Siena News Summer 2008

Siena SIENA NEWS • A MAGAZINE FOR ALUMNI AND FRIENDS • SUMMER 2008

Celebrate the Class of 2008

President’s Letter Giving my first Baccalaureate Mass homily, I brought up a common phrase-one I hear all the time living among college students: “I’ve got your back.”

For those of you who are a little further behind the times, like me, what this phrase really means is “I’ll back you up.” We all know what this means in the more universal language of baseball; one teammate is ready to help out if the ball gets by another player.

“I’ve got your back,” is about unwavering support. Imagine how a baseball team would fall apart without a back-up system in place.

I told the class of 2008 that Siena will always have their backs. Through the ups and downs of their careers and their lives, they will always be able to fall back on their Siena education to get through the tough times. They can always come back home to our community and find the strength and support when they need it most.

During this year’s alumni weekend festivities, I realized it’s even more than that. As Siena family members, we all have each others’ backs. The overwhelming, generous support of our alumni is precisely what allows us to support our student body the way only Siena can.

And with each graduate, this support grows beyond the confines of our campus. Through service, respect for all of creation, compassion and friendship, we’ve got the world’s back.

I have no doubt we can lead in making it a more just and peaceable one.

After all, take a look at the photo on this page and recall who’s had our back for centuries.

Fraternally,

Fr. Kevin Mullen, O.F.M. Siena News • 2

Siena News

Contents

Board of Trustees Ronald E. Bjorklund ’85 Bradley Bodmer, Esq. ’82 J. David Brown Michael Bucci ’73 Robert F. Campbell ’66 Beverly A. Carroll Robert M. Curley Robert T. Cushing ’77 Susan Law Dake Virginia L. Darrow ’83 John J. Dawson, Esq. ’68 Scott C. Donnelly Howard S. Foote ’74 Robert L. Guido ’68 Douglas T. Hickey ’77 Rev. Kenneth R. Himes ’71, O.F.M., Ph.D. Gary C. Holle ’77 Edward J. Johnson ’63 Walter T. Kicinski ’62 Alberto C. Mariaca ’60 Rev. Jerome J. Massimino, O.F.M. Pamela McCarthy Robert J. McCormick ’87 Rev. Dominic V. Monti, O.F.M., Ph.D. 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., LL.D. Walter A. Osterman ’87 Joseph M. Pastore, Jr., Ph.D. Kenneth M. Raymond, Jr. Mark S. Rose ’65 Rev. Peter A. Schneible, O.F.M., Ph.D. Michelle M. Schoulder ’99 David M. Stack ’73 Christine L. Standish Br. Daniel P. Sulmasy, O.F.M., M.D., Ph.D.

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Siena Celebrates the Class of 2008 at the Sixty-Eighth Commencement

Features St. Francis the Songwriter...............................4 Red Carpet Ethics...................6 Student Profiles ....................18 Reunion.................................20

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Students First

College Dedicates Study Lounge in Honor of Beloved Biology Professor..................24 Endowed Scholarships Update...................................25 Leading theWay at 80...........26

The Siena News - Summer 2008 published by Siena College 515 Loudon Road Loudonville, NY 12211-1462 E-mail: communications@siena.edu

Siena Heads Back to Belarus......................back page

Departments

Publisher: Ned Jones • Editors: James Eaton, Allison Maloney ’06 • Contributing Editors: Fr. Kevin Mullen O.F.M., ’75 and Jason Rich ’98 • Director of Art & Design: Sergio Sericolo • Photography: Sergio Sericolo, Athletics Office, Alumni Office, Mike Hemberger and Jim Eaton • Printer: The Lane Press, Burlington,VT.

Short Takes......................10-11 Planned Giving.....................35

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A True Teammate

Alumni: Class News and Notes.............................27 Siena News • 3

St. Francis the Songwriter St. Francis- a saint, a preacher, a friar. Bet you didn’t know he was a songwriter, too! Margaret Dailey ’08 and Dr. Ellen Burns, instructor in foundations and creative arts, recently discovered that St. Francis has been producing hits for centuries, and all over the world.

Margaret researched St. Francis and music as part of an independent study and then presented her findings at an academic celebration this year. “I have never played an instrument and was never really interested in music before college, but Dr. B always makes her lessons exciting and challenging,” she said. Working on this study was no different. Margaret enjoyed learning why St. Francis wrote The Canticle, as well as how St. Francis served as a muse for many composers and musicians.

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The Words Margaret discovered The Canticle, which was written in the vernacular (Italian) and completed just before his death, has three distinct stages of development. Verses 1-9, the glorification of God’s creations, were written during a time when St. Francis was suffering intensely from his physical infirmities. After hearing of a quarrel between the civic and religious authorities of Assisi, Francis asked the brothers to go before them singing verses 10-11, reminding all to live peacefully. The final verses, 12-13, were composed on his deathbed. Even in his final moments he continued to thank and praise God.

The Music Margaret highlighted four musical selections, chosen for their unique sounds and cultures. The first is a composition by Franz Liszt, a celebrated pianist and composer. Liszt composed the piano meditation Hymn to Saint Francis of Assisi in 1880. According to Margaret’s careful analysis, “the piece starts in the lower octaves of the piano and the rhythm ranges from meditative to more lively moments, but overall, it is a soothing work.” It ends with a gradual rallentando (slowing down) and a symbolic descending melody.

Margaret also used a composition played by Siena’s own Fr. Dennis Tamburello, O.F.M., and his Christian rock band, 24/Seven.

His version begins with solo guitar, but also has a soothing effect.

The phrase, “Praised be my Lord,” is repeated and emphasized throughout.

Another work Margaret researched was by the Russian composer Sofia Gubaidulina. She dedicated her twentieth-century setting of The Canticle of the Sun to cellist Mstislav Rostropovich for his 70th birthday. The arrangement of her work, in four formal sections, corresponds to St. Francis’s text: glorification of the Creator, and his creations – the sun and the moon; glorification of the Creator, the maker of the four elements: air, water, fire and earth; glorification of life; and glorification of death. Her version begins with soft bell sounds and features many climaxes, marked by an overwhelming explosion of choir voices in the middle. At one point, the cellist puts down his or her instrument and plays on a bass drum, and then on a flexatone with a bass bow. It has a strong, powerful conclusion.

The final piece is performed in both Swahili and English by First Call, a contemporary Christian music group. This impressive vocal trio has returned The Canticle to its vocal roots. It is rhythmic and joyful. The male voice sings in Swahili while the two women do so in English, and they all end singing together.

Margaret’s presentation was multimedia: she played music, displayed a PowerPoint show and created a poster board. “The best part was putting it together for all students and faculty to see and learn what I have been learning. St. Francis and The Canticle have moved so many people, all in their own special way,” said Margaret.

Canticle of the Sun Most High, Omnipotent, Good Lord, Thine be the praises, the glory, and the honor and every blessing.

To Thee alone, Most High, do they belong and no man is worthy to mention Thee.

May Thou be praised, my Lord, with all Thy creatures especially Mister Brother sun, of whom is the day, and Thou enlightens us through him.

And he is beautiful and radiant with a great splendor, of Thee, Most High, does he convey the meaning.

May Thou be praised, my Lord, for sister moon and the stars, in heaven Thou has made them clear and precious and beautiful.

May Thou be praised, my Lord, for brother wind, and for the air and the cloudy and the clear weather and every weather, through which to all Thy creatures Thou gives sustenance.

May Thou be praised, my Lord, for sister water, who is very useful and humble and precious and chaste.

May Thou be praised, my Lord, for brother fire, through whom Thou illumines the night, and he is handsome and jocund and robust and strong.

May Thou be praised, my Lord, for our sister, mother earth, who sustains us and governs, and produces various fruits with colored flowers and green plants.

May Thou be praised, my Lord, for those who forgive for the sake of Thy love, and endure infirmity and tribulation.

Blessed those who endure them in peace, because by Thee, Most High, will they be crowned.

May Thou be praised, my Lord, for our sister, bodily death, whom no man living can escape.

Woe to those, who die in mortal sin: blessed those whom she will find in Thy most holy desires, because the second death will do them no evil.

Praise and bless my Lord, and give Him thanks and serve Him with great humility.

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Americans are fascinated by celebries’ lives — a quick glance at the check-out line shelves at the supermarket provides confirmation of this and it is something that has always intrigued American Studies major Laura Sherin ’08. When it came time to develop a topic for her honors thesis, she chose to explore not only the role celebrities play in society, but what the public reaction to celebrities says about American society.

Her thesis, Red Carpet Ethics: Celebrities’ Role as a Moral Barometer for Modern American Society, examines scandals revolving around divorce and extramarital affairs during the 1920s, the 1950s and today. She analyzes the public reactions to famous scandals in order to understand how they are related to American social values.

The Scandals Laura studied three well-known divorce scandals in order to answer the question: what does the public reaction to these three high profile celebrity divorces reveal about America’s true opinion of divorce and extramarital affairs?

The first involved Mary Pickford, arguably the first “America’s sweetheart,” who was married to the famous actor Owen Moore. During an already shaky marriage, Pickford began an affair with married actor Douglas Fairbanks. Pickford hesitated to divorce Moore, Siena News • 6

of finding one’s soul mate, or even celebrities’ charity work. Pickford and Fairbanks sold war bonds and Pitt and Jolie are well known for their humanitarian work all over the world.

She concluded similarly that the culture of the 1950s affected the public reaction to the Bergman-Rosselini scandal. During the post-war period, there was a surge in family life and established distinct roles for men and women.

Since these roles involved men being the breadwinners and women being the homemakers, Bergman was already at odds with the norms for American society. Furthermore, postwar Americans were determined to not only get married, but also to stay married. Families that were formed between 1940 and 1960 resulted in a reduced divorce rate.

Implications for Society worrying whether or not her fans would ever come to see her movies again. However, there was no need for the worry. Fairbanks and Pickford were portrayed as the king and queen of the movies, even after public divorces and remarriage.

However, American society has not always been willing to let the careers of divorced actresses prosper. This was clearly demonstrated in the 1950s with actress Ingrid Bergman and director Robert Rosselini’s affair, which received a backlash foreign to the previous generation, with religious and political groups leading boycotts of their movies.

As American society continued to develop, its morals continued to transform. In recent years, America has stood behind many actors through their decisions to divorce and begin new relationships quickly. Laura’s example was Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, who continue to be two of the most powerful celebrities in Hollywood despite their past divorces, particularly Pitt’s from the popular Jennifer Aniston.

Conclusions Laura decided that it was clear that in the 1920s and today, divorce was not a deal breaker concerning public goodwill. There are a number of reasons this may be: their glamour may have enabled America to disregard the implications of divorce, the idealistic viewpoint

After months of research, Laura concluded that our reactions to celebrities’ lives say a lot about American society.

• Celebrities represents a capitalistic ideal. A star epitomizes the potential that every American possesses.

• Celebrity gossip is the safest form of the activity and is more acceptable than gossip about a neighbor or friend. Moreover, there is a tacit assumption that individuals who chose the entertainment industry knowingly accept gossip as a part of success.

• For a celebrity to achieve fame, one needs the approval of American society. Consumers are not going to facilitate the rise to celebrity for those who are deemed unworthy.

• Americans possess the privilege of selecting celebrities, which causes them to feel they have the right to criticize and speculate about celebrities lives.

Laura graduated magna cum laude. In addition to writing an honors thesis, she also held several internships with the New York State Office of the State Comptroller, the Adfero Group, a public affairs firm specializing in new media in Washington, D.C., and Sawchuk Brown Associates, a public relations firm in Albany.

She is currently working with the New York State Office of the State Comptroller’s Press Office and pursuing public relations jobs in New York City.

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Jeanne Obermayer came to Siena College because it allowed her to work with students on an individual basis. Today, she serves as dean of students and has received mementos from former students over the years thanking her for improving their lives.

Students First In 1983 Jeanne (Martin) Obermayer came to Siena College as a resident director fresh out of her graduate school program in Ohio. “It was the people that I met upon my initial visit that drew me to Siena,” she said.

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Soon after she accepted the position at Siena, she lost her terminally ill father and immediately realized the power of the family atmosphere of Siena’s community.

While serving as the first female residence director in Plassmann Hall, she relied on the support of her colleagues and students to help her through this difficult time in her life. For the last 25 years, Jeanne has returned the favor by supporting generations of community members.

“Every time I was ready for a change in my career, Siena presented me with a new opportunity and today I still find myself being challenged professionally,” she said.

Jeanne has always enjoyed the one-on-one interaction with students on campus and is an advocate for them despite being in what Fr. Bill Beaudin, O.F.M., college chaplain, describes as “one of the least enviable positions at Siena.”

“As dean of students, her work is an act of love for Siena, her profession and Siena’s students.

