Siena News, Winter 2021

SIENA

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A MAGAZINE FOR ALUMNI AND FRIENDS • WINTER 2021

INSIDE:

Marching Forward How Siena transformed, digitized, and delivered The Education for a Lifetime during a global pandemic.

MARCHING FORWARD

The last few months tested our patience and perseverance as never before.

We learned a great deal about the pandemic and about ourselves. We creatively responded to sudden shifts while overcoming myriad challenges with innovation and Siena spirit. Our community has banded together to reinvent the way we design, deliver and attain The Education for a Lifetime.

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LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT

SIENA NEWS – WINTER 2021 Published by: Siena College 515 Loudon Road, Loudonville, NY 12211-1462 518-782-8300 • communications@siena.edu • Publisher: Jason Rich ’98 • Editor: Julia Hess ’15 • Contributing Editors: Alumni Relations, Brad Bodmer ’82, Esq., Dr. Chris Gibson ’86, Beth Hazelton ’16, Holy Name Province, Joseph Mixie, Kelly O’Donnell, Fr. Mark Reamer ’83, O.F.M., Jason Rich ’98

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and Lisa Witkowski • Art Director and Design: Sergio Sericolo, M.F.A. • Front Cover Photo: Andy Murphy ’17

AN INSTITUTION OF HIGHER BEAUTY

• Class Notes and ‘In Memory’ Design: Jean Higgs • Alumni Class Notes Editors: Mary Beth Finnerty ’85, Brittany Kane ’20 , Kathy Palumbo and Brandon Murphy ’17 • Photography: Andy Murphy ’17, Anthony Bjelke ’16, Elizabeth Schlegel ’13 G’14, Jack Lehner ’21, Kelsey Baron ’21, Keva Luke ’14, Matthew Grimes ’12, Nick Comproski ’14, Rami Ghanem ’21, Samuel Allard ’21, Samuel Goldstein ’23, Sheri Ann Schmitz ’23, Siena Athletics, Siena College Alumni, Sergio Sericolo • Video Production: Dave Etzler

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SIENA’S SALUTE TO SIENA, ITALY

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SIENA COLLEGE BOARD OF TRUSTEES 2020-2021 Mr. Thomas L. Amell ’89

Ms. Jan Traynor MacDonnell ’83

Mr. Thomas J. Baldwin ’81

Ms. Joanne Maloy ’80

Mr. Ronald E. Bjorklund ’85

Ms. Mallory R. Massry ’07

Mr. Thomas J. Burke

Ms. Burgandy-Leigh McCurty ’10

Ms. Tehresa M. Coles ’14

Mr. William P. McGoldrick ’68

Ms. Susan Law Dake

Mr. John A. McMahon ’71

Ms. Virginia Darrow ’83

Ms. Lisa J. Moser ’97

Mr. Howard S. Foote ’74

Rev. Kevin J. Mullen ’75, O.F.M.

Rev. James G. Gannon, O.F.M.

Mr. John F. Murray ’79

Dr. Christopher P. Gibson ’86

Ms. Patricia (Patty) Nashelsky ’89

Mr. Jason Gottlieb ’92

Mr. John J. Nigro H’13

Mr. Russell R. Irving ’85

Mr. Neerav Patel ’00

Dr. Steven L. Lamy ’73

Mr. Kenneth M. Raymond

Br. Walter J. M. Liss, O.F.M.

Mr. Scot Salvador ’88

Fr. Erick Lopez, O.F.M.

Dr. Nimmi M. Trapasso ’98

CONNECTING WITH THE SIENA COMMUNITY

UNPACKED KELSEY BARON ’21

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Br. Basil J. Valente ’84, O.F.M.

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FROM THE PRESIDENT In a message to Congress in 1862, shortly before the

Emancipation Proclamation, President Abraham Lincoln said,

community; our collaborative and coordinated success in

“The dogmas of the quiet past are inadequate to the stormy

achieving them has positioned Siena to navigate the current rocky

present. The occasion is piled high with difficulty, and we must rise

shoals and focus on sustained growth for the future.

– with the occasion.”

The United States has for months been mired in political,

We forged consensus through commitment to welcome our students back to campus for the 2020-21 academic year, a desire

social and economic turmoil; America’s colleges face these same

we knew was shared by our students and their parents. We were

challenges within their own campus microcosms. The COVID-19

able to achieve that goal by strictly adhering to health and safety

pandemic and the resulting economic nosedive, a long-overdue

protocols, and a student pledge; being one of the first colleges in

national reckoning on racial issues, and a contentious election

the country to conduct sustained campus wastewater testing that

season combined to make 2020 one of the most trying times in

helped us target individual coronavirus tests; and holding weekly

our history.

surveillance testing of selected students and employees.

When I officially took office last July 1, I had already been

Thanks to a reconfigured academic calendar, a massive

working with College administrators and faculty for several

technological upgrade that created safe distance learning

months to help manage Siena’s response to the pandemic.

environments, and a master plan that impacted every area of

This was a presidential onboarding unlike any I could ever have

campus operations from instruction to student life, Siena was one

foreseen. But throughout, I remained consistently impressed with

of the few colleges in the country that was able to offer in-person

the College’s commitment and pride in continuing to provide

learning for all class years for the entire semester. For that, I offer

our students with a Franciscan-inspired Education for a Lifetime –

my profound thanks to our entire community for their dedication

despite the ever-present threat of illness and the unimaginable

and creativity.

logistical challenges of keeping our classrooms open both in person and online.

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We had several key goals for this exceptional learning

Another key goal was to see our campus rise to this moment in our nation’s history and be an agent of change by leading the

way on social and racial justice, active citizenship, and promoting a purposeful and flourishing life. Siena signed onto the All-In Campus Democracy Challenge, which set an aspirational goal of 100 percent participation among eligible voters in this year’s election. The many organic initiatives and campus-wide voter drives clearly made a positive difference. Our student Democratic and Republican clubs worked together on this effort – and operated in good faith throughout – which makes me all the more proud.

I remain committed to leading Siena’s ongoing efforts to address issues of social and racial inequality. This summer, virtual town halls for all students, faculty and staff were held so important conversations on race could be conducted, and we are moving ahead with our ongoing work to promote equality and justice.

With this commitment to our College’s mission and the well-being of our community foremost in mind, we are strongly positioned to face our future as successfully as we overcame the many challenges we met in 2020, when we welcomed the largest freshman class in the College’s history, besting a new record set just the year before.

We will keep our vision trained on farther horizons by remaining committed to fulfilling our current five-year strategic plan – Tradition. Transformed. – which positions our College as an innovative leader in higher education grounded in the Franciscan and liberal arts traditions.

We will work to expand Siena’s mission-centric, in-demand academic offerings, including becoming the academic leader in the Capital Region’s healthcare space by expanding our nursing, pre-med and health studies programs, and instituting new majors. We will explore partnerships and mergers that will strengthen the College’s market position and grow its regional and national profile; grow and develop new master’s and professional certificate programs; and bring to fruition Siena’s master facilities plan, which includes expansions and renovations of several campus buildings and offices.

I have had three professional lives to date, all of which were rooted in the Franciscan concept of servant leadership instilled in me when I was an undergraduate here at Siena. My first calling was as an officer in the U.S. Army; the second as an elected member of Congress. My third, as president of Siena College, is the strongest calling I have yet had.

Siena students are prepared for the privilege to lead with intelligence, empathy and compassion. I offer my heartfelt commitment to you that I will embrace those qualities as I lead our College into the future.

Christopher P. Gibson ’86, Ph.D., President 5

E FUTURE IS NOW THE FUTURE IS NOW THE FUTURE IS NOW Imagine a high-tech, futuristic college with auto-tracking capability in all its classrooms - when the professor moves, the camera follows. Imagine a campus wired with remote controlled lecture-capturing equipment, allowing faculty to beam their class to any student logged in from anywhere in the world.

For years, Siena had dreamt of those possibilities. The cost and the overall logistics, though, always kept the project in the future. But this summer, as fear of the virus and personal circumstances impacted each family differently, the College promised any student who requested to learn remotely the option to take all fall classes virtually.

The future had to be now. Siena’s Information Technology Services team had less than four months.

To ensure any student, in any major, registered for any combination of classes would be able to participate from anywhere, the College had to wire 62 classrooms before the start of the fall semester. Tom Callan, Siena’s instructional media engineer, led a project that required many hands against a tight deadline.

The team’s clock started ticking in April.

“Our electricians handled the power, our carpenters installed the mounts, our network team helped run the cables and wire the ceiling, and then I went around and plugged everything in and configured the systems and made sure everything worked,” said Callan.

Forty-two classrooms were fixed with remote controlled cameras; 20 classrooms were outfitted with auto-tracking technology. Plus, there were two to four microphones mounted in every room, depending on the size and configuration.

