Siena News Fall 2011

INSIDE: Star Track

Far from Haiti, Close to Home

Ray of Hope

Siena Launches New Strategic Plan

Living Our TraditionSiena

SIENA NEWS • A MAGAZINE FOR ALUMNI AND FRIENDS • FALL 2011

INSIDE: The Education of a Lifetime

Family Ties

AMC Program Celebrates 25 Years

c1-11_27sien_fall11.indd 1 12/5/11 5:31 AM

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Message from the Editor

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

departments

This fall Siena College unveiled a new strategic plan titled Living Our Tradition, and celebrated the contributions that numerous community members made in the development of the plan by throwing a launch party on campus. Approximately 350 people attended the event and pledged to bring the plan to fruition. In the months ahead, we will cover how we are making great strides as we move toward the goals of the strategic plan. Many of the stories in this issue, including those on the new strategic plan, are supplemented with video that can be found in the online version at www.siena.edu/siena_news. In particular, please check out the short film, “The Education of a Lifetime” (see page 5), that premiered the evening of the launch party on October 6. Many alumni have shared their feelings on how the video hits home with comments like “this video is about my life.” As always, we hope you enjoy this issue. Please let us know what you think at [email protected].

Happy Holidays,

Jim Eaton

P.S. If you are interested in receiving the electronic issue only, please email [email protected].

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


http://www.siena.edu/strategicplan

http://www.siena.edu/siena_news

mailto:[email protected]

mailto:[email protected]

cont

ents

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from the president 2011 - 2012 Board of Trustees

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Siena News - Fall 2011 Published by: Siena College 515 Loudon Road, Loudonville, NY 12211-1462518-782-8300 • [email protected]

• Publisher: Delcy Fox• Editor: Jim Eaton• Contributing Editors: Mark Adam, Fr. Bill Beaudin ’76, O.F.M., Mike Demos, Jodi Ackerman Frank, Eric Guzman ’12, Ken Jubie ’04, Fr. Kevin Mullen ’75, O.F.M., Ph.D., Lexi Palma ’13 Jason Rich ’98 and Jack Sise ’75• Online Editor: Allison Maloney Turcio ’06• Art Director : Sergio Sericolo • Contributing Designer: Jean Higgs• Alumni Class Notes Editors: Mary Beth Finnerty ’85 and Lori Lasch ’06 • Photography: Mayowa Adelugba ’14, Creative Arts Department, Kara Flanagan ’14, Joe Frumusa ’12, Gary Gold, Jim Eaton, Tim Latterner ’15, Athletics Office, Development Office, Tony Purificato, Kris Qua, Sergio Sericolo, Michael Valiquette ’14, Mike Wickham ’05• Printer: The Lane Press, Burlington, Vt.

On the cover: Members of the Siena College community celebrated the launch of the College’s new strategic plan Living Our Tradition this fall.

I grew up in Paterson, New Jersey, in a house built by my great-great-grandfather. My mother was born in that house and lived there her whole life. Every inch of 300 McBride Avenue was imbued with memories of my family’s past. After my parents died, the house was torn down to make way for a new fire station. Before the demolition team completed their work, I managed to save one of the windows from the upstairs hallway. Its multi-colored panes surrounded a badly cracked centerpiece of clear glass, and the whole was encased in a wooden frame thickly layered with old paint. A few months ago, I asked the talented craftsmen in Siena’s maintenance shop if they could fix the window and restore its luster. “No problem, Father; we’ll take care of it,” they said. Recently, I got a call from the shop. The carpenters wanted to show me the fruits of their labor. When I arrived, the entire crew was gathered around a draped object. One of the men removed the veil to reveal the window, exquisitely renovated. It has since been installed in my room at the friary. Every morning, I look out onto a new day of possibilities through the lens and the frame of my family’s history. Past and future are united in a single glance. Siena’s new strategic plan, Living Our Tradition, does something similar for the College. Launched this past October, the plan is grounded in Siena’s nearly 75-year history of providing a quality, value-based education to those who often could ill afford one. The plan, which is both realistic and aspirational, seeks to make Siena a more diverse community; to move us to the front ranks of student engagement, undergraduate research and service learning; and to gain for the College a national reputation as an undergraduate institution where values and value, academic rigor and athletic success, an 800-year-old tradition and an open-minded, open-hearted embrace of the contemporary world go hand-in-hand. Like the window from my family home, Living Our Tradition brings a treasured past and a challenging future into a single focus. I am deeply grateful to all the members of the Siena community who spent long hours crafting the strategic plan, and I look forward to working with all of you in implementing its transformative vision of the hope-filled years ahead.

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

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


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Siena News - Fall 2011 Published by: Siena College 515 Loudon Road, Loudonville, NY 12211-1462518-782-8300 • [email protected]

• Publisher: Delcy Fox• Editor: Jim Eaton• Contributing Editors: Mark Adam, Fr. Bill Beaudin ’76, O.F.M., Mike Demos, Jodi Ackerman Frank, Eric Guzman ’12, Ken Jubie ’04, Fr. Kevin Mullen ’75, O.F.M., Ph.D., Lexi Palma ’13 Jason Rich ’98 and Jack Sise ’75• Online Editor: Allison Maloney Turcio ’06• Art Director : Sergio Sericolo • Contributing Designer: Jean Higgs• Alumni Class Notes Editors: Mary Beth Finnerty ’85 and Lori Lasch ’06 • Photography: Mayowa Adelugba ’14, Creative Arts Department, Kara Flanagan ’14, Joe Frumusa ’12, Gary Gold, Jim Eaton, Tim Latterner ’15, Athletics Office, Development Office, Tony Purificato, Kris Qua, Sergio Sericolo, Michael Valiquette ’14, Mike Wickham ’05• Printer: The Lane Press, Burlington, Vt.

On the cover: Members of the Siena College community celebrated the launch of the College’s new strategic plan Living Our Tradition this fall.

The Education of a Lifetime

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

The short film, “The Education of a Lifetime,” was shot at Siena in August to support Living Our Tradition – Siena College Strategic Plan 2011-2016. The 10-minute movie tells the story of a woman who is connected to Siena throughout her life. As a young girl in the early 1980s, “Clare” first visits the campus to see a baseball game with her father and grandfather. She returns to Siena as a biology student in the mid-1990s and remains connected to the College after graduation and the launch of her career. The story comes full circle when “Clare” and her husband bring their young son to his first Siena game—the men’s basketball season opener at the Times Union Center. Members of the Siena College community worked behind the scenes to make the project come to life. With a cast of Siena stars, they were able to recreate the atmosphere of the campus from decades past and capture the enthusiasm and energy that still exists today. FOX23 News Anchor John Gray and Your News Now Sportscasters Joe Calderone and Marisa Jacques made cameo appearances. The making of the movie captured the attention of the Albany Times Union, Schenectady Daily Gazette and FOX23 News.

STARRINGJESSICA RUPERT ’12 YVONNE PERRY STEPHEN HENSEL ’06 RALPH BLASTING

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

- Kristine Malanczuk Bascom ’95

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

- Ruth Richards, director of stewardship and donor relations

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

– Eric Guzman ’12

To view the 10-minute movie, go

to www.siena.edu/strategicplan




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FEATURES

Living Our TraditionSiena Launches New Strategic Plan

In October, Siena faculty, trustees, benefactors, students, administrators and staff rallied in the Marcelle Athletic Complex to celebrate the launch of the College’s new strategic plan, Living Our Tradition. “This strategic plan is a milestone in the history of the College,” said Siena President Fr. Kevin Mullen ’75, O.F.M., Ph.D. “It will help propel Siena into this century and establish us as a principal player for our students.” The strategic plan will build on the Academic Excellence Plan, which includes the recruitment and retention of quality faculty and students. Living Our Tradition will also place a greater emphasis on student engagement and research opportunities. It will strengthen the financial and human resources as well as physical space of the College. These actions will be the focus of Siena’s upcoming comprehensive campaign, which has the goal of raising $50 million. Under Living Our Tradition, the College will work to increase the diversity in faculty and staff as well as on Siena’s Board of Trustees, while graduating a more diverse student body. The College will also work to expand and leverage investment in Division I athletics to promote the reputation of the College and enhance student engagement. “This has been a community effort by faculty, administrators and students,” said Linda Richardson, Ph. D., vice president for academic affairs. “People are vested in the strategic plan and are very enthusiastic about it. We’ve come together as a community.” About 350 people attended the celebration, which included multimedia presentations and four live performances conceived by Siena community members to illustrate the plan’s four planks: engagement, resources, diversity and athletics. Bill McGoldrick ’68, one of the many performers on stage, illustrated the resources plank by saying “I’m one of 30,000 living alumni. I really appreciate all that Siena has done for me. My wife and I support Siena because the education I received made such a difference in my life, and the friendships I’ve made here have lasted a lifetime.” The signature piece for the evening was the world premiere of a 10-minute movie, “The Education of a Lifetime,” a story about the journey of a young woman named Clare before, during, and after her Siena College experience. The event ended with the signing of a 37-foot

By Jodi Ackerman Frank


http://www.siena.edu/pages/179.asp?item=312359

Living Our TraditionSiena Launches New Strategic Plan

“One of the great responses heard over and over about this plan from our faculty, administrators, staff, alumni, trustees and benefactors is that this is about the students. This is about making this College fully engaged with its student body,” Fr. Kevin said. Alison Sifflet ’12, a gifted vocalist who treated the audience to one of her original songs as part of plank 3 at the event, agreed: “Siena is where all my talents and interests can flourish.”

long green and gold banner emblazoned with the College’s new tagline, “The Education of a Lifetime.” “It was a symbolic way to show solidarity and support for the future of Siena College by all in attendance,” Fr. Kevin said. “I think the plan is exactly what we need,” said Susan Law Dake, Siena Board of Trustees secretary and president of the Stewart’s Foundation. “It will be challenging, but I think we can achieve it,” she added, referring to the upcoming comprehensive campaign that will be used to fund the plan’s initiatives.

