SIENA A MAGAZINE FOR ALUMNI AND FRIENDS • WINTER 2020
Remembering Brother Ed JULY 2, 1948 - JULY 30, 2019
A MESSAGE FROM SIENA’S CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD
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Sometimes I catch myself glancing across the quad half expecting to see Br. Ed walking with a student. The campus still doesn’t feel whole without him. I know his legacy will be an important part of our future, but his presence, and his laugh, ARE missed every day. I’m also reminded, every day, of the compassion and the talent unique to the Siena community. In the wake of Br. Ed’s passing, the outpouring of love and support, in the Capital Region and from alumni all over the country, has been healing. Saints look out for each other. Saints also rise to the occasion. Dr. Margaret Madden has admirably served as interim president, advancing key initiatives within our strategic plan. Others have confidently stepped into new leadership positions and assumed added responsibilities. In the final year of Br. Ed’s life, Siena launched new programs, broke single-year fundraising records, and enrolled its largest freshman class, ever. Br. Ed played a vital role, but as a united community, we are all building on those successes. Since early September, a committee charged with identifying our next president has worked closely with RH Perry & Associates, an experienced search firm with a national reputation in higher education. We’ve already reviewed dozens of applications and vetted highly qualified candidates from all over the country. Soon, our search will focus on a small number of finalists. The 12th president of Siena College will be named this spring. Our search firm held forums open to all College constituents and select Siena alumni in late September. Their purpose was to identify the specific needs and interests of the Siena community. When it comes to a college president, the right fit is just as important as the right resume. The first sentence of the executive search profile, drafted by the search firm, describes our desire to hire a visionary, an innovator, and a decisive servant leader whose life exemplifies strong Catholic and Franciscan values. There’s no one quite like Br. Ed, but we will appoint a president who believes in what Br. Ed lived. Someone who embraces the distinct value of a Franciscan education, and someone with the heart and the vision to lead us forward. Sincerely, John F. Murray Jr. ’79, Chair, Siena College Board of Trustees 2
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A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
REMEMBERING BROTHER ED
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SIENA WELCOMES LARGEST CLASS IN HISTORY
40 08 - ON CAMPUS 22 - OUR FACULTY & STAFF 26 - ATHLETICS 28 - OUR ALUMNI
2019-2020 BOARD OF TRUSTEES Thomas L. Amell ’89 Thomas J. Baldwin, Jr. ’81 Ronald E. Bjorklund ’85 Thomas J. Burke Susan Law Dake Virginia Darrow ’83 Howard S. Foote ’74 Rev. James G. Gannon, O.F.M. Jason Gottlieb ’92 Steven L. Lamy ’73, Ph.D. Br. Walter J. M. Liss, O.F.M. Fr. Erick Lopez, O.F.M. Margaret E. Madden, Interim President Mallory R. Massry ’07 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. John F. Murray, Jr. ’79 - Chair John J. Nigro H’13 Neerav Patel ’00 Kenneth M. Raymond, Jr. Scot Salvador ’88 Nimmi M. Trapasso ’98, M.D. Br. Basil J. Valente ’84, O.F.M. Bold denotes new members since the last issue of Siena News.
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ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT: THE TRAPASSOS
INSIDE
SIENA NEWS – WINTER 2020 Published by: Siena College 15 Loudon Road, Loudonville, NY 12211-1462 518-782-8300 • communications@siena.edu • Publisher: Jason Rich ’98 • Editor: Julia Hess ’15 • Contributing Editors: Kayla Allbright ’20, Khizra Awan ’20, Alumni Relations, Brad Bodmer ’82, Mike Demos, Beth Hazelton ’16, Holy Name Province, Masiel Lopez ’20, John F. Murray Jr. ’79, Kelly O’Donnell, The Trapasso Family, and Lisa Witkowski • Art Director and Design: Sergio Sericolo, M.F.A. • Front Cover Photo: Andy Murphy ’17 • Class Notes and ‘In Memory’ Design: Jean Higgs • Alumni Class Notes Editors: Mary Beth Finnerty ’85, Kathy Palumbo and Brittany Kane ’20 • Photography: The Coughlin Family, Liz Duker ’21, Joe Ferro ’19, Mary Beth Finnerty ’85, Patrick Fisher ’21, Elaine Gaynor ’22, Holy Name Province, Dr. Dan Moriarty, Andy Murphy ’17, The New York Times, Scotty Parillo ’21, Erica Perrea ’20, Rensselaer County Regional Chamber of Commerce, Siena Athletics, Siena College Alumni, Stephanie Saviano ’22, Sergio Sericolo, Sandy Spicer ’19, The Trapasso Family, Ecliezer Vazquez ’21, and Lala Watts ’22. • Video Production: Dave Etzler
UNPACKED: KHIZRA AWAN ’20 3
Remembering Brother Ed
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Br. F. Edward Coughlin, O.F.M., Ph.D., played a key role in the success and growth of Siena College and touched the lives of thousands. He died unexpectedly on July 30, 2019, at the age of 71, following scheduled heart surgery. Br. Ed’s wake and funeral Mass were held in early August at St. Bonaventure University, where he was an alumnus, administrator and professor. He is buried nearby in Allegany, N.Y. But Siena needed to say its own farewell to its 11th president, who had led the College since 2014. When the Siena community returned to campus for the new academic year, his life was celebrated with a September 17 luncheon at Snyder Hall and Mass in the ARC, where students shared their memories with Br. Ed’s surviving family members.
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“Helping to organize the Br. Ed remembrance luncheon was very special to me,” said Zachary Brimmer ’20. “Br. Ed was an amazing presence on campus and it was important that we could bring the community together to remember the great man he was. Being with his family, friends, and the campus community allowed us all to grieve together but also laugh together, with the many stories we all have of Br. Ed.” Co-organizer Gianna DeGregorio ’21 said “Br. Ed was a walking example of what Siena College is all about.” Br. Ed’s sibling Joseph Coughlin noted to the students that so many artists’ renderings of St. Francis of Assisi, Patron Saint of Animals, show him surrounded by gentle creatures. “You were his birds,” he said, tearfully to Siena students. Br. Ed had already announced last June that he would be stepping down as president of Siena in August 2020, when his second three-year contract ended. At the time, he told the campus community, “It has been a great honor and at the same time a great challenge to serve Siena over the past five years during this key moment in our history. I am grateful for the many ways the Cabinet and so many others within our community have stepped up, embraced change, and leaned in through a shared desire to ensure the future vibrancy of the College.”
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During his five years in office, Br. Ed led the College’s marked successes in new academic programming, enrollment and marketing, fundraising, and facility enhancement: • Siena enrolled the largest freshman classes in its history this September, with 841 incoming students. • The College introduced – and then expanded – the St. Francis Scholarship to ensure greater socioeconomic diversity among its student body. • Eight new majors and an MBA were added in the past five years, more additions to academic programming than in any period since the founding of the College. • Net total assets grew by more than $35 million since 2013, raising the endowment to more than $130 million. A Buffalo native, Br. Ed had a distinguished career in Catholic higher education. Author of more than 20 articles and book reviews, he presented at academic and pastoral conferences across the United States and around the world and served on numerous boards of directors and trustees, including those of Siena, St. Bonaventure University, Bishop Timon-St. Jude High School in Buffalo and St. Francis Friends of the Poor Foundation in New York City.
Brother Ed was a walking example of what Siena College is all about. GIANNA DEGREGORIO ’21
Words from our Saints... Jensen McLenithan ’20 “I’m so lucky to have gotten to travel to Italy with Br. Ed. He was our favorite tour guide the whole trip and we loved his jokes. I’m so grateful we made our shirts with his picture on them to remember our trip.” Kyle Canty ’20 “He was a constant source of laughter, joy, and friendship whenever I saw him. His profound impact will live on in the hearts of countless students at Siena College.” Kelsey Baron ’21 “Br. Ed wasn’t just a person, he was a presence. He could calm the most frantic students with a wave of his hand and a compassionate smile. His signature motion of laying a hand on a student’s shoulder encompasses the care and gentleness that he put into everything he did.” Zachary Coderre ’20, student senate president “I don’t think any of the students who knew Br. Ed will ever be able to forget him. But I do think that as a college we will come together. As a community we will grieve, we will mourn, but we will ultimately be able to move forward on the path Br. Ed set us on.”