The final 54 classrooms went online in the last few weeks before the start of the fall semester.

“Against an important and inflexible deadline, it was amazing to see the teamwork of Siena’s amazing community come through,” Callan said.

Students electing to learn remotely for the semester had a virtual seat for every class. All it took was an internet connection and a Zoom link.

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Tom Callan, Siena’s instructional media engineer, played an integral part in getting 62 classrooms wired before the start of the fall 2020 semester.

“Initially, I thought that learning remotely while the rest of the

we now have multiple online or hybrid courses that faculty have

class was in person might be a challenge,” said Trevor Elmendorf

developed that they can continue to offer in winter and summer

’22. “However, the cameras that Siena installed in the classrooms

sessions, which helps students accelerate degree completion or

made it extremely easy to absorb all of the information from the

catch up if they’ve gotten out of sequence in their major for some

lectures and to participate in the class. All of my professors were

reason.”

super accommodating, and it thankfully led to a successful and stress-free semester.”

Beyond technological upgrades, classrooms were reconfigured

Of course, the classroom education is only part of the Siena experience. Students were also able to virtually participate in clubs and pray. Former Siena rugby players raised the funds to

to meet physical distancing standards. The seating capacity in

buy all new video and streaming equipment for the Chapel. Every

most classrooms was reduced, and in some cases, the number of

Sunday Mass at 11:00 AM, plus baptisms and weddings, are a

students exceeded the number of seats. In those instances, faculty

multiple camera production.

often divided their class in half: the green team (for example)

“This addition to the Chapel allows us to administer to our

would meet in class on Tuesdays while the gold team participated

students, alumni, and friends beyond the Capital Region,” said

via Zoom; on Thursdays, they would rotate.

College Chaplain Fr. Larry Anderson, O.F.M. “Special thanks to

“Siena has done a great job of adapting to online learning,” said Cheyenne Lufkin ’21. “Knowing that we can stay home when we feel sick or have been in contact with someone who is sick,

the Siena rugby alumni who were so very generous in helping us reach this goal.”

In all, the College has spent more than $300,000 on streaming

without missing class content has been a savior this semester.

technology since the start of the pandemic. What began as a

Regardless of how many students and faculty are on Zoom at any

solution to a problem is really a cutting-edge investment in the

given time, I have experienced very few technical issues.”

future. The new normal is not masks in the classroom. That is

The technology works both ways. Faculty can share their

only temporary. The new normal is a virtual reality that leverages

lessons with students, and they can also invite guest lecturers

technology to enhance the classroom experience. The new

into the classroom, without requiring the guests to visit campus.

normal is a futuristic, high-tech media experience that is no

President Chris Gibson ’86, Ph.D., hosted two members of the

longer in the future.

U.S. House of Representatives over Zoom for his Leadership and Political Change course; all Siena students were invited. ESPN personalities, scientists, and activists popped into classrooms all across campus this semester as well. What’s more, the College is only beginning to realize the value of its investment.

“Many faculty have said that learning online techniques have given them great ideas of ways to use technology to enhance students’ learning in the physical classroom,” said Provost

Alumni and donor support of the COVID Emergency Health and Safety Fund helped make these technological advances possible.

Please consider your support to help the College face the ongoing expenses due to the pandemic.

Visit siena.edu/covid19fund to remit a gift online or contact development@siena.edu to discuss ways to give.

Margaret Madden, Ph.D. “Using multiple modes of delivery can reach a broader range of student learning styles. And of course 7

“NO AMOUNT OF APPRAISAL CAN MATCH THE IMMENSE FEELING OF PRIDE AND SATISFACTION THAT THIS RESEARCH HAS GIVEN ME.” - CASSIDY HAMMECKER ’22

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TESTING THE WATERS Research was conducted on campus wastewater throughout

Three levels of viral content were noted: not detected, detected

the fall semester to supplement clinical testing for SARS-CoV-2.

but not quantifiable, and quantifiable, which means “it’s definitely

In simpler terms, testing was done to find out if the coronavirus

there,” according to Meierdiercks. Waste with quantifiable levels

was present by checking out the stuff we flushed down the toilet.

of the coronavirus is called “hot water.”

If the coronavirus is present in asymptomatic people

start to show symptoms,” she said. “Upticks in the presence of

through individual testing, according to Kate Meierdiercks,

SARS-CoV-2 would signal that an increase in human screening –

Ph.D., associate professor and chair of Siena’s department of

nasal swab tests – is needed. Everyone has been working really

environmental studies and sciences.

hard this semester keeping the community safe, and we’re glad

Meierdiercks and CURCA scholars Cassidy Hammecker ’22 and Anne Larsen ’22 developed a pilot program funded by the

the program was able to help this larger effort.”

Hammecker and Larsen worked with Meierdiercks by

School of Science under the leadership of Dean John Cummings,

researching the science behind wastewater surveillance and

Ph.D. to assess the science, public health impact, and feasibility

developing the logistics of how this type of project could work at

of testing Siena’s wastewater. The program proved so successful

Siena and in the broader community. In addition, Hammecker

that funding was increased and the program was scaled up so

researched wastewater surveillance as a public health tool to

the team could collect sewage water samples at all five residence

help identify vulnerable populations for targeted public health

halls on a weekly basis.

outreach.

Hoses placed down manholes and sewage pipes collected

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“SARS-CoV-2 can be detected in wastewater before people

it can be detected in wastewater, usually far earlier than

“No amount of appraisal can match the immense feeling of

liquid samples over a 24-hour period into a five-gallon container,

pride and satisfaction that this research has given me,” said

which was then delivered to a lab in Syracuse for RNA analysis.

Hammecker. “The knowledge and skill set I have developed are so

Results were generally turned around in one to two days, and

valuable, and the work we did will make such a difference for our

were then used to help focus future testing. Siena was one of the

community and the environment! Nothing beats the feeling of all

first colleges in New York to use wastewater surveillance.

the work coming together and being applied.”

EIGHT HUNDRED NINETY SIX Another year, another record freshman class at Siena College thanks to the combined dedicated efforts of the entire campus community.

The College’s annual Census Day report was released in September by the Office of Institutional Effectiveness, and Siena topped last year’s record freshman class by welcoming 896 students this fall into the Class of 2024.

Overall, full time undergraduate enrollment grew to 3,123. The new student retention rate was 89.7 percent, up 3.5 percent from the fall 2019 cohort of new, firsttime students. The number of residential students this fall was 2,271, as a result of the 326 students who chose to study remotely.

Most colleges and universities struggled to recruit a freshman class during the pandemic and fell short of their recruitment goals.

“This was in every respect a team effort,” said Ned

with students interested in our academic programs, to

Jones, vice president for enrollment management.

the administrators who helped to develop welcoming

“From our admissions and financial aid counselors who

programs and our facilities team who always had our

worked closely with prospective students and their

campus looking its best when people came to visit –

families, our alumni who hosted and met with future

this is what Saints do to bring in a new freshman class

Saints, to the faculty members who took time to speak

- and a record class at that - to Siena.”

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An Institution Of Higher Beauty

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CONDÉ NAST TRAVELER MAGAZINE NAMED SIENA ONE OF “THE 50 MOST BEAUTIFUL COLLEGE CAMPUSES IN AMERICA.”

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All Saints would agree that our campus is lovely – the sun glinting off the gold dome of Siena Hall, the oaks and maples shading the quad, the Thompson Trail to the townhouses, The Grotto, and original 1930s architecture situated alongside more modern designs.

Condé Nast Traveler agrees. Traveler ranked Siena with Colgate, Amherst, Georgetown and other institutions of higher learning for their readers to check out as tourists or potential students.

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“It’s true that some of the most beautiful views in the country come from the tops of ivory towers,” the article reads. “Across America, college campuses big and small boast some of the most beautiful architecture and landscaping—not to mention history—in the entire country.”

“Facilities Management, especially our dedicated, hard-working grounds crew, is always striving to keep our campus looking sharp and to actively promote ways to enhance its appearance. We are proud of having been identified as a “top 50” campus in the U.S. and the credit goes to a broad spectrum of folks, including the crew, our campus benefactors, our highquality consultants, our skilled contractors and the leadership of the College.”

Mark Frost, assistant vice president for facilities management

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GRADUATES IN OUR LOVING MEMORY Maria Brown ’20 was a star student, gifted rugby player, and beloved classmate. She passed away September 2019, eight months before her graduation.

On September 6, during a memorial Mass offered in her honor, Brown’s degree was officially conferred. Brown had completed all of the requirements for her diploma, and she did so with the highest level of distinction summa cum laude. In front of many of her classmates and teammates, Brown’s mother, Angela, and her sisters, Nadia and Sophia, received the diploma on her behalf (pictured below left).

