museum is hands-on, from cockpit mockup to Titan ­missile control stations. With a volunteer group they started restoration of two aircrafts, a B-47 and FB-111.

Ken Dedrick has been volunteering with the USO at Charlotte Douglas Airport for 12 years. They serve Active, Reserve, and Retired military members and their families.

George Bowles has been volunteering as a member of the St. Peter’s Health Partners Patient and Family Advisory

MINI-REUNION

Council for the past several years.

1970 If you are willing to help as a class news notes ­coordinator, please contact alumni@siena.edu.

1971

Nicholas Positano njpositano@gmail.com Dr. Raymond H. Werking, Jr. was recently honored by renowned artist Robert Bode with a portrait displayed in the East Greenbush Community Library. Dr. Werking has received both the prestigious World AIDS Day Award and the Harvey Milk Lifetime Achievement Award.

1972

Dennis McGovern elephantdonkeymouse@ yahoo.com

1973

Brian Valentine bgvalentine@verizon.net

1974 If you are willing to help as a class news notes coordinator, please contact alumni@siena.edu.

1975

Michael Stringer michael.stringer@gmail.com Joe Paladino asks that everyone take a moment to remember and appreciate the contributions to Siena of our classmate and class note coordinator, Dale Metzger, whose passing was noted earlier this year.

Fr. Dennis Tamburello O.F.M. writes that Siena honored him with a celebration of his 45th year of profession as a Franciscan. The evening included mass, a fantastic dinner, some speeches (of course!) and some musi-

Al Costello ’79, and his wife Pam hosted a Siena Rugby and Theta Phi Omega fraternity party at their home on June 12. Attending were Mike Snyder, Mike Sweeney, Dick Pepper ’79, Mike Dent ’86, Dennis ­Gallagher, Kent Lombardi ’77, Bill Malgieri ’78, Tom Murtagh ’81, Steve McNair ’78, Dean Bissell, Rich Scully and Brian Wilson ’80.

cal performances. The ­celebration was a fundraiser for the Tamburello ­Family ­Scholarship. Fr. Dennis ­Tamburello says if you ever invite him to dinner, don’t forget the gnocchi, it’s his ­favorite, and to ask him to show you the golf cart ­karaoke video the College did for him.

Michael Stringer has retired twice and is looking forward to a third retirement party (maybe next year!). He is currently on his second go-round at PJT Partners in New York, where he's a VP in the Legal & Compliance Department. He and his wife Kathleen recently celebrated their 43rd wedding anniversary. They divide their time between their homes in Brooklyn and Westchester.

1976

Jean Reamer jean.reamer@gmail.com Sue Kelly ’75 was visiting her old hometown of Albany from Texas and met up with friends Gail (Pecora) Gates, Sue Vincelette Van Nostrand, and Jean Reamer who enjoyed a sunny autumn afternoon walk through campus. It was exciting to see the changes planned for admissions and the area around the Grotto.

They will be attending some women’s basketball games to cheer on the team and their new coach. They hope to see

some of you there and in the meantime don’t hesitate to send an email to Jean to share some of your news. Go Saints!

1977

Eileen Foley classof1977newsnotes@ gmail.com Reunion Weekend 2022, June 3-5, is fast approaching.

Now is the time to reach out to old friends and make plans to attend. Use the Siena ­College Class of 1977 ­Facebook page to let our classmates know what you have been doing. Post a few “then and now” photos, as well as what you have been doing in retirement. If you are still working, we welcome an update. If you are in touch with classmates, post a picture.

I am looking forward to ­seeing you in June.

Jon Plaisted established the Amy Plaisted Memorial Scholarship for incoming freshmen entering the Nursing Program at Siena. His late wife Amy, was a dedicated nurse. Jon says he is sure she is proud that Siena has such a successful new nursing program that she can lend her name and legacy to.

1978

Rick Gabriel rgabrielsyr@gmail.com Mark Massaroni and ­Marvin Leroy ’82 were 43

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MINI-REUNION

MINI-REUNION

Former men’s basketball players and others gathered in July.

Front Row: Dennis Kelly ’80, Tom Babcock ’81, Glenn Doran ’84, Keith Rhodes, John Williams ’84 and Troy Turner.

Lifetime friends from the Class of ’85 traveled together to Sedona, the Grand Canyon and Phoenix!

Second Row: Matt Kilcullen, Frank Dyer ’77, John Hayden ’81, Unknown Guest, Tom Roginski ’83, Tim Sise ’82.

Pictured: Bob Baumann & Barbara (Gowen) Lowe ’85, Kathy (Mayette) ’85 & Scott Knipfing, Beth Walsh, Claudia (Casey) ’85 & Kevin Silk ’85, Patty (DeBeauvernet) Windover ’85, Jack Weaver ’85, Jack Edwards ’85 & Carolyn Edwards, Mark Windover ’83.

Back Row: Ron Guzior ’84, Kevin McGraw ’82, Rod Owens ’80, Fred Daniels ’81, Dejahn (Rod) Renrick ’83, Lou Fedullo ’84, Paul DiLello ’81 and Dan Terwilliger ’82.

inducted into the New York State Baseball Hall of Fame.