Tara Polchinski ’20 “Br. Ed was always someone who demonstrated servant leadership and made it a central part of his presidency here at Siena. Br. Ed always put students before himself, a key factor in what it means to be a servant leader.” To read more reflections, visit: siena.edu/news/story/ remembering-br-ed. 7
SIENA HONORED WITH THE VAN RENSSELAER CORPORATE AWARD
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In recognition of its community outreach through service, internships and academic engagement, Siena received the 2019 Van Rensselaer Corporate Award from the Rensselaer County Regional Chamber of Commerce. The award was presented September 26 at a chamber dinner in Troy. Margaret Madden, Ph.D., interim president, accepted on behalf of Siena. “While Siena’s strategic plan tasks us with being an innovator in higher education, we strive to remain steadfast in our liberal arts heritage and our commitment to lead by putting others first,” said Madden.
AROUND TOWN 2
FRAPS WITH FRIARS A group of Saints generally meets every Thursday evening outside the lobby of the Chapel to discuss faith over coffee. On October 1, Fr. Larry Anderson, O.F.M., decided to move the conversation to the Paddock and introduce Frappuccinos. The discussion was light, but provided an opportunity for students to ask the friars anything. First there were franks, then frappes, what’s next? Br. Brian Belanger, O.F.M., has already suggested Fricassee with Friars.
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2019 MADDALONE WALL OF SUCCESS The Maddalone Wall provides a highly visible platform to honor Siena graduates who have launched their own successful businesses, and to inspire current students who have entrepreneurial plans.
SIENA COLLEGE RESEARCH INSTITUTE HEADS ITS CLASS The Siena College/New York Times Upshot Poll was one of
Inductees have a plaque with their business’s logo featured on the
only six pollsters - of more than 400 considered — to earn an
Stack Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship wall. Maddalone
“A+” grade from the respected FiveThirtyEight.com, led by
honorees for 2019:
Nate Silver. The Siena College/New York Times Upshot polled 57 MICHELLE ANNESE
congressional districts during the 2018 election cycle, correctly
BLEICHERT ’85
projecting the winner in 48 of those contests.
Christmas Land, LLC
THOMAS J. BURKE Siena Board of Trustees, Burke Companies
CHIP J. STEIN ’78 Stein Fibers, Ltd.
JOHN D. SMACK ’95 OneConnect
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MARISA A. RICCIARDI ’98 The Ricciardi Group
ALSO AWARDED: DOUGLAS P. COLBETH ’77 and MARGARET R. COLBETH ’76 MedCircle
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DOUGLAS P. COLBETH ’77, Spyglass Inc.
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DR. MARGARET MADDEN LEADS THE SAINTS Margaret E. Madden, Ph. D. was named interim president on July 30, 2019. Madden is the first layperson and the first woman to lead Siena since the College’s founding in 1937.
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Dr. Madden joined the Siena College leadership team in 2015 as vice president for academic affairs and professor of psychology. Under her academic leadership at the College, Madden has worked with faculty and administrators to develop eight new majors, an MBA, and several certificate programs. She has overseen the creation and administration of new interdisciplinary programs, promoted the development of more than 90 new online and hybrid courses, and reorganized Academic Affairs to cooperate more fully with academic support and student engagement programs to enhance student success at Siena. Madden holds a Ph.D. and M.S. in psychology from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, and a B.A. in psychology from the University of Wisconsin at Madison. Before coming to Siena, Madden was provost and vice president for academic affairs, and a professor of psychology, at the State University of New York at Potsdam from 2002 to 2015. She is a recipient of the Zalk Award for Distinguished Service to the Society for the Psychology of Women.
The Untold Story of Margaret Madden: • She began her leadership career as co-president of a Beatles fan club in the sixth grade. • She dropped out of college for a couple of years and went to San Francisco partly to work, but primarily to attend concerts. Madden saw Jerry Garcia play with the Grateful Dead and pick-up bands over 20 times. • Higher education is the family business. Of her five siblings plus spouses, 10 have spent the better part of their careers in Higher Ed. • She’s almost a black belt. Almost. Madden got to third degree brown belt in an Okinawan-derived karate style and then became a mother, which somehow interfered with her training. • Madden is a social psychologist and specialized in gender when it was a nascent field. She says the highlight of her professional career was being elected as the president of the Society for the Psychology of Women, a division of the American Psychological Association.
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WELCOMES LARGEST CLASS IN HISTORY 12
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ounds like a Hall of Fame stat — and it is, for Siena College. It’s the record-breaking number of freshmen the College welcomed to campus this fall — up 96 students from last year. “The record results we achieved reflect the work of our entire community,” said Margaret E. Madden, Ph.D. interim president. “Everyone — our Board of Trustees, leadership, faculty, staff and students — came together and delivered a huge win for Siena as we diligently executed on our strategic plan, Tradition.Transformed.” This was a major achievement for Siena given the serious challenges in the Higher Education marketplace today, according to Ned Jones, vice president for enrollment and marketing. “Siena has identified a path to success. We are proud to be among the few in our industry who have exceeded enrollment targets and revenue goals.”
CLASS HIGHLIGHTS
• 27 percent of freshmen are enrolled in four of the newest majors: customizable business, health studies, nursing, and communications • 26 international students, including Siena’s first students from Slovenia and Guana • The College introduced The Siena Guarantee: • Siena offers at least $52,000 in
scholarships for any student who files a
FAFSA, regardless of family income • Students will earn their degree in four
years or Siena will pay for the rest • A customized career experience is
offered for each undergraduate Learn more at siena.edu/guarantee.
Siena’s international students wave the flags of their home countries. 13
EVERY STUDENT HAS A STORY ELAINE GAYNOR ’22
Gaynor started listening to oldies in the car as a little girl when her dad had full control over the radio. She fell in love with the Beatles and Creedence Clearwater Revival. She begged for trips to the record store and built up an impressive collection by any standards. By the ninth grade, she went from listening to records privately to spinning them publicly. Gaynor’s DJ career took off in college, both as a business and a field of research. Anxiety has been a part of her life for as long as she can remember. Gaynor discovered, though, that her heartbeat would elevate with certain songs while other music had a calming effect. With practice, she could soothe symptoms of anxiety through music. Gaynor presented her findings at the College’s Academic Showcase. “Being chosen to participate in the poster session during the Academic Showcase was an incredible experience. I felt so honored to share what I’ve learned about coping with anxiety to people who may also be struggling. The goal was and always will be to help others.”
LIZ DUKER ’21
Duker has always wanted to be an actress, but practicality (and fear) have held her back. Last summer, though, the management major stumbled across an open call for extras, and for the first time in her life, she decided to go for it. The award-winning HBO drama “Succession” was shooting part of an episode in Albany and a casting agency was looking for extras to fill in the scene. Duker sent in her headshot and resume and was cast as a businesswoman for a day-long shoot on July 1. It was a couple of scenes in the background of season 2, episode 9, but Duker was hooked. Her family has encouraged her to seek out more roles, and she’s finally taking the leap that just last year seemed impossibly scary. “When I decided to step beyond my fears of failure and imperfection to become an extra in an HBO series, I was able to find myself. I discovered that I really love acting and am capable of more than I thought. This experience gave me the confidence I needed to fully believe in myself going forward. Whether I become a famous actress one day or not, having faith in myself will be what I hold close to my heart.”
