SienaCelebratethe Classof 2008

SienaSIENA NEWS • A MAGAZINE FOR ALUMNI AND FRIENDS • SUMMER 2008

Celebratethe Classof 2008

President’s Letter

Fr. Kevin Mullen, O.F.M.

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Giving my first Baccalaureate Mass homily, Ibrought up a common phrase-one I hear all thetime living among college students:

“I’ve got your back.”

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

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

I told the class of 2008 that Siena will alwayshave their backs. Through the ups and downsof their careers and their lives, they will alwaysbe able to fall back on their Siena education toget through the tough times. They can alwayscome back home to our community and findthe strength and support when they need itmost.

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

And with each graduate, this support growsbeyond the confines of our campus. Throughservice, respect for all of creation, compassionand friendship, we’ve got the world’s back.

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

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

Fraternally,

ContentsSiena News

Siena News • 3

Features

Departments

A True Teammate

Short Takes......................10-11

Planned Giving.....................35

Alumni: Class Newsand Notes.............................27

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The Siena News - Summer 2008published by Siena College515 Loudon RoadLoudonville, NY 12211-1462E-mail: communications@siena.edu

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

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

St. Francis theSongwriter...............................4

Red Carpet Ethics...................6

Student Profiles ....................18

Reunion.................................20

College Dedicates StudyLounge in Honor of BelovedBiology Professor..................24

Endowed ScholarshipsUpdate...................................25

Leading theWay at 80...........26

Siena Heads Back toBelarus......................back page

Siena Celebratesthe Class of 2008at the Sixty-EighthCommencement

Students First

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

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

St. Francisthe Songwriter

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Margaret discovered The Canticle, which was written in thevernacular (Italian) and completed just before his death, has threedistinct stages of development. Verses 1-9, the glorification of God’screations, were written during a time when St. Francis was sufferingintensely from his physical infirmities. After hearing of a quarrelbetween the civic and religious authorities of Assisi, Francis askedthe brothers to go before them singing verses 10-11, reminding allto live peacefully. The final verses, 12-13, were composed on hisdeathbed. Even in his final moments he continued to thank andpraise God.

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

Margaret also used a composition played by Siena’s own Fr.Dennis Tamburello, O.F.M., and his Christian rock band, 24/Seven.His version begins with solo guitar, but also has a soothing effect.The phrase, “Praised be my Lord,” is repeated and emphasizedthroughout.

Another work Margaret researched was by the Russiancomposer Sofia Gubaidulina. She dedicated her twentieth-centurysetting of The Canticle of the Sun to cellist Mstislav Rostropovichfor his 70th birthday. The arrangement of her work, in four formalsections, corresponds to St. Francis’s text: glorification of theCreator, and his creations – the sun and the moon; glorification ofthe Creator, the maker of the four elements: air, water, fire andearth; glorification of life; and glorification of death. Her versionbegins with soft bell sounds and features many climaxes, marked byan overwhelming explosion of choir voices in the middle. At onepoint, the cellist puts down his or her instrument and plays on a bassdrum, and then on a flexatone with a bass bow. It has a strong,powerful conclusion.

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

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

Most High, Omnipotent, Good Lord,Thine be the praises, the glory, and thehonor and every blessing.

To Thee alone, Most High, do theybelong and no man is worthy to mentionThee.

May Thou be praised, my Lord, with allThy creatures especially Mister Brother sun,of whom is the day, and Thou enlightens usthrough him.

And he is beautiful and radiant with agreat splendor, of Thee, Most High, does heconvey the meaning.

May Thou be praised, my Lord, for sistermoon and the stars, in heaven Thou hasmade them clear and precious andbeautiful.

May Thou be praised, my Lord, forbrother wind, and for the air and the cloudyand the clear weather and every weather,through which to all Thy creatures Thou givessustenance.

May Thou be praised, my Lord, for sisterwater, who is very useful and humble andprecious and chaste.

May Thou be praised, my Lord, forbrother fire, through whom Thou illuminesthe night, and he is handsome and jocundand robust and strong.

May Thou be praised, my Lord, for oursister, mother earth, who sustains us andgoverns, and produces various fruits withcolored flowers and green plants.

May Thou be praised, my Lord, for thosewho forgive for the sake of Thy love, andendure infirmity and tribulation.

Blessed those who endure them inpeace, because by Thee, Most High, willthey be crowned.

May Thou be praised, my Lord, for oursister, bodily death, whom no man living canescape.

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

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

The Words

The Music

Canticle of the Sun

Siena News • 6

The ScandalsLaura studied three well-known divorce scandals in order to answer the

question: what does the public reaction to these three high profile celebrity divorces revealabout America’s true opinion of divorce and extramarital affairs?

The first involved Mary Pickford, arguably the first “America’s sweetheart,” whowas married to the famous actor Owen Moore. During an already shaky marriage, Pickfordbegan an affair with married actor Douglas Fairbanks. Pickford hesitated to divorce Moore,

Americans are fascinated by celebries’ lives — a quickglance at the check-out line shelves at the supermarket providesconfirmation of this and it is something that has alwaysintrigued American Studies major Laura Sherin ’08. When itcame time to develop a topic for her honors thesis, she choseto explore not only the role celebrities play in society, but whatthe public reaction to celebrities says about American society.

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

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worrying whether or not her fans would evercome to see her movies again. However, therewas no need for the worry. Fairbanks andPickford were portrayed as the king and queen ofthe movies, even after public divorces andremarriage.

However, American society has not alwaysbeen willing to let the careers of divorcedactresses prosper. This was clearly demonstratedin the 1950s with actress Ingrid Bergman anddirector Robert Rosselini’s affair, which received abacklash foreign to the previous generation, withreligious and political groups leading boycotts oftheir movies.

As American society continued to develop, itsmorals continued to transform. In recent years,America has stood behind many actors throughtheir decisions to divorce and begin newrelationships quickly. Laura’s example was BradPitt and Angelina Jolie, who continue to be two ofthe most powerful celebrities in Hollywooddespite their past divorces, particularly Pitt’s fromthe popular Jennifer Aniston.

ConclusionsLaura decided that it was clear that

in the 1920s and today, divorce was not a dealbreaker concerning public goodwill. There are anumber of reasons this may be: their glamour mayhave enabled America to disregard theimplications of divorce, the idealistic viewpoint

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

She concluded similarly that the culture ofthe 1950s affected the public reaction to theBergman-Rosselini scandal. During the post-warperiod, there was a surge in family life andestablished distinct roles for men and women.Since these roles involved men being thebreadwinners and women being the homemakers,Bergman was already at odds with the norms forAmerican society. Furthermore, postwarAmericans were determined to not only getmarried, but also to stay married. Families thatwere formed between 1940 and 1960 resulted in areduced divorce rate.

Implications for SocietyAfter months of research, Laura

concluded that our reactions to celebrities’ livessay a lot about American society.

• Celebrities represents a capitalistic ideal. A starepitomizes the potential that every Americanpossesses.

• Celebrity gossip is the safest form of the activityand is more acceptable than gossip about aneighbor or friend. Moreover, there is a tacitassumption that individuals who chose theentertainment industry knowingly acceptgossip as a part of success.

• For a celebrity to achieve fame, one needs theapproval of American society. Consumers arenot going to facilitate the rise to celebrity forthose who are deemed unworthy.

• Americans possess the privilege of selectingcelebrities, which causes them to feel theyhave the right to criticize and speculateabout celebrities lives.

Laura graduated magna cum laude. In additionto writing an honors thesis, she also held severalinternships with the New York State Office of theState Comptroller, the Adfero Group, a publicaffairs firm specializing in new media inWashington, D.C., and Sawchuk BrownAssociates, a public relations firm in Albany.

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

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In 1983 Jeanne (Martin) Obermayer came to SienaCollege as a resident director fresh out of her graduateschool program in Ohio. “It was the people that I metupon my initial visit that drew me to Siena,” she said.

Students First

Jeanne Obermayer cameto Siena College becauseit allowed her to work withstudents on an individualbasis. Today, she servesas dean of students andhas received mementosfrom former students overthe years thanking herfor improving their lives.

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Soon after sheaccepted the position atSiena, she lost herterminally ill father andimmediately realized thepower of the family

atmosphere of Siena’s community.While serving as the first female residence

director in Plassmann Hall, she relied on the supportof her colleagues and students to help her throughthis difficult time in her life. For the last 25 years,Jeanne has returned the favor by supportinggenerations of community members.

“Every time I was ready for a change in mycareer, Siena presented me with a new opportunityand today I still find myself being challengedprofessionally,” she said.

Jeanne has always enjoyed the one-on-oneinteraction with students on campus and is anadvocate for them despite being in what Fr. BillBeaudin, O.F.M., college chaplain, describes as “oneof the least enviable positions at Siena.”

“As dean of students, her work is an act oflove for Siena, her profession and Siena’s students.Sometimes, she has to administer “tough love,” butit is this love that motivates her,” Fr. Bill stated.

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

These interactions aren’t unusual as alumni andstudents often let her know that the best thing sheever did for them was to hold them accountable fortheir actions.

Jeanne has numerous relationships withstudents beyond their days at Siena such as thealumnae who came back to thank her for helpingher become sober. There is also an alumnus who shedismissed from housing his freshman year for a firealarm prank, and then decided to pick him up at hishouse every morning and drive him to class because“he had the potential to succeed at Siena.”

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

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

to defend student rights. “I have seen her advocateon behalf of the student who has been in her officenumerous times, and that others have cast off as alost cause,” Maryellen Gilroy, vice president forstudent affairs, stated.

When she looks back on her career at Siena shesaid, “I’m the person I am today because of Siena. Ihave always enjoyed working with the students asthey are unique individuals and the reason why I’mstill here.”

Recently, Jeanne and her family ensured thatfuture generations will benefit from the Obermayerpresence on campus by endowing the ObermayerFamily Scholarship.

“My family has benefited in various ways fromSiena so we wanted to give thanks to this specialplace and thought a scholarship was the perfect wayto do this,” she said.

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

community by receiving the Vice President forStudent Affairs Award. Siena has always been aboutthe people and the life-long relationships you makewith them. In Jeanne’s case, some of her decisionshave also been life saving.

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

Director of WVCR HonoredLegendary Capital Region radio executive and

Siena Director of 88.3 FM WVCR John Kelly wasinducted into the New York State BroadcastersAssociation Hall of Fame on June 24 during aceremony at the Sagamore Hotel in Lake George,the site of the association’s annual conference. Kelly guided three different radio stations tonumber one positions in three different decades,with three different owners. The 1997 NYSBA“Broadcaster of the Year,” Kelly modestlyexplained his success this way: “I just hired goodpeople and got out of their way.” Since retiring in 2002, Kelly has served asdirector of Siena’s radio station, WVCR. WhenAlbany auto dealership giant Jim Morrell ’66decided to get into radio, he chose Kelly to lead theway. Two stations were purchased in 1986. WhenKelly retired in 2002 and came to Siena, the grouphad 28 stations. The chairman of the Hall of Fame selectioncommittee, Galaxy group owner Ed Levineworked for Kelly at Albany radio station, WPYX.“Anybody can get lucky once. John Kelly hadnumerous successes over a number of years all inone market. That separates him from the rest.”Levine says Kelly was a tough taskmaster withremarkable intuition.

