siena news summer 2012

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

SIENA NEWS A MAGAZINE FOR ALUMNI AND FRIENDS SUMMER 2012

Ready For Life After Siena

Siena

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Message from the Editor

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

departments

710 Bachelors

and 42 M.S. in

Accounting Degrees

were awarded to

the Class of 2012

this year.

You may have noticed that the date on the College Seal is 1937. Sienas doors officially opened on

Sept. 22 of that year. To mark Sienas milestone anniversary, we have begun a year-long

celebration that kicked off with Reunion 2012. Whether you

were here 50 years ago, 25 years ago, recently or havent yet had the

opportunity to visit Sienas beautiful campus,

there is much to be celebrated. Sienas new strategic plan, Living Our Tradition, is guiding the College into the future. As this issue attests the College has already made significant progress toward achieving the plans four goals in the areas of student engagement, resources, diversity and athletics. With your support the strategic plan will be fully realized and Siena College will continue to provide the education of a lifetime for another 75 years and beyond.

Enjoy your summer,

Jim Eaton

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cont

ents

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c1c2_03-10_28-33_c4sien_SprSum12.indd 3 7/3/12 10:16 AM

from the president

Siena News - Summer 2012 Published by: Siena College 515 Loudon Road, Loudonville, NY 12211-1462518-782-8300 [email protected]

Publisher: Delcy Fox Editor: Jim Eaton Contributing Editors: Mark Adam, Fr. Bill Beaudin 76, O.F.M., Andrew Champagne, Mark Demos, Pete Dillon 12, Jodi Ackerman Frank, Eric Guzman 12, Ken Jubie 04, Fr. Kevin Mullen 75, O.F.M., Ph.D., Ericka Pier 14, Jason Rich 98, Caitlyn Sanchez 12, Jack Sise 75 and Amanda Tashjian 13 Online Editor: Allison Turcio 06 Art Director : Sergio Sericolo Alumni Class Notes, On Campus, Alumni Connection Design : Jean Higgs Alumni Class Notes Editors: Mary Beth Finnerty 85, Jake Hill 09 and Lori Lasch Photography: Athletics Office, Blue Fuego, Dave Boswell 12, Creative Arts Department, Development Office, Mike Hemberger, Tim Lattener 15, Emily Merritt 12, Tony Purificato, Kris Qua, ROTC Office, Cindy Schultz/ Albany Times Union, Sergio Sericolo and Michael Valiquette 14 Back Page Design: Sergio Sericolo

Printer: The Lane Press, Burlington, Vt.

On the cover: At Commencement the graduating class took time to reflect on their memories at Siena College.

Thomas L. Amell 89

Ronald E. Bjorklund 85

J. David Brown

Robert F. Campbell 66

Judy Capano/Michaelson 87

Br. F. Edward Coughlin, O.F.M., Ph.D.

Robert M. Curley

Robert T. Cushing 77

Susan Law Dake

Howard S. Foote 74

Violet T. Grennan, M.F.I.C., D. Min.

Robert L. Guido 68

Douglas T. Hickey 77

Rev. Kenneth R. Himes 71, O.F.M., Ph.D.

Pamela McCarthy

Robert J. McCormick 87

James J. Morrell 66

Very Rev. Kevin J. Mullen 75, O.F.M., Ph.D.

John F. Murray 79

John J. Nigro

Very Rev. John F. OConnor, O.F.M.

Walter A. Osterman 87

Mark S. Rose 65

Rev. James P. Scullion 75, O.F.M., Ph.D.

David M. Stack 73

Christine L. Standish

Nimmi M. Trapasso 98, M.D.

Sonya S. VanBortel 03, J.D.