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PATRICK FISHER ’21
At precisely 4:53 p.m. local time on January 12, 2010, Haiti was devastated by a 7.0 magnitude earthquake. More than 100,000 Haitians died when the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere was rocked to its foundation. Thousands more needed life-saving treatment. Because hospitals in affected areas were without power or reduced to rubble, treatment on land was impossible. Fisher came in by boat. The USNS Comfort is a non-commissioned hospital ship owned by the U.S. Navy. Fisher, who joined the Navy
SCOTTY PARILLO ’21
Women do not need help from Parillo, and he is the first person to admit that – but Parillo chooses to stand with them anyway. Very few men participate in the Women’s Center at Siena. Perhaps there’s a misconception that women’s issues are solely women’s responsibility. Parillo says some of his friends feel awkward for him. But Parillo is a feminist and believes he’s exactly where he belongs. Parillo says his mom, Lynda, is his greatest gift in life. It was by her inspiration that in January of 2019, Parillo traveled with seven women from Siena to Cuernavaca, Mexico. Parillo met women who are expected to cook and clean without compensation, they’re forbidden from learning to drive or acquiring new skills. These are human rights issues, not women’s issues, and Parillo wants to shine a light on the injustice. “Half of this world’s population is made up of women – strong, resilient, super intelligent, patient, and compassionate women. Yet people attempt to regulate and hinder the
in 2007, was among approximately 2,000 military and civilian medical personnel assigned to the Comfort. They treated hundreds of patients daily in the aftermath of the earthquake, receiving one patient every six to nine minutes. Fisher was responsible for creating medical records, assisting in patient transport, passing out meals and water, and directing American Red Cross volunteers who would arrive on the ship by helicopter. “I’ll always remember approaching Haiti in our medical ship from the sea. Knowing that we were the only hope for so many in distress is a humbling reminder of how good we really have it in the United States. I want people to know that the military isn’t all about war, fighting, or killing. We conduct amazing humanitarian operations wherever there are disasters around the world.”
progress of women, people attempt to limit the amount and levels of education women can receive, and people attempt to disparage and underestimate the capabilities of women. It is not just morally right to stand by women as they journey to their full potential, but it also helps society grow as a whole.”
LALA WATTS ’22
Watts turned 20 on December 6. Or was it December 3? Maybe it was the 8th? She’s not sure. Watts’ mother died during childbirth. She assumes. Though the details are about as reliable as her birthdate. What she does know is that days after she was born, her mom was dead, and an aunt or grandmother drove across Nigeria to find her father. She was dropped off without any official record of her birth and handed over to her paternal grandmother to be raised. Many birthdays later (always celebrated on the 6th) the 6’3” Nigerian was recruited to play basketball for a private school in Georgia. The basketball was great; home life was not. Once in the middle of the night, Watts was jarred awake by ice-cold water poured on her head. There was a dirty dish in the sink, and Watts was ordered to wash it. The dish wasn’t hers, but all cleaning became her responsibility. It was abuse, and Watts needed out. Fortunately, a family friend knew of a woman in Kentucky, Alexis Bryant, who was able to help. Bryant had fostered a child before and was happy to provide Watts a more nurturing place to stay. She would eventually provide a family. Bryant, who’s only nine years older than Watts, officially adopted Watts weeks before her visa expired. Watts was able to finish high school in Kentucky, with her new family, before moving to Loudonville for basketball. “I didn’t know what life would be like in the United States. I’m the first person from my family to play basketball. My coming here – my life has been better. I really like Siena. It ended up being my number one option. I like the size of the school, I like the diversity. It’s just a fun and friendly environment.”
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Moriarty teaches a course in judo.
Siena offered a slate of five Lifetime Activities courses during the fall semester taught by faculty and administrators from across campus: Dan Moriarty, Ph.D., taught judo; Tim Cooper, Ph.D., offered aikido; Beth DeAngelis, Developing Emotional Intelligence; Douglas Lonnstrom ’66, Ph.D., History of Golf; and Mary Beth Finnerty ’85, Principles of Yoga.
ACTIVITIES FOR A LIFETIME The initiative is the brainchild of Moriarty who hopes to expand the program in the future to offer “as many different kinds of courses as we can,” and encourages qualified Siena faculty and administrators to reach out to him with their ideas. “These courses are five great examples of skills that develop different parts of the body and mind. Students and their instructors also have the opportunity to interact in a different way than they customarily do in the classroom,” said Moriarty.
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Finnerty teaches a course in yoga.
TWENTY YEARS AND 200 STUDENTS LATER Two decades ago, Siena sent its first group of Saints to three partner law schools to work under the supervision of a law professor while undertaking original legal research. Aimed at giving students a first-hand taste of legal studies and the work of practicing attorneys, Summer Legal Fellows was originally launched with partnerships at Albany Law School, Pace University and Western New England University. Before long, it had expanded to include American University, Fordham University and Touro Law Center. Nearly 200 Siena students have participated in the program over the past 20 years, all under the direction of its co-founder Len Cutler, Ph.D. professor of political science and pre-law advisor. Former Summer Legal Fellow Mara Afzali ’14 is now an associate at the Albany-based Bond, Schoeneck & King PLLC.
“Being a Summer Legal Fellow at Albany Law helped prepare me for law school and my legal career in many ways,” she said. “I got to work closely with law school professors and recent graduates and was introduced to legal research and writing skills early on, all of which made the transition to law school far easier than it would have been otherwise. I was given substantive assignments from multiple attorneys in the office over the course of the summer and learned to manage my assignments much in the same way I do now as an associate at a busy law firm.”
SIENA AND MARIA COLLEGE TO OFFER JOINT 4-YEAR NURSING PROGRAM Siena College and Maria College in Albany now offer a dual degree (RN + BS) program in nursing, joining both colleges’ commitment to a holistic approach to nursing and the mindful delivery of authentic patientcentered care. Students will spend their freshman year on Siena’s campus for core nursing and liberal arts courses. In their next two years, they will attend classes at Maria’s newly-upgraded McAuley teaching and learning facility, which includes state-of-the-art nursing skills and simulation labs. They will participate in clinical rotations at the top hospitals and health care centers throughout the Capital Region. Senior year will see them back at Siena for upper-level nursing courses and nursing outreach in the community. “For two crucial years of their nursing education, Siena students will be fortunate to take advantage of Maria’s high-tech learning and simulation labs to receive practical experience to complement their
liberal arts education,” said Lisa Lally Flack, D.N.S., director of the Baldwin Nursing Program at Siena. “Siena’s traditional courses and caring science nursing curriculum support the values and knowledge necessary to build a compassionate career based on service and leadership.” 17
SAINTS ON A MISSION! The College’s Mission Office has been reimagined through the strategic alignment of five campus divisions. Together, and under the leadership of Fr. Mark Reamer ’83, O.F.M., D. Min., vice president for mission, they creatively and compassionately animate the Franciscan spirit at Siena. CHAPLAIN’S OFFICE The Chaplain’s Office inspires students of all traditions to participate in faith-based programs celebrating their relationship win God and one another.
DAMIETTA CROSS-CULTURAL CENTER The Damietta Cross-Cultural Center embraces the unique worth of each person and spreads its message of tolerance and unity through educational and empowering programing.
FRANCISCAN CENTER FOR SERVICE AND ADVOCACY The Franciscan Center for Service and Advocacy promotes the dignity and human rights of all through the integration of classroom learning with hands-on service programs, both nationally and internationally.
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MENTORING PROGRAM
The Mentoring Program bonds Siena students with inner-city youth of the Capital Region through enriching experiences that foster lifelong advocacy in Saints and exposes the youth to a new horizon of possibilities.
SISTER THEA BOWMAN CENTER FOR WOMEN The Sister Thea Bowman Center for Women amplifies diverse voices and shines a light on inequality through advocacy and programs in promotion of social justice, gender equality, and the development of women. The divisions of the Mission Office independently bring to life the Franciscan tradition through specialized programming and student support services. Collectively, they promote the values of St. Francis throughout campus. This past fall, the Mission Office sponsored a series of lectures and events commemorating the 800th anniversary of the Saint and the Sultan.