Living Our Tradition encompasses four initiatives:

1) build upon the success of the Academic Excellence Plan by focusing on student engagement

2) steward and strengthen the College’s financial resources, human resources and physical space

3) create a culture of diversity

4) expand and leverage investment in Division I athletics to promote the reputation of the College and enhance student engagement

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



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Family TiesBy Fr. William Beaudin ’76, O.F.M.

Strong bonds unite the Francos with Siena


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“Buenas noches. Yo soy Faustino Franco.” The voice, clear and strong,

rang out through the Marcelle Athletic Complex during the launch of Living Our Tradition. The voice belonged to a sturdily built, middle-aged gentleman who stood center-stage. He continued his brief speech in Spanish. Then, he stepped aside. A young man emerged from his shadow, and in an equally clear, strong voice said, “Good evening. I am Faustino Franco. You may know me as a carpenter on campus, but I’m also the proud father of three Siena students.” The story of how Faustino and his translator, his oldest son Fausto ’02, came to address the assembled crowd that night is onefor the Siena family chronicles. In 1977, Faustino Franco left the Dominican Republic eager for a better life in the United States. He got a job at Hunts Point Market, a produce distribution center in the South Bronx. “Sometimes, I’d work all night, get a short break, and then work until 4:00 the next afternoon,” Faustino said. The hours were grueling, but his industry paid off. By the mid-1990s, the Francos were able to buy a house in the Clason Point section of the Bronx where Franciscan friars staffed the local Catholic church. The family became active and committed members of the parish. Fausto immersed himself in the life of Mount Saint Michael Academy, a Catholic high school run by the Marist brothers. The brothers were anxious to hand over their budding scholar and star baseball player to their colleagues at Marist College, but grace intervened in the form of Fr. Greg Jakubowicz, O.F.M., and Br. Brian Belanger, O.F.M., two friars then assigned to the Francos’ parish. They told Fausto about Siena, encouraged him to apply and put him in touch with the Saints’ baseball coach. Fr. Greg brought Fausto and his parents to Loudonville for a tour of the campus. “As soon as I walked around Siena and got a feel for the place, I knew I was at home,” Fausto said. “I knew I could fit in here, be myself and succeed.” And succeed he did. Fausto attended Siena on a

Franciscan academic scholarship, majored in computer science, excelled in the classroom and proved his prowess on the baseball field. For three of his four years here, Fausto was a starting shortstop, second baseman and centerfielder for the Saints. Fausto went on to complete a master’s degree in computer systems engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute while working in the New York State Comptroller’s office. He also became an effective recruiter for his alma mater. Two years after his own graduation, Fausto proudly watched his sister Monica cross Siena’s commencement stage, and he looks forward to seeing his youngest sibling, Miguel Angel, make a similar trek in 2013. Fausto couldn’t convince middle brother Juan Carlos to become a Saint, but he did manage to lure his father to the College. While visiting their children at Siena, Faustino and his wife Confesora fell in love with upstate New York. They decided to relocate and bought a house in Guilderland. At first, Faustino worked as a dishwasher at SUNY Albany. When Fausto told his father that Siena was advertising for a groundskeeper, he jumped at the opportunity. Faustino has since moved on to carpentry, a trade he learned by closely observing the contractors who fixed his house. “I had never picked up a hammer before I became a home owner,” he said. “But I got tired of paying all those repair bills. So I quickly learned how to use that hammer!” Not only does Faustino’s talent for woodworking keep his own property in good repair; it keeps Siena’s house in order. Father and son appeared at the strategic plan launch party because they wanted to express their gratitude. “Throughout my life, a lot of people have helped me get to where I am today, many of them right here at Siena,” Fausto said while his father nodded in agreement. “No one put a price tag on that help. My only way to repay those people is by helping others gain the opportunities I’ve been given.” Faustino and Fausto see Living Our Tradition as a way to provide those same opportunities to the next generation of the Siena family, the family to which the Francos now proudly belong.

Left: Fausto Franco ’02 was

a starting shortstop, second

baseman and centerfielder for

Siena’s baseball team. In October

he took the stage with his father,

Faustino, at the Strategic Plan

Launch Party.


25 Years of Service25 Years of ServiceBy Ken Jubie ’04

For the past 25 years, the Siena College–Albany Medical College Program in Science, Humanities and Medicine has produced some of the most talented and compassionate physicians in the world. In the early 1980s, though, it was simply an idea hatched in a hospital bed. “I spent almost 40 days in the hospital,” said Professor of Biology Ed LaRow ’59, Ph.D. “I began to formulate a concept of what I thought a good physician would be from my perspective as a patient.” LaRow worked with AMC’s Dean of Students Alan Miller, M.D., to turn those concepts into concreteideas for an early assurance program. “I think the creation of this program has been a unique event in medical education,” Miller said. “As I look back

at my own career, it’s one of the things I feel best about.” Miller and LaRow designed a program that required students to attend Siena for four years. During that time these students had to study the humanities along with their pre-med courses. They were also required to spend “summers of service” working in urban ghettos and developing nations. “The College’s Franciscan tradition of service to others was the obvious strength of the program,” LaRow said. Since its launch in 1986, the program has produced world-class physicians who have used their skills to transform hospitals, empower communities and save villages, but because Siena over-enrolled the inaugural class, the program almost never took off. AMC initially set aside 10 spots for Siena students, but there were 19 in the program, which meant nine students were out, that is, until one student offered Albany Med an ultimatum. “A young man from Florida raised his hand and said, ‘Dr. LaRow, I’ve grown to love these people too much to compete with them for a place in medical school. Tell Albany Med all or none.’ And I asked the students if they agreed with that and they said ‘yes.’ So I told AMC we have 19 students here, and it’s all or none.” Albany Medical College chose “all” and, with their partnership in place, the colleges began building what is now a signature program at both schools. LaRow said the program’s success comes from enrolling intelligent, compassionate and driven students. “They’re just a delight to work with. Each new group that comes in is equal to the one that just left,” LaRow said. “As a patient, I would go to 99.9 percent of the students who graduated from the program. They are becoming the kinds of physicians I was looking for when I was sick 30 years ago.”

Above: Ed LaRow ’59, Ph.D., professor of biology with the first class of

Siena College - Albany Medical College students. This fall Siena hosted

a 25-year anniversary party for alumni and friends of the program.

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



Malhotra was in the program’s inaugural class. She has devoted her life to helping children with infectious diseases including malaria, tuberculosis and HIV. Malhotra is an Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and she works in its Pediatric AIDS Program. Malhotra also treats patients in small African clinics. She credits the Siena – AMC Program with helping her discover the passion for working with HIV and AIDS patients. She says the idea of exposing students to global medicine through summers of service was well before its time. “That gave me the chance to go outside my world and see other countries, to work with people who have less than what I have and immerse myself in their culture,” Malhotra said. “I tell all my students … you need to go outside your world and see what’s out there.”

Amisha Malhotra ’90, M.D.

Bascelli treats the homeless and working poor in America’s most

dangerous city, Camden, New Jersey. She works at a free health

care clinic called Project HOPE Camden where she treats a myriad of

patients, including alcoholics, drug addicts and people with mental

health issues. One of her goals is to establish stability and continuity

in their care. Bascelli always felt called to do this type of work,

but going through the Siena-Albany Med. Program solidified that

conviction. “A lot of people don’t consider this their dream job, but this really

has been for me,” Bascelli said. I like taking care of all patients, but

these patients in particular have a place in my heart.”

Lynda Bascelli ’93, M.D.

Ganey is working at the Montreal Children’s Hospital and completing a fellowship in pediatric surgery at McGill University. He plans to move back to Africa where he’ll continue his work in a remote Kenyan clinic. He has become a lifeline to the people there because not only is he able to perform a variety of advanced surgical procedures; he is also qualified to teach them to his fellow physicians in Kenya. Ganey felt called to serve by his faith and his experiences with the poor and marginalized. “The program exposed me to a new world and as a result I learned how to react and respond to those in need,” Ganey said.

Mike Ganey ’96, M.D.

25 Years of Service25 Years of Service

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

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


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

have improved. “We are always

pleased to move up in the rankings, which is an affirmation of our efforts to recruit good students and provide them with a nationally competitive liberal arts education,” said Vice

President for Academic

Affairs Linda Richardson, Ph.D. “As we launch our strategic plan, our efforts will continue to be focused on a quality education for our students.” Siena improved from last year for several metrics used by U.S. News in its calculation of rankings. Student selectivity as measured by high school class standing and SAT scores for new students increased. Specifically, more than one third of Siena’s new students were in the top 10 percent of their high school class compared to 28 percent the previous year. The SAT score range also improved slightly. The percent of classes with 20 or fewer students increased from 37 percent to 42 percent. Graduation and retention rates also improved from the previous year. An explanation of U.S. News’ methodologies is available at www.usnews.com/education. Siena was also included on U.S. News “High School Counselor Rankings” at No. 120. Other recent accolades for Siena include being listed on the Princeton Review as a “2011 Best College in the Northeast,” and also being included as one of the “Great Schools for Biology Majors.” Forbes ranked Siena No. 89 in the Northeast, No. 189 in “Private Colleges,” and No. 225 in “Top Colleges.” Siena’s placement at No. 225 puts the College in the top seven percent of undergraduate schools nationally. Forbes rankings are prepared by the Center for College Affordability.