Dennis L. Winger 69

2012 - 2013 Board of Trustees

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The instructions for lining up prior to the Commencement ceremony are clear: graduating seniors gather on the right side of the Times Union Center and faculty members gather on the left. However, it doesnt take long for this neat partitioning of the Siena community to break down as seniors spot their favorite professors and scurry across the great divide with camera in hand. Dr. Farnan, can we get a picture together? How about one with you, Fr. Dan? Oh, and one with you, Dr. Weatherwax and Dr. Buff. And so it goes for the hour before the procession begins. These are not random requests. It is the teachers who have made the biggest impact on their students lives who hear these persistent pleas for a photographic keepsake. These days, assessment is a buzz word in higher education. Curriculum is assessed. Programs and departments are assessed. Learning goals and the means to achieve them are assessed. The data gleaned from such evaluations can be a valuable aid in promoting personal and institutional growth and development. But some things cannot be measured, like the transformative relationships that often unfold between faculty mentors and their student advisees. Working shoulder-to-shoulder in a biology lab, co-authoring an article for a scholarly journal and collaborating in the design of a satellite or a business venture provide both students and faculty alike with the education of a lifetime. These academic partnerships encourage both the lively exchange of ideas and that exchange of respect and affection without which real learning fails to occur, especially learning that claims the mantle of St. Francis. Commencement celebrates the accomplishments of our graduates, but it also celebrates the bonds of friendship and cooperation that make Siena such a vibrant learning community. Living Our Tradition, the Colleges 2011-2016 strategic plan, seeks to strengthen and expand these mutually enriching relationships, particularly those between students and faculty. If we are successful in meeting our goal, then future Commencement marshals will have an even harder time bringing order out of the chaos of hugs and flash photography on both the right and left sides of the Times Union Center. And

from where I stand, thats a very desirable learning outcome indeed!

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

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Siena News - Summer 2012 Published by: Siena College 515 Loudon Road, Loudonville, NY 12211-1462518-782-8300 [email protected]

Publisher: Delcy Fox Editor: Jim Eaton Contributing Editors: Mark Adam, Fr. Bill Beaudin 76, O.F.M., Andrew Champagne, Mark Demos, Pete Dillon 12, Jodi Ackerman Frank, Eric Guzman 12, Ken Jubie 04, Fr. Kevin Mullen 75, O.F.M., Ph.D., Ericka Pier 14, Jason Rich 98, Caitlyn Sanchez 12, Jack Sise 75 and Amanda Tashjian 13 Online Editor: Allison Turcio 06 Art Director : Sergio Sericolo Alumni Class Notes, On Campus, Alumni Connection Design : Jean Higgs Alumni Class Notes Editors: Mary Beth Finnerty 85, Jake Hill 09 and Lori Lasch Photography: Athletics Office, Blue Fuego, Dave Boswell 12, Creative Arts Department, Development Office, Mike Hemberger, Tim Lattener 15, Emily Merritt 12, Tony Purificato, Kris Qua, ROTC Office, Cindy Schultz/ Albany Times Union, Sergio Sericolo and Michael Valiquette 14 Back Page Design: Sergio Sericolo

Printer: The Lane Press, Burlington, Vt.

On the cover: At Commencement the graduating class took time to reflect on their memories at Siena College.

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$1.5 Million Gift from Friars to Support Research Center On December 2, 2011, Siena College President Fr. Kevin Mullen 75, O.F.M., Ph.D., announced to Sienas Board of Trustees that the friars of Holy Name Province pledged $1.5 million to endow Sienas new Center for Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity (CURCA). The mission of CURCA is to enhance opportunities for students to partner with faculty in their scholarly pursuits. Since Siena was founded 75 years ago, Holy Name Province has been the schools largest benefactor, Fr. Mullen said. This gift is another example of that longstanding support and a validation of Sienas commitment to academic excellence. With this gift we hope to help Siena produce scholars, scientists and artists who will take their research lessons and the message of St. Francis and magnify them as they make their way in the world, said Fr. John F. OConnor O.F.M., Holy Names Provincial Minister. In the past five years, Siena has seen a 67% increase in active research grants and other sponsored activity. These grants help faculty engage students in library and laboratory research, field work and creative activity in the fine arts. It is precisely this culture of student engagement outside the classroom that Living Our Tradition, Sienas strategic plan, seeks to promote. In response to the growing demand for independent research projects and as a way to continue to bolster the number of students involved in such research, Siena recently named Cheryl Buff 82, Ph.D., director of CURCA. In that capacity, Buff will coordinate efforts across the College to make undergraduate opportunities in research and creative activity available to as many students as possible. Franciscan education invites you to engage in problem-solving in such a way that the search for a solution will transform you, said Linda Richardson, Ph.D., vice president for academic affairs. Its all about that one-on-one interaction with a faculty member. And those experiences, if you ask our students, are the ones theyll remember. Cheryl Buff 82, Ph.D.,

director of CURCA.

