Siena News Fall 2011

Siena Living Our Tradition SIENA NEWS

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A MAGAZINE FOR ALUMNI AND FRIENDS

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FALL 2011

Siena Launches New Strategic Plan

INSIDE: Star Track Far from Haiti, Close to Home Ray of Hope

INSIDE: The Education of a Lifetime Family Ties AMC Program Celebrates 25 Years

Message from the Editor This fall Siena College unveiled a new strategic plan titled Living Our Tradition, and celebrated the contributions that numerous community members made in the development of the plan by throwing a launch party on campus.

Approximately 350 people attended the event and pledged to bring the plan to fruition. In the months ahead, we will cover how we are making great strides as we move toward the goals of the strategic plan.

Many of the stories in this issue, including those on the new strategic plan, are supplemented with video that can be found in the online version at www.siena.edu/siena_news. In particular, please check out the short film, “The Education of a Lifetime” (see page 5), that premiered the evening of the launch party on October 6. Many alumni have shared their feelings on how the video hits home with comments like “this video is about my life.”

As always, we hope you enjoy this issue.

Please let us know what you think at communications@siena.edu.

Happy Holidays,

Jim Eaton

P.S. If you are interested in receiving the electronic issue only, please email communications@siena.edu.

departments On Campus News | 12 Alumni Connection | 24 Faculty and Staff News | 22 Class Notes | 28 Saints Corner | 19

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Siena’s new strategic plan calls for leveraging the investment in Division I athletics to promote the reputation of the College and enhance student engagement.

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contents

from the president I grew up in Paterson, New Jersey, in a house built by my great-greatgrandfather. My mother was born in that house and lived there her whole life. Every inch of 300 McBride Avenue was imbued with memories of my family’s past. After my parents died, the house was torn down to make way for a new fire station.

Before the demolition team completed their work, I managed to save one of the windows from the upstairs hallway. Its multi-colored panes surrounded a badly cracked centerpiece of clear glass, and the whole was encased in a wooden frame thickly layered with old paint.

A few months ago, I asked the talented craftsmen in Siena’s maintenance shop if they could fix the window and restore its luster.

“No problem, Father; we’ll take care of it,” they said. Recently, I got a call from the shop. The carpenters wanted to show me the fruits of their labor. When I arrived, the entire crew was gathered around a draped object. One of the men removed the veil to reveal the window, exquisitely renovated. It has since been installed in my room at the friary. Every morning, I look out onto a new day of possibilities through the lens and the frame of my family’s history. Past and future are united in a single glance.

Siena’s new strategic plan, Living Our Tradition, does something similar for the College. Launched this past October, the plan is grounded in Siena’s nearly 75-year history of providing a quality, value-based education to those who often could ill afford one. The plan, which is both realistic and aspirational, seeks to make Siena a more diverse community; to move us to the front ranks of student engagement, undergraduate research and service learning; and to gain for the College a national reputation as an undergraduate institution where values and value, academic rigor and athletic success, an 800-year-old tradition and an open-minded, open-hearted embrace of the contemporary world go hand-in-hand.

Like the window from my family home, Living Our Tradition brings a treasured past and a challenging future into a single focus. I am deeply grateful to all the members of the Siena community who spent long hours crafting the strategic plan, and I look forward to working with all of you in implementing its transformative vision of the hope-filled years ahead.

Fr. Kevin Mullen ’75, O.F.M., Ph.D. President SIENA 4

2011 - 2012 Board of Trustees Thomas L. Amell ’89 Ronald E. Bjorklund ’85 J. David Brown Michael Bucci ’73 Robert F. Campbell ’66 Judy Capano/Michaelson ’87 Br. F. Edward Coughlin, O.F.M., Ph.D. Robert M. Curley Robert T. Cushing ’77 Susan Law Dake Virginia L. Darrow ’83 Howard S. Foote ’74 Violet T. Grennan, M.F.I.C., D. Min. Robert L. Guido ’68 Douglas T. Hickey ’77 Rev. Kenneth R. Himes ’71, O.F.M., Ph.D. Pamela McCarthy Robert J. McCormick ’87 James J. Morrell ’66 Very Rev. Kevin J. Mullen ’75, O.F.M., Ph.D. John F. Murray ’79 John J. Nigro Very Rev. John F. O’Connor, O.F.M. Walter A. Osterman ’87 Kenneth M. Raymond, Jr. William E. Redmond, Jr. ’81 Mark S. Rose ’65 Rev. James P. Scullion ’75, O.F.M., Ph.D. David M. Stack ’73 Christine L. Standish Nimmi M. Trapasso ’98, M.D. Dennis L. Winger ’69

Siena News - Fall 2011 Published by: Siena College 515 Loudon Road, Loudonville, NY 12211-1462 518-782-8300 • communications@siena.edu • Publisher: Delcy Fox • Editor: Jim Eaton • Contributing Editors: Mark Adam, Fr. Bill Beaudin ’76, O.F.M., Mike Demos, Jodi Ackerman Frank, Eric Guzman ’12, Ken Jubie ’04, Fr. Kevin Mullen ’75, O.F.M., Ph.D., Lexi Palma ’13 Jason Rich ’98 and Jack Sise ’75 • Online Editor: Allison Maloney Turcio ’06 • Art Director : Sergio Sericolo • Contributing Designer: Jean Higgs • Alumni Class Notes Editors: Mary Beth Finnerty ’85 and Lori Lasch ’06 • Photography: Mayowa Adelugba ’14, Creative Arts Department, Kara Flanagan ’14, Joe Frumusa ’12, Gary Gold, Jim Eaton, Tim Latterner ’15, Athletics Office, Development Office, Tony Purificato, Kris Qua, Sergio Sericolo, Michael Valiquette ’14, Mike Wickham ’05 • Printer: The Lane Press, Burlington, Vt. On the cover: Members of the Siena College community celebrated the launch of the College’s new strategic plan Living Our Tradition this fall.

JESSICA RUPERT ’12

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STARRING YVONNE PERRY STEPHEN HENSEL ’06 RALPH BLASTING

“Well done! As a grad, it was so nice to see this very special place brought to life! Thanks for bringing back great memories!”

- Kristine Malanczuk Bascom ’95

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- Ruth Richards, director of stewardship and donor relations

– Eric Guzman ’12

“Great job in creating visual interest while at the same time presenting a familiar story once you have a Siena experience, the place never leaves your heart!”

“The movie accurately portrayed what it means to be a Siena student, and how connected we are both during our time here and after graduation. It is truly a unique feature of the Siena community that I am proud to be a part of.”

The Education of a Lifetime Created by Strategic Communications and Integrated Marketing l Executive Producer: Delcy Fox Producer: Ken Jubie ’04 l Director: Michael J. Wickham ’05 l Director of Photography: David Etzler Wardrobe Supervisor: Karin Mason l Production Assistants: Joe Frumusa ’12 and Jenna Foote ’14

The short film, “The Education of a Lifetime,” was shot at Siena in August to support Living Our Tradition – Siena College Strategic Plan 2011-2016.

The 10-minute movie tells the story of a woman who is connected to Siena throughout her life. As a young girl in the early 1980s, “Clare” first visits the campus to see a baseball game with her father and grandfather. She returns to Siena as a biology student in the mid-1990s and remains connected to the College after graduation and the launch of her career. The story comes full circle when “Clare” and her husband bring their young son to his first Siena game—the men’s basketball season opener at the Times Union Center.

Members of the Siena College community worked behind the scenes to make the project come to life. With a cast of Siena stars, they were able to recreate the atmosphere of the campus from decades past and capture the enthusiasm and energy that still exists today. FOX23 News Anchor John Gray and Your News Now Sportscasters Joe Calderone and Marisa Jacques made cameo appearances. The making of the movie captured the attention of the Albany Times Union, Schenectady Daily Gazette and FOX23 News.

To view the 10-minute movie, go SIENA 5 to www.siena.edu/strategicplan

Living Our Tradition

FEATURES

Siena Launches New Strategic Plan

By Jodi Ackerman Frank

In October, Siena faculty, trustees, benefactors, students, administrators and staff rallied in the Marcelle Athletic Complex to celebrate the launch of the College’s new strategic plan, Living Our Tradition.

“This strategic plan is a milestone in the history of the College,” said Siena President Fr. Kevin Mullen ’75, O.F.M., Ph.D. “It will help propel Siena into this century and establish us as a principal player for our students.”

The strategic plan will build on the Academic Excellence Plan, which includes the recruitment and retention of quality faculty and students. Living Our Tradition will also place a greater emphasis on student engagement and research opportunities. It will strengthen the financial and human resources as well as physical space of the College. These actions will be the focus of Siena’s upcoming comprehensive campaign, which has the goal of raising $50 million.

Under Living Our Tradition, the College will work to increase the diversity in faculty and staff as well as on Siena’s Board of Trustees, while graduating a more diverse student body. The College will also work to expand and leverage investment in Division I athletics to promote the reputation of the College and enhance student engagement.

“This has been a community effort by faculty, administrators and students,” said Linda Richardson, Ph. D., vice president for academic affairs. “People are vested in the strategic plan and are very enthusiastic about it. We’ve come together as a community.”

About 350 people attended the celebration, which included multimedia presentations and four live performances conceived by Siena community members to illustrate the plan’s four planks: engagement, resources, diversity and athletics.

Bill McGoldrick ’68, one of the many performers on stage, illustrated the resources plank by saying “I’m one of 30,000 living alumni. I really appreciate all that Siena has done for me. My wife and I support Siena because the education I received made such a difference in my life, and the friendships I’ve made here have lasted a lifetime.”

The signature piece for the evening was the world premiere of a 10-minute movie, “The Education of a Lifetime,” a story about the journey of a young woman named Clare before, during, and after her Siena College experience. The event ended with the signing of a 37-foot

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long green and gold banner emblazoned with the College’s new tagline, “The Education of a Lifetime.”

“It was a symbolic way to show solidarity and support for the future of Siena College by all in attendance,” Fr. Kevin said.

“I think the plan is exactly what we need,” said Susan Law Dake, Siena Board of Trustees secretary and president of the Stewart’s Foundation. “It will be challenging, but I think we can achieve it,” she added, referring to the upcoming comprehensive campaign that will be used to fund the plan’s initiatives.

Living Our Tradition encompasses four initiatives: 1) build upon the success of the Academic Excellence Plan by focusing on student engagement 2) steward and strengthen the College’s financial resources, human resources and physical space 3) create a culture of diversity 4) expand and leverage investment in Division I athletics to promote the reputation of the College and enhance student engagement

“One of the great responses heard over and over about this plan from our faculty, administrators, staff, alumni, trustees and benefactors is that this is about the students. This is about making this College fully engaged with its student body,” Fr. Kevin said.

Alison Sifflet ’12, a gifted vocalist who treated the audience to one of her original songs as part of plank 3 at the event, agreed: “Siena is where all my talents and interests can flourish.”

To view a video of the launch party visit www.siena.edu/news keyword search launch party video.

Family Ties Strong bonds unite the Francos with Siena

By Fr. William Beaudin ’76, O.F.M.

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Left: Fausto Franco ’02 was a starting shortstop, second baseman and centerfielder for Siena’s baseball team. In October he took the stage with his father, Faustino, at the Strategic Plan Launch Party.

“Buenas noches. Yo soy Faustino Franco.” The voice, clear and strong, rang out through the Marcelle Athletic Complex during the launch of Living Our Tradition. The voice belonged to a sturdily built, middle-aged gentleman who stood center-stage. He continued his brief speech in Spanish. Then, he stepped aside. A young man emerged from his shadow, and in an equally clear, strong voice said, “Good evening. I am Faustino Franco. You may know me as a carpenter on campus, but I’m also the proud father of three Siena students.” The story of how Faustino and his translator, his oldest son Fausto ’02, came to address the assembled crowd that night is one for the Siena family chronicles.

In 1977, Faustino Franco left the Dominican Republic eager for a better life in the United States. He got a job at Hunts Point Market, a produce distribution center in the South Bronx. “Sometimes, I’d work all night, get a short break, and then work until 4:00 the next afternoon,” Faustino said. The hours were grueling, but his industry paid off.

By the mid-1990s, the Francos were able to buy a house in the Clason Point section of the Bronx where Franciscan friars staffed the local Catholic church. The family became active and committed members of the parish.

Fausto immersed himself in the life of Mount Saint Michael Academy, a Catholic high school run by the Marist brothers.

The brothers were anxious to hand over their budding scholar and star baseball player to their colleagues at Marist College, but grace intervened in the form of Fr. Greg Jakubowicz, O.F.M., and Br. Brian Belanger, O.F.M., two friars then assigned to the Francos’ parish. They told Fausto about Siena, encouraged him to apply and put him in touch with the Saints’ baseball coach. Fr. Greg brought Fausto and his parents to Loudonville for a tour of the campus.

“As soon as I walked around Siena and got a feel for the place, I knew I was at home,” Fausto said. “I knew I could fit in here, be myself and succeed.”