Siena Rises in U.S. News & World Report and Other Rankings

Business ethics and social responsibility are the focus of the new Lewis Golub Executive Lecture Series. Established by his daughter, Shari Golub Schillinger ’86, the lecture series honors Lewis Golub ’53, a well-known philanthropist and food industry visionary. “This new executive lecture series will demonstrate to students that being socially responsible and ethical is not only the right thing, but good business as well,” said Golub-Schillinger, past chairwoman of the Siena College Board of Associate Trustees. “The program

will recognize those companies and business leaders who have already embraced this ideal in hopes that they will inspire others to do the same.” Golub Schillinger’s brother Jerel Golub, president and COO of Price Chopper, delivered the inaugural lecture on October 18. His presentation honored his father’s legacy by discussing the evolution of business ethics and how it relates to today’s corporations, as well as reviewing examples of ways in which Price Chopper has maintained a socially responsible company culture.

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

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

CLass

of 2015

at a GLan Ce:

- 784 students were chosen from

more than 9,750 applicants (a new

record for Siena College)

- Average SAT scores increased to 1141,

and nearly two-thirds of the students

are receiving academic scholarships

- Ethnic diversity rose to more

than 18.5 percent

New Lecture Series with a Franciscan Twist

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ON CAMPUS NEWS

12-26_28-c4sien_fall11.indd 2 12/9/11 3:06 PM

http://www.flickr.com/photos/sienacollege/sets/72157627445154127/


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Most Siena students were in elementary school when terrorists crashed airplanes into the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001. Yet they clearly remember that day, a blue New York City sky turning gray with smoke and a nation in mourning. “I was in 6th grade and I remember my teacher coming into the classroom and saying, ‘The World Trade Center’s been hit,’” Lauren Komp ’12 said. “I didn’t know anything about New York City or what a terrorist was. I still get goose bumps when I see the footage.” In the days following 9/11, New York University students rolled out long scrolls of blank paper in Union Square – a location near the university famous for social and political activism – so people could express their immediate thoughts and feelings. The result was more than 200 scrolls containing words, prayers, poems and drawings encompassing a range of human emotions. In 2003, the New York State Museum was given the scrolls and began cataloging them. Siena students and faculty were later enlisted to help archive the scrolls. In the spring semester of 2010, Carla Sofka, Ph.D., associate professor of social work, built the project into her Death and Dying course. Students took digital images of the scrolls and entered fields of information into an Access database

developed by the museum. Br. Walter Liss, O.F.M., has developed a searchable website from the database that will eventually be available to the public. “Siena is based on service,” said Sofka. “This was an amazing service learning project because my students got to see how people react when something horrible happens. They also learned what influences the differences in those reactions. It’s been an opportunity for students to learn and to give something back to the museum.” On Wednesday, September 7, 2011, nearly 10 years after the terrorist attacks, nine Union Square scrolls and 44 reproductions were displayed in the “Sometimes Words are Not Enough” exhibit in the Siena College Yates Gallery and the Sarazen Student Union. Following a peace vigil, students viewed the scrolls and were invited to write their own feelings on new “anniversary” scrolls. “It’s amazing how there’s still so much emotion 10 years later,” said Alberto Sepulveda ’12. “I’m glad people came to the event today. I now understand how tragedies like this could happen and how we still struggle for peace.” Komp and Wendy Petroci ’12, both social work majors, were two of the students involved in logging the content of the scrolls. “I’m so excited that we get to share this exhibit with other people,” said

Komp, a former student of Sofka and one of the researchers who worked on this project as a Summer Scholar. “This project definitely impacted what I’m thinking in terms of a career.” Although current students still remember the tragic attacks of 9/11/01, the campus will soon be populated by a generation that was too young to have seen it firsthand. Exhibits like this one, and the research that goes into developing them, will keep 9/11 a part of history so we can continue to learn from it.

9/11 Exhibit Stirs Emotion and Remembrance

Left: The Yates Gallery on campus hosted a September 11 exhibit titled “Sometimes Words are not Enough.” Center: A Panel discussion was held at the opening of the exhibit where Wendy Pojmann, associate professor of history; Lauren Komp ‘12; Carla Sofka, associate professor of social work; and Connie Frisbee, history collections technician at the New York State Museum discussed how Siena College students got involved in cataloging artifacts from the World Trade Center and creating an electronic archive of Union Square scrolls. Right: Siena College President Fr. Kevin Mullen ‘75, O.F.M., Ph.D., led a special mass on campus to remember the victims of 9/11 and their families. The well-attended mass began at Foy Hall, which features a 9/11 Memorial Wall that lists the names of the members of the Siena community who died that day. From there, a procession led to St. Mary of the Angels Chapel.



A Philosophy of Global Citizenship In a world where debates are often held on Internet websites and dialogue has character limits, space for in-depth discussions about moral issues and citizenship is tight. As part of its Symposium on Living Philosophers, Siena provided the college community and members of the public with the forum for detailed, intellectual discourse. This year’s Symposium is focusing on the work of Laurance S. Rockefeller University Professor of Philosophy at Princeton University, Kwame Anthony Appiah, Ph.D. Appiah has made signifi-cant contributions to understanding the nature of language, racial identity, political and moral relationships, and philosophical methodology. He visited campus to deliver a lecture on the idea of “world citizenship.” He proposed that members of very different nations can define themselves in ways that strengthen rather than undermine global peace and unity. “What we owe people, in general, is that we should do our fair share to make sure that they have the resources to have a life of dignity,” Appiah said to a capacity crowd in Siena’s Key Auditorium. As part of the Symposium, Siena students will examine these and other ideas presented by Appiah. They will develop and defend their own posi-tions. Philosophers from other colleges and universities will visit campus throughout the school year to discuss Appiah’s thought. The Symposium will culminate in a panel discussion in spring 2012 where students will share their research projects with Professor Appiah.

New Judge Discusses Gun Control at Constitution Day ProgramBy Lexi Palma ’13

On the heels of her swearing-in ceremony, new United States District Judge for the Northern District of New York, the Honorable Mae D’Agostino ’77, was the keynote speaker at Siena College’s annual Constitution Day celebration. The Albany native is the first female judge to be appointed to the bench in the Northern Federal District. She was nominated by President Barack Obama and unanimously confirmed by the Senate 88-0. “Siena has been a very large part of my life, and it remains a very large part of my life today ... I would not be where I am today without Dr. Len Cutler and the faculty at Siena College,” D’Agostino said. She discussed the second amendment and some of the current gun control laws that are in place, as well as some of the proposed legislation concerning gun control, permits and licensing. “I thought having an alum come to speak was a great way to honor Constitution Day,” Jen Stellar ’14 said. “[Judge D’Agostino] had a lot of great facts that reinforced her keynote address. She was really good with making it informational and relevant to the students.”

Student Production Earns Rave Reviews The Creative Arts Department recently kicked off their 2011-2012 season with an evening of two one-act plays produced, directed and designed by Siena students.“Five Against the Wall” and “Trifles” premiered to sold-out audiences. The performances featured five student actors, Vinny Mignone ’12, Diana Perretti ’12, Marco Samaritoni ’13, Kasara Swart-Kaushal ’14 and Gladys Veloz ’14. “This was really unique because it was all student generated,” Paul Ricciardi, assistant professor of creative arts said. “It’s a way for students to practice what they are learning in the classroom.”

Kwame Anthony Appiah, Ph.D., Laurance S. Rockefeller University Professor of Philosophy at Princeton University

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The Colloquium of the Hayyim and Esther Kieval Institute for Jewish-Christian Studies at Siena College celebrated its 27th year by hosting a scholarly discussion about the Book of Job titled “They Will Teach You.” “The idea is to have a close conversation about a challenging book not limited to a particular group; rather, bring students, faculty, staff, administrators and the greater community together,” said Kieval Institute Chair Rabbi Rena Kieval. The Kieval Institute invited University of California at Berkeley Professor of Hebrew and Comparative Literature Robert Alter, Ph.D., and Siena College Professor of Religious Studies Michael Dick, Ph.D., to lead the interfaith conversation about the Book of Job. “The conversations and messages were very good,” said attendee Marvin Garfinkel. “Each presenter had a unique style but made very interesting points.”

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

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

They Will Teach You: 2011 Kieval LectureBy Eric Guzman ’12

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



Family Weekend Welcomes Parents and Pets to Campus Almost 500 families came to campus in early October to celebrate Family Weekend. “The weekend connects family to our Siena community,” said Jen Fraley, associate director of campus programs and student activities. “It’s important because community is one of our traditions here.” Family Weekend was filled with activities for students and their families to enjoy, including a golf tournament, academic presentations and an arts and crafts fair. Families were also invited to attend bingo, the Travelin’ Max Show and Late Night Sarazen’s Mentalist show with Alain Nu. “My family had a great time at Family Weekend,” Katie Fitzpatrick ’15 said. “My younger brother stayed the night. He plans on enrolling here in a couple years so it was a great chance for him to experience Siena.” Students and their families also participated in the popular blessing of the animals, an annual event that honors St. Francis of Assisi’s commitment to promoting peace and reconciliation among all God’s creatures.

