Siena News Summer 2012

Siena SIENA NEWS

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A MAGAZINE FOR ALUMNI AND FRIENDS

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SUMMER 2012

Ready For Life After Siena

INSIDE: Class of 2012 $1.5 Million Gift to Support Research Center Science Matters

Message from the Editor You may have noticed that the date on the College Seal is 1937. Siena’s doors officially opened on Sept. 22 of that year. To mark Siena’s milestone anniversary, we have begun a year-long celebration that kicked off with Reunion 2012. Whether you were here 50 years ago, 25 years ago, recently or haven’t yet had the opportunity to visit Siena’s beautiful campus, there is much to be celebrated.

Siena’s new strategic plan, Living Our Tradition, is guiding the College into the future.

As this issue attests the College has already made significant progress toward achieving the plan’s four goals in the areas of student engagement, resources, diversity and athletics.

With your support the strategic plan will be fully realized and Siena College will continue to provide the education of a lifetime for another 75 years and beyond.

Enjoy your summer,

710 Bachelor’s and 42 M.S. in Accounting Degrees

Jim Eaton

were awarded to the Class of 2012

departments On Campus News | 11 Alumni Connection | 28 Saints Corner | 23 Class Notes | 34 Faculty and Staff News | 26

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this year.

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contents

from the president The instructions for lining up prior to the Commencement ceremony are clear: graduating seniors gather on the right side of the Times Union Center and faculty members gather on the left. However, it doesn’t take long for this neat partitioning of the Siena community to break down as seniors spot their favorite professors and scurry across the “great divide” with camera in hand. “Dr. Farnan, can we get a picture together?” “How about one with you, Fr. Dan?” “Oh, and one with you, Dr. Weatherwax and Dr. Buff.”

And so it goes for the hour before the procession begins. These are not random requests. It is the teachers who have made the biggest impact on their students’ lives who hear these persistent pleas for a photographic keepsake.

These days, “assessment” is a buzz word in higher education.

Curriculum is assessed. Programs and departments are assessed.

Learning goals and the means to achieve them are assessed. The data gleaned from such evaluations can be a valuable aid in promoting personal and institutional growth and development. But some things cannot be measured, like the transformative relationships that often unfold between faculty mentors and their student advisees. Working shoulder-to-shoulder in a biology lab, co-authoring an article for a scholarly journal and collaborating in the design of a satellite or a business venture provide both students and faculty alike with “the education of a lifetime.” These academic partnerships encourage both the lively exchange of ideas and that exchange of respect and affection without which real learning fails to occur, especially learning that claims the mantle of St. Francis.

Commencement celebrates the accomplishments of our graduates, but it also celebrates the bonds of friendship and cooperation that make Siena such a vibrant learning community. Living Our Tradition, the College’s 2011-2016 strategic plan, seeks to strengthen and expand these mutually enriching relationships, particularly those between students and faculty. If we are successful in meeting our goal, then future Commencement marshals will have an even harder time bringing order out of the chaos of hugs and flash photography on both the right and left sides of the Times Union Center. And from where I stand, that’s a very desirable learning outcome indeed!

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

2012 - 2013 Board of Trustees Thomas L. Amell ’89 Ronald E. Bjorklund ’85 J. David Brown Robert F. Campbell ’66 Judy Capano/Michaelson ’87 Br. F. Edward Coughlin, O.F.M., Ph.D. Robert M. Curley Robert T. Cushing ’77 Susan Law Dake Howard S. Foote ’74 Violet T. Grennan, M.F.I.C., D. Min. Robert L. Guido ’68 Douglas T. Hickey ’77 Rev. Kenneth R. Himes ’71, O.F.M., Ph.D. Pamela McCarthy Robert J. McCormick ’87 James J. Morrell ’66 Very Rev. Kevin J. Mullen ’75, O.F.M., Ph.D. John F. Murray ’79 John J. Nigro Very Rev. John F. O’Connor, O.F.M. Walter A. Osterman ’87 Mark S. Rose ’65 Rev. James P. Scullion ’75, O.F.M., Ph.D. David M. Stack ’73 Christine L. Standish Nimmi M. Trapasso ’98, M.D. Sonya S. VanBortel ’03, J.D. Dennis L. Winger ’69

Siena News - Summer 2012 Published by: Siena College 515 Loudon Road, Loudonville, NY 12211-1462 518-782-8300 • communications@siena.edu

• Publisher: Delcy Fox • Editor: Jim Eaton • Contributing Editors: Mark Adam, Fr. Bill Beaudin ’76, O.F.M., Andrew Champagne, Mark Demos, Pete Dillon ’12,

Jodi Ackerman Frank, Eric Guzman ’12, Ken Jubie ’04, Fr. Kevin Mullen ’75, O.F.M., Ph.D., Ericka Pier ’14, Jason Rich ’98, Caitlyn Sanchez ’12, Jack Sise ’75 and Amanda Tashjian ’13 • Online Editor: Allison Turcio ’06 • Art Director : Sergio Sericolo • Alumni Class Notes, On Campus, Alumni Connection Design : Jean Higgs • Alumni Class Notes Editors: Mary Beth Finnerty ’85, Jake Hill ’09 and Lori Lasch • Photography: Athletics Office, Blue Fuego, Dave Boswell ’12, Creative Arts Department, Development Office, Mike Hemberger, Tim Lattener ’15, Emily Merritt ’12, Tony Purificato, Kris Qua, ROTC Office, Cindy Schultz/ Albany Times Union, Sergio Sericolo and Michael Valiquette ’14 • Back Page Design: Sergio Sericolo • Printer: The Lane Press, Burlington, Vt. On the cover: At Commencement the graduating class took time to reflect on their memories at Siena College.

$1.5 Million Gift from Friars to Support Research Center On December 2, 2011, Siena College President Fr. Kevin Mullen ’75, O.F.M., Ph.D., announced to Siena’s Board of Trustees that the friars of Holy Name Province pledged $1.5 million to endow Siena’s new Center for Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity (CURCA). The mission of CURCA is to enhance opportunities for students to partner with faculty in their scholarly pursuits.

“Since Siena was founded 75 years ago, Holy Name Province has been the school’s largest benefactor,” Fr. Mullen said. “This gift is another example of that longstanding support and a validation of Siena’s commitment to academic excellence.”

“With this gift we hope to help Siena produce scholars, scientists and artists who will take their research lessons and the message of St. Francis and magnify them as they make their way in the world,” said Fr. John F. O’Connor O.F.M., Holy Name’s Provincial Minister. In the past five years, Siena has seen a 67% increase in active research grants and other sponsored activity. These grants help faculty engage students in library and laboratory research, field work and creative activity in the fine arts. It is precisely this culture of student engagement outside the classroom that Living Our Tradition, Siena’s strategic plan, seeks to promote.

In response to the growing demand for independent research projects and as a way to continue to bolster the number of students involved in such research, Siena recently named Cheryl Buff ’82, Ph.D., director of CURCA. In that capacity, Buff will coordinate efforts across the College to make undergraduate opportunities in research and creative activity available to as many students as possible.

“Franciscan education invites you to engage in problem-solving in such a way that the search for a solution will transform you,” said Linda Richardson, Ph.D., vice president for academic affairs. “It’s all about that one-on-one interaction with a faculty member. And those experiences, if you ask our students, are the ones they’ll remember.”

FEATURES

Cheryl Buff ’82, Ph.D., director of CURCA.

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y d a e R 2 1 0 2 f o s a s n a l e i C S r e t f A e f i L r fo

By Ken Jubie ’04 “Twenty-five years from now, most of you will not remember me speaking before you,” said Class President Tara Keough ’12 during her Commencement ceremony welcome address. While that may be true, Keough guaranteed that her fellow graduates and the countless families and friends who filled the Times Union Center in downtown Albany would remember the day, and she encouraged her classmates to cherish the memories and accomplishments it celebrates.

“Each and every one of us has created life changing friendships and unforgettable memories that stretch far beyond the confines of our four years here,” Keough said. “While our journeys here at Siena have ended, our new expeditions into the world have just begun; but there is no doubt in my mind that each and every member from the Class of 2012 will never forget to bring Siena along with them.”

Whether they are entering the workforce or continuing their education, members of the Class of 2012 committed to keeping their connections to the College alive in various ways.

Marketing major Jon Deis ’12 said Commencement is the “definition of bittersweet.” While he is sad to leave his friends and influential professors, Deis is excited about beginning his career at W.B. Mason. “Siena has given me the opportunity to put myself out there and make a difference in the world,” Deis said. During his time at Siena, Deis conducted market research with Professor of Marketing and Management Raj Devasagayam, Ph.D., and presented his findings at conferences in Chicago and Mumbai.

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“Remember to keep holding doors open for people and say hello because it makes everyone’s day brighter,” said Alex Mazza ’12. The former Student Senate President and biology major is moving to New York City where he will be running clinical trials in oncology and hematology at the Weill Cornell Medical College.

“This school prepared me for the next step,” said Joseph Frumusa ’12. He majored in psychology, minored in broadcast and society, served as president of the SCTV Television Club and hosted a weekly interview show called “Saints Live.” Frumusa will continue to develop his skills and prepare for a career in television news as he pursues a master’s degree in broadcast journalism at Syracuse University’s Newhouse School of Public Communications.

Siena also awarded honorary degrees to educational leader and former Chair of the Siena College Board of Trustees Joseph M. Pastore, Jr., Ph.D.; journalist, author, sports woman and breeder of thoroughbred horses Virginia Kraft Payson; and New York Yankees shortstop and Captain Derek Jeter.

Jeter and the Yankees were in action on Commencement day against the Seattle Mariners, so his sister Sharlee Jeter, President SIENA 7

To view additional photos and videos of this year’s ceremony visit www.siena2012.com.

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of the Turn 2 Foundation, accepted the degree on his behalf. Jeter’s presence was felt through a personalized video message that played on the arena’s video screens.

After the graduates received their diplomas and officially became sons and daughters of Siena forever, Amanda Filippazzo ’12 delivered the senior Commencement address. In her speech Filippazzo reflected on transitioning to college life, making friends and connecting with professors who pushed her to become a better student and a stronger person.

“Those pivotal moments, however grand or small, have lasting effects. They have shaped our character, our beliefs, our sense of humor and our views on the world,” Filippazzo said. “Siena has helped us transform into adults, and, through our experiences, we have gained a deeper understanding of ourselves. As we drive off of this campus today, we will be taking with us the knowledge we have learned. But also, we will take the memories and friendships that we have made. These have shaped us into who we are today.”

Record Breaking Senior Gift

By Ken Jubie ’04

Along with excelling in the classroom and making a difference in the community, through its Senior Gift, the Class of 2012 is contributing to the success of future Siena College students.

This year, the class goal was to raise $10,000 to dedicate a lounge in the new academic building (Rosetti Hall) that will house the rapidly expanding departments of education, social work and sociology. The building will include gathering spaces for students and professors to collaborate outside of the classroom.

Through various fundraisers, events and outright donations, the Class of 2012 surpassed its original goal and set the record for money raised in a single year for the Senior Gift. To date, the class has raised more than $16,000 and about half of the senior class has made a contribution.

The Presidential Stage Party Left to right: Fr. Kevin Mullen ’75 , O.F.M., Ph.D.; Bishop Howard Hubbard D.D.; Sharlee Jeter (representing her brother, New York Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter), Joseph M. Pastore, Jr., Ph.D., educational leader and former chair of the Siena College board of trustees; Virginia Kraft Payson, journalist, author, sports woman and breeder of thoroughbred horses; Bob Cushing ’77, chairman of the board and Linda Richardson, vice president of academic affairs.

The Siena College Mohawk Battalion commissioned 23 second lieutenants this year.

The newly commissioned officers will serve as Active Duty, United States Army Reserves and N.Y. Army National Guard in the following branches: Adjutant General Corps, Armor, Aviation, Chemical Corps, Civil Affairs, Corps of Engineers, Field Artillery, Finance, Infantry, Medical Service Corps, Military Police, Quartermaster and Transportation Corps.

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SCIENCE MATTERS

By Allison Turcio ’06

Siena College Assistant Professor of Physics John Cummings, Ph.D., physics major Kyle Turck ’12 and fellow physicists of the Daya Bay Reactor Neutrino Experiment have announced a finding that will help explain why matter exists in the universe.

Their collaborative, international research involves neutrinos, the wispy particles that flooded the universe in the earliest moments after the Big Bang. Neutrinos belong to the same family of fundamental particles as the electron, although they are neutral and much less massive, making them frustratingly difficult to detect. The challenge of capturing these elusive particles is what inspired the Daya Bay project.

When neutrinos travel at close to the speed of light, the three different neutrino “flavors”—electron, muon and tau, as well as their corresponding anti-neutrinos—mix together and change into other flavors. The scientists were able to detect the “mixing angle” which expresses how these changes, called neutrino oscillation, occur. The measurement has been named Theta one-three.

“It’s wonderful, after the hard work of so many people for so long, to be able to make such a definitive statement,” said Cummings. “This result will make it possible to study the difference between neutrinos and anti-neutrinos, getting at the question of why the universe contains so much more matter than anti-matter.”

This question is a conundrum of the Big Bang theory, which predicts that equal amounts of matter and antimatter should exist in the universe. The matter and antimatter would then find each other and disappear through a process known as annihilation, leaving the universe empty.

However, humanity’s very existence suggests this is not the case: our universe should be filled predominantly with matter.

“To have Siena College professors and students collaborating on a project of this magnitude is remarkable.

Theta one-three is a fundamental discovery that will certainly help to solve this riddle of why there is more ordinary matter than anti-matter in the universe,” said Dean of the School of Science Allan Weatherwax, Ph.D. The scientists observed tens of thousands of interactions of electron anti-neutrinos, caught by six massive detectors buried in the mountains adjacent to the powerful nuclear reactors of the China Guangdong Nuclear Power Group.

The researchers have submitted a paper describing their results to the journal Physical Review Letters.

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Science Professor Part of Major Scientific Finding

ON CAMPUS NEWS

College Breaks Ground on Rosetti Hall

By Ken Jubie ’04 With shovels in their hands and smiles on their faces, College leaders and donors broke ground on Siena’s newest academic building, Richard and Joan Rosetti Hall.

“We get to bring three significant departments in our School of Liberal Arts together — sociology, social work and education,” said Siena College President Fr. Kevin Mullen ’75, O.F.M., Ph.D. Rosetti Hall, designed by Sacco + McKinney Architects, PC, and built by MLB Construction Services, LLC, is Siena’s first LEED certified construction project, which means that it will contain practical and measurable green building design, construction, operations and maintenance solutions.

Rosetti Hall will have a geothermal heating and cooling system, ­photovoltaic solar panels and LED lighting.

A special collaboration with Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority will allow Siena to install the most efficient lighting fixtures commercially available.

The building will include hightech classrooms, seminar and meeting rooms, study areas, 29 offices and computer labs, all features designed to increase collaboration and student engagement and better prepare future sociologists, social workers and teachers to enter the workforce.

The Class of 2012 raised more than $15,000, a Senior Gift record, to finance a lounge in Rosetti Hall, but the $6.9 million dollar building would not be possible without the generosity

of Capital Region business leaders Richard and Joan Rosetti.