Program #1-Wednesday,October 8, 2008 at 7:00 p.m.at the Key Auditorium,Roger Bacon Hall

BOOK:The Post-American Worldby Fareed Zakaria

Popular Book Series Returning This FallThis fall retired professor Dick Ognibene in conjunction with the Office of Alumni Relations willhost two programs. Information on each program can be found below:

Program #2-Wednesday,November 19, 2008 at the KeyAuditorium, Roger Bacon Hall

BOOK:Hot, Flat, and Crowded:Why We Need A GreenRevolution—And How It canRenew America by ThomasFriedman(Book will be released on September 8, 2008)

SHORT TAKES

PANELISTS:•Dr. Lawrence Woolbright, Biology Department•Dr. Jean Mangun, Environmental Studies Department•Dr. Mathew Johnson, Sociology Department

PANELISTS:•Dr. Vera Eccarius-Kelly, Political Science Department•Dr. Karl Barbir, History Department•Dr. John Hampton, KPMG Professor of Business, St. Peter’s College

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Sarah Amie ’09 and Janelle Rizzo ’09 willjoin Patricia Carroll ’08 and Christina Sillery’08 as 2008 Luce Scholars. The Clare BoothLuce Scholarship Program generously fundstwo junior and two senior women pursuingdegrees in bio-chemistry, chemistry, computerscience, math or physics. It provides fundingfor tuition, research projects and facultymentoring for their junior and senioryears. The scholarship provides nearly afull scholarship for these students.

Sarah is a biochemistry major with a3.93 G.P.A. She chose to attend SienaCollege because of its small size andwell known science program. She hasworked on the Green ChemistryBiodiesel Project with Dr. AliciaTodaro, lecturer in chemistry, duringher sophomore year. This summer, shewill be participating in research on cellsignaling with Dr. Sterne-Marr,professor of biology. Outside of theclassroom she is involved with the SienaDance Team and Habitat for Humanity.After Siena she plans on going tograduate school to get her Ph.D. andhopes to have a career in research.

Janelle Rizzo ’09 is a computerscience major with a 3.79 G.P.A. Shechose to attend Siena because she heardit was a good school and it is close tohome for her. She was unsure of amajor and determined that a liberal artsschool would be a good place to exploreher options. It was during her freshmanyear that she took a computer science

SHORT TAKES

CollegeAnnounces2008 LuceScholars Sarah Amie ’09 and Janelle Rizzo ’09

course and discovered her calling. Outside of theclassroom she is involved in the Siena Pep Band,Relay for Life and ACM Women in ComputingClub. She plans on going to graduate school to getmore experience in computer science and isinterested in studying computer security and/orforensics.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Michael Potter ’07 (left) andNick Messinger ’09 havedeveloped a special friendshipthat both of them cherish.

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

“Mike is as much a part of the team as any ofus,” Nick said. “Theguys have all embracedhim, and it’s genuine. Weknow it means a lot tohim to be part of theteam, but I think it iseven more important tous to have him there.”

Prior to each at bat,the two converse on awide range of topics asNick awaits his turn atthe plate. It’s aconversation both findtherapeutic, one thatNick says helps himrelax. Often, it concludeswith one telling the other,“I love you” before Nickheads up to bat.

“At the start of thisseason, the team wasreally struggling,” Nicksaid. “Once we returnedhome and Mike startedcoming to the games, itput things in perspectivefor me. I just blockeverything out when I amtalking with him before Igo to bat, and I alsorealize how fortunate Iam to be playing the game I love. I also feel like if Iyell and scream, or throw my helmet, I am lettingMike down.”

Potter not only made it to every home game thisseason, but also found his way to Trenton, N.J. forthe MAAC Championships where he saw Messingerand his beloved Saints reach the final round after astirring finish to the season.

Nick was a Second Team All-MAAC selectionin 2008 and a Rawlings National Gold GloveFinalist. Perhaps most impressive, he is the MAACrepresentative for the NCAA 2008 Sportsman of the

Year award. The sportsmanship ballot asks how thenominee demonstrates good citizenship outside thesport setting and how he or she made a difference in

other people’s lives.“Sports had always

been the part of my lifeI was missing, becauseI couldn’t do the thingsmy friends could,”Mike said. “But atSiena, the guys reallytook me under theirwings and made me feellike I was part ofsomething special.Nick has gone out ofhis way to see I am asmuch a part of the teamas anyone else, and Ifeel like I belong. I alsoknow if I ever needanything, Nick will bethere for me. He willalways be one of mybest friends.”

Nick’s genuine careand civility towardPotter was apparentwhen Nick wasrecently named captainfor the 2009 season.Next May, Nick willgraduate with a degreein sociology. He willbe honored prior to hisfinal home game during

a Senior Day ceremony, and he has already said hewants Mike on the field with him.

“I told him I want him to be part of that,” Nicksaid. “I know he gets a little paranoid sometimes,because he has things tough, and some people arejust nice to him because he’s there. I wanted him toknow I’m not going away, and that we all feel he hasbeen a big part of this team since we’ve been here.He is going to be my friend forever and having himout there with my family lets him know how much Ivalue our friendship.”

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

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

“I would like you to close your eyes for a moment,” seniorcommencement speaker Victoria Fernandes told the audience. She askedthe students to remember move-in day, the butterflies, and thenervousness. She asked the parents to recall the sadness of their childleaving the safety of home to venture out on their own, as well as the pridethey felt when their child began their college career at Siena.

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

Among the class, 14 students graduated summa cum laude, 145 magnacum laude, 117 cum laude, 20 were honors fellows, and the first-evercertificate in revolutionary era studies was awarded. They completedhundreds of internships and independent research projects. They servedthe local community Thanksgiving dinners and gave up their “fun” springbreaks to build homes for families that needed them most. Theychallenged each other to become better students. They developed theconfidence to interview for their dream job. They are well on their way toa lifetime of success.

Not only were the graduates celebrated for all of theseaccomplishments, they were given some great advice from this year’s

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“To see howmuch the world iswilling to share ahorrible story. Itgives me so muchhope that we canovercome thebad.” ImmaculeeIlibagiza

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

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

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

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this horrific ordeal, most of herfamily was brutally murdered,but she survived to share thestory of her miraculous transitioninto forgiveness and a profoundrelationship with God. Shereminded the students that aslong as they are breathing, theyhave life and it is something to becherished. She ended with amessage of hope: “To see howmuch the world is willing to sharea horrible story gives me so muchhope that we can overcome thebad. There are so many goodpeople. I believe we can overcomegenocide. We can stop it. If onlypeople can hold onto love andhold onto God.”

The class of 2008 is ready tolead with the peace and goodnesslearned at Siena. “We aresummoned to move forward. It isour turn. It is our time to goforward and take hold of anunsettled and precarious world andplace our own distinctive mark onsociety…equipped with our Siena experiences, we arepoised to change the world,” said Class President Tim Hannigan.

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A Speech to RememberAn Excerpt From Victoria Fernandes’Commencement Address

Three years ago, my home was destroyed in HurricaneKatrina. My family lost everything. I was here at Siena, 2,000miles away from my family and hurting. Within minutes of thedevastation of Katrina being reported on the news, students,teachers, and even the custodians came to me asking if my familywas safe and if there was anything they could do to help. You, thestudents, raised over $2,000 by donating your meals and thatmoney was sent down to Biloxi, Miss., to help the schools getback on track. In April of that year, 15 Siena students spent theirspring break helping people in my hometown rebuild their housesand their lives. I felt then that the Siena community had becomemy second family.

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

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

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

While at Siena, some of us have hadthe opportunity to travel around the world…and the rest of us have been to “Around theWorld” in McClosky Square. But all of ushave made Siena our home.

This year’s commencement featured some newentertainment courtesy of creative arts major andaward winner Kira Pogge ’08. Kira designed anddressed up in a puppet outfit that she has named“Rita.” Rita was the end product of Kira’s seniorcreative arts capstone course, which calls onstudents to design their own project over thecourse of an entire semester. “It was a lot of work,but pretty cool too,” Kira said. The costume wasmade from materials found at Jo-Anne Fabrics andLowe’s, as well as products found in her basementat home, including her high school backpack.

Active in the Siena chorus, orchestra and pepband during her years at Siena, Kira also spenteight months in the Walt Disney World CollegeProgram where she was honored with theQuarterly Performance Award for the entertainmentdivision. Kira will be attending The College of St.Rose this fall where she will pursue a master’sdegree in communications.

The Big Blue Puppet

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Siena News • 18

Here is a snapshot of seniors, their successes during the “best years of their lives”and their plans to continue that record of achievement in the future. The

class of 2008 is destined for great futures:Jacqueline DoroszHometown: Liverpool, N.Y.Major: AccountingNext Step: Already working at the NYSDepartment of Health in the Bureau ofFinancial Management and InformationSupport as an auditor. I first found out aboutthe department through the Spring CareerFair.First Siena Memory: As soon as I visitedSiena in my junior year of high school, I knewit was the school for me. It was the onlyschool I wanted to go to and I wouldn’t settlefor anything less.Siena Activities: Community service, directorof professional development activities for theAccounting Students Association, on-campusjob in the accounting lab, women’s lacrosse forthree years.The Siena Difference: The small classroomexperience allowed me to build a relationshipwith some of the best professors I have everhad. At Siena our classrooms were active andalways kept me on my feet. You could notcome to class unprepared! I am still in contactwith some of my professors and I am meetingone for lunch next month.

Danita WilliamsHometown: Rome, N.Y.Major: PsychologyNext Step: Law school at The Ohio StateUniversity, with a certificate in children’s studies.First Siena Memory: Katie Cooney, from theadmissions office. She asked what I was interested inand remembered reading my application for admission.Every time I’ve seen her in the last four years, sheasks me about all of the things I was involved with,and that, to me, is remarkable. She sees hundreds ofstudents all of the time, but I never forgot the specialattention and feeling of belonging I felt right from dayone.Siena Activities: Resident Assistant and Moot CourtMock Trial. Being an RA helped me developleadership skills and a new appreciation for the jobsand tasks that administration had to deal with. MockTrial gave me new confidence for the career path Iwant to take. We became like a little family, and myteam members were some of my best friends at Siena.The Siena Difference: Dr. Leonard Cutler had a hugeimpact on me. I wasn’t even a political science major,but our paths crossed regularly. He truly has a genuinepassion for his students, and goes above and beyondwhat he needs to do to help them reach goals andmake sure that they learn. While I was applying to lawschool, he was there for me every step of the way.Dedication like that is rare.

I Already Miss: LateNight Sarazen andSienaFest. I misssitting in the RAoffice for noreason andwatching TV withco-workers. I missshowingunderclassmen howto quickly registerfor classes. I misshow everyone helddoors open foreveryone else and Imiss Chenita’somelets.

Success at Siena and Beyond

Siena News • 19

Mary BumbolowHometown: Putnam Valley, N.Y.Major: Classics and ReligiousStudiesNext Step: Volunteering for oneyear with Capuchin Youth andFamily Ministries in Garrison, N.Y.First Siena Memory: Freshmanorientation – I stayed for the ropescourse. I met people, both in myclass year and older, that I am stillclose with today!Siena Activities: Student EventsBoard – vice chairperson and Co-Chair for Siblings Weekend. I wasactively involved with the Sr. TheaBowman Center for Women andHabitat for Humanity. I was also alector, Eucharistic minister, and aretreat leader. I spent the fall of ’06in Syracuse, Sicily.The Siena difference: Dr. ShannonO’Neill, director of the Sr. TheaBowman Center for Women, wasalways there for me, giving me theencouragement I needed to getthrough my classes, run variouscommunity service projects, andhelped me decide to spend thisupcoming year volunteering. I wasblessed to have her as a role model.I Already Miss: The community –but I am looking forward toembracing the values I wastaught at Siena in my future.

Kathryn NeubauerHometown: HopewellJunction, N.Y.Major: BiochemistryNext step: Boston UniversitySchool of MedicineSiena Activities: ChemistryClub, women’s rugby president,hospital volunteer, HomelessAction Committee Outreachvan volunteer, received themajor award for biochemistry.The Siena Difference: I wouldnot be where I am if not forDr. Sterne-Marr, who I didresearch with. I learned somuch and had a ton of fun. I can’t sayenough about the biology and chemistry departments as a whole.They provided the perfect learning environment.