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Promoting PeaceBy Eric Guzman ’12

Members of the Siena community joined together during “Peace Week” to raise awareness about the violent struggles plaguing people across the world. The Damietta Cross-Cultural Center, which promotes tolerance and equality among all people, hosted several events designed to spark thought and encourage dialogue. The week began with a showing of the film God Grew Tired of Us, the story of John Dau, one of the 27,000 Sudanese refugees who were forced to flee from their homes in 1987. These refugees battled starvation, disease and violence as they traveled a thousand miles across Sudan to refugee camps. Dau now lives and works in Syracuse. He talked with members of the Siena community about the lessons he learned living as a refugee. “Even if you are put in a tough situation, you have to continue to keep going,” explained Dau. “Struggle and success come together in a package.” In addition to a fair trade chocolate tasting event hosted by the Sr. Thea Bowman Center for Women, students and faculty participated in peace-related performances.



This semester the Siena community includes three special education students from Shaker High School. Siena has partnered with the North Colonie Central School District to develop a program that will help these students transition into adulthood. Each student has a Siena student mentor who helps with assignments and reinforces appropriate socialization skills. “The program is not only an opportunity for our students to learn how to help students with special needs; it is also an opportunity for our community to share talents and skills in helping these students transition to work and adult life,” said Michael Kelly, director of the Office of Services for Students with Disabilities. Students who are 17-21 years old, and are in a public school program for students with disabilities, are eligible for the College Based Transition Program. Rather than remaining

Siena Launches College Based Transition ProgramBy Eric Guzman ’12

Making an IMPACTBy Eric Guzman ’12

The hallways and classrooms of Roger Bacon Hall were full of young, energetic thinkers during the recent Department of Computer Science’s 6th annual Students Interested in Mathematics and Problem Solving unAware of Computer Talent (IMPACT) Program. IMPACT brings Capital Region high school students together

to participate in a series of activities aimed at sparking career exploration and developing an understanding of the computer science field. “Most high schools don’t have the resources to provide an emphasis on computer science classes,” said IMPACT volunteer Tyler Mann ’13. “It is so important since the concepts learned in these classes can be applied to many different areas.” The high school students in attendance were nominated by teachers because they excel in mathematics and science. “This program is great for those strong math students who don’t know what they can do with that skill

set. The jump is so large from high school to college and the first step is to expose the students to future possibilities,” said Colonie Central High School math teacher Dave Fields ’99. “IMPACT gives students the opportunity to learn more about the field of computer science through a unique, hands-on experience.” The day-long program included several instruction sessions followed by interactive exercises. Teams of students competed against each other in programming challenges during which each student had a specific role to play. The goal of the day is to help highly-skilled students find their passion for computer science.

in high school special education classes, the students can now participate in programs that support their Individualized Education Plans in an a ge-appropriate setting. This year’s pilot program consists of three Shaker High School students who come to Siena five days a week and participate in activities ranging from taking classes and working on campus to interacting in small groups and attending social events.

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To view a video of the IMPACT program visit www.siena.edu/news title search Making an IMPACT.



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National Roll CallBy Lexi Palma ’13

Siena College was one of 178 colleges and universities from all 50 states and the District of Columbia that celebrated Veterans Day by participating in the Remembrance Day National Roll Call. The National Roll Call was a coordinated reading of the names of more than 6,300 casualties of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom, now called Operation New Dawn. “As this year marks the 10th anniversary of the tragic events that took place on 9/11, Veterans Day serves as a reminder of all U.S. service members who have lost their lives in post 9/11 combat,” said Associate Director of Campus Programs and Student Activities Jen Fraley. Siena College pledged its support of this nationwide effort to honor American service men and women who have paid the ultimate sacrifice.” Volunteers throughout the community including Siena alumnus Congressman Chris Gibson ’86 read names of soldiers who sacrificed their lives for our country. The event started at 9 a.m. with a blessing from Siena College President Fr. Kevin Mullen ’75, O.F.M., Ph.D., and ended more than eight hours later with a closing prayer by Siena College Chaplain Fr. Greg Jakubowicz, O.F.M., J.D. A highlight of the day was a nationwide moment of silence which was observed by all participating schools. Many members of the community took a few moments from their day to come to the event and reflect.

Hickey Financial Technology Center Stock Rises

Since it was established in 2004, the Douglas T. Hickey ’77 Financial Technology Center has provided Siena College students with exposure to the data and tools used in the world’s largest financial centers through its Bloomberg terminals. This year, the Center added 10 new Bloomberg terminals in its Raub Market Trading Room, thanks to a timely donation by the financial advisory firm Ayco and its Siena graduate employees. “All of us at Ayco are delighted to enhance the hands-on market experience for Siena students through greater access to Bloomberg terminals,” said Joel Schaller, president and CEO of Ayco, a Goldman Sachs company. “As a company that employs more than 130 Siena graduates, we’re proud of our longstanding affiliation with Siena College.” “Without the generosity of Ayco and its Siena alumni employees, these 10 new terminals would not be possible,” said Brad Bodmer ’82, the College’s director of external development who coordinated the donations.


Siena Athletes at Head of the Class Siena student athletes are among the most likely in the nation to graduate. According to the most recent NCAA data released in October, student athletes who entered Siena as freshmen in 2004 graduated from college at the rate of 98 percent. Siena’s Graduation Success Rate (GSR) is the best in the MAAC, and is surpassed nationally by just six schools, including four in the Ivy League. Siena has ranked in the top ten percent of Division I institutions in all seven GSR reports and is one of just 21 schools to have posted a GSR of 93 percent or above in each report. The 98 percent marks Siena’s highest GSR ever. “It is a goal of ours to earn national recognition for the academic achievements of our student athletes, so this is an accomplishment we truly cherish,” Fr. Kevin Mullen ’75, O.F.M., Ph.D., said. “At Siena, our athletes are students first. Winning games is important, but we won’t sacrifice Siena’s

academic standards and our reputation to achieve athletic success. Our coaches have done a wonderful job recruiting young men and women who are committed to earning a Siena degree and the student athletes show they are committed by being national leaders for academic achievement.” The report also broke down the GSR by sport, using a four-year class average (2001-2004) called a cohort rate to provide a big enough sample. Remarkably, 14 of Siena’s 18 Division I sports posted perfect 100% cohort GSRs, up from seven last year. The NCAA developed the GSR seven years ago because the federal graduation rate does not credit institutions with student athletes who leave in good academic standing and go on to graduate, nor with transfers into the school who graduate.

SAINTS CORNER

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The Experience of a Lifetime

The women’s basketball team got a head start on their 2011–12 season with four games in August overseas. From August 13–22 the Saints toured Denmark and Italy. Check out photo galleries from the trip and a blog by visiting sienasaints.com keyword search Lily Grenci blog.

Initiative four of Living Our Tradition—Siena College Strategic Plan 2011 – 2016 is to “expand and leverage investment in Division I athletics to promote the reputation of the College and enhance student engagement.” Building on the recent success Siena’s student athletes have achieved on and off the playing fields, the

College plans to enhance its investment in Division I athletics over the next five years to support this initiative. The most substantial investment includes an addition to the Marcelle Athletic Complex, and a complete renovation of the Alumni Recreation Center. The project is expected to include a 13,000 square foot basketball wing with new team rooms for the men’s and women’s programs, and a completely redone gymnasium. The College is also investing in personnel. Three new employees have already been hired: a director of student athlete engagement to help student athletes maximize their academic opportunities, and a box office manager and second sales assistant to improve customer relations and maximize revenue. “Living Our Tradition recognizes the value of athletics and the continued academic and competitive successes of Siena’s student athletes and coaches. The plan’s athletic initiative is designed to benefit the college as a whole through recruiting, student and alumni engagement, facilities, community service and visibility,” John D’Argenio, athletics director, said.

Leveraging Athletics

Initiative four is designed to provide the Athletic Department with the resources needed to achieve the following five objectives:

- The College will be a national leader in Graduation Success Rate for its student athletes

- Athletic success will build upon academic achievements to broaden the regional and national reputation of the College and enhance student engagement

- Athletic success will assist the process of national and international recruiting to contribute to, and help sustain, a culture of diversity on campus

- Athletic success will assist the process of engaging alumni and strengthening their commitment to the College

- Athletic revenue will increase

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http://www.sienasaints.com/sports/w-baskbl/spec-rel//wbbtrip2011.html

Living the Franciscan Tradition Student athletes Julie Juchno ’12 and Meghan Yi ’12 of the golf and cross country teams, respectively, shared a unique experience this summer: volunteering with a special program in Namibia run by a former Siena student athlete. Juchno and Yi spent seven weeks from mid-May to the beginning of July working at the BNC, teaching math and English to elementary-aged children. The program is housed at the Bernhard Nordkamp Centre in Windhoek, Namibia and is directed by former women’s soccer player MaryBeth Gallagher ’86. Gallagher is a past recipient of the Siena Alumni Service Medal, and has spent many years in Africa doing missionary work while sharing her love of teaching and soccer with the “best Namibian children.” “I gained a sense of appreciation for the life I have and the education I have been given,” noted Juchno. “In the end, the children taught me much more than I could have ever taught them.” “I think Siena has really shaped my understanding of how to treat other people,” said Yi. “In a very Franciscan way, through my experiences at Siena and as a student athlete, I’ve learned to treat every person with the God-given respect they deserve simply because every person is made in the image of God.” Read Our Q & A with the student athletes and watch a video from the presentation they gave with Gallagher to the Siena campus in September at sienasaints.com keyword search Living the Franciscan Tradition.