They join teammates and roommates who are already inducted, Gary Holle ’77 and Dave Smith ’79.

1979

Sue Reilly Hayes Clifton522@aol.com No matter how crazy the world gets, nothing stops four Siena buddies from making their annual trip to Hulett’s Landing on Lake George. Brian Zwilling commented, “We’ve calculated that this is the 38th consecutive year we've made this road trip.” He also reminisced about how fortunate he felt to have developed such strong friendships after transferring to Siena after two years of community college. On the trip were Chip Davy, Brian Zwilling, J.D. Strong, and Tom Metzold ’80.

Drop me an email with news of the last time you enjoyed a mini-reunion with a Siena friend or two.

1980

Diane DeSilva diane0429@gmail.com

1981

Jeannie DiCaprio jdicap@nycap.rr.com

1982

Bob Young rjy60@yahoo.com On the weekend of October 10 many members of the Class of ’82, along with many other class years, gathered for mass at the Grotto for a celebration of the life of Deacon Francis Bice. Mass was celebrated by Fr. Mark Reamer O.F.M. ’83 along with Deacon Lawrence “Chip” Magner. Attendance also included the current Siena lacrosse team. Fr. Mark noted at the end of mass that his view from the altar of the current team along with many long retired teammates of Frank provided an unanticipated and somewhat comical perspective of the event. The event concluded with brunch and the sharing of stories by some of Frank’s close friends.

Joe DiBiase retired after teaching mathematics and coaching cross country, track, and basketball at Lynnfield HS north of Boston for the past 32 years. He and his wife Jennifer (Cuozzo) DiBiase ’92 are looking forward to spending more time in Anna Mariá Island.

1983

Elvira Altimari-Jaeger Eaj6@optonline.net It is with great honor that the three of us, Michele

Missing from photo: Loretta (Smith) ’85 & Phil Sweeney.

Dixon-Paton, Rosemary Schiavo-Chersi, and Deirdre Wahlberg, are filling in as guest columnists for our dear friend and class representative, Elvira Altimari-Jaeger. It takes three of us to fill her shoes! Many thanks to Elvira for keeping our class connected for the last 38 years. We love you and your continued enthusiasm for our beloved Siena.

As we write this edition of Class Notes, Elvira is flying to Spain, along with eight of her life-long Siena friends, to attend the wedding of Karen (DeBlieux) Vachon’s daughter.

Michele (Dixon) and Mike Paton share that they are doing very well. They live in Huntington, New York and have been married 34 years! Mike works in finance and Michele has retired as a nursery school teacher.

Rosemary Schiavo-Chersi and her husband Bob have been married for 35 years and now split time between New Jersey and Florida. They just hosted their oldest son’s wedding in October and celebrated with six of their lifelong Siena friends. Rosemary and Bob enjoy charity work, travel, golf, and are honored to be involved with various Siena College boards.

Deirdre Wahlberg shares that after 15 years of living in the Carolinas she returned

back to her hometown of Bay Shore on Long Island.

She mentions that it is so nice to once again live near her parents, sisters, and one of her favorite places, Fire Island. After a career of working in apparel and consumer goods, she is now the Deputy Commissioner for Parks and Recreation in the Town of Islip. Throughout her career, Deirdre has been blessed to travel to many places in the states and abroad, but working in her hometown and serving the community has been the most rewarding.

One thing that the three of us whole-heartedly agree upon is whenever we run into a person wearing Siena apparel, whether it’s a student, alumnus, parent, grandparent, or future Saint, the conversation is always fun, positive, and friendly. There is just something about the ‘Franciscan Tradition’ that ties us together!

Flashback for this edition: Rafter’s! Holmes and Mancini! Lakeshore Apartments! Dappers!

As we close out 2021, we hope all have had a great year celebrating your 60th birthdays. Along with this edition’s “shoutouts,” please send updates on how you celebrated your 60th. It might give some of us ideas for

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(gulp!) 65!

Shoutouts to: Karen ­DeBlieux-Vachon, Mike Kelly, Tom Jones, Sue Casey.

MINI-REUNION

NEWSMAKER

1984

Lisa San Fratello McCutcheon mcclisa107@gmail.com

1985

Cathy Casey Bjorklund Ron Bjorklund Bjork90@comcast.net Cathy Egan Martin has had two promotions over the past few years to a partner and AVP and then to Vice ­President – Commercial Systems at American National. She has been at American National for over 33 years in various roles rising to this partner/­executive position m ­ anaging over 120 people in their ­Corporate Technology ­Services department.

October 15-16 was the ­Siena Rugby Alumni Weekend of 2021 after missing their ­traditional first weekend of May for the past two years.

Our ruggers were there in true form as always, Tom Joyce, Gunnard ­Cunningham, John Joyce, Curtis Gekle, Matt ­Parenteau and George ­Durney.

This year was s ­ pecial not only because it was a return to their 20+ year tradition, but they also raised over $30,000 for the rugby teams to support their run for a national championship! Over 100 golfers participated on Friday and over 150 people came to watch the teams play on Saturday. A great time was had by all.

Rick Louis retired from FedEx on June 1, after a 35 year career in Operations and Sales. He and his wife Laura are ­looking forward to spending time with their first ­grandchild.