And succeed he did. Fausto attended Siena on a

Franciscan academic scholarship, majored in computer science, excelled in the classroom and proved his prowess on the baseball field. For three of his four years here, Fausto was a starting shortstop, second baseman and centerfielder for the Saints.

Fausto went on to complete a master’s degree in computer systems engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute while working in the New York State Comptroller’s office. He also became an effective recruiter for his alma mater. Two years after his own graduation, Fausto proudly watched his sister Monica cross Siena’s commencement stage, and he looks forward to seeing his youngest sibling, Miguel Angel, make a similar trek in 2013.

Fausto couldn’t convince middle brother Juan Carlos to become a Saint, but he did manage to lure his father to the College.

While visiting their children at Siena, Faustino and his wife Confesora fell in love with upstate New York. They decided to relocate and bought a house in Guilderland. At first, Faustino worked as a dishwasher at SUNY Albany.

When Fausto told his father that Siena was advertising for a groundskeeper, he jumped at the opportunity.

Faustino has since moved on to carpentry, a trade he learned by closely observing the contractors who fixed his house. “I had never picked up a hammer before I became a home owner,” he said. “But I got tired of paying all those repair bills. So I quickly learned how to use that hammer!”

Not only does Faustino’s talent for woodworking keep his own property in good repair; it keeps Siena’s house in order.

Father and son appeared at the strategic plan launch party because they wanted to express their gratitude.

“Throughout my life, a lot of people have helped me get to where I am today, many of them right here at Siena,” Fausto said while his father nodded in agreement. “No one put a price tag on that help. My only way to repay those people is by helping others gain the opportunities I’ve been given.” Faustino and Fausto see Living Our Tradition as a way to provide those same opportunities to the next generation of the Siena family, the family to which the Francos now proudly belong.

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25 Years of Service

By Ken Jubie ’04

For the past 25 years, the Siena College–Albany Medical College Program in Science, Humanities and Medicine has produced some of the most talented and compassionate physicians in the world. In the early 1980s, though, it was simply an idea hatched in a hospital bed.

“I spent almost 40 days in the hospital,” said Professor of Biology Ed LaRow ’59, Ph.D. “I began to formulate a concept of what I thought a good physician would be from my perspective as a patient.”

LaRow worked with AMC’s Dean of Students Alan Miller, M.D., to turn those concepts into concrete ideas for an early assurance program.

“I think the creation of this program has been a unique event in medical education,” Miller said. “As I look back

at my own career, it’s one of the things I feel best about.”

Miller and LaRow designed a program that required students to attend Siena for four years. During that time these students had to study the humanities along with their pre-med courses.

They were also required to spend “summers of service” working in urban ghettos and developing nations.

“The College’s Franciscan tradition of service to others was the obvious strength of the program,” LaRow said.

Since its launch in 1986, the program has produced worldclass physicians who have used their skills to transform hospitals, empower communities and save villages, but because Siena over-enrolled the inaugural class, the program almost never took off. AMC initially set aside 10 spots for Siena students, but there were 19 in the program, which meant nine students were out, that is, until one student offered Albany Med an ultimatum.

“A young man from Florida raised his hand and said, ‘Dr. LaRow, I’ve grown to love these people too much to compete with them for a place in medical school. Tell Albany Med all or none.’ And I asked the students if they agreed with that and they said ‘yes.’ So I told AMC we have 19 students here, and it’s all or none.”

Albany Medical College chose “all” and, with their partnership in place, the colleges began building what is now a signature program at both schools. LaRow said the program’s success comes from enrolling intelligent, compassionate and driven students.

“They’re just a delight to work with. Each new group that comes in is equal to the one that just left,” LaRow said.

“As a patient, I would go to 99.9 percent of the students who graduated from the program. They are becoming the kinds of physicians I was looking for when I was sick 30 years ago.”

Above: Ed LaRow ’59, Ph.D., professor of biology with the first class of Siena College - Albany Medical College students. This fall Siena hosted a 25-year anniversary party for alumni and friends of the program.

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To view a video of the 25 year anniversary event go to www.siena.edu/news keyword search AMC.

Since its inception, the Siena College-Albany Medical College Program in Science, Humanities and Medicine has transformed hundreds of talented students into compassionate, life-saving physicians who are dedicating their lives to making the world a kinder, healthier, more humane place. The following three physicians are shining examples of the program’s positive impact.

Amisha Malhotra ’90, M.D. Malhotra was in the program’s inaugural class. She has devoted her life to helping children with infectious diseases including malaria, tube rcu losi s and HIV. Malhotra is an Assistant Profess or of Pediatrics at Robert Wood Joh nso n Medical School and she works in its Ped iatric AIDS Program. Malhotra also trea ts patients in small African clinics. She cred its the Siena – AMC Program with help ing her discover the passion for working with HIV and AIDS patients. She says the idea of exposing students to global medicine thro ugh summers of service was wel l before its time.

“That gave me the chance to go outside my world and see othe r cou ntries, to work with people who have less than what I have and immerse myself in their culture,” Malhotra said. “I tell all my stud ents … you need to go outside you r world and see what’s out there.”

Lynda Bascelli ’93, M.D. poor in America’s most Bascelli treats the homeless and working s at a free health work She dangerous city, Camden, New Jersey. treats a myriad of she e wher care clinic called Project HOPE Camden le with mental peop and ts patients, including alcoholics, drug addic and continuity lity stabi lish health issues. One of her goals is to estab of work, type this do to d in their care. Bascelli always felt calle ified that solid ram Prog Med. but going through the Siena-Albany

conviction. dream job, but this really “A lot of people don’t consider this their care of all patients, but g takin has been for me,” Bascelli said. I like heart.” my in these patients in particular have a place

Mike Ganey ’96, M.D. Ganey is working at the Montreal Chil dren’s Hospital and completing a fellowship in pediatric surgery at McGill University.

He plans to move back to Africa whe re he’ll continue his work in a remote Kenyan clinic. He has beco me a lifeline to the people there because not only is he able to perform a variety of advanced surgical procedures; he is also qual ified to teach them to his fellow physicians in Kenya. Ganey felt calle d to serve by his faith and his experiences with the poor and marginalized.

“The program exposed me to a new world and as a result I learned how to react and respond to those in need,” Ganey said.

ON CAMPUS NEWS Left: This fall Siena welcomed 39 students whose mother and/or father graduated from Siena.

Siena Rises in U.S. News & World Report and Other Rankings Siena College moved up two spots in the annual U.S. News & World Report college rankings. Siena’s rank among national liberal arts colleges improved from No. 114 to No. 112. This marks the second consecutive year in which Siena’s rankings have improved.

“We are always Class pleased to move up in 5 of 201 e: the rankings, which is lan c at a G m o fr an affirmation of our n se were cho ts n w e e d n tu (a efforts to recruit good ts - 784 s applican n 9,750 ) students and provide e more tha g olle 1, r Siena C 4 fo 1 1 rd o c to re them with a nationally ed s increas dents SAT score tu s e g e ra th competitive liberal arts e f v o - A ds y two-thir larships o h c s ic and nearl m e education,” said Vice ing acad are receiv re o m President for Academic to e ity ros ivers - Ethnic d percent n a th 18.5

Affairs Linda Richardson, Ph.D. “As we launch our strategic plan, our efforts will continue to be focused on a quality education for our students.”

Siena improved from last year for several metrics used by U.S. News in its calculation of rankings. Student selectivity as measured by high school class standing and SAT scores for new students increased. Specifically, more than one third of Siena’s new students were in the top 10 percent of their high school class compared to 28 percent the previous year.

The SAT score range also improved slightly. The percent of classes with 20 or fewer students increased from 37 percent to 42 percent. Graduation and retention rates also improved from the previous year. An explanation of U.S. News’ methodologies is available at www.usnews.com/education.

Siena was also included on U.S. News “High School Counselor Rankings” at No. 120.

Other recent accolades for Siena include being listed on the Princeton Review as a “2011 Best College in the Northeast,” and also being included as one of the “Great Schools for Biology Majors.”

Forbes ranked Siena No. 89 in the Northeast, No. 189 in “Private Colleges,” and No. 225 in “Top Colleges.” Siena’s placement at No. 225 puts the College in the top seven percent of undergraduate schools nationally. Forbes rankings are prepared by the Center for College Affordability.

New Lecture Series with a Franciscan Twist Business ethics and social responsibility are the focus of the new Lewis Golub Executive Lecture Series.

Established by his daughter, Shari Golub Schillinger ’86, the lecture series honors Lewis Golub ’53, a well-known philanthropist and food industry visionary.

“This new executive lecture series will demonstrate to students that being socially responsible and ethical is not only the right thing, but good business as well,” said Golub-Schillinger, past chairwoman of the Siena College Board of Associate Trustees. “The program SIENA 12

will recognize those companies and business leaders who have already embraced this ideal in hopes that they will inspire others to do the same.”

Golub Schillinger’s brother Jerel Golub, president and COO of Price Chopper, delivered the inaugural lecture on October 18. His presentation honored his father’s legacy by discussing the evolution of business ethics and how it relates to today’s corporations, as well as reviewing examples of ways in which Price Chopper has maintained a socially responsible company culture.

“I was truly honored to be the first speaker in a lecture series that honors the memory and the legacy of our father, Lewis Golub. It makes perfect sense that a values-based institution such as Siena would view ethics and social responsibility as an important part of a well-rounded business education,” Jerel Golub said.

9/11 Exhibit Stirs Emotion and Remembrance

Most Siena students were in elementary school when terrorists crashed airplanes into the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001. Yet they clearly remember that day, a blue New York City sky turning gray with smoke and a nation in mourning.

“I was in 6th grade and I remember my teacher coming into the classroom and saying, ‘The World Trade Center’s been hit,’” Lauren Komp ’12 said. “I didn’t know anything about New York City or what a terrorist was. I still get goose bumps when I see the footage.”

In the days following 9/11, New York University students rolled out long scrolls of blank paper in Union Square – a location near the university famous for social and political activism – so people could express their immediate thoughts and feelings.

The result was more than 200 scrolls containing words, prayers, poems and drawings encompassing a range of human emotions.

In 2003, the New York State Museum was given the scrolls and began cataloging them. Siena students and faculty were later enlisted to help archive the scrolls. In the spring semester of 2010, Carla Sofka, Ph.D., associate professor of social work, built the project into her Death and Dying course. Students took digital images of the scrolls and entered fields of information into an Access database

developed by the museum. Br. Walter Liss, O.F.M., has developed a searchable website from the database that will eventually be available to the public.

“Siena is based on service,” said Sofka.

“This was an amazing service learning project because my students got to see how people react when something horrible happens. They also learned what influences the differences in those reactions. It’s been an opportunity for students to learn and to give something back to the museum.”

On Wednesday, September 7, 2011, nearly 10 years after the terrorist attacks, nine Union Square scrolls and 44 reproductions were displayed in the “Sometimes Words are Not Enough” exhibit in the Siena College Yates Gallery and the Sarazen Student Union.

Following a peace vigil, students viewed the scrolls and were invited to write their own feelings on new “anniversary” scrolls.

“It’s amazing how there’s still so much emotion 10 years later,” said Alberto Sepulveda ’12. “I’m glad people came to the event today. I now understand how tragedies like this could happen and how we still struggle for peace.”

Komp and Wendy Petroci ’12, both social work majors, were two of the students involved in logging the content of the scrolls.

“I’m so excited that we get to share this exhibit with other people,” said

Left: The Yates Gallery on campus hosted a September 11 exhibit titled “Sometimes Words are not Enough.”

Center: A Panel discussion was held at the opening of the exhibit where Wendy Pojmann, associate professor of history; Lauren Komp ‘12; Carla Sofka, associate professor of social work; and Connie Frisbee, history collections technician at the New York State Museum discussed how Siena College students got involved in cataloging artifacts from the World Trade Center and creating an electronic archive of Union Square scrolls.

Right: Siena College President Fr. Kevin Mullen ‘75, O.F.M., Ph.D., led a special mass on campus to remember the victims of 9/11 and their families. The well-attended mass began at Foy Hall, which features a 9/11 Memorial Wall that lists the names of the members of the Siena community who died that day. From there, a procession led to St. Mary of the Angels Chapel.

Komp, a former student of Sofka and one of the researchers who worked on this project as a Summer Scholar. “This project definitely impacted what I’m thinking in terms of a career.”

Although current students still remember the tragic attacks of 9/11/01, the campus will soon be populated by a generation that was too young to have seen it firsthand. Exhibits like this one, and the research that goes into developing them, will keep 9/11 a part of history so we can continue to learn from it.

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A Philosophy of Global Citizenship

Student Production Earns Rave Reviews The Creative Arts Department recently kicked off their 2011-2012 season with an evening of two one-act plays produced, directed and designed by Siena students.

“Five Against the Wall” and “Trifles” premiered to sold-out audiences. The performances featured five student actors, Vinny Mignone ’12, Diana Perretti ’12, Marco Samaritoni ’13, Kasara SwartKaushal ’14 and Gladys Veloz ’14.