Sometimes, she has to administer “tough love,” but it is this love that motivates her,” Fr. Bill stated.

In January, Jeanne received an e-mail from a student who was expelled thanking her for a decision she made in 2004. In the e-mail, the student said, “Instead of cursing you as I once did, I now thank you. I won’t forget how you helped me change my life. I have prioritized my life, excelled academically, developed the thirst for knowledge and a desire to do good thanks to you.”

These interactions aren’t unusual as alumni and students often let her know that the best thing she ever did for them was to hold them accountable for their actions.

Jeanne has numerous relationships with students beyond their days at Siena such as the alumnae who came back to thank her for helping her become sober. There is also an alumnus who she dismissed from housing his freshman year for a fire alarm prank, and then decided to pick him up at his house every morning and drive him to class because “he had the potential to succeed at Siena.”

There is a balance between accountability and care that her job calls for and “I have always tried my best to maintain this delicate balance,” she stated.

Despite being the one who hands down student conduct decisions, she has always been quick

to defend student rights. “I have seen her advocate on behalf of the student who has been in her office numerous times, and that others have cast off as a lost cause,” Maryellen Gilroy, vice president for student affairs, stated.

When she looks back on her career at Siena she said, “I’m the person I am today because of Siena. I have always enjoyed working with the students as they are unique individuals and the reason why I’m still here.”

Recently, Jeanne and her family ensured that future generations will benefit from the Obermayer presence on campus by endowing the Obermayer Family Scholarship.

“My family has benefited in various ways from Siena so we wanted to give thanks to this special place and thought a scholarship was the perfect way to do this,” she said.

It is people like Jeanne Obermayer who spend the large part of their professional careers making Siena, Siena. In May, Jeanne was recognized for 25 years of dedicated service to the students and Siena College

community by receiving the Vice President for Student Affairs Award. Siena has always been about the people and the life-long relationships you make with them. In Jeanne’s case, some of her decisions have also been life saving.

Above Left:This year, Jeanne received the Vice President for Student Affairs Award. Above Right: For the past 25 years Jeanne has enjoyed working with students at Siena.

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SHORT TAKES

Director of WVCR Honored Legendary Capital Region radio executive and Siena Director of 88.3 FM WVCR John Kelly was inducted into the New York State Broadcasters Association Hall of Fame on June 24 during a ceremony at the Sagamore Hotel in Lake George, the site of the association’s annual conference.

Kelly guided three different radio stations to number one positions in three different decades, with three different owners. The 1997 NYSBA “Broadcaster of the Year,” Kelly modestly explained his success this way: “I just hired good people and got out of their way.”

Since retiring in 2002, Kelly has served as director of Siena’s radio station, WVCR. When Albany auto dealership giant Jim Morrell ’66 decided to get into radio, he chose Kelly to lead the way. Two stations were purchased in 1986. When Kelly retired in 2002 and came to Siena, the group had 28 stations.

The chairman of the Hall of Fame selection committee, Galaxy group owner Ed Levine worked for Kelly at Albany radio station, WPYX. “Anybody can get lucky once. John Kelly had numerous successes over a number of years all in one market. That separates him from the rest.”

Levine says Kelly was a tough taskmaster with remarkable intuition.

Popular Book Series Returning This Fall This fall retired professor Dick Ognibene in conjunction with the Office of Alumni Relations will

host two programs. Information on each program can be found below: Program #1-Wednesday, October 8, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. at the Key Auditorium, Roger Bacon Hall BOOK: The Post-American World

by Fareed Zakaria

Program #2-Wednesday, November 19, 2008 at the Key Auditorium, Roger Bacon Hall BOOK: Hot, Flat, and Crowded: Why We Need A Green Revolution—And How It can Renew America by Thomas Friedman (Book will be released on September 8, 2008)

PANELISTS: PANELISTS: •Dr. Vera Eccarius-Kelly, Political Science Department •Dr. Lawrence Woolbright, Biology Department •Dr. Karl Barbir, History Department •Dr. Jean Mangun, Environmental Studies Department •Dr. John Hampton, KPMG Professor of •Dr. Mathew Johnson, Sociology Department Business, St. Peter’s College

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SHORT TAKES

College Announces 2008 Luce Scholars Sarah Amie ’09 and Janelle Rizzo ’09 will join Patricia Carroll ’08 and Christina Sillery ’08 as 2008 Luce Scholars. The Clare Booth Luce Scholarship Program generously funds two junior and two senior women pursuing degrees in bio-chemistry, chemistry, computer science, math or physics. It provides funding for tuition, research projects and faculty mentoring for their junior and senior years. The scholarship provides nearly a full scholarship for these students.

Sarah is a biochemistry major with a 3.93 G.P.A. She chose to attend Siena College because of its small size and well known science program. She has worked on the Green Chemistry Biodiesel Project with Dr. Alicia Todaro, lecturer in chemistry, during her sophomore year. This summer, she will be participating in research on cell signaling with Dr. Sterne-Marr, professor of biology. Outside of the classroom she is involved with the Siena Dance Team and Habitat for Humanity.

After Siena she plans on going to graduate school to get her Ph.D. and hopes to have a career in research.

Janelle Rizzo ’09 is a computer science major with a 3.79 G.P.A. She chose to attend Siena because she heard it was a good school and it is close to home for her. She was unsure of a major and determined that a liberal arts school would be a good place to explore her options. It was during her freshman year that she took a computer science

Sarah Amie ’09 and Janelle Rizzo ’09

course and discovered her calling. Outside of the classroom she is involved in the Siena Pep Band, Relay for Life and ACM Women in Computing Club. She plans on going to graduate school to get more experience in computer science and is interested in studying computer security and/or forensics.

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Michael Potter ’07 (left) and Nick Messinger ’09 have developed a special friendship that both of them cherish.

Michael Potter ’07 has a passion for sports. He is often found near the Siena student sections at the basketball and volleyball home games, and he never misses a Siena baseball game. Outfielder Nick Messinger ’09 makes sure of it.

Born with cerebral palsy, Potter has never been able to participate in sports and his ability to move independently is limited. But at Siena, he has not been left out of what he loves.

“I have always been interested in sports,” Mike said. “In high school I used to keep the clock at basketball games and serve as a spotter at football games, but it wasn’t until I came to Siena and met Nick and the baseball guys that I felt like I was truly a part of a team.”

Messinger and Potter became friends prior to the 2005 baseball season. They met at the townhouses on campus and immediately hit it off.

“Nick was really receptive and accepting of me,” Mike said. “He wanted to know why I was in a wheelchair, and I told him I was born with cerebral palsy and that I couldn’t walk long distances, but my condition didn’t keep me from enjoying sports. I think he was impressed with what I was able to do, and he always made it a point to include me in a lot of baseball and social activities.”

The pair stayed in close contact the next two years, but their relationship easily could have distanced after Mike graduated with a bachelor’s degree in marketing and management. Nick, however, made sure his friend

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knew how much it meant to have him at every home game and made sure there was a place for him to sit right behind the backstop, next to the on-deck circle.

“Mike is as much a part of the team as any of us,” Nick said. “The guys have all embraced him, and it’s genuine. We know it means a lot to him to be part of the team, but I think it is even more important to us to have him there.”

Prior to each at bat, the two converse on a wide range of topics as Nick awaits his turn at the plate. It’s a conversation both find therapeutic, one that Nick says helps him relax. Often, it concludes with one telling the other, “I love you” before Nick heads up to bat.

“At the start of this season, the team was really struggling,” Nick said. “Once we returned home and Mike started coming to the games, it put things in perspective for me. I just block everything out when I am talking with him before I go to bat, and I also realize how fortunate I am to be playing the game I love. I also feel like if I yell and scream, or throw my helmet, I am letting Mike down.”

Potter not only made it to every home game this season, but also found his way to Trenton, N.J. for the MAAC Championships where he saw Messinger and his beloved Saints reach the final round after a stirring finish to the season.

Nick was a Second Team All-MAAC selection in 2008 and a Rawlings National Gold Glove Finalist. Perhaps most impressive, he is the MAAC representative for the NCAA 2008 Sportsman of the

Year award. The sportsmanship ballot asks how the nominee demonstrates good citizenship outside the sport setting and how he or she made a difference in other people’s lives.

“Sports had always been the part of my life I was missing, because I couldn’t do the things my friends could,” Mike said. “But at Siena, the guys really took me under their wings and made me feel like I was part of something special.

Nick has gone out of his way to see I am as much a part of the team as anyone else, and I feel like I belong. I also know if I ever need anything, Nick will be there for me. He will always be one of my best friends.”

Nick’s genuine care and civility toward Potter was apparent when Nick was recently named captain for the 2009 season.

Next May, Nick will graduate with a degree in sociology. He will be honored prior to his final home game during a Senior Day ceremony, and he has already said he wants Mike on the field with him.

“I told him I want him to be part of that,” Nick said. “I know he gets a little paranoid sometimes, because he has things tough, and some people are just nice to him because he’s there. I wanted him to know I’m not going away, and that we all feel he has been a big part of this team since we’ve been here.

He is going to be my friend forever and having him out there with my family lets him know how much I value our friendship.”

Above: Nick makes sure Michael has a seat near the on-deck circle prior to all home baseball games.

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Siena Celebrates the Class of 2008 at the Sixty-Eighth Commencement “I would like you to close your eyes for a moment,” senior commencement speaker Victoria Fernandes told the audience. She asked the students to remember move-in day, the butterflies, and the nervousness. She asked the parents to recall the sadness of their child leaving the safety of home to venture out on their own, as well as the pride they felt when their child began their college career at Siena.

Four years later, the class, their professors, family and friends gathered to celebrate all they had learned and all they had accomplished. Though the 812 members of the class of 2008 each took their own path on their way to this day, their collective successes were a powerful representation of just how a Siena education is like none other.

Among the class, 14 students graduated summa cum laude, 145 magna cum laude, 117 cum laude, 20 were honors fellows, and the first-ever certificate in revolutionary era studies was awarded. They completed hundreds of internships and independent research projects. They served the local community Thanksgiving dinners and gave up their “fun” spring breaks to build homes for families that needed them most. They challenged each other to become better students. They developed the confidence to interview for their dream job. They are well on their way to a lifetime of success.

Not only were the graduates celebrated for all of these accomplishments, they were given some great advice from this year’s Siena Siena News News •• 14 14

“To see how much the world is willing to share a horrible story. It gives me so much hope that we can overcome the bad.” Immaculee Ilibagiza

honorary degree recipients. Rwandan genocide survivor Immaculee Ilibagiza and Albany Medical Center’s CEO James J. Barba, ’66 were conferred degrees of Doctor of Humane Letters by Robert T. Cushing ’77, chair of Siena’s Board of Trustees.

Barba, who gave the student address at his own commencement, assured the students that they are equipped with all that they need to succeed: “While you may not realize it today, Siena has given you more than just a good, four-year education. You got that for sure. But it has taught you at least three other essential values: to think hard, to think critically, and to never fear speaking out against injustices.”

Ilibagiza’s speech was emotional as she shared an overwhelming story. Her life transformed dramatically in 1994 during the Rwandan genocide when she and seven other women huddled silently together in a cramped bathroom of a local pastor’s house for 91 days. During

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this horrific ordeal, most of her family was brutally murdered, but she survived to share the story of her miraculous transition into forgiveness and a profound relationship with God. She reminded the students that as long as they are breathing, they have life and it is something to be cherished. She ended with a message of hope: “To see how much the world is willing to share a horrible story gives me so much hope that we can overcome the bad. There are so many good people. I believe we can overcome genocide. We can stop it. If only people can hold onto love and hold onto God.” The class of 2008 is ready to lead with the peace and goodness learned at Siena. “We are summoned to move forward. It is our turn. It is our time to go forward and take hold of an unsettled and precarious world and place our own distinctive mark on society…equipped with our Siena experiences, we are poised to change the world,” said Class President Tim Hannigan.

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A Speech to Remember An Excerpt From Victoria Fernandes’ Commencement Address While at Siena, some of us have had the opportunity to travel around the world… and the rest of us have been to “Around the World” in McClosky Square. But all of us have made Siena our home.

The Big Blue Puppet Three years ago, my home was destroyed in Hurricane Katrina. My family lost everything. I was here at Siena, 2,000 miles away from my family and hurting. Within minutes of the devastation of Katrina being reported on the news, students, teachers, and even the custodians came to me asking if my family was safe and if there was anything they could do to help. You, the students, raised over $2,000 by donating your meals and that money was sent down to Biloxi, Miss., to help the schools get back on track. In April of that year, 15 Siena students spent their spring break helping people in my hometown rebuild their houses and their lives. I felt then that the Siena community had become my second family.

While at Siena, we have learned from life experiences and in the classroom. Our eyes have been opened and we realize that there’s more to life than what we see in our immediate community. At Siena, we’ve been instilled with the desire to make a change and to be a part of that change. We have learned to serve those in need and to be compassionate people.