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James Angstadt, Ph.D., professor of biology, presented a research poster and presentation at the annual meeting of the Society of Neuroscience in Washington, D.C. Amanda Simone ’11 and Nicole Peters ’12 were co-authors on the research proj-ect titled “Effects of Riluzole on Cell DE-3 of the Medicinal Leech: Evidence that a Persistent Sodium Current Contributes to Postinhibitory Rebound Responses and Bursting Activity Induced by Calcium-Channel Blockers.”

Last June marked Angstadt’s fourth consecutive year serving as a faculty member in the “leech cycle” of the Neural Systems and Behavior Course at the Marine Biological Laboratory in Woods Hole, Mass. This cutting edge course attracts graduate students and postdoctoral scholars from across the nation and around the world. Each year, Angstadt returns to the Siena campus with new ideas that he incorporates into his extensive research program and the lecture/laboratory components of his neurobiology course.

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GET A GRIP

FACULTY AND STAFF NEWS

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

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

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

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


http://www.missionathletecare.com/products/court-grip

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Mark Berman has been appointed as Siena’s new Chief Informa-tion Officer (CIO). After a national search, he was selected to start work in November 2011. Berman has more than 20 years of experience as a technol-ogy administrator and leader in higher education, most recently as CIO at the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts. Before that, he worked at Williams Col-lege for nearly 16 years where he was responsible for planning, management and maintenance of all networks, net-worked applications and server systems. He is a board member of the Northeast Regional Computing Program. He holds a bachelor of science degree in computer science from Empire State College and a master of science degree in telecommunications and network management from Syracuse University.

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

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

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

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

James Matthews, professor of mathematics and computer science, is the principle investigator for a $1.2 million grant awarded to Siena Col-lege by the National Science Founda-tion. This grant will fund a project proposal, developed by faculty from the schools of liberal arts and science, titled “NSF Noyce Mathematics and Science Teaching Scholarship Pro-gram at Siena College.” This five-year project will recruit, certify and retain high-achieving science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) majors from Siena College to become teachers in high-need middle and high schools. Other faculty members involved in the project are Larry Medsker, Ph.D., professor of computer sci-ence, physics and astronomy; Lucas Tucker, Ph.D., assistant professor of chemistry and biochemistry; Mark Jury, Ph.D., associate professor of education; and Michele McColgan, Ph.D., assistant professor of physics and astronomy.

Fr. Russel Murray, O.F.M., Ph.D., has been appointed as the new director of the Franciscan Center for Service and Advocacy. Fr. Russel will oversee all of the center’s programs, work to increase its visibil-ity, and engage the students and Siena community in support of the College’s Franciscan tradition. “I was drawn to Siena College to work with young people and to make an impact in their lives,” Murray said. “This is a vibrant, dynamic commu-nity and the Siena friary has a tremen-dous reputation within Holy Name Province.” Murray spent the past four years as an assistant professor at Washington Theological Union in Washington, D.C., and served in a number of provincial ministries. During his first months as director, Fr. Russel led numerous outreach efforts and delivered the Clare Center lecture to celebrate St. Francis Week. The lecture was titled “Get a Life! The Franciscan Tradition and the Education of a Lifetime.”

James Teresco, Ph.D., visiting professor of computer science, pre-sented a long-term project at the 16th annual Consortium for Computing Sciences in Colleges Northeastern Conference. The presentation dis-played his ability to use the Google Maps API and highway mapping data as a pedagogical tool. Students in his Analysis of Algorithms class used the project as a hands-on approach to learn about graph structures and algorithms. He also created a poster explaining the project for the 42nd ACM Techni-cal Symposium on Computer Science Education Conference in Dallas, Texas.

GET A GRIP


Alumni ConneCtion

SienA 24

Cushing’s selflessness didn’t just affect Siena College or the number of other causes in the Capital Region related to education, the arts and medicine that he supported. In 1963, he took in his niece Cynthia Terry (Amerson) and his two nephews Willard and Jim Terry, helping to raise them. Their parents had passed away within a six-month span, so they turned to Uncle Jim. “He gave up everything for us,” Cushing’s niece Cindy Amerson said. “He took over the Cushing Stone Company and got three teenagers in a very short time.” The family was close during Amerson’s childhood, gathering at Cushing Stone Company and watching movies in Uncle Jim’s basement at 1839 Union St. They called it the “Cushing Stone Cellar Theatre.” “The last 10 years Willard and I took care of him. I still watched movies with uncle Jim,” Amerson said. “He would

read Leonard Maltin’s book of best movies and he’d go through and ‘X’ his favorites. Then I’d order them.” Amerson and her siblings were thrilled when he fell in love with O’Sullivan and married her in 1983. “He met the love of his life,” Amerson said. “We were brought up very strictly and Maureen made him laugh; she took the edge off of him. We were all so happy because he deserved that.” Cushing died peacefully on July 17, 2011 at the age of 90 following a long illness. He leaves behind family, including many Terry and Farrow granchildren, friends and a legacy of success and generosity. Even though Cushing is gone, his name is literally set in stone at Siena College. It marks his love for this intimate college. It symbolizes his friendship. And it reminds us of the opportunities he continues to provide countless students.

The words “Cushing Village” run across a brick wall in gold letters at the site of one of the two townhouse apartment complexes at Siena College. It is named for Siena’s largest individual donor, James Cushing. He was the first person chosen to serve on the Siena College Board of Trustees by Fr. Hugh Hines, O.F.M., who served as president of the College from 1976-89, and in 2008 he was named Trustee Emeritus. Along with his late wife Maureen O’Sullivan ’83H, Cushing established the biggest scholarship endowment in the College’s history.

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

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

Cushing built his wealth as owner of the Cushing Stone Co., which was purchased and headquartered in downtown Schenectady by his father, James E. Cushing Sr. ’58H. Fr. Hugh Hines O.F.M., a close friend of Cushing, officiated at his marriage to O’Sullivan in 1983. O’Sullivan, mother of actress Mia Farrow, starred in numerous films during her career and played the role of “Jane” alongside Johnny Weissmuller as “Tarzan” in the 1930s.

By Mark AdamPatron of the Saints


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Alumni Events

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

This year’s event had a record-breaking crowd of more than 700 alumni, donors and friends of

Siena College. The event raised $50,000 for the Saints Alive! Athletic Fund and the Center for Revolutionary Era Studies National Endowment

for Humanities Challenge Grant.

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

The Class of ’83 celebrated their collective 50th birth-days in a mini reunion in New York City on October

28-30. In honor of this occasion, they raised over $10,000 to add to the Class of ’83 scholarship which

was established as their senior gift in 1983.

Siena College hosted “Art from the Heart,” a charity event featuring the work

of artist and Siena alumna Shari Golub Schillinger ’86. Schillinger auctioned off

nine paintings and donated all of the proceeds to eight local charities including

Siena College. The event raised $11,245.

Sarazen Scholarship Dinner

Class of ’83 50th Birthday Party

Festa Vino

Veterans Recognition Dinner

Art from the Heart

The following is a list of new scholarships and programs

endowed as of December 1, 2011 through the generosity of alumni and friends of Siena College.

Endowed Scholarships

The Anne and Pellegrino (Pete) Jannotti Scholarship Gene Janotti ’68

The Kenosian Family Scholarship Martin ’50 and Joyce McCollum Kenosian

The Oliver-Esposito Family Scholarship Gerald and Rebecca Esposito ’94

The Sean ’94 and Michelle Rose Scholarship Sean ’94 and Michelle Rose

Dr. Arthur J. Wendth ’52 Scholarship Marcia C. Wendth

Endowed Programs

The Lewis Golub Executive Lecture Series Shari Golub Schillinger ’86

The Ann and Murry Schillinger HEOP Leadership Fund Shari Golub Schillinger ’86

The Siena College Veteran and Cadet Fund James S. Scully ’87 and John W. Atkinson ’86





students to graduate from high school. At a recent session, he and the other mentors were asked to reflect on why they joined the program. In his email to Fr. Dennis and Br. Michael he wrote, “After careful thought, I couldn’t help but recognize what a large part the Franciscan Center played in my decision to join.” As Hourigan continued serving others, Wilson remained in Siena’s Mentoring Program, learning and growing, and graduated from Bishop Maginn High School in 2011. He is one of seven kids in the program to matriculate to college this year. He chose Siena. “Siena’s like a second home for me,” said Wilson ’15, who is now in his first semester. As a freshman at Siena he has come full circle, and is volunteering in the very same Mentoring Program that helped shape his life. Like the many Siena students who mentored him, he is now making that same impact on another youth. “I’ve seen the other side,” Wilson said. “Now I’m giving somebody else the experience that I was given.”