Tim MillerHometown: Seaford, N.Y.Major: Chemistry, minor in physicsNext Step: Ph.D. program at University of DelawareFirst Siena memory: When I came to Siena for a tour, I realizedhow nice the surrounding area was and knew it would be a greatfit for me. I was right!Siena Activities: Ambassador (tour guides), Eucharisticminister, retreat leader, Chemistry and Biochemistry Club,Townhouse Council, SEB, Saintly Student Speakers, Habitat forHumanity.Biggest Influence: Dr. Jason Hofstein, who was my advisor. He

was always there to helpwhenever I needed it. He alsowas there whenever we neededhelp with summer research orapplying to graduate school.I Already Miss: Chicken fingerwraps at Dapp’s. Being wokenup at 8:30 a.m. on Saturdayand Sunday mornings by myroommates playing MarioKart. Most of all, I miss thepeople I had come to knowfor four years. Where elsecan you be surrounded by somany friends at once?

Siena News • 20

Reunion Weekend 2008...Celebrating Siena’s Success!

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

While back on campus, President Fr. KevinMullen, O.F.M.,’75 invited 17 members of theclass of ’58 to celebrate their 50th Reunion atthe new President’s House. Their class dinnerfeatured a ceremony where each classmate wasawarded a Siena medallion. In honor of their50th Reunion, the class of ’58 raised $41,683 insupport of Siena’s Annual Fund.

A popular addition to this year’s reunionweekend was Welcome Back Night at Dapp’swhere over 200 alumni caught up with eachother and enjoyed listening to Fr. Dennis Tamburello ’75and Michael Murphy ’95 as they belted out tunesfrom yesterday and today.

Overall, Reunion 2008 was a veryenjoyable weekend for all in attendance. Ifyou are a member of a class ending in afour or nine and are interested in helpingplan next year’s reunion, please contactthe Alumni Office at alumni@siena.edu, asplanning has already started. Enjoy yoursummer!Top to bottom: On behalf of all the AnnualFund contributors unrestricted support,Ginny Darrow ’83 presented a check for$1,720,183 to Fr. Kevin Mullen, O.F.M..Members from the class of ’83 enjoyedcatching up with each other at Reunion2008. Fr. Kevin hosted a dinner for theclass of ’58 in the new President’s Houseon campus. The class of ’83 presented theirclass gift of $135,741 to Fr. Kevin and the class of ’68 with reunion weekend honoreesRobert Guido, James Donsbach and Bill McGoldrick. Also announced at reunion weekend was theestablishment of the Class of ’93 Scholarship. Gifts to this Scholarship are still being accepted as they areworking towards a goal of $25,000.

Siena News • 21

William “Bill” P. McGoldrick ’68The Reverend Benjamin Kuhn, O.F.M., Award forspecific contributions to improve the SienaCommunity

During his 37-year career in educationaladvancement, Bill has built a reputation as asuccessful professional and an outstanding teacher,speaker and consultant. His skills, experience andpassion for education led him to join Sue Washburnto establish Washburn and McGoldrick, Inc.. in1995, an international consulting firm dedicated toeducational institutions.

Bill served Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute asdirector of development for five years and as vicepresident for 11 years leading the alumni relations,communications and development programs, andtwo campaigns that secured more than $260 million.He also served as a major gift director in a $20million campaign at The College of William andMary.

Bill earned a bachelor’s degree in English fromSiena College and holds a master’s degree injournalism from Syracuse University. He servedtwo years as public affairs officer in the UnitedStates Navy.

He is also active as a board member for variouscommunity organizations including serving twoterms as a member of the board of directors of theSiena College Alumni Association and is currently a

James A. Donsbach ’68The Reverend Benjamin Kuhn, O.F.M., Award forspecific contributions to improve the SienaCommunity

The Donsbach name is synonymous with SienaCollege. Jim has been part of the Siena communityfor the better part of his lifetime. His dad was thelegendary accounting professor, Carl Donsbach,who taught at Siena for over 30 years before passingaway in 2000.

Beyond the family ties, Jim has been a dedicatedSiena volunteer. He has served as an officer in theCapital District Alumni Chapter, a volunteer for theAnnual Fund, which he chaired for two years, apanelist at student orientation events, a sponsor ofFesta Vino and a member of his class reunion giftcommittee. Jim also established an endowment fundfor a series of annual accounting lectures in memoryof his father.

After earning his undergraduate degree inbusiness from Siena in 1968, Jim completed agraduate degree in higher education at SUNYAlbany. His career spans over 35 years in highereducation and he currently manages a program officefor the Office of Higher Education at the New YorkState Education Department.

Jim celebrated his 40th class reunion this summerand looks forward to continuing the family legacy atSiena College.

member of Siena College’s Board of AssociateTrustees.

Bill is not only a great volunteer but a generousdonor as well. In addition to being a member of theAnnual Fund President’s Circle member and theSaints Alive! Boosters, Bill has made substantial giftsto several restricted projects at Siena. Bill, alongwith his wife Betsi, established the M. MargaretMcGoldrick Scholarship for students who are activecommunity members and have financial need inhonor of Bill’s mother. They supported the buildingof the Sarazen Student Union, Standish Library andrenovations of Siena Hall. Bill has been a leaderamong the class of 1968 for their class endowmentfund.

On Saturday, June 7, Siena honored six alumni for their contributions to the college,outstanding career achievements and dedication to advancing the welfare of others.The following alumni were honored at Reunion Weekend this year.

Left to right: BillMcGoldrick ’68,Fr. Kevin Mullen,O.F.M., and JamesDonsbach ’68.

Siena News • 22

Robert L. Guido ’68The Professor Joseph A.Buff Award foroutstanding careeraccomplishments orachievements

Bob Guido, retiredvice-chair of Ernst &Young LLP, wasresponsible for thefirm’s assurance andadvisory practices. Bobwas a member ofthe firm’s AmericasExecutive Board, which

is composed of partners responsible for the leadershipand direction of the firm. Bob has been a speaker atmany directors’ institutes and forums on corporategovernance (including the Fortune BoardroomForums).

He served as the coordinating partner on some ofErnst and Young’s largest global clients in manyindustries (and countries), including manufacturing,consumer products and energy. Bob also co-chairedErnst and Young’s Global Client Steering Committee.He has been involved in the development andimprovement of accounting and audit methodologiessince he joined E&Y in 1968.

Bob graduated with a B.B.A. from Siena Collegeand an M.B.A. from the Weatherhead School ofManagement at Case Western University. In additionto holding a Certified Public Accountant certificate,he also holds a Certified Management Accountantcertificate.

While based in Cleveland, Ohio, Bob was activein many organizations – including serving aspresident of The Zoological Society, treasurer ofCleveland Scholarship Inc., Boys & Girls Club,United Way, Leadership Cleveland, and chair of theaccounting advisory board at Case WesternUniversity’s Weatherhead School of Management.Since his 1997 transfer to Georgia, Bob joined EmoryUniversity’s Goizueta Business School AdvisoryBoard, assisted the Boys & Girls Club of Atlantawith their Capital Campaign, served on theGovernor’s Business Advisory Board, and served asa volunteer at the East Lake Golf Club in connectionwith the PGA’s Tour Championship Event.

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

John J. Breyo ’68The Professor Joseph A.Buff Award foroutstanding careeraccomplishments orachievements

John is a native ofSchenectady, N.Y., andan honors graduate ofLinton High School,Siena College and

Albany Law School, where he graduated 12th in hisclass. John was admitted to the New York State Barin June of 1972. In 1971, he joined The AycoCorporation. Founded on the belief that the tax codewas becoming too complex for even the mostknowledgeable of corporate executives, Aycoquickly gained a reputation for professionalism andcompetence. Ayco now provides financial planningservices to executives of Fortune 500 companies,among many other services.

As the founder of Ayco’s tax practice, itsEncompass consulting practice, Ayco AssetManagement, Ayco University and many otherinnovations, John has played a pivotal role in thegrowth of Ayco’s success. In 1986, he was namedto the office of the president. In 1994, under John’sleadership, the company underwent a managementbuyout, at which time he became president of TheAyco Company, L.P., and a major shareholder. InJune 1997, John became chairman and chiefexecutive officer and president of the parentcompany and all its subsidiaries and general partnerof all its partnerships. He was instrumental in theJuly 1, 2003, sale of The Ayco Company, L.P., toGoldman, Sachs & Co.

When Goldman, Sachs & Co. acquired TheAyco Company, L.P., John was named a managingdirector at Goldman, Sachs & Co., as well as chiefexecutive officer of The Ayco Company, L.P.

He has sat on the board of trustees of SaratogaPerforming Arts Center, Albany Law School,Greenwich Street Capital Partners I and GreenwichStreet Capital Partners II. He was named the 1999recipient of the William Golub Tikkun Olam Awardfor his humanitarian endeavors by the United JewishFederation of Northeastern New York. In 2002 hereceived an honorary Doctor of Laws degree fromSiena College.

John retired in November 2006 from The AycoCompany, L.P., but remains under contract toGoldman, Sachs & Co.

Siena News • 23

For the class of ’68, the High SchoolMentoring Program is special to thembecause numerous members of the classserved as mentors during their college years.Others came from underprivilegedbackgrounds, but succeeded because Sienacared for them. No matter the reason, all ofthe class members have a desire to give backand this project speaks to the Franciscan values thatcontinue to inspire this class, forty years after they graduated from Siena.

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

Class of ’68 Gift

Robert J. Edwards ’73 and Ralph C. Giuliano ’73The Professor Egon Plager Award foraccomplishments in advancing the welfare ofother human beings

During the 1991 Alumni Reunion Weekend, Dr.Jerry Hough ’73 ran into his classmate Dr. RobertEdwards ’73, a dentist from Stockbridge, Mass.“Jerry told me about his experience helping childrenin La Victoria, Dominican Republic, and it interestedme. I have always wanted to get involved in this typeof work,” Edwards said.

Dr. Edwards joined Dr. Hough and a few yearslater he recruited his classmate, Dr. Ralph Giuliano’73, a dentist in Southbury, CT to join the team’sefforts. Upon Dr. Edwards’ arrival he discoveredsparse and outdated dental equipment and they weredesperately low on supplies . They were hinderedwith a lack of refrigeration, and dental instrumentswere being washed by hand in basins filled with localcontaminated water. Electricity wasn’t guaranteedeveryday either.

Edwards and Giuliano spent most of their daystreating children at a clinic pre-school and educatingDominican dentists on new procedures. “We noticeda lot of dental decay in the children down there due totheir habits of chewing and brushing their teeth withsugar cane,” Edwards said. They also conductedinventories that would allocate future funds andsupplies. “You realize how much easier it is topractice in the United States,” Dr. Edwards said.“Working under these conditions you get a realfeeling of accomplishment, and it makes you want tocontribute a little more.”

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

In 2001, the Siena graduates, along withnumerous other volunteers from the United States,helped put the finishing touches on a new outpatienthospital. Included in the hospital was a dental clinic.“Our goal was to be able to get this place to be self-sustaining,” Giuliano said. Today the hospital has twofull-time dentists who serve the 500 children of LaVictoria. The dental clinic provides children’s teethcleaning for free, courtesy of Dr. Hough’s parish.Now that the clinic at La Victoria is self-sustaining,the Siena trio is considering a new location to help theless fortunate. “The world is our community,”Giuliano said. “As human beings, we have aresponsibility to this community.”

Siena News • 24

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

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

A former student of Dr. Brown described her as “ateacher, lifelong learner, environmentalist, ethicist, activistand more. She had a unique ability to kindle a burningdesire in her students to observe, study and document lifesciences.”

Her ability to influence her students extended wellbeyond the classroom. Alaina DeFazio ’04 took a classwith Dr. Brown that examined how food can affect thebody. Then, Alaina’s father Rocco ’75, a liberal artsalumnus who owns a pizzeria and food store in Troy,became interested in organic foods. This knowledge wasthen passed along to Alaina’s brothers Michael ’07 andMatthew ’09 who created their own company, OrganicJoe’s, which promotes eating organic foods. Due to itsinitial success, they decided to donate ten percent of theirproceeds to Siena’s Franciscan Center for Service andAdvocacy this past April.