Saint Francis of Assisi and Islamic leader Sultan Malik al-Kamil had a conversation about faith in 1219. Eight hundred years later, their encounter sparked a panel discussion in the Sarazen Student Union. Pulitzer Prize winning journalist Paul Moses (below, left) was shocked and saddened by the tension and misunderstanding of religion in the wake of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. He thought about the current state of the world and then about the Crusades, ancient battles over faith, and the little known meeting between Saint Francis and Sultan al-Kamil. In 2009, Moses wrote The Saint and the Sultan, which describes their encounter, peacemaking, and common ground between perceived enemies. On October 3, the former religion writer for Newsday joined a panel discussion that delved into those very same themes.
The conversation was moderated by Kelly O’Donnell, associate director of marketing and communications, and, in addition to Moses, included Fr. Linh Hoang O.F.M., associate professor of religious studies; Christa Grant, director of the Damietta Cross-Cultural Center; and Khizra Awan ‘20, political science major and president of the Muslim Student Association. The audience of more than 200 included many freshmen who are studying The Saint and the Sultan in First-Year Seminar. “True dialogue and especially interfaith dialogue, which this encounter teaches us about, is so important for our society today. We continue to have much to learn. This lecture series is a wonderfully appropriate way for us to celebrate the life and legacy of Brother Ed, who like Francis, was a bridge builder and a peacemaker in our midst,” said Reamer.
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saints abroad Ecliezer Vazquez ’21 The psychology major studied in Seoul, the capital of South Korea. “Before coming to South Korea, I tried not to think much about it because I wanted no expectations. But now that I’ve explored parts of Korea, I am amazed by its uniqueness! Each city has its own culture. This abroad experience has really helped me learn about myself in so many ways. It has taught me to put myself out there and learn what the world has to offer. With South Korea having such a vast variety of activities, it leaves me wanting to do more and more.”
Stephanie Saviano ’22 The marketing major studied this fall at the University Institute of Lisbon in the capital of Portugal. “I came to Portugal for the sunshine and food, but the laid back culture is my favorite thing about living here by far! I’ve never felt more relaxed than in Lisbon. Everyday there is another place to explore within the city or a new beach to discover. The people here have made me feel so welcome. The liveliness, diversity, and culture of Lisbon make me love the city more every day.”
Erica Perrea ’20 Last fall, the environmental science major spent a semester studying in Costa Rica. This fall semester, Perrea was abroad in Glasgow, the most populous city in Scotland. “I have had the opportunity to study abroad twice now, and the experiences I get to take part in never cease to amaze me. Not only the travel, but the things I’ve learned have been better than I hoped for. It is a truly life changing experience, and I have definitely created memories for which I will always be grateful.”
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In Memory JAMES TOAL, O.F.M., 87, a professed Franciscan for 65 years — first as a Franciscan Brother of Brooklyn and then as a Friar Minor in Holy Name Province since 1974 — and a priest for 43 years, died on July 24. In 1997, Fr. Toal was assigned to Siena where he served as vice president and then as special assistant to the president. He oversaw the building and renovation of almost every building on campus; the acquisition of the president’s house and State Police barracks, installation of the turf field, implementation of the strategic plan, and many athletic achievements. He left after more than a decade, to become guardian of Saint Anthony’s Friary in St. Petersburg, Florida. “To know Jim Toal is to know him from your heart,” said Very Rev. Fr. Kevin Mullen ’75, O.F.M.
FR. BLAISE REINHART, O.F.M., PH.D., a long-time professor and administrator at Siena, died August 10. He spent nearly 50 years in academic and administrative roles at Siena. From 1963 to 1965 he served as assistant academic dean and from 1965 to 1970 as dean of student services. After a brief break from Siena, during which he worked at St. Bonaventure University and at the Chapel of Our Lady of the Lake in Greenwood, New York, Reinhart returned to Siena in 1971, where he taught economics and, at various times, served as chair of the economics department, vice president of student affairs, and dean of business. Reinhart retired in 2005 and was appointed emeritus professor of economics in 2007. He remained at Siena until 2014, when he moved to Holy Name Friary, the Province’s skilled care facility in Ringwood, New Jersey. Reinhart moved to St. Cabrini Nursing Home in March of this year.
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OUR FACULTY AND STAFF
NORA MILLS BOYD, PH.D., assistant professor of philosophy • Presented “Constraining the Unknown” at the 16th International Congress on Logic, Methodology and Philosophy of Science and Technology, Czech Technical University, Prague, August 2019. • Presented “Observation and Intervention are Irrelevant to Empirical Science” at the SUNY Albany Philosophy Department Colloquium, November 2019.
BEVERLY THOMPSON, PH.D., associate professor of sociology • Published “Mi Familia: Latina Women in the US Negotiate Identity and Social Sanctions Through Tattooing,” in the Routledge anthology, Tattoo Histories: Transcultural Perspectives on the Narratives, Practices, and Representations of Tattooing, December 2019.
LISA FLACK, D.N.S., director of nursing • Presented at Kaiser Permanente/Watson Caring Science International Conference, San Francisco, California, October 2019.
NECIP DOGANAKSOY, PH.D., associate professor of accounting • Published “A Mixture Model for Determination of Root Cause Frequency,” Quality
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Engineering, Vol. 31, No. 2, 354–359 • Co-authored, “Statistical Intervals, not Statistical Significance,” Significance, Vol. 16, No. 4, 20-22 • Co-authored “Topics for the Accounting Information Systems Course: A Dual Perspective Approach from Educators and Employers,” with MARGARET GARNSEY, PH.D., associate professor of accounting, and ELAINE PHELAN, professional specialist in taxation. Published in Accounting Information Systems Educator Journal, Vol. 14, No. 1, 33-55 • Co-authored “Introducing Advanced Exploratory Data Analysis Tools in an MBA Program,” with JOSEPH MCCOLLUM, PH.D., associate professor of quantitative business analysis and SHAHRYAR GHEIBI, PH.D., assistant professor of quantitative business analysis. Published in Global Journal of Business Research, Vol. 3, No. 1, 125-138.
ARINDAM MANDAL, PH.D., associate professor of economics • Presented with student Alex Perry, “Do Employment Protection Legislations Lower Labor Productivity? A Cross-Country Panel Data Analysis of OECD Countries” at the New York State Economics Association annual conference, Rochester, New York • Presented “Political Representation of Women and Protection of Worker Rights: A Cross-national Investigation” at Inclusive and Sustainable Economic Growth. Challenges, Measures and Solutions conference, Transilvania University, Romania.
ASHLEY PROVENCHER, PH.D., associate professor of economics • Co-authored “Outcomes and savings associated with the Quality Parenting Initiative,” Social Work & Social Sciences Review • Co-authored “Health effects of family member incarceration in the United States: A meta-analysis and cost study,“ Children and Youth Services Review. The authors also summarized their work in Public Health Post, “Incarcerations’ costs for families.”• Presented “It takes a village: Restoring justice through community accountability boards,” New York State Economic Association annual conference, Rochester, New York • She collaborated with colleagues at the Institute for Municipal and Regional Policy to compose “Benefitcost analyses of evidence-based programs,” an annual report for the Connecticut state government.
GRAZIANO VERNIZZI, PH.D., professor of physics • Selected to present “Physically Unclonable Characteristics for TransmonBased Quantum Computer Verification” at the Government Microcircuit Applications & Critical Technology Conference, San Diego, California; March, 2020. • Co-authored “Weighted Optimization with Thresholding for Complete-Case Analysis,” published in the book Statistical Learning of Complex Data. The book is part of the series on Studies in Classification, Data Analysis, and Knowledge Organization, which presents the latest findings in classification, statistical learning, big-data analysis and related areas. • Lectured on “Monte Carlo methods” at the National Science Foundation-sponsored Summer School on “Advanced Cyberinfrastructure Training for Modeling Physical Systems,” Troy, New York, July 2019.