In October, Joe Hourigan ’01 sent a friendly note to Fr. Dennis Tamburello ’75, O.F.M., and Br. Michael Harlan, O.F.M., updating them on the volunteer work he was doing in Arizona, and said that his commitment to service had been reinforced by them at Siena College. As a commuter student from Albany, he mentored children at St. Casimir School in Albany’s Arbor Hill neighborhood through a Franciscan Center for Service and Advocacy course. One of his mentees was a first-grader named Frank Wilson. The story that followed would be stunning if this were not Siena College. “Once I took that service class, it put me into the Franciscan world, and I’ve never left,” Hourigan said. “It was so rewarding.” Hourigan and Wilson kept in contact even after the class ended. “Joe was one of Frank’s first big brothers who would go to personal events,” said Roberta Sims, Frank’s mother who, coincidentally, worked at the same grocery store as Hourigan years ago. “They were together all of the time.” While Wilson continued his connection to Siena as a member of its Mentoring Program, Hourigan graduated

from Siena with a degree in marketing and management. He worked for Albany’s Housing Authority, helping the city’s homeless. Hourigan went back to school, graduated from Albany Law School in 2008 and took a job in the Albany County District Attorney’s office. Two years ago he moved to Arizona, joined a law firm and began volunteering for Phoenix Youth at Risk, a non-profit organization offering “a hands-on educational experience that opens the hearts and minds of troubled youth to a whole new realm of life possibilities.” He participates in two programs there, each with its own obstacles, both critical to the growth of its at-risk youth. Hourigan began volunteering with Phoenix Youth at Risk’s elementary school program as a mentor to a 10-year-old homeless boy. He has since joined the high school program, and describes it as an intense, weekly, three-hour program focusing on life-building skills. These workshops are put into practice with weekend activities and retreats. The primary goal is for the

SIENA 26 SIENA 27

LEGACY The decision for Lynn Rondeau ’75 to make an estate provision for Siena College was a natural one based on a life-long relationship with her alma mater. She said it best when she represented alumni of the 1970s at the recent kick-off of

the College’s new Strategic Plan. “Siena College is the place where I developed

some of my closest friendships, while at the same time realizing a liberal

arts education that allowed me to compete with the best and have a 35-year successful career with General Electric.” Rondeau came to Siena from a middle-class family. The

experiences she had at Siena were made possible from

those who came before her and chose to support Siena. “Just as many have done before me, I have chosen to leave the door open for generations of students who will realize their own Siena experience.”

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

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

Leaving A

Left: Joe Hourigan ’01 with his mentee Jarrod at an Arizona Diamondbacks game in June 2011.Top Left: Nate Maloney ’00 reads to a young Frank Wilson as part of Siena’s Mentoring Program.Top Right: Frank Wilson ’15 with his mentee at a Mentoring Program outing this semester.

Two Lives Connected by ServiceBy Mark Adam

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


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LEGACY The decision for Lynn Rondeau ’75 to make an estate provision for Siena College was a natural one based on a life-long relationship with her alma mater. She said it best when she represented alumni of the 70’s at the recent kick-off of

the College’s new strategic plan. “Siena College is the place where I developed

some of my closest friendships, while at the same time realizing a liberal

arts education that allowed me to compete with the best and have a 35-year successful career with General Electric.” Rondeau came to Siena from a middle-class family. The

experiences she had at Siena were made possible by

those who came before her and chose to support Siena. “Just as many have done before me, I have chosen to leave the door open for generations of students who will benefit their own Siena experience.”

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

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

Leaving a


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

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

1963Kevin Raymond [email protected]

Bob Boehner’s career has been highlighted by excellence in educa-tion, teaching and service. He ob-tained a master’s degree from Siena in 1965 and worked for 30 years for Xerox, retiring in 1996. He studied law at UNC, Chapel Hill, earning a J.D. in 1999. Bob next taught at the Saunders College of Business at Rochester Institute of Technology. He was recently appointed to the Benjamin Forman Chair for Teach-ing Excellence at RIT. His new responsibilities include mentoring faculty and research. Bob and his wife Joan live in Victor, N.Y.

Geoff Harrington says “Thank you Siena! Now, 48 years after graduating, I can truly say that Siena, the institution, rewarded me with much more than an educa-tion. The influence of the friars and the faculty reinforced the basic fundamentals of character building. Faith, morality, honesty and ethi-cal behavior are cornerstones that define our lives. Siena provided this for me. Thank you, Siena!”

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

1951John Hourigan [email protected] Jeseo [email protected]

1952Billy Harrell was

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

1959 Frank Martin [email protected]

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

1962Ken Deitcher [email protected]

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

earned a master’s degree in interna-tional affairs from George Wash-ington University and graduated from the U.S. Naval War College. He worked in the private sector in the defense industry and retired in 2004. Dave is also an accomplished actor in community theatre and has appeared in more than 25 produc-tions across the United States.

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

1965Jack Mulvey [email protected]

1967Rick Spataro [email protected]

Congratulations to Stephen Machovic, Jr., who married Dawn Richards on July 10, 2011. Best wishes for a wonderful life together!

Got a “shout out” from John Ward ’69 after our last edition. John, his wife and children are living hap-pily in the Albany, N.Y., area. It was great hearing from him and others. Keep the communications coming, and hope to see you at reunion.

1968Bill McGoldrick [email protected]

Don Brady and his wife Flo have written two articles on sports- related concussions that were published by the National Association of School Psychologists

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

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

1970Bob Hermann [email protected]

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

Tom Shields is retired from the New York State Department of Social Services where he was a budget analyst. He lives in Latham, N.Y. with his wife Barbara, a retired elementary school teacher. They have two children, Colin, 26, and Nicole, 20. Tom has been a friend of the National Park at Gettysburg, a non-profit organization that main-tains the battlefield and museum, and the historic Eisenhower Farm. He spends one weekend there every year with volunteers from across the country, working on restora-tions. For those of you who live in Pennsylvania, I will try to get Tom’s Gettysburg address.

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

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

Please submit all class notes information to your class coordinator; or, if there is no coordinator listed for your class, please send all information to [email protected] for posting in the magazine. We look forward to hearing your news and updates!

class notesA L U M N I

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

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

1971Nicholas Positano [email protected]

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

1972Jack Callahan [email protected]

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

I know many things have hap-pened in our lives in those short 40 years, and I hope you can take some time out of your busy life and attend the reunion. There are many people I would love to see again and catch up with. Some who immediately come to mind are Jim McKee, Dan Finucane, Ron Davis, Kevin Burbige, Steve Sgambati, Mike Winkler, Don Lomanto, Tom Joyce, Jim Hart and Bob Kalafut, just to name a few. I hope you are all well and can be at the reunion. There are many others I am think-ing of as well. If we each take a moment to think of 10 people who come to mind, reach out to them and suggest they attend the reunion, what a great reunion we could have! The Alumni Office and I would

be glad to be the conduit for you to reach out to those you would love to see at reunion. The Alumni Office is looking for volunteers to work on the reunion committee. Please contact me or the Alumni Office for information. Mark your calendars for June 1-3, 2012. If you haven’t been back to the campus in many years, you will be quite pleased to see how Siena has grown.

1973Brian Valentine [email protected]

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

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

1975Janet Gutowski Hall [email protected]

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

1976Jean Reamer [email protected]

Julie McCarthy Manbeck, a fellow accounting major, missed our June reunion, but has shared a snapshot of her busy 35 years. Julie worked for GE for 17 years in various financial management capacities and in many domestic and international locations. She met her

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

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

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

Jim and Carol Walker Bouyea’s daughter, Jill, and her husband, Webb, are proud parents of their first child, a beautiful little girl Elizabeth (Ellie) Webster Thompson, born on September 8, 2011. Ellie joins two Bouyea cousins, Abigail, 5, and Hayden, 3. Jim and Carol recently celebrated a fabulous milestone, 35 years of marriage. Congratulations to all.

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

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

1977Linda Fitzsimmons [email protected]

Gary Holle was recently inducted into the inaugural class of the Capital District Baseball Hall of Fame. He played professional baseball for the Milwaukee Brewers, the Texas Rangers, the Chicago White Sox and the Philadelphia Phillies. Congratulations, Gary!

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

1978Rick Gabriel [email protected]

After going to the five-year Siena reunions, several of my alumni friends decided that meeting every five years was just not enough. About 10 of us meet annually at the Jersey Shore for a long weekend of fun, talking about old times and making new memories. I cannot tell you how much fun it is getting together on an annual basis. I highly recommend that you contact the Siena Alumni Office, find out who your local chapter representative would be and help organize an event in your area.

1979Sue Reilly Hayes [email protected]

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

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winter weather TOO much! Mean-while, Mike would love to hear from classmates at his new email address, [email protected].

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

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

1980Diane DeSilva [email protected]

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

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

Anthony J. Capobianco has been named treasurer of the Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region’s Board of Directors in Albany, N.Y. The mission of the foundation is to strengthen the community by attracting charitable endowments both large and small, maximizing benefits to donors, making effective grants and provid-ing leadership to address commu-nity needs. Anthony is principal of Capobianco Financial Advisors in Clifton Park, N.Y.

Joseph J. Marotta, M.D., founder and president of Medicus in Christi, was presented to His Holiness, Pope Benedict XVI, by Cardinal Turkson, on the front steps of St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. “My audience, one-on-one, with the Holy Father was an experience I will cherish forever,” said Joe. He is an orthopedic surgeon in Troy, N.Y. Medicus in Christi (Doctor in Christ) was founded to provide modern and compassionate medical care to impoverished people of the third world. Joe was recently recognized in 2011 by U.S. News & World Report as one of “America’s Top Doctors.”