“This was really unique because it was all student generated,” Paul Ricciardi, assistant professor of creative arts said.

“It’s a way for students to practice what they are learning in the classroom.”

In a world where debates are often held on I­ nternet websites and dialogue has character limits, space for in-depth discussions about moral issues and citizenship is tight. As part of its ­Symposium on Living Philosophers, Siena provided the college Kwame Anthony ­community and members of the public with the ­Appiah, Ph.D., ­forum for detailed, intellectual discourse. ­Laurance S. ­Rockefeller This year’s Symposium is focusing on the work University Professor of of Laurance S. Rockefeller University Professor Philosophy at Princeton of Philosophy at Princeton University, Kwame University ­Anthony Appiah, Ph.D. Appiah has made significant contributions to understanding the nature of language, racial identity, political and moral relationships, and philosophical methodology. He visited campus to deliver a lecture on the idea of “world citizenship.” He proposed that members of very different nations can define themselves in ways that strengthen rather than undermine global peace and unity.

“What we owe people, in general, is that we should do our fair share to make sure that they have the resources to have a life of dignity,” Appiah said to a capacity crowd in Siena’s Key Auditorium.

As part of the Symposium, Siena students will examine these and other ideas presented by Appiah. They will develop and defend their own positions. Philosophers from other colleges and universities will visit campus throughout the school year to discuss Appiah’s thought. The Symposium will culminate in a panel discussion in spring 2012 where students will share their research projects with Professor Appiah.

New Judge Discusses Gun Control at Constitution Day Program

By Lexi Palma ’13 On the heels of her swearing-in ceremony, new United States District Judge for the Northern District of New York, the Honorable Mae D’Agostino ’77, was the keynote speaker at Siena College’s annual Constitution Day celebration. The Albany native is the first female judge to be appointed to the bench in the Northern Federal District. She was nominated by President Barack Obama and unanimously confirmed by the Senate 88-0.

“Siena has been a very large part of my life, and it remains a very large part of my life today ... I would not be where I am today without Dr. Len Cutler and the faculty at Siena College,” D’Agostino said.

She discussed the second amendment and some of the current gun control laws that are in place, as well as some of the proposed legislation concerning gun control, permits and licensing.

“I thought having an alum come to speak was a great way to honor Constitution Day,” Jen Stellar ’14 said. “[Judge D’Agostino] had a lot of great facts that reinforced her keynote address. She was really good with making it informational and relevant to the students.”

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The summer of 2011 brought ­several ­renovations to the Siena College campus, ­including the conversion of the Padua Hall entrance (bottom left) into two first-year ­seminar classrooms, ­redecoration of the music classroom and visual art studio in Foy Hall and a new Serra Hall kitchen. As requested by the students, exterior basketball courts were repaired and the Thompson Trail (right) was constructed to connect the New Hall to the parking lot behind Roger Bacon Hall. Some of the townhouses (bottom right) were also refurbished.

James Loewen, a New York Times Best Selling Author, came to campus to discuss myths about the Civil War in October.

They Will Teach You: 2011 Kieval Lecture

By Eric Guzman ’12

The Colloquium of the Hayyim and Esther Kieval Institute for Jewish-Christian Studies at Siena College celebrated its 27th year by hosting a scholarly discussion about the Book of Job titled “They Will Teach You.” “The idea is to have a close conversation about a challenging book not limited to a particular group; rather, bring students, faculty, staff, administrators and the greater community together,” said Kieval Institute Chair Rabbi Rena Kieval.

The Kieval Institute invited University of California at Berkeley Professor of Hebrew and Comparative Literature Robert Alter, Ph.D., and Siena College Professor of Religious Studies Michael Dick, Ph.D., to lead the interfaith conversation about the Book of Job. “The conversations and messages were very good,” said attendee Marvin Garfinkel. “Each presenter had a unique style but made very interesting points.”

The celebration concluded with Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany Bishop Howard Hubbard delivering the annual State of Catholic-Jewish Relations address from inside Siena’s first sukkah. The temporary, four-sided structure celebrates the Feast of Tabernacles, or Sukkot. Many departments on campus joined forces to build the structure, and with it greater interfaith understanding.

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Promoting Peace

By Eric Guzman ’12 Members of the Siena community joined together during “Peace Week” to raise awareness about the violent struggles plaguing people across the world. The Damietta Cross-Cultural Center, which promotes tolerance and equality among all people, hosted several events designed to spark thought and encourage dialogue.

The week began with a showing of the film God Grew Tired of Us, the story of John Dau, one of the 27,000 Sudanese refugees who were forced to flee from their homes in 1987. These refugees battled starvation, disease and violence as they traveled a thousand miles across Sudan to refugee camps. Dau now lives and works in Syracuse. He talked with members of the Siena community about the lessons he learned living as a refugee.

“Even if you are put in a tough situation, you have to continue to keep going,” explained Dau. “Struggle and success come together in a package.”

In addition to a fair trade chocolate tasting event hosted by the Sr. Thea Bowman Center for Women, students and faculty participated in peace-related performances.

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Family Weekend Welcomes Parents and Pets to Campus Almost 500 families came to campus in early October to celebrate Family Weekend.

“The weekend connects family to our Siena community,” said Jen Fraley, associate director of campus programs and student activities. “It’s important because community is one of our traditions here.”

Family Weekend was filled with activities for students and their families to enjoy, including a golf tournament, academic presentations and an arts and crafts fair. Families were also invited to attend bingo, the Travelin’ Max Show and Late Night Sarazen’s Mentalist show with Alain Nu. “My family had a great time at Family Weekend,” Katie Fitzpatrick ’15 said. “My younger brother stayed the night. He plans on enrolling here in a couple years so it was a great chance for him to experience Siena.”

Students and their families also participated in the popular blessing of the animals, an annual event that honors St. Francis of Assisi’s commitment to promoting peace and reconciliation among all God’s creatures.

Siena Launches College Based Transition Program

By Eric Guzman ’12 This semester the Siena community includes three special education students from Shaker High School. Siena has partnered with the North Colonie Central School District to develop a program that will help these students transition into adulthood.

Each student has a Siena student mentor who helps with assignments and reinforces appropriate socialization skills.

“The program is not only an opportunity for our students to learn how to help students with special needs; it is also an opportunity for our community to share talents and skills in helping these students transition to work and adult life,” said Michael Kelly, director of the Office of Services for Students with Disabilities.

Students who are 17-21 years old, and are in a public school program for students with disabilities, are eligible for the College Based Transition Program. Rather than remaining

Making an IMPACT

By Eric Guzman ’12

The hallways and classrooms of Roger Bacon Hall were full of young, energetic thinkers during the recent Department of Computer Science’s 6th annual Students Interested in Mathematics and Problem Solving unAware of Computer Talent (IMPACT) Program. IMPACT brings Capital Region high school students together To view a video of the IMPACT program visit www.siena.edu/news title search Making an IMPACT.

in high school special education classes, the students can now participate in programs that support their Individualized Education Plans in an ­a­­ge-appropriate setting.

This year’s pilot program consists of three Shaker High School students who come to Siena five days a week and participate in activities ranging from taking classes and working on campus to interacting in small groups and attending social events.

to participate in a series of activities aimed at sparking career exploration and developing an understanding of the computer science field.

“Most high schools don’t have the resources to provide an emphasis on computer science classes,” said IMPACT volunteer Tyler Mann ’13.

“It is so important since the concepts learned in these classes can be applied to many different areas.”

The high school students in attendance were nominated by teachers because they excel in mathematics and science.

“This program is great for those strong math students who don’t know what they can do with that skill

set. The jump is so large from high school to college and the first step is to expose the students to future possibilities,” said Colonie Central High School math teacher Dave Fields ’99. “IMPACT gives students the opportunity to learn more about the field of computer science through a unique, hands-on experience.”

The day-long program included several instruction sessions followed by interactive exercises. Teams of students competed against each other in programming challenges during which each student had a specific role to play. The goal of the day is to help highly-skilled students find their passion for computer science.

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National Roll Call

By Lexi Palma ’13

Siena College was one of 178 colleges and universities from all 50 states and the District of Columbia that celebrated Veterans Day by participating in the Remembrance Day National Roll Call. The National Roll Call was a coordinated reading of the names of more than 6,300 casualties of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom, now called Operation New Dawn.

“As this year marks the 10th anniversary of the tragic events that took place on 9/11, Veterans Day serves as a reminder of all U.S. service members who have lost their lives in post 9/11 combat,” said Associate Director of Campus Programs and Student Activities Jen Fraley. Siena College pledged its support of this nationwide effort to honor American service men and women who have paid the ultimate sacrifice.”

Volunteers throughout the community including Siena alumnus Congressman Chris Gibson ’86 read names of soldiers who sacrificed their lives for our country. The event started at 9 a.m. with a blessing from Siena College President Fr. Kevin Mullen ’75, O.F.M., Ph.D., and ended more than eight hours later with a closing prayer

by Siena College Chaplain Fr. Greg Jakubowicz, O.F.M., J.D. A highlight of the day was a nationwide moment of silence which was observed by all participating schools.

Many members of the community took a few moments from their day to come to the event and reflect.

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Hickey Financial Technology Center Stock Rises Since it was established in 2004, the Douglas T. Hickey ’77 Financial Technology Center has provided Siena College students with exposure to the data and tools used in the world’s largest financial centers through its Bloomberg terminals.

This year, the Center added 10 new Bloomberg terminals in its Raub Market Trading Room, thanks to a timely donation by the financial advisory firm Ayco and its Siena graduate employees.

“All of us at Ayco are delighted to enhance the hands-on market experience for Siena students through greater access to Bloomberg terminals,” said Joel Schaller, president and CEO of Ayco, a Goldman Sachs company. “As a company that employs more than 130 Siena graduates, we’re proud of our longstanding affiliation with Siena College.”

“Without the generosity of Ayco and its Siena alumni employees, these 10 new terminals would not be possible,” said Brad Bodmer ’82, the College’s director of external development who coordinated the donations.

SAINTS CORNER

Siena Athletes at Head of the Class Siena student athletes are among the most likely in the nation to graduate. According to the most recent NCAA data released in October, student athletes who entered Siena as freshmen in 2004 graduated from college at the rate of 98 percent. Siena’s Graduation Success Rate (GSR) is the best in the MAAC, and is surpassed nationally by just six schools, including four in the Ivy League.

Siena has ranked in the top ten percent of Division I institutions in all seven GSR reports and is one of just 21 schools to have posted a GSR of 93 percent or above in each report. The 98 percent marks Siena’s highest GSR ever.

“It is a goal of ours to earn national recognition for the academic achievements of our student athletes, so this is an accomplishment we truly cherish,” Fr. Kevin Mullen ’75, O.F.M., Ph.D., said. “At Siena, our athletes are students first.

Winning games is important, but we won’t sacrifice Siena’s

academic standards and our reputation to achieve athletic success. Our coaches have done a wonderful job recruiting young men and women who are committed to earning a Siena degree and the student athletes show they are committed by being national leaders for academic achievement.”

The report also broke down the GSR by sport, using a four-year class average (2001-2004) called a cohort rate to provide a big enough sample. Remarkably, 14 of Siena’s 18 Division I sports posted perfect 100% cohort GSRs, up from seven last year.

The NCAA developed the GSR seven years ago because the federal graduation rate does not credit institutions with student athletes who leave in good academic standing and go on to graduate, nor with transfers into the school who graduate.

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The Experience of a Lifetime

The women’s basketball team got a head start on their ­2 011–12 season with four games in August overseas.

From August 13–22 the Saints toured Denmark and Italy.

Check out photo galleries from the trip and a blog by visiting sienasaints.com keyword search Lily Grenci blog.

Leveraging ­Athletics Initiative four of Living Our Tradition—Siena College Strategic Plan 2011 – 2016 is to “expand and leverage investment in Division I athletics to promote the reputation of the College and enhance student engagement.”

Building on the recent success Siena’s student athletes have achieved on and off the playing fields, the College plans to enhance its investment in Division I athletics over the next five years to support this initiative.

The most substantial investment includes an addition to the Marcelle Athletic Complex, and a complete renovation of the Alumni Recreation Center. The project is expected to include a 13,000 square foot basketball wing with new team rooms for the men’s and women’s programs, and a completely redone gymnasium.

The College is also investing in personnel. Three new employees have already been hired: a director of student athlete engagement to help student athletes maximize their academic opportunities, and a box office manager and second sales assistant to improve customer relations and maximize revenue.

“Living Our Tradition recognizes the value of athletics and the continued academic and competitive successes of Siena’s student athletes and coaches. The plan’s athletic initiative is designed to benefit the college as a whole through recruiting, student and alumni engagement, facilities, community service and visibility,” John D’Argenio, athletics director, said.