“Maria was a light to all who knew her. Her gentle smile, her warm presence put people at ease. She radiated a calm and peace – except of course when she was on the rugby field – then watch out, she was a different person! Her competitive spirit won out,” said Provost Margaret Madden, Ph.D. Br. F. Edward Coughlin, O.F.M., was posthumously conferred an honorary degree, Doctor of Humane Letters, during a Mass celebrated in his memory

Franciscan scholarship, it made great sense to celebrate

in October.

Ed’s legacy on the Feast of St. Francis, October 4. I very

In June of 2014, Br. Ed was looking forward to a

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“Given Ed’s great love and contributions to

much enjoyed reconnecting with Ed’s family and yet

sabbatical that would include a trip to Assisi with his

it was bittersweet in that it was a stark reminder once

family. But, Siena College needed his guidance and his

again of the great loss that Ed’s absence has been for

talents. Br. Ed agreed to serve as interim president; a

me, the friars and our campus community,”said Fr.

few months later he was sworn in as the College’s 11th

Mark Reamer ’83, O.F.M., D.Min., vice president for

president.

mission, pictured below with Br. Ed’s family.

Maria's family receives her degree during Mass at the Chapel.

Br. Ed's family receives his honorary degree during Mass at the Grotto.

“BOARD” CERTIFIED MEET FR. ROBERTO “TITO” SERRANO If you’re on campus and see a Franciscan friar skateboarding, stop him mid-ollie and say, “Welcome to Siena!”

Fr. Roberto “Tito” Serrano joined the Siena community in July after finishing his master’s degree in divinity at the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago. As part of the College’s Mission team he’ll be wearing many hats: sacramental ministry and interfaith outreach with the chaplain’s office; academic advising in Athletics; and assisting with programming and mentoring at the Damietta Cross-Cultural Center.

“It’s great to have Fr. Tito as a part of our fraternity on campus,” said Fr. Mark Reamer ‘83, O.F.M., D. Min., vice president for mission and guardian of the friary. “I knew he was going to fit in well when I saw him skateboarding across the campus one morning on the way to a Mission team meeting under the St. Francis tent. I’m delighted that he will be ministering with us to help animate Siena’s Franciscan tradition and Catholic identity.”

Fr. Tito is used to moving around; his dad was a U.S. Air Force sergeant. He was born in Florida, then the family moved to Germany, then Arizona, where he was active in high school ministry in his family’s Phoenix parish.

“I’m excited to be working with college students,” he said. “They’re approaching adulthood and exploring different options and different ways of seeing things.”

He said that when students are growing up, receiving their first sacraments, they are generally excited about their faith. When they start college, their perspective can shift.

“It’s the first time they take responsibility for their own faith journey,” he explained. “They have questions, and they start seeing things in a different way.”

Fr. Tito loves to cook – he’s of Puerto Rican heritage, so when he’s “feeling nostalgic” he’ll put together his favorite comfort food: arroz con salchicha (rice with sausage). He’s also a fan of prepping southern food, especially barbecue.

Fr. Tito was ordained to the Roman Catholic priesthood on December 5 at St. Mary’s Basilica in Phoenix, Arizona. Pictured during his Ordination with Fr. Mark Reamer ‘83, O.F.M., D.Min., Siena’s vice president for mission and guardian of the friary (second from left).

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KEEPING OPEN THE LINES OF COMMUNICATION Sharing personal experiences, educating peers and keeping

are a Franciscan institution, we are well equipped to begin them,”

marching in the streets and having long overdue discussions

said McCurty. “I think they will be eye opening for many, and

about race, Siena hosted two virtual town halls in July themed

much needed.”

Strengthening the Bonds of Racial Justice.

The first was offered for students; Burgandy Leigh McCurty ’10 and Tehresa Coles ‘14, both members of Siena’s

Gibson called the testimony by students and alumnae “moving, and at times painful and uncomfortable to hear.”

At the student panel and the employee town hall, both

Board of Trustees, hosted a panel of four current students who

of which were open for questions, Gibson restated his

spoke about their campus experiences as students of color.

administration’s commitment to racial justice and equal

The second was hosted the following day by Siena President

opportunity for the entire Siena community – faculty,

Chris Gibson ’86 Ph.D., who spoke to faculty, staff and

staff and students.

administrators about the student event, and his commitment to making the campus a welcoming place for all.

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“These conversations aren’t easy, but given the fact that we

open the lines of communication – when Americans were

“It’s the right thing to do,” he said. “Every American should have the opportunity to rise to his or her highest potential.”

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STRENGTHENING THE BONDS OF RACIAL JUSTICE Siena strives to embody the vision and

CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT AND REFORM

values of St. Francis of Assisi, including his

The College’s first Provost and Senior Vice President Margaret Madden, Ph.D. is working with faculty to develop a criminal justice major that meets market demand and reflects Siena’s mission and values. Additionally, grants have been awarded to various academic departments to help diversify curriculum.

commitment to building a more just, peaceful, and humane world. We must recommit to strengthening the bonds of racial justice to fulfill that mission and ensure people of color in our community feel safe, accepted,

CAMPUS PROGRAMMING

appreciated and affirmed. This effort starts

The Damietta Cross-Cultural Center has received new funding to expand programming and activities.

with education and conversation. It requires action.

After several listening sessions and town halls with students, faculty and staff, President Gibson identified several areas of focus in his first year in office to make meaningful progress on this initiative.

STUDENT RECRUITMENT Siena proudly welcomed its most diverse class in history this year. We must strengthen this commitment to ensure our community reaches its full potential.

FACULTY/STAFF RECRUITMENT Increasing the presence of faculty and staff of color on campus is a top priority.

The Spirit of ’68 endowment committee has adopted the Strengthening the Bonds of Racial Justice theme for this year’s programming, which included an October panel discussion with Capital Region community activists about race and social justice.

The Athletic Department has formed E.D.I.T. (Education, Diversity, Inclusion, and Togetherness) – a movement focused on engaging in healthy conversation to create awareness and meaningful change through social justice initiatives. Men’s Basketball Coach Carmen Maciariello ’01 has organized a nationwide effort entitled Coaches for Change to engage, educate, and empower college student athletes on issues of social injustice.

President Gibson signed Siena onto the All-In Campus Democracy Challenge on his first official day in office.

The community responded this fall with Siena Votes – a comprehensive grassroots effort that got out the vote on campus.

EDUCATION AND TRAINING An interactive Equity Summit was hosted on campus in August for First Year Seminar faculty and efforts are underway to expand educational programming throughout the community.

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CONTRADE OF SIENA

SIENA’S SALUTE TO SIENA, ITALY PARIS HAS ITS ARRONDISSEMENTS, NEW YORK ITS BLOCKS, AND SIENA HAS ITS CONTRADE. In 1937, the Franciscan Friars of the Holy Name Province chose to put their new entity - a men’s college just outside of Albany under the patronage of St. Bernardine of Siena (Italy). The College’s namesake city is an ancient town in the hills of Tuscany. To this day, it retains a neighborhood-centric culture reminiscent of medieval times.

Siena is divided into 17 Contrade, unique wards named after an animal or a symbol of nature - all with their own colors and identity. The symbols of those 17 Italian Contrade now frame the Nigro Family plaza.

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CONTRADE OF SIENA

Each Contrade is like a guild or neighborhood with a community center for the members to gather. Each has a museum, fountain, baptismal font, and chapel.

In the past, each specialized in a particular trade.

St. Bernardine, for example, was associated with the Bruco (caterpillar). They were silk weavers. The flags of each Contrade have their own colors, name, and heritage. Siena College created its own flag and borrowed its colors, green and gold, from the Bruco.

Siena’s symbol is the dove.

There are always friendly competitions among the Contrade, the biggest of which is a horse race called the Palio, run twice a year in honor of Mary, the blessed virgin. The races are held on July 2 (celebrating the visitation of Mary) and August 16 (honoring the assumption of Mary). The race takes place in the campo - a “neutral zone” in the city and several days of pageantry and festivals precede the event. The Palio was canceled this year due to the pandemic - it’s the first time the races were called off since World War II. The Palio flags of each Contrade now hang on the Siena campus.

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CONTRADE OF SIENA

CATERPILLAR (BRUCO) The Bruco Contrade symbol has a caterpillar wearing a crown and sitting on a rose. The colors are green, gold, and blue.

CRESTED PORCUPINE (ISTRICE) The Istrice Contrade has a porcupine as its symbol. The colors are red, white, blue, and black.

DRAGON (DRAGO) The Drago Contrade symbol is a dragon in flight holding a banner. The colors are red, green, and yellow.

EAGLE (AQUILA) The Aquila Contrade contains the Duomo, and the symbol is a two-headed black eagle. The colors are yellow, blue, and black. Aquila has had the fewest victories over the centuries.