Brown, a tireless activist, transformed her ownexperience fighting breast cancer into an opportunity toeducate women about the disease. When she was diagnosedwith cancer in 1993, Dr. Brown studied the latest medicalliterature and for the next decade, she helped others

understand it. She developed a course taughtnationally that focused on breast cancer thatdrew health care professionals, peoplefighting cancer, survivors and their families.

In 1997 she co-founded the feisty groupCapital Region Action Against BreastCancer (CRAAB) which encouraged womento scrutinize what doctors tell them aboutbreast cancer. Similar to her teaching style inthe classroom, she liked to challenge thestatus quo when the full story wasn’t beingtold.

The power of Dr. Brown’s legacy can befelt in the lives of our students, alumni, andthose who have or will be affected by breastcancer.

The Patricia Stocking BrownStudent Study addition to theMorrell Science Center isdesigned to be a bright, light-filled space that gives theimpression of having left thebuilding and entered a zonebetween inside and outside.This zone provides for afeeling of leaving the researchand experimental spaces andgoing into an interactive andsocial space – a space thatfeels warm and bright.

College Dedicates Study Loungein Honor of Beloved BiologyProfessor

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

Siena News • 25

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

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

I received an excellent education at Siena. I had professorswho taught me to think harder than I ever had and to makepositive choices about my life.

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

Who knew that a kid from Staten Island would go on tobe a judge or that a friend from Rochester would become acorporate CFO. Two friends from Buffalo, who wereroommates, both became doctors, one an international experton child diabetes. A kid from Albany became president of AT&TAlaska and today is a college professor teaching internationalbusiness.

One classmate from Schenectady became a CEO who led amajor financial corporation called AYCO. Another fromMohawk, N.Y., became an accountant and eventually corporatevice chairman of Ernst & Young.

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

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

On April 23 Siena hosted its annual Scholarship Appreciation Dinner and invited the endowedscholarship donors and the recipients to enjoy dinner together. The following is a list of newendowed scholarships that were signed during the 2007-2008 academic year:

The Guy ’54 and Dorothea Alonge, Jr.Scholarship Donor: Guy Alonge III

The Tim ’79 and Anne (Hein) ’80 BarkerScholarship Donors: Timothy Barker, Esq.’79 and Anne Hein Barker ’80

The Boyea Family ScholarshipDonor: Bruce W. Boyea ’73

The Mary Ryan Brennan ScholarshipDonor: James Brennan

The Caruso Family ScholarshipDonor: Patrick Caruso ’74

The Class of 1993 ScholarshipDonor: Reunion Class Gift

The Donald and Mary DeBlieuxScholarship Donors: Mark andKaren DeBlieux ’83 Vachon

The Gene Devine Scholarship-Donors:Dr. James ’50 and Mrs. Nancy Cassidy

The John P. and Regina M. Glynn, Jr.Scholarship- Donors: John P. ’70 andRegina M. Glynn, Jr.

The Michael Hickey ’83 ScholarshipDonor: Michael Hickey ’83

The Father Ben Kuhn, O.F.M. “Blessingsof the Animals” Endowed ScholarshipDonors: Cynthia A. Dott ’75 & Friendsof Siena College

The Madden Family ScholarshipDonor: Christopher J. ’77 and CarleenMadden

The Mashuta Family ScholarshipDonor: Anthony J. Mashuta

The Murphy Family ScholarshipDonor: Alison K. Murphy ’93

The Edward L. Pratt Memorial ScholarshipDonor: Edward C. Pratt ’65

The Serbalik Family ScholarshipDonors: James and Sandra Serbalik

The Margaret J. Smith ScholarshipDonors: David B.’79, Alicia, Lauren andMadison Smith

The Fr. Kevin Tortorelli, O.F.M.,Scholarship Donors: Alumni and Friends

The Eleanor Mary Weisbrod ScholarshipDonor: Eleanor M. Weisbrod

Endowed Scholarships Update

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

Siena News • 26

She celebrated her 75th birthday by sky diving outof an airplane because she always dreamed of beingable to fly. She recently turned 80 and plans to celebratethis milestone by hang gliding. Meet one of Siena’sfirst female graduates – Mary Burke Apps ’53.

“I want to leave a legacy for my grandchildren aswell as set an example for people my age that theycan do anything they want to,” Mary said. This isexactly how she has lived her life thanks to theFranciscan influence she experienced at Siena.

She enrolled at Siena in the evening divisionbecause “back then they didn’t allow girls in the daycourses.” In September of 1945, Mary was awardeda rotary student prize of $75 that was payable to herif she enrolled incollege. “That, alongwith a new bus routefrom Schenectady toSiena, was enoughincentive for me toenroll,” she said.

Mary attended Sienapart time in the eveningfor eight years whileworking six days a weekat General Electric inSchenectady during the day. Her days started at 6 a.m.at General Electric and typically ended at Siena around10:30 p.m. Despite the long days she said, “I fell inlove with Siena and had a fantastic experience there.”

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

Her desire to learn and passion to pursue newadventures in life started with the Franciscans whotaught her at Siena. “They constantly encouraged meto explore my interests and instilled confidence in meto live my life to the fullest,” she stated. She estimates

that she had five or six different majorsbecause Siena offered her too manyopportunities.

After graduation, Mary worked as aneditor of Technical Publications at GeneralElectric before deciding to pursue a master’sdegree in elementary education. She taughtfourth-grade in Oneonta, N.Y., until 1967when she married her husband and helped raisehis six children.

She now has 10 grandchildren and playsin three tennis leagues where her competition oftenconsists of college-age “girls” who she calls “the flatbellies.”

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

“I wouldn’t have had the ambition to do what Ihave done with my life without Siena. The collegegave me a fantastic life-changing educationalexperience,” Mary said. As an 80-year-old planningto hang glide this summer, she continues to enjoy theselife-changing experiences.

Leading theWay at 80

Above: Mary celebrated her 75th birthday by sky divingout of an airplane and came back to campus this yearfor her 55th Class Reunion.

Siena News • 27

ALUMNICLASS NOTES

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Editors: Janice Goca, Katie Sokol ’08, Ashley Dwyer ’08 and Nathan Maloney ’00Please submit all of your Class Notes information to your Class Coordinator, or if there is no coordinator listed for your class,

please send all information to alumni@siena.edu for posting in the magazine!

1951Larry Mahar of Middle Grove,N.Y., is the author of the story,Father Daniel Influenced MyLife. The story details how Fr.Burns made college possible forLarry who is a native of SaratogaSprings, N.Y. The story appearedin the May-June issue of TheFamily Digest.

1959Frank Martinftmartin@nycap.rr.com

Class of 1959: I have not heard from anyone so Ithought I would take thisopportunity to remind the class of1959 that our 50th class reunionwill take place next June. Theplanning committee is in placeand beginning to put together anexciting and interesting reunion. If you have any suggestions,please send them to me atftmartin@nycap.rr.com and I willget them to the committee. Looking forward to hearing fromyou.

1960Charles L. (Skip) Stuart sharessome sad news with the Sienacommunity. Scott S. Stuart, ofBaltimore, Md. passed awaypeacefully in his sleep on May 7,2008. Scott was the son ofCharles L. (Skip) Stuart Jr. ofVernon, Conn., and Ann Stuart ofCanton, Conn. He was 43 yearsold and director of alumnirelations at Loyola College ofMaryland since June 2007.

1962Ken Deitcherdukaytravel@att.net

Peter V. Coffey, a partner in theSchenectady law firm of Englert,Coffey, McHugh & Fantauzzi,LLP, has recently been elected aschairman of the real property lawsection of the New York StateBar Association. His practice isdevoted mainly to real estate andcommercial law. Previously,Peter was a partner of Maynard,O’Connor & Smith and a lawclerk to Supreme Court JusticeRobert O. Brink. Peter is activein the association and has served

on many of its committees. Healso received the association’s2008 Professionalism Award.Peter is a frequent lecturer andwriter on professional ethics andreal estate matters.Congratulations to Peter fromthe class of ’62!Classmates- please sendinformation about current eventsin your life to me. Let me knowif you’ve received an honor,retired, moved, flew on the spaceshuttle, or done something thatwould be of interest to yourclassmates. I’ll put it in the ClassNotes.

1965Jack Mulvey, Jr.jkmulvey@netscape.com

Welcome Jack Mulvey! GreetingsClass of 1965! Jack Mulvey hasvolunteered to be your classcoordinator! Please send Jack anyupdates you would like to sharewith the Siena community. Afew notes…Siena master’s degreealumna Marilyn Rothstein(writing as M. E. Kemp) ofSaratoga Springs, has a newhistorical mystery novel, Deathof Bawdy published by Hilliardand Harris. It is third in the seriesand is set in Salem during thewitch trials. For a signed copy,contact Kemp atkemp52roth@spa.net ormekempmysteries.com. Albanyattorney Eugene E. Napierski,Esq., was presented the DanielMahoney Memorial Award at therecent Capital District TrialLawyer’s Association annualdinner. This award is presentedannually in memory of thefounder of the organization to anattorney for demonstratingoutstanding commitment andservice to clients, the bar and theprofession, and to theperpetuation of the work of the“shirt-sleeve” lawyer.

1967Rick SpataroRspataro001@twcny.rr.com61 State StreetMalone, NY 12953(518) 483-3566

Fellow classmates, as of July 1,

2008, I am retired from thewonderful world of education. My first and only post-retirementcommitment to date is to helpshare the news for all of you. Ineed your help and input. Likeyou, I would like to read aboutwhat fellow members of our classare doing. Although I was unableto attend our 40th reunion, a hatfrom that affair made its way tonorthern New York. I proudlywear it as a member of the classof 1967. I don’t believe thatthere are a lot of you living nearMalone, N.Y., therefore I willneed to depend on you for newsabout yourselves and/or others.Some class news…Michael J. Tommaney, Esq., hasbeen named partner at the firm of

TullyRinckeyPLLC inAlbany,N.Y.Tommaneybringsover 35years ofexperienceto hispractice,which

focuses on estate planning, willsand trusts, estate administration,estate tax, commercial andresidential real estate and businesslaw (see photo).

1968Bill McGoldrickbmcgoldrick@wash-mcg.com

If you didn’t make our 40th

reunion, you missed a great party.More than 40 classmates (almost100, counting spouses) made it agreat weekend! I’ll be connectingwith some of the people whowere at the party for future classnotes. Coming the farthest wereJim and Melanie Coughlin(Aviso Viejo, Calif.) JohnDawson and Rich Dolinar(Phoenix, Ariz.), Pete Lattimore(Albuquerque, N.M.), GaryHache (Minn.), Brian and JaneKernaghan (Pawley’s Island,S.C.) and Denny Sullivan andBob Guido (Atlanta, Ga.).It was also great to have a specialvisit at our party from Fr. Matt

Conlin, O.F.M., (former Sienapresident and fabulousShakespeare prof!), SienaPresident Fr. KevinMullen,O.F.M., and Jim andTeresa Snyder. Jim leads Siena’sMentoring Program today as heled Big Brothers when we were atSiena(see photo on page 23).Our class gift has been a HUGEsuccess! The greatest class to evergraduate from Siena (someone hasto prove me wrong!) hascommitted more than $275,000to the Siena Mentoring Programand more than $50,000 to theannual fund this year. If you arenot one of those who have made agift, why not do it today? Sendyour gift to classmate Bob Klein,who is Siena’s director ofdevelopment.There will be more news nexttime. Drop me a line with newsfrom your life and we’ll share it inthe next Siena magazine!