“I’m really happy to be able to give this legacy to my children, my granddaughter. It is something that will be in our family forever,” said Joan Rosetti.

The Rosettis made the lead gift for the project because of their family’s connection to Siena College. They have two children and a granddaughter who graduated from the College. Richard also has cousins who graduated and a cousin who is a professor at Siena.

“I have a tie with Siena. I live in the community and I thought it was a good thing to do for Siena and the community,” Richard Rosetti said.

“To have his grandchildren here to be able to see that his hard work has paid off and that he can do that, I think it makes him really happy,” said Richard’s daughter Jacqueline Rosetti-Falvey ’84.

The Rosetti family’s connection to the College dates back decades.

“I can’t imagine that 60 years ago, my grandfather would be pounding nails that hold together Siena Hall and today my parents would be donating enough money to build a whole building. I thought to myself, this is the American dream come true,” said Richard G. Rosetti ’87.

The dream will become a reality when Richard and Joan Rosetti Hall opens next September.

To view a video of the ground breaking visist www.siena.edu/news title search Rosetti Hall.

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an

By Eric Guzm

’12

With an interest in baseball, a knack for crunching numbers and an understanding of statistics, Siena College students attended the Society for American Baseball Research (SABR) Analytics Conference in Phoenix, Ariz. to learn more about this unique field. Hudson Belinski ’15 and Tristan Kacprzyk-Aita ’15 represented Siena as they participated in the conference and the first ever SABR Case Competition.

The annual conference gathers the top minds of the baseball analytic community to discuss, debate and share learnings of insightful ways to analyze and examine the great American

pastime. This year, the conference featured a Case Competition that invited teams of graduate and undergraduate students from across the country to make presentations on unique baseball operations decisions like those faced by Major League front offices.

“Each team was presented with a case as if they were the people in charge of making decisions for a Major League Baseball team,” explained Belinski.

“The teams with the best justifications for their decisions advanced and were placed head-to-head against the other best schools. The competition was judged by actual Major League

executives, so there was a lot of pressure for each team to succeed.”

Belinski explained that this competition was very similar to the events in the story and movie, “Moneyball.”

Although it was Siena’s first time at the SABR Conference, Belinski was no rookie. For his high school graduation gift, he attended last year’s conference and grew his interest in baseball analytics. Once at Siena, he hoped to find some funding to attend again.

“I didn’t even know where to begin to find funding,” said Belinski. “What I found, however, was that the Siena network is extremely helpful.” He and teammate Kacprzyk-Aita acquired adequate funds to attend the conference through the generous support of Art McGinnis, Jr. ’75, Richard Sleasman ’79, Doug Lonnstrom ’66 and Brad Bodmer ’82, Esq. Although the team didn’t advance, they remained competitive against some larger schools including New York University, Northwestern University and University of California-Berkeley, to name a few.

Next year they plan to outsmart some of those larger institutions.

Blazing a New Trail Siena College opened the Thompson Trail on campus in December. Much like its namesake, the late Dell Thompson, Ed.D., the 750-foot walkway is a strong, sturdy bridge connecting the Siena College community.

Thompson was among the first non-friars to take on a leadership role at the College. In 1970, he was hired to be Vice President for Student Affairs. Three years later, he became Vice President of Development. His success as a fundraiser enabled the campus to grow.

Thompson left Siena to pursue other opportunities, but became a member of the Board of Associate Trustees. In the late 1990s, he returned to Siena to run the planned giving and major gifts programs and, before retirement, Thompson guided the College through the Middle States accreditation process.

To view a video of this event visit www.siena.edu/news title search Thompson Trail.

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Robots Take Over School of Science Last December, many Siena students presented their research and class projects in a variety of venues on and off campus. Perhaps the most interactive research was on display in Roger Bacon Hall during the College’s first RoboShow.

“Welcome to the first robot tour,” said a small, MiniMax robot in a tinny, electronic voice. The robot then guided a group of people down

the third floor hallway pointing out classrooms, labs, lounges and faculty offices. Computer science students William Halloran ’12, Tyler Mann ’13, Alyssa Nghiem ’13 and Karl Appel ’14 built and programmed the tiny tour guide during Siena’s inaugural robotics class.

“The first part of the semester was really just learning about robots,” said Appel. After acquiring the basics from Director of the Siena College Institute for Artificial Intelligence, Sharon Small ’89, Ph.D., Appel and his classmates built a fleet of five MiniMax robots. The robots are the first of their kind, relying on computer software and Xbox Kinect technology to function.

“It is rewarding to see the way the students have advanced throughout the semester,” Small said. “They’ve performed phenomenally.”

College Receives $1.2 M for STEM Education Improving math and science education in the United States has become an acute necessity. Now, through a nearly $1.2 million grant from the National Science Foundation, Siena College students will be empowered to make a difference. During the next five years, faculty members from Siena’s School of Liberal Arts and School of Science will lead a project designed to recruit, certify and retain 21 high-achieving science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) majors to become teachers in struggling middle and high schools.

“The NSF Noyce Mathematics and Science Teaching Scholarship Program at Siena College addresses a critical shortage of K-12 science and mathematics teachers in high-

need districts,” said the grant’s principal investigator and Professor of Mathematics and Computer Science Jim Matthews. “By improving math and science education in these schools, the program aligns with a key component of the Siena College mission: to serve the poor and marginalized.”

The grant will fund scholarships and summer programs for participating Siena students who will graduate in three groups of seven beginning in 2014.

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Students Share Ideas at Philosophy Symposium

By Amanda Tashjian ’13

The Siena College Symposium on Living Philosophers Public Lecture Series culminated with the return of Professor Kwame Anthony Appiah, Ph.D., of Princeton University.

This year’s symposium, taught

by Professor of Philosophy Jennifer McErlean, Ph.D., and Assistant Professor of Philosophy Joshua Alexander, Ph.D., focused on Appiah’s work, which has made significant contributions to people’s understanding of the nature of language, racial identity, political and

moral relationships and philosophical methodology.

Professor Appiah first visited Siena in September when he presented a lecture titled “World Citizenship” and led a seminar with Symposium students.

Reflecting on the year, Professor Appiah’s visit and the panel discussion, Alexander said, “The panel discussion is special among the other public events associated with the Symposium.

(It provided) our students with the chance to share their work with

Professor Appiah and with the Siena community.

The result was a conversation in the best tradition of Hellenic Symposia – a wonderful, energetic exchange of philosophical ideas spanning a wide range of topics. I’ve never been so proud of a group of students.”

William Kennedy ’49 Returns to Campus

By Ken Jubie ’04

On the heels of the release of his new novel Chango’s Beads and TwoTone Shoes, Pulitzer Prize winning author William Kennedy ’49 discussed his career with Siena aspiring authors and members of the Board of Trustees.

Kennedy told the students his passion for writing blossomed at Siena, where he joined the student newspaper before he registered for classes. Despite his interest in writing, Kennedy struggled at first. While he received a byline for his first article in the student paper, Kennedy said his work was

“unrecognizable.” Because his piece was so bad, the late Fr. Matthew Conlin, O.F.M., Ph.D. re-wrote it before the paper went to print.

Kennedy’s writing and story coverage improved. He became the paper’s editor during his senior year and, after graduation, Kennedy became a professional newspaperman. “I started as a newspaper writer, but I was always somehow pointing to a career in literature,” Kennedy explained.

His career began at the Glens Falls Post Star. He was then drafted into the Army where he became a columnist.

After leaving the service, Kennedy continued to work in the newspaper business for the Albany Times Union and a newspaper in Puerto Rico.

“Journalism is a great experience for just getting your feet wet,” Kennedy said. “I loved it. I was never bored.”

While living in Puerto Rico,

Kennedy took his first crack at writing a novel. “It was no good and I threw it away,” Kennedy said. Still, he continued to write long-form pieces, including works of non-fiction, screenplays and novels. While pursuing his literary career, Kennedy taught writing and journalism at Cornell University and the University at Albany.

Kennedy’s journalistic experience in Albany motivated him to write novels based in New York’s capital city. His most famous and critically acclaimed novel Ironweed was released in 1983.

The book earned Kennedy the Pulitzer Prize and National Book Critics Circle Award for fiction. Kennedy then turned the novel into a screenplay for the movie of the same name (1987), starring Jack Nicholson and Meryl Streep. “It was great fun and very profitable,” Kennedy said smiling. “I had the time of my life.”

To view a video of Kennedy’s visit YouTube keyword search William Kennedy Visits Siena.

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Theatre Productions

“Student-directed plays Five Against the Wall and Trifles open to rave reviews and sold-out shows.”

Art in the

Dark

Siena students turned darkness into art when they participated in a light painting workshop. The workshop gave them first-hand experience in creating professional images alongside world-renowned experts like Matt Crawford and Che Rickman, the filmmakers of “Luminary,” a documentary about light painters from around the globe.

“Albers Cup” by Heather McHugh ’13 earned Best in Show.

The Creative Arts ­Department’s annual student exhibition, The Spectrum 2 Juried Show, featured more than 40 drawings, paintings, photographs and ­sculptures. The show was adjudicated by ­artist Jake ­Winiski, M.F.A., whose ­compositions have been featured in ­galleries and museums throughout the northeast. “I was proud to show the ­students’ work to our independent ­juror,” said show organizer and ­Assistant Professor of Studio Art Scott Nelson Foster, M.F.A. “Our juror spoke highly of the quality and variety he found in the exhibition.”

<<<

“Siena stages The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee and produces

a winner.”

★★★★★ “Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival program ap plauds Siena students and faculty fo r ‘Hedda Gabler.’”

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ome First-Year Students Bec First-Rate Scholars

By Eric Guzman ’12

mic As part of this year’s Acade t-year Celebration, nominated firs ch and students shared their resear g rin du defended their findings r Student Siena’s First-Year Semina students Conference. More than 30 iety gave presentations on a var dia me ial of topics including soc cation and influence, genetic modifi domestic violence.

“It is absolutely fabulous research that our first-year Director students are doing,” said

Meg of the First-Year Seminar ing hav Woolbright, D.A. “By as students do this research them ing freshmen, we are prepar ring their for continued success du time at Siena.” res The First-Year Seminar sha h eac t bu a common curriculum, rse professor can tailor the cou ic dem to his or her own aca s interests. This year’s theme logy no ech “T included “Women,” lic and Social Change,” “Pub

Academic Celebration

By Caitlyn Sanchez ’12

The Academic Celebration, held at the end of the spring semester, gave students from Siena’s schools of liberal arts, business and science the opportunity to share their research with the campus community. The Maloney Great Room was filled with posters, papers and conference presentations as dozens of students discussed their hard work.

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Research topics included: “Facebook’s Impact on Relationships, Buying Habits, and Personality” — presented by Timothy Metz ’12 and supervised by Professor of Psychology Paul Murray, Ph.D. “Expedia” — presented by Anne Conahan ’12, Dominic DiPresso ’12 and Kerry McGrath ’12 and supervised by Assistant Professor of Accounting Sunita Goel, Ph.D. “STIRS (Siena Twitter Information Retrieval System)” — presented

by Denis Kalic ’14 and Matthew Kemmer ’12 and supervised by Assistant Professor of Computer Science Sharon Small, Ph.D., and Associate Professor of Computer Science Darren Lim, Ph.D. from Siena College’s Institute for Artificial Intelligence.

, most Policy,” “Leadership” and and intriguingly, “Philosophy Monsters.”

Moot Court/ Mock Trial News

Above: Political Science faculty and students welcomed Julie Steiner, J.D., assistant ­professor of law at Western New England University to campus this spring.

Gulf Oil Spill Fuels Legal Fire

By Eric Guzman ’12

April 20, 2012 marked the t­ woyear anniversary of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill off the Gulf Coast.

The effects of the environmental disaster were far-reaching and are still felt today. Just ask Joey O’Rourke ’12.

As a 2011 Siena Summer Legal Fellow, O’Rourke had the opportunity to conduct research on the statutory fallout from the spill alongside second and third year law students at Western New England University. Under the direct supervision of Assistant Professor of Law, Julie Steiner, J.D., O’Rourke had access to all the resources that students typically use in law school.

“Working with Professor Steiner has strengthened my desire to go to law school,” said O’Rourke. “It has been an honor to work with someone like her who shows such intense passion for her research.”

Steiner (left) was invited to Siena’s campus to share the fruits of her collaboration with O’Rourke in a presentation titled “Legal Ramifications Resulting from the Gulf Oil Spill” in April.

Above: The law firm of Girvin & ­Ferlazzo, P.C. has provided a gift to the Siena C ­ ollege Hon. James P. King Moot Court/Mock Trial team. The gift fully funds the design and development of a flexible c­ lassroom/courtroom for our students in Siena Hall.

Above: After finishing among the top three schools in the American Mock Trial Association regional tournament at Yale University, the Siena College Moot Court/Mock Trial team advanced to the national tournament, hosted by the Pace University School of Law, before being eliminated in the opening round.

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Charitable Causes Mr. Siena 2012 The annual mock beauty pageant starring a select group of Siena students raised money for Habitat for Humanity. Ryan Murphy ’14 was crowned “Mr. Siena 2012.” He reveled in the camaraderie among the participants. “The ten of us became one giant family,” Murphy said.

“This was truly a once in a lifetime experience.”

Charity Week The Siena College Student Events Board (SEB) presented a $14,100 check to Trinity Alliance of the Capital Region.

Cinderella Project More than 150 young women received free prom dresses and all the accessories needed to make their big night memorable. The financially disadvantaged women also received make-up, jewelry and handbags courtesy of the Sr. Thea Bowman Center for Women and student volunteers.

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Relay for Life Armed with blankets, pillows and lots of hope, more than 300 participants stayed up all night for this event.

Under the direction of the club’s executive board, Siena raised more than $36,000 for the American Cancer Society. “We received an overwhelming amount of support and I only expect this event to get bigger and better in the future,” said Chairperson Shawn Reap ’12.

St. Baldrick’s The Gaelic Society hosted St. Baldrick’s Shaving the Way to Conquer Kids’ Cancer which raised more than $13,500. More than 50 members of the Siena College community participated in the event.

Despite Economy, Siena Students Still in High Demand Siena sponsored several oncampus events in hopes of matching graduating seniors up with potential employers during the spring semester. The Speed Networking event and the annual Career Fair connected regional employers with Siena students in a risk-free, yet professional environment. The Speed Networking event allowed 50 participating students to hold threeminute conversations with Capital Region employers, as well as faculty and administrators.

“This setting is certainly less intimidating and forces the students to interact with all the employers, not necessarily the ones that directly pertain to their major,” said Suzanne

ACE(ing) It

By Mark Adam

Siena and the Bonner Foundation, a leader in national academic community engagement in higher education, are partnering with the Association of American Colleges and Universities for the High Impact Initiative. The plan is to integrate AAC&U’s expertise in high impact educational practices with the Bonner Foundation’s knowledge of community engagement to create more involved students, both academically and civically.

The High Impact Initiative meets two objectives of Siena’s strategic plan, Living Our Tradition: 1) Siena will

O’Connor, associate director of the Career Center. This event served as an introductory course in marketing oneself, as each student gave approximately 30 short speeches including their qualifications and plans for the future.