Initiative four is designed to provide the Athletic Department with the resources needed to achieve the following five objectives: - The College will be a national leader in Graduation Success Rate for its student athletes - Athletic success will build upon academic achievements to broaden the regional and national reputation of the College and enhance student engagement - Athletic success will assist the process of national and international recruiting to contribute to, and help sustain, a culture of diversity on campus - Athletic success will assist the process of engaging alumni and strengthening their commitment to the College - Athletic revenue will increase

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Living the Franciscan Tradition Student athletes Julie Juchno ’12 and Meghan Yi ’12 of the golf and cross country teams, respectively, shared a unique experience this summer: volunteering with a special program in Namibia run by a former Siena student athlete.

Juchno and Yi spent seven weeks from mid-May to the beginning of July working at the BNC, teaching math and English to elementary-aged children.

The program is housed at the Bernhard Nordkamp Centre in Windhoek, Namibia and is directed by former women’s soccer player MaryBeth Gallagher ’86. Gallagher is a past recipient of the Siena Alumni Service Medal, and has spent many years in Africa doing missionary work while sharing her love of teaching and soccer with the “best Namibian children.”

“I gained a sense of appreciation for the life I have and the education I have been given,” noted Juchno. “In the end, the children taught me much more than I could have ever taught them.”

“I think Siena has really shaped my understanding of how to treat other people,” said Yi. “In a very Franciscan way, through my experiences at Siena and as a student athlete, I’ve learned to treat every person with the God-given respect they deserve simply because every person is made in the image of God.” Read Our Q & A with the student athletes and watch a video from the presentation they gave with Gallagher to the Siena campus in September at sienasaints.com keyword search Living the Franciscan Tradition.

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FACULTY AND STAFF NEWS

A T E P I G GR Lucas Tucker, Ph.D., assistant professor of chemistry led the research and

development team that invented a product designed to improve traction on the basketball court. The product, called Court Grip, is marketed nationally and is endorsed by professional basketball stars Dwayne Wade and Brandon Jennings. It is applied via a microfiber applicator to the soles of sneakers to enhance traction on the court. The product is sold at Foot Locker and on Eastbay.com in 8 oz. bottles for $14.99 and is designed for elite athletes as well as weekend warriors.

“Tucker’s vision and leadership was instrumental in the development and successful launch of Court Grip. When interviewing scientists to help lead the product development team, we instantly knew that he was the man for the job. His reputation in the industry and his attention to detail when it relates to research, chemistry and testing are second to none,” said Mark French, president of Mission Basketball.

Along with NBA players and other NCAA programs, the Siena men’s basketball team tested a variety of the original formulas with Tucker during the development process.

“After three years of extensive research and product development, I am thrilled to be part of the team that brought this revolutionary technology to the basketball marketplace,” said Tucker.

James Angstadt, Ph.D., professor of biology, ­ resented a research poster and presentation at the p ­annual meeting of the Society of Neuroscience in Washington, D.C. Amanda Simone ’11 and Nicole ­Peters ’12 were co-authors on the research project t­ itled “Effects of Riluzole on Cell DE-3 of the ­Medicinal Leech: Evidence that a Persistent Sodium Current Contributes to Postinhibitory R ­ ebound ­Responses and Bursting Activity Induced

by C ­ alcium-Channel Blockers.”

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Last June marked Angstadt’s fourth consecutive year serving as a faculty member in the “leech cycle” of the Neural Systems and Behavior Course at the Marine Biological Laboratory in Woods Hole, Mass.

This cutting edge course attracts graduate students and postdoctoral scholars from across the nation and around the world. Each year, Angstadt returns to the Siena campus with new ideas that he incorporates into his extensive research program and the lecture/ laboratory components of his neurobiology course.

Mark Berman has been appointed as ­Siena’s new Chief Information ­Officer (CIO).

After a ­national search, he was selected to start work in ­November 2011. Berman has more than 20 years of experience as a technology administrator and leader in higher education, most recently as CIO at the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts.

Before that, he worked at Williams College for nearly 16 years where he was responsible for planning, management and maintenance of all networks, networked applications and server systems.

He is a board member of the Northeast Regional Computing Program. He holds a bachelor of science degree in computer science from Empire State College and a master of science degree in telecommunications and network management from Syracuse University.

Ray Boisvert, Ph.D., professor of philosophy, represented the United States as an invited speaker at an international conference in Erfurt, Germany, over the summer. The conference theme, “Phenomenology and Pragmatism,” identifies two prominent 20th century movements, one from Europe and the other from the U.S. He was nominated to speak based on his scholarship in, and association with, pragmatism.

Mathew Johnson ’93, Ph.D., a­ ssociate professor of sociology and environmental studies, has received a new $50,000 three-year grant from the Bonner Foundation. The award recognizes Johnson’s innovative model of service-learning in which he connects Siena College students to our neediest neighbors and to the community partners that assist them through direct service.

The grant will bring to campus teams of faculty, staff, students and community partners from colleges and universities across the country for summer conferences on civic engagement.

Karin Mason, s­ eason costume shop supervisor for the Theatre Department, designed costumes for the reenactment scenes in the WMHT documentary titled ­“Prohibition Story” by ­William ­Kennedy ’49. The documentary was presented at the Revolution Hall in Troy, and Siena College served as an underwriter for the program which aired in October.

James Matthews, professor of mathematics and computer science, is the principle investigator for a $1.2 million grant awarded to Siena College by the National Science Foundation. This grant will fund a project proposal, developed by faculty from the schools of liberal arts and science, titled “NSF Noyce Mathematics and Science Teaching Scholarship Program at Siena College.”

This five-year project will recruit, certify and retain high-achieving science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) majors from Siena College to become teachers in high-need middle and high schools.

Other faculty members involved in the project are Larry Medsker, Ph.D., professor of computer science, physics and astronomy; Lucas Tucker, Ph.D., assistant professor of chemistry and biochemistry; Mark Jury, Ph.D., associate professor of education; and Michele McColgan, Ph.D., assistant professor of physics and astronomy.

Fr. Russel Murray, O.F.M., Ph.D., has been appointed as the new director of the Franciscan Center for Service and Advocacy.

Fr. Russel will oversee all of the center’s programs, work to increase its visibility, and engage the students and Siena community in support of the ­College’s Franciscan tradition.

“I was drawn to Siena College to work with young people and to make an impact in their lives,” Murray said.

“This is a vibrant, dynamic community and the Siena friary has a tremendous reputation within Holy Name ­Province.”

Murray spent the past four years as an assistant professor at ­Washington Theological Union in Washington, D.C., and served in a number of ­provincial ministries.

During his first months as d ­ irector, Fr. Russel led numerous outreach ­efforts and delivered the Clare Center lecture to celebrate St. Francis Week.

The lecture was titled “Get a Life! The Franciscan Tradition and the Education of a ­Lifetime.”

James Teresco, Ph.D., ­visiting ­ rofessor of computer science, prep sented a ­long-term project at the 16th annual Consortium for Computing Sciences in Colleges Northeastern Conference. The presentation displayed his ability to use the Google Maps API and highway mapping data as a pedagogical tool. Students in his Analysis of Algorithms class used the project as a hands-on ­approach to learn about graph structures and a­ lgorithms.

He also created a poster explaining the project for the 42nd ACM Technical Symposium on ­Computer Science ­Education ­Conference in ­Dallas, Texas.

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Alumni Conne ction

Patron of the Saints

By Mark Adam

The words “Cushing Village” run across a brick wall in gold letters at the site of one of the two townhouse apartment complexes at Siena College.

It is named for Siena’s largest individual donor, James Cushing. He was the first person chosen to serve on the Siena College Board of Trustees by Fr. Hugh Hines, O.F.M., who served as president of the College from 1976-89, and in 2008 he was named Trustee Emeritus.

Along with his late wife Maureen O’Sullivan ’83H, Cushing established the biggest scholarship endowment in the College’s history.

“ The Maureen O’Sullivan Cushing Scholarship provides awards for nearly 80 students annually and we are very thankful for their generosity to Siena College over the years.”

Dave Smith ’79, vice president for Development and External Affairs

Cushing built his wealth as owner of the Cushing Stone Co., which was purchased and headquartered in downtown Schenectady by his father, James E. Cushing Sr. ’58H. Fr. Hugh Hines O.F.M., a close friend of Cushing, officiated at his marriage to O’Sullivan in 1983.

O’Sullivan, mother of actress Mia Farrow, starred in numerous films during her career and played the role of “Jane” alongside Johnny Weissmuller as “Tarzan” in the 1930s.

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Cushing’s selflessness didn’t just affect Siena College or the number of other causes in the Capital Region related to education, the arts and medicine that he supported. In 1963, he took in his niece Cynthia Terry (Amerson) and his two nephews Willard and Jim Terry, helping to raise them. Their parents had passed away within a six-month span, so they turned to Uncle Jim. “He gave up everything for us,” Cushing’s niece Cindy Amerson said.

“He took over the Cushing Stone Company and got three teenagers in a very short time.”

The family was close during Amerson’s childhood, gathering at Cushing Stone Company and watching movies in Uncle Jim’s basement at 1839 Union St. They called it the “Cushing Stone Cellar Theatre.”

“The last 10 years Willard and I took care of him. I still watched movies with uncle Jim,” Amerson said. “He would

read Leonard Maltin’s book of best movies and he’d go through and ‘X’ his favorites. Then I’d order them.”

Amerson and her siblings were thrilled when he fell in love with O’Sullivan and married her in 1983.

“He met the love of his life,” Amerson said. “We were brought up very strictly and Maureen made him laugh; she took the edge off of him. We were all so happy because he deserved that.”

Cushing died peacefully on July 17, 2011 at the age of 90 following a long illness. He leaves behind family, including many Terry and Farrow granchildren, friends and a legacy of success and generosity.

Even though Cushing is gone, his name is literally set in stone at Siena College. It marks his love for this intimate college. It symbolizes his friendship. And it reminds us of the opportunities he continues to provide countless students.

Alumni Events

Art from the Heart

T

he following is a list of new scholarships and programs endowed as of December 1, 2011 through the generosity of alumni and friends of Siena College.

Siena College hosted “Art from the Heart,” a charity event featuring the work of artist and Siena alumna Shari Golub ­Schillinger ’86. Schillinger auctioned off nine paintings and donated all of the proceeds to eight local charities including Siena College. The event raised $11,245.

Endowed Scholarships

Sarazen Scholarship Dinner Andrew Le Blanc ’92, Barbara Ingenito and Ruth Richards, director of stewardship and donor relations enjoyed the annual Sarazen Scholarship dinner which raised nearly $55,000 this year for the Gene and Mary Sarazen Scholarship. The scholarship is awarded annually to students reflecting the high personal, athletic and intellectual ideals of Gene Sarazen.

Festa Vino This year’s event had a record-breaking crowd of more than 700 alumni, donors and friends of Siena College. The event raised $50,000 for the Saints Alive! Athletic Fund and the Center for Revolutionary Era Studies National Endowment for Humanities Challenge Grant.

Veterans Recognition Dinner Meg and John Atkinson ’87, LTC ­Samantha Ross, Fr. Ken Paulli ’82, O.F.M., Ed.D., ­Congressman Christopher ’86 and Mary Jo Gibson at Siena College’s Veterans Recognition Dinner on November 10, 2011.

The Anne and Pellegrino (Pete) ­ Jannotti ­Scholarship Gene Janotti ’68 The Kenosian Family Scholarship Martin ’50 and Joyce McCollum Kenosian The Oliver-Esposito Family Scholarship Gerald and Rebecca Esposito ’94 The Sean ’94 and Michelle Rose Scholarship Sean ’94 and Michelle Rose Dr. Arthur J. Wendth ’52 Scholarship Marcia C. Wendth Endowed Programs The Lewis Golub Executive Lecture Series Shari Golub Schillinger ’86 The Ann and Murry Schillinger HEOP ­Leadership Fund Shari Golub Schillinger ’86 The Siena College Veteran and Cadet Fund James S. Scully ’87 and John W. Atkinson ’86

Class of ’83 50th Birthday Party The Class of ’83 celebrated their collective 50th birthdays in a mini reunion in New York City on October 28-30. In honor of this occasion, they raised over $10,000 to add to the Class of ’83 scholarship which was established as their senior gift in 1983.

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Two Lives Connected by Service

By Mark Adam

In October, Joe Hourigan ’01 sent a friendly note to Fr. Dennis Tamburello ’75, O.F.M., and Br. Michael Harlan, O.F.M., updating them on the volunteer work he was doing in Arizona, and said that his commitment to service had been reinforced by them at Siena College. As a commuter student from Albany, he mentored children at St. Casimir School in Albany’s Arbor Hill neighborhood through a Franciscan Center for Service and Advocacy course.

One of his mentees was a first-grader named Frank Wilson. The story that followed would be stunning if this were not Siena College.

“Once I took that service class, it put me into the Franciscan world, and I’ve never left,” Hourigan said. “It was so rewarding.”