1973Brian Valentine(202) 586-9741bgvalentine@verizon.net

Greetings to the Siena class of1973 – and all of Siena’scommunity and friends! I hopethe summer finds you well, andyou have had the opportunity toenjoy many outdoor recreationalactivities. I also hope many ofthe class of 1973 had theopportunity to attend SienaReunion 2008 – reunion picturesappear in this edition of AlumniNews. It’s a great honor for meto recognize the inspiration ofour Siena classmates, Dr. RalphGiuliano and Dr. RobertEdwards, who were awarded TheProfessor Egon Plager Award foraccomplishments in advancing thewelfare of other human beings –for their charitable medicalcontributions in the DominicanRepublic. Ralph and Bob foundtheir inspiration from Dr. JerryHough – a pediatrician fromFlorida – who also contributed tothe children of the DominicanRepublic and received theProfessor Egon Plager Award forhis accomplishments in 1991. Please drop us a note to share

your stories with us in the classnews and notes! You’ll at leasthave stories of your great summervacation to tell, won’t you? 1975Janet Gutowski Halljanet.hall@wku.edu

1977Linda Fitzsimmonslfitzsimmons@hvc.rr.com

Mae A. D’Agostino, Esq. ofLatham, a partner in the Albany-based law firm of D’Agostino,Krackeler, Baynes & Maguire,P.C., was recently honored byAlbany Law School with a 2008Kate Stoneman Award.Honoring the first womanadmitted to practice law in NewYork State, the award is givenannually to individuals in thelegal profession who havedemonstrated a commitment toensuring equity and fairness in thelegal profession for women of allraces, ages and religions. Anadjunct professor at Albany LawSchool, where she teaches medicalmalpractice, D’Agostino is alsopast chair of the Trial LawyersSection of the New York StateBar Association and was includedin the 2006 Best Lawyers inAmerica list.

1978VictorTopo,presidentand CEOof theCenter forLifeManagementin Derry,N.H., wasa featuredpresenterat the 38th

AnnualConferenceof theNational Council for CommunityBehavioral Healthcare heldrecently in Boston, Mass.,(seephoto).

1979Sue Reilly/ HayesCLIFTON522@aol.com522 Chili-Riga Town Line RoadChurchville, NY 14428(585) 889-2072

1980

Dorothy Skiba/Pisarski, assistantprofessor of advertising at DrakeUniversity, recently received theDistinguished AdvertisingEducator of the Year Award forthe Ninth District of theAmerican Advertising Federation.The district, which includes 27schools in Iowa, Kansas, Missouri

and Nebraska, annuallyrecognizes an advertisingprofessor who has been aconsistent mentor to students,supports the success of theadvertising industry in a personalway through research, teachingand advocacy and has worked toadvance the mission of AAF.Paul V. Mullin, Esq., wasrecently re-elected to the positionof president of the board oftrustees of the Onondaga FreeLibrary. He was also selected as a“Super Lawyer” for the secondyear in a row for upstate NewYork lawyers. Only five percentof New York’s lawyers areselected to this list. EllenCorcoran/D’Aniello is proud toannounce that her daughter, Lisa,was just named to the U-23National Rowing Team. Lisa isthe granddaughter of John D.Corcoran, Jr. ’56. She’ll becompeting in Germany, July 17-20. To support Lisa, check outwww.firstgiving.com/u23lightweightwomen andwww.usrowing.org/Olympic_NationalTeam/index.aspx

1982Bob YoungRYoung60@aol.com

Congratulations to Pat Culliganwho finished the BostonMarathon in 3 hours, 9 minutesand ten seconds. That’s an averageof 7 minutes, thirteen seconds permile. Great job Pat!

1983Elvira Altimari-Jaeger 60 Wyatt RdGarden City, NY 11530 eaj6@optonline.net

Our own Tom Bonomo said itbest:Gas from Richmond to Albanyand back - $170Two nights in a hotel - $300Warm beer at Dapper’s - $4Catching up with everyone -Priceless !!!

For those who made the journey,it was great to see you! Foreveryone else, we missed you andhope that you will make it backto Siena in June of 2013 for the30th reunion. I know I speak foreveryone who attended when Isay that it was wonderful toreconnect with all the people whoare part of the class of ’83 andSiena itself. Some things changedbut most remained the same.When you were greeted by an oldfriend it took only a moment toplace the face and transport youback to senior week, the Rat orWestern Civ (of course the nametag helped). I will quote anotherclassmate, Diane McAlpine, “Itwas wonderful to see so many

familiar faces from a very specialtime in our lives. I triedexplaining the ‘Siena spirit’ to oneof my colleagues, who couldn’timagine why I’d want to attendmy 25th reunion. As soon as Iwalked on campus, I felt it again.And you all know what I’mtalking about.”We are in the process of settingup a reunion page for our class sothat you can see pictures of thereunion. If you have anypictures, send them toalumni@siena.edu. The page willbe a class of ’83 reunion page aspart of the alumni section of theSiena Website.I have one update and about amillion shout-outs, so here goes: Iheard from Maryann Werner/Hartwick. She has been livingAthens, Oh., for 10 years. Shemarried Russ Hartwick ’82 inJuly of 1984. They have threechildren. Their oldest, Suzanne,graduated from college last Juneand is getting ready to pursue agraduate/doctorate degree inEnglish literature. Their son,Conor, graduated from highschool on Reunion Weekend andis heading off to college this fall. Their youngest, Mary, is finishingup ninth grade. She keeps herselfbusy with flute, tennis and figureskating. Russ is a familyphysician practicing in Jackson,Oh. He’s picked up thesaxophone in recent years andenjoys playing in several bands. Sue is a tax preparer for H &RBlock. During the off season sheis president of the high schoolband boosters and the SoutheastOhio Astronomical Society. Shealso enjoys figure skating, as wellas playing the piano and Frenchhorn.There were about 150 members ofthe class of ’83 who attendedvarious events at the reunion.Some we saw at Dapp’s on Friday(that really felt like old times-hot, loud and tons of fun, no“High Hopes” on the juke boxthough). Some were at the picnicwith their families on Saturday.The class of ’83 had their owntent and tables. Most made it tothe dinner/dance on Saturdaynight. However, there were somevery conspicuous absences andthey are being called out by theirfriends who attended thefestivities and missed theirpresence. Special reunion no-show shout-outs go to: GeorgeLeombruno, Ray Mis, the“swamp” crew: Dave Donovan,Mike “Bear” McDermott andMike Dempsey. Terry Greco,John Pawlinga, Mike Kelly, StanPingelski, Sue Bevel, TomBaggetta, Gordon “Gordy”Clark, Kevin Keating, PegMiller, Ted Henderson, DanFalvo and Judy Ricci to name afew. Also not in attendance:

John Miano and Lori Remmel/Miano, Jeannine Picozzi/Finnelli and Rich Finnelli. Iwill quote Ed “Bumble”Humphreys who said, “whenyou are married to a fellow alum,you are morally obligated toattend.” Your classmates arelooking forward to hearing fromall of you. Please send an update.No excuses necessary. Just bethere next time!

1984Lisa San Fratello/ McCutcheon305 The ParkwayIthaca, New York 14853mcclisa@yahoo.com

The following is a note receivedin the alumni office from ElaineKelsey/Ramundo:As of April 1, 2008 I have beenappointed by NationwideInsurance Companies andaffiliates licensed in Property,Casualty, Life and Health as theprinciple agent for ElaineRamundo & Associates, Inc. tocontinue on the Nationwideagency that my recently departedhusband Vito had started over 17years ago. In the true spirit of theNationwide marketingcampaigns, “Life Comes at YouFast,” I have learned firsthand theimportance of insurance andmaking sure you are coveredwhen life throws you theunexpected. At the young age of46, Vito leaves behind myself andsoon to be four-year-old daughterGina to carry on his legacy he sodearly built up from nothing.I hope to one day have ascholarship in his name at Sienafor students pursuing careers ininsurance and financial services.

1985Catherine & Ron Bjorklundbjork90@comcast.net14 Stevens LaneTabernacle, NJ 08088-9744

Tracy Ridell/Miller is going backto work after almost 15 years athome raising the boys. Well, Robis still a work-in-progress,but their kids are moreindependent, so now is a goodtime for her to get her career backon track. Tracy will be teachingmath and science at the MetrolinaRegional Scholars’ Academy,which is a charter school foracademically gifted students inCharlotte, N.C. Classmates Sue Tase/Cleary,MaryEllen Mackay/Vadney,Joanne Irace/Duffy, JoAnnNaccarato/Madigan, KarenForth/LaFreniere, Ann Kelly/Coughlin, Jenny Fountain/MacAskill, Lisa Barbaris andCathy Casey/Bjorklund knowbetter than to make any otherplans the first weekend in March.This weekend is a long-sacred

Siena News • 28

“girls only” retreat celebratedeach year. Meeting in New YorkCity on Friday night andspending the weekend talking,shopping, talking, seeing shows,talking, indulging, talking, doingtouristy things (and did I mentiontalking?), the group has formed abond through marriages, children,jobs and family struggles. Manyfunny stories (trust me, don’t goto Hogs ’n Heffer’s if you areover 40) keep this group comingback for more. Do you have aSiena group that still getstogether on a regular basis? Tellus about it and we will print ithere!Rob Pastore and Cyndi Mihal/Pastore have bought a farm!Their farm, named Morning ViewFarms is located in Ballston Spa,N.Y. They are NortheastOrganic Farming Association ofNew York certified organicfarmers. They raise mixedproduce and eggs for a localfarmers’ market (Cyndi is themarket manager) and health foodstore on 23 acres and in fourgreen houses. Rob and Cyndialso started aCommunity SupportedAgriculture program this year andsupply 10 families with a weeklybag of produce. Some of thethings they grow include arugula,spinach, tomatoes, radishes,lettuce, onions, garlic, carrots,corn, winter and summer squash,potatoes, turnips, Swiss chard andbroccoli. Additionally, the farmplays host to Rob and Cyndi’scollege roommates (13+) andfamilies once each summer for a“roommate reunion” where we alllaugh at how old we are, try tokick a keg, sleep in tents, eat anamazing farm breakfast with eggsthe kids collect, and are in awe ofall of the children we haveamassed and how fast they aregrowing up.

1987Gerry McAndrewGeraldine.mcandrew@verizon.net

1988Paula CacossaPc888@comcast.net

Lt. Col. John F. Cuddy, has beenpromoted to the rank of colonelduring a recent ceremony atPatriot Square, Camp Phoenix,Kabul, Afghanistan. Cuddy is a

team leader for an embeddedtraining team for Combined JointTask Force Phoenix VII. Heresides in Providence, R. I., and isa member of the New HampshireArmy National Guard and isassigned to the 27th Brigadecombat team from New York forservice in Afghanistan. Cuddy’sawards and decorations includethe Meritorious Service Medal,Army Commendation Medal,Army Achievement Medal,National Defense Service Medal(with one service star),Humanitarian Service Medal,Armed Forces ExpeditionaryMedal, the NATO and UNService Medals, the ParachutistBadge, Air Assault Badge, theGerman Armed ForcesParachutist Badge and theExcellence in Competition Badge,Bronze, in both rifle and pistol(see photo).

1989Mike Carbonarosienanews.1989@yahoo.com3140 10th StreetBethlehem, PA 18020(610) 737-1147

Summer is finally here. Theweather has turned quickly andwe are enjoying summer finally.It’s June while I am writing thisso the crazy spring we had is nowbehind us. I believe most of mysubmissions made the springnewsletter which should havearrived; the next deadline isOctober 1, 2008, so please get meyour information so we can keepthe class updated. I received acouple of items from the class andthe first is from Tracy Solarekwho recently joined ExcelsiorCollege in Albany, N.Y. asexecutive director of marketing.She’s responsible for the BMWgroup which stands for businessdevelopment, marketing and theweb team. I received a short notefrom Claire Cuccio/Steele whowrote in to tell us how much funshe was having in a systemsengineering class working oncalculus problems- we both had agood laugh at a need for Calculusfor Dummies. On a serious note,Claire deploys for a tour in theMiddle East managing thecomputer networks for our troopsin that area- best of luck and staysafe. We all hope to see you backat our 20 year reunion in 2009.Who can believe it has been thatlong since we left Siena? Hope tosee everyone there!