Dan Heim has retired from a 31-year career with ­LeadingAge New York. As Executive Vice President, Dan led the group’s public policy, legislative advocacy, and legal services efforts. A reception

Dr. Julie A. Adams ’89, the College of Engineering Dean’s Professor at ­Oregon State, was elected as a 2021 Human Factors and ­Ergonomics Society fellow.

was held at the Saratoga City Center in August honoring his career and accomplishments.

John Nani retired in 2018 after 20 years as a National Senior Director with the American Red Cross. He and his wife, Sienna (yes, that’s her real name with two n’s), own a consulting business called Nania Arts. They also have an online commerce business that deals mainly in collectibles. In 2019, John took on the role of Chief ­Executive Director with Learning For ALL. LFA provides adult basic education free of charge. They are currently based out of Omaha, but have started to become a national presence.

In January 2021, John helped to found the Equal Learning Fund based out of Santa Barbara.

Dan Hurteau won the Working Family Party nomination for Colonie Town Justice.

1986

Janice Linnan jalinnan@me.com Cathy (O’Neill) Light, and her husband of 30 years recently completed an exciting journey across America in a 25 ft. RV! They traveled for most of 2019, traversed over 10,000 miles, stayed in 25 states, and enjoyed the breathtaking sites of 18 National Parks!

Cathy blogged about their trip which is available to follow at thelightsareoff.com. Follow-

Classmates from the Class of ’90 met in Saratoga Springs.

Pictured: Ann Greeley Nelms, Amy Whiteman Brown, Lori Castaldo Schulze, Maura Harding Clow, Lisa Vetere, Renee Lelyo McCaskey, Janet Swierbut, Lisa Pittner Hart, and Caroline Kowach Miller.

ing the trip and just prior to the pandemic, she and her husband settled in beautiful Naples, Florida, where she teaches middle school and Gary enjoys retirement.

1987

Maryann King jrkingfamily@aol.com Susan Lafond is excited to share that she is back as an adjunct professor at Siena, teaching EDUC275, a TESOL methods class. Although it is her first semester, and she is doing this in addition to her full time job, Susan says, “It feels like everything is ­coming back full circle.” Congratulations Susan!

1988

Jim Monaghan Jpmonaghan65@yahoo.com Linda Clark was named to the 2021 Upstate New York Super Lawyers list for Barclay Damon.

1989

Bill Maloney wjm10@nyu.edu Tracy Solarek is the founder of Optymum Potential LLC, a data-driven coaching and training solution that unveils potential and increases your bottom line.

Sandra Murdolo was promoted to Managing Director, Asset Services at Cushman & Wakefield. She supports the

operations of approximately 600 property management employees in New York City running point on IT, HR and compliance matters, and ­supports engineering and administrative teams located in 150 locations.

Regina Holmes was ­promoted to Associate Director, Business Systems Division of the Connecticut Department of Social Services.

Michael Verde has been working for the VolzAuto Group for the last 31 years, the only company he has worked for since graduating from Siena. He is now the General Manager of Bill Volz ­Westchester Jeep, Chrysler Dodge Ram and is proud to say that this has been his life’s work.

David Verbraska ­retired from Pfizer after 15 years leading global public ­affairs and relocated to ­Sarasota with Chris ­(Matzel) ­Verbraska ’90.

After two years of “retirement,” D ­ avid agreed to serve as EVP, Chief Communications and M ­ arketing Officer for the Boy Scouts of America, an organization he has volunteered with for many years.

David and Chris recently joined the Siena President’s Circle ­supporting The Friars in ­Residence Fund.

Bill Maloney received a Postgraduate Certificate in Healthcare Writing from ­Harvard Medical School.

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MINI-REUNION

NEWSMAKER

NEWSMAKER

Classmates from the Class of ’94 got together on July 24 at the Saratoga Racetrack.

Boeing appointed Brian West ’91 as Chief Financial Officer.

Front row left to right: Jeff Mulholland, Karen Emory Mandel, Jay Nesheim, Bar Ealy, Kevin Kelly and Jake Russum.

Back row left to right: Matt Parini, Terence McGovern, Chris Thestrup, Ed Burdett and Jaren Bean

1990

1993

Timothea Jarrell, M.D. married Gerasimos ­Seriatos in May. She practices at an ­urgent care in ­Lancaster, Pennsylvania. ­Congratulations!

I hope you are all well and healthy and feeling hopeful.

As she enters her 21st year in school counseling, Sue Hannon has been named the K12 School Counseling Department Chairperson at Rye Neck High School.

Amy Prisco (amyprisco. com) lives in the Ecuadorian southern beach town of Salinas and is a well-known figure in the Ecuadorian community amongst expats and locals alike. She offers a complete array of real estate services for her clients. Aside from ­having managed multiple private properties, Amy has been the administrator of several prestigious condominium buildings in Salinas including both The Alamar and The Phoenix.

She has her TESOL/TEFL/TEFL certification and has taught English as a Foreign Language at the Ecuadorian Naval Officer University in Salinas as well as at La Universidad Peninsular in Santa Elena.