1982Bob Young [email protected]

Given our class’s graceful age, I feel these updates should be more personal than promotions and career changes; besides, haven’t we

all conquered our own worlds?That said, I did get an update

from Chris Mangold. Chris is a partner in a law firm in White Plains, N.Y., and lives in Greenwich, Conn. Last ski season on a trip home from Gore Mountain, he, his wife and two daughters stopped at “Bucca de Beppo,” a restaurant in Colonie owned by Tim Rossi. The two enjoyed catching up. My son, Jeff, a junior at Siena, and I have had great meals there, too. Great restaurant, Tim!

On October 19, 2011 a group of lacrosse alumni met at the Harvard Club in New York City, thanks to Tom Baldwin ’81. We welcomed John Svec, Siena’s new lacrosse coach. The event included about 50 lacrosse alumni, along with other guests. Our class was represented by Mike Baldwin, Don Krause, Terry Regan, Frank Bice and me. A dozen of us went out for dinner after the event, and as usual we reminisced and had a great night.

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

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

1983Elvira Altimari-Jaeger [email protected]

Guest writer for this column is Jackie Ellsworth Murray.

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

were expected, but most of us made it. Moose (Mike Higgins) drove from Buffalo Saturday morning through the worst of it, and we had Rain’n Men all night long. The only piece missing was Big Dom’s at 3 a.m. when we closed the Windfall. But in NYC, we could get anything we wanted. It was an extraordinary time warp for all of us, and it just shows how great our class still is. We rocked NYC! Also, over $10,000 was raised for the Class of ’83 scholarship fund. Thank you so much to all of our generous donors and to everyone who participated in the trivia contest which also raised money for our class scholarship. If you have not done so already, please consider giving. You can either make a pledge or donate directly at any time. For more information on making a gift or pledge, contact the Alumni Office at [email protected]. Thank you to the committee, especially Jackie Ellsworth Murray, Karen DeBlieux Vachon and Mike “Moose” Higgins for pulling it all together. Shout-outs go to all the people who were NOT in attendance – you were missed and now you have to mark your calendars for the 30th reunion in June 2013. The 5-0hhh will be hard to top, but we’ll find a way.

1984Lisa SanFrantello McCutcheon [email protected]

Most of us are approaching our 50th birthday celebration this coming year. I welcome everyone who is doing anything special for that big birthday to send in notes or pictures. My second child is heading off to col-lege next fall. Her senior year is fly-ing by, and before long we will have two in college and just one home. I’d love to hear how any of you out there have survived this stage. I was cheering for Siena, but so far, I don’t have one attending. I am holding out for number three to go.

Gail Trombley Grieger proudly welcomed her daughter, Meagan, into the alumni family in May 2011. She is hoping her son, Mike, will be a member of the class of 2016.

Send me your news to share with the class!

1985Cathy & Ron Bjorklund [email protected]

More mini reunions for the class of 1985: Rich Dunn, John Geanta-sio, Donny Avondolio and Kevin McLaughlin got together to vacation with their families in Lake George. While there, they took in the action

NEWSMAKER

Dr. Joseph Marotta ’80,founder and president of Medicus in Christi, was

presented to His Holiness, Pope Benedict XVI, by

Cardinal Turkson on the front steps of the Vatican.

NEWSMAKER

Fr. Mark Reamer ’83, O.F.M., pastor of the Catholic

Community of St. Francis of Assisi, recently marked

25 years as a member of the Order of Friars Minor.

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

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

Doug Poetzsch and Cathy Schelhorn Poetzsch ’84 celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary on September 27, 2011. They have three children, Doug, Jack and Leigh. Doug is executive vice president with ACE USA Claims, and Cathy recently completed her fifth half marathon. They live in West Islip, N.Y.

Being dragged to all those alumni picnics as kids must have made an impression! This year’s freshman class includes four legacies: Carolyn Windover, daughter of Patty DeBeauvernet Windover and Mark Windover ’83; John Brennan, son of John Brennan and Lynda Hillin Brennan ’86; Connor Finnerty, son of Mary Beth Sniffin Finnerty and Paul Finnerty; and Michael Silk, son of Claudia Casey Silk and Kevin Silk.

1986Edward Giordano [email protected] Slattery [email protected] Roche [email protected]

1987Gerry McAndrew [email protected]

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

1988Paula Cacossa Wang [email protected]

Nanci White Beyerl is the executive director and founder of Peaceful Acres Horses, Inc., a farm that offers a therapeutic environ-ment for both horses and people. Nanci earned a level one certificate from the Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association in 2004 and then decided to go back to school to earn a master’s degree in social work, which she completed at Adelphi University in 2007. Great work, Nanci!

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

1989Mike Carbonaro [email protected]

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

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

1990Janet Shotter Swierbut [email protected]

Congratulations to Michele Ferris Hoffmann and her husband Paul who recently adopted a baby boy, Brady, who joins big brother, Ryan. The family is living in Utah and makes the trek back to Lake George as often as they can. Send updates, we would love to hear from you!

1991Kevin Clarke [email protected]

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

1992Mary Pat Mcloughlin Holler [email protected]

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

Kevin Gibson, Russ Irving, Jill Louis Irving, Connor Finnerty, Mary Beth Finnerty, Paul Finnerty, Rick Louis, Rob Pastore,

Cyndi Mihal Pastore, Cathy Casey Bjorklund and Ron Bjorklund celebrate summer in Long Beach Island, NJ.

CLASS oF 1985 IN LoNG BEACH ISLANd, NJ

Class of ’85 Girls’ Weekend in Montreal included Bibiana King, denise Patriarco Foster, Sue Cronin, Sue Maserjian, Beth Gaer

McMillan ’86, Priscilla duffy Armsby, Cynthia Flynn Sobiecki and Elena Abad Smith.

CLASS oF 1985 GIRLS’ WEEKENd IN MoNtREAL

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

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

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

1993Sue Hannon [email protected]

Big news this issue involves my very own townhouse, number 33, the ‘romper room’! Colleen Manahan married Mike McKeon “Shooty” in a destination wedding in beautiful Key West, Fla., over Columbus Day weekend. Three days of fun included kayaking, our very own train ride through the city singing the Siena fight song, a sunset cruise, dancing and air guitar at Sloppy Joe’s and, of course, the exchanging of vows. In attendance were Michelle Young McLaughlin, Kiersten Brown Hitchcock, Alisa Cure Callahan, Megan Snell Normann ’94, Mike Normann “Storm” ’92, Mike Brown and me. A great time was had by all. Honestly, I think all weddings should be destination weddings. We really got the chance to catch up and spend some quality time together. Thanks, Colzer and Shooty for a great party!

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

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Academy, an indoor sports facility in Latham. He does a lot of work with kids in the area. Congratulations, Mike!

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

1994Glenn Hofsess [email protected]

Jay Jay (Jayne) Nesheim recently accepted a position as the head of communications for ESPN Films and ESPN’s Content Development group, based in New York City. Best of luck in your new position, Jay Jay.

Tony Weaver and his wife Lauren welcomed their fourth daughter on May 17, 2010, Meegan Catherine. She joins big sisters Annelise, Ameli and Abigail.

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

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

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

1995 Neil Wilcove [email protected]

1996Brian Murray [email protected]

1997Selena Dutcher [email protected]

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

1998Janine Trapp Scotti [email protected]

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

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

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

Jonathan Rasmussen married Erica Peters on September 17, 2011.

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

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

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

1999Brendan Fitzgerald [email protected]

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

Tim Breault and Kim Karbowski Breault welcomed their second child, Nora Jane, in December 2010. Tim, Kim and big sister Kate live in Huntersville, N.C.

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

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

2000Shaymus Schweitzer [email protected]

Congratulations to Alan Ellis and Carrie Blasi Ellis ’01, who welcomed a baby girl, Christine Elizabeth, into their lives on October 1, 2009.

Tracy Correale Catalanotto and Vito Catalanotto welcomed their second child, Vito Richard, on May 4, 2010. Four-year-old big sister, Eva, is the best big sister.

Ellen Saleem Zwijacz and her hus-band Andy welcomed Zandan Michael John into their family on December 29, 2010. Mom, dad and baby Zandan are all doing well.

Francesca Loscalzo Tillou and her husband Gregg welcomed Cameron Joseph to their family on February 13, 2011. Cameron is being entertained by big brother, Maxwell John, who is 15 months older.

Maj. Edward Cardinale and his wife Elizabeth welcomed their third child, Haley Ryann, on April 7, 2011. Haley joined big sisters Grace and Kaitlin. Ed was home on midtour leave from Afghanistan when Haley was born. Trained as a Chinook he-licopter pilot, Ed has been stationed in Alabama, Alaska, South Korea and, most recently, Fort Drum, N.Y. He and his family will be moving to Colorado Springs, Colo., where Ed will be working for the U.S. Army Space Command.

Lauren Goulet Bianchi and her husband Chris welcomed their third child, Megan Claire, on May 4, 2011. Big sisters Ella and Anna are so happy to have a new sister.

Maria Linden Bieluch wrote to announce the birth of her daughter, Casey Denise, on May 13, 2011. She joins her three-year-old big sister, Kennedy Brook. The family is living in New York City, where Maria works as a physician at the Mount Sinai Medical Center.