Later in the semester, the Career Fair welcomed more than 100 companies and graduate schools to the Alumni Recreation Center.

They discussed post-graduate and internship opportunities with more than 500 students. Dressed in their best attire, students presented their resumes, practiced their interviewing skills and researched their fields of interest.

expand significantly its highimpact educational practices as part of the liberal arts curriculum and co-curriculum that promote student engagement and innovative learning, and 2) Siena will gain national recognition for experiential learning programs that prepare students for work, service and practical positive action.

“Siena’s leadership role in this important partnership reflects the power of our strategic plan to inspire others to join our national learning community along with our partners the Bonner Foundation and AAC&U,” said Mathew Johnson ’93, Ph.D., director of academic community engagement (ACE).

“During the recession, we haven’t lost a single company that recruits on campus,” said Career Center Director Debra Del Belso. “The event has grown each year to the point where, this year, we had to put employers on a waiting list because we didn’t have the room to accommodate all organizations that wanted to attend.”

Johnson is the national co-leader of the High Impact Initiative with Ariane Hoy of the Bonner Foundation.

Siena College is one of nine U.S. colleges enrolled in the High Impact Initiative’s inaugural year and was the host campus for a week-long retreat.

To view a video on this program, visit www.siena.edu/news title search Academic Community Engagement.

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Siena Hosts 25th Annual Martin Luther King Jr.

Race and Nonviolent Social Change and Coretta Scott King Lecture Series on

Students Celebrate Diversity and Fight Prejudice

Bishop Hubbard ­Delivers MLK Lecture

By Eric Guzman ’12

The culmination of the lecture series was a speech by Bishop of Albany Howard J. Hubbard, D.D., titled “The Continuing Challenge of Dr. Martin Luther King’s Vision for Today’s World.”

Hubbard’s address reflected upon the messages of Dr. King through the lens of Catholic Social Teaching. “I would like to suggest that the life, the vision, the teachings and ideals of Dr. Martin Luther King would have involvement, intimately, were he alive today, in four critical issues: poverty, immigration, incarceration and the voice of religion in the public forum,” said Hubbard.

Siena College honored the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. by welcoming hundreds of Capital Region middle and high school students to campus for the annual STOP Conference in January. STOP stands for Students Together Opposing Prejudice.

Students from 18 school districts, including city, suburban and rural schools participated in small group discussions, workshops and activities run by the AntiDefamation League’s A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE® Institute. Throughout the day, students worked closely with trained ADL facilitators to develop ways to promote tolerance and extinguish bullying, cyber-bullying, gang violence and discrimination in their schools. School counselors and teachers also took part in their own workshops where they gained the tools needed to address these issues.

“The STOP Conference is unlike any other event in the Capital District,” said Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs Peter Ellard, Ph.D. “We bring students together from a wide variety of schools to discuss these issues. A lot has changed for the better since the days of Dr. King, but it is important to remember that bias and prejudice are still problems in our society.”

The STOP Conference was followed by an art and essay celebration aimed at helping younger students understand Dr. King’s message. This year’s theme was “Celebrating Local Leaders: Courage and Commitment in the Spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.”

Catholics in the Civil Rights Movement

By Eric Guzman ’12

Professor of Sociology Paul Murray, Ph.D. shared his research with members of the Siena community during his lecture “Catholics in the Civil Rights Movement.” Murray’s speech was given as part of the MLK lecture series.

“Catholics were such an underrepresented group during the

Civil Rights Movement,” explained Murray. “For the past five years I have been collecting these stories of Catholic civil rights activists and, as the days go by, I find even more. Telling their stories has become my mission.”

Murray is reaching the end of his research and plans to compile his findings in a book.

To view a video celebrating the 25th anniversary of the MLK Lecture Series visit www.siena.edu/news title search Bishop Hubbard.

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History Comes to Life The explosion of cannons and military rifles rocked the Siena campus as re-enactors transformed Siena’s front lawn into a historical site at the 4th annual “A Day of Living History.”

This year members of the Siena community and the surrounding area took a step back in time, enjoying sights, sounds and activities from the French and Indian War, American Revolution, Civil War and World War II eras.

The Center for ­Revolutionary Era Studies invited awardwinning historian and ­Associate Professor of History at the University of ­Richmond, Woody Holton, Ph.D., (middle) to share his work during a presentation titled, “Unruly Americans and the Origins of the ­Constitution.”

Holton addressed several myths revolving around the ­adoption of the United States Constitution in 1787.

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Lessons from an NBA Champion

By Pete Dillon ’12

NBA world champion and ESPN NBA Analyst Bruce Bowen was invited to campus by the Student Events Board to discuss a wide range of topics, including his professional basketball career, network television, his trademark bowties, the importance of education and even “Lin-sanity.”

Bowen is widely remembered for his defensive tenacity as a member of the San Antonio Spurs where he won three NBA championships and earned NBA All-Defensive First Team honors five times.

He was adamant about the importance of hard work and dedication, not only on the basketball court, but in daily life. Bowen applied this credo to the senior’s search for post graduate employment. “You have to be willing to come back and try again and again,” he said.

Siena Launches Institute for Leadership Development

By Jodi Ackerman Frank As a way to develop and administer cost-effective leadership training programs for business and nonprofit leaders in the Capital Region and beyond, Siena College has launched the Institute for Leadership Development (ILD).

“Employers today are facing unprecedented challenges related to an unstable economic environment, changing customer demands and new technologies. To address these issues, leaders need to develop new competencies, refine existing practices and create cultures that foster continuous improvement, all at affordable costs,” said Charles Seifert, Ph.D., professor of management who will serve as ILD executive director.

ILD, which will operate under the aegis of the School of Business, SIENA 22

will generate customized leadership programs designed to enhance the effectiveness of leaders at all levels in an organization. Examples of program offerings include team building, leading change, ethical and legal responsibility, financial literacy, building trust, designing and delivering diversity initiatives, and 360 degree feedback loops. The training sessions will be led largely

by Siena faculty members. ILD also plans to offer an executive coaching program, which will provide one-onone coaching for executives looking to enhance a specific area of personal or professional development.

“The ILD will provide a collaborative partnership with area organizations to enhance their effectiveness through programs

customized for their current needs and future plans,” said Jeff Mello, Ph.D., dean of the School of Business. “Faculty will also gain professional development opportunities which will further inform their practice-centered teaching.”

The concept of the ILD evolved in part from a partnership between Saratoga Hospital and Siena that began in 2008. For more information or to set up an appointment please contact Chuck Seifert at seifert@siena.edu or 518-782-6501.

SAINTS CORNER

Jaqued Up

By Mike Demos For the first time since 1990, the women’s basketball program will be under new leadership. Ali Jaques was introduced as the eighth head coach in program history on April 12.

“I am very pleased to welcome Ali as our new head women’s basketball coach,” Siena College President Fr. Kevin Mullen ’75, O.F.M., Ph.D. said. “She has a great track record as a recruiter and her teams have had consistent postseason success. I’m confident that she’ll do very well at Siena.”

Jaques comes to Loudonville following a four-year stint at Northwestern University where she was the associate head coach the past two seasons. Jaques served as the recruiting coordinator for a Wildcats program which boasted the 14th ranked recruiting class in the nation in 2011 and the 20th ranked recruiting class in 2009 according to ESPN Hoopgurlz.

“I am humbled and honored to be named the head coach at Siena,” Jaques said. “The tradition of Siena basketball is one I am

extremely excited to be a part of.

The opportunity to start my head coaching career at such a welcoming place with great people to support me made this decision simple.”

Jaques brings 14 years of Division I coaching experience to Siena having served as an assistant coach at George Washington (2006-08), Dayton (2005-06), Furman (2002-05), Sacred Heart (1999-02) and Rider (1998-99) in addition to her time at Northwestern.

“It only takes a few minutes in conversation with her to recognize her passion for coaching and her drive to lead a successful team on and off the court,” noted Director of Athletics John D’Argenio. “The drive, desire and passion she has to be great, but more importantly the knowledge and respect she has for the game and the way she can mentor and lead young women has made her the best fit here at Siena College to lead this program.”

Jaques has enjoyed much success during her coaching career. At Northwestern, she helped guide the Wildcats to a pair of WNIT Appearances and at George Washington the program made consecutive trips to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament.

Academically, Jaques coached 15 Academic All-Big Ten honorees and an Academic All-District selection at Northwestern.

Jaques plans to continue to build on that success at Siena.

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MAAC Tournament Leaderboard • Siena placed four ­golfers in the top five at the MAAC ­Tournament, while no other school at the tournament placed more than two ­golfers in the top 10.

• Victoria Nguyen ’15 took home the McLeod ­Memorial Award reserved for the tournament’s top individual finisher with an eight-shot victory. She followed up a day one 77 with back-to-back 74s on the final two days of competition.

• Kylie Strijek ’14 tied for second.

• Cortney Tilley ’13 and Katie Nelson ’15 tied for fifth.

• Dave Wronowski was named MAAC Coach of the Year for the third ­consecutive season.

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Women’s Golf Earns Trip to NCAA Tournament

By Andrew Champagne

The women’s golf team maintained one of the most impressive streaks in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference, winning the program’s 12th consecutive MAAC Championship in April. The Saints were rewarded with a trip to an NCAA Regional for the first time in program history.

The stakes were raised for MAAC women’s golf before the year began as the conference merged with the America East in 2010, and the six-team league had waited the mandatory two years before receiving news that the conference champion would earn an automatic NCAA bid beginning in 2012.

After losing three-time MAAC individual champion Katelynn Mannix ’11 and program stalwart Catherine Shomo ’11 to graduation, head coach Dave Wronowski fielded a fairly young team in 2012 and the pressure was on given the extra incentive at the MAAC Championships.

Signs that the program was peaking at the right time appeared when, 10 days before the MAAC Championships, the Saints captured first place as a team at the Hartford Invitational. Siena’s top three golfers, Victoria Nguyen ’15, Mary Fletcher ’15 and Kylie Strijek ’14 keyed the effort by finishing second, third and fourth, respectively, as the squad took the team title by 19 shots.

The team traveled to Orlando, Fla. and set their sights on a conference championship. The Saints fended off an early challenge from Hartford on day one and led by eight shots after 18 holes, but that was only a preview of what was to come. Siena proceeded to win the 2012 MAAC Championship by a staggering 53-shot margin.

“It was a great team effort,” said Wronowski. “They got better every week, and they played great all three days at the Championships.”

Saints in the Community

By Jason Rich ’98 It’s hard to put a value on all of the community service Siena’s student athletes did this year, but $1,000 is a good starting point. That’s the amount the athletic department received to donate to a charity of its choice for winning the MAAC Pepsi Refresh Goodworks Challenge, an annual contest between the league membership that measures volunteerism.

Siena’s Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) chose Ronald McDonald House Charities and on May 30 SAAC members Elizabeth Ives ’13 and OD Anosike ’13 presented the check at the Albany house.

“The Franciscan values are really important to us at Siena College,” Ives said. “We cherish the opportunity to give back to the community that gives us so much.”

This was the seventh year of a partnership between Siena athletics and Ronald McDonald House Charities, one that saw 13 of the department’s

Incoming SAAC President Elizabeth Ives ’13 and men’s basketball rising senior OD Anosike ’13 present the Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Capital Region, Inc., with a check for $1,000 after Siena won the MAAC Pepsi Refresh Goodworks Challenge.

Division I programs visit the House to prepare a meal for the families staying there.

“We continue to be humbled by the ongoing support the Siena athletic department provides to the families we serve,” Jeff Yule, Executive Director of Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Capital Region, Inc. said.

Siena student athletes, coaches and administrators volunteered for 47 community service events from

Meghan Yi ’12 are cycling s Julie Juchno ’12, left, and lete ath ent stud r for me sum s Thi e money and awareness thern United States to rais sou the oss acr es mil 00 4,0 ms. affordable-housing progra

September 2011 through April 2012. In the Goodworks Challenge, the Saints racked up 4,746 points, nearly 1,500 more than second place Rider.

Siena’s volunteerism included partnerships with: The American Cancer Society, Capital Region Action Against Breast Cancer, Special Olympics New York, Northeast Regional Foodbank, the Colonie Shooting Stars and the Double H Ranch. The men’s and women’s basketball teams play a leadership role in Siena’s “Saints in the Community” program, highlighted by the highly successful Adopt-A-School initiative.

“This is an accomplishment we truly cherish,” SAAC’s outgoing president Katie Carew ’12 said.

“Winning games and championships is important, but being a student athlete at Siena is about so much more than that. The Goodworks Challenge has helped unite Siena’s student athletes and it’s great to be recognized for all the work we have done together. SAAC has always been really involved in the community and Siena student athletes love to give back.”

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FACULTY AND STAFF NEWS

Michael Pepe ‘90, D.B.A., assistant professor of marketing, was recently recognized

by the Journal of Product and Brand Management for an outstanding research paper.

Titled “The Impact of Private Label Brands on Customer Loyalty and Product Category Profitability,” his paper was one of four papers chosen worldwide for this honor.

Cheryl Buff ’82, Ph.D., associate professor of marketing, is the new Director of the Center for Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity.

Buff will retain her faculty position and continue to teach two courses. In her new role, she will coordinate and support efforts across the College to foster undergraduate research.

Len Cutler, Ph.D., professor of political science, has been appointed to the Merit Selection Panel

by Chief Judge Gary Sharpe of the United States District Court of the Northern District. The panel is in charge of screening and recommending candidates for a fulltime United States Magistrate Judgeship in Albany. Cutler is the sole member of academe to serve on this prestigious sevenmember panel, comprised principally of attorneys.

Sr. Susan Dunn, O.P., Ed.D., has been appointed Assistant Vice President of Student Affairs. She will be responsible for the oversight and development of key areas that include: cooperating with

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academic affairs support services in a case management approach to retention; supervising the Damietta Cross-Cultural and Sr. Thea Bowman Centers; securing external funding and other resources for student affairs programs; and acting as a liaison to the Franciscan Center for Service and Advocacy as well as the Chaplain’s Office.

Finnish students scored at or near the top on tests administered by the Program for International Student Assessment. In the fall 2012 semester she will offer a new course to Siena students titled “Equity, Socio-economic Status and School Achievement: Finland as a Case Study.”

Cheryl Gowie, Ph.D., professor of

professor emeritus of sociology, was honored for his many years of service to the local law enforcement community by the Town of Colonie at an awards ceremony in May.

education, was an invited participant in the international seminar, “Education Reform in 2012: A Finnish - American Dialogue,” held in Helsinki and Turku, Finland in May. Her contribution to the seminar with Finnish teacher education faculty was on “‘Defensible’ Practices in Teacher Education.” As one of 12 educators from New York, she observed classes and met with parents, teachers and students in several schools in both cities and conferred with members of the Finnish National Board of Education, the Ministry of Education, the Trade Union for Educators and with the chairperson of the Education and Culture Committee of the Finnish Parliament. This was her second opportunity to observe Finnish educational practices. In 2005 she was the sole U.S. delegate to attend a UN-sponsored conference in Helsinki on reasons behind the successful performance of Finnish students on international tests of achievement. In 2000, 2003, 2006 and 2009

Fr. Capistran Hanlon, O.F.M.,

Margaret Hannay, Ph.D., professor of English, received the 2011 Book Award from the Society for the Study of Early Modern Women for her biography, Mary Sidney, Lady Wroth. She also received the Josephine A. Roberts Scholarly Edition Prize for her work with colleagues titled The Correspondence (c. 1626-1659) of Dorothy Percy Sidney, Countess of Leicester.