1990Alan Blakeborough and his wifeKaren have opened the MVPfirm. It will specialize in directplacement in accounting/finance,medical and sales fields. The firmwill also aid small companies withhuman resource issues and

development. The firm servesclients in Charlotte, N.C.,Greenville, S.C. and Albany,N.Y. For more information go towww.themvpfirm.com.

1991Kevin ClarkeSiena91@optonline.net

Greetings class of 1991!With every issue of the SienaNews, I immediately flip to thesection for our class notes withthe thought of catching an updaterelating to the successes of one ofmy friends or acquaintances.However, it seems with everyissue, our class is represented lessand less. So, I recentlyvolunteered to represent the classof 1991 – to help us all keep intouch with the people and a timein our lives that will always bringa smile to our faces.Recently, I was at a party withmy family at a friend’s house intown. I was talking to a couplewho have a child in my son’s classand during the conversation itcame up that he was from a“small town” near Albany, N.Y.The “small town” turned out tobe Latham and after that theSiena stories just began to flow.As we talked, they told me abouta college roommate whose sisterwent to Siena and graduated in1990 (turns out she was myresident assistant).After taking that trip downmemory lane, I started to thinkabout what a small world we livein and how far-reaching the Sienacommunity is. Whether it’s thelocal parish, where Fr. Denniscomes and celebrates Mass everyholiday, or the PTA meetings atmy child’s school where thepresident is also a Siena graduate,or just walking down the street inNew York City and bumping intoan old friend (Browner) – I amalways amazed at the impactSiena has had on my life.It’s that impact and the far -eaching community that we, theclass of 1991, must keep alivebetween all of us. So, I need yourhelp to make this a success. Let’smake sure our section is alwaysfull of news and information thatwill keep us all connected. Sendme your notes or just drop me aline to catch up–nothing is toosmall to mention.So, to get things started, I didhear from Scott A. Wilson. Hehas been named president & chiefexecutive officer for SeaCommFederal Credit Union, Massena,N.Y. SeaComm has 34,000members and more than a quarterof a billion dollars in assets. Scottlives in Massena, N.Y., with hiswife Doreen, and their fourchildren Paige, Levi, Hannah andChloe. Congratulations Scott!That’s it for now – all the best!

1992Mary Pat McLoughlin/ Hollerjmpholler@optonline.net

Hello class of 1992!Here are a few updates that Ihave received from members ofour class:Laurie Farchione/Holtsbery isstill teaching and gave birth toher fourth daughter on February7, 2008. Madelyn Elizabeth joinsMackenzie, 6, Sophia, 5, andGrace, 2.Marc Bloom married AngieHostick on January 12, 2008.Present at the wedding from ourclass were Joe Zito, Mike Brown,Tom Miller, Sean Doyle, GaryLee, Peter Dean, John Hay, andMichele Castaldo/Miller. Also,Michelle Manning marriedPatrick Schembri on October 22,2006 in Williamsburg, Va. Theywere joined by fellow Sienaalumni Bob Casey ’93, BryceFarbstein ’94, Amy Stuttard/Markowicz and JacquelynWalter/Dougherty (see photo).Tom Pearl was just named vicepresident of human resourceswith Siemens Cooperation.(thanks to his wife SandyKeefner/Pearl for the update).That’s all I have for now. I knowthat so many of you are doinggreat and exciting things withyour lives so please e-mail me andlet me know about them.

1993Susan Hannon shannon@ryeneck.k12.ny.us213 W. 252nd StreetRiverdale, NY 10471917-796-2085

What a terrific reunion class of’93! Have you cooled off yet?!As Jill Byrnes/Marks put it, “wewere sweating all weekend” –from a packed crowd at Dapp’s tothe 90 degree picnic – but hey, itwas still fun and there was airconditioning Saturday night. Bythe way, for those who didn’tattend – the big update is thatDapp’s now serves pizza! Ithought I’d start off updating youon my old “romper room”Townhouse 33 roommates.Michelle Young/McLoughlin andher husband Scott welcomed theirsecond child in December andwhat a cutie Christopher Ralphis. Christopher and big sisterKylie are two years apart. TerriKenny/Holler has written asecond book, Holler for YourHealth – Be the Key to aHealthy Family. The book offersa unique look at how to avoidtoxic chemicals and obtain propernutrients. If you weren’t luckyenough to purchase it at herimpromptu book signing outsideDapp’s at the reunion you can

Siena News • 29

purchase it atwww.holler4health.com. KaryGarrison/Trocchia wanted toupdate you all on her and hubbyJim Trocchia who will becelebrating their 11th anniversaryin the fall. Whoever said thathookups at the end of yourcollege years don’t work out! Jimis working as a director in humanresources for the YMCA ofGreater New York in Manhattan. Kary left an underwriting job infall 2006 to stay home for a fewyears with daughter, Emily, whowill be three in August. Forgood measure they added anotherone, James (Jimmy) in July 2007. They are living out in GardenCity, Long Island. Kary wants toknow what her dear old friendKym Uhlemann is doing so e-mail me an update. DanielleCerro is living in Orlandoworking as an IT director forCHEP, an equipment poolingcompany. In October 2007, shereturned from a two-yearassignment in the UnitedKingdom, only to get engaged inApril. She will be gettingmarried in October 2008 and willbe relocating to Mumbai, whereher fiancé has just accepted theposition of president, CHEPIndia. If you need a place to staywhen visiting India, she said tocontact her as she will haveLOTS of spare time to entertain. She also wanted to send a specialshout-out to the Cheers gang andthe boys from Townhouse 6, aswell as the girls from Hennepin4W. She also gave me the scoopon Kim Kachadurian/Baker. She and her husband Brad areboth employed at Disney andthey have two gorgeous boys,Carson, 5, and Evan, almost 3. Her old roommate KristinSwaika/Laliberte and herhusband Dave ’94 are living nearTampa where Dave is stationedin the Navy. They also have ason, Luke. Now, LauraTesoriero, don’t forget to sendme your update (you promised meone at the reunion) and for thenext issue let’s try and get anupdate on Chris Cassalia, JayDe Traglia, Cindy Patterson andLincoln Smith.

1994Glenn Hofsessgh@endcap.com83 Kellogg StreetBrookfield, CT 06804

Congratulations to SusanDeRosa, a fifth-grade teacher atWilliam S. Covert School inSouth Hempstead, N.Y. who wasthe recipient of the 2007-2008Sister Kathleen Waters MasterEducator Award. This mostprestigious award was establishedto acknowledge theaccomplishments of individuals in

the Rockville Centre SchoolDistrict who distinguishthemselves as having“demonstrated a significantimpact on students, have made acontribution to the practice of theprofession and have distinguishedhim/herself in scholarship,leadership and character.” Ismael(Izzy) Santiago, Jr. and his wife,Dominique, are proud toannounce the birth of their sonMarcello Michele Santiago, whowas born on May 29, 2008 at 6pounds, 11 ounces and 19 inchesin length. Big sister, IsabellaAmelia, is a great help and lovesher little brother more thananything in the world. SusanRose/Merola and AnthonyMerola welcomed a daughter,Elisabeth Rose, on September 16,2007. Big brother Nicholas, is 4and loves his new baby sister!The Merola family resides inMerrick, Long Island. As I writethis column I am packing sandtoys and preparing two little guysfor a day of wide-eyedexcitement on the beach.Nothing is better than watchingtheir faces glow with theexuberance of having just the besttime in the whole world. I hopeyou capture many of thosemoments this summer and savorthem forever.

1995Neil Wilcovenwilcove@fmglaw.com

Stephanie Urschel/Hall and herhusband Michael, welcomed theirdaughter Sara Anne on December27, 2007. She joins big brotherRyan and big sister Abigail.Kathryn Landolfi/Ozimek andher husband Michael ’96welcomed their second son, BradyMichael Ozimek on January 13,2008. Brady joins big brotherConor Joseph, who was born onNovember 19, 2005. RobertBelsito and his wife Patricia,along with big sisters Cassandraand Lillian, welcomed JaneCatherine Walsh Belsito on March5, 2008. William Keany and hiswife Mary are the proud parentsof two beautiful children, LiamSeamus, who was born on July 5,2006 and little sister, CharlotteCampion, who was born onNovember 25, 2007.

1996Brian Murraymurray21@hotmail.combmurray@betterbackschiropractic.com(614) 270-6003

Kevin Timothy Sweeney joinedthe Sweeney clan on February 19,2008. He was 9 pounds, 4 ouncesand was welcomed with love byhis big brother, Patrick, 4, and hisbig sister, Mary-Kate, 2. TrishEnglish/Sweeney and John

Sweeney ’97 are hoping one ofthese three will end up a SienaSaint. Tricia Kelly/McCormackand Tom McCormack ’97 hadtheir second baby boy, ConnorBrian McCormack on December27, 2007. Kimberly Ferber/Bahn and husband Christopherare pleased to announce the birthof their daughter, Kylie Sage,born on April 7, 2008. She joinsbig brother Logan Christopherwho was born in July 2005.Danielle Jacques/Berry checkedin to let us know that she hasnow been married for almost sixyears to Daniel Berry with twoboys, Brendan Ried, born July 14,2006 and Patrick Daniel, bornFeb. 4, 2008. She has beenworking for 11 years in NewYork City as an accountant forthe Island Def Jam Music Group.Lisa and Javon Overstreet hadidentical twin girls, TeaganKathleen and Taryn Cynthia onMarch 3, 2008. They also haveAvery, 4, and Alexa, 2. AllisonCina/Kasson and her husbandJoe recently added a fourth to“Team Kasson.” Emily Paige, 3-months-old, joined BridgetElizabeth, 5, Patrick Joseph, 4and Thomas Joseph, 3. JeremyWilliams and wife Sarahwelcomed their third daughter,Lucia Grace, on February 8,2008. Lucia joins sisters HelenaMary, 4, and Caroline May, 2, in anew home built near North Creekin the Adirondacks. Molly West/Meczywor checked in and let usknow that she married MichaelMeczywor in October 2000.They now have two boys, Casey,6, Carson, 4, and a daughterEmma, 8-months-old. Molly iscurrently teaching English atDrury High School in NorthAdams, Mass. She’s been there for12 years and is also the girls’varsity soccer coach. Karen andBill Parlapiano are proud toannounce the birth of their fourthchild. Nicholas Matthew wasborn on February 23, 2008 atSaratoga Hospital. Kevin“Rook” VanWieren earned hisM.B.A. and graduated top in hisclass from Villanova UniversitySchool of Business. Most recently,he accepted the position ofconsulting account manager withSatmetrix Systems in New YorkCity. Last but not least, Kevinand his wife, Debbie, becameparents for the first time. Theirson, Nicholas Robert Van Wieren,was born on April 2, 2008.Daddy’s already got him listeningto the Ramones and The Clash!Finally, Jay McGrath says helloand let us know that he is nowliving 30 miles south of Albanywith two girls (his words)!Fred Pratt married Erin R. Simmson October 13, 2007. Many Sienaalumni attended the wedding (seephoto) First row: D. Danielsen

and K. Danielsen, R. Carmenand J. Carmen, E. Pratt and F.Pratt, Fr. Francis X. GunnO.F.M., L. Sherman and W.Sherman, T. Kellogg, M. Murray,B. Murray. Second row: E.Connolly and P. Connolly, Br.Michael Harlan, O.F.M., M.Owens ’86, Fr. DennisTamburello, O.F.M. ’75, K.Collette and J. Collette, J.Mooney. Your college checklist isnow complete! I am still in theprocess of creating a database ofall current e-mails for the class of1996. If you have not yet doneso, please forward your contactinformation as well as emailcontacts for your friends from ’96to murray21@hotmail.com and Iwill be sending back a database ofall current e-mails to you in thenear future.