Brian Wolters and Elizabeth DeFries Wolters ’06 were married at the Albany Country Club on September 3, 2011. After a honey-moon on the islands of Maui and Kauai, the couple lives in Latham, very close to Siena.

2001Maura Mack [email protected]

Joseph Hourigan recently touched based with Fr. Dennis Tamburello ’75, O.F.M., regarding his commu-nity involvement in Phoenix, Ariz. Building on his experience while enrolled in the Franciscan Center for Service and Advocacy where he was assigned to the St. Cashmir’s Regional School in Arbor Hill, Joe has become a very active volunteer mentor to a 17-year-old high school student and a 10-year-old homeless child through Phoenix Youth at Risk. He believes that mentoring David and Jarrod has impacted his life beyond measure. In addition, Joe is a member of the Franciscan Renewal Center of Scottsdale, Ariz., and has recently been appointed as a yellow jacket member of college football’s Fiesta Bowl Committee. He credits his time at Siena with providing him with the foundation needed to become involved in his community, and believes his time at Siena has guided him and continues to lead him to many great experiences. Josepha Longo opened the Sonic Car Wash in Rotterdam, N.Y., a three-bay, touch-free car wash that is open 24 hours a day. Congratulations!

2002Christine Cinnamond [email protected]

Mary Buckheit has accepted the position of international communications and media relations director at the Mike Horn PANGAEA Young Explorers Program, and is moving to Switzerland. Prior to taking her new position, Mary worked at ESPN as the associate editor of ESPN. com, Sportsnation and as a reporter and feature writer contributing to Page 2, ESPN Action Sports, college sports, espnW, ESPN Music and the X Games coverage.

William Firth has joined Towne, Ryan & Partner, P.C. as an associate attorney. His practice will focus on insurance defense litigation with an emphasis on automobile, construc-tion and premises liability.

Christopher DeFilippis joined the West Orange, N.J. firm of Wolff & Samson P.C. as an associ-ate in the trusts and estates group. Chris received his J.D., cum laude, from Albany Law School of Union University.

Congratulations to all! Don’t forget to mark your calendars for reunion weekend June 1-3, 2012.

NEWSMAKER

Christopher DeFilippis ’02 was hired as an associate in

Wolff & Samson’s Trusts and Estates Group.

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2003Gina Gizzi [email protected]

Congratulations to Jonathan Hicks and Jillian Milewski, who were friends from freshman year, dating since 2007, and married on September 3, 2011.

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

Gunta Basko married Kristaps Melnbarde on August 6, 2011.

Erica Anderson was named assistant coach with the UMass Lowell women’s basketball program. Erica joins UMass Lowell following a five-year professional career in Europe. Congratulations to all of you!

2004Jolleen Wagner [email protected]

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

Kevin Roberts married Brooke Ford ’05 on June 25, 2011 in Troy, N.Y.

Nicholas Campanile married Samantha Klanac on September 17, 2011.

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

Congratulations to all of these fabulous couples!

2005 Breanne Suhrland Elsesser [email protected]

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

Wedding bells were also heard on November 5, 2010 as Gianna Ferranti married Eric Morrissey. Gianna graduated from the SUNY Stony Brook School of Dental Medicine in 2009, and in 2010 completed a general practice resi-dency at the Veterans Affairs Center in Dallas, Texas. She is working as a general dentist in private practice. Eric received his master’s degree in public administration from Pace University, where he holds the

position of assistant director of gov-ernment and community relations.

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

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

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

Congratulations to everyone!

2006Chris Elsesser [email protected]

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

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

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

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

Holly Walsh graduated in May from Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences with her doctorate in pharmacy. She is now a licensed pharmacist and working at Northern Westchester Hospital in Mt. Kisco, N.Y.

Ashley Pereira recently accepted a position at Geneva High School teaching social studies. Ashley

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

Congratulations to everyone!

2007Sean Robbins [email protected] Mike Utzig [email protected]

Samantha Tompkins is hard at work as a student in the SUNY Adirondack RN program.

Marc Roberts earned the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation. He joined Fenimore in 2007 and is currently a co-manager of the Fenimore Micro/Small-Cap Value Fund, L.L.C.

On July 16, 2011 Shelby Wilson married Ryan Moore.

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

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

Congratulations to Shelby, Nikki and Dawn!

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

2008Danielle Grasso Patrick Preston [email protected]

Sean Figy has been awarded the 2011 Physicians of Tomorrow Scholarship by the American Medical Association (AMA) Foundation. Sean is one of 18 students in the nation chosen for the $10,000 scholarship award based on scholastic achievement, financial need and community involve-ment. Sean devotes many hours of service to the community and the American Medical Association. He is involved with the Community Care Clinic, a free clinic run by UT College of Medicine students. He was also elected alternate delegate for the Medical Student Section of the AMA, representing the association’s approximately 47,000 medical student members. He is planning to specialize in plastic and reconstructive surgery. Congratulations, Sean!

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

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

2009 Tiffany Salonich [email protected]

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

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

Congratulations to both couples!Marissa Zumbo and Nicholas

Fusella were engaged in June and a spring 2014 wedding is planned. Nick is in his second year at the New York College of Osteopathic Medicine in Old Westbury, N.Y. Marissa is in her second year at Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine in Blacksburg, Va.

Vancardi Foster is attending Quinnipiac University in their five-semester MAT program as part of the class of 2013. Concurrently, he will be a full-time intern at the New Haven Academy.

NEWSMAKER

Eric Hungershafer ’04 finished 76th for new

clients nationally, among approximately 6,500 financial

representatives, within Northwestern Mutual this

past year.

NEWSMAKER

Sean Figy ’08 was recognized by the American Medical Association Foundation,

who presented him with the 2011 Physicians of Tomorrow

Scholarship.

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

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

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

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

Congratulations to all!Gina Graziano is living in New

York City and works as a sales executive for Altrum Group.

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

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

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

2010Kelly Peckholdt [email protected]

Twenty-nine classmates earned a master’s in account-ing degree this year from Siena. The following students have earned the distinction of being “Double Saints”: Kevin Burke, Kristen Bus, Jake Cardillo, Kristin Carminati, Giuseppe Caschera, Theodore Cervini, Anne Chelkowski, Ilana Clopper, Nicholas Franck, Rebecca Franklin, Lauren Garbade, Deborah Gemellaro, Elena Isaacson, Brittany Lovellette, Stacey Mace, Nicole Maresca, Louis Mauro, Burgandy-Leigh McCurty, Patrick Moss, Nicholas O’Connor, Aija Opsis, Lisa Pagliaro, Gregory Papa, Allison Pillans, Ann Quratul Waheed, Kara Rotherme, Mara Smith, Nicolas Tebano and Ryan Ziegler. According to Professor Gene Farley ’77, director of the master’s in accounting program, “This class may be the most educated in the school’s history this soon after graduating.” Congratulations to all!

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

Kimberly DeFilippo graduated from Union Graduate College in June 2011 with her MBA. She is working as a business intelligence analyst for CDPHP.

2nd Lt. Thomas Seagroatt, U.S. Army, graduated from the U.S. Army Ranger School on August 26, 2011 and the U. S. Army Air-borne School on October 6, 2011. Congratulations, Tom!

2011Allison Collins [email protected]

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

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

Stephen Archer, Danielle Hiller and Christopher Shaver were chosen by KeyBank for its new class of management training and development program participants. They will receive job assignments when they complete the program in May 2012.

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

Megan Prall is a retail sales representative for Nestle USA, living in Wichita, Kan.

Aimee Gosse is a brand ambas-sador at the Hart Agency, while also working for the Lessing’s Company, which caters at many charity events throughout Long Island.

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

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

Ryan Seber is in a rotational program at BNP Baribas and is living in Hoboken, N.J.

Forty-five members of the class of 2011 are enrolled in the master’s in accounting program at Siena. Congratulations to Sandra Vinelli and Jenna Eckerle, who have already earned their master’s in accounting.

Kate Boucher is an English teacher at Maple Hill High School in Schodack. She is living in Fort Edward, N.Y.

Davia Litz is a 10th grade math teacher at Shaker High School, and is studying adolescent education at The College of Saint Rose.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In MemorySiena College mourns the loss of the following members of our community:

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

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

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

of Country Weekly Magazine, a national publication.

NewsmAKer

sIeNA 34


Christina Durante ’06 married Timothy Moran ’05 on June 11, 2011, in Garden City, N.Y.

Fr. Dan Dwyer ’74, O.F.M. officiated over the ceremony.

Cristina DiGiovanna ‘06 married

Vince Commisso ‘05 on June 5, 2010.

Stephen Machovic, Jr. ’66 married Dawn Richards on July 10, 2011.

When submitting wedding photos to the magazine please make sure they are 300 dpi. If you have any questions please contact [email protected].

Kathryn Ferry ’05 married Patrick Weatherup ’05 on June 26, 2010 at Siena College.

weddings

Nikki Rougeau ‘07 married Brian Borie ‘06 on November 20, 2010.

Taela Durst ‘09 married Ryan Donnelly ‘09 on July 9, 2011

at Siena College - St. Mary of the Angels Chapel.

Jeffrey Clausen ’98 married

Laura Bockute on July 16, 2011.

Chris Elsesser ’06 married Breanne Suhrland ’05 on July 20, 2011.

SIENA 35


An education focused on the bigger picture.

515 Loudon Road, Loudonville, NY 12211


Siena News Fall 2011

Documents

Transcript of Siena News Fall 2011