Janet Shotter Swierbut jswierbut@yahoo.com

1991

Maureen Harris siena1991@yahoo.com Bob Mack was named Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Polaris, Inc. Jennifer Dorgan was promoted to Director of Strategic Analysis at Dynasty Financial Partners which is located in St. Petersburg, Florida.

Bob Burke recently married Drew Haley. In attendance were Anne Marie Mullady, Scott Mullady, Craig A ­ llen, Mark “Meme” Pittoni, Craig “New” Drakeford, Mike “Spike” Davis, Jim “Whammy” McKenna, Ralph Bonavist, Steve Burnham, Rick Cassala and RJ “Jack” Nataro.

Bob and Drew live in Nashville.

1992

Mary Pat McLoughlin Holler jmpholler@yahoo.com

Sue Hannon Shannon@ryeneck.k12.ny.us

1994

Glenn Hofsess ghofsess@yahoo.com In August, Eileen Foley and I were married in Narragansett.

Although it took over 40 years to finally meet each other, it was well worth it in the end.

We celebrated with our seven children, family, friends, and

of course our Siena family: Tom Randall, Antoinette Randall ’96, Mike Sgroi and Kyle Howard.

As we close out 2021 and look ahead to a new year, I want to extend wishes for health, happiness, and new beginnings in 2022. Please reach out to me to share your good news, updates, or ­anything at all.

1995

Neil Wilcove neil.wilcove@millermartin.com

1996

Brian Murray murray21@hotmail.com

1997

Selena Dutcher selenadutcher@gmail.com It's been a while since we have talked but I hope that you and your families are safe, well and healthy!

Make sure you have added our 25th Reunion to your calendar, June 3-5! Make your reservations early and hydrate! The key to Reunion Weekend is to hydrate!

A lot of our classmates have had changes in their lives over the past year and here are a few updates!

Francis “Frank” Kimler was recently appointed to the Honor Flight, Inc. National Board of Directors in the posi-

Chris Conroy ’96 served as the home plate umpire for Game 1 of the 2021 World Series.

tion of Treasurer. Frank has also served for nine years as the Chairman of the Hudson Valley Honor Flight, Inc. hub which serves WWII veterans in New York’s Hudson Valley between NYC and Albany.

Lauren Talan, Esq. is now Assistant General Counsel - Litigation with Conduent, headquartered in Florham Park, New Jersey.

George E. LaMarche III is an attorney and founding member of LaMarche Safranko Law PLLC. He represents individuals who have been seriously injured and families who have suffered the loss of a loved one because of the negligence of others. George also represents people who are under investigation or charged with a crime in both state and federal courts. George has been selected to the New York Super Lawyers list, nominated as a Top 100 Personal Injury ­Attorneys and recognized in The Best Lawyers in America.

Have you made some moves?

Do you have an update? Let me know so I can keep everyone updated. Consider me your "status update” coordinator for the Siena peeps!

1998

Janine Trapp Scotti Sienasaints98@yahoo.com Patrick Jordan received the Donald D. DeAngelis ’60 Excellence in Alumni Service Award at Albany Law School.

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The Donald D. D ­ eAngelis ’60 Excellence in Alumni ­Service Award, created in 1989, recognizes outstanding dedication and commitment to alumni, to the National Alumni Association, and to Albany Law School.

NEWSMAKER

NEWSMAKER

NEWSMAKER

Kim Reed ’00 published her first book, Workhorse: My Sublime and Absurd Years in New York City’s Restaurant Scene.

Prosper Karangwa ’03 was named the Delaware Blue Coats General Manager and retains the role of Vice ­President, Player Personnel for the Philadelphia 76ers.

Alicia Bonelli ’07, Lead Care Partner for T ­ ouching Hearts at Home, received the 2021 National Carer of the Year Award for the entire northeast region.

as President for the South ­Central Vermont Board of ­Realtors in 2020 and now serves on the Vermont ­Association of Realtors ­Professional Standards Committee. She is the principal broker/owner of Hoffman Real Estate in North Bennington.

loves wearing green and gold with her. Congratulations!

Wedding bells rang for Melissa Stephens and Adam Mantei on October 9 in ­Schenectady. ­Congratulations!

Steve Long and Jessica welcomed Chase James in August.

Caitlin Phillips and Marcelo Rivera welcomed Ellie Tess Rivera in October.

Please keep sending along updates!

1999

Angela Cella amcella99@yahoo.com

2000

Chris Madigan CDMadigan@gmail.com In addition to his specialized surgical practice at Adirondack Medical ­Center in Saranac Lake, Adam Abodeely MD is now the CEO & Co-Founder of Coral Cove Wellness (CoralCoveWellness.com), a brand that also includes its flagship wellness resort in Jamaica.

Kim Reed published her first book, Workhorse: My ­Sublime and Absurd Years in New York City’s Restaurant Scene, via Hachette Books.

The coming-of-age narrative takes a look inside the chaos of New York City’s foodie craze and an all-too-relatable look at what happens when your job takes over your identity, and later, when a scandal upends your understanding of where you work and what you do. You can buy on Amazon, Apple Books, Google Play and Barnes & Noble.

2001

Maura Mack Maura820@yahoo.com I hope you’re all healthy and happy.