JAMES BOOKER, PH.D., professor of economics • Co-authored with SCOTT TREES, PH.D., professor of economics, “Implications of Growing Water Scarcity: Productivity and Farm Labor.” Presented at the New York State Economics Association Annual Conference, Rochester, New York, September 2019 • Working on behalf of two property owners groups, is contributing to the relicensing process for the hydroelectric projects on the Mongaup River, developing in conjunction with these stakeholders a public submission on a set of proposed scenarios for consideration in the final license application.
ANTHONY MANELA, PH.D., assistant professor of philosophy • Published a revised version of “Gratitude” in the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy.
JOHN MOUSTAKAS, PH.D., associate professor of physics • Awarded three grants in support of his research program totaling more than $225,000 from the National Science Foundation, the Department of Energy, and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, September 2019 • Co-authored “A 100-kiloparsec wind feeding the circumgalactic medium of a massive compact galaxy,” Rupke et al. 2019, Nature, 574, 643.
ROSE FINN, PH.D., professor of physics • Collaborated with GEORGE HASSEL, PH.D., physics laboratory technician, to
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MICHELE MCCOLGAN, PH.D., assistant professor of physics• “Short- and long-term impacts of an informal STEM program,” published in the 2018 Physics Education Research Conference Proceedings • “Short- and long-term impacts of an informal STEM program,” published in Connected Science Learning, a publication of the National Science Teaching Association. • Spoke at the American Association of Physics Teachers on Evidence-Based Partnerships, July 2019. • Led a panel at the Physics Education Research Conference on the Conceptual Design of Informal Physics Programs. Presented “IPER programs: a narrative framework for program development.” • Invited to speak on assessment using Matlab Grader at the Teaching Computation in the Sciences with Matlab. The workshop was hosted by the Science Education Resource Center (SERC) held at Carleton College in Northfield, MN.
provide an astronomical experience for a group of 25 Girl Scouts of Northeastern New York Cadettes. The girls spent an evening on campus to learn about the Breyo Observatory, look through the telescope at Jupiter and Saturn, and complete a scale model of the solar system.
MATT BELLIS, PH.D., associate professor of physics • Awarded a three-year grant totaling $201,175 from the National Science Foundation in support of his research program with the CMS experiment at the Large Hadron Collider, at CERN • Awarded a $550 grant from the Bauder Fund, a grant managed by the American Association of Physics Teachers, to continue development of a board game that teaches players about quantum mechanics by incorporating historical experiments as part of the game play • Presented his work with publicly available particle physics data and broader 24 24
Siena efforts to bring data science to the challenge of homelessness in New York state, Moore-Sloan Data Science Environments Summit in Santa Fe, NM. •Lectured on “Monte Carlo methods” at the National Science Foundation-sponsored Summer School on “Advanced Cyberinfrastructure Training for Modeling Physical Systems,” Troy, New York, July 2019.
JODI O’DONNELL, PH.D., associate professor of chemistry and biochemistry, and JESSE KARR, PH.D., associate professor of chemistry and biochemistry • Co-published “Developing undergraduate students’ critical thinking skills in a chemical communications course and beyond,” Communication in Chemistry, ACS Symposium Series 1327; American Chemical Society: Washington, D.C., 2019; pp 41-55.
ERIN KOLONKO, PH.D., associate professor of chemistry and biochemistry • Co-presented,
“Investigation of conformational changes in histone methyltransferase PRDM2 catalytic domain variants,” with students Amanda Banach and Dakota Wilkinson at the ACS Fall 2019 National Meeting & Exposition, San Diego, CA, August 2019• Co-presented “Kinetic NMR investigation of the Steglich esterification” with student Lucian Williams, ACS Fall 2019 National Meeting & Exposition in San Diego, California, August 2019.
GEORGE L. BARNES, • Co-presented “Simulations of serine vs. sulfoserine: Mass spectra and fragmentation pathways during CID” at the ACS Fall 2019 National Meeting & Exposition in San Diego, California, August 2019 • Co-authored “Role of chemical dynamics simulations in mass spectrometry studies of collisioninduced dissociation and collisions of biological ions with organic surfaces,” Journal of the American Society for Mass Spectrometry.
In Memory MARIA BROWN ’20 The Siena community lost senior Maria Brown on September 29, at her home in Greene, New York. Brown lived an active campus life, serving as a member of the women’s rugby team and a leader in the Admissions McGuire Society. She was a standout student in accounting, the chair of the Franciscan Mission Committee and was the student representative on the Board of Trustees’ institutional identity and branding committee. Additionally, she was a member of the school of Business Advisory Board and spent her summers of 2018 and 2019 interning at the Raymond Corporation. Maria was a member of Beta Gamma Sigma, Delta Epsilon Sigma, and was on the President’s List in 2016, 2017 and 2018. She was co-president of Siena College Women’s Rugby Football Club, Rugby Tri State All Conference Team and USA Rugby College Academic Roll since her sophomore year at Siena College. Brown was deeply loved and appreciated by her family and friends, many of whom were her teammates.
THOMAS O. KELLY, II Professor emeritus of history, co-founder of the Siena College Research Institute (SCRI) and director of the World War II Conference, Thomas O. Kelly, II, died at home July 25. He began teaching at Siena College in 1963 and stayed until his retirement in 2000. Kelly was deeply loved by his students, many of whom were inspired to work harder both in the classroom and in their careers because of his passion and dedication. Tom made students feel like they were not simply learning about history, but truly living the history he taught. Kelly would say he “never had a bad day at Siena,” because he was so fulfilled by the work he was doing for his students. His legacy lives on through those he mentored and the impact he had on countless Saints.
PAT BARRETT ’59 J. “Pat” Patrick Barrett ’59 passed away peacefully at home on September 2, surrounded by family and friends. Barrett leaves behind an incredible legacy at Siena. He was on the Board of Trustees from 1983-1992 and from 2000-2006, and has two endowed scholarships that were established to provide students who are in need the opportunity to receive a Siena College education. Barrett was Siena’s first million dollar donor, naming Hines Hall after Fr. Hugh Hines during the Siena Journey campaign. His incredible contribution will be forever be remembered by Saints.
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ATHLETICS THIS ONE’S FOR BROTHER ED The annual men’s basketball rivalry game between Siena and St. Bonaventure has always been special, but this year’s 10th annual battle for the Franciscan Cup was especially meaningful for the sister schools. Playing each other for the first time since the trophy was rededicated in honor of the late Siena president and St. Bonaventure alumnus who passed away this summer, the Saints prevailed 78-65 over the Bonnies to capture the newly renamed Br. F. Edward Coughlin Franciscan Cup. “The bridge that connects the dots is our own Br. Ed,” said provincial minister of the Holy Name Province and former Siena President the Very Rev. Fr. Kevin Mullen ’75, O.F.M. “We pray that this tradition will continue to inspire us, and that we will follow his great example.” Mullen was joined on the court for special pregame and postgame presentations alongside friars from both schools and members of the Coughlin family. Following Siena’s victory, Mullen and Fr. Mark G. Reamer ’83, O.F.M., presented head coach Carmen Maciariello ’01 and the Saints the newly rebranded trophy. “To bring this back and my first time at the helm for this cup, it’s pretty meaningful,” explained Maciariello. “He’s the guy that gave me my first opportunity. It’s just a great moment here.”