Years from now, some of us will be accountants, teachers, doctors, lawyers, and parents. Still others may be serving our country in foreign lands. We’ll all be in very different places, far away from each other doing very different things. But as you begin something new, take with you what you’ve learned at Siena. Take our community with you. Continue to care about those in need. Give back to the global community in return for what the Siena community has given you. Don’t forget about those who have helped make you the person you are today: your parents, grandparents, professors, Franciscan brothers, and friends.

As we step out into the world and begin the next part of our adventure, I’d encourage you to keep in mind the words of the great philosopher Journey, ”Don’t stop believing….hold on to that feeling.”

This year’s commencement featured some new entertainment courtesy of creative arts major and award winner Kira Pogge ’08. Kira designed and dressed up in a puppet outfit that she has named “Rita.” Rita was the end product of Kira’s senior creative arts capstone course, which calls on students to design their own project over the course of an entire semester. “It was a lot of work, but pretty cool too,” Kira said. The costume was made from materials found at Jo-Anne Fabrics and Lowe’s, as well as products found in her basement at home, including her high school backpack.

Active in the Siena chorus, orchestra and pep band during her years at Siena, Kira also spent eight months in the Walt Disney World College Program where she was honored with the Quarterly Performance Award for the entertainment division. Kira will be attending The College of St. Rose this fall where she will pursue a master’s degree in communications.

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Success at Siena and Beyond Here is a snapshot of seniors, their successes during the “best years of their lives” and their plans to continue that record of achievement in the future. The class of 2008 is destined for great futures:

Danita Williams

Hometown: Rome, N.Y. Major: Psychology Next Step: Law school at The Ohio State University, with a certificate in children’s studies.

First Siena Memory: Katie Cooney, from the admissions office. She asked what I was interested in and remembered reading my application for admission.

Every time I’ve seen her in the last four years, she asks me about all of the things I was involved with, and that, to me, is remarkable. She sees hundreds of students all of the time, but I never forgot the special attention and feeling of belonging I felt right from day one.

Siena Activities: Resident Assistant and Moot Court Mock Trial. Being an RA helped me develop leadership skills and a new appreciation for the jobs and tasks that administration had to deal with. Mock Trial gave me new confidence for the career path I want to take. We became like a little family, and my team members were some of my best friends at Siena.

The Siena Difference: Dr. Leonard Cutler had a huge impact on me. I wasn’t even a political science major, but our paths crossed regularly. He truly has a genuine passion for his students, and goes above and beyond what he needs to do to help them reach goals and make sure that they learn. While I was applying to law school, he was there for me every step of the way.

Dedication like that is rare.

I Already Miss: Late Night Sarazen and SienaFest. I miss sitting in the RA office for no reason and watching TV with co-workers. I miss showing underclassmen how to quickly register for classes. I miss how everyone held doors open for everyone else and I miss Chenita’s omelets.

Jacqueline Dorosz

Hometown: Liverpool, N.Y. Major: Accounting Next Step: Already working at the NYS Department of Health in the Bureau of Financial Management and Information Support as an auditor. I first found out about the department through the Spring Career Fair.

First Siena Memory: As soon as I visited Siena in my junior year of high school, I knew it was the school for me. It was the only school I wanted to go to and I wouldn’t settle for anything less.

Siena Activities: Community service, director of professional development activities for the Accounting Students Association, on-campus job in the accounting lab, women’s lacrosse for three years.

The Siena Difference: The small classroom experience allowed me to build a relationship with some of the best professors I have ever had. At Siena our classrooms were active and always kept me on my feet. You could not come to class unprepared! I am still in contact with some of my professors and I am meeting one for lunch next month.

Siena News • 18

Mary Bumbolow

Hometown: Putnam Valley, N.Y. Major: Classics and Religious Studies Next Step: Volunteering for one year with Capuchin Youth and Family Ministries in Garrison, N.Y. First Siena Memory: Freshman orientation – I stayed for the ropes course. I met people, both in my class year and older, that I am still close with today!

Siena Activities: Student Events Board – vice chairperson and CoChair for Siblings Weekend. I was actively involved with the Sr. Thea Bowman Center for Women and Habitat for Humanity. I was also a lector, Eucharistic minister, and a retreat leader. I spent the fall of ’06 in Syracuse, Sicily.

The Siena difference: Dr. Shannon O’Neill, director of the Sr. Thea Bowman Center for Women, was always there for me, giving me the encouragement I needed to get through my classes, run various community service projects, and helped me decide to spend this upcoming year volunteering. I was blessed to have her as a role model.

I Already Miss: The community – but I am looking forward to embracing the values I was taught at Siena in my future.

Kathryn Neubauer

Hometown: Hopewell Junction, N.Y. Major: Biochemistry Next step: Boston University School of Medicine Siena Activities: Chemistry Club, women’s rugby president, hospital volunteer, Homeless Action Committee Outreach van volunteer, received the major award for biochemistry.

The Siena Difference: I would not be where I am if not for Dr. Sterne-Marr, who I did research with. I learned so much and had a ton of fun. I can’t say enough about the biology and chemistry departments as a whole.

They provided the perfect learning environment.

Tim Miller

Hometown: Seaford, N.Y. Major: Chemistry, minor in physics Next Step: Ph.D. program at University of Delaware First Siena memory: When I came to Siena for a tour, I realized how nice the surrounding area was and knew it would be a great fit for me. I was right!

Siena Activities: Ambassador (tour guides), Eucharistic minister, retreat leader, Chemistry and Biochemistry Club, Townhouse Council, SEB, Saintly Student Speakers, Habitat for Humanity.

Biggest Influence: Dr. Jason Hofstein, who was my advisor. He was always there to help whenever I needed it. He also was there whenever we needed help with summer research or applying to graduate school.

I Already Miss: Chicken finger wraps at Dapp’s. Being woken up at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday mornings by my roommates playing Mario Kart. Most of all, I miss the people I had come to know for four years. Where else can you be surrounded by so many friends at once?

Siena News • 19

Reunion Weekend 2008...

Celebrating Siena’s Success!

The 2008 Alumni Reunion Weekend welcomed back nearly 600 alumni and guests to campus on June 6 - 8, 2008. The weekend kicked off Friday evening with the class of ’68 presenting the college with their gift of over $300,000 to endow the High School Mentoring Program. The gift was presented at their 40th Reunion celebration hosted at the home of Bill ’68 and Betsi McGoldrick.

While back on campus, President Fr. Kevin Mullen, O.F.M.,’75 invited 17 members of the class of ’58 to celebrate their 50th Reunion at the new President’s House. Their class dinner featured a ceremony where each classmate was awarded a Siena medallion. In honor of their 50th Reunion, the class of ’58 raised $41,683 in support of Siena’s Annual Fund.

A popular addition to this year’s reunion weekend was Welcome Back Night at Dapp’s where over 200 alumni caught up with each other and enjoyed listening to Fr. Dennis Tamburello ’75 and Michael Murphy ’95 as they belted out tunes from yesterday and today.

Overall, Reunion 2008 was a very enjoyable weekend for all in attendance. If you are a member of a class ending in a four or nine and are interested in helping plan next year’s reunion, please contact the Alumni Office at alumni@siena.edu, as planning has already started. Enjoy your summer!

Top to bottom: On behalf of all the Annual Fund contributors unrestricted support, Ginny Darrow ’83 presented a check for $1,720,183 to Fr. Kevin Mullen, O.F.M..

Members from the class of ’83 enjoyed catching up with each other at Reunion 2008. Fr. Kevin hosted a dinner for the class of ’58 in the new President’s House on campus. The class of ’83 presented their class gift of $135,741 to Fr. Kevin and the class of ’68 with reunion weekend honorees Robert Guido, James Donsbach and Bill McGoldrick. Also announced at reunion weekend was the establishment of the Class of ’93 Scholarship. Gifts to this Scholarship are still being accepted as they are working towards a goal of $25,000.

Siena News • 20

On Saturday, June 7, Siena honored six alumni for their contributions to the college, outstanding career achievements and dedication to advancing the welfare of others.

The following alumni were honored at Reunion Weekend this year.

William “Bill” P. McGoldrick ’68 The Reverend Benjamin Kuhn, O.F.M., Award for specific contributions to improve the Siena Community During his 37-year career in educational advancement, Bill has built a reputation as a successful professional and an outstanding teacher, speaker and consultant. His skills, experience and passion for education led him to join Sue Washburn to establish Washburn and McGoldrick, Inc.. in 1995, an international consulting firm dedicated to educational institutions.

Bill served Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute as director of development for five years and as vice president for 11 years leading the alumni relations, communications and development programs, and two campaigns that secured more than $260 million.

He also served as a major gift director in a $20 million campaign at The College of William and Mary.

Bill earned a bachelor’s degree in English from Siena College and holds a master’s degree in journalism from Syracuse University. He served two years as public affairs officer in the United States Navy.

He is also active as a board member for various community organizations including serving two terms as a member of the board of directors of the Siena College Alumni Association and is currently a Left to right: Bill McGoldrick ’68, Fr. Kevin Mullen, O.F.M., and James Donsbach ’68.

member of Siena College’s Board of Associate Trustees.

Bill is not only a great volunteer but a generous donor as well. In addition to being a member of the Annual Fund President’s Circle member and the Saints Alive! Boosters, Bill has made substantial gifts to several restricted projects at Siena. Bill, along with his wife Betsi, established the M. Margaret McGoldrick Scholarship for students who are active community members and have financial need in honor of Bill’s mother. They supported the building of the Sarazen Student Union, Standish Library and renovations of Siena Hall. Bill has been a leader among the class of 1968 for their class endowment fund.

James A. Donsbach ’68 The Reverend Benjamin Kuhn, O.F.M., Award for specific contributions to improve the Siena Community The Donsbach name is synonymous with Siena College. Jim has been part of the Siena community for the better part of his lifetime. His dad was the legendary accounting professor, Carl Donsbach, who taught at Siena for over 30 years before passing away in 2000.

Beyond the family ties, Jim has been a dedicated Siena volunteer. He has served as an officer in the Capital District Alumni Chapter, a volunteer for the Annual Fund, which he chaired for two years, a panelist at student orientation events, a sponsor of Festa Vino and a member of his class reunion gift committee. Jim also established an endowment fund for a series of annual accounting lectures in memory of his father.

After earning his undergraduate degree in business from Siena in 1968, Jim completed a graduate degree in higher education at SUNY Albany. His career spans over 35 years in higher education and he currently manages a program office for the Office of Higher Education at the New York State Education Department.

Jim celebrated his 40th class reunion this summer and looks forward to continuing the family legacy at Siena College.

Siena News • 21

Robert L. Guido ’68 The Professor Joseph A. Buff Award for outstanding career accomplishments or achievements Bob Guido, retired vice-chair of Ernst & Young LLP, was responsible for the firm’s assurance and advisory practices. Bob was a member of the firm’s Americas Executive Board, which is composed of partners responsible for the leadership and direction of the firm. Bob has been a speaker at many directors’ institutes and forums on corporate governance (including the Fortune Boardroom Forums).

He served as the coordinating partner on some of Ernst and Young’s largest global clients in many industries (and countries), including manufacturing, consumer products and energy. Bob also co-chaired Ernst and Young’s Global Client Steering Committee.

He has been involved in the development and improvement of accounting and audit methodologies since he joined E&Y in 1968.

Bob graduated with a B.B.A. from Siena College and an M.B.A. from the Weatherhead School of Management at Case Western University. In addition to holding a Certified Public Accountant certificate, he also holds a Certified Management Accountant certificate.

While based in Cleveland, Ohio, Bob was active in many organizations – including serving as president of The Zoological Society, treasurer of Cleveland Scholarship Inc., Boys & Girls Club, United Way, Leadership Cleveland, and chair of the accounting advisory board at Case Western University’s Weatherhead School of Management.

Since his 1997 transfer to Georgia, Bob joined Emory University’s Goizueta Business School Advisory Board, assisted the Boys & Girls Club of Atlanta with their Capital Campaign, served on the Governor’s Business Advisory Board, and served as a volunteer at the East Lake Golf Club in connection with the PGA’s Tour Championship Event.

In May 2007, Bob was appointed to the Siena College Board of Trustees.

John J. Breyo ’68 The Professor Joseph A. Buff Award for outstanding career accomplishments or achievements John is a native of Schenectady, N.Y., and an honors graduate of Linton High School, Siena College and Albany Law School, where he graduated 12th in his class. John was admitted to the New York State Bar in June of 1972. In 1971, he joined The Ayco Corporation. Founded on the belief that the tax code was becoming too complex for even the most knowledgeable of corporate executives, Ayco quickly gained a reputation for professionalism and competence. Ayco now provides financial planning services to executives of Fortune 500 companies, among many other services.