It was great to hear from Sarah Ross Cappella, who was appointed the first ever Youth Programs Compliance Coordinator at Syracuse University. She is responsible for University-Life and all third party compliance with the official Safety of Minors on campus policy, regarding

minors in the university’s care, custody, or control.

Joseph Hourigan wrote in from Arizona, where he shared he will be serving as the Chairman of the Fiesta Bowl Parade in Scottsdale. He was named the Fiesta Bowl’s Chairman of the Year for serving as the Chairman of the last parade. He was also named a Fiesta Bowl Future’s Commissioner where he will mentor new members of the Fiesta Bowl Committee.

He’s been on the Fiesta Bowl ­Committee since 2012!

As always, please send in your updates as it’s ­always great to hear from our ­classmates!

2005

2002

2006

Christine Cinnamond Christine.cinnamond@ gmail.com

2003

Bill Bordak sienanotes2003@gmail.com John Carter and Katie ­ arter welcomed Thomas C Edward “Teddy” in August.

2004

Melissa Termine Goetz melissagoetz109@gmail.com Lauren Weber Lwebs13@gmail.com Jenifer Prouty Hoffman was named Vermont’s Realtor of the Year. She served

Breanne Suhrland Elsesser belsesser19@gmail.com Gary Holle and his wife Leilani Garcia had their ­second baby, Annalise Lourdes Holle on June 13.

Congratulations!

Wishing you health and happiness always!

Chris Elsesser celsesser19@gmail.com Andrew Mangini and Melissa welcomed Lily Corina Mangini on August 11.

Erin Primett-Van ­Denburgh and Becca Primett welcomed daughter Kara ­Cecilia in June.

2007

Stan Horton Kristen Carlson Rubin Sienacollegeclassof2007@ gmail.com Renée (Zych) Ascrizzi and her husband, Gregory, welcomed Chiara Marie to their family on July 28. Chiara joins her big sister, Sienna, who

2008

Danielle Grasso Utzig Patrick Preston Sienacollege2008@gmail.com Kevin Hogan and Melissa welcomed Benjamin Kevin Hogan on July 28.

Kyle Christiansen and Katelyn welcomed Madelyn Josephine in September.

It wasn’t long ago that Dr. Michael Palmieri was ­unassumingly strolling down Ryan Hall, given the nickname of “Quiet Mike” by his classmates. In his new release, “Quiet Mike Speaks,” he navigates readers through the full story to attaining wealth that will last generations. The Siena alum guides us through his journey to building a 7-figure net worth and demonstrates how ­financial freedom is a choice anyone can make. From intelligently servicing debt, to building an elite portfolio that will generate a financial 47

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NEWSMAKERS

NEWSMAKER

Siena lacrosse alumni Chris Viviano ’09, Eddie Haase ’09, and Dan Mulhall ’09 conquered the Ironman 70.3 in Maryland in June.

Dr. Kelly M. Werner ’12 had her work published in the September issue of the American Journal of Medical Genetics.

Dr. Werner was listed as first author, a major accomplishment for her work in the field of neonatal research.

legacy, this story needed to be told. Get ready to “Be Quiet,” and go Saints!

2009

Tiffany Salonich tsalonich11@aim.com I have some ­wonderful news to share. James ­Ferguson ­received a Masters in ­Public Policy Management from Georgetown University and entered the United States Coast Guard as a Judge ­Advocate General in January.

Joe Martini and Lindey (Palmiotto) Martini ­welcomed their third child, Luca on ­August 30.

Lindsay Fairbrother and husband Ricky G ­ iruzzi ­welcomed Sonny James ­Giruzzi on October 22.

Erika Weisgerber and Michael Jacobs got engaged in October.

Stay safe and please email me any time to share news with our class.

2010

Kelly Peckholdt kellypeckholdt@gmail.com Emily Lyon, attorney for HunterMacLean, was named to the Best Lawyers list.

Ayesha Maqsood wed Salman Saeed on July 1 at the Albany Country Club. ­Congratulations!

NEWSMAKER

NEWSMAKER

Paige Bartholomew ’12, an attorney at Farrell Fritz, was named to the Best Lawyers list.

Ryan Poplawski ’12, attorney at Hancock Estabrook, LLP, has been named to the Upstate New York Super Lawyer - Rising Star list.

2011

2012

Alicia (Vollbracht) Ottosen and Mark welcomed Briggs Henry Ottosen on June 9.

Elizabeth Clark and Michael Cardinale welcomed Luca ­Graham on July 17.

Christopher Reynolds and Vanessa Mauriello welcomed Mia Carmela Reynolds on ­September 17.

Carmen F. Francella III and his wife Mary Colleen (Sleasman) Francella ’10 welcomed their son Carmen Francis IV into their family on September 9. A practicing attorney in Boston, Carmen also recently joined the labor and employment group at the international law firm of Kirkland & Ellis LLP. Tommy Tressler-Gelok was recently promoted to Assistant Dean of Campus Life at Wagner College. He was also elected to the President cycle of NEACUHO, a housing association he was first introduced to by Siena’s housing program as an undergraduate, and began his rotation in October.