Daniel P. Horan, O.F.M., published Dating God: Live and Love in the Way of St. Francis. The book explores Christian spirituality for young adults from a contemporary Franciscan perspective.

Mathew Johnson ’93, Ph.D., director of academic community engagement and associate professor of sociology and environmental studies, was appointed by Governor Andrew Cuomo to the New York State Commission on National and Community Service. The commission seeks to build and reinforce a culture of service, citizenship and responsibility so as to enhance the quality of life for all New Yorkers.

John Kelly, director of WVCR 88.3 FM, was inducted into Farmingdale State College’s First 20 Centurion Club Members which honors the top 100 Alumni of the College’s First 100 Years.

Katherine Meierdiercks, Ph.D., assistant professor of environmental studies, secured a $9,521 grant from the New England Interstate Water Pollution Control Commission in partnership with New York State’s Department of Environmental Conservation’s Hudson River Estuary Program. The grant will fund an undergraduate research project for the summer.

Paul Murray, Ph.D., professor of sociology, has been presented the Willie D. Halsell Prize by the Mississippi Historical Society for his article “Father Nathaniel and the Greenwood Movement,” published in the Fall 2010 issue of The Journal of Mississippi History.

Richard Ognibene, Ed.D, professor of education emeritus, has published a book titled A Persistent Reformer: Jonathan Kozol’s Work to Promote Equality in America. Kozol has been a leading education and social activist since 1967 when Death at an Early Age, his book about racism in Boston’s schools, was published and won a National Book Award. Since then, Kozol has written 11

additional books that focus on such issues as segregation, poverty, school funding, teacher leadership and social justice, literacy and homelessness. Kozol was the Martin Luther King and Coretta Scott King lecturer at Siena College in 1997.

Wendy Pojmann, Ph.D., associate professor of history; Barbara ReevesEllington, Ph.D., associate professor of history; and Karen Ward Mahar, Ph.D., associate professor of history, signed a contract with Oxford University Press to write The History Student’s Handbook: A Guide to Historical Thinking, Research and Writing. The twopart, hands-on methodology and research textbook results from their experiences teaching the history department’s revamped proseminar and capstone courses, and benefits from the multiple Information Literacy Grants each has received from the J. Spencer and Patricia Standish Library.

LTC Samantha Ross, professor of military science, has published “Momby” Wears Combat Boots, intended to help families deal with the military deployment of the mother of the household.

Janet Shideler, Ph.D., has been appointed Dean of the School of Liberal Arts and Professor of Modern Languages.

Shideler comes from SUNY Empire State College where she served as Associate Dean at the Center for Distance Learning.

Prior to that, she was Associate Dean and Graduate Program Director in the School of Liberal Arts at Excelsior College. She was also Associate Director of International Partnerships, Office of International Programs, State University of New York System Administration from 2005 to 2007. She has been Chair of the Department of French and Russian and Associate Professor of French at Concordia College, Associate Director of the Center for the Study of Canada and International Programs and Exchanges at SUNY Plattsburgh, and Assistant and later Associate Professor of French at SUNY Potsdam. She has a Ph.D. in French

from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, a Master of Arts in French from McGill University and a Bachelor of Arts in French from the University of Toronto, Trinity College.

Fanny Söderbäck, Ph.D., assistant professor of philosophy, was honored by the Society for Phenomenology and Existential Philosophy, the second largest philosophical society in the United States.

Her paper titled “Living in the Present: Derrida and Irigaray on the Metaphysics of Presence,” was accepted for presentation at the next annual meeting and chosen as Best Submission by a Junior Scholar.

Diane Strock-Lynskey, M.S.W., professor of social work, was recently published in the textbook, Death, Society and Human Experience (11th Edition).

She has also received a follow-up grant to continue her research and document the experiences of first responders as well as those who care for and support them.

Carla Sofka, Ph.D., was recently published in the textbook, Dying, Death, and Grief in an Online Universe. She finished her term as President of the Association for Death Education and Counseling in March.

Len Stokes, Ph.D., professor of accounting, published a book Through the Students’ Eyes: A Novella Approach to Ethics for College-Age Business Students, which will be used at Siena College to aid in the practical discussion of how to approach ethical dilemmas. Michelle King ’11, Kristen Bus ’11, Kristofer Bond ’12, Steven Simonetti ’12, Krista Timpano ’12 and Alicia Yacarrino ’12 (M.S.A.) contributed student situations to the publication which was made possible through a grant from Pricewaterhouse Coopers Charitable Foundation, Inc.

Scott Taylor, Ph.D., associate professor of history, received a fellowship from the American Council of Learned Societies for his research project on addiction in early modern Europe.

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ALUMNI CONNECTION

Reconnecting at REUNION

By Mark Adam Siena’s sons and daughters returned to campus June 1-3 for Alumni Reunion 2012, traveling from as far away as Arizona and California. More than 700 alumni, family and friends returned home to reconnect, see what’s new on campus and celebrate their class anniversaries. The weekend’s events began with the Alumni Golf Tournament Friday and then continued with the Class of 1962 enjoying a 50th Reunion dinner. Later in the evening, they joined graduates from other classes at the Destination Siena: Welcome Home Party in the Sarazen Student Union.

Other events included honoring the College’s distinguished alumni, campus tours, additional class dinners and the Alumni and Family Picnic. On Saturday, the McMahon Atrium in Sarazen Student Union was transformed into an exhibit that showcased the College’s 75 years. Freshman beanies, yearbooks, magazines, trophies and other Siena artifacts were on display.

A multimedia presentation captured three quarters of a century’s worth of a Siena education.

To see more photos of reunion weekend visit www.siena.edu/news title search Reconnecting at Reunion.

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The Class of 1987 generated the highest class giving total of nearly $103,000.

The College honored the following alumni at the President’s Circle Brunch: Judy Capano Michaelson ’87 Sal Ferlazzo’ 77, Esq. Jay Girvin ’78, Esq. The Fr. Benjamin Kuhn, O.F.M. Award for Service to the Siena Community Mary Liz Finn ’82 Robert McCormick Jr.’87 The Professor Joseph A. Buff Award for Career Achievement Francis Regnante ’52 The Professor Egon Plager Award for Humanitarian Effort To view a video of the award recipients visit www.siena.edu/news title search Reconnecting at Reunion.

Have you participated in a long-term service program?

The Siena College Office of Academic Community Engagement (ACE) is interested in forming an Alumni Affinity Service Group to connect alumni (including family and friends) who have participated in long-term domestic, international and religiously affiliated service programs to the College.

These service experiences include but are not limited to: • AmeriCorps • City Year • Mercy Corps • Public Allies • Teach for America • Habitat for Humanity • Peace Corps • Jesuit Volunteer Corps • Franciscan Volunteer Ministry If you would like to stay informed about service at Siena, connect with other alumni and students in service learning and/or share your experience, please email alumni@siena.edu or call 518-783-2430.

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Remembering Fr. Matthew Conlin, O.F.M.

By Ken Jubie ’04

On April 27, at a memorial mass in St. Mary of the Angels Chapel, the Siena community said goodbye to one of its most influential and revered members, former President Fr. Matthew T. Conlin, O.F.M., Ph.D. Fr. Conlin passed away on April 14, at the age of 92. He was a Franciscan friar for nearly three quarters of a century and a Catholic priest for 66 years.

Between 1945 and 1976 Fr. Conlin left an indelible mark on Siena as a teacher, mentor and administrator.

For the last six years of his tenure he served as Siena’s sixth president. He provided balanced academic leadership at a time of great social and political unrest.

He launched a systematic program to hire faculty members with terminal degrees and welcomed the first class of students from the Higher Education Opportunity Program. Under his watch, the College increased the quality of applicants, professionalized its fundraising efforts and replaced deans with vice presidents in the areas of academic affairs, student affairs, business affairs and development.

Before becoming president, Conlin was known as an exceptional educator. He was a professor of English, department chair, dean and vice president. The students considered him to be a fair but firm teacher who demanded excellence in the classroom. Many of his former students still tell stories of his profound influence on their personal and professional lives.

“When I was a student, there were a few courses that you just had to take. Shakespeare with Fr. Matthew Conlin was one of those courses,” said Bill McGoldrick ’68, who attended the memorial mass. “We all thought he was intimidating because he was such a scholar, yet his was the course we wanted to take. He made Shakespeare

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come alive.”

In recognition of his decades of service both to the College and to the poor and marginalized in society, each year Siena honors a tenured faculty member with the Fr. Matthew T. Conlin, O.F.M. Distinguished Service Award.

After suffering a stroke in October 2009, Fr. Conlin transferred to the friars’ infirmary in Ringwood, N.J., where he remained until his death. Ever the teacher, Fr. Conlin requested that his body be donated to New York Medical College in Valhalla, N.Y. to assist in the training of future physicians.

Fr. Kevin with Tampa area alumni in Tampa, Fla.

Since the unveiling of Living Our Tradition, Siena’s strategic plan for 2011–2016, Fr. Kevin has been meeting with alumni around the country. Throughout his travels, Fr. Kevin delivered a message that looked back at Siena’s 75 years of history and discussed the new and exciting developments at the College while encouraging alumni to get involved.

The 2012 Green and Gold Tour

Fr. Kevin with Orlando area alumni at the home of Christian ’91 and Kathleen ’90 King in Reunion, Fla.

Fr. Kevin with Ft. Lauderdale area alumni in Hollywood, Fla.

January 26 Washington, D.C .

February 5-7 Stuart, Fla. February 8 Fort Lauderda le, Fla. February 9 Bonita Springs , Fla. February 10 Naples, Fla. February 11 Tampa, Fla. February 12 Orlando, Fla. March 13 Newport Beach, Calif.

March 14 San Francisco, Calif.

March 15 Los Altos, Calif.

March 15 San Jose, Calif.

March 17 San Francisco, Calif.

April 24 Boston, Mass.

April 26 Darien, Conn.

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Sponsor-A-Sister Sr. Fabiola Mkenda, a nun from Tanzania, became the first graduate of Siena’s new partnership with Assumption College for Sisters in New Jersey when she completed her sociology degree this past May. Assumption College is the last remaining institution in the United States primarily designed to educate religious sisters from developing countries. Upon graduation from Assumption, the sisters seek admission to any of the 220 Catholic colleges and universities in order to obtain their bachelor’s degree.

Sr. Fabiola will return to Tanzania this summer as a rarity in her country - a woman with a college education. She will use the skills she acquired at Siena in her work among the poor, especially the women in her community.

Siena is providing an opportunity for sisters like Fabiola to finish a four-year degree program in the United States with the hope that they will create positive change in the developing countries from which they came. Meanwhile, the sisters create positive change on Siena’s campus through the witness of their religious life.

Sr. Nazarena Figawo, also from Tanzania, will be joining the Siena community this fall. While the College is able to cover the cost of her tuition, funding is still needed for her books, winter clothing, incidentals and insurance. If you would like to help Sr. Nazarena with her Siena education, please consider making a donation. In the memo of your check, note the Sr. Nazarena Fund and mail to: Siena College, Development Office, 515 Loudon Road, Loudonville, NY 12211.

ww Med Program Turns 20

The Siena/St. Peter’s Preceptorship celebrated its 20th anniversary in Spring 2012. Over the past two decades, Siena students have participated in the joint program which exposes them to the medical profession so that they can determine if this is the right career for them. The program offers seminar sessions at Siena and three didactic sessions at St. Peter’s Hospital in Albany, N.Y. Siena Professor of Biology Ed LaRow ’59, Ph.D., teaches the Siena component on campus while Chief of Emergency Medicine Sam Bosco ’78, M.D. and his colleagues direct the hospital module.

After the sessions, students spend a half-day rotating through seven different departments at St. Peter’s: cardiology, emergency medicine, family practice, medicine, radiology, rehabilitation medicine and surgery. The students interact with physicians and residents, and acquire real-life experience of the medical profession.

“The original intent of the program was to give students exposure to medicine and help them in their career discernment,” said LaRow. “We count as a success a student who decides against medicine, as well as those energized by the experience.”

Above: Sam Bosco ’78, M.D., Ed LaRow ’59, Ph.D., and members of the Class of 2013 (L to R) Gerard Morvilla, Betsy Stevens, Rhoda Asimeng, Maura Cristafulli, Michael Lum, Ashley Yackerman and Evan Boyle.

Meet the Saints Jazz Event The Creative Arts Committee is hosting a fundraiser that will feature some of the best jazz musicians in the Capital Region. Think of the strains of the jazz favorite “When the Saints go marching in” as you enjoy a concert and spend an evening with the men’s and women’s basketball teams as well as head coaches Mitch Bounaguro and Ali Jacques. This event will take place on Sunday, October 21, from 4-6 p.m. in the Sarazen Student Union. Tickets are $20 for general admission and $5 for students. For more information or to respond, contact Darrin Kibbey at 518-782-6751 or dkibbey@siena.edu.

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Leaving a Legacy In September of 1964, Gene Jannotti ’68 walked through the doors of Siena Hall not realizing the education he would receive would lay the foundation for a successful 40-plus year career. His telecommunications and information technology expertise would bring him all over the world.

“My ability to succeed in an industry that is changing all of the time came from the tools of my liberal arts education: critical reading, thinking and communicating,” Jannotti said.

Having been afforded the education of a lifetime by the generosity of alumni before him, Jannotti was motivated to endow a scholarship at Siena College and make an estate provision to enlarge the scholarship, allowing future generations of students the same opportunities he enjoyed.

“Giving back is at the very essence of the Franciscan tradition,” Jannotti said.

“To know this scholarship will afford access to this tradition for future generations of Siena students is extremely gratifying to me.”

If you would like to learn how to join people who are leaving their legacy at Siena College like Gene Jannotti ’68, please contact Director of Gift Planning Jack Sise ’75, Esq. at 518-783-2315 or at jsise@siena.edu for a confidential discussion.

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class notes ALUMNI

Editors: Mary Beth Finnerty ’85, director of alumni relations; Lori Lasch ’06, assistant director of alumni relations and Eileen Verno ’12, coordinator of alumni relations.

Please submit all class notes information to your class coordinator; or, if there is no coordinator listed for your class, please send all information to alumni@siena.edu for posting in the magazine. We look forward to hearing your news and updates.

1951 John Hourigan joninca@comcast.net

1952

William Healey, Richard Jones and Frank Regnante, along with their wives, enjoyed catching up at their class dinner during Reunion Weekend.

1953 Fr. Peter Young was a guest on the Rachael Ray show that aired on April 23, 2012. He was invited to share his vision and his accomplishments. He has touched the lives of thousands of people in upstate New York by giving them a second chance. “No one wants to be unemployed and addicted,” Fr. Peter explained.