As the founder of Ayco’s tax practice, its Encompass consulting practice, Ayco Asset Management, Ayco University and many other innovations, John has played a pivotal role in the growth of Ayco’s success. In 1986, he was named to the office of the president. In 1994, under John’s leadership, the company underwent a management buyout, at which time he became president of The Ayco Company, L.P., and a major shareholder. In June 1997, John became chairman and chief executive officer and president of the parent company and all its subsidiaries and general partner of all its partnerships. He was instrumental in the July 1, 2003, sale of The Ayco Company, L.P., to Goldman, Sachs & Co. When Goldman, Sachs & Co. acquired The Ayco Company, L.P., John was named a managing director at Goldman, Sachs & Co., as well as chief executive officer of The Ayco Company, L.P. He has sat on the board of trustees of Saratoga Performing Arts Center, Albany Law School, Greenwich Street Capital Partners I and Greenwich Street Capital Partners II. He was named the 1999 recipient of the William Golub Tikkun Olam Award for his humanitarian endeavors by the United Jewish Federation of Northeastern New York. In 2002 he received an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from Siena College.

John retired in November 2006 from The Ayco Company, L.P., but remains under contract to Goldman, Sachs & Co.

Siena News • 22

Robert J. Edwards ’73 and Ralph C. Giuliano ’73 The Professor Egon Plager Award for accomplishments in advancing the welfare of other human beings During the 1991 Alumni Reunion Weekend, Dr. Jerry Hough ’73 ran into his classmate Dr. Robert Edwards ’73, a dentist from Stockbridge, Mass.

“Jerry told me about his experience helping children in La Victoria, Dominican Republic, and it interested me. I have always wanted to get involved in this type of work,” Edwards said.

Dr. Edwards joined Dr. Hough and a few years later he recruited his classmate, Dr. Ralph Giuliano ’73, a dentist in Southbury, CT to join the team’s efforts. Upon Dr. Edwards’ arrival he discovered sparse and outdated dental equipment and they were desperately low on supplies . They were hindered with a lack of refrigeration, and dental instruments were being washed by hand in basins filled with local contaminated water. Electricity wasn’t guaranteed everyday either.

Edwards and Giuliano spent most of their days treating children at a clinic pre-school and educating Dominican dentists on new procedures. “We noticed a lot of dental decay in the children down there due to their habits of chewing and brushing their teeth with sugar cane,” Edwards said. They also conducted inventories that would allocate future funds and supplies. “You realize how much easier it is to practice in the United States,” Dr. Edwards said.

“Working under these conditions you get a real feeling of accomplishment, and it makes you want to contribute a little more.”

Over the last two decades, these alumni have volunteered one week per year as they installed back up power generators, helped build an outpatient hospital, donated dental chairs and medical supplies, and used the week to catch up with each other.

In 2001, the Siena graduates, along with numerous other volunteers from the United States, helped put the finishing touches on a new outpatient hospital. Included in the hospital was a dental clinic.

“Our goal was to be able to get this place to be selfsustaining,” Giuliano said. Today the hospital has two full-time dentists who serve the 500 children of La Victoria. The dental clinic provides children’s teeth cleaning for free, courtesy of Dr. Hough’s parish.

Now that the clinic at La Victoria is self-sustaining, the Siena trio is considering a new location to help the less fortunate. “The world is our community,” Giuliano said. “As human beings, we have a responsibility to this community.”

Class of ’68 Gift

For the class of ’68, the High School Mentoring Program is special to them because numerous members of the class served as mentors during their college years.

Others came from underprivileged backgrounds, but succeeded because Siena cared for them. No matter the reason, all of the class members have a desire to give back and this project speaks to the Franciscan values that continue to inspire this class, forty years after they graduated from Siena.

The new High School Mentoring Program builds on a successful elementary program that was started 44 years ago by Jim Snyder. More than 2,200 young girls and boys, most from Albany, have been mentored by a similar number of college students. Each Saturday during the school year, 110 children come to Siena to do activities with their mentors. A six-week summer camp at Siena serves many of the same children. The class of ’68 mentoring endowment will enable more of these children to continue their relationship with Siena throughout high school and hopefully college.

Siena News • 23

College Dedicates Study Lounge in Honor of Beloved Biology Professor

Above: Pat Brown taught biology for 35 years at Siena and lost a battle with breast cancer in 2004.

The Patricia Stocking Brown Student Study addition to the Morrell Science Center is designed to be a bright, lightfilled space that gives the impression of having left the building and entered a zone between inside and outside.

This zone provides for a feeling of leaving the research and experimental spaces and going into an interactive and social space – a space that feels warm and bright.

With each building and study space on campus comes a story and in this case there is a powerful one. On Sunday, April 13, Siena dedicated the newly-constructed study space in Morrell Science Center in memory of long-time biology faculty member Patricia Brown who lost a battle with breast cancer in November 2004. The Patricia Stocking Brown Student Study was named after a pioneering biology professor who taught close to 1,400 undergraduate students during her 35 years at Siena.

“She touched many lives, handing us quite a legacy,” President Fr. Kevin Mullen, O.F.M., announced at the dedication ceremony.

A former student of Dr. Brown described her as “a teacher, lifelong learner, environmentalist, ethicist, activist and more. She had a unique ability to kindle a burning desire in her students to observe, study and document life sciences.”

Her ability to influence her students extended well beyond the classroom. Alaina DeFazio ’04 took a class with Dr. Brown that examined how food can affect the body. Then, Alaina’s father Rocco ’75, a liberal arts alumnus who owns a pizzeria and food store in Troy, became interested in organic foods. This knowledge was then passed along to Alaina’s brothers Michael ’07 and Matthew ’09 who created their own company, Organic Joe’s, which promotes eating organic foods. Due to its initial success, they decided to donate ten percent of their proceeds to Siena’s Franciscan Center for Service and Advocacy this past April.

Brown, a tireless activist, transformed her own experience fighting breast cancer into an opportunity to educate women about the disease. When she was diagnosed with cancer in 1993, Dr. Brown studied the latest medical literature and for the next decade, she helped others understand it. She developed a course taught nationally that focused on breast cancer that drew health care professionals, people fighting cancer, survivors and their families.

In 1997 she co-founded the feisty group Capital Region Action Against Breast Cancer (CRAAB) which encouraged women to scrutinize what doctors tell them about breast cancer. Similar to her teaching style in the classroom, she liked to challenge the status quo when the full story wasn’t being told.

The power of Dr. Brown’s legacy can be felt in the lives of our students, alumni, and those who have or will be affected by breast cancer.

Siena News • 24

Endowed Scholarships Update On April 23 Siena hosted its annual Scholarship Appreciation Dinner and invited the endowed scholarship donors and the recipients to enjoy dinner together. The following is a list of new endowed scholarships that were signed during the 2007-2008 academic year: The Guy ’54 and Dorothea Alonge, Jr. Scholarship Donor: Guy Alonge III The Tim ’79 and Anne (Hein) ’80 Barker Scholarship Donors: Timothy Barker, Esq. ’79 and Anne Hein Barker ’80 The Boyea Family Scholarship Donor: Bruce W. Boyea ’73 The Mary Ryan Brennan Scholarship Donor: James Brennan The Caruso Family Scholarship Donor: Patrick Caruso ’74 The Class of 1993 Scholarship Donor: Reunion Class Gift The Donald and Mary DeBlieux Scholarship Donors: Mark and Karen DeBlieux ’83 Vachon The Gene Devine Scholarship-Donors: Dr. James ’50 and Mrs. Nancy Cassidy The John P. and Regina M. Glynn, Jr. Scholarship- Donors: John P. ’70 and Regina M. Glynn, Jr. The Michael Hickey ’83 Scholarship Donor: Michael Hickey ’83 The Father Ben Kuhn, O.F.M. “Blessings of the Animals” Endowed Scholarship Donors: Cynthia A. Dott ’75 & Friends of Siena College The Madden Family Scholarship Donor: Christopher J. ’77 and Carleen Madden The Mashuta Family Scholarship Donor: Anthony J. Mashuta The Murphy Family Scholarship Donor: Alison K. Murphy ’93 The Edward L. Pratt Memorial Scholarship Donor: Edward C. Pratt ’65 The Serbalik Family Scholarship Donors: James and Sandra Serbalik The Margaret J. Smith Scholarship Donors: David B.’79, Alicia, Lauren and Madison Smith The Fr. Kevin Tortorelli, O.F.M., Scholarship Donors: Alumni and Friends The Eleanor Mary Weisbrod Scholarship Donor: Eleanor M. Weisbrod

“I grew up in Queens, my mother raised me alone, and when I was accepted at Siena, I was unable to afford Siena’s tuition even though it was less than $2,000 per year.

Siena provided me with a scholarship and, without this opportunity, my life would have been very different.

I received an excellent education at Siena. I had professors who taught me to think harder than I ever had and to make positive choices about my life.

I also met new friends. Those people I met in 1964 are still my friends – some of them the best friends in my life.

Who knew that a kid from Staten Island would go on to be a judge or that a friend from Rochester would become a corporate CFO. Two friends from Buffalo, who were roommates, both became doctors, one an international expert on child diabetes. A kid from Albany became president of AT&T Alaska and today is a college professor teaching international business.

One classmate from Schenectady became a CEO who led a major financial corporation called AYCO. Another from Mohawk, N.Y., became an accountant and eventually corporate vice chairman of Ernst & Young.

Several friends became teachers and social workers. And the kid from Pittsfield became a priest thanks to Siena.”

-An excerpt from Bill McGoldrick’s ’68 speech delivered at the Scholarship Appreciation Dinner

Further information on these scholarships as well as how to endow a scholarship can be found at www.siena.edu/endowedscholarships.

Siena News • 25

Leading the Way at 80 She celebrated her 75th birthday by sky diving out of an airplane because she always dreamed of being able to fly. She recently turned 80 and plans to celebrate this milestone by hang gliding. Meet one of Siena’s first female graduates – Mary Burke Apps ’53.

“I want to leave a legacy for my grandchildren as well as set an example for people my age that they can do anything they want to,” Mary said. This is exactly how she has lived her life thanks to the Franciscan influence she experienced at Siena.

She enrolled at Siena in the evening division because “back then they didn’t allow girls in the day courses.” In September of 1945, Mary was awarded a rotary student prize of $75 that was payable to her if she enrolled in college. “That, along with a new bus route from Schenectady to Siena, was enough incentive for me to enroll,” she said.

Mary attended Siena part time in the evening for eight years while working six days a week at General Electric in Schenectady during the day. Her days started at 6 a.m. at General Electric and typically ended at Siena around 10:30 p.m. Despite the long days she said, “I fell in love with Siena and had a fantastic experience there.”

Mary was one of 15 women enrolled in the evening division and typically was the only female in many of her classes. “As a female, I never felt discriminated against at all. Actually, to be honest, it was great being the only girl as I enjoyed all of the attention,” she said at her 55-year reunion this summer.

Her desire to learn and passion to pursue new adventures in life started with the Franciscans who taught her at Siena. “They constantly encouraged me to explore my interests and instilled confidence in me to live my life to the fullest,” she stated. She estimates Above: Mary celebrated her 75th birthday by sky diving out of an airplane and came back to campus this year for her 55th Class Reunion.

that she had five or six different majors because Siena offered her too many opportunities.

After graduation, Mary worked as an editor of Technical Publications at General Electric before deciding to pursue a master’s degree in elementary education. She taught fourth-grade in Oneonta, N.Y., until 1967 when she married her husband and helped raise his six children.

She now has 10 grandchildren and plays in three tennis leagues where her competition often consists of college-age “girls” who she calls “the flat bellies.”

Her passion to learn continues today as she is involved in Atlanta’s Elder Hostile Program, an education program for senior citizens. This program also taught her how to play the mountain dulcimer (a musical instrument that she plays every Sunday at Mass) and she’s a member of two different book clubs. As if she isn’t busy enough she also leads a group of senior citizens in making blankets for sick children in local Atlanta hospitals.

“I wouldn’t have had the ambition to do what I have done with my life without Siena. The college gave me a fantastic life-changing educational experience,” Mary said. As an 80-year-old planning to hang glide this summer, she continues to enjoy these life-changing experiences.

Siena News • 26

ALUMNI CLASS NOTES

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Editors: Janice Goca, Katie Sokol ’08, Ashley Dwyer ’08 and Nathan Maloney ’00 Please submit all of your 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!

1951 Larry Mahar of Middle Grove, N.Y., is the author of the story, Father Daniel Influenced My Life. The story details how Fr. Burns made college possible for Larry who is a native of Saratoga Springs, N.Y. The story appeared in the May-June issue of The Family Digest.