He recently purchased a home and lives in Scotch Plains now with his husband Kevin.

Emily Chow was wed to Harrison Moss on September 19 in Altamont.

Lauren (Lawler) Rourke and Matthew welcomed ­Amelia Mae on June 6.

Catherine (Hesch) Tozzi and Matthew welcomed Emma on May 30.

Arielle (Sicluna) Miras and Karl Miras welcomed Delilah Adrienne on July 26.

Therese Daly married Chris Assini in Albany on September 4 and celebrated with many Saints.

Sean Hogan married the love of his life, Caitlin ­Kwiatkowski.

Danielle Boswell completed the New York City Marathon in November.

Mary Ann Gaffuri and her husband Eric moved to Washington D.C. where they are working and exploring the new city.

Michael Fitzgerald accepted a new position as Associate Director of Fiscal Operations at Albany County of Mental Health.

Kristen Lange married Kevin Bottini in August.

Katie Ness married the love of her life, Drew Ledwith.

Leigh Denning and P ­ atrick Fontaine got married in August.

Jeff Audi and Jonathan ­Skabowski ’14 married on June 28 in Laguna Beach, a

Carmen Francella III cfrancella3@gmail.com Marcel Bedard mp30beda@gmail.com

Therese Daly tdaly@nysenate.gov

special date as it was their 10th anniversary.

Nicole (Cochetti) Hoffay welcomed Colton James on July 3.

Dr. Kelly M. ­Werner ’12 had her work entitled “­D-bifunctional protein d ­ eficiency caused by ­splicing variants in a neonate with ­severe peroxisomal ­dysfunction and persistent ­hypoglycemia” published in the American Journal of ­Medical Genetics ­September issue. Dr. Werner was listed as first author, a major ­accomplishment in the field of neonatal research.

Congratulations to ­ everyone!

2013

Cassy Jane Werking C18werk@siena.edu Joseph Watroba and ­ ichaela Palmer ’14 ­welcomed M Carmella Stosh on July 19.

Jaime Righi got engaged to Terrence Christman.

Alex Viglucci married Ben Goitz in October.

Rebecca Grasso married Matthew St. Pierre ’12 in O ­ ctober 2020 at the Siena ­College Chapel and renewed their vows with a reception with their larger Siena alumni family in attendance in ­September.

Meghan Sullivan and Matt Kelly recently got engaged.

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They met as freshmen at Siena and started dating after ­graduating when they both moved to New York City.

Maddie Campbell and Alex Wright ’16 married on ­February 13.

Daniel Lee and Kate (­Williams) Lee welcomed their first child in November.

Additionally, Kate graduated from ophthalmology residency at Albany Medical Center in June and joined Capital ­Ophthalmology as a Comprehensive Ophthalmologist.

Dr. Amanda (Peguillan) Cronin recently completed her residency in O ­ bstetrics and Gynecology at St. ­Barnabas Hospital. She has relocated back to Long Island and joined the ProHealth Division of Babylon OB/GYN. She looks forward to a long and prosperous career, ­hopefully delivering many more future Saints!

O.D. Anosike is in his ninth year playing professional ­basketball around the world and recently got engaged.

Cassy Jane Werking ­completed her ­dissertation ­research fellowships at the University of Michigan’s ­Clements Library and the Massachusetts HIstorical ­Society in Boston.

Anne Rhea received the Q2 Spark Award through the Healthcare Businesswomen’s Association! She has been a volunteer for 2 years within the company's Paris chapter and is grateful to work ­alongside inspiring women.

Congrats Anne!

Jess Reinhardt is back in the Albany area after taking a position at CAPCOM.

Neidy McHugh and Kyle McHugh ’12 welcomed their second son, Gerrard Jack McHugh on September 1.

Michael Rossman and Kelly (Hasso) Rossman welcomed Hallie Sienna on October 19.

2017

2020

2014

Marissa (Wade) Gawrys and Andrew Gawrys welcomed Jack on July 4.

Nick Tudino wed Alyssa Amici on August 21.

Abigail Duker, sister ­Elizabeth Duker ’21 and the Duker family appeared on Family Feud in October.

Brianna Brown G’21 r­ eceived her MBA degree in May and began her p ­ osition as Associate ­Director of ­Financial Aid at Albany ­Medical College in June.

Gabrielle ­VanDeWater recently completed her

Nicole Heck nicoleheck3@gmail.com Emily Riccio and Mickey Sutton got engaged in August.

Ryan Murphy got engaged to Erin Daly in June.

2015

Helene Rached Caroline Bertholf SienaNotes2015@gmail.com Kerry Fleming and Peter Gallgher wed in August with Siena friends and family.

2016

Anthony Bjelke Matt Lorini Sienanotes2016@gmail.com Matthew Lorini has been commissioned as a First Lieutenant in the United States Army. After completing additional training in Charlottesville he reported as a Judge Advocate at III Corps, stationed at Fort Hood in December.

Lauren Mazzone completed her MBA from Sage Graduate School in May and married Travis Perrott on ­September 5.

Andrea “Andi” Elwell and Jonathan Kowalczyk ­married in Buffalo on July 10 by ­former Siena Chaplain Fr. Greg Jakubowicz.