“They want to get their lives together, and they want to find out how to do it.” He is founder of the Peter Young Housing, Industries & Treatment Center in Albany, N.Y. He has helped to make jobs available through his partnership with the Schuyler Inn Culinary Arts & Training Program. Participants have gone on to culinary schools all over the country.

1955 Anthony Schmitz, a veteran of World War II, was presented with France’s most prestigious

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decoration, the Insignia of ­Chevalier of the Order of the Legion of ­Honor. Tony and his family attended the awards ceremony at the United States Military Academy at West Point this past May. He had previously earned a Combat Infantry Badge, and a Presidential Unit Citation for fighting with the Army’s 2nd Battalion, 157th Infantry ­Regiment at Anzio, and several other awards. Thank you for your service to our country, Tony. Congratulations.

1957 Marion Zanghi and Leona Kimball attended their class ­dinner at Reunion Weekend.

They enjoyed catching up with each other and made some new friends from the Class of 1962.

1959 Frank Martin ftmartin@nycap.rr.com

1962 The Class of 1962 50th ­ eunion was a great success.

R ­Everyone enjoyed wearing their college senior picture buttons. After looking at old photos, ­sharing old memories and ­enjoying dinner, the class received a 50th Reunion medal ­presented by Fr. Kevin ­Mullen ’75, O.F.M., Ph.D.

1963

Kevin Raymond Kraymond27@comcast.net

Congratulations to Lee Mielewski and his wife Sheila who recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary.

1964 John Leonard has enjoyed a successful career in insurance. He is president and CEO of Maine Employers’ Mutual Insurance ­Company (MEMIC), Portland, Maine, and MEMIC Indemnity Company, with offices in Manchester, N.H., Glastonbury, Conn., and Albany, N.Y. The combined entity is now the fifth largest workers compensation company in New England. John has served on many boards, nationally and internationally.

John has been a major supporter of several not-for-profit organizations throughout Maine and is part owner of the Portland Maine Red Claws, a team in the NBA development league.

Thomas Lickona, Ph.D., retired after 41 years as a developmental psychologist and professor of education at SUNY Cortland, where he founded and directed the Center for the 4th and 5th Rs (Respect and Responsibility). He will remain part time at the Center. He has been a visiting professor at H ­ arvard and Boston Universities. As past president of the Association for Moral Education, he spoke

around the world on fostering moral values and character development. He has written nine books on morality and character development, which have been translated into more than a dozen languages. His book “Educating for C ­ haracter” won a Christopher Award for “affirming the highest values of the human spirit. Tom is the past recipient of the Character Education Partnership’s “Sandy Award” for Lifetime Achievement in Character Education and the Award for Outstanding Achievement in Moral Education from the University of San Francisco. He recently received an honorary doctorate from the Universidad Anahuac Mexico.

His Center’s work was the subject of a New York Times Magazine cover story, “Teaching Johnny To Be Good.” He has appeared on national media ­including “Good Morning America,” “Larry King Live,” National Public Radio and “Focus on the Family.” He and his wife Judith live in Cortland, N.Y., and have 14 grandchildren.

1965 Jack Mulvey jkmulvey@gmail.com Paul Merges pmerges@nycap.rr.com

Last year, most of us c­ elebrated our 50th high school reunions. It was great to see Siena alumni at the Vincentian

Institute (VI), ­Christian Brothers Academy (CBA) and Academy of the Holy Names ­combined class of 1961 50th high school reunion. In ­attendance from VI were ­Gerry Barry, Gary ­Condon, Dan Dugan, Chuck Harris, Pete La Porte ’66, Henry LaRose, Mike Lynch, Paul Merges, Bob ­Newell, Mike O’Neil, Pat Reilly, John ­Ringwood, Jim ­Tunney, Jim ­Weinman and Chuck Moore ’66.

CBA graduates included Jack Brennan, John Di Nuzzo, Jack McEneny, Gene Napierski, Joe Perreault, Austin Sennett and Anthony Talbert. While we may have been rivals in high school, we all joined together at Siena to be a part of the great Class of 1965 – our 50th college class reunion is only three years away.

Wayne Sheridan had his ­essay titled The Easiest Cut is the ­Deepest: Why States are ­Cutting Back on Prison Chaplains published by Commonweal.

Congratulations, Wayne.

1966 Ira Mendleson was honored by the Albany Law School of Union University’s Moot Court Board with the 2011-2012 Gabrielli Memorial Award for his contributions as a volunteer judge to law students participating in the court competition p ­ rogram and in appreciation of his “outstanding service and dedication in promoting the principles, practices and objectives of the moot court program.” He credits Siena College and his advisor in the college’s pre-law Barrister’s Club with helping him discover his love for the law.

James Morrell joined the board of directors of the Eastern New York Coalition of Automotive Retailers (ENYCAR) in Albany, N.Y. Formed in 1980, ENYCAR represents more than 70 new car dealers and provides services and education including compliance assistance,

social events, trade shows and seminars.

James Barba is president and CEO of Albany ­Medical Center and was recently inducted into the Tech Valley Business Hall of Fame presented by the ­Center for Economic Growth and ­Junior Achievement of ­Northeastern New York. ­Congratulations to all.

1967 Rick Spataro rspataro67@gmail.com

Thank you to Ralph ­Caruso Jr. for sharing memories of his McGuire Hall roommate and lifelong friend Joe Cherniske who passed away on December 11, 2011. “Joe was the original Family Guy, never mind the television show. He was married for 43 years to his wife Mary. They were the proud parents of four children, Stephen, Mark, Jennifer and Kate and the proud grandparents of Hannah and Sam. After graduating from Siena, Joe moved to Red Hook, N.Y. and worked for the NYS Department of Patient Resources for 30 years before retiring and moving to Queensbury, N.Y. Joe was one of the funniest guys I have ever known, and it was his dry wit and sense of humor that his son Mark referred to in his tribute to his father during the services. Joe was an avid gardener, but what he really cultivated was his family. Quoting from the program we received at the church, ‘He took extreme pride in his children’s personal and professional accomplishments.’ I called him on his birthday every year, the 4th of July. I will miss him answering the phone with an enthusiastic “Ralphy boy …”

At Reunion Weekend 2012 a great time was had by all. We were well represented in Friday’s golf outing. Tom Amello, Bob Flynn, Frank Gorke and I were the A group off the first tee.

The B group was Joe Bonavita, Jim Collins and Joe Costello.

The golf was good, but the communication among us was much better. It took us no time to settle into the friendly banter that we shared 45 years ago. It was as if we had just seen each other the day before. Perhaps that is part of what makes the Siena experience so special. All seven of the aforementioned also attended Saturday night’s dinner as did four of their wives. I was fortunate enough to sit with the Collins, Costellos and Steve Guzik and his wife.

Ralph Caruso made the trek from the Island of Rhodes. Ralph has been pulled from retirement to act as a dean of discipline at the school from which he retired in 2006.

Tom Auletta and his wife took pictures and shared them with us. Thanks to both of you.

Jack Finnerty entertained us with his best recollections of spring semester 1967.

Len DePasquale was holding court.

Peter Chepaitis reportedly made many visits to the buffet.

Vinny Flynn said hello and spent some time. We shared our stories of present and past and laughed as only we can.

There was a Steve Boyle sighting on Friday night.

If you haven’t seen it yet, check out the work of Lyn and Joe Muldoon on YouTube by searching Old Green Bonnet Class of ’67, we are all in it. It was a great way to prep for the weekend and no one should miss the opportunity to hear some otherwise creative lyrics to a song we all remember. If I omitted anyone from the dinner crew, let me know.

I would still like to hear from my classmates. Special thanks to the Alumni Relations Office for their great work in organizing the weekend. When we graduated there was no 45th Reunion

NEWSMAKER

Social Security Attorney Ira Mendleson ’66 was honored by Albany Law School’s Moot Court Board with the 2011-2012 ­Gabrielli Memorial Award for his contributions as a volunteer judge to law students participating in the court co­mpetition program. Mendleson, a principal partner of Buckley, ­Mendleson, Criscione and Quinn, was recognized with the prestigious award at the 32nd annual Spring Awards Banquet.

and now we are five away from 50. Hope to see more of you then. Stay in touch.

1968 Bill McGoldrick bmcgoldrick@wash-mcg.com

Robert Guido was selected to the Standing Advisory Group (SAG) of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB). The mission of PCAOB is to oversee the audits of public companies in order to protect the interests of investors and further the public interest in the preparation of informative, accurate and independent audit reports. The SAG was established in June 2003 and includes experts in the fields of accounting, auditing, financial reporting, corporate finance and corporate governance, as well as experts in investing in public companies.

Walter E. Sawyer is the author of a book titled “Growing Up With ­Literature,” which includes

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Class of 1971 reunion

200 of the best new children’s picture book titles, along with suggestions and strategies for sharing them with young ­children. Congratulations to you both.

Robert Klein recently ­participated in a triathlon with his sons in Stowe, Vt. He is happy to report he finished.

Way to go, Bob.

1969 Six members of the Class of 1971, along with their wives and s­ ignificant others, chartered two vessels and sailed around the British Virgin Islands in April 2012. The “Bacchus Crew” are “Crazy” Joe Daly and Susan, Jack “The Bomber” Sullivan and Joan, Ed “Rap” Brown and Fitz, Phil “Pangburn” Lockwood and Ande, Kevin “Big Boy” Lawrence and ­Jeanette and Billy “The Bagger” Serritella and Linda.

Class of 1975 reunion

Joe Condon received the NYS Mental Health Association’s ­Electronic Media award for his radio and television broadcasts on mental health.

He is the public a­ ffairs director of Albany Broadcasting. The award was presented to Joe by Peter ­Yarrow of the singing trio, Peter, Paul and Mary. ­Congratulations, Joe.

1970 Bob Hermann Rher311@aol.com

1971 Nicholas Positano njpositano@gmail.com

Henry Zwack ’75, Harry Stridick ’75, Dr. Joe Perillo ’74, Kurt Neiswender ’75, Danny Devine ’74, Dave Motta ’75, Patti Caputo DeFilippis ’75, Ron DeFilippi s ’73, Bob Swider ’74 and Dr. Jim DeCresente reunited this past winter.

20th Anniversary Celebration

A reception was held to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Girvin-Ferlazzo law firm. Cash gifts were made to the Albany Children’s Hospital, Muscular Dystrophy and other charitable causes.

Jay Girvin ’78 (left) and Sal Ferlazzo ’77 (right) are shown with WVCR 88.3 FM Siena Alumni Connection host Mark Grimm ’78.

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Rick Pepe recently retired from a 37 year career teaching English at Schalmont High School in Schenectady, N.Y. He has p ­ ublished a book titled “Thank You for My Children: A High School Teacher’s Final Year J­ ournal, Anecdotes and ­Observations.” He credits Siena for much of his success. ­Congratulations, Rick.

Six members of the class of 1971, along with their wives or significant others, chartered two vessels and sailed around the British Virgin Islands in April 2012. The “Bacchus Crew” mini reunion included “Crazy” Joe Daly and Susan, Jack “The Bomber” Sullivan and Joan, Ed “Rap” Brown and Fitz, Phil “Pangburn” Lockwood

and Ande, Kevin “Big Boy” ­Lawrence and Jeanette, and Billy “The Bagger” Serritella and Linda. A great time was had by all.

1972 Jack Callahan Jackcallahan33@gmail.com

The class of 1972 was well represented by a small but “big in spirit” group at their class dinner during Reunion Weekend.

1973 Brian Valentine bgvalentine@verizon.net

1975 Janet Gutowski Hall Janet.hall@wku.edu

Daniel “Dinny” Cahill was inducted into the MAAC Honor Roll as part of the organization’s first class. Each MAAC school had two all-time greats tapped for the honor, and 20 of the conference’s most memorable student athletes were honored with spots in the MAAC ­Experience exhibit at the Naismith ­Memorial ­Basketball Hall of Fame. After graduating from Siena, Din worked as a Division I referee and received the MAAC D ­ edicated Officials’ Award in 1999. He served on the Siena College Board of Trustees and was Chair of the Athletic C ­ ommittee. ­Congratulations, Din. Henry Zwack, Harry Stridick, Dr. Joe Perillo ’74, Kurt ­Neiswender, Danny Devine ’74, Dave Motta, Patti Caputo D ­ eFilippis, Ron ­DeFilippis ’73 and Bob ­Swider ’74 got together for a mini reunion. They had a great time catching up with each other.

1976

NEWSMAKER

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NEWSMAKER

Thomas J. Murphy ’80 was appointed President of Arrow Financial ­Corporation and to their Board of ­Directors.

Mark Woroby ’81 was named Director of ­Philanthropy at the MakeA-Wish Foundation of Northeast New York.

Cynthia Pettit ’82 was hired at the Academy of the Holy Names as Director of Alumnae and Events.

Jean Reamer jpreamer@comcast.net

Maureen Fairlie writes that a group of women got together at the opening game of the Siena women’s basketball season last November, ­including Jean Burton Durkin ’75 and Evelyn “Evy” Smith ’75. Our class participants included Pat ­Maher, Jean Reamer and her husband Graeme, Gail Pecora Gates and her husband Tom, Sue ­Vincelette Van Nostrand and her husband Ralph, and Frank Preda and his wife Kathy ­Kalwa ’78. ­The opening game for the women’s Siena Saints basketball season is ­becoming an ­annual tradition, join us if you can!

Maureen Fairlie attended a New York State event in upper Manhattan for certified women’s business enterprises and ran into Maria Perez ’77, who was there representing the NYS ­Department of Transportation. We are looking forward to once again hearing Maria DJ her Latin show on the Siena radio station WVCR 88.3. Jean Burton ’75 and Gail Pecora Gates also attended the annual Pink Zone game hosted by the women’s basketball team in January. The event is held to raise money and awareness for breast cancer research and ­benefits the Capital Region Action Against Breast Cancer ­organization. ­Barbara ­Mulholland Rivera and ­Margaret Leifels Lanahan, with their husbands, caught up while enjoying some skiing and winter fun in Utah.

great turnout for the Saturday night class dinner. A great time was had by all.

1978 Rick Gabriel rgabrielsyr@gmail.com

Cathy Buderwitz Kaufman was involved in the “Little ­Theatre” during her years at Siena and has continued staying active in that industry working at various theatres and c­ oncert ­venues in the Boston area, including Fenway Park, Gillette Stadium and the Boston Garden.

Mark Grimm is celebrating the 10th anniversary of the founding of his company, Mark Grimm ­Communications, a ­Guilderland firm specializing in public ­speaking training, media ­relations, message clarity and actor/voiceover talent. Mark is also an adjunct media professor at Siena College and host of the Siena Alumni Connection radio show. Congratulations, Mark.

1977

1979

Linda Fitzsimmons lindafitzsimmons@gmail.com

Sue Reilly Hayes Clifton522@aol.com

Reunion 2012 was enjoyed by the Class of 1977. The weekend activities including the picnic and tours of campus had everyone reminiscing about their days and nights on campus. There was a

Three cheers and congrats to Rich Sleasman, president and managing partner at CBRE, on his recent ­election to the Board of the Albany-Colonie Chamber of Commerce.