FEATURES


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By Ken Jubie 04

Twenty-five years from now, most of you will not remember me speaking before you, said Class President Tara Keough 12 during her Commencement ceremony welcome address. While that may be true, Keough guaranteed that her fellow graduates and the countless families and friends who filled the Times Union Center in downtown Albany would remember the day, and she encouraged her classmates to cherish the memories and accomplishments it celebrates. Each and every one of us has created life changing friendships and unforgettable memories that stretch far beyond the confines of our four years here, Keough said. While our journeys here at Siena have ended, our new expeditions into the world have just begun; but there is no doubt in my mind that each and every member from the Class of 2012 will never forget to bring Siena along with them. Whether they are entering the workforce or continuing their education, members of the Class of 2012 committed to keeping their connections to the College alive in various ways. Marketing major Jon Deis 12 said Commencement is the definition of bittersweet. While he is sad to leave his friends and influential professors, Deis is excited about beginning his career at W.B. Mason. Siena has given me the opportunity to put myself out there and make a difference in the world, Deis said. During his time at Siena, Deis conducted market research with Professor of Marketing and Management Raj Devasagayam, Ph.D., and presented his findings at conferences in Chicago and Mumbai.

Class of 2012 Ready

for Life After Siena


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Remember to keep holding doors open for people and say hello because it makes everyones day brighter, said Alex Mazza 12. The former Student Senate President and biology major is moving to New York City where he will be running clinical trials in oncology and hematology at the Weill Cornell Medical College. This school prepared me for the next step, said Joseph Frumusa 12. He majored in psychology, minored in broadcast and society, served as president of the SCTV Television Club and hosted a weekly interview show called Saints Live. Frumusa will continue to develop his skills and prepare for a career in television news as he pursues a masters degree in broadcast journalism at Syracuse Universitys Newhouse School of Public Communications. Siena also awarded honorary degrees to educational leader and former Chair of the Siena College Board of Trustees Joseph M. Pastore, Jr., Ph.D.; journalist, author, sports woman and breeder of thoroughbred horses Virginia Kraft Payson; and New York Yankees shortstop and Captain Derek Jeter. Jeter and the Yankees were in action on Commencement day against the Seattle Mariners, so his sister Sharlee Jeter, President

Class of 2012 Ready

for Life After Siena


of the Turn 2 Foundation, accepted the degree on his behalf. Jeters presence was felt through a personalized video message that played on the arenas video screens. After the graduates received their diplomas and officially became sons and daughters of Siena forever, Amanda Filippazzo 12 delivered the senior Commencement address. In her speech Filippazzo reflected on transitioning to college life, making friends and connecting with professors who pushed her to become a better student and a stronger person. Those pivotal moments, however grand or small, have lasting effects. They have shaped our character,

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

To view additional photos and videos of this years ceremony visit www.siena2012.com.

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Record Breaking Senior GiftBy Ken Jubie 04

Along with excelling in the classroom and making a difference in the community, through its Senior Gift, the Class of 2012 is contributing to the success of future Siena College students. This year, the class goal was to raise $10,000 to dedicate a lounge in the new academic building (Rosetti Hall) that will house the rapidly expanding departments of education, social work and sociology. The building will include gathering spaces for students and professors to collaborate outside of the classroom. Through various fundraisers, events and outright donations, the Class of 2012 surpassed its original goal and set the record for money raised in a single year for the Senior Gift. To date, the class has raised more than $16,000 and about half of the senior class has made a contribution.

The Siena College Mohawk Battalion commissioned 23 second lieutenants this year. The newly commissioned officers will serve as Active Duty, United States Army Reserves and N.Y. Army National Guard in the following branches: Adjutant General Corps, Armor, Aviation, Chemical Corps, Civil Affairs, Corps of Engineers, Field Artillery, Finance, Infantry, Medical Service Corps, Military Police, Quartermaster and Transportation Corps.

The Presidential Stage Party

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


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Siena College Assistant Professor of Physics John Cummings, Ph.D., physics major Kyle Turck 12 and fellow physicists of the Daya Bay Reactor Neutrino Experiment have announced a finding that will help explain why matter exists in the universe. Their collaborative, international research involves neutrinos, the wispy particles that flooded the universe in the earliest moments after the Big Bang. Neutrinos belong to the same family of fundamental particles as the electron, although they are neutral and much less massive, making them frustratingly difficult to detect. The challenge of capturing these elusive particles is what inspired the Daya Bay project. When neutrinos travel at close to the speed of light, the three different neutrino flavorselectron, muon and tau, as well as their corresponding anti-neutrinosmix together and change into other flavors. The scientists were able to detect the mixing angle which expresses how these changes, called neutrino oscillation, occur. The measurement has been named Theta one-three. Its wonderful, after the hard work of so many people for so long, to be able to make such a definitive statement, said Cummings. This result will make it possible to study the difference between neutrinos and anti-neutrinos, getting at the question of why the universe contains so much more matter than anti-matter. This question is a conundrum of the Big Bang theory, which predicts that equal amounts of matter and anti-matter should exist in the universe. The matter and anti-matter would then find each other and disappear through a process known as annihilation, leaving the universe empty. However, humanitys very existence suggests this is not the case: our universe should be filled predominantly with matter. To have Siena College professors and students collaborating on a project of this magnitude is remarkable. Theta one-three is a fundamental discovery that will certainly help to solve this riddle of why there is more ordinary matter than anti-matter in the universe, said Dean of the School of Science Allan Weatherwax, Ph.D. The scientists observed tens of thousands of interactions of electron anti-neutrinos, caught by six massive detectors buried in the mountains adjacent to the powerful nuclear reactors of the China Guangdong Nuclear Power Group. The researchers have submitted a paper describing their results to the journal Physical Review Letters.