Lauren Smith and Ryan Mallon ’15 were engaged in August at the Grotto.

Willow Johnson is engaged to Brian Renaud.

Amy Polchinski Anthony Pelliccia siena17classnews@gmail.com

Kirsten Dunn has a ­ ccepted a position with Albany High School as a 10th Grade ­Literature teacher. She also wed Dominick Belarge on October 9.

Courtney Flood ­graduated from Montclair State ­­University with an M.A. in Speech-Language Pathology.

She is completing her Clinical Fellowship at a private high school in Teaneck, New Jersey.

Katie Walczuk, RD, CDN became a Registered Dietitian (RD) after attending The Sage Colleges. She recently received her CDN and has been working in private practice as an RD doing telehealth for Los Angeles and the greater southern California area.

She is pursuing her master’s degree in Applied Nutrition from Sage.

Abby Hutton has been promoted to Assistant Director of College Alumni Programs at Harvard University.

2018 If you are willing to help as a class news notes ­coordinator, please contact alumni@siena.edu.

2019

Megan Kelly Patrick Moran siena19news@gmail.com Bridget Sands passed her CPA exam and is now a fully licensed CPA.

Brianna Brown Zach Brimmer siena2020classnotes@ gmail.com

master’s of science degree and will be relocating down to Charleston where she will be working as an Ophthalmology Medical Assistant/Technician.

McKenzie Bradley is teaching English at Mount Anthony Union High School and is g ­ etting her masters in Literacy from UAlbany.

The Health Studies and Pre-Law Programs hosted a Healthcare Law Panel ­Discussion with three attorneys, as well as Siena alumna and Albany Law student, Marissa Hochberg.

2021

Meg O’Neill Bobby Baillie siena2021classnotes@ gmail.com Stephanie Saviano joined Mercer as a Health Consulting Analyst. Connect with Stephanie to learn more about strategic, risk, and people management solutions.

Jake Spadaro has moved to Saratoga with a few other Saints and is working for marketing agency, Elevation Ten Thousand, as an SEO Analyst. He enjoys the work and looks forward to staying connected and seeing his Siena friends soon.

Katie Harrison is pursuing a master’s degree in Social Work at the UAlbany. She has started as a Client Care Coordinator at Upstate Counseling and is currently interning at Northern Rivers Therapeutic Foster Family Program.

She recently got engaged to ­Cooper Humpf. Cooper is a first year law student at Albany Law School. She loved every minute of being at Siena, and is grateful for the memories and the opportunities it has given her.

Kiley Pendergast is the ­Assistant Director of the ­Siena Annual Fund. She is really happy to begin her career in higher education at Siena.

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Brittany Kane is the ­ ssociate Director of the ­Siena A Annual Fund.

Matt Levine and Caitie Lashbrooks ’20 got engaged in March.

Chas Premo started as an Associate MES Operations Analyst under Mid-Scale Manufacturing Support at Regeneron. He has also been involved with their Safety Champ group that updates on safety incidents and general site wide incidents.

Lauren Pecora is attending Clarkson University and is pursuing a master’s degree in mechanical engineering thanks to Siena’s ­Applied Physics 4-1 program! She is continuing to work as a ­mechanical engineering intern at kW Mission Critical Engineering in Troy.

Ahmed Zafar is pursuing a master’s degree in accounting with an advanced data analytics certification from Siena. He was hired by KPMG and upon successful completion of his master’s degree he will start full time as an Audit Associate. He is also serving as Vice President of Nui Xi ChapterBeta Alpha Psi. Brittany Panzarella is ­pursuing her MBA at the Frank G Zarb School of Business at Hofstra University in marketing and management while working two internships.

She is also the Vice President of the Graduate Marketing ­Association, and a Zarb School Ambassador. She says she will always be grateful to Siena for teaching me how to always push ­herself for greatness, and never settle for less.

Emily Elder is ­pursuing her MBA at Siena with a concentration in business analytics while interning at Excellus BlueCross BlueShield and

To see all of our recent weddings, visit Siena.edu/weddings!

working as a graduate assistant in the Career and Internships Center at Siena. She is getting the chance to connect with students in a new capacity while helping them navigate their futures.

Steven Lewis is ­pursuing his master’s degree in a ­ ccounting at Siena with a concentration in data ­analytics. He is working as an accountant at local broker/dealer, Purshe Kaplan ­Sterling Investments.

James Ardito shares that he has been able to connect and speak with fellow Saints who are interested in the

fields of energy and finance.

He was able to interview with a firm geared toward helping fund ESG infrastructure to develop new projects for a global energy transformation.

He misses his time at Siena, but it gave him the ability to discuss shared experiences with alumni.

Christina Galtieri has a full time job and is pursuing her master’s degree at Siena.

Zoe Buscareno is a middle school English teacher and cheerleading coach on Long Island. She says she misses Siena, but her friends do an

amazing job keeping in touch with one another and love ­attending alumni events.

Milena Pereira ­Machado started working in the ­International Programs Office as the International Student Coordinator and is pursuing her master’s degree at Siena.

Marissa Cross has begun a master’s program for her Student with Disabilities certification and is a full time special education teacher.