1997Selena Dutcherselena.dutcher@regentcomm.combronx_bombers25@yahoo.com (518) 265-2127

It’s summertime in Albany andsome days it feels more likeFlorida! The horses are runningat Saratoga and if you need meyou can find me there! As ourschedules, both personal andprofessional, get busier and busierremember to take time foryourself, your family and yourfriends!Here is an update on some of ourclassmates…Michelle Rizzo/Daly and herhusband Tom Daly, are proud toannounce the birth of theirdaughter Nicole Marie Daly onMarch 12, 2007!Eileen Morrssey/Mulroy is nowthe proud mother of two girlswith the arrival of Tara SageMulroy on January 3, 2008! Bigsister Megan turned two inNovember and is excited to be inher new role as “big sister!”Carlos Nazario sent an updatefrom Fort Hamilton, Brooklynwhere he is an officer in theUnited State Army. His daughterIsabella is now 20 months old andhe was married on March 29, inNew York City!John Tobin and his wife JamieButtiglieri/Tobin ’99 are proud toannounce the arrival of their sonLucas John on May 8, 2008.They currently live in EastGreenbush, N.Y.!Congratulations to Dr. BrianMahoney on receiving hisdoctorate in school leadership andadministration from FordhamUniversity on May 17, 2008.John De Stafeno is off themarket! He married Kerri Matherin July 2006 with a number of“Siena family” in attendance (seephoto). Back row L to R: ChrisStefanac, Jill Vermeulen/Stefanac, Mike Giardino and Jill

Siena News • 30

White/Giardino ’96, MarkLawrence, Shashin Shah, VenuChannamsetty, James and SandySerbalik, Brian Spofford, JillSpofford ’98, and ChristinaBabine/Addessa ’99. Front row Lto R: Kerri Mather, John DeStafeno and James Lotakis.Jonai Nertney/Trumpler marriedJoseph Trumpler on October 5,2005 and welcomed theirdaughter, Joslyn Leigh, on July17, 2007. Congratulations!Finally, probably one of the mostentertaining updates came in fromnone other than Pete Rydel. Petemarried Margaret Tuttle ’98,according to Pete, “in 2002…Ithink!” They currently live inPortland, Conn., where Pete is anattorney in New Haven, Conn.They are the proud parents ofConnor Keegan, born on October1, 2005 and his little sister CaitlinFox, born on May 30, 2007. AsPete writes, “She was born theweekend before our 10-yearreunion. I still can’t believe thatMargaret didn’t let me goanyway.” I will spare you thespecific details but Pete walkedme through a typical dayincluding the potty-trainingaccomplishments of Connor!Connor…we’re all very proud ofyou!Remember, you don’t need to beengaged, planning a wedding orhave a baby to update everyone!Have you made a move lately?Did you get promoted?Remember, to make a submissionfor the newsletter, please contactme by email atselena.dutcher@regentcomm.comor bronx_bombers25@yahoo.com. If you want to touch base andchat for a while…give me a call at518-265-2127. I look forward tohearing from you!

1998Janine Trapp/Scotti(201) 294-0395sienasaints98@yahoo.com

Where has 10 years gone? I hopemany of you were able to make itto and enjoy our 10-year reunion.Although I had obligations thatkept me in Chicago thatweekend, my thoughts were withthe class of 1998! I got reportsfrom several friends thatattended, who said it was anenjoyable weekend.Kristine Wylie-DeWaters and herhusband Josh welcomed sonLogan John DeWaters onDecember 8, 2007. Lots of exciting news for BrianMahoney ’97 and Amy Sutton/Mahoney . The couple, alongwith big brother Brendan,welcomed their second son,Patrick Richard, on March 16,2007. Amy saw her first bookUntenured, Uncensored:Surviving the First Years of

Teaching published by Rowman& Littlefield Publications/Scarecrow Press and released in2007.Enjoy the Summer class of ’98!

1999Brendan Fitzgeraldnyfitzgerald@yahoo.comfitzgeb@assembly.state.ny.us518-258-9272

Low summer thunder is distantlyrolling as I write, while a tranquilrain patters just audibly enoughso as to be hypnotizing.Honestly, it’s the stuff ofrelaxation tapes. I’d be asleep if itweren’t for the afternoonmugginess. It’s reminding me, asseems to be the pattern when I sitdown to write these updates, ofmy time at Siena. I spent asummer session living in Hines,catching up on my fine arts andforeign language requirements inbetween my junior and senioryears. Siena was a completelydifferent place those few weeks –almost forlorn. Without the usualhustle and bustle, I sometimeslamented having being stuck inthe hothouse affectionatelyknown as “Hines College.” Itwas lonesome, but it had itsadvantages. On late night strollsto fend off boredom, I got muchbetter acquainted with thecampus, and all of its nooks andcrannies. Like an urban explorer,I felt like I was learning Siena’ssecrets. It gave me a betterappreciation and an even greaterfondness for Siena, which hasstayed with me to this day.Great news! Devon Couden/Treharne, and her husbandBryan Treharne, welcomed intotheir family their second child, adaughter, Reagan Kathleen, onOctober 13, 2007. She joins her2-year-old big brother, JamesMorgan, to round out their familyof four. Hooray Treharnes!Kim Karbowski/Breault also e-mailed with great baby news.She and her husband Tim Breaultwelcomed their first child,daughter Kate Sienna, on March2, 2008. The Breaults are happilysettled in Huntersville, N.C.Congratulations Breaults!I also heard from JamieButtiglieri/Tobin and herhusband John Tobin ’97 whoproudly announced that their son,Lucas John, was born on May 8,2008. Jamie and John currentlymake their home in EastGreenbush, N.Y. From what Ihear, Jamie still keeps in touchwith Toni Colombetti/Conoverand the rest of the old gang.Hoorah Tobins!Pamela Lalor/Murin e-mailedwith news that she gave birth toher second daughter on January17, 2008. Shannon Kathleen

joins her older sister ReaganPatricia, her mom and her dad,Patrick, as the newest addition tothe Murin family. Way to goMurins!On April 10, 2008 Jodie Need/Szozda, husband TimothySzozda, and big sister Julia,welcomed into the worldJoanthan Matthew Szozda.Congratulations Szozda family!My, my weren’t we a busy classthis past calendar year!I also heard from Mike Greco,who is living happily with hiswife and infant son in their newhouse in Maryland. I promisedhim a callback, which is comingsoon Mike.Finally, I just got a text messagefrom Johnson Varughese who’sprobably working a double in hisnew physician assistant gig. Hewas texting to let me know thatGeorge Carlin passed away.Thanks Varughese, for the day-old news updates. Rest in peaceGeorge: you taught me moreabout the English language thanmy mother ever cared for me toknow.Keep the updates coming class of’99! Here’s to another“productive” summer!

2000Shaymus R. SchweitzerSienaSaints2000@hotmail.com103 Sherman Ave.Troy, New York 12180518-727-3392

So has anyone been to a 30th

birthday party lately? Quitedifferent than the last “big one”we all had at 21, right? My wifethrew me a surprise 30th at ourhouse over the winter. It wasgreat fun to see many friendsfrom Siena and even high school,but I found myself content to goto bed at a reasonable hour, andstill woke up relatively early thenext morning…not fullyrecovered (that takes days now),but awake early nonetheless. Bythe way, we did play Beirut, and Idid get my butt kicked byChubbs (Eric) LeDuc and JamesDeMatteo. I’ll spare you all themildly embarrassing party photos.Hope you are all enjoying thesummer and the barbeques,vacations, outdoor events, andyes – 30th birthday parties - thatare sure to keep your weekendsbooked.Kris Merrill ’99 and DanaConlan/Merrill checked inrecently to announce the birth oftheir daughter Keely Siena Merrillon April 29, 2008.Congratulations to both of you.What a fantastic name!I also got an e-mail from KarenWereb. She noticed that ourcolumn was a little lacking lasttime and decided to help me outwith news from a little while

back, but great news just thesame. Karen was married to EricBiehler on August 11, 2007.Check out their wedding photo inthis edition. Best wishes to bothof you!Our friend Katie Julian wascatching up with my wifeKristina recently. Katie calls theNorth End of Boston home, andis proud to be finishing up herfifth year as a first grade teacherat the Benjamin Banneker CharterSchool. She is really dedicated toher students and talks about themall the time. Hopefully we willvisit Katie soon so she can guideus to all the good Italian foodthat Boston’s North End has tooffer. Maybe we can even visitwhen my Yanks are in town!Keep the stories coming. I lovehearing from you, and so do therest of your classmates. Even ifyou just have a funny storyinvolving class of 2000 people,drop me a line—I’ll put it in!

2001Maura Macksienanotes01@gmail.com

Congrats to Craig Hall on the

success of his company,LogosPrint. Craig recentlyrelocated LogosPrint to 10Walker Way, Suite 6, in Albany.Craig believes the larger spacewill allow LogosPrint to providebetter services to clients lookingfor signs, banners, posters, vehiclewraps, window/wall murals andgraphic design services. Craigand company have done severalprojects on campus, including thedisplay for academic excellence inSiena Hall. Check out LogosPrint’s work atwww.logosprint.com.Rob Connors recently accepted ajob as page editor at the DailyRacing Form in New York. Robpreviously held a similar positionat The Post-Star in Glens Falls,N.Y., where he helped the sportssection there to two nationalAssociated Press Sports Editorsawards (Top 10 Sunday sectionand honorable mention specialsection in the paper’s circulationcategory). We know who to callcome August in Saratoga!Go Panthers! Jeff Hafley wasrecently named the defensivebacks coach at the University ofPittsburgh, making him theyoungest position coach in theBig East conference! Fantastic!New bundle of joy…Ian Hunt

Siena News • 31

Siena News • 32

and his wife Brittany welcomedtheir first child, Kaleigh ChristineHunt on June 18, 2008. Momand baby are doing great!Nuptial news : I am happy to saythat Mathew ‘Pinto’ Langridgeand Mary Cusack got marriedMay 3, 2008 at St. Mary’s of theSnow in Saugerties, N.Y. Fr. DanDwyer was the officiate. Guestsincluded: Ed Bova, JasonDeLuca, Joe Montalbano, Fr.Dan Dwyer, O.F.M. ’74, JennO’Connell/Masten ’02, JohnMasten ’02 and Katie Fenn ’04(see photo).Steven Shaw and JenniferCervone were married on June 5,2005 in New Rochelle, N.Y.There were many Siena alumnipresent: Patrick Turk, TaraCrawford/ Hennessy, AlisaKojalowicz/Kreig and TomPhillips ’00. On May 14, 2008,they welcomed their son, JohnJoseph!Thanks to everyone whosubmitted news this edition. Ifyou keep meaning to send meyour news: run, don’t walk – andlet me know:sienanotes01@gmail.com. Thereare a lot of you I haven’t heard apeep from, who I’m sure haveexciting things taking place.

2002Christine Cinnamondchristine.cinnamond@gmail.com(646) 942-0970

2003Gina Gizzisienasaints_2003@hotmail.comP.O. Box 5133Saratoga Springs, NY 12866(518) 421-4316

A little over five years ago,members of the class of 2003were looking ahead with promise,following our graduation fromSiena. Over that time I have hadthe great pleasure of readingstories from many of you aboutsuccesses and special events.After attending the All AlumniBash during Reunion 2008, I wasable to catch up with a fewclassmates in person who I hadnot seen in quite a while. MikeRagusa reported that he isstudying for a Ph.D. inbiochemistry at Brown Universityin Rhode Island. Kelly Quist ison her way to a teaching career inthe Capital Region, as shecompleted her Master of Arts inteaching at Union College in June2008 and has accepted a positionteaching history at Van AntwerpMiddle School in Niskayuna,N.Y. which begins in September2008. I hope the rest of you whoattended events of Reunion 2008enjoyed yourselves as well.Meri Marshall/Faulkner and herhusband Lloyd welcomed theirfirst child, a baby girl, Samantha

Kay, on September 24, 2007.Robyn Pyskadlo and JosephPupello ’02 were married onApril 19, 2008 in Troy, N.Y.Amanda Flood is planning aJune, 2009 wedding to StephenBaronian ’04 since becoming hisfiancé in October 2007 whenproposed to at their favorite spot- Long Beach Island, N.J.Congratulations to all!