Hourigan and Wilson kept in contact even after the class ended. “Joe was one of Frank’s first big brothers who would go to personal events,” said Roberta Sims, Frank’s mother who, coincidentally, worked at the same grocery store as Hourigan years ago.

“They were together all of the time.”

While Wilson continued his connection to Siena as a member of its Mentoring Program, Hourigan graduated

“ I want to express my gratitude to the Siena Mentoring Program, Jim Snyder and the Bigs for their help in raising Frank. I am proud of his acceptance to Siena College and know that he came full circle thanks to the friendship of Joe Hourigan,” said Roberta Sims, Frank Wilson’s mother.

from Siena with a degree in marketing and management. He worked for Albany’s Housing Authority, helping the city’s homeless. Hourigan went back to school, graduated from Albany Law School in 2008 and took a job in the Albany County District Attorney’s office. Two years ago he moved to Arizona, joined a law firm and began volunteering for Phoenix Youth at Risk, a non-profit organization offering “a hands-on educational experience that opens the hearts and minds of troubled youth to a whole new realm of life possibilities.” He participates in two programs there, each with its own obstacles, both critical to the growth of its at-risk youth.

Hourigan began volunteering with Phoenix Youth at Risk’s elementary school program as a mentor to a 10-year-old homeless boy. He has since joined the high school program, and describes it as an intense, weekly, threehour program focusing on life-building skills. These workshops are put into practice with weekend activities and retreats. The primary goal is for the

students to graduate from high school.

At a recent session, he and the other mentors were asked to reflect on why they joined the program. In his email to Fr. Dennis and Br. Michael he wrote, “After careful thought, I couldn’t help but recognize what a large part the Franciscan Center played in my decision to join.”

As Hourigan continued serving others, Wilson remained in Siena’s Mentoring Program, learning and growing, and graduated from Bishop Maginn High School in 2011. He is one of seven kids in the program to matriculate to college this year. He chose Siena. “Siena’s like a second home for me,” said Wilson ’15, who is now in his first semester. As a freshman at Siena he has come full circle, and is volunteering in the very same Mentoring Program that helped shape his life. Like the many Siena students who mentored him, he is now making that same impact on another youth.

“I’ve seen the other side,” Wilson said. “Now I’m giving somebody else the experience that I was given.”

Left: Joe Hourigan ’01 with his mentee Jarrod at an Arizona Diamondbacks game in June 2011.

Top Left: Nate Maloney ’00 reads to a young Frank Wilson as part of Siena’s Mentoring Program.

Top Right: Frank Wilson ’15 with his mentee at a Mentoring Program outing this semester.

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Leaving a

LEGACY The decision for Lynn Rondeau ’75 to make an estate provision for Siena College was a natural one based on a life-long relationship with her alma mater.

She said it best when she represented alumni of the 70’s at the recent kick-off of the College’s new strategic plan. “Siena College is the place where I developed some of my closest friendships, while at the same time realizing a liberal arts education that allowed me to compete with the best and have a 35-year successful career with General Electric.”

Rondeau came to Siena from a middle-class family. The experiences she had at Siena were made possible by those who came before her and chose to support Siena. “Just as many have done before me, I have chosen to leave the door open for generations of students who will benefit their own Siena experience.”

Left: Lynn Rondeau ’75 with classmate Jack Sise ’75, Esq. at the Strategic Plan Launch Party this fall.

If you would like to learn how to join people like Lynn Rondeau ’75, who are leaving their legacy at Siena College, please contact Director of Gift Planning, Jack Sise ’75, Esq. at 518-783-2315 or jsise@siena.edu.

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class notes ALUMNI

Editors: Mary Beth Finnerty ’85, director of alumni relations; Lori Lasch ’06, assistant director of alumni relations and Eileen Verno, coordinator of alumni relations Please submit all class notes information to your class coordinator; or, if there is no coordinator listed for your class, please send all information to alumni@siena.edu for posting in the magazine. We look forward to hearing your news and updates!

1951 John Hourigan joninca@comcast.net Charles Jeseo charltax@aol.com

1952 Billy Harrell was recently inducted into the inaugural class of the Capital District Baseball Hall of Fame. He played basketball at Siena College from 1949 to 1952. After rejecting offers to play for the ­Harlem ­Globetrotters and the NBA’s Minneapolis Lakers, he ultimately pursued a professional baseball career. He made it to the major leagues, playing for Cleveland (1955, 1957, 1958) and the Boston Red Sox (1961). Congratulations, Billy!

1959 Frank Martin ftmartin@nycap.rr.com Our class was well represented at the October 20, 2011 Capital Region alumni luncheon held at the Century House. Those who heard the very informative discussions from our men’s and women’s basketball coaches, Mitch Buonaguro and Gina Castelli, were Dick Andrews, Tom Evans, Mel Kelsey, Ed LaRow, Ed Smith and Jack Weaver. I would like to see more of our local class members at our next alumni luncheon. Don’t forget to let me know what is happening in your area.

1962 Ken Deitcher dukaytravel@att.net Rodger Gillespie lives and writes in Pismo Beach, Calif. He has published four diverse novels, ­Corrupt to the Core, a gripping thriller; Primetime Lineup, a collection of short stories; two ­children’s books, Danny Wolff’s SIENA 28

Winter Adventure and Danny Wolff’s Lost Treasure Adventure; and his newest to be published, Plausible Deniability, another thriller. Congratulations, Rodger!

Gary Smith, Richard ­McLoughlin, Sanford Silverburg, Joe D’Andrea, Jeremiah Manning, Bill Smith and Art Strosberg hope to see all of you at our 50th reunion weekend. Mark June 1-3, 2012 on your calendar and join the fun!

1963 Kevin Raymond Kraymond27@comcast.net Bob Boehner’s career has been highlighted by excellence in education, teaching and service. He obtained a master’s degree from Siena in 1965 and worked for 30 years for Xerox, retiring in 1996. He studied law at UNC, Chapel Hill, earning a J.D. in 1999. Bob next taught at the Saunders College of Business at Rochester Institute of Technology.

He was recently appointed to the Benjamin Forman Chair for Teaching Excellence at RIT. His new responsibilities include mentoring faculty and research. Bob and his wife Joan live in Victor, N.Y. Geoff Harrington says “Thank you Siena! Now, 48 years after graduating, I can truly say that Siena, the institution, rewarded me with much more than an education. The influence of the friars and the faculty reinforced the basic fundamentals of character building.

Faith, morality, honesty and ethical behavior are cornerstones that define our lives. Siena provided this for me. Thank you, Siena!”

David Mooney and his wife ­Nancy are the proud parents of five children and nine grandchildren. They live in Murrells Inlet, S.C. ­After graduation, Dave was commissioned in the regular army, serving in Vietnam, Korea and Germany. He retired as a lieutenant colonel in 1984. Along the way, he

earned a master’s degree in international affairs from George Washington University and graduated from the U.S. Naval War College.

He worked in the private sector in the defense industry and retired in 2004. Dave is also an accomplished actor in community theatre and has ­appeared in more than 25 productions across the United States.

Gary DeGasta retired from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in 2008 after 41 years of distinguished service in social work and administration, including 20 years as CEO of the VA Medical Center in White River Junction, Vt. Gary also served as a colonel in the U.S. Army Reserves. He is a life fellow in the American College of Health Care Executives. Gary and his wife Fran, a registered nurse, live in Vt. Their two sons also live in New England.

1965 Jack Mulvey jkmulvey@gmail.com

1967 Rick Spataro Rspataro001@twcny.rr.com Congratulations to Stephen Machovic, Jr., who married Dawn Richards on July 10, 2011. Best wishes for a wonderful life together!

Got a “shout out” from John Ward ’69 after our last edition. John, his wife and children are living happily in the Albany, N.Y., area. It was great hearing from him and others.

Keep the communications coming, and hope to see you at reunion.

1968 Bill McGoldrick bmcgoldrick@wash-mcg.com Don Brady and his wife Flo have written two articles on sports-­related concussions that were published by the National Association of School Psychologists

in June 2011. With offices in East Syracuse, he has practiced for more than 20 years. The articles are an extension of Don’s 2004 Ph.D. dissertation, “A Preliminary Investigation of Active and Retired NFL Players’ ­Knowledge of Concussions.” Don points out that the focus on sportsrelated concussions continues to grow. The articles can be found online at www.donbrady.com.

Class Notes only works if you send your news to me at the email above. All the best to you and yours.

1970 Bob Hermann Rher311@aol.com Bill Robertson is retired and l­iving in Point Pleasant, N.J. He married Donna in 2009, who shares her wonderful grandchildren, ages 5 and 2. Bill had a long career in the pharmaceutical industry that included owning a marketing ­consultant business during the last 10 years of his career. He sounds like the same old Bill, a happy, carefree, loving person. Bill refers to himself as ‘old’ but since he is my age, he must be in error.

Tom Shields is retired from the New York State Department of ­Social Services where he was a budget analyst. He lives in Latham, N.Y. with his wife Barbara, a retired elementary school teacher. They have two children, Colin, 26, and Nicole, 20. Tom has been a friend of the National Park at G ­ ettysburg, a non-profit organization that maintains the battlefield and museum, and the historic ­Eisenhower Farm.

He spends one weekend there every year with volunteers from across the country, working on restorations. For those of you who live in Pennsylvania, I will try to get Tom’s Gettysburg address.

Bob Stivers and his wife MJ recently relocated from Atlanta to Rochester as the result of a new

position he has taken as manager of information services with Harter, Secrest & Emery, a regional law firm with offices in Rochester and Buffalo. For the past 30 years, Bob has worked in several large law firms in Atlanta, Washington, D.C., and Kansas City. He and MJ plan to build a retirement home in Holland, Mich., within the next year, and eventually retire there. Relocating to Rochester in June seemed like a reasonable way to begin their transition from the South to the North.

Thanks for sharing your stories.

I hope to hear from more of you so I can share your stories with the class.

1971 Nicholas Positano njpositano@gmail.com Maj. Gary Sosnowski used his Siena ROTC experience as a steppingstone to serve as an artillery officer and pilot in the Army for 20 years. He spent time in Korea, Germany and Italy. Gary continued flying planes and helicopters professionally after retiring from the Army 20 years ago, and now works for the FAA. He has no plans to retire and lives on five acres in the Oklahoma countryside with his wife of 31 years. They have two children, a son, 26, and a ­daughter, 23.

1972 Jack Callahan Jackcallahan33@gmail.com Wow, at this time 40 years ago we had finally made it to the top of the food chain at Siena and were seniors. Next June we celebrate the 40th anniversary of our Siena graduation at reunion weekend.

I know many things have happened in our lives in those short 40 years, and I hope you can take some time out of your busy life and attend the reunion. There are many people I would love to see again and catch up with. Some who immediately come to mind are Jim McKee, Dan Finucane, Ron Davis, Kevin Burbige, Steve Sgambati, Mike Winkler, Don Lomanto, Tom Joyce, Jim Hart and Bob Kalafut, just to name a few. I hope you are all well and can be at the reunion.

There are many others I am thinking of as well. If we each take a moment to think of 10 people who come to mind, reach out to them and suggest they attend the reunion, what a great reunion we could have!

The Alumni Office and I would

be glad to be the conduit for you to reach out to those you would love to see at reunion. The Alumni Office is looking for volunteers to work on the reunion committee.

Please contact me or the Alumni Office for information. Mark your calendars for June 1-3, 2012. If you haven’t been back to the campus in many years, you will be quite pleased to see how Siena has grown.

1973 Brian Valentine bgvalentine@verizon.net Fr. Steven Pavignano, O.F.M., is the new pastor of St. Clare Church in Buffalo, N.Y. Fr. Steve was ­appointed pastor by Bishop Edward Kmiec in July 2011. Prior to this appointment, Fr. Steve was pastor at All Saints parish in New York City.

Joseph Cardillo’s newest nonfiction book, “Your ­Playlist Can Change Your Life: Ten Proven Ways Your Favorite Music Can ­Revolutionize Your Health, Memory, Organization, A ­ lertness and more …” is scheduled for release January 1, 2012. Joe is the best-selling author of several health, mind-body-spirit and psychology books, including “Be Like Water,” “Bow to Life,” and “Can I Have Your Attention?” He writes a popular bi-weekly blog on attention training for Psychology Today and received the prestigious 2011 State University of New York Chancellor’s Award for Scholarly Research.

1975 Janet Gutowski Hall Janet.hall@wku.edu Cynthia Dott coordinated a donation drive in honor of the St. Francis of Assisi feast day in October for the Mohawk Hudson Humane Society. The drive was primarily to help families and their pets hit hard by Hurricane Irene. While a student at Siena, she remembers the blessing of the animals, which is still a tradition today.

1976 Jean Reamer jpreamer@comcast.net Julie McCarthy Manbeck, a fellow accounting major, missed our June reunion, but has shared a snapshot of her busy 35 years.