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FOREST (SELVA) The Selva Contrade has a rhino and an oak tree, which is decorated with hunting weaponry. The colors are green and orange with a bit of white.

GIRAFFE (GIRAFFA) The Giraffa Contrade has a giraffe on its symbol. The colors are red and white.

GOOSE (OCA) The Oca Contrade goose symbol is wearing a crown and a blue ribbon. The colors are green, white, and a bit of red. Oca has had the most victories over the centuries.

LITTLE OWL (CIVETTA) The Civetta Contrade symbol has a small owl wearing a crown. The colors are red, black, and white.

CONTRADE OF SIENA

PANTHER (PANTERA) The Pantera Contrade is a rearing panther. The colors are red, blue, and white.

SEASHELL (NICCHIO) The Nicchio Contrade symbol is a scallop shell with a crown. The colors are blue, yellow, and red.

SHE-WOLF (LUPA) The Lupa Contrade symbol is the familiar she-wolf nursing twins (it’s also the symbol of Rome). The colors are black and white with a bit of orange.

SNAIL (CHIOCCIOLA) The Chiocciola Contrade symbol is a snail. The colors are red, yellow, and blue.

TORTOISE (TARTUCA) The Tartuca Contrade has a tortoise with Savoy insignia as its symbol. The colors are yellow and dark blue.

TOWER (TORRE) The Torre Contrade symbol is an elephant bearing a tower on its back. The colors are dark red, white, and blue.

UNICORN (LEOCORNO) The Leocorno Contrade unicorn on its symbol is rearing. The colors are orange and white with a bit of blue.

VALLEY OF THE RAM (VALDIMONTONE) The Valdimontone Contrade symbol is a rearing ram with a blue shield. The colors are red and yellow with a bit of white.

WAVE (ONDA) The Onda Contrade has a dolphin as its symbol. The colors are blue and white.

Siena College students visited the Bruco Contrada during a 12-day Italian pilgrimage as part of Fr. Mark G. Reamer’s, ‘83 O.F.M. Franciscan Leadership course in January of 2020. Above, Reamer meets with Francesco Frati, the Rector (President) of Università di Siena (University of Siena in Italy) to discuss a potential partnership between the two schools; Siena students listen to a presentation before dinner with members of the Bruco Contrada; and Chiara Tarricone ‘22 poses in front of medieval regalia showcasing Bruco’s (Siena College’s) green and gold colors.

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SEE WHAT SAINTS DO CENTER FOR UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH AND CREATIVE ACTIVITY SCHOLARS At many institutions, it’s not uncommon for graduate students to explore ground breaking research one-on-one with faculty. But those opportunities are almost never available to undergraduate students.

Siena is the exception. CURCA is the reason.

Founded in 2012, 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.

The Friars of the Holy Name Province seeded the CURCA endowment with a generous and substantial gift. Nearly a quarter of a million dollars is now available each academic year to support students and faculty in their endeavors.

Directed by Dan Moriarty, Ph.D., associate professor of chemistry and biochemistry, CURCA also organizes the College’s Summer Research Symposium and the day-long Academic Showcase, and supports as many as 100 students engaged in faculty-led research over the summer.

CURCA projects continued, uninterrupted, throughout the pandemic. Here are just a few…

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QUANTUM PARTY: THE BOARD GAME! Faculty: Germaine Gatewood, M.F.A., Visiting Professor of Digital Arts; Matt Bellis, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Physics

MISSION TO MARS Faculty: Tom Coohill, Ph.D., Professor of Physics Student: Gabby Tamayo ’23 NASA’s Mars 2020 Perseverance rover will look for signs of past life, collect soil samples, and prepare for future human exploration. The rover launched on July 30 and will touch down on Mars next February 18. Coohill worked with NASA on how to best sterilize the Martian soil samples to ensure potentially dangerous microbes aren’t returning to Earth. Tamayo was responsible for organizing and consolidating information about the mission to be presented to a variety of audiences.

Student: Abby Huffman ’22 Since the summer of 2019, there has been an ongoing effort at Siena to develop a board game that teaches some of the basics of quantum mechanics. This game would be aimed primarily at middle school and high school students, but should be fun and educational for all ages. The challenge that Huffman undertook this summer was to make it visually appealing and professional looking so as to entice players to engage with the game.

“I created the graphic design for the board game by putting together a creative brief, which presented the game elements along with the color, font, and design choices in a cohesive document. Going into this project I knew I liked graphic design, but didn’t have many experiences creating it. This project solidified my interest in it, and I am now planning on pursuing it in graduate school and professionally,” said Huffman.

“Having this experience allowed me to feel the thrill of working on something that can motivate and inspire other individuals in hopes that they understand the importance of missions such as this. I enjoy having this small part to contribute to the bigger picture, but I hope I can also, one day, work directly with organizations such as the Jet Propulsion Laboratory just like Dr. Coohill,” said Tamayo.

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THE ECONOMIC IMPACT OF ALBANY CAN CODE Faculty: Arindam Mandal, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Economics Student: Manny Lo ’22 Albany Can Code (ACC) is a not-for-profit organization involved with providing software training to individuals from a lower economic background. Lo’s project involved understanding the demographics of ACC graduates and measuring its economic impact. His research shows ACC courses significantly helped women and minorities in the Capital Region. Return on investment for graduates is almost 11.5 times in just one year.

“For my summer project, I examined the economic impact of Albany Can Code’s courses by looking at the wage growth of its students by demographics. The research procedure made me realize just how much information one can gather from an Excel sheet of data.

a conclusion from any analysis. The research gave me insight on possible career options as what I was doing is done on a larger scale in businesses. As an economist, it made me realize how applicable the theories I was learning in class are to the

There was always a follow up question when reaching

real world,” said Lo.

MODELING COVID-19

basic reproduction number as a function of transition

Faculty: Kursad Tosun, Ph.D., Assistant Professor

rates among groups and examined how to control the

of Mathematics

disease spread.

Student: Zafar Usama ’21

“What I enjoyed most was making different models of COVID-19 and reasoning the transition rate and the

Usama and Tosun investigated the spread of

transition direction among different compartments with Dr.

COVID-19 using mathematical models. They developed

Kursad. I also enjoyed making a web-based application to

a differential equation model by considering the

study the effect of different parameters of a COVID-19 model.

transmission of COVID-19 among the groups

We’re writing an article that includes the results of this project

of susceptible; infected but not infectious yet;

to submit to a scholarly journal. We are also planning to give

asymptomatic; mildly, severely, and critically

a talk at the 2021 Hudson River Undergraduate Mathematics

symptomatic; and quarantined. They determined the

Conference,” said Usama.

Philanthropic support of CURCA provides these graduate-level opportunities to our Siena undergrads.

Please consider a gift to CURCA and The Education for a Lifetime. Visit siena.edu/makeagiftonline and select CURCA, or contact development@siena.edu to discuss ways to give.

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EVERY STUDENT HAS A STORY In 2017, Sheri Ann Schmitz ’23 was unexpectedly

laid off. She had been working for six years in New York City, but was let go when her company was acquired by

Pursuing nursing would mean leaving Disney, going back to school, and starting over at 30 years old.

With many ties to the College, Schmitz learned Siena

a larger company. She quickly applied to a lot of jobs in

had recently launched a nursing program and decided

a lot of cities, including Walt Disney World. When she

to take a closer look.

got a call with the good news, Schmitz had three days to get to Florida.

She was living out her own fairytale in the shadow

“I spoke with Dr. Lisa Lally about the program, and she was so incredibly helpful and encouraging! She helped me realize it wasn’t too late to start working

of Cinderella’s castle. But a feeling had been gnawing

towards a nursing degree or to be worried about how

at her for four years, and by 2019, she couldn’t ignore

long it had been since I’d been in a classroom. I could

it any longer — she wanted to be a nurse. Of course,

not be happier to be pursuing my nursing degree here at

Schmitz was already a working professional, with

Siena.”

an undergraduate degree in international relations.

SHERI ANN SCHMITZ ’23 25

RAMI GHANEM ’21

to participate in an EMS club in college. Unfortunately, Siena didn’t offer an EMS club. No problem. Ghanem started one. Siena College EMS (SCEMS) was officially founded by the end of his sophomore year — Ghanem is currently the president.

JACK LEHNER ’21

The Syrian American Medical Society conducts missions in Lebanon. There are no teenagers among the ranks of medical professionals and volunteers.

Rami Ghanem ’21 was the 18-year-old exception.

Ghanem has always wanted to be a doctor because of the care they provide in people’s darkest hours. When his mom was diagnosed with breast cancer the doctor treated the entire family’s pain. His compassion and empathy made a lasting impact. His treatment for the patient also scored high marks—Ghanem’s mom is in remission and doing great!