Tim Barker has joined BNY Mellon Wealth Management as ­managing director. Congrats, Tim.

1980 Diane DeSilva desidian@shenet.org

Thomas J. Murphy was a­ ppointed president of Arrow Financial C ­ orporation as well as a m ­ ember of their board of ­directors. ­Congratulations, Tom. I recently accepted a position as an adjunct in the Siena College Education Department teaching literacy.

1981 Mark Woroby was named director of philanthropy at the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Northeast New York. ­Congratulations, Mark.

1982 Bob Young rjy60@yahoo.com

Gary Sheffer had a hand in Super Bowl advertising this year. As vice president of communications and public affairs at ­General Electric, Gary and his staff ­produced a commercial that aired during halftime and featured employees at General Electric’s steam turbine manufac-

turing plant in Schenectady, N.Y. Col. John Christian retired after 30 years of service with the U.S. Army. John was stationed in or deployed to more than 30 countries on four continents during his career. He received the bronze star five times. A U.S. Army Ranger, John spent most of his career in the Special Forces. John credits his success to his wife and family and to those officers, NCOs and soldiers with whom he had the privilege of serving.

Cynthia Pettit is the new ­ director of alumnae and events at the ­Academy of the Holy Names in Albany, N.Y. Reunion 2012 was well ­attended and enjoyed by all.

1983 Elvira Altimari-Jaeger Eaj6@optonline.net

Virginia Smith Regan started a nonprofit called Down Syndrome Connection of Long Island, an organization for ­families and individuals touched

by Down Syndrome.

Kathie Flewelling Duncan, regional president at Adirondack Trust, was named chair of the board of trustees of Glens Falls Hospital. Congrats, Kathie.

Michael Hickey, Center for ­Economic Growth executive vice board chair and the Siena

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NEWSMAKER

Jerome Mastrianni ’84 was promoted to Regional Vice President, ­Commercial Banking at TD Bank. ­Mastrianni will oversee ­commercial banking and related products and services throughout upstate New York.

College executive director for innovation and entrepreneurship, participated as a delegate in the Clinton Global Initiative’s “CGI America” conference in June. The CGI conference, ­established in 2005 by President Bill Clinton, brings together leaders from the business, foundation, NGO and government sectors to develop solutions that address ­unemployment, prepare ­Americans to be competitive global citizens and rethink current models that shape our economy and society.

At the Class of 1983 birthday party in October, $10,000 was raised for the class scholarship.

If you pledged and have not yet sent in your donation, please do not forget. Donations are still being accepted.

In September we will form a committee to coordinate the 30th reunion. If you would like to be on the committee or you just want to be kept informed, please email me.

Summer shout-outs go to Sue Mazur, Dan Falvo, Pam ­Lorusso and Ralf Andretta.

Please check in. We would love to hear what you are up to.

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NEWSMAKER

Honora “Nonie” Lynch Manion ’85 was awarded the 2012 Public Service ­Excellence Award for outstanding service to New York State by the State ­Academy for ­Public ­Administration.

1984 Lisa SanFratello McCutcheon mcclisa@yahoo.com

Chuck Ryan has launched Emergency Command Concepts, LLC, which provides education and training programs to firefighters, fire officers, chiefs and public safety agency heads on modern emergency scene ­management and incident command. Chuck continues to serve as deputy fire chief in the ­Operations Bureau of Fairfax County Virginia Fire & Rescue Department, Virginia’s largest professional fire ­department. He also serves as adjunct instructor at the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, Md., and is pursuing executive fire officer ­certification through the United States Fire Administration.

Chuck has two children, Erin and Stephen, who are in college.

Chuck plays hockey with the Fairfax County Fire & Rescue team that participated last August in the World Police & Fire Games Tournament in New York City. The team is preparing to attend again in 2013 in Belfast, Ireland.

Janet Mitchel McGuire and her husband Dennis are thrilled that their daughter, Claire, is a sophomore at Siena, Class of 2014.

Jerome Mastrianni has been promoted to regional vice ­president, commercial banking at TD Bank and will oversee commercial ­banking and related products and services throughout upstate New York.

Ronald Guzior, a partner at BST since 1998, has been named partner in charge of the financial services and tax departments.

BST is an a­ ccounting and business advisory firm with offices in Colonie and New York City.

Heidi Harkins joined the Bonadio Group, a Rochesterbased accounting, payroll and business advisory firm, as a principal in the firm’s construction consulting division located in Albany.

Sharon M. Smith, executive director of the Troy Boys & Girls Club, was named 2011 Executive of the Year by the Empire C ­ hapter of the Professional A ­ ssociation of Boys & Girls Clubs of America.

The award is presented to professionals who have made significant contributions to the work of the profession while in their executive ­position. Sharon has been executive director since 2008. She lives in Averill Park, N.Y. After Siena, Dawn Crandall Granato earned a DDS degree and a certificate in pediatric ­dentistry. She and her husband Jerry practice together in ­Manassas, Va. They are the proud parents of twin daughters who will be 15 this year. Dawn says “In our college search, we will be taking a trip up to visit Siena soon and maybe one or both of them will fall in love with the campus as I did when I first visited over 30 years ago!”

1985 Cathy Casey Bjorklund Ron Bjorklund Bjork90@comcast.net

Jon Flood was presented the 2011 Service Award from North Colonie Capitals Youth Lacrosse.

He was honored for his 10 years of service as a board member, past president and coach. Jon was r­ ecognized as a stable presence in the local youth lacrosse community for many years, and a great leader, friend and teammate for many in the local lacrosse c­ ommunity. He lives in ­Loudonville with his wife Tracy and sons Dillon and Connor.

Christopher Petrozzi is ­executive vice president of ­correctional services at S­ pectrum Health Systems, Inc. His ­responsibilities include leadership, a­ dministration and development of Spectrum’s c­ orrectional ­services on a nationwide basis.

He lives in Colorado Springs, Colo. with his wife and son.

Susan K. Tobin was recently appointed development director for Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Capital Region. Susan began her long career in fundraising as annual fund director at Siena College from 1978 to 1987.

Honora “Nonie” Lynch ­Manion, director of the audit division of the NYS Department of Taxation & Finance, was awarded the 2012 Public Service Excellence Award for outstanding service to New York State by the State Academy for Public Administration (SAPA) as well as a leadership award from the Federation of Tax ­Administrators.

Christopher Rosetti is a partner at BST in Colonie, N.Y. He recently conducted fraud prevention and training seminars for a company in Switzerland, Walmart, Tyson Foods, J.B. Hunt, and others. Congratulations to all.

Oops! In the last issue when we mentioned our class legacies who are currently freshmen, we inadvertently forgot Conor Prunty ’15, the son of Robin Leonard Prunty. Connor is playing midfield on the Siena men’s lacrosse team.

As you know, our dear friend and classmate Jack Costello passed away unexpectedly on March 4, 2012. A scholarship has been established in Jack’s memory and will benefit Siena students for years to come.

The John J. Costello ’85 ­Memorial Scholarship was established to honor the memory of John Costello ’85. John had expressed his desire to someday endow a scholarship at Siena to help current students have the experience he was fortunate enough to have with the help of a scholarship and financial aid. The establishment of this scholarship by John’s classmates, friends and family honors this desire, and allows his legacy to live on at Siena. The scholarship will be awarded to students with financial need.

Many thanks to those who have contributed and helped make the scholarship a reality.

If you have not contributed, you can send a check made payable to “Siena College, John J. Costello ’85 Memorial ­Scholarship” to Siena College, Office of Development and External Affairs, 515 Loudon Rd., Loudonville, N.Y. 12211.

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

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

Wedding bells were ringing for Carolyn Borshadel Bickel. ­Carolyn and Scott Bickel were married on May 14, 2011 at St. Catherine of ­Siena Church in Pittstown, N.J. ­Julie Arce ­Morales and Donna Neary Wang were there to help ­celebrate the occasion. ­ Thomas Weaver was r­ ecently elected to the Microsoft D­ynamics GP User Group (GPUG) Advisory Board. As a member of the Advisory Board, Tom will be helping to guide the strategy, direction and programs for the GPUG community. Tom is the financial systems manager at Excelsior College in Albany, N.Y., and has been an active GPUG member since 2007.

Dr. Dean Filion recently celebrated his second Super Bowl win as a member of the New York Giants medical staff. Dean is the director of sports medicine at New Jersey Spine and Sports Medicine in Rutherford, N.J. He has been a member of the medical staff of the New York Giants for the past 14 years.

The Class of 1987 enjoyed catching up during Reunion Weekend this year. Laughter and memories were shared by all.

1988 Paula Cacossa Wang Pc6888@comcast.net

Patricia “Trish” Donnelly and her husband Steve Olson welcomed their daughter, Chloe Erin, on May 3, 2012.

Lisa Marrello was recently named to the Albany Law School’s Government Law Center Racing and Gaming Committee, which is dedicated to law and policy study of gaming from horse racing and industries that support the sport, to Indian gaming, lotteries and charitable

gaming. She is a partner at Wilson Elser. Her clients include international and regional racing, gaming and wagering corporations.

NEWSMAKER

1989 Mike Carbonaro Sienanews.1989@yahoo.com

David Verbraska was elected to the Albany Law School ­Government Law Center Advisory Board. He is vice president of worldwide policy and public affairs at Pfizer, and is beginning an executive MBA program at Columbia Business School. This past summer he and his wife Chris Matzel ’90 dropped their teenage kids off at camp and headed to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico with fellow Siena alumni Stefan Parker ’90 and Kim ­Schaffner Parker ’90.

Jennifer Robb is celebrating 12 years as owner of her dental practice. She was appointed to the board of the Lorain County Dental Society. Jennifer continues to serve as their newsletter editor and website administrator. The Lorain County Dental Society provides professional support to member dentists and assists Lorain County Ohio residents who have dental questions.

Mike Oates was appointed to the board of directors of the New York Biotechnology Association. The association supports the development and growth of New York State’s biotechnology industry.

Michael Lia has been chosen as chairman and CEO of The Eastern New York Coalition of Automotive Retailers (ENYCAR) in Albany, N.Y. Formed in 1980, ENYCAR represents more than 70 new car dealers and provides services and education including compliance assistance, social events, trade shows and seminars.

David Mysliwiec is a partner at T. M. Byxbee Co., CPAs, and celebrated 10 years of professional affiliation with the National

Christopher O’Connell ’90 was appointed Chief ­Financial Officer at Marken Ltd., a leading life sciences supply chain management organization.

Association of Tax Professionals, a nonprofit professional association committed to excellence in taxation.

I passed the certification exam for Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA) basketball and now referee middle school and younger basketball games in the Lehigh Valley. I ran into Bonnie Starr Spugnardi at my son’s game recently. It was great seeing a fellow alum in the Lehigh Valley. I joined the staff of Blue Mountain as a ski instructor this year and am planning to test for the PSIA level one ski instructor certification.

1990 Janet Shotter Swierbut jswierbut@yahoo.com

I recently caught up with one of my former townhouse roomies, Amy Jenkins Barry who is married to Matt Barry.

Amy is vice president and chief human resources officer for Martin Memorial Health Systems, a not-for-profit community-based health care organization. Matt and Amy have two daughters, Grace and Hannah, and live in Stuart, Fla. Joe “Cozz” Cozzolino lives in Tampa, Eric Brosch in Boston, Vinnie Doto in New York and Andy Cimis in Ohio.

Kevin Conway is proud to report that his daughter Brittany recently graduated with a degree in special education.

SIENA 39

NEWSMAKER

Timothy Morrison ’94 was made partner at Whiteman Osterman & Hanna LLP.

NEWSMAKER

Paul Clickman ’95 was promoted to Senior Vice President – Sales and ­Marketing of its Financial Related Services Group

by The Ayco ­Company, L.P., a Goldman Sachs Company. Clickman will work to grow this piece of Ayco’s business, which provides innovative financial ­education ­services to corporate employees ­nationwide.

NEWSMAKER

Jesse C. Koepp ’96 has been appointed ­Senior Client Relationship ­Manager at ­Fenimore Asset ­Management in Cobleskill, N.Y.

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Christopher O’Connell was named chief financial officer for Marken, a London-based life science supply chain management organization.

Michael Pepe, D.B.A., is an assistant professor of marketing at Siena and was recently recognized by the Journal of Product and Brand Management for an outstanding research paper. ­Titled “The Impact of Private ­Label Brands on Customer ­Loyalty and Product Category Profitability,” his paper was one of four chosen worldwide for this honor. David Basil is now chief executive officer of RedCloud, a security access hardware and software company that integrates identity management and video surveillance. Congratulations, Mike and Dave.

Lt. Col. Michael Murphy assumed command of the 27th Brigade Special Troops Battalion on February 18, 2012 at Camp Shelby, Miss. He was deployed to Iraq with the 1st Battalion, 69th Infantry in 2004 and is now being deployed to Kuwait and Afghanistan with the 27th. Thank you for your service, Mike.

1991 Kevin Clarke siena91@optonline.net

Kevin Clancy, who founded Clancy Real Estate, has signed a publishing deal to contribute to the forthcoming book titled, “The New Rise in Real Estate: The Nation’s Trusted Real Estate Advisors Reveal Their Top Secrets for Buying and Selling Homes in the New Real Estate Economy.” He has been an expert real estate consultant and broker for the last 20 years.

Craig Drakeford married Elaine Chin on November 5, 2011 in North Bergen, N.J. Dora Damiano Mavellia and her husband Jerry welcomed their daughter Juiliana Grace on January 27, 2012. Congratulations to all.

1992

1994

Mary Pat McLoughlin Holler jmpholler@yahoo.com

Glenn Hofsess gh@endcap.com

Kate Qualters Downey and her husband Stephen ’91 welcomed twin boys Patrick and Quinn on January 20, 2010. That makes it My Three Sons for them when they include six-year-old Liam. Kate says, “It’s mayhem and destruction around here and we love it!”

Reunion Weekend was well attended and enjoyed by all.

The dinner for the Class of ’92 in Massry Commons included dancing, laughter and reminiscing. Old memories were revived and new memories made.

Timothy P. Morrison was named partner at Whiteman Osterman & Hanna LLP, which focuses on providing comprehensive legal advice to businesses, financial institutions and not-for-profit organizations with respect to corporate, real estate, financing and wealth transfer and preservation transactions.

He is a member of the board and served as president in 2009 and 2010 of the Legal Aid Society of Northeastern New York. He is the co-founder and director of the Thomas Patrick Morrison Foundation.

Elizabeth “Liz” Lops was inducted into the MAAC Honor Roll as part of the organization’s first class. Each MAAC school had two all-time greats tapped for the honor and 20 of the conference’s most memorable student athletes were honored with spots in the MAAC Experience exhibit at the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.

Paul Loomis and his wife Sharon welcomed their son Adam William on March 9, 2012.

Congratulations to everyone.

1993 Sue Hannon Shannon@ryeneck.k12.ny.us

On October 18, 2011, we lost one of our dear classmates, Jeffrey Brown. Jeff was a good friend to me and my townhouse mates and it was so sad to hear of his passing after a courageous battle with ALS. He is survived by his wife Janet and their three children. Please keep them in your prayers. In Jeff’s honor, Jonathan Tellstone and John Aspland will be reaching out to classmates and friends with information on a golf benefit to be held in the Albany area. If you would like more information on this event, please contact me and I will put you in touch with one of them.