SCIENCEMATTERSBy Allison Turcio 06Science Professor Part of Major Scientific Finding


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

With shovels in their hands and smiles on their faces, College leaders and donors broke ground on Sienas newest academic building, Richard and Joan Rosetti Hall.

We get to bring three significant departments in our School of Liberal Arts together sociology, social work and education, said Siena College President Fr. Kevin Mullen 75, O.F.M., Ph.D.

Rosetti Hall, designed by Sacco + McKinney Architects, PC, and built by MLB Construction Services, LLC, is Sienas first LEED certified construction project, which means that it will contain practical and measurable green building design, construction, operations and maintenance solutions. Rosetti Hall will have a geothermal heating and cooling system, photo-voltaic solar panels and LED lighting. A special collaboration with Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority will allow Siena to install the most efficient lighting fixtures commercially available.

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

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

College Breaks Ground on Rosetti HallBy Ken Jubie 04

of Capital Region business leaders Richard and JoanRosetti.

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

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

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

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

The Rosetti familys connection to the College dates back decades.

I cant imagine that 60 years ago, my grandfather would be pounding nails that hold together Siena Hall and today my parents would be donating enough money to build a whole building. I thought to myself, this is the American dream come true, said Richard G. Rosetti 87.

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

ON CAMPUS NEWS

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With an interest in baseball, a knack for crunching numbers and an understanding of statistics, Siena College students attended the Society for American Baseball Research (SABR) Analytics Conference in Phoenix, Ariz. to learn more about this unique field. Hudson Belinski15 and Tristan Kacprzyk-Aita 15 represented Siena as they participated in the conference and the first ever SABR Case Competition.

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

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

Each team was presented with a case as if they were the people in charge of making decisions for a Major League Baseball team, explained Belinski. The teams with the best justifications for their decisions advanced and were placed head-to-head against the other best schools. The competition was judged by actual Major League

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

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

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

I didnt even know where to begin to find funding, said Belinski. What I found, however, was that the Siena network is extremely helpful. He and teammate Kacprzyk-Aita acquired adequate funds to attend the conference through the generous support of Art McGinnis, Jr. 75, Richard Sleasman79, Doug Lonnstrom 66 and Brad Bodmer 82, Esq.

Although the team didnt advance, they remained competitive against some larger schools including New York University, Northwestern University and University of California-Berkeley, to name a few. Next year they plan to outsmart some of those larger institutions.

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

Thompson was among the first non-friars to take on a leadership role at the College. In 1970, he was hired to be Vice President for Student Affairs. Three years later, he became Vice President of Development. His success as a fundraiser enabled the campus to grow. Thompson left Siena to pursue other opportunities, but became a member of the Board of Associate Trustees. In the late 1990s, he returned to Siena to run the planned giving and major gifts programs and, before retirement, Thompson guided the College through the Middle States accreditation process.

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

Blazing a New Trail

By Eric Guzman 12

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

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

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

The grant will fund scholarships and summer programs for participating Siena students who will graduate in three groups of seven beginning in2014.

College Receives $1.2 M for STEM Education

Last December, many Siena students presented their research and class projects in a variety of venues on and off campus. Perhaps the most interactive research was on display in Roger Bacon Hall during the Colleges first RoboShow.

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

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

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

It is rewarding to see the way the students have advanced throughout the semester, Small said. Theyve performed phenomenally.

Robots Take OverSchool of Science


On the heels of the release of his new novel Changos Beads and Two-Tone Shoes, Pulitzer Prize winning author William Kennedy 49 discussed his career with Siena aspiring authors and members of the Board of Trustees.