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SAINTS PRODUCE ESPN BROADCASTS An exciting new chapter in Siena athletics history commenced in September, when the department debuted its first-ever internally produced ESPN broadcasts from the brand new Frank ’85 and Sheila Ambrose Media Center. “We are excited to join our fellow MAAC members in this important initiative to advance each of our schools and the conference as a whole,” said Vice President and Director of Athletics John D’Argenio. “The broadcasts that are done with the Ambrose Media Center will be a collaborative effort between the athletic department and the College’s new communications program. A thank you to all who donated to this project and to Frank and Sheila Ambrose for their lead gift.” The roughly half million dollar project, which featured a lead gift from the Ambrose family, is a 27-foot custom built VPTR24 production trailer assembled by Audio-Video Corporation in Menands. The center is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment including Ikegami cameras, Ross Expression graphics, a Carbonite Ultra Switcher, Tria Video Server, and a Mira Replay System, as well as equipment from other leading broadcast vendors.
The launch coincides with Siena’s new communications major, featuring four tracks including sports communications. Saints now have the opportunity to take what they learn in the classroom and apply those skills hands-on in the field with all productions. The athletic department produced a half dozen men’s and women’s soccer and volleyball matches to kick off coverage. They will broadcast all home men’s and women’s basketball games, as well as baseball, men’s lacrosse, and women’s lacrosse contests, which will air on either ESPN3 or ESPN+.
SAINTS MAKE THE GRADE Siena student athletes continue to graduate at one of the highest rates nationally. According to the NCAA’s Graduation Success Rate (GSR) report, 92% of student athletes entering Siena as freshmen went on to graduate, eclipsing the national Division I record-setting average of 89% by three points. “The GSR does not tell the whole story, just an important, and expected, part of our student athletes’ success story,” noted Interim President Margaret E. Madden, Ph.D. “Our Saints succeed in competition, in the classroom, and in the community. They succeed as leaders on the Siena campus, and they go on to succeed as doctors, and entrepreneurs, and social workers, and so much more. I’m proud that our student athletes graduate at an uncommonly high rate, but that’s just a small measure of their overall contributions to our College and our community.” This marks the third consecutive year in which Siena has achieved a stellar 92% GSR, matching the second highestever rating. Siena has now boasted a GSR of 90% or higher in all 15 NCAA reports since the first rate in 2005. “Simply put, our student athletes are superstars, and our
GSR says it all,” explained Siena Athletics Academic Advisor Molly Kaffka. “Our coaches do an outstanding job recruiting student athletes who embody Siena’s Franciscan core values; their motivation and determination to excel yields results on the field and in the classroom.” A total of 10 of the athletics programs - men’s golf, men’s soccer, men’s tennis, men’s cross country/track, women’s basketball, women’s golf, women’s swimming and diving, women’s tennis, volleyball, and water polo – achieved perfect 100% GSRs in this year’s report.
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OUR ALUMNI
NIGRO FAMILY PLAZA It is no secret that Siena’s campus is beautiful — in fact, it is often one of the first things the Admissions team hears from their daily visitors. The new Nigro Family Plaza has become one of the focal points of our beautiful campus. The plaza was generously funded by Siena College Trustee John J. Nigro H’13, and family and friends of Nigro, with support from the College and the Class of 2019 Senior Gift. A dedication celebration was had on September 26. The plaza now serves as the main entrance to the Sarazen Student Union from the Academic Quad. It features new concrete sidewalks, hardscape pavers, retaining walls for seating areas, additional lighting, upgraded wireless coverage, new tables and benches, and enhanced landscaping. “In Student Life, one of the many ways we animate the Franciscan tradition and mission is fostering community and building relationships,” said Maryellen Gilroy, vice president for student life. “A space such as this intentionally, and yet very naturally, helps students to do so — to stop for a moment from one’s phone and enjoy a great conversation with some friends or just to sit as a group, laugh and enjoy each other’s company.” 28
SCHOOL OF BUSINESS LECTURE SERIES Siena’s annual lecture series was kicked off for the fall semester by MIKE FRIGULETTO ’90, president of US Anesthesia Partners, Inc. After graduating from Siena with a computer science degree, Friguletto followed up on his work as an intern with GE, and stayed with the company for 25 years. During that time he held
MIKE FRIGULETTO ’90
executive leadership roles in healthcare, financial services, and corporate staff. Today, his company US Anesthesia Partners is a singlespecialty physician services organization that provides practice management services to anesthesiologists.
FATIN HADDAD ’08, corporate attorney at Greenberg Traurig, always kept in touch with her Siena faculty mentors as she navigated life after graduation through law school, time in the corporate world, and now her current position. It is those mentors, and her vast network of contacts that she credits with providing her support and advice throughout her career. “I can’t stress it enough — and I hope you all listen to this advice and add me on Linkedin — use the relationships you’ve developed in your network,” said Haddad.
FATIN HADDAD ’08
JIM COYNE ’84, is currently president of Nestle Sales Organization for Nestle USA. After being appointed in 2018, he has been charged with leading the sales team for all classes of retail trade and online channels as well as the category & channel sales development teams and sales operations. Being able to picture himself in the shoes of the Saints in attendance, Coyne advised everyone to ask themselves three questions when approaching a job opportunity: Will I learn something? Will I enjoy the work? Does it make me valuable here or somewhere else? Coyne wholly believes Siena prepares students for the real world and gives them the fundamental skills they need in order to be successful, and he is a perfect example.
JIM COYNE ’84
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VIEWINGS FOR THE STARS Our alumni love to return to campus and explore all that has changed since their days as students. One of the campus’ most recent additions was the Breyo Observatory — home to the largest telescope in the Capital Region. Alumni from near and far have traveled to campus to view the planets and stars like they’ve never seen them before. Keep an eye out for a Spring viewing at siena.edu/alumni.
SCHOLARSHIPS Toward the end of the September 17 memorial Mass in memory of Br. Ed, The Br. F. Edward Coughlin O.F.M., Endowment to Advance Franciscan Values was announced by John Murray ‘79, chairman of the College’s Board of Trustees. The endowment will support the Siena mission and its intrinsic connection to the values of St. Francis of Assisi. It was founded by the Coughlin family and their in-laws, the Pingelski family. “We want to make sure Br. Ed’s love for Siena’s Franciscan tradition continues,” said Murray. “Let us continue to live the Franciscan values that Br. Ed taught us.”
NEW ENDOWED FUNDS The Br. F. Edward Coughlin, OFM Endowment to Advance Franciscan Values The Douglas A. MBA ‘66 and Cristine M. Lonnstrom CURCA Endowed Fund
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NEW SCHOLARSHIPS The Paul and Patricia Gioia Endowed Scholarship The Flynn Family Scholarship The Ingrassia Family Foundations, Inc. Scholarship The McCauley Iacocca Family Scholarship The Thomas G. ‘83 and Mary C. Mazzotta Scholarship The Frederick ‘90 and Renee Keator Endowed Scholarship The Dr. Salvatore ‘95 and Gretchen Napoli Family Scholarship The Joan and Ron Stinton Scholarship
SPECIAL FUNDS Distinguished Visiting Professor of Public Service Leadership The Morris Massry Entrepreneurial Excellence Award
CELEBRATING FIVE YEARS OF THE GROTTO
Since its creation in 2014, Siena’s Grotto has been a site for contemplation, gathering in time of grief, reflection and celebration, and a daily sacred space for prayer. Alumni near and far can request a candle to be lit and a prayer said in memory or honor of a loved one, and be a part of the Siena community’s special tradition. Visit siena.edu/alumni to learn more.
Spirits were bright at the annual Alumni Christmas Party on December 5 at the Holy Name Province in New York City. Alumni were able to reconnect with one another, as well as the friars.