A license to practice medicine will come in time, but Ghanem put himself on a fast-track to healing years ago. Throughout high school, Ghanem volunteered for the Syrian American Medical Society, and because he had his EMT certification, and spoke Arabic, he was selected for the mission trip.

Ghanem was the youngest person, by about a decade.

He triaged patients in the refugee camps before they saw a doctor, and he would also translate Arabic for the physicians. Ghanem’s own experiences reminded him to enrich the soul — not just treat the condition.

“What I enjoyed most about the mission to Lebanon was spending time with the children. I think just seeing how energetic and happy they were with the conditions they were in… whenever I’m down, I remember their perspective while living in poverty in a war zone. They always saw the bright side in everything. That solidified what I want to do with the rest of my life.”

Ghanem grew up in Huntington Beach, California, but was attracted to Siena for its Albany Medical College program. He didn’t mind traveling a few thousand miles for college, but he had really wanted

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Jack Lehner ’21 tries to get all of his homework done during the week, because on weekends he drives race cars for a living.

Lehner is the only driver on the professional circuit who’s also in college. He’s also the youngest driver in the series. The marketing major loads up all of his courses on Tuesdays and Thursdays and tries to get his homework done in between. On Mondays and Wednesdays, he works on his car. On the weekends he’s racing - from Canada to Florida, and plenty of dirt tracks in between.

When he graduates in May, Lehner will focus full time on racing. He can make a career in Super DIRTcar, but if the wins pile up, he could also catch a ride elsewhere.

NASCAR? Maybe. Or, he can put his marketing degree to work.

“Siena has accommodated everything needed to make sure I could be successful in the classroom and on the track. Siena is a college where the student is more than just a number. I truly experience this as I continue to pursue both my racing and academic careers. It’s clear that Siena cares about their students’ success.”

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ATHLETICS

SAINTS MAKE THE GRADE While the 2019-20 school year proved to be historic for its unprecedented challenges, student athletes persevered to March On in an equally unparalleled way to achieve record-setting academic success. Our 338 Saints set a new benchmark by attaining a stellar 3.30 cumulative gradepoint average for the academic year, marking an impressive 8% increase from 2018-19. Perhaps most remarkably, all 21 Athletics programs accrued cumulative team GPAs of 3.0 or better for the 2020 spring semester.

“Siena student athletes never flinch at adversity, but instead revel in the challenge,” noted Provost Margaret E. Madden, Ph.D. “This spring, For a third consecutive year, Siena Athletics set a new

the pandemic unexpectedly jolted their learning environment. The student athletes deftly adjusted to

department record with 210 Saints – a total of 62% of student

remote instruction, and shattered last year’s record

athletes – garnering Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference

for academic excellence. Their success is the result of

Academic Honor Roll recognition for maintaining a cumulative

a winning approach, and it’s a tribute to the coaches

GPA of 3.20 or better. Meanwhile 53 Saints were named to the

and staff who vigorously support their academic

athletic department’s prestigious “4.0 Club” for achieving an

pursuits.”

unblemished 4.0 GPA in either or both semesters.

MARCHING BACK TO PLAY While Siena student athletes safely returned to campus and the classroom, athletic competitions remained on hold, at least for the interim. In an effort to best prepare to safely compete at the highest level possible once games resume, Athletics unveiled a conscientious resocialization guide working in lock-step with the College’s “Marching Forward” plan.

The sports medicine department, under the direction of veteran head athletic trainer Greg “Hammer” Dashnaw, spearheaded the execution of the plan in a coordinated effort with Facilities, to create the safest environment possible for Saints to train, learn, and succeed.

“It’s been a challenge for everybody, and we’ve done very well up to this point,” Dashnaw said. “I have to commend our coaches for being creative and good motivators, as well as the leadership of our

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SAINTS TAKE A STAND FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE

Saints Don’t Sit on the Sidelines. Siena’s slogan came to life like never before this year, as student athletes, coaches, and staff united as one to help create meaningful change through social justice initiatives.

u

E.D.I.T. – which stands for Education, Diversity,

Inclusion, and Togetherness – launched this fall, with the mission to foster a more cohesive community through meaningful conversation among individuals from different backgrounds and various perspectives. Comprised of 18 student athletes, coaches, and administrators, the goal of E.D.I.T. is to draw from the group’s various diverse backgrounds to use their platform as leaders on campus to foster a more inclusive community.

department for bringing us through this time. It’s been a team effort across the board.”

Student athletes undergo daily temperature and symptom checks with the help of a new Accushield kiosk. Once cleared, they are able to work out and participate in controlled team activities in groups of 10 or fewer, while making sure to wear masks and socially distance whenever possible. They must also properly disinfect and clean all equipment after each use.

Accountability has been equally important in the athletic department’s effort to help curtail the spread of COVID-19. The appointment of 37 “health ambassadors,” focused on encouraging their teammates to practice safe measures to help ensure that “Saints Keep Saints Safe,” so that all of our teams can March On back to competition when allowed.

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“The reason that I joined E.D.I.T. was because as a minority, being black, and a woman, I think that it’s important that we create a

help us grow as coaches, but more

patches and warm-up shirts

importantly, as leaders.”

supporting the cause.

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“The MAAC is incredibly proud of The MAAC and all 11 of its

its student athletes, coaches, and

member schools are “MAAC United

administrators who are working

promotes healthy conversation

For Justice.” The campaign is

to make an impactful and lasting

and education, especially in regard

focused on executing strategies

change,” said MAAC Commissioner

to the climate that we do live in

to combat racial injustices within

Rich Ensor. “Change comes from a

today,” said volleyball senior

society. They have united to focus

movement that involves an entire

Dakota Jackson ’21.

their messaging platform for the

collective group working towards

u

upcoming season on Black Lives

common goals and desires, not a

Matter, and will be wearing uniform

single moment in time.”

safe space and environment that

The women’s basketball team

challenged all 21 teams to register their student athletes to vote in this year’s election. The movement was echoed by Siena’s Student Athlete Advisory Committee, as well as MAAC SAAC, which encouraged all student athletes to register. Siena became the first MAAC school with 100% of its eligible student athletes registered to vote.

u

Carmen Maciariello ’01 and

members of his staff spearheaded the creation and launch of Coaches 4 Change, which now includes more than 200 college men’s and women’s basketball coaches and strength and conditioning coaches (and counting). The mission of Coaches 4 Change is to provide a platform that engages, educates, empowers, and evolves the collegiate student athlete on the issues of social injustice, systemic racism, and the power of voting in the endless pursuit of equality.

“I am excited to work side by side with such a diverse and talented group of men and women from across the country,” said Maciariello. “Our mission to help raise awareness of social injustice and systemic racism must be an ongoing discussion. Coaches 4 Change will allow us to have a voice and a vehicle to foster change and

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VETERANS DAY

Dr. Caroline Cleveland ‘09, doctor of physical therapy and former army captain

Veterans Day gives all Americans – soldiers,

vets, and civilians alike – the chance to reflect upon the service and sacrifice of members of the United States military. Held virtually this year, Siena’s 10th Annual Veterans Recognition Event featured a keynote address from Dr. Caroline Cleveland ’09, doctor of physical therapy and former Army captain, and the induction of Claire Cuccio ’89, Ph.D., COL (R) into the Mohawk Battalion 2020 Wall of Fame.

“Now looking back I think that Siena felt so right to me because it was the springboard from which I was to grow more fully into

Claire Cuccio ‘89, Ph.D., COL (R)

myself,” said Cleveland.

Ten years ago, Siena established the Veteran and Cadet Fund to provide the resources needed to recruit veteran students and cadets with financial need.

John Atkinson ’86, Patty (Ashe) Nashelsky ’89, and Jim Scully ’87 have created a $3 to $1 challenge grant. For every $1 you give they will match with $3 until the goal is reached.

The Veteran and Cadet Fund will allow Siena College to continue to be the unquestioned military friendly college in the region.

1LT Kevin Mulvey ‘17 presented a plaque of appreciation to LTC Luis Mejia-Roman, professor of military science, and President Chris Gibson ’86 from the Class of 2017 graduated officers of the Mohawk Battalion in October.

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The G.O.L.D. (Graduates of the Last Decade) Standard Award annually recognizes five young alumni for extraordinary achievements.

Award recipients distinguish themselves through professional success, service to the community and/or engagement with Siena College. Meet our 2020 winners and hear their advice for current Saints: NICK COMPROSKI ’14 Social studies teacher, Troy City School District “Saints don’t sit on the sidelines. They make the world a better place.

Get involved and work really hard, but always make time for fun.”

ANTHONY BJELKE ’16 Associate attorney, Rivkin Radler LLP “Especially in these unusual times, take advantage of every opportunity you can to get involved. The education you receive at Siena will absolutely be stellar, but the true measure of your time is the connections and bonds you make for life.”