Carla Garavito is a Risk Management Analyst at Browns Brothers Harriman & Co.

IN MEMORY

Siena College mourns the loss of the following members of our community: Edmund Steffler ’49 Leonard Daffner ’51 Anthony Barbo ’52 Frank Citrano ’52 Anthony Sacco ’52 John Spychalski ’52 Paul Blefari ’53 James Delaney ’54 Edward Kremzier ’54 Richard Nucci ’54 James Smith ’54 Herb Smith ’54 James Hamilton ’55 David Duncan ’56 William Kavanaugh ’56 Sonny Skiff ’56 Cornelius O'Donnell ’57 John Robinson ’57 George Wagner ’57 Charles O'Rourke ’58 Nicholas Desimone ’60 Donald Snyder ’60 John Francis Jaffarian ’61 Daniel McGarry ’61 Thomas Roberts ’61 Joseph Bartholomew ’62 William Cooke ’62 Joseph Donohue ’62 Bart Feiden, Jr. ’62 Ron Hofmeister ’62

David Kovarovic ’62 William Bailey ’63 Charles Boutin ’63 Charles Scampini ’63 Robert Marois ’64 Daniel Murphy ’64 Walter McDowell ’65 Guy Murphy ’65 William Kennedy ’66 Charles Moore ’66 William Figlozzi ’67 James Hagerty ’67 Silvio Pais ’67 William Barrett ’68 Robert Ishkanian ’69 Paul Thomas ’69 Ronald Feuter ’70 Richard Loveday ’70 Robert Vecchiarello ’70 Charles Hack ’71 Albert Ferris ’72 Timothy Newman ’72 Anthony Tarantino ’72 Thomas Comanzo ’73 Francis Daly ’73 Michael Kline ’73 Daniel Rourk ’73 Michael Czmyr ’74 Mark Leonard ’74 David Newell ’74

Kurt Neiswender ’75 Thomas Ross ’76 Barbara Guyette ’77 Thomas Lansing ’78 J. Michael McLaughlin ’78 Pamela DiNuzzo ’80 David Avery ’81 Genevieve Hunt ’81 Charles DesJardins ’82 John Cantoni ’83 Mary Jayne (Spellman) Dreyer ’85 Michael Dunne ’86 Margaret Lansing ’86 Norman Rice ’86 Josephine LaGiudice ’87 Christine Beaudin ’90 Kevin Alvaro ’91 Adrian Fordrung ’92 Scott Allen ’93 Tracy Harnaga ’93 Gail Hordines ’93 Kenneth Mostert ’95 Heather Legendziewicz ’00 Rian Flanagan ’02 Anthony Cottone ’05 Frederick Jakubowski ’06 Kayleigh Heinmiller ’16 Yumi Refino ’21

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UNPACKED

NDEYE TALL ’22

Harlem, New York History major with an education minor What do you get when you combine inspiration from a beloved childhood TV show, a dream to change the future of education, and a Siena College degree?

Take a glimpse and see!

On what it will mean to be a teacher: “I want to be a teacher and to be happy in my career, I want to make a change in the world as a Black woman, I want to be an inspiration to Black students everywhere. Growing up, I never saw any Black women history teachers and that really discouraged me, and I think history has been taught in the lens of a white man or woman enough. To kids in New York City, since most are Black and Brown, there’s a huge disconnect there. So to be able to be a Black woman history teacher who is also from the communities that the students are from, I will really make students connect more with the history lesson, and that’s what I want to be. I want to be a mirror for Black and Brown students in the classroom.”

“I was always into history growing up, so when the Disney Channel show ‘Girl Meets World’ came on, my two passions as a child, which were watching TV and history, I saw how Cory Matthews taught history in such a meaningful way. There was always a lesson about the real world and history, there was always a correlation with the students’ real lives and the history lesson, which was so cool to me, and is the type of history teacher I want to be.”

Siena even helped her get the chance to study abroad in her parents home country of Senegal, Africa. “It gave me so much

more motivation to be a teacher because it made me realize that education, though different everywhere, is such a vital part of society. During my time abroad I worked as an English teacher at the Senegalese American Bilingual school, and it was so cool to be able to teach in the country my parents grew up in. I learned that my love for teaching spans across oceans, and working with the Senegalese students at that school was very eye-opening for me.”

And just like she hopes to leave a lasting impact on her students, Siena did that for her.

“Being a Saint to me means being kind at all times, it means holding the door open for my fellow Saints even if they’re far away. I always loved that about Siena, just how nice and kind everyone is. It also means being able to go to any of my professors to ask for help because they’re dedicated to teaching you and making sure you understand. And my favorite part about being a Saint is definitely the friars, and how kind they are. You’ll never pass a friar without them waving to you, saying hi, and asking about your day, which is something that’s always resonated with me and what I’ve loved about being a Saint.”

Ndeye plans on applying for teaching positions and graduate school in her hometown.

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

What’s in the box?

On December 6 a mysterious big new addition was first seen on campus.

As students began their day and walked through campus on their way to class, it was hard not to stop and stare at the eight foot tall by eight foot wide by eight foot deep green and gold box on the Nigro Family Plaza.

What was in the box?

See page 14 to find out.

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