Happier news comes from John “Pepe” Alessandro and his wife Leslie Saylor who added a baby girl to their family. Julia Carolyn was born in July 2010.

Pepe was also recognized as a Five Star Wealth Manager in 2011 and 2012.

I was just named the varsity girls soccer coach at Rye Neck High School in Mamaroneck, N.Y., where I am also a school counselor. Nice change of pace from softball.

1995 Neil Wilcove nwilcove@fmglaw.com

Mark O’Brien and his wife Katie welcomed their first child Finn James on November 27, 2011. The family lives in Tampa, Fla., where Mark practices ­criminal law.

Jonathan DeMay and his wife Ambika welcomed their daughter Ashwara Katherine, on March 17, 2012.

Missy Ocif Erdtmann ­recently joined Thomaston ­Savings Bank in Watertown, Conn., as a small business commercial lender. She lives in neighboring Roxbury with her

husband Eric and their children Nathan and Jayme.

Paul Clickman was promoted to senior vice president of sales and marketing with Financial Related Services (FRS) Group, part of the Ayco Company. He also assumes responsibility for Ayco’s Marketing Information Team. Congratulations to all.

1996 Brian Murray murray21@hotmail.com

Joseph Koyon, Jr. and his wife Deyette welcomed their son Joseph David III on October 19, 2011.

Brian Bull and his wife ­Amanda Cullen Bull ’97 ­welcomed their son Logan Wells on March 31, 2012.

Christine Pizzute Chauvet is now the chief of gastroenterology at Group Health in Seattle.

She and her husband ­Cedric along with big sister Sylvie ­Allaix, welcomed Anaïs Hélène on February 20, 2011.

Chris Conroy is enjoying a career as a Major League Baseball umpire. He recently gave a talk about his journey to the show titled “Calling It As I See It” at Williams College.

Jennifer Bonanno Loscialpo started her own business, Dare to Inspire.

Jesse Koepp was appointed ­senior client relationship ­manager at Fenimore Asset ­Management in Cobleskill, N.Y.

1997 Selena Dutcher selenadutcher@gmail.com

Anne Marie Bowler, Esq. co-founder of Gabay-Rafiy & Bowler, a law firm in New York City, was featured in an article in the New York Times business section about lawyers in their mid 20s to early 40s leaving large firms to start small ones.

John Durso Jr. accepted an appointment as senior director

of corporate communications and chief spokesperson for New Jersey Transit, the third largest transit agency in the United States. John and his wife Dr. Stacy McClosky Durso ’98 live in northern New Jersey with their son John “Jack” III. Tara Kraft Horan is the editor in chief of SHAPE magazine, published by American Media in New York. SHAPE magazine offers the latest health, fitness, beauty and fashion news and is one of the top women’s fitness magazines.

Jeffrey Nobis and his wife Corrina welcomed their first child Evan Samuel on July 17, 2011.

Amanda Cullen Bull and her husband Brian Bull ’96 ­welcomed their son Logan Wells on March 31, 2012.

Saturday’s class dinner in Massry Commons during Reunion Weekend was a night to remember. Everyone enjoyed dancing and catching up with old friends.

1998 Janine Trapp Scotti Sienasaints98@yahoo.com

Martina Jordi Frankovits and her husband Rick welcomed their son Luke Paul on October 9, 2011. Congratulations to the Frankovits family.

Reggie Greene, a member of the Siena College Hall of Fame, ­recently published his first ­children’s book, Swami Somewhere, a book about a little girl who travels the world in her stroller. ­Congratulations, Reggie.

Stacy Lee McNamara married David McNamara on September 30, 2011. Chris ­Cannucciari ’02 and Leigh ­Naughter ­Cannuciari ’03 were in the wedding party. ­Congratulations, Stacy.

Joe Mangino and Joe ­Garofalo recently opened Tribeca Tap House at 363 Greenwich Street in New York City. A restaurant

NEWSMAKER

NEWSMAKER

Anne Marie Bowler ’97 was featured in an article in the New York Times Business Section regarding the law firm she co-founded.

John Durso Jr. ’97 was appointed Senior Director of Corporate Communications and Chief Spokesperson for New Jersey Transit, the third largest transit agency in the United States.

and bar with a speakeasy touch, Tribeca Tap House features 20 beers on tap, mouth watering New American style entrees and snacks, premium views from every seat in the house to watch your favorite team in action and a large, private area for special events. Congratulations on your new venture, Joe and Joe.

1999 Brendan Fitzgerald nyfitzgerald@gmail.com

2000 Shaymus Schweitzer Sienasaints2000@hotmail.com

Lindsay Gennari Thomas and her husband Gary welcomed their daughter Briella Reese on February 2, 2011. Lindsay works at Albany Medical Center as an obstetrical anesthesiologist.

Katrina Steers Cooper received tenure and was promoted to ­associate professor of psychology at Bethany College in Bethany, W. Va. Alison Thomson Bush and her husband Tim welcomed their first child, Juliana James, on ­November 15, 2011. Alison and Tim have been married for five years and live in Bolton, Mass.

Megan Arnold is an English teacher at Cohoes High School and fiancé Rob Manfredo ’05 is an attorney at Girvin & Ferlazzo in Albany, N.Y.

Stephen DeSalvo married ­ manda LoCascio on the beach A in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic on July 30, 2010 and welcomed their first child Sienna Mae on ­January 16, 2012. Steve is the ­executive director at Mount Sinai Medical Center in Manhattan and Amanda is a travel agent and ­manager at Liberty Travel.

Paul Gandolfo and his wife Kristin welcomed their third child Chase Noah on January 11, 2012. He joins his three-year-old sister Camryn and his sevenyear-old brother Nicholas.

2001 Maura Mack Sienanotes01@gmail.com

Chris Hough and his wife Kelly welcomed their son ­William Boyer on November 2, 2011.

Rebekah Vreeland Sensenig and her husband Jeff welcomed their second son Nathan William on ­December 22, 2011. He joins his two-year-old big brother Luke. The family is living in Las Vegas, Nev., where Rebekah is stationed and working as an Air Force physician.

Alisa Kojalowicz Kreig and her husband Michael Kreig ­welcomed their son Luke ­Anthony on July 2, 2011.

Scott Yurko and his wife ­Michelle welcomed their ­daughter Ashley on July 24, 2011.

SIENA 41

NEWSMAKERS

Left to right: Mike Wickham ’05, Kathryn Hauser ’05 and Rich Becker, lecturer in creative arts, at the 55th Annual New York Emmy Awards, the New York Chapter of the National Academy of T ­ elevision Arts and Sciences. Wickham and Becker of Fox 23 news in Albany, N.Y. won an Emmy Award for their story titled “Color of Hope,” that chronicles a teen’s fight against cancer. Hauser, from News 12 Connecticut, was a finalist for two sports coverage single stories.

was founded in 1916 and is the l­argest volunteer fire company in ­Rensselaer County.

Adam Burback ­graduated from Syracuse University’s ­iSchool where he earned a master’s degree in information management. He and Elizabeth Warfel were married in August 2011 in Clinton, N.Y. After being appointed as the next chair for the Regional Council of Young Lasallians in the United States, Jolleen Wagner is preparing for a trip to Rome in September.

Justen Aprile married Bettina Panseri in December.

Eric Hungershafer and his wife Amy welcomed their daughter Ellie Rose on April 28, 2012. Congratulations to everyone.

2005 Kevin McCabe and his wife Kristen welcomed their first child Michael Gerard on July 16, 2011.

2002 Christine Cinnamond Christine.cinnamond@gmail.com

George DeLeon and his wife Shannon welcomed their son Xavier on September 7, 2011. He joins his big sister Olivia.

Mike Hennessey and his wife Kristie welcomed their daughter Natalie Quinn on March 15, 2012.

Angela Rosetti is executive producer at Capital Broadcasting WGDJ 1300 AM. She manages social media accounts and was referred to in The Business Review as a young gun of social media. Congratulations to all!

At Reunion Weekend, the Class of ’92 was well represented and enjoyed catching up with each other, dancing, conversing, laughing and making new memories.

SIENA 42

2003 Gina Gizzi Sienasaints_2003@hotmail.com

Kelly Quist is director of ­legislative operations for ­Schenectady County. She ­married Michael Demars in October 2011 and is l­iving in Amsterdam, N.Y. John Copeland married Tara Mahoney on July 30, 2011. The best man was L.J. Milone. Among the guests were Tom Portuese, Beth Gambino Portuese ’04, Sean Kennedy, David Garbaini ’11 and Jennifer Trachsler Garbaini ’04. Fr. Matt Wetsel officiated.

Jonathan Hicks and J­ illian Milewski were married on September 3, 2011, with many alumni from the classes of 2001 through 2003 in attendance.

Over the past year, four classmates have brought new baby boys into the world: Kristin Kelly Iula and her husband Tom welcomed Luke Thomas on ­December 17, 2010; Amy Bodette Demagistris and Chad Demagistris ’02 welcomed

Carson Joseph on November 3, 2011; Jill Pomponio Leung and her husband Calvin Leung welcomed Connor on May 13, 2011; and Jamie Hall Usas and her husband Charlie welcomed Henry Griffin on May 11, 2011 to join big brother Anthony.

Calvin recently accepted a ­position as a Cardiology ­Fellow at the University of South Florida in Tampa.

Stefanie Wiley is vice president of finance for her ­family’s company, Hoosick Valley ­Contractors. She was honored at the fourth annual Business Review Women Who Mean Business awards.

Kelly Ryan is currently working toward her Ph.D. in chemistry at University of ­Massachusetts Amherst.

2004 Jolleen Wagner Jolleen_wagner@yahoo.com

Marc Iorio was elected vice president of the East Greenbush Fire Company, Inc. The East Greenbush Fire Company

Breanne Suhrland Elsesser bsuhrlan@att.net

Colleen McCue ­McLaughlin and Brendan McLaughlin ’04 welcomed their son James ­Michael on September 16, 2011.

Cristina Sabia Luft and her husband John welcomed triplets Logan Christopher, Sofia Grace and Lucas John on ­December 30, 2011.

Kristen Corliss graduated from George Washington ­University’s School of Education and Human Development with her master’s degree in May 2011. She was chosen to be the student speaker at her graduation with 5,000 people in attendance.

Her speech received a standing ­ovation. Kristen is a guidance counselor at the Addison & Rand Community Charter School in Washington, D.C. Congratulations, Kristen.

2006 Chris Elsesser Christopher.elsesser@gmail.com

Christopher Salute ­married Kristina Ferrara ’08 on

­ ovember 5, 2010 on Long N Island. Their wedding party included Kevin Neary, Tom O’Beirne and Casey Hackett ’08.

They live in East Rockaway, N.Y., with their dogs Siena and Toccara. Congrats, Christopher and Kristina.

Melissa Krueger ­married ­Gregory Perry on April 10, 2010 in Saratoga Springs, N.Y. They celebrated with Dr. Shyama Mathews, Dr. ­Douglas Fair, Dr. Peter Alex Leahey, Dr. Elizabeth ­Hubbard, Dr. ­Edward LaRow ’59, Nancy LaRow ’80, Justin Couts ’03, ­Noreen ­Wunderlich ­Auringer, Dr. ­Nicole Smizer ’05, ­Robert Gonyo ’04, Dr. Joseph ­Skowronek, Kelly Jaeger ’07, Timothy Prall, Fredis Pena ’05, Jill Nielsen, Andrea Peer, Dr. David Auringer, Timothy Egan, Michelle Bouquard, ­Stephanie Ciecwesz, Dr. Karen ­Patricia and Matthew Franchi ’05. ­Melissa and Greg ­graduated from Albany Medical College in May 2010. Melissa is a resident of psychiatry and Greg is a resident of emergency medicine at the University of ­Buffalo. ­Congratulations to the Doctors Perry.

Natalia Kutzer married John Burkart Jr. on October 15, 2011 at Siena College. Their ­wedding reception was held at the ­Saratoga National Golf Club with Nicole Connelly ­Pickering, Helaina ­Casabonne, Mark Kutzer ’09 and Eileen Welch ’07 in the wedding party. ­Congratulations, Natalia and John.

Ashley Boland Tyner married James Tyner, Esq., on July 16, 2011 in Lake Placid, N.Y. The happy couple lives in ­Schenectady, N.Y. ­Congratulations, Ashley and James.

Kristen Kubera Cavatassi married Carmen Cavatassi on October 1, 2011 in Rochester, N.Y. They live in Rochester where Kristen works for an

eye care company and Carmen works in insurance. Congratulations, Kristen and Carmen.

Allison Maloney Turcio married C.J. Turcio on ­August 20, 2011 in Williamstown, Mass.

Fr. Bill Beaudin ’76, O.F.M. officiated. Their wedding party and guests included many S­ iena ­alumni and staff, including matron of honor Katie Neville Miller, maid of honor Christina Pepe, best man Brian Dowd and groomsmen Dave Szalda, Matt Castiglione, Patrick Henry ’07 and Matt Turcio ’12.

Joe ­Skowronek sang Ave Maria ­during the ceremony.

The reception was at Jiminy Peak in Hancock, Mass. A ­ llison is the associate director of ­e-communications at Siena and C.J. is a special education teacher in ­Schenectady, N.Y.; the Turcios live in ­Schenectady. Congratulations, Allison and C.J. Katy McKeon Green welcomed daughter­Madelyn ­Margaret on ­September 25, 2011.

Big sister Isabelle, mom and dad love their new family of four.

Helaina Casabonne welcomed son Ethan Chance on September 18, 2011. Congratulations!

Dave Auringer and Noreen ­Wunderlich Auringer welcomed their son Andrew Edward on September 18, 2011.

Jason Reppard and Emma Woodworth Reppard ’09 welcomed their son Dominic Ryan on June 18, 2010.

Congratulations to all of the happy parents!

Katie Luker and her mom Kim Luker ’82 ran the NYC Marathon this past November.

It was a first for both of them.

Katie finished in 3:39:59 and her mom finished in 3:44:33. They were cheered on by Siena ’06 classmates Jen Holzhauer, Kim Witkowich, Katie B ­ ubnack, Christine Mulhall and ­Stephanie Battista.

Katie Bubnack recently ran her first marathon in Toronto with a time of 3:46. Both Katies

are looking forward to running a marathon together soon.

Jamie Boyle was promoted to assistant vice president of cash management sales at NBT Bank in Norwich, N.Y. She also serves as a board member of the Northeastern New York Division of the March of Dimes.

Judith Dougherty was ­honored at a reception for ­Joseph’s House & Shelter A ­ nnual Winter Walk for her work through the Franciscan Center for Service and Advocacy in facilitating volunteer and service opportunities for Siena students.

The organization provides safe, secure, respectful shelter and additional necessary services to more than 1,000 men, women and children a year. Judy is associate director for the Franciscan Center for Service and Advocacy at Siena College.

Mary Miller graduated from SUNY Upstate Medical University in 2010 with her doctor of medicine and was promoted to captain in the United States Army upon graduation. She is working to complete her residency in dermatology in San Antonio, Texas while on active duty. We wish Mary all the best and thank her for her service.