Julie worked for GE for 17 years in various financial management capacities and in many domestic and international locations. She met her

husband, a patent attorney, at GE headquarters. ­Happily married for 22 years, they live in the Washington, D.C., area and have a daughter, Emily. After Julie retired from GE, she became very active with the PTA and board of their daughter’s school. She volunteers at her church and for Capital Hospice. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, travel and playing golf.

Elizabeth “Liz” Lyon Boyd reports that she finally got married at 52 after having a very successful career working in New York State government and in the technology industry, including 15 years at IBM. She married a Canadian widower with five sons and is now retired and loves being a mom. She works with the Victoria, B.C., diocese on the local high school council and with her cathedral’s fundraising committee, imparting many lessons she learned at Siena. She was fortunate to visit the birthplace of St. Francis of Assisi last year with her husband and two sons, and is going to the Holy Land in March 2012.

Frank Preda had a busy summer at dock diving competitions with his champion dock diving dog. A relatively new sport, dock diving, also known as dock jumping, is a dog sport in which dogs compete in jumping for distance or height from a dock into a body of water. ­Competing dogs can jump anywhere from 9 to 25 feet.

Jim and Carol Walker ­Bouyea’s daughter, Jill, and her ­husband, Webb, are proud parents of their first child, a beautiful little girl ­Elizabeth (Ellie) Webster ­Thompson, born on September 8, 2011. Ellie joins two Bouyea cousins, Abigail, 5, and Hayden, 3.

Jim and Carol recently celebrated a fabulous milestone, 35 years of marriage. Congratulations to all.

I recently spoke with Mary Jo Dwyer Walsh who is married to Tom Walsh ’75. Mary Jo is enjoying retirement, especially since it is giving her the opportunity to spend more time with her mom.

On a personal note, I celebrated 35 years of service with HP (Enterprise Services) in July. I am a dinosaur in today’s time, working that many years for one company, but it is actually three. I started with Western Union after school, and in 1985 was transitioned to EDS, which was bought by HP in 2008. It has provided many opportunities, including four years in Australia, where I met my husband of nine years, Graeme Keam. We live outside of Philadelphia.

1977 Linda Fitzsimmons lindafitzsimmons@gmail.com Gary Holle was recently inducted into the inaugural class of the ­Capital District Baseball Hall of Fame.

He played professional baseball for the Milwaukee ­Brewers, the Texas Rangers, the Chicago White Sox and the ­Philadelphia Phillies. ­Congratulations, Gary!

Mark your calendars for June 1- 3, 2012, for our reunion weekend!

1978 Rick Gabriel rgabrielsyr@gmail.com After going to the five-year ­Siena reunions, several of my alumni friends decided that meeting every five years was just not enough.

About 10 of us meet ­annually at the Jersey Shore for a long weekend of fun, talking about old times and making new memories. I cannot tell you how much fun it is getting together on an annual basis. I highly recommend that you contact the Siena Alumni Office, find out who your local chapter representative would be and help organize an event in your area.

1979 Sue Reilly Hayes Clifton522@aol.com The best part about writing this column is getting an email from a long lost classmate with an update on his or her life. This summer I heard from Mike Kowalski. After Siena, Mike attended New York University School of Medicine, graduating in 1983. He did a general surgery residency at Staten Island Hospital, served as an active duty U.S. Army medical officer for five years and then practiced emergency medicine in the private sector in Utica for 16 years until December 2006. Mike retired from private practice to work as a full-time emergency ­department attending physician at the Syracuse VA Medical Center. Mike’s next big life change occurred this year when he and Peggy, his wife of 24 years, relocated to Tucson, Ariz. Both are now full-time members of the ­medical staff at the Southern A ­ rizona VA Healthcare System. Mike is the night shift emergency department attending physician and Peggy is an attending physician in the pathology department. ­Congratulations on your new a­ ssignment, Mike, and try not to miss upstate New York’s SIENA 29

NEWSMAKER

Dr. Joseph Marotta ’80, founder and president of ­Medicus in Christi, was ­presented to His Holiness, Pope Benedict XVI, by ­Cardinal Turkson on the front steps of the Vatican.

NEWSMAKER

Fr. Mark Reamer ’83, O.F.M., pastor of the Catholic ­Community of St. Francis of Assisi, recently marked 25 years as a member of the Order of Friars Minor.

winter weather TOO much! Meanwhile, Mike would love to hear from classmates at his new email address, pegmikeski@gmail.com.

Bill Ramsey also checked in this summer with greetings from Orlando, Fla., and reported on his recent pilgrimage to Italy with his parish. The trip included stops in Florence, Sorrento, Rome and Assisi. “Walking where St. Francis walked and praying at his tomb were moments that will stay with me forever,” Bill wrote. His group also had third row seats for an audience with Pope Benedict XVI. Bill picks up the story, “Many of the groups in attendance have their names called out to the crowd. I was listening for my parish’s name but that didn’t happen. Instead I heard ‘Siena College of Loudonville, N.Y.’ I immediately sprang to my feet and gave a loud shout for Siena. I heard the cheers from the Siena group, but they were a number of rows back so I represented Siena and the class of ’79 that day in Rome.” In other news, Bill recently got together with Tim O’Brien ’78, his wife Melanie and about 20 of the O’Brien clan as they vacationed in Orlando. Bill writes, “Tim and I had a few beers and reminisced about the boys SIENA 30

from Plassmann Hall. The tales get bigger as we age!” He closes with a sentiment I know we all share, writing, “Finally, please offer some prayers for my good friend and our classmate, Kevin McAleese, as he continues his battle with brain cancer.” As I recall, Bill and Kevin have been close buddies ever since their elementary school days back in Hicksville, N.Y. Huge thanks to Mike and Bill for sharing their news.

1980 Diane DeSilva desidian@shenet.org Anne Bradley is still doing t­ riathlons and went for the big one.

She did Ironman Idaho on June 26, in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, which included a 2.4 mile swim, a 112 mile bike ride, and a 26 mile run. She placed 25 out of 55 in the 50-to-54year-old age group. Overall, Anne said it was a great experience.

Dorothy Skiba Pisarski earned tenure and was promoted to associate professor of advertising at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa.

Anthony J. Capobianco has been named treasurer of the ­Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region’s Board of Directors in ­Albany, N.Y. The mission of the foundation is to strengthen the community by attracting charitable endowments both large and small, maximizing benefits to donors, making effective grants and providing leadership to address community needs. Anthony is principal of Capobianco Financial Advisors in Clifton Park, N.Y. Joseph J. Marotta, M.D., founder and president of Medicus in Christi, was presented to His Holiness, Pope Benedict XVI, by Cardinal Turkson, on the front steps of St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. “My audience, one-on-one, with the Holy Father was an experience I will cherish forever,” said Joe. He is an orthopedic ­surgeon in Troy, N.Y. Medicus in Christi (Doctor in Christ) was founded to provide modern and compassionate medical care to impoverished people of the third world. Joe was recently ­recognized in 2011 by U.S. News & World Report as one of “America’s Top Doctors.”

1982 Bob Young rjy60@yahoo.com Given our class’s graceful age, I feel these updates should be more personal than promotions and ­career changes; besides, haven’t we

all conquered our own worlds?

That said, I did get an update from Chris Mangold. Chris is a partner in a law firm in White Plains, N.Y., and lives in ­Greenwich, Conn.

Last ski season on a trip home from Gore Mountain, he, his wife and two daughters stopped at “Bucca de Beppo,” a restaurant in Colonie owned by Tim Rossi. The two enjoyed catching up. My son, Jeff, a junior at Siena, and I have had great meals there, too. Great restaurant, Tim! On October 19, 2011 a group of lacrosse alumni met at the Harvard Club in New York City, thanks to Tom Baldwin ’81. We welcomed John Svec, Siena’s new lacrosse coach.

The event included about 50 lacrosse alumni, along with other guests.

Our class was represented by Mike Baldwin, Don Krause, Terry Regan, Frank Bice and me. A dozen of us went out for dinner after the event, and as usual we reminisced and had a great night.

Frank Bice spoke to the group at the Harvard Club and introduced a book he wrote, “Your Cross is Your Gift.” While reading the book, I found myself remembering, crying and recalling those days at Siena with Frank. He shares personal stories of his life experiences and connects them to the Gospel. Given our ­Franciscan education, it is truly a great story and one that has given me fresh ­perspective on life. It is a great read and whether you know Frank or not, his personal ­challenge and his story will touch your life. Frank also does a short homily each morning on his ­Facebook page, often referring to his Siena days.

They, like his book, are often humorous, but also thought provoking.

Frank can be reached through his website ­www.frankbice.com.

With more Siena memories made, I look forward to seeing all of you at the 30th class reunion coming this June.

1983 Elvira Altimari-Jaeger Eaj6@optonline.net Guest writer for this column is Jackie Ellsworth Murray.

The 5-0hhh celebration for the class of 1983 was more than we could have hoped for: great turnout (despite the freak snow!), great venue, great fun, and most of all, great people. Our Friday night kickoff at the Red Lion was awesome with live music and lots of catching up with about 40 of us in attendance. The snow and sleet on Saturday morning brought lots of concern about many of the 80 who

were expected, but most of us made it. Moose (Mike Higgins) drove from Buffalo Saturday morning through the worst of it, and we had Rain’n Men all night long. The only piece missing was Big Dom’s at 3 a.m. when we closed the Windfall. But in NYC, we could get anything we wanted. It was an extraordinary time warp for all of us, and it just shows how great our class still is. We rocked NYC! Also, over $10,000 was raised for the Class of ’83 scholarship fund.

Thank you so much to all of our generous donors and to everyone who participated in the trivia contest which also raised money for our class scholarship. If you have not done so already, please consider giving. You can either make a pledge or donate directly at any time. For more information on making a gift or pledge, contact the Alumni Office at alumni@siena.edu. Thank you to the committee, ­especially Jackie Ellsworth ­Murray, Karen DeBlieux Vachon and Mike “Moose” Higgins for pulling it all together. Shout-outs go to all the people who were NOT in attendance – you were missed and now you have to mark your calendars for the 30th reunion in June 2013.

The 5-0hhh will be hard to top, but we’ll find a way.

1984 Lisa SanFrantello McCutcheon mcclisa@yahoo.com Most of us are approaching our 50th birthday celebration this ­coming year. I welcome everyone who is doing anything special for that big birthday to send in notes or pictures.

My second child is heading off to college next fall. Her senior year is flying by, and before long we will have two in college and just one home.

I’d love to hear how any of you out there have survived this stage. I was cheering for Siena, but so far, I don’t have one ­attending. I am holding out for number three to go.

Gail Trombley Grieger proudly welcomed her daughter, Meagan, into the alumni family in May 2011.

She is hoping her son, Mike, will be a member of the class of 2016.

Send me your news to share with the class!

1985 Cathy & Ron Bjorklund Bjork90@comcast.net More mini reunions for the class of 1985: Rich Dunn, John Geantasio, Donny Avondolio and Kevin McLaughlin got together to vacation with their families in Lake George.

While there, they took in the action

Class o f 1985 Girls’ Weekend in Mo nt real

Class o f 1985 In Lo ng Beach Island, NJ

Class of ’85 Girls’ Weekend in Montreal included Bibiana King, D enise Patriarco Foster, Sue Cronin, Sue Maserjian, Beth Gaer McMillan ’86, Priscilla D uffy Armsby, Cynthia Flynn Sobiecki and Elena Abad Smith.

Kevin Gibson, Russ Irving, Jill Louis Irving, ­Connor Finnerty, Mary Beth Finnerty, Paul Finnerty, Rick Louis, Rob Pastore, Cyndi Mihal Pastore, Cathy Casey Bjorklund and Ron Bjorklund celebrate summer in Long Beach Island, NJ.

at Saratoga where Rich (who must have a hook in the stables) was the big winner, again! The families enjoyed hanging out together, sharing laughs and memories of their time at Siena that brought them all together as friends. They are hoping to make it an annual event.

Liz Holstein Lupinacci has joined MSP Digital Marketing as vice ­president, national accounts. MSP Digital specializes in using crossmedia applications in the development and execution of targeted marketing communications, content aggregation and on-demand distribution of customized content for the educational, non-profit, healthcare, financial and retail markets.

Doug Poetzsch and Cathy ­Schelhorn Poetzsch ’84 celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary on September 27, 2011. They have three children, Doug, Jack and Leigh.

Doug is executive vice president with ACE USA Claims, and Cathy recently completed her fifth half marathon. They live in West Islip, N.Y. Being dragged to all those alumni picnics as kids must have made an impression! This year’s freshman class includes four ­legacies: ­Carolyn Windover, daughter of Patty ­DeBeauvernet Windover and Mark Windover ’83; John ­Brennan, son of John Brennan and Lynda Hillin Brennan ’86; Connor Finnerty, son of Mary Beth Sniffin Finnerty and Paul Finnerty; and Michael Silk, son of Claudia Casey Silk and Kevin Silk.

1986 Edward Giordano Edward86@thegiordanos.us Susan Slattery susanslattery@gmail.com Michelle Roche mrroche@comcast.net

1987 Gerry McAndrew Geraldine.m.mcandrew@comcast.net

Retrieval System. They ­traveled to Maryland to present their published results in November.