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TWENTY YEARS OF FESTA VINO
Festa Vino, one of the premier food and wine festivals in the Capital Region, turned 20 on October 10. Nearly 50 food and wine vendors served their culinary delights and domestic and international wines from inside the transformed Callanan Field House of the Marcelle Athletic Complex. Over 600 guests each received a Siena College logoed appetizer tray, wine glass, and gold wine charm engraved with the College seal and year to commemorate the 20th anniversary. Festa Vino would not be possible without the financial support of the honorary committee members and 35 sponsors who generously underwrite the festival each year. One of the presenting sponsors, Rose &
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Kiernan, Inc., has supported Festa Vino since its inception. John Murray ’79, CEO and president of R&K, and chair of Siena’s Board of Trustees, champions the night as a wonderful opportunity to bring the Siena community and Capital Region together for the good of the College. Special thanks to Craig Allen ’91, owner of All Star Wine & Spirits, who has also been a partner since Festa Vino’s inception. This year’s net proceeds of more than $70,000 will support the Saints Alive! Athletic fund and other needs of the College. Mark your calendar for next year’s 21st annual Festa Vino, October 15, 2020.
SAVE THE DATE FEBRUARY 14 Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony FEBRUARY 16 Annual Fund Family Fun Day at Times Union Center – Siena vs. Manhattan FEBRUARY 28 Annual Fund Pre-Game Reception at Marist College – Siena vs. Marist MARCH 2
March Mania Kick-off
MARCH 18
Siena Giving Day!
APRIL 19
Annual Scholarship Appreciation Brunch at the Marcelle Athletic Center We’re excited for our scholarship donors to join us for our annual Scholarship Appreciation event. New this year we will be gathering for a brunch celebration!
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Annual Fund Mass at the Grotto
MAY 1 – 2
Rugby Alumni Weekend
MAY 15
Class of 2020 Welcome to Alumni Champagne Toast
MAY 31
End of Siena’s Fiscal Year
JUNE 5 – 7
Come Back, Give Back! Reunion Weekend The Countdown to Reunion is on! Classes of 1965, 1970, 1975, 1980, 1985, 1990, 1995, 2000, 2005, 2010 and 2015, it’s your turn to return to campus and celebrate!
Visit siena.edu/alumni/events for updates and new announcements!
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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. READ THE FULL PROFILES AT SIENA.EDU/GOLDAWARD.
KATIE HOHMAN ’09 Partner, Sheridan Hohman & Associates “At Siena, I learned a strong sense of community, inclusiveness, and support. The professors at Siena very much prepared me for the “real world” and how to manage life outside of the college environment. I also had the amazing opportunity (provided by Siena) of interning for the Governor during my senior year.”
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EMMA WEDEKIND ’15 Software Engineer, LogMeIn My education at Siena taught me appreciation for people from all walks of life. The liberal arts education pushed me outside my comfort zone and into new spaces such as philosophy and jazz dance. Having exposure to many different areas allowed me to zero in on exactly what I loved: computer science.”
TEHRESA COLES ’14 Director, Enterprise Relationship Management, The Ayco Company “My Siena education provided me with the tools that I need to succeed in my role as a Relationship Manager. The computer skills that I learned have helped me be efficient in my day-to-day tasks and to stay organized. The various case studies and business projects that I was tasked with, taught me to think critically and helped me use creativity to come up with solutions to client problems. Learning and working with peers from many different backgrounds and experiences broadened my view of the world and helped me to more deeply understand the importance of thoughtful communication, perspective and empathy.”
MAURA FLEMING ’15 New York State Department of Health “My internship experiences during my time at Siena were invaluable in preparing me for all aspects of my career. I completed internships at Joseph’s House in Troy, NY and the Alzheimer’s Association of Northeastern New York as a required component of Siena’s social work program. These opportunities gave me real-world experience in service delivery, public speaking, problem solving and crisis assistance while being closely supervised by professionals who have continued to be my mentors and colleagues.”
WES SPEANBURG ’09 Senior Manager, CFGI “My Siena education stressed the importance of being wellrounded, practicing effective communication, and being able to simplify complex issues. On a day-to-day basis, it is important in my profession to be able to relate to people in a way that enables me to understand client issues so I can most effectively assist them. Being unafraid to ask questions until your understanding is achieved is perhaps the most important skill of all.”
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VETERANS DINNER Siena’s annual Veterans Recognition Dinner was held on campus November 13. The event featured a keynote address from Fr. Donald Rutherford, former major general and chief of chaplains for the United States Army, as well as the induction of LTC (R) Richard “Bruce” Molitor ’69 into the ROTC Mohawk Battalion Alumni Hall of Fame. As a tribute to the soon-to-be commissioned senior cadets of the Mohawk Battalion, ROTC, Molitor donated a painting of his 1970 medevac helicopter. Molitor graduated from Siena with a BS in economics and was commissioned a second lieutenant in the Medical Service Corps. He attended the Officer Basic Course at Fort Sam Houston, Texas and earned his flight wings in August 1970. In September 1970 Molitor served a tour of duty in Vietnam as a medical evacuation pilot and supply officer with the 236th Medical Detachment in Da Nang. During his tour he flew 453 combat missions and evacuated 705 patients from the field. His awards and decorations include the Distinguished Flying Cross with OLC, Air Medal, 18 awards; Air Medal with V devise for valor; Army Commendation Medal with V devise for valor; Army Commendation Medal; the Meritorious Unit Citation; Legion of Merit; Master Army Aviation Badge; and the Expert Field Medical Badge.
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Molitor was assigned to the 421st Medical Company in Schweinfurt, Germany in July 1975, where he served as a pilot and Operation Officer. He worked extensively with the German Red Cross providing emergency air evacuation support to American soldiers and their families and the local German population. His expertise, managerial capabilities, and leadership played a major role in accomplishing numerous major Army Medical programs and the fielding of a new generation of Army Field Hospitals, significantly improving the quality of health care. Fr. Rutherford entertained the crowd of more than 200 with insight gleaned from many assignments over his 25year career in active duty. Fr. Rutherford became the 23rd Chief of Chaplains, United States Army, on July 7, 2011, a position he held until his retirement on October 1, 2015. Fr. Rutherford served in Operation Desert Shield, Operation Desert Storm, Operation Hurricane
Andrew Relief, Operation Desert Thunder, and Operation Iraqi Freedom. He was Deputy Chief of Chaplains, US Army, at the Pentagon in Washington, DC; Command Chaplain US Army Europe and 7th Army, Heidelberg, Germany; Command Chaplain Multi-National Corps Iraq among other assignments. His military awards include the Distinguished Service Medal, the Legion of Merit with two Oak Leaf Clusters, the Bronze Star, the Meritorious Service Medal with four Oak Leaf Clusters, the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, the South West Asia Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Iraqi Campaign Medal, the Overseas Service Ribbon, the Joint Meritorious Unit Award, the Army Superior Unit Award, the Saudi Arabia Kuwait Liberation Medal, the Kuwaiti Liberation Medal, the Army Staff Identification Badge, the Combat Action Badge, and the Parachutist Badge.
Siena Forever:
SUPPORTING SIENA THROUGH LEGACY GIVING The St. Francis Society is a community of “Siena Saints” who have chosen to extend their legacies while furthering the work of Siena by including the College in a will, trust, life income gifts, or other legacy gift.
CREATE A LEGACY
ADVISOR’S GUIDE FOR PLANNED GIVING 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, all (or state a percentage) of the rest, residue and remainder of my estate, both real and personal, 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. Legal Name: Siena College Tax I.D. Number: 14-1338498 Incorporated In: Loudonville, NY Please consult with your legal or financial advisor when creating a legacy gift. If you have questions or concerns, please contact: Bradley W. Bodmer ’82, Esq. Asst. Vice President for Development and External Affairs 518-783-2432 • bbodmer@siena.edu If you have 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 is right for you and better plan for Siena’s future.