1959 Frank Martin ftmartin@nycap.rr.com Class of 1959: I have not heard from anyone so I thought I would take this opportunity to remind the class of 1959 that our 50th class reunion will take place next June. The planning committee is in place and beginning to put together an exciting and interesting reunion.

If you have any suggestions, please send them to me at ftmartin@nycap.rr.com and I will get them to the committee.

Looking forward to hearing from you.

1960 Charles L. (Skip) Stuart shares some sad news with the Siena community. Scott S. Stuart, of Baltimore, Md. passed away peacefully in his sleep on May 7, 2008. Scott was the son of Charles L. (Skip) Stuart Jr. of Vernon, Conn., and Ann Stuart of Canton, Conn. He was 43 years old and director of alumni relations at Loyola College of Maryland since June 2007.

1962 Ken Deitcher dukaytravel@att.net Peter V. Coffey, a partner in the Schenectady law firm of Englert, Coffey, McHugh & Fantauzzi, LLP, has recently been elected as chairman of the real property law section of the New York State Bar Association. His practice is devoted mainly to real estate and commercial law. Previously, Peter was a partner of Maynard, O’Connor & Smith and a law clerk to Supreme Court Justice Robert O. Brink. Peter is active in the association and has served

on many of its committees. He also received the association’s 2008 Professionalism Award.

Peter is a frequent lecturer and writer on professional ethics and real estate matters.

Congratulations to Peter from the class of ’62!

Classmates- please send information about current events in your life to me. Let me know if you’ve received an honor, retired, moved, flew on the space shuttle, or done something that would be of interest to your classmates. I’ll put it in the Class Notes.

1965 Jack Mulvey, Jr. jkmulvey@netscape.com Welcome Jack Mulvey! Greetings Class of 1965! Jack Mulvey has volunteered to be your class coordinator! Please send Jack any updates you would like to share with the Siena community. A few notes…Siena master’s degree alumna Marilyn Rothstein (writing as M. E. Kemp) of Saratoga Springs, has a new historical mystery novel, Death of Bawdy published by Hilliard and Harris. It is third in the series and is set in Salem during the witch trials. For a signed copy, contact Kemp at kemp52roth@spa.net or mekempmysteries.com. Albany attorney Eugene E. Napierski, Esq., was presented the Daniel Mahoney Memorial Award at the recent Capital District Trial Lawyer’s Association annual dinner. This award is presented annually in memory of the founder of the organization to an attorney for demonstrating outstanding commitment and service to clients, the bar and the profession, and to the perpetuation of the work of the “shirt-sleeve” lawyer.

1967 Rick Spataro Rspataro001@twcny.rr.com 61 State Street Malone, NY 12953 (518) 483-3566 Fellow classmates, as of July 1,

2008, I am retired from the wonderful world of education.

My first and only post-retirement commitment to date is to help share the news for all of you. I need your help and input. Like you, I would like to read about what fellow members of our class are doing. Although I was unable to attend our 40th reunion, a hat from that affair made its way to northern New York. I proudly wear it as a member of the class of 1967. I don’t believe that there are a lot of you living near Malone, N.Y., therefore I will need to depend on you for news about yourselves and/or others.

Some class news…

Michael J. Tommaney, Esq., has been named partner at the firm of Tully Rinckey PLLC in Albany, N.Y. Tommaney brings over 35 years of experience to his practice, which focuses on estate planning, wills and trusts, estate administration, estate tax, commercial and residential real estate and business law (see photo).

1968 Bill McGoldrick bmcgoldrick@wash-mcg.com If you didn’t make our 40th reunion, you missed a great party.

More than 40 classmates (almost 100, counting spouses) made it a great weekend! I’ll be connecting with some of the people who were at the party for future class notes. Coming the farthest were Jim and Melanie Coughlin (Aviso Viejo, Calif.) John Dawson and Rich Dolinar (Phoenix, Ariz.), Pete Lattimore (Albuquerque, N.M.), Gary Hache (Minn.), Brian and Jane Kernaghan (Pawley’s Island, S.C.) and Denny Sullivan and Bob Guido (Atlanta, Ga.).

It was also great to have a special visit at our party from Fr. Matt

Conlin, O.F.M., (former Siena president and fabulous Shakespeare prof!), Siena President Fr. Kevin Mullen,O.F.M., and Jim and Teresa Snyder. Jim leads Siena’s Mentoring Program today as he led Big Brothers when we were at Siena(see photo on page 23).

Our class gift has been a HUGE success! The greatest class to ever graduate from Siena (someone has to prove me wrong!) has committed more than $275,000 to the Siena Mentoring Program and more than $50,000 to the annual fund this year. If you are not one of those who have made a gift, why not do it today? Send your gift to classmate Bob Klein, who is Siena’s director of development.

There will be more news next time. Drop me a line with news from your life and we’ll share it in the next Siena magazine!

1973 Brian Valentine (202) 586-9741 bgvalentine@verizon.net Greetings to the Siena class of 1973 – and all of Siena’s community and friends! I hope the summer finds you well, and you have had the opportunity to enjoy many outdoor recreational activities. I also hope many of the class of 1973 had the opportunity to attend Siena Reunion 2008 – reunion pictures appear in this edition of Alumni News. It’s a great honor for me to recognize the inspiration of our Siena classmates, Dr. Ralph Giuliano and Dr. Robert Edwards, who were awarded The Professor Egon Plager Award for accomplishments in advancing the welfare of other human beings – for their charitable medical contributions in the Dominican Republic. Ralph and Bob found their inspiration from Dr. Jerry Hough – a pediatrician from Florida – who also contributed to the children of the Dominican Republic and received the Professor Egon Plager Award for his accomplishments in 1991.

Please drop us a note to share

Siena News • 27

your stories with us in the class news and notes! You’ll at least have stories of your great summer vacation to tell, won’t you?

1975 Janet Gutowski Hall janet.hall@wku.edu 1977 Linda Fitzsimmons lfitzsimmons@hvc.rr.com Mae A. D’Agostino, Esq. of Latham, a partner in the Albanybased law firm of D’Agostino, Krackeler, Baynes & Maguire, P.C., was recently honored by Albany Law School with a 2008 Kate Stoneman Award.

Honoring the first woman admitted to practice law in New York State, the award is given annually to individuals in the legal profession who have demonstrated a commitment to ensuring equity and fairness in the legal profession for women of all races, ages and religions. An adjunct professor at Albany Law School, where she teaches medical malpractice, D’Agostino is also past chair of the Trial Lawyers Section of the New York State Bar Association and was included in the 2006 Best Lawyers in America list.

1978 Victor Topo, president and CEO of the Center for Life Management in Derry, N.H., was a featured presenter at the 38th Annual Conference of the National Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare held recently in Boston, Mass.,(see photo).

1979 Sue Reilly/ Hayes CLIFTON522@aol.com 522 Chili-Riga Town Line Road Churchville, NY 14428 (585) 889-2072 1980 Dorothy Skiba/Pisarski, assistant professor of advertising at Drake University, recently received the Distinguished Advertising Educator of the Year Award for the Ninth District of the American Advertising Federation.

The district, which includes 27 schools in Iowa, Kansas, Missouri

and Nebraska, annually recognizes an advertising professor who has been a consistent mentor to students, supports the success of the advertising industry in a personal way through research, teaching and advocacy and has worked to advance the mission of AAF. Paul V. Mullin, Esq., was recently re-elected to the position of president of the board of trustees of the Onondaga Free Library. He was also selected as a “Super Lawyer” for the second year in a row for upstate New York lawyers. Only five percent of New York’s lawyers are selected to this list. Ellen Corcoran/D’Aniello is proud to announce that her daughter, Lisa, was just named to the U-23 National Rowing Team. Lisa is the granddaughter of John D. Corcoran, Jr. ’56. She’ll be competing in Germany, July 1720. To support Lisa, check out www.firstgiving.com/ u23lightweightwomen and www.usrowing.org/ Olympic_NationalTeam/ index.aspx 1982 Bob Young RYoung60@aol.com Congratulations to Pat Culligan who finished the Boston Marathon in 3 hours, 9 minutes and ten seconds. That’s an average of 7 minutes, thirteen seconds per mile. Great job Pat! 1983 Elvira Altimari-Jaeger 60 Wyatt Rd Garden City, NY 11530 eaj6@optonline.net Our own Tom Bonomo said it best: Gas from Richmond to Albany and back - $170 Two nights in a hotel - $300 Warm beer at Dapper’s - $4 Catching up with everyone Priceless !!!

For those who made the journey, it was great to see you! For everyone else, we missed you and hope that you will make it back to Siena in June of 2013 for the 30th reunion. I know I speak for everyone who attended when I say that it was wonderful to reconnect with all the people who are part of the class of ’83 and Siena itself. Some things changed but most remained the same.

When you were greeted by an old friend it took only a moment to place the face and transport you back to senior week, the Rat or Western Civ (of course the name tag helped). I will quote another classmate, Diane McAlpine, “It was wonderful to see so many

familiar faces from a very special time in our lives. I tried explaining the ‘Siena spirit’ to one of my colleagues, who couldn’t imagine why I’d want to attend my 25th reunion. As soon as I walked on campus, I felt it again.

And you all know what I’m talking about.”

We are in the process of setting up a reunion page for our class so that you can see pictures of the reunion. If you have any pictures, send them to alumni@siena.edu. The page will be a class of ’83 reunion page as part of the alumni section of the Siena Website.

I have one update and about a million shout-outs, so here goes: I heard from Maryann Werner/ Hartwick. She has been living Athens, Oh., for 10 years. She married Russ Hartwick ’82 in July of 1984. They have three children. Their oldest, Suzanne, graduated from college last June and is getting ready to pursue a graduate/doctorate degree in English literature. Their son, Conor, graduated from high school on Reunion Weekend and is heading off to college this fall.

Their youngest, Mary, is finishing up ninth grade. She keeps herself busy with flute, tennis and figure skating. Russ is a family physician practicing in Jackson, Oh. He’s picked up the saxophone in recent years and enjoys playing in several bands.

Sue is a tax preparer for H &R Block. During the off season she is president of the high school band boosters and the Southeast Ohio Astronomical Society. She also enjoys figure skating, as well as playing the piano and French horn.

There were about 150 members of the class of ’83 who attended various events at the reunion.

Some we saw at Dapp’s on Friday (that really felt like old timeshot, loud and tons of fun, no “High Hopes” on the juke box though). Some were at the picnic with their families on Saturday.

The class of ’83 had their own tent and tables. Most made it to the dinner/dance on Saturday night. However, there were some very conspicuous absences and they are being called out by their friends who attended the festivities and missed their presence. Special reunion noshow shout-outs go to: George Leombruno, Ray Mis, the “swamp” crew: Dave Donovan, Mike “Bear” McDermott and Mike Dempsey. Terry Greco, John Pawlinga, Mike Kelly, Stan Pingelski, Sue Bevel, Tom Baggetta, Gordon “Gordy” Clark, Kevin Keating, Peg Miller, Ted Henderson, Dan Falvo and Judy Ricci to name a few. Also not in attendance:

John Miano and Lori Remmel/ Miano, Jeannine Picozzi/ Finnelli and Rich Finnelli. I will quote Ed “Bumble” Humphreys who said, “when you are married to a fellow alum, you are morally obligated to attend.” Your classmates are looking forward to hearing from all of you. Please send an update.

No excuses necessary. Just be there next time!

1984 Lisa San Fratello/ McCutcheon 305 The Parkway Ithaca, New York 14853 mcclisa@yahoo.com The following is a note received in the alumni office from Elaine Kelsey/Ramundo: As of April 1, 2008 I have been appointed by Nationwide Insurance Companies and affiliates licensed in Property, Casualty, Life and Health as the principle agent for Elaine Ramundo & Associates, Inc. to continue on the Nationwide agency that my recently departed husband Vito had started over 17 years ago. In the true spirit of the Nationwide marketing campaigns, “Life Comes at You Fast,” I have learned firsthand the importance of insurance and making sure you are covered when life throws you the unexpected. At the young age of 46, Vito leaves behind myself and soon to be four-year-old daughter Gina to carry on his legacy he so dearly built up from nothing.

I hope to one day have a scholarship in his name at Siena for students pursuing careers in insurance and financial services.

1985 Catherine & Ron Bjorklund bjork90@comcast.net 14 Stevens Lane Tabernacle, NJ 08088-9744 Tracy Ridell/Miller is going back to work after almost 15 years at home raising the boys. Well, Rob is still a work-in-progress, but their kids are more independent, so now is a good time for her to get her career back on track. Tracy will be teaching math and science at the Metrolina Regional Scholars’ Academy, which is a charter school for academically gifted students in Charlotte, N.C. Classmates Sue Tase/Cleary, MaryEllen Mackay/Vadney, Joanne Irace/Duffy, JoAnn Naccarato/Madigan, Karen Forth/LaFreniere, Ann Kelly/ Coughlin, Jenny Fountain/ MacAskill, Lisa Barbaris and Cathy Casey/Bjorklund know better than to make any other plans the first weekend in March.