Mark your calendars for June 1-3, 2012 for reunion weekend!

1990

1988

Congratulations to Michele ­Ferris Hoffmann and her husband Paul who recently adopted a baby boy, Brady, who joins big brother, Ryan.

The family is living in Utah and makes the trek back to Lake George as often as they can. Send updates, we would love to hear from you!

Paula Cacossa Wang Pc6888@comcast.net Nanci White Beyerl is the e­ xecutive director and founder of Peaceful Acres Horses, Inc., a farm that offers a therapeutic environment for both horses and people.

Nanci earned a level one certificate from the Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association in 2004 and then decided to go back to school to earn a master’s degree in social work, which she completed at Adelphi University in 2007. Great work, Nanci!

Andy Heck has been named chairman of the National RV ­Dealers Association. He will be representing the organization to industry and government. Andy is president of Alpin Haus with ­locations in ­Amsterdam, Clifton Park and ­Saratoga, N.Y.

1989 Mike Carbonaro Sienanews.1989@yahoo.com Sharon Gower Small accepted a full-time faculty position in the Computer Science Department at Siena. While a visiting professor at Siena last year, she was ­inducted into the Upsilon Pi Epsilon Honor ­Society for Computing and Information Disciplines. She was awarded a Siena Summer Scholars grant to work with six computer science students this past summer. The students are participating in a worldwide competition run by NIST, and have completed a ­Twitter Information

Janet Shotter Swierbut jswierbut@yahoo.com

1991 Kevin Clarke siena91@optonline.net Valerie Higgins O’Dell and her husband Jim live in Rotterdam, N.Y., with their three boys, Zac, 13, Jesse, 11, and Shane, 9. In between football, basketball and baseball, Val is the director of finance for the New York State Public Employee Federation. She was sad to miss our 20 year reunion and promised to be there for number 25. We are up to 107 members on our Facebook page, Siena Class of 1991. Check it out and post some news for everyone. Keep the updates coming! For the next issue, let’s hear from Diana Dertinger Goethe, John ­McDermott and Alison Brooks Wallace.

1992 Mary Pat Mcloughlin Holler jmpholler@yahoo.com I hope this issue finds all of you well and planning to attend reunion weekend next June. The reunion committee has started the planning and it looks like it will be a great weekend. If you are interested in getting involved in the planning,

please contact me or the Alumni ­Office. The more the merrier. You will be hearing more from the committee in the coming weeks and months, so please be on the lookout for information about the weekend and donations to our class gift.

Congratulations to Michelle ­Napierski-Prancl and Andrew Prancl on the March 31, 2011 ­arrival of their son, Brian Harrison. He joins big brothers, Colin and Trevor.

As always, I welcome your u ­ pdates and hope to hear from many of you for the next issue. Looking forward to seeing all of you for our reunion in June!

1993 Sue Hannon Shannon@ryeneck.k12.ny.us Big news this issue involves my very own townhouse, ­number 33, the ‘romper room’! Colleen Manahan married Mike McKeon “Shooty” in a destination wedding in beautiful Key West, Fla., over Columbus Day weekend. Three days of fun included kayaking, our very own train ride through the city singing the Siena fight song, a sunset cruise, dancing and air guitar at Sloppy Joe’s and, of course, the exchanging of vows.

In attendance were Michelle Young ­McLaughlin, Kiersten Brown Hitchcock, Alisa Cure Callahan, Megan Snell ­Normann ’94, Mike Normann “Storm” ’92, Mike Brown and me. A great time was had by all. ­Honestly, I think all weddings should be destination weddings. We really got the chance to catch up and spend some quality time together. Thanks, Colzer and Shooty for a great party!

Mike Serbalik has been awarded the first ever Johnny Evers ­Sportsmanship Award in the ­inaugural class of the Capital District Baseball Hall of Fame. Mike played with the ­Dodgers ­organization and founded the ­All-Star Sports SIENA 31

NEWSMAKER

1996 Brian Murray murray21@hotmail.com

1997 Selena Dutcher selena.dutcher@townsquaremedia. com Christopher DeFilippis ’02 was hired as an associate in Wolff & Samson’s Trusts and Estates Group. ­ cademy, an indoor sports facility in A Latham. He does a lot of work with kids in the area. ­Congratulations, Mike!

If you have news or updates, send them along, or I’ll just have to start making stuff up!

1994 Glenn Hofsess gh@endcap.com Jay Jay (Jayne) Nesheim recently accepted a position as the head of communications for ESPN Films and ESPN’s Content Development group, based in New York City.

Best of luck in your new position, Jay Jay. Tony Weaver and his wife Lauren welcomed their fourth daughter on May 17, 2010, Meegan Catherine.

She joins big sisters Annelise, Ameli and Abigail.

Adelle Locatelli Lashbrook was married on July 3, 2010 to Chris Lashbrook. They welcomed their first child, Mason Christopher, on May 16, 2011.

Mark McCambley and his wife Ann Marie are proud to announce the birth of their son, Jack Thomas, on July 2, 2011.

It is with great sadness that I share this final story. My roommate from townhouse 22, Scott Secor, ­suddenly passed away on September 13, 2011. Scott moved to Florida in 1999 and was an auditor for MetLife in Tampa. Always an avid sports fan, Scott could be counted on for an engaging debate on anything sports related, but especially the NFL or the Yankees. He had a way of drawing you in with his easygoing personality, and was always fun to be around. The guys of townhouse 22 miss you, Scott, and consider ourselves fortunate to have known such a great guy.

Thanks for the great memories, W.A.

1995 Neil Wilcove nwilcove@fmglaw.com SIENA 32

We hope you can join us for ­reunion weekend in June!

1998 Janine Trapp Scotti Sienasaints98@yahoo.com Amy Becker Drumluk and Sandy Drumluk are excited to announce the birth of their daughter, Siena Nichole, born February 11, 2011. She is named after Siena College where they met and both worked in the Admissions Office from 1997 to 1998. The family lives in Dryden, N.Y., where Amy teaches at Newfield Elementary School.

Congratulations to Jason Rich and his wife Victoria Kelts, on the birth of their son, Benjamin Parker, born on August 30, 2011.

Jeffrey Clausen and Laura ­Bockute were married on July 16, 2011.

Jonathan Rasmussen married Erica Peters on September 17, 2011.

I was honored to attend the wedding of my former Siena roommate and good friend, Stacy Lee, who married David McNamara in a beautiful ceremony on Long Island on September 30, 2011. Bridesmaids included Colleen Garry Corrigan and Dana Panagot.

Doreen Springsteen-Gibbes sent an update regarding her three ­adopted sons. Xzavier completed a semester at Johnson & Wales ­University, Alexander graduated from Albany High School and Chavez is attending a culinary arts program.

Keep the updates coming. We look forward to hearing from you.

1999 Brendan Fitzgerald nyfitzgerald@gmail.com Lora Gurley Owen and her husband Jason welcomed their fifth child, Jeremiah Franklin, on August 13, 2011. His brothers, Josiah and Caleb, and sisters, Talia and Shiloh, are very excited to have a new baby brother.

Tim Breault and Kim ­Karbowski Breault welcomed their second child, Nora Jane, in December 2010.

Tim, Kim and big sister Kate live in ­Huntersville, N.C.

Scott Lorey and his wife Susan, who celebrated their 10th wedding anniversary in August, welcomed their third child, Michael Steven, on March 29, 2011. Michael joins brother ­Matthew, 8, and sister Morgan, 5.

Megan Hickey Kapusta and her husband Chris announce the birth of their daughter, Addison Marie, on August 18, 2010. She joins her adoring big brother, Logan, who will be three in June. ­Congratulations, everyone!

2001 Maura Mack Sienanotes01@gmail.com

Joseph Hourigan recently touched based with Fr. Dennis ­Tamburello ’75, O.F.M., ­regarding his community involvement in Phoenix, Ariz.

Building on his experience while enrolled in the Franciscan Center for Service and Advocacy where he was assigned to the St. Cashmir’s Regional School in Arbor Hill, Joe has become a very active volunteer mentor to a 17-year-old high school Shaymus Schweitzer student and a 10-year-old homeless Sienasaints2000@hotmail.com child through Phoenix Youth at Risk.

Congratulations to Alan Ellis and He believes that mentoring David Carrie Blasi Ellis ’01, who welcomed and Jarrod has impacted his life a baby girl, Christine Elizabeth, into beyond measure. In addition, Joe is their lives on ­October 1, 2009. a member of the Franciscan Renewal Tracy Correale Catalanotto and Center of Scottsdale, Ariz., and has Vito Catalanotto welcomed their recently been appointed as a yellow second child, Vito Richard, on May 4, jacket member of college football’s 2010. Four-year-old big sister, Eva, is Fiesta Bowl Committee. He credits the best big sister. his time at Siena with providing Ellen Saleem Zwijacz and her hus- him with the foundation needed to band Andy welcomed Zandan Michael become involved in his community, John into their family on December and believes his time at Siena has 29, 2010. Mom, dad and baby Zandan guided him and continues to lead him are all doing well. to many great experiences. ­Josepha Francesca Loscalzo Tillou and her Longo opened the Sonic Car Wash in husband Gregg welcomed Cameron Rotterdam, N.Y., a three-bay, touchJoseph to their family on February 13, free car wash that is open 24 hours a 2011. Cameron is being entertained by day. ­Congratulations! big brother, Maxwell John, who is 15 months older.

Maj. Edward Cardinale and his Christine Cinnamond wife Elizabeth welcomed their third child, Haley Ryann, on April 7, 2011. christine.cinnamond@gmail.com Haley joined big sisters Grace and Mary Buckheit has Kaitlin. Ed was home on midtour accepted the position leave from Afghanistan when Haley of ­international ­ was born. Trained as a Chinook hecommunications and licopter pilot, Ed has been stationed media relations director at the in Alabama, Alaska, South Korea Mike Horn PANGAEA Young and, most recently, Fort Drum, N.Y. ­Explorers Program, and is moving to He and his ­family will be moving to ­Switzerland. Prior to taking her new Colorado Springs, Colo., where Ed position, Mary worked at ESPN as will be working for the U.S. Army the associate editor of ESPN. com, Space Command.

Sportsnation and as a reporter and Lauren Goulet Bianchi and her feature writer contributing to Page 2, husband Chris welcomed their third ESPN Action Sports, college sports, child, Megan Claire, on May 4, 2011. espnW, ESPN Music and the X Big sisters Ella and Anna are so happy Games coverage. to have a new sister.

William Firth has joined Towne, Maria Linden Bieluch wrote to Ryan & Partner, P.C. as an associate announce the birth of her daughter, attorney. His practice will focus on Casey Denise, on May 13, 2011. She insurance defense litigation with an joins her three-year-old big sister, emphasis on automobile, construcKennedy Brook. The family is ­living tion and premises liability. in New York City, where Maria works Christopher DeFilippis joined as a physician at the Mount Sinai the West Orange, N.J. firm of Medical Center.

Wolff & Samson P.C. as an associBrian Wolters and Elizabeth ate in the trusts and estates group. ­DeFries Wolters ’06 were married Chris received his J.D., cum laude, at the Albany Country Club on from Albany Law School of Union ­September 3, 2011. After a honeyUniversity. moon on the islands of Maui and Congratulations to all! Don’t Kauai, the couple lives in Latham, forget to mark your calendars for very close to Siena. reunion weekend June 1-3, 2012.

2000

2002

2003 Gina Gizzi Sienasaints_2003@hotmail.com Congratulations to Jonathan Hicks and Jillian Milewski, who were friends from freshman year, dating since 2007, and married on September 3, 2011.

Best wishes to Stefanie Van Wie Wiley and her husband Scot on the birth of their second child, Audrie Marie.

Gunta Basko married Kristaps Melnbarde on August 6, 2011.

Erica Anderson was named ­assistant coach with the UMass Lowell women’s basketball program.

Erica joins UMass Lowell ­following a five-year professional career in ­Europe. Congratulations to all of you!

2004 Jolleen Wagner Jolleen_wagner@yahoo.com Jennifer Toohey, who received her national board certification for ­teaching in November 2010, and her husband Raymond welcomed ­daughter, Abigail Lynn, to their ­family, on July 26, 2010.

Kevin Roberts married Brooke Ford ’05 on June 25, 2011 in Troy, N.Y. Nicholas Campanile married Samantha Klanac on September 17, 2011.

Eric Hungershafer married Amy Haydock on July 16, 2011 in Niskayuna, N.Y., surrounded by many Siena friends. At Northwestern Mutual, Eric finished number seventy-six for new clients nationally among approximately 6,500 financial representatives.

Congratulations to all of these fabulous couples!

2005 Breanne Suhrland Elsesser bsuhrlan@att.net I am excited to announce that on July 30, 2011, I married Christopher Elsesser ’06. Look for details in my husband’s Class of 2006 Class Notes.