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REUNION CUP CHALLENGE! COME BACK, GIVE BACK! The Countdown to Reunion is on, and that means the Reunion Cup Challenge is on! The Reunion Cup recognizes the class with the most attendance at Reunion, and the Green and Gold Cup is awarded to the class with the highest percentage of giving. Each reunion class is working throughout this year to build attendance at Reunion and the number of classmates who make a gift to Siena. Classes of 1965, 1970, 1975, 1980, 1985, 1990, 1995, 2000, 2005, 2010 and 2015, it’s your turn! The Reunion 2019 winning classes, 1994 and 1959, have passed the torch and the challenge on to you. Who will be this year’s winners? Winning classes have their class year engraved on the cups, and will have a winners reception with the Siena friars during Reunion Weekend. Make the commitment today to Come Back, Give Back. Any gift you make to Siena from now until your Reunion counts towards your Reunion Class gift. For more information about Reunion Weekend and to make your class gift, visit www.siena.edu/reunion.
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THE SIENA LEGACY
A long-standing Siena tradition is to celebrate our legacy families and take a group photo on Freshman Move-in Day. We invite all legacy families (alumni parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, siblings, etc.), to join us in celebration of our newest class of Saints. See more photos at: flickr.com/sienacollege.
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ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT DEREK TRAPASSO, MD ’98 MEDICAL DIRECTOR, MASSGENERAL FOR CHILDREN AT NORWOOD AND EXETER HOSPITALS
NIMMI MENACHERY TRAPASSO, MD ’98 FAMILY PHYSICIAN, NEWTON-WELLESLEY HOSPITAL; SIENA COLLEGE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
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HOW DID YOU MEET? Derek: We were both in the Albany Med program, so we were connected from the start with the students in the program. Nimmi: We met in Dr. Dollar’s English class at the Claire Center and we were friends for the next three years. We didn’t start dating until… Derek: October 4, 1997. Nimmi: Right, it happened to be the Feast of St. Francis and Parent’s Weekend senior year. I remember we went out to dinner at Red Lobster and I met Derek’s grandparents for the first time. When we got back to his townhouse, his grandmother pulled me aside and asked if I came over often, amazed with how dirty it was. She made half-moon cookies and told me to grab some before they were gone.
THEN WHAT HAPPENED? Derek: From the time we got to Siena, our career path was pretty well established. After Albany Med, we thought about doing our residencies outside the Northeast, but family kept us in the area. We’ve been back in Boston since 2005. Personally, my career has been pretty interesting. I continued to practice pediatrics for the last 14 years, but I have more administrative responsibilities now and even a teaching position at Boston University. I went from general pediatrics in an office-based setting, to working clinically and administratively in a hospital. I recently became director of children care at two of MassGeneral’s hospitals. Nimmi: Right after residency, I got a job in Cambridge at the Marino Center for Integrated Health. I was quickly immersed in an interesting world of integrative medicine – physical therapists, chiropractors, acupuncturists, massage therapists, a nutritionist – all practicing under the same roof. So, early in my career when I was still impressionable, I was exposed to different modalities of wellness and I got firsthand experience through patients who wanted a more holistic approach to their health. This wasn’t a mainstream concept 14 years ago, but now we hear it in regular conversation. I was there from 2000 until 2013 and now work as a family physician at NewtonWellesley Hospital. I love the relationships I develop as a primary care physician.
HOW DID SIENA PREPARE YOU? Derek: I think the beauty of Siena is the Franciscan style of education. The community and intangibles make Siena what it is. It gives you a framework and
informs your thinking. It allows you to see the whole of people and view the world in a positive way. I grew up and matured the most during the four years I was at Siena and that made me the person I am today. That and Nimmi, of course. We can never seem to put our finger on exactly what it is that makes Siena people unique, but one of those things that I think is broadly true is we generally see the good and the positive first. Nimmi: There’s a quote from John Phillips, co-founder of Phillips Exeter Academy where I went to boarding school, that makes me always think of Siena: “…goodness without knowledge is weak and feeble, yet knowledge without goodness is dangerous … both united form the noblest character, and lay the surest foundation of usefulness to mankind.” At the Board level, we always talk about how the Franciscan values set the tone for your character, but I think we sometimes underestimate the knowledge part. A Siena education is second to none. I realized that when I was there, but even more so when we got to medical school. This is a tough career and it can make you a callous, jaded person. What we learned at Siena is cemented in our core and it changed the kind of doctors we are now.
LIFE OUTSIDE WORK? Derek: We were married in 2002, three weeks after we graduated from Albany Med. We’re blessed to have two amazing daughters, Amira (9) and Sarina (5). Nimmi: We love to travel and that started with our summer of service when we were at Siena – I went to Kenya and Derek went to Slovenia. During medical school, we both went to India together and we’ve been traveling ever since. This past summer, my family had a small reunion in Thailand. We’re going to Italy in April and I’m hopeful for our 20th wedding anniversary we’ll join the Siena pilgrimage back there in 2022.
FAVORITES: Class at Siena – Derek: Ecology with Dr. Fraser Nimmi: Cell Biology with Dr. Bazinet Sports Team – Derek: New England Patriots Nimmi: Boston Celtics Food – Together: Pizza Place to travel – Together: Hawaii (we go every other February) Spot on Campus – Nimmi: Grassy Knoll (then) Grotto (now) Derek: Roger Bacon Hobby – Derek: Golf Nimmi: Baking
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CATCHING UP WITH THE SAINTS
Charlotte alumni gathered for a game-watch party for the Siena men’s basketball game vs. Yale University.
Saints celebrated a golf event and program to establish The Thomas G. and Mary C. Mazzotta Scholarship at Siena on October 1.
Graduates of the class of 2019 celebrated the annual 100 days after graduation party at the Saratoga Race Track.
Siena Putt Putt was established as a fundraising event to benefit the Siena College Pre-Dental Students. This year’s event was held on September 18.
Boston alumni visited Harvard for the November 14 men’s basketball game.
The first annual Br. F. Edward Coughlin Franciscan Cup was reason to celebrate! Alumni gathered for a pre-game social before the November 12 game.
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UNPACKED KHIZRA AWAN ’20
ISLAMABAD, PAKISTAN — POLITICAL SCIENCE MAJOR WITH WOMEN, GENDER, AND SEXUALITY STUDIES MINOR
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1. AN ANTHOLOGY OF MANTO’S WORK
3. UMBRO CLEATS
Saadat Hasan Manto was a revolutionary
These are the first pair I thrifted with my mom in
subcontinental writer/playwright/screenwriter/
6th grade when I got picked up for my high school
essayist who was born during the British Raj and
team (yeah, I’m definitely the same size still). I’ve
lived through the Partition of 1947. His work is very
won a lot of games and even had a lot of hard times
important not only to my language retention as
navigating a male-dominated sport in these shoes.
someone whose entire education has forcibly been
When I was younger, I was chosen to represent my
in English, but also for my world view. His social
country on our youth national team.
commentary has shaped my understanding of my heritage and resistance.
2. JHUMKAY (TRADITIONAL EARRINGS)
4. BANARASI JAMAWAR (BROCADE) Textiles and fashion are an important part of South Asian history, resistance, culture and the arts, and
A good pair of jhumkay bought at a roadside vendor
that has a heavy influence on my interests. It is
in a bustling bazaar are some of my favorite things.
common to make and design your own clothes and
I love south Asian jewelry because it can instantly
it is something I take great pride in doing. It allows
connect my streetwear side to my cultural fashion
me to try to minimize my non-ethical fashion
side. One of the many tools to my cosmopolitan
consumption, which is second only to the oil
finesse.
industry in terms of waste production. It changes my relationship with my clothes altogether.
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YOUR TOUR AWAITS!
CHECK OUT SIENA.EDU/CAMPUSMAP
Past and future Saints are now able to see Siena’s campus come to life through our audio and virtual tours — allowing alumni, students and parents to experience the magic of Siena at any time of day. The self-guided audio tour lets visitors walk around on campus while guided by one of our Saints. Along with the audio tour, Siena has debuted 360 degree views of campus hot-spots. Without having to travel to campus, you’ll quickly remember why Saints love Siena.