This weekend is a long-sacred

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“girls only” retreat celebrated each year. Meeting in New York City on Friday night and spending the weekend talking, shopping, talking, seeing shows, talking, indulging, talking, doing touristy things (and did I mention talking?), the group has formed a bond through marriages, children, jobs and family struggles. Many funny stories (trust me, don’t go to Hogs ’n Heffer’s if you are over 40) keep this group coming back for more. Do you have a Siena group that still gets together on a regular basis? Tell us about it and we will print it here!

Rob Pastore and Cyndi Mihal/ Pastore have bought a farm!

Their farm, named Morning View Farms is located in Ballston Spa, N.Y. They are Northeast Organic Farming Association of New York certified organic farmers. They raise mixed produce and eggs for a local farmers’ market (Cyndi is the market manager) and health food store on 23 acres and in four green houses. Rob and Cyndi also started a Community Supported Agriculture program this year and supply 10 families with a weekly bag of produce. Some of the things they grow include arugula, spinach, tomatoes, radishes, lettuce, onions, garlic, carrots, corn, winter and summer squash, potatoes, turnips, Swiss chard and broccoli. Additionally, the farm plays host to Rob and Cyndi’s college roommates (13+) and families once each summer for a “roommate reunion” where we all laugh at how old we are, try to kick a keg, sleep in tents, eat an amazing farm breakfast with eggs the kids collect, and are in awe of all of the children we have amassed and how fast they are growing up.

1987 Gerry McAndrew Geraldine.mcandrew@verizon.net 1988 Paula Cacossa Pc888@comcast.net Lt. Col. John F. Cuddy, has been promoted to the rank of colonel during a recent ceremony at Patriot Square, Camp Phoenix, Kabul, Afghanistan. Cuddy is a

team leader for an embedded training team for Combined Joint Task Force Phoenix VII. He resides in Providence, R. I., and is a member of the New Hampshire Army National Guard and is assigned to the 27th Brigade combat team from New York for service in Afghanistan. Cuddy’s awards and decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal (with one service star), Humanitarian Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, the NATO and UN Service Medals, the Parachutist Badge, Air Assault Badge, the German Armed Forces Parachutist Badge and the Excellence in Competition Badge, Bronze, in both rifle and pistol (see photo).

1989 Mike Carbonaro sienanews.1989@yahoo.com 3140 10 th Street Bethlehem, PA 18020 (610) 737-1147 Summer is finally here. The weather has turned quickly and we are enjoying summer finally.

It’s June while I am writing this so the crazy spring we had is now behind us. I believe most of my submissions made the spring newsletter which should have arrived; the next deadline is October 1, 2008, so please get me your information so we can keep the class updated. I received a couple of items from the class and the first is from Tracy Solarek who recently joined Excelsior College in Albany, N.Y. as executive director of marketing.

She’s responsible for the BMW group which stands for business development, marketing and the web team. I received a short note from Claire Cuccio/Steele who wrote in to tell us how much fun she was having in a systems engineering class working on calculus problems- we both had a good laugh at a need for Calculus for Dummies. On a serious note, Claire deploys for a tour in the Middle East managing the computer networks for our troops in that area- best of luck and stay safe. We all hope to see you back at our 20 year reunion in 2009.

Who can believe it has been that long since we left Siena? Hope to see everyone there!

1990 Alan Blakeborough and his wife Karen have opened the MVP firm. It will specialize in direct placement in accounting/finance, medical and sales fields. The firm will also aid small companies with human resource issues and

development. The firm serves clients in Charlotte, N.C., Greenville, S.C. and Albany, N.Y. For more information go to www.themvpfirm.com.

1991 Kevin Clarke Siena91@optonline.net Greetings class of 1991!

With every issue of the Siena News, I immediately flip to the section for our class notes with the thought of catching an update relating to the successes of one of my friends or acquaintances.

However, it seems with every issue, our class is represented less and less. So, I recently volunteered to represent the class of 1991 – to help us all keep in touch with the people and a time in our lives that will always bring a smile to our faces.

Recently, I was at a party with my family at a friend’s house in town. I was talking to a couple who have a child in my son’s class and during the conversation it came up that he was from a “small town” near Albany, N.Y. The “small town” turned out to be Latham and after that the Siena stories just began to flow.

As we talked, they told me about a college roommate whose sister went to Siena and graduated in 1990 (turns out she was my resident assistant).

After taking that trip down memory lane, I started to think about what a small world we live in and how far-reaching the Siena community is. Whether it’s the local parish, where Fr. Dennis comes and celebrates Mass every holiday, or the PTA meetings at my child’s school where the president is also a Siena graduate, or just walking down the street in New York City and bumping into an old friend (Browner) – I am always amazed at the impact Siena has had on my life.

It’s that impact and the far eaching community that we, the class of 1991, must keep alive between all of us. So, I need your help to make this a success. Let’s make sure our section is always full of news and information that will keep us all connected. Send me your notes or just drop me a line to catch up–nothing is too small to mention.

So, to get things started, I did hear from Scott A. Wilson. He has been named president & chief executive officer for SeaComm Federal Credit Union, Massena, N.Y. SeaComm has 34,000 members and more than a quarter of a billion dollars in assets. Scott lives in Massena, N.Y., with his wife Doreen, and their four children Paige, Levi, Hannah and Chloe. Congratulations Scott!

That’s it for now – all the best!

1992 Mary Pat McLoughlin/ Holler jmpholler@optonline.net Hello class of 1992!

Here are a few updates that I have received from members of our class: Laurie Farchione/Holtsbery is still teaching and gave birth to her fourth daughter on February 7, 2008. Madelyn Elizabeth joins Mackenzie, 6, Sophia, 5, and Grace, 2.

Marc Bloom married Angie Hostick on January 12, 2008.

Present at the wedding from our class were Joe Zito, Mike Brown, Tom Miller, Sean Doyle, Gary Lee, Peter Dean, John Hay, and Michele Castaldo/Miller. Also, Michelle Manning married Patrick Schembri on October 22, 2006 in Williamsburg, Va. They were joined by fellow Siena alumni Bob Casey ’93, Bryce Farbstein ’94, Amy Stuttard/ Markowicz and Jacquelyn Walter/Dougherty (see photo).

Tom Pearl was just named vice president of human resources with Siemens Cooperation. (thanks to his wife Sandy Keefner/Pearl for the update).

That’s all I have for now. I know that so many of you are doing great and exciting things with your lives so please e-mail me and let me know about them.

1993 Susan Hannon shannon@ryeneck.k12.ny.us 213 W. 252nd Street Riverdale, NY 10471 917-796-2085 What a terrific reunion class of ’93! Have you cooled off yet?!

As Jill Byrnes/Marks put it, “we were sweating all weekend” – from a packed crowd at Dapp’s to the 90 degree picnic – but hey, it was still fun and there was air conditioning Saturday night. By the way, for those who didn’t attend – the big update is that Dapp’s now serves pizza! I thought I’d start off updating you on my old “romper room” Townhouse 33 roommates.

Michelle Young/McLoughlin and her husband Scott welcomed their second child in December and what a cutie Christopher Ralph is. Christopher and big sister Kylie are two years apart. Terri Kenny/Holler has written a second book, Holler for Your Health – Be the Key to a Healthy Family. The book offers a unique look at how to avoid toxic chemicals and obtain proper nutrients. If you weren’t lucky enough to purchase it at her impromptu book signing outside Dapp’s at the reunion you can

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purchase it at www.holler4health.com. Kary Garrison/Trocchia wanted to update you all on her and hubby Jim Trocchia who will be celebrating their 11th anniversary in the fall. Whoever said that hookups at the end of your college years don’t work out! Jim is working as a director in human resources for the YMCA of Greater New York in Manhattan.

Kary left an underwriting job in fall 2006 to stay home for a few years with daughter, Emily, who will be three in August. For good measure they added another one, James (Jimmy) in July 2007.

They are living out in Garden City, Long Island. Kary wants to know what her dear old friend Kym Uhlemann is doing so email me an update. Danielle Cerro is living in Orlando working as an IT director for CHEP, an equipment pooling company. In October 2007, she returned from a two-year assignment in the United Kingdom, only to get engaged in April. She will be getting married in October 2008 and will be relocating to Mumbai, where her fiancé has just accepted the position of president, CHEP India. If you need a place to stay when visiting India, she said to contact her as she will have LOTS of spare time to entertain.

She also wanted to send a special shout-out to the Cheers gang and the boys from Townhouse 6, as well as the girls from Hennepin 4W. She also gave me the scoop on Kim Kachadurian/Baker.

She and her husband Brad are both employed at Disney and they have two gorgeous boys, Carson, 5, and Evan, almost 3.

Her old roommate Kristin Swaika/Laliberte and her husband Dave ’94 are living near Tampa where Dave is stationed in the Navy. They also have a son, Luke. Now, Laura Tesoriero, don’t forget to send me your update (you promised me one at the reunion) and for the next issue let’s try and get an update on Chris Cassalia, Jay De Traglia, Cindy Patterson and Lincoln Smith.

1994 Glenn Hofsess gh@endcap.com 83 Kellogg Street Brookfield, CT 06804 Congratulations to Susan DeRosa, a fifth-grade teacher at William S. Covert School in South Hempstead, N.Y. who was the recipient of the 2007-2008 Sister Kathleen Waters Master Educator Award. This most prestigious award was established to acknowledge the accomplishments of individuals in

the Rockville Centre School District who distinguish themselves as having “demonstrated a significant impact on students, have made a contribution to the practice of the profession and have distinguished him/herself in scholarship, leadership and character.” Ismael (Izzy) Santiago, Jr. and his wife, Dominique, are proud to announce the birth of their son Marcello Michele Santiago, who was born on May 29, 2008 at 6 pounds, 11 ounces and 19 inches in length. Big sister, Isabella Amelia, is a great help and loves her little brother more than anything in the world. Susan Rose/Merola and Anthony Merola welcomed a daughter, Elisabeth Rose, on September 16, 2007. Big brother Nicholas, is 4 and loves his new baby sister!

The Merola family resides in Merrick, Long Island. As I write this column I am packing sand toys and preparing two little guys for a day of wide-eyed excitement on the beach.

Nothing is better than watching their faces glow with the exuberance of having just the best time in the whole world. I hope you capture many of those moments this summer and savor them forever.

1995 Neil Wilcove nwilcove@fmglaw.com Stephanie Urschel/Hall and her husband Michael, welcomed their daughter Sara Anne on December 27, 2007. She joins big brother Ryan and big sister Abigail.

Kathryn Landolfi/Ozimek and her husband Michael ’96 welcomed their second son, Brady Michael Ozimek on January 13, 2008. Brady joins big brother Conor Joseph, who was born on November 19, 2005. Robert Belsito and his wife Patricia, along with big sisters Cassandra and Lillian, welcomed Jane Catherine Walsh Belsito on March 5, 2008. William Keany and his wife Mary are the proud parents of two beautiful children, Liam Seamus, who was born on July 5, 2006 and little sister, Charlotte Campion, who was born on November 25, 2007.

1996 Brian Murray murray21@hotmail.com bmurray@betterbackschiropractic.com (614) 270-6003 Kevin Timothy Sweeney joined the Sweeney clan on February 19, 2008. He was 9 pounds, 4 ounces and was welcomed with love by his big brother, Patrick, 4, and his big sister, Mary-Kate, 2. Trish English/Sweeney and John

Sweeney ’97 are hoping one of these three will end up a Siena Saint. Tricia Kelly/McCormack and Tom McCormack ’97 had their second baby boy, Connor Brian McCormack on December 27, 2007. Kimberly Ferber/ Bahn and husband Christopher are pleased to announce the birth of their daughter, Kylie Sage, born on April 7, 2008. She joins big brother Logan Christopher who was born in July 2005.

Danielle Jacques/Berry checked in to let us know that she has now been married for almost six years to Daniel Berry with two boys, Brendan Ried, born July 14, 2006 and Patrick Daniel, born Feb. 4, 2008. She has been working for 11 years in New York City as an accountant for the Island Def Jam Music Group.

Lisa and Javon Overstreet had identical twin girls, Teagan Kathleen and Taryn Cynthia on March 3, 2008. They also have Avery, 4, and Alexa, 2. Allison Cina/Kasson and her husband Joe recently added a fourth to “Team Kasson.” Emily Paige, 3months-old, joined Bridget Elizabeth, 5, Patrick Joseph, 4 and Thomas Joseph, 3. Jeremy Williams and wife Sarah welcomed their third daughter, Lucia Grace, on February 8, 2008. Lucia joins sisters Helena Mary, 4, and Caroline May, 2, in a new home built near North Creek in the Adirondacks. Molly West/ Meczywor checked in and let us know that she married Michael Meczywor in October 2000.