ELIZABETH SCHLEGEL ’13 AND MSA ’14 Accounting, Fingerpaint “Internships are so valuable. Don’t wait until your senior year! Take the time to research companies and choose an internship that you are interested in. It will help you decide what path you want to go down, while making professional connections along the way.”

KEVA LUKE ’14 Charles B. Rangel International Affairs Graduate Fellow, United States Department of State “I’d advise students to take the classes that interest them the most, participate actively in clubs and organizations and form good bonds with advisors, faculty, and staff. Once a Saint, always a Saint. The connections you make on campus will serve you even when you leave Siena.”

MATTHEW GRIMES ’12 Educator and consultant; DEI Strategist; racial justice advocate “Be proud of who you are, especially if it defies the status quo. Take advantage of leadership opportunities and focus on your development as a social-change agent. Call out injustices; you can leave a better legacy than those who came before you.”

Read more at Siena.edu/goldaward.

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CONNECTING WITH THE SIENA COMMUNITY Although many events took a cautionary pause during the fall semester, Siena’s

Development Office continued to connect with Siena alumni and friends all over the globe. From Siena, Italy to Loudonville, Saints logged on and joined the fall virtual events and series.

SEPTEMBER 4 Saints Circle — Kelly O’Donnell, associate director of marketing and communications, presented Siena’s COVID-19 response to Siena’s alumni. A discussion period was held at the end of the presentation.

SEPTEMBER 8 It’s Your Year! Countdown to Reunion — Reunion classes got an update on the 2020 and 2021 Reunions.

SEPTEMBER 9 Theology on Tap — Strengthening & Maintaining Relationships in the Age of COVID-19 with Fr. Larry Anderson, O.F.M., college chaplain.

SEPTEMBER 17 3rd Thursday — Rachel Jones, senior director of dining services, prepared a signature Siena Fresh recipe while providing cooking tips.

SEPTEMBER 24 Navigating Your Modern Career — Mary Humiston ’87, shared practical insider tips and insights from her 30+ years in HR leadership, last as CHRO of Rolls-Royce to help attendees navigate the changing world of business.

OCTOBER 2 Saints Circle — Fr. Larry Anderson, O.F.M., college chaplain, discussed St. Francis as part of the Feast Day celebration.

OCTOBER 14 Theology on Tap — Young alumni joined our College Chaplain for prayer and discussion.

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VISIT SIENA

.EDU/EVENT S TO JOIN US—NEW EV ENTS ARE AL WAYS BEING ADDE D!

OCTOBER 15 3rd Thursday — Don Levy, Ph.D., director of the Siena College Research Institute, provided a behind-the-numbers look into the polling of the presidential election.

OCTOBER 22 Senior Saints — Alumni who have celebrated their milestone 50th reunion joined virtually to meet with men’s basketball coach Carmen Maciariello ’01.

Gold Program Series — Alumni joined Deb Delbelso, director of Siena’s Career Education and Professional Development office, to talk about conducting a job search during the pandemic.

OCTOBER 29 Meet the Brewers — Common Roots, Fort Orange and Hank Hudson Brewing representatives talked with alumni about craft beer and hosted an at-home sampling.

NOVEMBER 6 Saints Circle — Attendees got a preview of Siena Basketball with John D’Argenio, vice president and director of athletics; Coach Carmen Maciariello ’01, men’s basketball coach; and Coach Ali Jaques, women’s basketball coach.

NOVEMBER 10 Virtual Breyo Observatory Viewing — Professors Rose Finn, Ph.D., and George Hassel, Ph.D., hosted a virtual viewing from the Breyo Observatory.

DECEMBER 1 A Discussion with Chris Gibson ’86, Ph.D., — President Gibson held a discussion for his book, “Rally Point: Five Tasks to Unite the Country and Revitalize the American Dream.”

DECEMBER 3 Virtual Christmas Celebration — Alumni from all over the country came together (virtually!) to celebrate the holiday season.

SCHOLARSHIPS NEW ENDOWED FUNDS

The Civitella Entrepreneur of the Year Award Endowment The Christopher ’05 and Alexandre Padden Men’s Lacrosse Team Endowment NEW SCHOLARSHIPS

The Gerri Hutchings Bock ’93 and Laszlo Bock Scholarship The Robert ’70 and Janet Leger Scholarship The Farano Family Scholarship Figy Family Science Education Scholarship Fund Figy Family Social Work Scholarship Fund The John M. McIntyre ’66 Memorial Scholarship The Gary Mills ’68 and Stuart Price Endowed Scholarship The Professor Frank Madigan Endowed Scholarship SPECIAL FUNDS William and Susan Dake ACE Summer GEAR UP and Winter Retreat Programs The Gerri Hutchings Bock and Laszlo Bock Emergency Fund COVID Emergency Health and Safety Fund 33

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SAINTS DON’T SIT ON THE SIDELINES The Annual Fund’s “Saints Don’t Sit on the Sidelines” feature is a weekly email award featuring our Siena alumni who have stood up and stood out in their communities and the world.

What do we mean by “Saints Don’t Sit on the Sidelines?” It means a Siena education isn’t just something you get, it’s something you do — Siena graduates go out into the world ready to make a great living and live a great life. Meet just a few of our alumni who are standing up, taking action and making a difference in the world.

With the world facing unprecedented times, Karla Perez ’20 is playing an important role in the world of public health working with the New York State Department of Health’s Office of Health Insurance Programs. She is working on projects to make healthcare more accessible to low-income individuals, pregnant women, minorities, and several other groups.

“It is quite an interesting and truly ‘special’ time to be working in the field of public health and I am especially thankful to play a role in the public health community as the U.S and the world continues to face many public health hardships.”

Karla is doing this all while pursuing her masters of public health in health policy and management.

She hopes to become a healthcare administrator to ensure quality health care for ALL people.

Sue Tase Cleary ’85, Sue Cronin ’85 and Cassie Miller-Leone ’12 jumped into action to make sure no child goes hungry in the Guilderland, NY school district.

These Saints began volunteering at Guilderland High School in March right after the announcement of the school closures. A team of volunteers

Karla Perez

portions food, then bags them into breakfasts and lunches. The next team of volunteers sorts the bagged meals for specific families. Drivers then deliver meals along an assigned route.

Approximately 5,000 meals are prepared and delivered every Monday and Thursday. “So many kids rely on the breakfast and lunch meals that the schools provide, without them many children in the country would go without. To watch how all the local school districts jumped right into action and figured out a way to keep the meals going is inspiring. It’s an honor to play a small part in what is going on. The food service workers are truly heroes!” said Cronin.

34 34

Sue Tase Cleary, Sue Cronin and Cassie Miller-Leone

A sports injury that forever altered his body led to spiritual inspiration for the late Deacon Francis Xavier “Frank” Bice ’82, who in turn went on to inspire many others.

During his years at Siena, Bice was heavily involved on campus, serving as president of the Class of ’81 and captain of both the lacrosse and football teams.

In October 1980, he suffered a spinal cord injury while playing football. That hit left him a quadriplegic. Terry Regan ’82 was Frank’s roommate and was with him on the field when he got hurt.

“He told me he asked God to let him live. He told God that if He would do that, he would spend his life saying ‘yes’ to whatever He asked.”

Bice persevered — returning to Siena to coach the football and lacrosse teams while finishing his senior year. Regan said Bice remained an integral part of campus,

Deacon Francis Xavier Bice

despite his injury, and people seemed to have a renewed love for him not because he was changed, but because he didn’t change at all.

Bice went on to become a coach, teacher, author, foundation head and Catholic deacon. He died last January in South Bend, Indiana, where he had been serving as a tour guide in the Basilica of the Sacred Heart at the University of Notre Dame.

Mike Baldwin ’82 says during Bice’s last years of life, his smile became even more radiant. He wonders if his friend was put on Earth to make the rest of us more Christ-like.

“Francis Xavier Bice certainly never sat on the sidelines,” Baldwin said. “He played the entire game – and never rested for a second.”

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Saints Forever

SUPPORTING SIENA THROUGH LEGACY GIVING THE ST. FRANCIS SOCIETY IS A COMMUNITY OF SIENA SAINTS WHO SHARE THE FRANCISCAN AND CATHOLIC VALUES OF OUR FOUNDING FRIARS Members of the St. Francis Society have chosen to extend their legacies while furthering the work of Siena College by including the College in a will, trust, life income gifts, or other legacy gift.

CREATE A LEGACY ADVISOR’S GUIDE FOR PLANNED GIVING QUALIFIED CHARITABLE DISTRIBUTION

You can make a qualified charitable distribution by requesting a distribution from your IRA. Contact us or your advisor for the terms, conditions, and important timing of qualified charitable distributions.