Ahsan Memon celebrated the grand opening of his new venture Duniya Supermarket, which is located near Siena and has food and drink products from all over the world. Congratulations, Ahsan.

NEWSMAKER

Jamie Boyle ’06 has been promoted to ­Assistant Vice President and Cash Management Sales ­Representative at NBT Bank.

Mike Utzig mutzig@siena.edu

Alex Dolly and Alicia ­Whitehead were married on June 26, 2011 and then spent 10 days on Antigua for their honeymoon. They live in Troy, N.Y. I wish you both a lifetime of happiness.

Jamie Considine married Gary Power on October 15, 2011 with many Siena alumni in attendance.

Marcie Rajter married Peter Davey Jr. on August 6, 2011 in Loudonville, N.Y. They enjoyed a honeymoon in Hawaii and now live in Williston, Vt. Melissa Stephens bought a house and is working at the American Cancer Society. She works with Relay For Life events in Northeast Indiana.

Donald D. Reisinger and his wife Ashley Tabone ’08 welcomed their son Anthony Santino on November 1, 2011.

The Class of 2007 had a great turnout for Reunion Weekend.

Everyone enjoyed the picnic and the class party Saturday night.

Jackie Shelburne snazzyj23@gmail.com

2008

2007

First off, I would like to ­ elcome my new News and w Notes partner, Jackie ­Shelburne, to the 2007 column. She was the editor in chief of The ­Promethean during our years at Siena. Thank you so much for joining.

Danielle Grasso Patrick Preston Sienacollege2008@gmail.com

Mary Beth Bumbolow and Chris DeSario were married on October 9, 2011 with their family and Siena friends in a­ ttendance.

Sean A. Smith recently joined SIENA 43

NEWSMAKER

Franchel Mendoza ’09 received a Master of Science degree from the ­Columbia University School of Social Work. Mendoza was selected as a s­ tudent in the ­Management ­Fellows ­program. He is the first Latino male of D ­ ominican descent to graduate as a ­Management ­Fellow ­specialized in Social ­Enterprise Administration.

Towne, Ryan & Partners, P.C. as communications director.

Ashley Tabone and Donald Reisinger ’07 welcomed their son Anthony Santino on November 1, 2011.

Congratulations to all.

2009 Tiffany Salonich Lovesrain87@aim.com

Jennifer Roberts and Nick Connelly were married on ­October 1, 2011. Fr. Bill Beaudin ’76, O.F.M., officiated.

Jenny McNulty and ­Daniel Mulhall were married on ­August 12, 2011.

Kristina Sepe received her master’s degree from Syracuse University and is teaching. Her fiancé Patrick Crehan ’10 is ­completing a nursing degree.

They live in Syracuse, N.Y. Kayla Grant earned her ­master’s degree from The C ­ ollege of St. Rose in early childhood education and is teaching in ­Clifton Park, N.Y. Her fiancé Mark Kutzer is advancing in the accounting and finance ­department at SmartWatt Energy, Inc. in Ballston Lake, N.Y. Heather Flood graduated from SUNY Albany in May 2011

SIENA 44

NEWSMAKER

Joseph Tavernese Jr. ’11 signed a contract to play ­soccer for Armadale F.C., a second division pro team in Australia.

with a master of science ­degree as a literacy specialist. She received the Gertrude ­Hunter Parlin scholarship for graduate students who plan to become teachers in New York State. She is teaching at ­Schodack Central School ­District in Castleton, N.Y. Lauren Rapsard graduated from SUNY Albany with a master of science degree.

She received the Class of 1965 Scholarship from the School of Education.

Erin Clune has been traveling the world since last September doing a year of service. She was in India for three months teaching English, and in Tanzania for three months teaching math and English. She plans to head to South Africa next.

Franchel Mendoza received a master of science degree from the Columbia University School of Social Work. Franchel was selected as a student in the ­Management Fellows p ­ rogram at the school. He is the first ­Latino male of Dominican descent to graduate as a ­Management Fellow specializing in social ­enterprise administration. He was a student of the Arthur O. Eve Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP) at

Siena. He says, “I graciously give thanks to everyone who supported me along the way at Siena College from faculty members to administrators, especially the HEOP program.”

Leah Antil was awarded a Fulbright English ­Teaching ­Assistantship in Minsk, Belarus for the 2012-2013 academic year.

She says “I am so lucky and happy to be able to ­represent the United States in the country that I fell in love with while at Siena.

It’s the first time the Fulbright competition has been open in Belarus since 2007.”

Gina Graziano was ­promoted to sales executive, head of ­Canadian markets for Altrum Group in May 2012.

Charles Milone became a ­certified public accountant in February 2012.

Donna Flores graduated from Sage College with a master of arts in counseling and community psychology in May 2012.

Elizabeth Murphy graduated from Hofstra Law School in May 2012.

Emma Woodworth R ­ eppard and Jason Reppard ’06 welcomed their son Dominic Ryan on June 18, 2010.

Heather Clickner graduated from Roger Williams University School of Law.

2010 Kelly Peckholdt kellypeckholdt@gmail.com

Audrey Dumary completed her master’s degree in curriculum and instruction.

Elizabeth Bauer McGrath was interviewed as part of an online Wall Street Journal story about recent graduates adapting to the current job market. She works for New York Life selling ­insurance and annuities.

John Behrens works at PepsiCo Global R&D and was recently granted his first U.S. patent. If you have ever had a SoBe LifeWater Strawberry Kiwi or

Blackberry Grape, then you have consumed his patented ingredient. Congratulations to all.

2011 Allison Collins Am27coll@siena.edu

Jackie Graber is employed at Cool Insurance Agency in Latham, N.Y. She lives in ­Niskayuna, N.Y. Krista Timpano is working as a tax associate at ­PricewaterhouseCoopers in Latham, N.Y. She lives in Clifton Park, N.Y. Nick DiRoma is working as a field chemist at Triumvirate Environmental in Astoria, Queens.

John Farley graduated with a master’s degree in accounting from Siena. In September, he will start work as an auditor for UHY Advisors, a tax and business consulting firm. He lives in Saratoga Springs, N.Y. Jackie Looser is in the Professional School Counseling Program at Sage Graduate School.

In addition, she has two graduate assistantships at Sage, one in Undergraduate Admissions and the other in the Office of Career Planning. She lives in Cohoes, N.Y. Keith Volsky and his wife Melissa welcomed their daughter Natasha Zoey on February 16, 2012.

Lauren LaMarca is a sales and marketing coordinator at OrderEze.com, a web design company with Sysco Foods. She lives on Long Island, N.Y. Kait Ross is serving as an AmeriCorps VISTA fellow and is associated with the Office of Academic Community Engagement at Siena. She is developing their mentoring program.

Dana Mazer is serving as an AmeriCorps VISTA fellow in ­Siena’s Admissions Office with the Trailblazers Program, which gives Siena students the opportunity to teach underprivileged middle school students how to

become leaders in their community. She lives in Albany, N.Y. Jill Duarte is working as the finance and fundraising director for the Boy Scouts of America (BSA).

Past events that she has planned at the BSA have exceeded financial and attendance goals for the first time in four years. She lives in Ridgewood, N.J. Joe Tavernese recently signed a contract to play soccer for Armadale F.C., a second division pro team in Australia. During his senior year at Siena, ­Tavernese was rated in the top 20 in the country for assists and was a starter all four years.

Sean M. Smith is the ­communications director at Towne, Ryan & Partners, P.C. in Saratoga Springs, N.Y. He lives in Clifton Park, N.Y. Keegan Hayes is general manager of the Troy business ­accelerator GrandSlam Alley, LLC, a company that helps ­develop business startups designing applications and video games.

He will promote the accelerator, the companies that locate there, and successes of other startups in the region. He also started the Capital Region Entrepreneurs Group. The group is for those who have started their own business from scratch, are thinking about a great business idea, or would like to learn more about the business startup process. Keegan is also an entrepreneur himself.

Alana Brady is attending Albany Law School where she studies family law. She lives in Albany, N.Y. Eddie Torres is working in operations at Urban Financial Group. He lives in Brentwood, N.Y.

Cassandra Salonich works for the Internal Revenue Service as a customer service representative.

Jeremy Abel recently joined Mannix Marketing, Inc., an Internet marketing company in Glens Falls, N.Y., as digital marketing specialist. Before joining Mannix Marketing, Jeremy gained attention in the field with his consumer behavior research studies. He was invited to present at two international marketing conferences, MMA Global and the International Academy of Business and Economics. His research on mobile phone use and self control among college students was recently presented at a conference in Chicago.

Molly Chamberlain is working as a program assistant and interim crisis care specialist at Bethany Women’s Center in ­Washington, D.C., as part of her Loretto ­Volunteer Corps service year. She also volunteers with the Human Rights Campaign.

T. Brian Rivers passed all four sections of the AICPA written exam and is eligible for licensure as a CPA in Massachusetts. He recently accepted a position as an associate at Pricewaterhouse­ Coopers in Boston.

Allison Collins, Thomas Gelok, Katelyn Boucher, Brian Litz, Keegan Hayes and Greg Eckl were on campus for Reunion Weekend. They attended the 2011 Senior Gift Plaque dedication in New Hall and enjoyed a ­champagne toast with Fr. Kevin while attending the President’s Circle Brunch.

In Memory Siena College mourns the loss of the following members of our community: Christopher J. Cleary ’43

Richard F. Carman ’55

Dr. William F. DeMyer ’43

Stephen J. Honicki ’55

Edward J. Malone ’43

Frank J. Neeley ’55

Theodore Nahow ’43

Richard H. Davis ’56

Frank E. Evers ’47

Robert Carron ’57

Walter C. Yund II ’47

John A. Dean ’57

William M. Burke ’48

Walter F. Murray ’57

Morris J. Finkelstein ’48

Michael E. Brady ’58

Patrick J. Amodeo Sr. ’49

Joseph Vacca ’58

Charles Barrett ’49

Roger R. Bechard ’59

J. Gregory Cole ’49

William D. Nash ’59

Abe A. Gaies ’49

Charles P. Carroll ’60

Victor C. Herlehy ’49

Robert J. Hagadorn Jr. ’61

Nicholas V. Pallotta ’49

Sister Mary Slattery ’61, RSM

Joseph E. Simon ’49 Frank V. De Lollo ’50 William F. O’Brien ’50 William F. Ferro ’50 Francis L. Muscatell Jr. ’50 Vito E. Pazienza ’50 Ira K. Rosen ’50 Leo Ryan ’50 Gregory Spagnolo ’50 George Bell ’51 William J. Doyle Jr. ’51 John P. Maloney ’51 Salvatore Mazzara ’51 Victor M. Mihal ’51 Raymond L. O’Neil ’51 Edward F. Butler ’52 Carl S. Derwig ’52 Edmund W. McGrath ’52, M.D. Robert W. Murray ’52 Kenneth P. O’Leary ’52

2012

Walter J. Pologa ’52

Therese Daly classof2012classnotes@gmail.com

Charles R. Ford ’53

James F. Forbes ’53 Robert Hickey ’53 Robert L. Jameson ’53

Update us!

Want to stay connected and well-informed about the ­goings-on at Siena? Make sure to update the Alumni Relations Office with your contact information! If you haven’t already, send your current address, phone number and e-mail to alumni@siena.edu today!

Harold Searchfield ’53 Frank Cicero ’54 Joseph Lamb Jr. ’54 Victor Ostrowidzki ’54 Donald M. Petro ’54 Olga I. Rakoczy ’54

Robert Miller ’62 Patrick J. McMahon ’63 John F. Regan ’63 John R. “Jack” Barry ’64 Sr. Mary Regina Losee ’65, P.B.V.M. Joseph Cherniske ’67 Richard F. Faille ’67 Clement H. Zotto ’67 William J. John ’68 Thomas A. Nowinski ’68 Brian J. Seymour ’69 Roger R. Urbanski ’70 Donna J. Power ’72 Donald M. Jones ’73 William J. Connelly ’75 William E. Noonan ’75 Lynn McNamara ’76 Richard E. LaJeunesse ’78 Michael L. Riccio ’78 Peggy (Maddi) Glenn ’79 Cynthia Feth ’79 Stephen J. Howatt ’80 John J. Costello ’85 Nadine Kilcullen ’87 Donna Wharton ’87 Lorin D. Beberwyck ’90 William S. Harlow Jr.’91 Eric D. Thomas ’94 Thomas M. Genovese ’95 Matthew Sayles ’07

SIENA 45

weddings Allison M

aloney ’0

6 marrie

d C.J. Tu

rcio ’06

on Augu

st 20, 2

011.

rried n ’98 ma Rasmusse er 17, 2011. b Jonathan m te rs on Sep Erica Pete

Mary Beth Bumbolow ’08 married Chris DeSario ’08 on October 9, 2011.

elly ‘09

k Conn rried Nic ts ‘09 ma , 2011 er b o R er 1 Jennifer on Octob

el

ott Bick

Sc married del ’87 Borsha 2011. , n 4 ly 1 ro y Ca on Ma

ory Perry ’06 Melissa Krueger ’06 married Greg

ied ’07 marr .

Alex Dolly n June 26, 2011 o d hea ite h W Alicia

SIENA 46

Stacy Lee M

on April 10, 2010.

Gunta B asko Kristaps Melnbard ’03 married e on Au gust 6, 2 011

.

s

cNamara ’9 8 mar on Septembe ried David McNamara r 30, 2011.

illiam Suzie W married 1 ’7 in rl 1 nte er 8, 201 Martin E on Octob

Jillian Milewski ’03

Daniel Mulhall ’09

married Jonathan

Hicks on Septemb

er 3, 2011.

st 12, 2011.

Nulty ’09 on Augu

married Jenny Mc

Craig D

rakeford

Jamie Considine ’03 mar

’91 marr

ied Elain

e Chin o

n Novem

ber 5, 2 011.

ried Gar y Power on Oct

ober 15, 2011.

ney married Tara Maho John Copeland ’03 . on July 30, 2011 8

ara ’0

err tina F d Kris ie r r a . ’06 m r 5, 2010 alute e pher S n Novemb o hristo

C

Natalia Kutzer ’06

McKeon ’93 ’93 married Mike Colleen Manahan .

11 20 8, er on Octob

married John Burka

rt, Jr. on October

15, 2011.

When submitting wedding photos to the magazine please make sure they are 300 dpi.

If you have any questions please contact communications@siena.edu.

SIENA 47

515 Loudon Road, Loudonville, NY 12211

Siena Launches Maloney Athletic Challenge In order to create $250,000 endowments for each of Siena’s 18 Division I sports, George ’54 and Sally Maloney have issued a challenge.

For every $25,000 per year raised for a Division I team’s endowment, the Maloneys will donate $5,000 to that team’s operating budget. All Division I teams are eligible for the Maloney Athletic Challenge and gifts

P M U J IN!

can be directed to the sport of your choice.

Once the team’s endowment is established, funds can be used by that sport to help defray the cost of recruiting, equipment, team travel and apparel.

To make a donation or learn more contact Lori Perillo at 518-783-2530 or lanctil@siena.edu.