They now have two boys, Casey, 6, Carson, 4, and a daughter Emma, 8-months-old. Molly is currently teaching English at Drury High School in North Adams, Mass. She’s been there for 12 years and is also the girls’ varsity soccer coach. Karen and Bill Parlapiano are proud to announce the birth of their fourth child. Nicholas Matthew was born on February 23, 2008 at Saratoga Hospital. Kevin “Rook” VanWieren earned his M.B.A. and graduated top in his class from Villanova University School of Business. Most recently, he accepted the position of consulting account manager with Satmetrix Systems in New York City. Last but not least, Kevin and his wife, Debbie, became parents for the first time. Their son, Nicholas Robert Van Wieren, was born on April 2, 2008.

Daddy’s already got him listening to the Ramones and The Clash!

Finally, Jay McGrath says hello and let us know that he is now living 30 miles south of Albany with two girls (his words)!

Fred Pratt married Erin R. Simms on October 13, 2007. Many Siena alumni attended the wedding (see photo) First row: D. Danielsen

and K. Danielsen, R. Carmen and J. Carmen, E. Pratt and F. Pratt, Fr. Francis X. Gunn O.F.M., L. Sherman and W. Sherman, T. Kellogg, M. Murray, B. Murray. Second row: E. Connolly and P. Connolly, Br. Michael Harlan, O.F.M., M. Owens ’86, Fr. Dennis Tamburello, O.F.M. ’75, K. Collette and J. Collette, J. Mooney. Your college checklist is now complete! I am still in the process of creating a database of all current e-mails for the class of 1996. If you have not yet done so, please forward your contact information as well as email contacts for your friends from ’96 to murray21@hotmail.com and I will be sending back a database of all current e-mails to you in the near future.

1997 Selena Dutcher selena.dutcher@regentcomm.com bronx_bombers25@yahoo.com (518) 265-2127 It’s summertime in Albany and some days it feels more like Florida! The horses are running at Saratoga and if you need me you can find me there! As our schedules, both personal and professional, get busier and busier remember to take time for yourself, your family and your friends!

Here is an update on some of our classmates…

Michelle Rizzo/Daly and her husband Tom Daly, are proud to announce the birth of their daughter Nicole Marie Daly on March 12, 2007!

Eileen Morrssey/Mulroy is now the proud mother of two girls with the arrival of Tara Sage Mulroy on January 3, 2008! Big sister Megan turned two in November and is excited to be in her new role as “big sister!”

Carlos Nazario sent an update from Fort Hamilton, Brooklyn where he is an officer in the United State Army. His daughter Isabella is now 20 months old and he was married on March 29, in New York City!

John Tobin and his wife Jamie Buttiglieri/Tobin ’99 are proud to announce the arrival of their son Lucas John on May 8, 2008.

They currently live in East Greenbush, N.Y.!

Congratulations to Dr. Brian Mahoney on receiving his doctorate in school leadership and administration from Fordham University on May 17, 2008.

John De Stafeno is off the market! He married Kerri Mather in July 2006 with a number of “Siena family” in attendance (see photo). Back row L to R: Chris Stefanac, Jill Vermeulen/ Stefanac, Mike Giardino and Jill

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White/Giardino ’96, Mark Lawrence, Shashin Shah, Venu Channamsetty, James and Sandy Serbalik, Brian Spofford, Jill Spofford ’98, and Christina Babine/Addessa ’99. Front row L to R: Kerri Mather, John De Stafeno and James Lotakis.

Jonai Nertney/Trumpler married Joseph Trumpler on October 5, 2005 and welcomed their daughter, Joslyn Leigh, on July 17, 2007. Congratulations!

Finally, probably one of the most entertaining updates came in from none other than Pete Rydel. Pete married Margaret Tuttle ’98, according to Pete, “in 2002…I think!” They currently live in Portland, Conn., where Pete is an attorney in New Haven, Conn.

They are the proud parents of Connor Keegan, born on October 1, 2005 and his little sister Caitlin Fox, born on May 30, 2007. As Pete writes, “She was born the weekend before our 10-year reunion. I still can’t believe that Margaret didn’t let me go anyway.” I will spare you the specific details but Pete walked me through a typical day including the potty-training accomplishments of Connor!

Connor…we’re all very proud of you!

Remember, you don’t need to be engaged, planning a wedding or have a baby to update everyone!

Have you made a move lately?

Did you get promoted?

Remember, to make a submission for the newsletter, please contact me by email at selena.dutcher@regentcomm.com or bronx_bombers25@yahoo.com . If you want to touch base and chat for a while…give me a call at 518-265-2127. I look forward to hearing from you!

1998 Janine Trapp/Scotti (201) 294-0395 sienasaints98@yahoo.com Where has 10 years gone? I hope many of you were able to make it to and enjoy our 10-year reunion.

Although I had obligations that kept me in Chicago that weekend, my thoughts were with the class of 1998! I got reports from several friends that attended, who said it was an enjoyable weekend.

Kristine Wylie-DeWaters and her husband Josh welcomed son Logan John DeWaters on December 8, 2007.

Lots of exciting news for Brian Mahoney ’97 and Amy Sutton/ Mahoney . The couple, along with big brother Brendan, welcomed their second son, Patrick Richard, on March 16, 2007. Amy saw her first book Untenured, Uncensored: Surviving the First Years of

Teaching published by Rowman & Littlefield Publications/ Scarecrow Press and released in 2007.

Enjoy the Summer class of ’98!

1999 Brendan Fitzgerald nyfitzgerald@yahoo.com fitzgeb@assembly.state.ny.us 518-258-9272 Low summer thunder is distantly rolling as I write, while a tranquil rain patters just audibly enough so as to be hypnotizing.

Honestly, it’s the stuff of relaxation tapes. I’d be asleep if it weren’t for the afternoon mugginess. It’s reminding me, as seems to be the pattern when I sit down to write these updates, of my time at Siena. I spent a summer session living in Hines, catching up on my fine arts and foreign language requirements in between my junior and senior years. Siena was a completely different place those few weeks – almost forlorn. Without the usual hustle and bustle, I sometimes lamented having being stuck in the hothouse affectionately known as “Hines College.” It was lonesome, but it had its advantages. On late night strolls to fend off boredom, I got much better acquainted with the campus, and all of its nooks and crannies. Like an urban explorer, I felt like I was learning Siena’s secrets. It gave me a better appreciation and an even greater fondness for Siena, which has stayed with me to this day.

Great news! Devon Couden/ Treharne, and her husband Bryan Treharne, welcomed into their family their second child, a daughter, Reagan Kathleen, on October 13, 2007. She joins her 2-year-old big brother, James Morgan, to round out their family of four. Hooray Treharnes!

Kim Karbowski/Breault also emailed with great baby news.

She and her husband Tim Breault welcomed their first child, daughter Kate Sienna, on March 2, 2008. The Breaults are happily settled in Huntersville, N.C. Congratulations Breaults!

I also heard from Jamie Buttiglieri/Tobin and her husband John Tobin ’97 who proudly announced that their son, Lucas John, was born on May 8, 2008. Jamie and John currently make their home in East Greenbush, N.Y. From what I hear, Jamie still keeps in touch with Toni Colombetti/Conover and the rest of the old gang.

Hoorah Tobins!

Pamela Lalor/Murin e-mailed with news that she gave birth to her second daughter on January 17, 2008. Shannon Kathleen

joins her older sister Reagan Patricia, her mom and her dad, Patrick, as the newest addition to the Murin family. Way to go Murins!

On April 10, 2008 Jodie Need/ Szozda, husband Timothy Szozda, and big sister Julia, welcomed into the world Joanthan Matthew Szozda.

Congratulations Szozda family!

My, my weren’t we a busy class this past calendar year!

I also heard from Mike Greco, who is living happily with his wife and infant son in their new house in Maryland. I promised him a callback, which is coming soon Mike.

Finally, I just got a text message from Johnson Varughese who’s probably working a double in his new physician assistant gig. He was texting to let me know that George Carlin passed away.

Thanks Varughese, for the dayold news updates. Rest in peace George: you taught me more about the English language than my mother ever cared for me to know.

Keep the updates coming class of ’99! Here’s to another “productive” summer!

back, but great news just the same. Karen was married to Eric Biehler on August 11, 2007.

Check out their wedding photo in this edition. Best wishes to both of you!

Our friend Katie Julian was catching up with my wife Kristina recently. Katie calls the North End of Boston home, and is proud to be finishing up her fifth year as a first grade teacher at the Benjamin Banneker Charter School. She is really dedicated to her students and talks about them all the time. Hopefully we will visit Katie soon so she can guide us to all the good Italian food that Boston’s North End has to offer. Maybe we can even visit when my Yanks are in town!

Keep the stories coming. I love hearing from you, and so do the rest of your classmates. Even if you just have a funny story involving class of 2000 people, drop me a line—I’ll put it in!

2001 Maura Mack sienanotes01@gmail.com Congrats to Craig Hall on the

2000 Shaymus R. Schweitzer SienaSaints2000@hotmail.com 103 Sherman Ave. Troy, New York 12180 518-727-3392 So has anyone been to a 30th birthday party lately? Quite different than the last “big one” we all had at 21, right? My wife threw me a surprise 30th at our house over the winter. It was great fun to see many friends from Siena and even high school, but I found myself content to go to bed at a reasonable hour, and still woke up relatively early the next morning…not fully recovered (that takes days now), but awake early nonetheless. By the way, we did play Beirut, and I did get my butt kicked by Chubbs (Eric) LeDuc and James DeMatteo. I’ll spare you all the mildly embarrassing party photos.

Hope you are all enjoying the summer and the barbeques, vacations, outdoor events, and yes – 30th birthday parties - that are sure to keep your weekends booked.

Kris Merrill ’99 and Dana Conlan/Merrill checked in recently to announce the birth of their daughter Keely Siena Merrill on April 29, 2008.

Congratulations to both of you.

What a fantastic name!

I also got an e-mail from Karen Wereb. She noticed that our column was a little lacking last time and decided to help me out with news from a little while

success of his company, LogosPrint. Craig recently relocated LogosPrint to 10 Walker Way, Suite 6, in Albany.

Craig believes the larger space will allow LogosPrint to provide better services to clients looking for signs, banners, posters, vehicle wraps, window/wall murals and graphic design services. Craig and company have done several projects on campus, including the display for academic excellence in Siena Hall.

Check out LogosPrint’s work at www.logosprint.com.

Rob Connors recently accepted a job as page editor at the Daily Racing Form in New York. Rob previously held a similar position at The Post-Star in Glens Falls, N.Y., where he helped the sports section there to two national Associated Press Sports Editors awards (Top 10 Sunday section and honorable mention special section in the paper’s circulation category). We know who to call come August in Saratoga!

Go Panthers! Jeff Hafley was recently named the defensive backs coach at the University of Pittsburgh, making him the youngest position coach in the Big East conference! Fantastic!

New bundle of joy…Ian Hunt

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and his wife Brittany welcomed their first child, Kaleigh Christine Hunt on June 18, 2008. Mom and baby are doing great!

Nuptial news : I am happy to say that Mathew ‘Pinto’ Langridge and Mary Cusack got married May 3, 2008 at St. Mary’s of the Snow in Saugerties, N.Y. Fr. Dan Dwyer was the officiate. Guests included: Ed Bova, Jason DeLuca, Joe Montalbano, Fr. Dan Dwyer, O.F.M. ’74, Jenn O’Connell/Masten ’02, John Masten ’02 and Katie Fenn ’04 (see photo).

Steven Shaw and Jennifer Cervone were married on June 5, 2005 in New Rochelle, N.Y. There were many Siena alumni present: Patrick Turk, Tara Crawford/ Hennessy, Alisa Kojalowicz/Kreig and Tom Phillips ’00. On May 14, 2008, they welcomed their son, John Joseph!

Thanks to everyone who submitted news this edition. If you keep meaning to send me your news: run, don’t walk – and let me know: sienanotes01@gmail.com. There are a lot of you I haven’t heard a peep from, who I’m sure have exciting things taking place.

2002 Christine Cinnamond christine.cinnamond@gmail.com (646) 942-0970 2003 Gina Gizzi sienasaints_2003@hotmail.com P.O. Box 5133 Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 (518) 421-4316 A little over five years ago, members of the class of 2003 were looking ahead with promise, following our graduation from Siena. Over that time I have had the great pleasure of reading stories from many of you about successes and special events.