SAMPLE BEQUEST LANGUAGE AND DETAILS YOU MAY NEED TO MAKE A PLANNED GIFT

I give and devise to Siena College (Tax ID: 14-1338498), located in Loudonville, NY, the sum of $ (or asset) to be used for its general support (or for the support of a specific fund or program).

BENEFICIARY GIFTS FROM RETIREMENT PLANS, LIFE INSURANCE, BROKERAGE ACCOUNTS, OR ANY OTHER PLAN WITH A BENEFICIARY DESIGNATION Please contact your plan provider for a change of beneficiary form. Once you have filled out the form, please send a copy to Bradley W. Bodmer ’82, Esq., Asst. Vice President for Development and External Affairs.

Legal Name: Siena College Tax I.D. Number: 14-1338498

Incorporated In: Loudonville, NY If you’ve included Siena in your philanthropic plans or intend to do so, please let us know. Sharing your intentions allows us to help you choose the gift that’s right for you.

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If you have included Siena College in your estate plans or have questions how to do so, please contact Bradley W. Bodmer ’82, Esq., Asst. Vice President for Development and External Affairs 518-782-2432 or plannedgiving@siena.edu

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OUR FACULTY Dean Amadio, Ph.D., Maureen Hannah, Ph.D., Nicole Heller, Ph.D., and Stefanie Simon, Ph.D. • Awarded a $5,000 grant from Siena College for the diversification of academic programs. The title of their grant is “Revising Curriculum, Courses, and Instructional Practices.”

Matt Bellis, Ph.D., associate professor of physics • One of the primary organizers and facilitators for a remote international workshop, “CMS Open Data Workshop for Theorists,” September 30-October 2. The goal of the workshop was to teach others how to access open data from the CMS experiment at the Large Hadron Collider.

Physicists from the US, South America, Europe, and India participated in the 3-day event.

Rebecca Clark, Ph.D., assistant professor of biology • Coauthored, “Nocturnal dispersal

physiological responses to cool environmental temperatures,”

Matt Davis, Ph.D., assistant professor of economics

Functional Ecology, June 2020.

• Forthcoming publication of

Tom Coohill, Ph.D., professor of physics

Bankruptcy Filings in the United

• Published “Ultraviolet Disinfection,” Disinfection, Sterilization, and Preservation 6th

“Disasters, Disaster Aid, and States,” Natural Hazards Review.

• Worked with the Siena Spirit of ‘68 Planning Committee to bring a panel of local community activists

ed., Philadelphia, pp 171-191. 2021.

for the discussion “What is Ours To

Leonard Cutler, Ph.D., professor of political science

in the Capital Region.”

• Published the chapter “Trump’s Forever War in Afghanistan,” The Future of the Middle East (Nova Science Publishers), edited by Mihaly Uzor, October 2020.

• Worked with CURCA Summer Scholar Nicholas DiScala to produce a book chapter entitled, “Congress and Trump’s Clash on United States National Security Policy,” which is set to appear in the forthcoming book, President Trump’s National Security Policy: Theory versus Reality (Palgrave-Macmillan).

Do: Working Toward Social Justice

Stacey Dearing, Ph.D., teaching assistant professor of English • Article “Remembering Dorothy May Bradford’s Death and Reframing ‘Depression’ in Colonial New England,” accepted for publication in Early American Literature.

• Virtually presenting “Memories of Pain: Remembering Disease, Disability, and Injury in Experience Mayhew’s Indian Converts,” at the Society of Early Americanists’ Twelfth Biennial Conference in March of 2021. Originally

flight of crickets: Behavioural and

George Barnes, Ph.D., professor of chemistry and biochemistry • Nominated and accepted membership in Sigma Xi, the Research Honor Society.

• Guest editor for the William L. Hase Memorial issue of the International Journal of Mass Spectrometry.

• Published “Frast Fragmentation During Surface-Induced Dissociation: An Examination of Peptide Size and Structure,” Chemical Physics Letters, 2020.

38

• Published “Memorial Viewpoint for William L. Hase,” J. Phys. Chem A 2020.

• Published “Modeling the Effects of O-sulfonation on the CID of Serine,” J. Am. Soc Mass Spectrom, 2020.

• Published “Role of chemical dynamics simulations in mass spectrometry studies of collisioninduced dissociation and collisions of biological ions with organic surfaces,” J. Am. Soc Mass Spectrom, 2020.

Scott Greenhalgh, Ph.D., assistant professor of mathematics • Awarded grant to engage underrepresented students in research titled “The evolution of zombies and costeffective ways to prevent the end of the world.”

• Presented “A generalized differential equation compartmental model of infectious disease transmission,” at the Society of Mathematical Biology annual meeting.

• Mentored two CURCA summer students in research, “ Wonder drugs and where to use them: forecasting ivermectin’s effect on malaria in Africa,” and “A multimodel comparison of measles transmission.”

scheduled for the Society of

at College: Real Stories of Students

Scientists: Protective Mothers Were

Early Americanists’ special topic

Conquering Bias and Making

Right. Part I: Using the Scientific

conference in Plymouth, UK in June

Higher Education More Inclusive.’’

Research to Help Your Case; Part

of 2020.

• Accepted into a fellowship to

II: Using the Scientific Research

• Conference paper “Exemplary

become a trained restorative justice

for Activism to Promote Needed

Americans: The Innovative Politics

advocate through the American

Reforms” at the annual conference

of Drag and American Values on

Association of Medical Colleges.

of the National Organization of Men

RuPaul’s Drag Race,” has been

Against Sexism, November 2020.

Modern Language Association

Thomas Giarla, Ph.D., assistant professor of biology

conference.

• Collaborated on “Integrative

Nicole Heller, Ph.D., assistant professor of psychology

taxonomy and phylogeography

• Published “Neonatal Sleep

of Colomys and Nilopegamys

Development and Early Learning

(Rodentia: Murinae), semi-aquatic

in Infants with Prenatal Opioid

mice of Africa, with descriptions

Exposure” in Advances in Child

• Published “Endophyte-produced

of two new species,” accepted at

Development and Behavior.

antimicrobials: A Review of

Zoological Journal of the Linnean

Potential Lead Compounds with

Society, August 2020.

a Focus on Quorum-Sensing

• Co-authored “On the Identity

Michael Jarcho, Ph.D., associate professor of psychology

Disruptors,” Phytochemistry

of Victoria’s Mouse Opossum,

• Received a grant from the Bender

Reviews, 2020.

Marmosa regina, Thomas, 1898,”

Scientific Fund to support a student

American Museum Novitates, 2020.

research assistant for the project

accepted to the 52nd Northeast

Stephen Deyrup, Ph.D., associate professor of chemistry and biochemistry

Ellen Duffy, Ph.D., teaching assistant professor of biology

“Is chronic social stress always bad?

• Collaborated on “Sensing of

Maureen Hannah, Ph.D., professor of psychology

Diverse Inflammatory Stimuli

• Presented with her colleagues “A

Requires Distinct Structural

Study of the Impacts of a Social-

Features,” Frontiers in

Emotional Intelligence Curriculum

Immunology, 2020.

Taught by Parents and Other

Taewoo Kang, Ph.D., assistant professor of political communications

Non-Teaching Professionals,”

• Joined the Department of Political

annual meeting of the New England

Science & International Relations

Psychological Association, October

in August. Dr. Kang is teaching

2020.

courses on political communication,

Branden Eggan, Ph.D., visiting assistant professor of anatomy and physiology • Coauthored the book “Diversity

Investigations into the effectiveness of exercise and diet in preventing chronic stress consequences.”

• Presented “Listen to the 39

Jennifer Thate, Ph.D., department chair and assistant professor of nursing • Co-authored the manuscript “Information needs and the use of documentation to support collaborative decision-making: implications for the reduction of CLABSI,” Computers, Informatics, Nursing (CIN), In Press.

• Co-authored the book chapter “Health Informatics Education: Standards, Challenges, and Tools” Nursing

Global Perspective, edited by Ursula H. Hübner, Gabriela Mustata Wilson, Toria Shaw Morawski and Marion J. Ball. Springer.

• Completing the first of a twoyear term as president of the New York League for Nursing, a state constituent league of the National League for Nursing that serves as an association for nurse educators across NYS.

campaigns, and research methods.

Center. “Caring for the Caregiver:

civic engagement and efficacy

In addition, he is heading up the

Infusing Self Care and Caritas

more than traditional classroom-

new Political Communication

Literacy into your Nursing

based pedagogies.

track of the Communications

Practice,” October 2020.

major. His research examines

• Presented on a panel at the

how political campaigns use

New York League for Nursing fall

various communication platforms

conference, November 2020.

to mobilize their base supporters and persuade swing voters.