2004Jolleen Wagnerjolleen_wagner@yahoo.com

My fellow members of the classof 2004, how are you? It is hardto imagine that our friends andpredecessors from the class of2003 celebrated their 5thReunion this June which meansnext year is our turn! Time suredoes fly!Michael Rajter married JamieHoughton on July 6, 2007 at TheCentury House. Jamie is a mathteacher at the South Glens FallsHigh School and Michael is asocial studies teacher at theGranville Jr/Sr High School. Thecouple resides in South GlensFalls.Congratulations are in order forJeremy Reed and Nicole Benjouwho were married on July 7, 2007(see photo). My apologies for notgetting this in sooner you two!Nicole also earned her master’s ininstructional technology fromNew York Institute ofTechnology in May 2007, and isnow teaching eighth-grade mathat LMK Middle School inHarrison, N.Y. Jeremy is anassociate at Markit Group inWhite Plains, N.Y.Very celebratory congratulationsto Justen Aprile who graduatedfrom Penn State College ofMedicine on May 18, with adoctorate in medicine. Hisresidency is at the ConnecticutChildren’s Medical Center wherehe will be trained in pediatricsover the course of the next threeyears. He’d love to re-connectwith Siena friends and can bereached atdrj.pedimd@gmail.com.In further news, Robert Gonyograduated in May from the TischSchool of the Arts New YorkUniversity with his master’s inperformance studies. Robby plansto remain living and working inBrooklyn. Great job Robby—we’re proud of you!That brings this issue’s class notesto a close folks. So remember,send me that e-mail and let meknow what is going on so that wecan all cheer on and support oneanother!

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

2006Chris Elsessercelsesser@mail.fairfield.eduAshley BolandAshleym.boland@gmail.com

Salutations fellow classmates!Hopefully this edition of SienaNews finds you in a decent stateof mind as you work, sweat andbask through the dog days ofsummer. If you are in a dire needfor a good couple of minutes ofdistraction, you are in luck! Graba cold drink and pull up a chair, aswe have A LOT of fun andexciting things to share with youthis quarter!Recently, Ashley and I weretalking, and agreed that time hastruly seemed to virtually vanishsince graduation. Ashleyespecially feels old as she attendedher first bachelorette party forone of our classmates, KatyMcKeon, who married BrianGreen on July 16, 2008. Theirwedding took place in Almafi,Italy! Wow! When she is notspending time overseas, Katyworks as a clinical counselor forthe city of Albany’s TruancyAbatement Program. MaggieMcKeon, Katy’s twin sister, ishappy to report that her politicalcareer survived former New YorkGovernor Eliot Spitzer’s scandaland has recently been promotedto junior press officer forGovernor David A. Paterson. Asyou know, Ashley took a new jobwith Union College last year andhas recently been able to addsome “green and gold” to herdaily agenda, by schedulingregular lunch dates with NataliaKutzer, the new coordinator ofalumni relations for UnionGraduate College. In other jobnews, Helaina Casabonne isworking as an adjuster forGMAC Insurance, a place “whereeveryone hates a claims adjuster.”Stephanie Forino is happy toreport that she recently becamean aunt! She also just finished herM.B.A. and now plans to pursueteaching grades 1–6. InDecember 2007, Erica Christinereceived her master’s in educationfrom The College of Saint Rose.In March 2008, she joined theAlbany regional office of Eli Lillyas a sales representative, and iscurrently working hard to keepthe company’s status as globalleader in the pharmaceuticalindustry. Lauren Gordon isentering her second year as thebusiness development coordinatorat Tofias PC, located inCambridge, Mass. Tofias is oneof the largest regional accountingfirms in New England. This year,the firm has been honored forbeing named one of BostonBusiness Journal’s “2008 BestPlaces to Work” for the second

consecutive year. Sincegraduation, Nicki Grau has beenworking for ePostDirect and wasrecently promoted to the positionof campaign manager. CarlFalotico, a fan favorite atCommencement 2006 and an avidreader of this space, has reportedthat he has been named theeditor-in-chief of the New YorkInternational Law Reviewjournal at St. Johns Law School.This is a very prestigious honor inhis field! Carl will be a third yearlaw student at St. Johns in the falland will graduate in 2009. AmyZamenick will be starting herthird year of environmental lawat the Pace Law School inSeptember. She is currentlyinterning with a medium sizedfirm in Orange County, workingin land use and municipal law.Amy also participated in theannual alumni rugby game thispast May, where the alumni teambeat the current students onceagain. If you are dying to seesome former friends andclassmates, Amy has told us thatdowntown Albany’s localwatering holes still seem to be thespot to find some old friends andre-live the stories of your greatestSiena moments. Finally, wewould like to report that LindsayFinch and Ryan DiMaso, heldtheir long awaited wedding thispast May and tied the knot infront of many Siena familymembers. Be sure to check outtheir picture in this magazine!On behalf of our class, Ashleyand I would like to pass along aBIG CONGRATS to everyonewe have featured in this quarter’scolumn. This is indeed one of ourbest quarters yet and we hope tokeep up our terrific reportingpace! Please feel free to contactus with your happenings sooneither through e-mail or byFacebook message! Enjoy therest of your summer and we’lltalk to you during the crisp daysof fall! 2007Sean RobbinsPO Box 11222Loudonville, NY 12211SeanRobbins@att.net

Summer forges onward and sodoes the class of 2007!Trisha Connell, host of “IndieWired” on WVCR 88.3 “TheSaint”, opened her own business,Sandriena Kim, Inc. on June 8.Located inside Clifton ParkCenter Mall near Boscov’s, itspecializes in garments and othermerchandise ideal for specialoccasions such as formal/bridaldresses, and accessories. Their in-house designer provides tailoring/alterations, custom sewing, anddesign services. If you would likemore information, visit their

Siena News • 33

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

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

Karen Wereb ’00 married EricBiehler on August 11, 2007.

Christina Sudano ’03married DavidKlejsmyt ’04 on April21, 2007 at the collegechapel.

Website atwww.sandrienakim.com or call518-357-3722.You may recall that in my lastcolumn, I reported 2nd Lt. DanSkiff, U.S. Army Reserve, isstationed in Andar Provence,Iraq, serving as the platoon leaderin command of 43 soldiers.Recently, Dan, who is living in abungalow that was originally asummer resort built for the kidsby the Hussein family and is nowoccupied by the Marines, recentlysent a note updating us on hisexperiences. I’d like to sharesome of his comments, whichprovide a small window into whathe is going through: “My platoonsergeant and I are the only twoArmy on the whole camp as far asI can tell. I have an office in theMarine battalion that my platoonis attached to, where I track themovements of my PTT teams,resource Iraqi Police stations ingetting training, equipment,vehicles, stations, paychecks, etc.,and troubleshoot for my eightbosses. My platoon sergeant andI drive to work every day in a27,000 lb. armored securityvehicle that resembles anamphibious vehicle, but just isn’tamphibious. Just trying to savethe environment, you know? Itmight be more than we need fordriving on post, but we are justplaying it safe. Just kidding, it istoo big for my PTTs to be drivingin the city, so it’s the only thingleft to drive.” He also said, “Thetempo is beginning to stabilize,which means that our mission willprobably change soon. But it isnice to have a routine and senseof stability for the time being.”Nevertheless, his thoughts are onreturning home: “Hope all is wellback in the states. It is starting toget hot here, and it still has 20 or30 more degrees to go before itstarts to go down again. Anyway,I’ll see you all in a few moremonths (9ish). Now that I’mhere, I can finally start thinkingabout coming home.”Hope all of you are enjoying therest of summer and are ready toface the fall fresh and renewed.

2008

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

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

In Memory of:Baltus A. Gottschalk ’41Edward Morris ’42Charles E. Ralston ’47Anthony J. Domeika ’49Roger J. Fortin ’49Dr. Thomas Looby II ’49Paul R. Casey ’50Thomas D. Dyer ’50Thomas “Mike” Heagerty ’50George Prehoda ’50Charles Fox ’51Ralph C. Kelly ’51Joseph A. Money, Jr. ’51Joseph W. Robertson ’51Joseph P. Mink ’52James Hughes Racette ’53Robert Barnes, DDS ’54William Guttieri ’55James M. Sweeney, Sr. ’55Edger D. Cantwell ’56William Craven ’58William Scholtz ’59Joseph J. Dolan ’60Patrick E. Clark ’62Henry L. Barton ’63Albert Racicot ’64Robert F. O’Keefe ’69Richard C. Brazell ’77Jonathan Kudlack ’89William A. Brocks, III ’04

The Alumni Office regrets tohave misspelled the name ofAnne Cozzolino Griffin ’59in the spring 2008 issue.* The College is also saddenedto annouce the passing ofConnie Owens, formerdirector of postal services from1969-2005 at Siena College.

Danielle GrassoPatrick PrestonSienaCollege2008@gmail.com

Congratulations on graduatingeveryone! We’re your class of2008 contacts for Siena News.After four years, we are nowofficially a part of the alumninetwork, and what a great one itis. We attended our first alumnievent in June with the New YorkCity Metro Club and had a greattime. We encourage everyone togo to their local alumni events.It’s a great way to meet up withfellow classmates, even though itwas only a month aftergraduation, and meet other

alumni. Pat recently returnedfrom training in Charlotte, N.C.and is working for Sun BeltRentals at their office in NewJersey and I’m working in theGraduate Admissions office atPace University in downtownManhattan. If you’d like to sharewith us and the entire Sienacommunity the happenings inyour life, please feel free to e-mailus atSienaCollege2008@gmail.com.We’d love to hear how you’redoing and pass the word along.We wish everyone luck inadjusting to and enjoying lifeafter Siena. Enjoy your summer!

Patrick Preston has accepted aposition at Sunbelt Rentals as anoutside sales representative.

Siena News • 34

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

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

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

John De Stafano ’97 marriedKerri Mather in July 2006.

Lindsey Finch ’06 married RyanDiMaso ’06 in May 2008.

If you would like to explore making a giftthat will create your legacy at SienaCollege, please contact Jack Sise, Esq. ,’75,Director of Gift Planning at(518) 783-2432 or by e-mailat jsise@siena.edu.

Supporting Siena andTomorrow’s Leaders

For more than seventy years, Siena College haseducated students who have gone on to become leadersin healthcare, legal, financial and other industries.Instilled with the Franciscan spirit of “giving back,” ouralumni are also often found in leadership positions ofnonprofit organizations and doing “hands-on” workto make their community a better place to live.

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

As we move forward, we encourage you to learnmore about Siena College and consider partnering withus. Your partnership will allow Siena to continue itsoffering of a superior quality private education, whilekeeping the cost of that education within the means ofthe families that entrust their sons and daughters to us.

WAYS TO SUPPORT SIENA:1. Outright gifts of cash and appreciated assets (stocks and real estate)2. Life insurance3. Life Income Gifts where the donors receive income for their lifetime4. Retirement accounts5. Will bequests

515 Loudon RoadLoudonville NY 12211-1462

CHANGE ADDRESS REQUESTED

Siena Heads Back to Belarus

SIENAcollege

In May of this year, 15 students and four Siena professorsunearthed 300 toppled gravestones at the Rubiazhevichi cemetery,located in a small Belarusian village. They also rebuilt the entranceto the cemetery with the help of local residents.

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

The group, none of whom are Jewish, paid their own way. In2006 another group led by Lozman from Siena restored a cemeteryin Vselyub, Belarus.