Wedding bells were also heard on November 5, 2010 as Gianna ­Ferranti married Eric Morrissey.

Gianna graduated from the SUNY Stony Brook School of Dental ­Medicine in 2009, and in 2010 ­completed a general practice residency at the Veterans Affairs Center in Dallas, Texas. She is working as a general dentist in private practice.

Eric received his master’s degree in public administration from Pace ­University, where he holds the

­ osition of assistant director of govp ernment and community relations.

With Siena friends in ­attendance, Fr. Dan Dwyer ’74, O.F.M., ­officiated the marriage of Timothy Moran and Christina Durante ’06 in Garden City, N.Y., on June 11, 2011.

Kathryn Ferry married Patrick Weatherup in Saint Mary of the ­Angels Chapel at Siena College on June 26, 2010. The reception was held at Wolferts Roost Country Club with many Siena alumni in ­attendance.

In March, Christopher Moro became engaged to Jessica Neumann of Hillsdale, N.J. Chris is continuing his career at KPMG LLP, where he has worked since graduating, and was recently promoted to manager of compensation strategies. The ­wedding is planned for May 2012.

Congratulations to everyone!

2006 Chris Elsesser Christopher.elsesser@gmail.com My best friend and Siena ­sweetheart Breanne Suhrland ’05 and I were married on July 30, 2011, on Long Island. Our special day was celebrated by our dear friend, Fr. Ken Paulli ’82, O.F.M., who was the MVP of the day. We were blessed to have our families and many Siena friends in attendance. We recently purchased our first home in West Islip, N.Y., and are enjoying ­homeownership.

Cristina DiGiovanna married Vince Commisso ’05 on June 5, 2010.

Brian Borie married Nikki Rougeau ’07 on November 20, 2010, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Lake George, N.Y. The reception was held at the Hall of Springs in Saratoga and was celebrated with wedding party members John ­Busino, Dan Lomanto, ­Christina Palmiotto ’07, Nicole ­Marron ’07, Dan Rougeau ’03 and the bride’s ­parents, Jeff ’78 and Anna Rougeau ’77. Brian is working as an attorney in Glens Falls and Nikki earned her teaching certificate in childhood education and literacy from the Sage Colleges in 2009. The couple is living in Lake George.

Katie Luker became engaged to Keith Cherney. The happy couple is planning a July 2012 wedding.

Holly Walsh graduated in May from Albany College of ­Pharmacy and Health Sciences with her ­doctorate in pharmacy. She is now a licensed pharmacist and working at Northern Westchester Hospital in Mt. Kisco, N.Y. Ashley Pereira recently accepted a position at Geneva High School teaching social studies. Ashley

earned her master’s degree in special ­education from St. John Fisher College.

Congratulations to everyone!

NEWSMAKER

2007 Sean Robbins seanrobbins@att.net Mike Utzig mutzig@siena.edu Samantha Tompkins is hard at work as a student in the SUNY Adirondack RN program.

Marc Roberts earned the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation. He joined Fenimore in 2007 and is currently a co-manager of the Fenimore Micro/Small-Cap Value Fund, L.L.C. On July 16, 2011 Shelby Wilson married Ryan Moore.

Nikki Rougeau married Brian Borie ’06 on November 20, 2010.

On September 10, 2010, Dawn Maresco and Chris O’Brien ’06 became engaged.

Congratulations to Shelby, Nikki and Dawn!

Rob Scrivens and his wife Janelle just had their second child, Andrew Robert, on September 22, 2011. All the best to you and your family, Rob.

2008 Danielle Grasso Patrick Preston Sienacollege2008@gmail.com Sean Figy has been awarded the 2011 Physicians of ­Tomorrow ­Scholarship by the ­American ­Medical ­Association (AMA) Foundation. Sean is one of 18 students in the nation chosen for the $10,000 scholarship award based on ­scholastic achievement, financial need and community involvement. Sean devotes many hours of service to the community and the American Medical Association. He is involved with the Community Care Clinic, a free clinic run by UT College of Medicine students.

He was also elected alternate delegate for the Medical Student Section of the AMA, representing the ­association’s approximately 47,000 medical student members.

He is planning to specialize in plastic and ­reconstructive surgery. ­Congratulations, Sean!

1st Lt. Dan Burns, U.S. ­Marine Corps, has returned from a ­nine-month deployment as a military advisor to the Iraqi Marine Brigade in Umm Qasr, Iraq. He returned to the 3d Marine Division in Okinawa, Japan, his home base, and then was selected to attend the

Eric Hungershafer ’04 finished 76th for new clients nationally, among approximately 6,500 financial ­representatives, within Northwestern Mutual this past year.

NEWSMAKER

Sean Figy ’08 was recognized by the American Medical Association ­Foundation, who presented him with the 2011 Physicians of Tomorrow Scholarship.

Weapons Tactics Instructor Course (WTI) in Yuma, Ariz. He hopes to visit Siena soon.

2009 Tiffany Salonich Lovesrain87@aim.com Taela Durst and Ryan ­Donnelly were married at the St. Mary of the Angels Chapel at Siena on July 9, 2011 with Fr. ­William ­Beaudin ’76, O.F.M., as their ­officiate. Taela and Ryan were thrilled to have a wedding party consisting of Siena alumni from the classes of 2008, 2009, 2010 and a ­current Siena 2012 student.

Jenny McNulty and Daniel ­Mulhall were married August 13, 2011.

Congratulations to both couples!

Marissa Zumbo and Nicholas Fusella were engaged in June and a spring 2014 wedding is planned.

Nick is in his second year at the New York College of Osteopathic Medicine in Old Westbury, N.Y. Marissa is in her second year at Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine in Blacksburg, Va. Vancardi Foster is attending Quinnipiac University in their fivesemester MAT program as part of the class of 2013. Concurrently, he will be a full-time intern at the New Haven Academy.

SIENA 33

Newsm aker

2011 Allison Collins am27coll@siena.edu

Jon Lewyckyj ’10 (center) has been playing lead guitar in the country group Savannah Jack.

He was on tour across the country this summer with LeeAnn Rimes, The Band Perry, Thompson Square and will be on tour with Kenny Rogers next year. His band was featured in the ­November 14 edition of Country Weekly Magazine, a national publication.

Toni Marrow is pursuing her ­ aster’s in government and politics m at St. John’s University, N.Y. She also works as a cost report analyst for New York Presbyterian H ­ ospital.

Amy Gadziala graduated from Utica College in August 2011 with a master’s of science in education ­after completing their Leadership and Instruction in Inclusive ­Classrooms program.

Channing Christopher Vidal received his master’s degree from Sacred Heart and moved to S.C. He works in student affairs and housing as resident director at Coastal ­Carolina University.

Christian Wolf is in Lisbon, ­Portugal ­pursuing a master’s degree in economics at the Universidade Nova de Lisboa. He started a consulting and research company called Lupcon Center for Business Research. The mission of Lupcon is to enhance the collaboration between business academia and business practitioners by promoting the exchange of ideas.

Congratulations to all!

Gina Graziano is living in New York City and works as a sales executive for Altrum Group.

Jacob Hill is living in Troy and works as assistant director of alumni relations at Siena.

Nicole Smith has accepted a position with the accounting firm of Ross, Rigby and Patten.

Steven “Drew” Canger is applying his sociology degree: he has recently received an invitation to the Peace Corps and will be going to Sub Saharan Africa this February. He sends his thanks to Paul Murray and the entire sociology department for helping him to develop his sociological basis, which the Peace Corps saw as one of the more competitive aspects of his application.

S IENA 34

2010 Kelly Peckholdt kellypeckholdt@gmail.com Twenty-nine classmates earned a master’s in accounting degree this year from Siena.

The following students have earned the distinction of being “Double Saints”: Kevin Burke, Kristen Bus, Jake ­Cardillo, Kristin Carminati, Giuseppe ­Caschera, Theodore Cervini, Anne ­Chelkowski, Ilana ­Clopper, ­Nicholas Franck, ­Rebecca ­Franklin, Lauren G ­ arbade, ­Deborah ­Gemellaro, Elena ­Isaacson, ­Brittany ­Lovellette, Stacey Mace, Nicole Maresca, Louis Mauro, ­Burgandy-Leigh McCurty, P ­ atrick Moss, ­Nicholas O’Connor, Aija Opsis, Lisa ­Pagliaro, Gregory Papa, Allison Pillans, Ann Quratul ­Waheed, Kara Rotherme, Mara Smith, Nicolas Tebano and Ryan Ziegler.

According to Professor Gene Farley ’77, director of the master’s in accounting program, “This class may be the most educated in the school’s history this soon after graduating.” Congratulations to all!

Michelle Wool is teaching global studies at Dover High School in Dover Plains, N.Y., while pursuing a master’s degree in special education at Pace University.

Kimberly DeFilippo graduated from Union Graduate College in June 2011 with her MBA. She is working as a business intelligence analyst for CDPHP. 2nd Lt. Thomas Seagroatt, U.S. Army, graduated from the U.S. Army Ranger School on August 26, 2011 and the U. S. Army Airborne School on October 6, 2011.

Congratulations, Tom!

Our May graduation seems like yesterday, and I am positive that none of us will ever forget the ­awesome memories we made over the past four years at Siena. Keep in touch!

Alex Walker just finished his first semester at the Newhouse School at Syracuse University. Finding early success, Alex has already created a documentary, “Skin Deep” and a short fiction film, “America’s Adam.”

Stephen Archer, Danielle Hiller and Christopher Shaver were ­chosen by KeyBank for its new class of management training and development program participants.

They will receive job assignments when they complete the program in May 2012.

Brian Litz is working in the ­Clinical Quality Department at ­Albany Medical Center, while ­attending Union Graduate College, where he is working toward his MBA in Healthcare Management.

Megan Prall is a retail sales ­representative for Nestle USA, ­living in Wichita, Kan. Aimee Gosse is a brand ambassador at the Hart Agency, while also working for the Lessing’s Company, which caters at many charity events throughout Long Island.

Diego Blake is a compliance ­analyst for Goldman Sachs and lives in downtown Manhattan.

Keegan Hayes is a recruiting and marketing coordinator at KCO ­Resource Management and is ­living in Loudonville.

Ryan Seber is in a rotational ­program at BNP Baribas and is ­living in Hoboken, N.J. Forty-five members of the class of 2011 are enrolled in the master’s in accounting program at Siena.

Congratulations to Sandra Vinelli and Jenna Eckerle, who have already earned their master’s in accounting.

Kate Boucher is an English teacher at Maple Hill High School in Schodack. She is living in Fort Edward, N.Y. Davia Litz is a 10th grade math teacher at Shaker High School, and is studying adolescent education at The College of Saint Rose.

Karen Casey is a high school English teacher, working and living in Marine Park, Brooklyn.

Arielle Buccella is an 8th grade English teacher at Albany ­Preparatory Charter School in Albany.

I am living in Manhattan where I teach kindergarten at Upper West Success Academy, a charter school.

Brendan Kane is studying at Temple University of Podiatric Medicine to become a foot and ankle surgeon.

Maegan Sauer is living in ­Manhattan and attends the SUNY College of Optometry.

Morgan Fryer is studying at the SUNY Buffalo School of Dental Medicine where she will graduate in 2015.

Also living in Buffalo is Tommy Gelok, who is the assistant complex director for Flint Village at SUNY Buffalo.

Meg Dufour had an internship at Backstage Creations this past summer in Los Angeles where she worked in event planning. She was behind the scenes at the Billboard Music Awards. She is attending Argosy University in Arizona, studying ­clinical ­psychology.

Kelsey Higgins is working in ­marketing and graphic design at Dwight Asset Management in ­Burlington, Vt. She is living in nearby Shelburne.

Mike Brady is at Fort Sill, Okla., training to become a field artillery officer. He will be going to Fort Washington in 2012.

In Memory Siena College mourns the loss of the following members of our community: Bert T. Ashley Jr. ’48 Edward S. Keating ’50 Alfred P. Restifo ’50 Paul T. Duffey ’51 George F. Shevlin III ’51 Jon B. Gray ’52 Edgar N. Best ’53 Nicholas E. Sylvester ’53 A. Joseph Fazzone ’56 Roland L. Faulkner ’57 Thomas P. Neylan ’58 Peter R. Campbell ’59 Joseph H. Miller ’60 Sister Frances Kosier, RSM ’61 William J. Smith ’61 Monica M. Flatley ’62 William C. Spat ’63 Thomas Gavan ’65 Maurice A. Faicco ’69 Norman F. Finch ’69 Robert Nigro ’74 Shelley Serapilio ’74 Jeffrey A. Brown ’93 Scott M. Secor ’94 Justin Cavanaugh ’08 Fr. Francis Gunn, O.F.M.

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When submitting wedding photos to the magazine please make sure they are 300 dpi. If you have any questions please contact communications@siena.edu.

SIENA 35

515 Loudon Road, Loudonville, NY 12211

An education focused on the bigger picture.