Mahmood Karimi Hakak, M.F.A., SED, professor of creative arts

David Lane, M.F.A., lecturer in creative arts

Arindam Mandal, Ph.D., department chair and associate professor of economics • Published “Do Employment Protection Legislations Increase Total Factor Productivity? A

• Presented Iniskim as part of

Cross-Country Panel Data Analysis

the National Arts Centre English

of OECD Countries,” Empirical

• Published the play, Is the One

Theatre’s Grand Acts of Theatre

Economics Letters. Co-authored

I Love Everywhere? with the FCI

in Alberta, Canada, October

with Alex Perry ’21 and Scott Trees,

Press. The play is a dialogue

2020. Iniskim is an intercultural,

Ph.D., professor of economics. The

between the 13th century Persian

immersive community event

research was supported by CURCA

mystic poet, Rumi, the late Iranian

which tells the story of the return

through the Summer Scholar

poet Forough Farrokhzad, and

of the buffalo using large scale

Program.

seven American youth.

lantern puppets, storytelling,

• Collaborated with CURCA

drumming and dance.

summer scholar Manny Lo ’22, on

Jeannine Kaskoun, M.S., clinical/lab coordinator and teaching instructor of nursing

“The Economic Impact of Albany

• Published “An evidence-based

Daniel Lewis, Ph.D., department chair and associate professor of political science

framework for implementation

• Co-authored the study,

profit Albany Can Code of Troy.

of a school-community

“Advocating for Engagement: Do

• Presented “Do Better Labor

partnership,” National

Experiential Learning Courses

Rights Lead to Lower Suicides? A

Association of School Nursing

Boost Civic Engagement?” Journal

Cross-Country Panel Analysis,”

Journal.

of Political Science Education.

with Dr. Aniruddha Mitra, Bard

Demonstrated how the hands-

College, at the New York State

on approach to teaching courses

Economics Association annual

like his Legislative Lobbying &

conference in October, 2020.

Advocacy class can boost student

Manny Lo ’22 provided research

Lisa Lally, D.N.S., director of nursing and associate professor of nursing • Presented Grand Rounds to the Nursing staff at Albany Medical

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Informatics: An Interprofessional and

Can Code: Understanding the Local Labor Market,” a community engaged project with the not-for-

support for the paper.

Tony Manela, Ph.D., assistant professor of philosophy

“The Cost of Job Loss, Long-

• Awarded a two-year $84,248

Wage Growth,” Journal of

grant to explore the nature

Post Keynesian Economics.

of gratitude to God from

• Weekly panelist on

psychological, theological, and

WAMC’s current events

philosophical perspectives

Round Table.

from Biola University and the

Term Unemployment, and

project funded by the John

Ruchira Silva, Ph.D., visiting assistant professor of chemistry and biochemistry

Templeton Foundation.

• Published “Stimulated

University of California Davis as part of the Gratitude to God

Michele McColgan, Ph.D., assistant professor of physics • Invited speaker at PERC

Raman imaging below the diffraction limit with a MHz laser,” JRS 2020.

in physics courses” with

Stefanie Simon, Ph.D., assistant professor of psychology

corresponding conference

• Authored the chapter

proceedings paper, July 2020.

“Women and Leadership,”

• Presentation at AAPT Virtual

accepted for publication in

Conference 2020, “Informal

the book Leadership: Theory

STEM Programs: Why do

and Practice, 9th edition.

Virtual Conference 2020, “Team-based learning

students come and what

Computation in the Sciences

Kursad Tosun, Ph.D., assistant professor of mathematics

Using MATLAB, October 11 -

• Mentored two CURCA-

13, 2020.

supported undergraduate

• Student presentations,

research projects

“Teaching 3D Physics

“Mathematical Modeling

Concepts with Augmented

of COVID19,” with Usama

Reality” at AAPT and PERC

Zafar ’21 and “Epidemic

Virtual Conferences 2020.

Model for a Tick-borne

makes them stay?” July 2020.

• Invited panelist at Teaching

Aaron Pacitti, Ph.D., associate professor of economics

Disease,” with Nicole Sell ’22.

in making their video

Rosemarie Van Patten, Ph.D., assistant professor of nursing

presentation that was

• Completed the Watson

submitted to the Board of

Caring Science course,

Governors, October 2020.

Caring Science, Mindful

• Forthcoming publication of

Practice in September 2020.

• Guided Siena’s Federal Reserve Challenge team

GEORGE CHRISTIAN PRESIDENTIAL ACTIONS OFFICER

Over the summer, Siena welcomed military veteran George Christian as the College’s first presidential actions officer, reporting directly to the President, Dr. Chris Gibson ’86.

In this newly created position, Christian works with students, faculty and staff to foster diversity, inclusivity and mentorship among all Siena Saints.

“One of my chief priorities when I became president in July was to ensure that the College is doing everything possible to pursue racial justice initiatives,” said Gibson. “In welcoming George to our administration, we can focus on developing and sustaining the necessary programs and resources.”

Christian also serves as a resource for prospective and current students of color, low-income, firstgeneration, and other historically underrepresented students, and establish and advance diversity-building partnerships in the community.

Christian served in the U.S. Army for nearly 20 years as a recruiting and retention non-commissioned officer.

He was previously the Kingston, N.Y., district office manager for Gibson when he served NY-19 in the U.S. Congress. He holds a degree in social work from Utica College.

“George Christian is a bridge-builder and is helping to spearhead and coordinate a much-needed link among campus partners in fostering anti-racism and equity efforts for the benefit of the entire Siena community,” said Br. George Camacho, O.F.M., director of the College’s Damietta Cross-Cultural Center.

Clair-Djinie Bazar ’21, president of Siena’s Black Student Union, said “he has the ‘it will happen’ rather than ‘it might happen’ mentality, which I respect. He has made it his mission to ensure that students of color, as well as marginalized students, on campus feel safe and secure.”

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UNPACKED KELSEY BARON ’21

Lake Ariel, PA Interdisciplinary Self-Designed Major Specializing in Healthy Intimate Relationships with minors in Writing & Communications and Women’s Gender & Sexuality Studies.

1 My family has always loved to get outdoors so hiking has always been a part of my life. Within the past few years I have gotten even more into it, especially through hiking with my friends from Siena and from a cross-country road trip I went on with my parents a few summers back. My friends and I will frequently go up to the Adirondacks and hike when we need some fresh mountain air. Reaching the top of the mountain is always such an incredibly rewarding feeling. It reminds me how small I am and how big the rest of the world is.

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2 I knew when I became a community assistant (CA) that I wanted to work with freshmen, though I’m not sure I could have predicted living in first-year housing all four years! I think there is something really special about being one of the first resources that a new student has access to, and one of the first people to begin supporting them in their Siena journey. My favorite part of the CA job is the opportunity to be there for residents when they are having a hard time or a bad day. I’ve learned so much at Siena about taking care of myself and others; it’s wonderful to get to pass the knowledge on to my residents. I love the purposeful conversations I have with residents and how I am able to help them.

3 College is such a stressful time in life, from building friendships and maintaining family relationships and school work and making time for self-care, we all go non-stop. It’s important to pause and recognize what we have achieved in order to have the motivation to keep achieving! I started working with The Office of Health Promotion from the moment it was created in 2018. Director Kate Kaufman Burns, has been an incredible influence on and mentor to me. I am the student wellness coordinator so I manage all of the office’s social media, coordinate other student wellness leaders, lead training on how to run our programming, as well as help build it. I’ve also worked to bridge my role with Health Promotion and my job as a community assistant to create the role of wellness community assistant. After piloting the program last year, we now have WCAs who meet with students to support them in their whole person well-being: mental/emotional health, relationship health, physical health and grief/loss. We do weekly/ bi-weekly training and check-ins and I’m really proud of what we have been able to achieve!

4 I love that I was able to take my passion for mental health and turn it into my honors thesis. I am spending my senior year researching mental health on college campuses with my advisor, Dr. Kristen Miller. I’m working to answer the question, “What is the current state of student mental well-being on college campuses in America, how did it become so, and what actions need to be taken in order for it to be improved nationally, and specifically at Siena College?” Through all of my work in wellness at Siena I have been able to see first hand how vitally important mental health is in the lives of college students. Having support to build good mental health and learning the skills to maintain it can be the difference between a student having a successful semester or leaving campus. I’m excited to contribute something to the community of wellness professionals in higher education that I hope to soon be a part of!

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

A SIGN OF THE TIMES

Embracing the spirit of the season of giving, our Saints gave thanks to their friends and professors, as well as faculty and staff who were integral in making the fall semester a success. Sharing their appreciatory messages on designed lawn signs, Saints then decorated the campus walkways so the community could be constantly reminded of the important work they did to make the fall semester happen.