After attending the All Alumni Bash during Reunion 2008, I was able to catch up with a few classmates in person who I had not seen in quite a while. Mike Ragusa reported that he is studying for a Ph.D. in biochemistry at Brown University in Rhode Island. Kelly Quist is on her way to a teaching career in the Capital Region, as she completed her Master of Arts in teaching at Union College in June 2008 and has accepted a position teaching history at Van Antwerp Middle School in Niskayuna, N.Y. which begins in September 2008. I hope the rest of you who attended events of Reunion 2008 enjoyed yourselves as well.

Meri Marshall/Faulkner and her husband Lloyd welcomed their first child, a baby girl, Samantha

Kay, on September 24, 2007.

Robyn Pyskadlo and Joseph Pupello ’02 were married on April 19, 2008 in Troy, N.Y. Amanda Flood is planning a June, 2009 wedding to Stephen Baronian ’04 since becoming his fiancé in October 2007 when proposed to at their favorite spot - Long Beach Island, N.J. Congratulations to all!

2004 Jolleen Wagner jolleen_wagner@yahoo.com My fellow members of the class of 2004, how are you? It is hard to imagine that our friends and predecessors from the class of 2003 celebrated their 5th Reunion this June which means next year is our turn! Time sure does fly!

Michael Rajter married Jamie Houghton on July 6, 2007 at The Century House. Jamie is a math teacher at the South Glens Falls High School and Michael is a social studies teacher at the Granville Jr/Sr High School. The couple resides in South Glens Falls.

Congratulations are in order for Jeremy Reed and Nicole Benjou who were married on July 7, 2007 (see photo). My apologies for not getting this in sooner you two!

Nicole also earned her master’s in instructional technology from New York Institute of Technology in May 2007, and is now teaching eighth-grade math at LMK Middle School in Harrison, N.Y. Jeremy is an associate at Markit Group in White Plains, N.Y. Very celebratory congratulations to Justen Aprile who graduated from Penn State College of Medicine on May 18, with a doctorate in medicine. His residency is at the Connecticut Children’s Medical Center where he will be trained in pediatrics over the course of the next three years. He’d love to re-connect with Siena friends and can be reached at drj.pedimd@gmail.com.

In further news, Robert Gonyo graduated in May from the Tisch School of the Arts New York University with his master’s in performance studies. Robby plans to remain living and working in Brooklyn. Great job Robby— we’re proud of you!

That brings this issue’s class notes to a close folks. So remember, send me that e-mail and let me know what is going on so that we can all cheer on and support one another!

2005 Sabra-joi Dingman sdingman@siena.edu (845)-758-7692

2006 Chris Elsesser celsesser@mail.fairfield.edu Ashley Boland Ashleym.boland@gmail.com Salutations fellow classmates!

Hopefully this edition of Siena News finds you in a decent state of mind as you work, sweat and bask through the dog days of summer. If you are in a dire need for a good couple of minutes of distraction, you are in luck! Grab a cold drink and pull up a chair, as we have A LOT of fun and exciting things to share with you this quarter!

Recently, Ashley and I were talking, and agreed that time has truly seemed to virtually vanish since graduation. Ashley especially feels old as she attended her first bachelorette party for one of our classmates, Katy McKeon, who married Brian Green on July 16, 2008. Their wedding took place in Almafi, Italy! Wow! When she is not spending time overseas, Katy works as a clinical counselor for the city of Albany’s Truancy Abatement Program. Maggie McKeon, Katy’s twin sister, is happy to report that her political career survived former New York Governor Eliot Spitzer’s scandal and has recently been promoted to junior press officer for Governor David A. Paterson. As you know, Ashley took a new job with Union College last year and has recently been able to add some “green and gold” to her daily agenda, by scheduling regular lunch dates with Natalia Kutzer, the new coordinator of alumni relations for Union Graduate College. In other job news, Helaina Casabonne is working as an adjuster for GMAC Insurance, a place “where everyone hates a claims adjuster.”

Stephanie Forino is happy to report that she recently became an aunt! She also just finished her M.B.A. and now plans to pursue teaching grades 1–6. In December 2007, Erica Christine received her master’s in education from The College of Saint Rose.

In March 2008, she joined the Albany regional office of Eli Lilly as a sales representative, and is currently working hard to keep the company’s status as global leader in the pharmaceutical industry. Lauren Gordon is entering her second year as the business development coordinator at Tofias PC, located in Cambridge, Mass. Tofias is one of the largest regional accounting firms in New England. This year, the firm has been honored for being named one of Boston Business Journal’s “2008 Best Places to Work” for the second

consecutive year. Since graduation, Nicki Grau has been working for ePostDirect and was recently promoted to the position of campaign manager. Carl Falotico, a fan favorite at Commencement 2006 and an avid reader of this space, has reported that he has been named the editor-in-chief of the New York International Law Review journal at St. Johns Law School.

This is a very prestigious honor in his field! Carl will be a third year law student at St. Johns in the fall and will graduate in 2009. Amy Zamenick will be starting her third year of environmental law at the Pace Law School in September. She is currently interning with a medium sized firm in Orange County, working in land use and municipal law.

Amy also participated in the annual alumni rugby game this past May, where the alumni team beat the current students once again. If you are dying to see some former friends and classmates, Amy has told us that downtown Albany’s local watering holes still seem to be the spot to find some old friends and re-live the stories of your greatest Siena moments. Finally, we would like to report that Lindsay Finch and Ryan DiMaso, held their long awaited wedding this past May and tied the knot in front of many Siena family members. Be sure to check out their picture in this magazine!

On behalf of our class, Ashley and I would like to pass along a BIG CONGRATS to everyone we have featured in this quarter’s column. This is indeed one of our best quarters yet and we hope to keep up our terrific reporting pace! Please feel free to contact us with your happenings soon either through e-mail or by Facebook message! Enjoy the rest of your summer and we’ll talk to you during the crisp days of fall!

2007 Sean Robbins PO Box 11222 Loudonville, NY 12211 SeanRobbins@att.net Summer forges onward and so does the class of 2007!

Trisha Connell, host of “Indie Wired” on WVCR 88.3 “The Saint”, opened her own business, Sandriena Kim, Inc. on June 8.

Located inside Clifton Park Center Mall near Boscov’s, it specializes in garments and other merchandise ideal for special occasions such as formal/bridal dresses, and accessories. Their inhouse designer provides tailoring/ alterations, custom sewing, and design services. If you would like more information, visit their

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Website at www.sandrienakim.com or call 518-357-3722.

You may recall that in my last column, I reported 2nd Lt. Dan Skiff, U.S. Army Reserve, is stationed in Andar Provence, Iraq, serving as the platoon leader in command of 43 soldiers.

Recently, Dan, who is living in a bungalow that was originally a summer resort built for the kids by the Hussein family and is now occupied by the Marines, recently sent a note updating us on his experiences. I’d like to share some of his comments, which provide a small window into what he is going through: “My platoon sergeant and I are the only two Army on the whole camp as far as I can tell. I have an office in the Marine battalion that my platoon is attached to, where I track the movements of my PTT teams, resource Iraqi Police stations in getting training, equipment, vehicles, stations, paychecks, etc., and troubleshoot for my eight bosses. My platoon sergeant and I drive to work every day in a 27,000 lb. armored security vehicle that resembles an amphibious vehicle, but just isn’t amphibious. Just trying to save the environment, you know? It might be more than we need for driving on post, but we are just playing it safe. Just kidding, it is too big for my PTTs to be driving in the city, so it’s the only thing left to drive.” He also said, “The tempo is beginning to stabilize, which means that our mission will probably change soon. But it is nice to have a routine and sense of stability for the time being.”

Nevertheless, his thoughts are on returning home: “Hope all is well back in the states. It is starting to get hot here, and it still has 20 or 30 more degrees to go before it starts to go down again. Anyway, I’ll see you all in a few more months (9ish). Now that I’m here, I can finally start thinking about coming home.”

Hope all of you are enjoying the rest of summer and are ready to face the fall fresh and renewed.

2008 Danielle Grasso Patrick Preston SienaCollege2008@gmail.com Congratulations on graduating everyone! We’re your class of 2008 contacts for Siena News.

After four years, we are now officially a part of the alumni network, and what a great one it is. We attended our first alumni event in June with the New York City Metro Club and had a great time. We encourage everyone to go to their local alumni events.

It’s a great way to meet up with fellow classmates, even though it was only a month after graduation, and meet other

alumni. Pat recently returned from training in Charlotte, N.C. and is working for Sun Belt Rentals at their office in New Jersey and I’m working in the Graduate Admissions office at Pace University in downtown Manhattan. If you’d like to share with us and the entire Siena community the happenings in your life, please feel free to e-mail us at SienaCollege2008@gmail.com.

We’d love to hear how you’re doing and pass the word along.

We wish everyone luck in adjusting to and enjoying life after Siena. Enjoy your summer!

Nicole Benjou ’04 married Jeremy Reed ’04 on July 7, 2007.

Christina Sudano ’03 married David Klejsmyt ’04 on April 21, 2007 at the college chapel.

Patrick Preston has accepted a position at Sunbelt Rentals as an outside sales representative.

In Memory of: Baltus A. Gottschalk ’41 Edward Morris ’42 Charles E. Ralston ’47 Anthony J. Domeika ’49 Roger J. Fortin ’49 Dr. Thomas Looby II ’49 Paul R. Casey ’50 Thomas D. Dyer ’50 Thomas “Mike” Heagerty ’50 George Prehoda ’50 Charles Fox ’51 Ralph C. Kelly ’51 Joseph A. Money, Jr. ’51 Joseph W. Robertson ’51 Joseph P. Mink ’52 James Hughes Racette ’53 Robert Barnes, DDS ’54 William Guttieri ’55 James M. Sweeney, Sr. ’55 Edger D. Cantwell ’56 William Craven ’58 William Scholtz ’59 Joseph J. Dolan ’60 Patrick E. Clark ’62 Henry L. Barton ’63 Albert Racicot ’64 Robert F. O’Keefe ’69 Richard C. Brazell ’77 Jonathan Kudlack ’89 William A. Brocks, III ’04 The Alumni Office regrets to have misspelled the name of Anne Cozzolino Griffin ’59 in the spring 2008 issue. * The College is also saddened to annouce the passing of Connie Owens, former director of postal services from 1969-2005 at Siena College.

Karen Wereb ’00 married Eric Biehler on August 11, 2007.

Laurie Spofford ’03 married Vince Pasqualino ’03 in September 2007 at the Siena College Chapel.

Michelle Manning ’92 married Patrick Schembri on October 22, 2006 in Williamsburg, Va.

Fred Pratt ’96 married Erin R. Simms on October 13, 2007.

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Kelsey Hanno ’04 married John Witkiewicz ’04 on June 30, 2007 in Boulder, Colo.

Mathew “Pinto” Langridge ’01 married Mary Cusack on May 3, 2008 at St. Mary’s of the Snow in Saugerties, N.Y.

Lindsey Finch ’06 married Ryan DiMaso ’06 in May 2008.

John De Stafano ’97 married Kerri Mather in July 2006.

Kristen McDonough ’05 married Don Lavelle on March 15, 2008 at the Swan Club in Glen Cove, N.Y. Siena News • 34

Supporting Siena and Tomorrow’s Leaders For more than seventy years, Siena College has educated students who have gone on to become leaders in healthcare, legal, financial and other industries.

Instilled with the Franciscan spirit of “giving back,” our alumni are also often found in leadership positions of nonprofit organizations and doing “hands-on” work to make their community a better place to live.

The College is blessed to have a base of over 25,000 loyal alumni and friends who annually support Siena College with approximately $5 million per year. This support has allowed Siena to provide its students with signature academic programs, as well as financial aid to 85 percent of our students.

As we move forward, we encourage you to learn more about Siena College and consider partnering with us. Your partnership will allow Siena to continue its offering of a superior quality private education, while keeping the cost of that education within the means of the families that entrust their sons and daughters to us.

WAYS TO SUPPORT SIENA: 1. Outright gifts of cash and appreciated assets (stocks and real estate) 2. Life insurance 3. Life Income Gifts where the donors receive income for their lifetime 4. Retirement accounts 5. Will bequests If you would like to explore making a gift that will create your legacy at Siena College, please contact Jack Sise, Esq. ,’75, Director of Gift Planning at (518) 783-2432 or by e-mail at jsise@siena.edu.

Siena Heads Back to Belarus In May of this year, 15 students and four Siena professors unearthed 300 toppled gravestones at the Rubiazhevichi cemetery, located in a small Belarusian village. They also rebuilt the entrance to the cemetery with the help of local residents.

“It was an experience that I’m sure will stay with all of us over the years. The timing of the trip, the international complexities, the personal experiences and the meaningful work accomplishments were extraordinary considering we were there for just twelve days,” Michael Lozman, an orthodontist from Loudonville who helped organize the trip, said.

The group, none of whom are Jewish, paid their own way. In 2006 another group led by Lozman from Siena restored a cemetery in Vselyub, Belarus.

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