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

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

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

His career began at the Glens Falls Post Star. He was then drafted into the Army where he became a columnist. After leaving the service, Kennedy continued to work in the newspaper business for the Albany Times Union and a newspaper in Puerto Rico.

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

While living in Puerto Rico,

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

Kennedys journalistic experience in Albany motivated him to write novels based in New Yorks capital city. His most famous and critically acclaimed novel Ironweed was released in 1983. The book earned Kennedy the Pulitzer Prize and National Book Critics Circle Award for fiction. Kennedy then turned the novel into a screenplay for the movie of the same name (1987), starring Jack Nicholson and Meryl Streep. It was great fun and very profitable, Kennedy said smiling. I had the time of my life.

William Kennedy 49 Returns to Campus By Ken Jubie 04

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

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

This years symposium, taught by Professor of Philosophy Jennifer McErlean, Ph.D., and Assistant Professor of Philosophy Joshua Alexander, Ph.D., focused on Appiahs work, which has made significant contributions to peoples understanding of the nature of language, racial identity, political and

moral relationships and philosophical methodology.

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

Reflecting on the year, Professor Appiahs visit and the panel discussion, Alexander said, The panel discussion is special among the other public events associated with the Symposium. (It provided) our students with the chance to share their work with

Professor Appiah and with the Siena community. The result was a conversation in the best tradition of Hellenic Symposia a wonderful, energetic exchange of philosophical ideas spanning a wide range of topics. Ive never been so proud of a group of students.

Students Share Ideas at Philosophy Symposium By Amanda Tashjian 13

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The Creative Arts Departments annual student exhibition, The Spectrum 2 Juried Show, featured more than 40 drawings, paint-ings, photographs and sculptures. The show was adjudicated by artist Jake Winiski, M.F.A., whose compositions have been featured in galleries and museums

throughout the northeast. I was proud to show the students work to our inde-pendent juror, said show organizer and Assistant Professor of Studio Art Scott Nelson Foster, M.F.A. Our juror spoke highly of the quality and variety he found in the exhibition.

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

Art in the Dark

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Siena stages The 25th

Annual Putnam County

Spelling Bee and produces

A winner.

As part of this years Academic

Celebration, nominated first-year

students shared their research and

defended their findings during

Sienas First-Year Seminar Student

Conference. More than 30 students

gave presentations on a variety

of topics including social media

influence, genetic modification and

domestic violence.

It is absolutely fabulous

research that our first-year

students are doing, said Director

of the First-Year Seminar Meg

Woolbright, D.A. By having

students do this research as

freshmen, we are preparing them

for continued success during their

time at Siena.

The First-Year Seminar shares

a common curriculum, but each

professor can tailor the course

to his or her own academic

interests. This years themes

included Women, Technology

and Social Change, Public

Policy, Leadership and, most

intriguingly, Philosophy and

Monsters.

First-Year Students Become

First-Rate ScholarsBy Eric Guzman 12

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

Academic Celebration By Caitlyn Sanchez 12

Research topics included:Facebooks Impact on

Relationships, Buying Habits, and Personality presented by Timothy Metz 12 and supervised by Professor of Psychology Paul Murray, Ph.D.

Expedia presented by AnneConahan 12, Dominic DiPresso12 and Kerry McGrath 12 and supervised by Assistant Professor of Accounting Sunita Goel, Ph.D.

STIRS (Siena Twitter Information Retrieval System) presented by Denis Kalic 14 and Matthew Kemmer12 and supervised by Assistant Professor of Computer Science Sharon Small, Ph.D., and Associate Professor of Computer Science Darren Lim, Ph.D. from Siena Colleges Institute for Artificial Intelligence.

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April 20, 2012 marked the two-year anniversary of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill off the Gulf Coast. The effects of the environmental disaster were far-reaching and are still felt today. Just ask Joey ORourke 12.

As a 2011 Siena Summer Legal Fellow, ORourke had the opportunity to conduct research on the statutory fallout from the spill alongside second and third year law students at Western New England

University. Under the direct supervision of Assistant Professor of Law, Julie Steiner, J.D., ORourke had access to all the resources that students typically use in law school.

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

Steiner (left) was invited to Sienas campus to share the fruits of her collaboration with ORourke in a presentation titled Legal Ramifications Resulting from the Gulf Oil Spill in April.

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

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

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

Gulf Oil Spill Fuels Legal Fire By Eric Guzman 12

Moot Court/ Mock Trial News


Charitable Causes Mr. Siena 2012

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

Charity WeekThe Siena College Student Events

Board (SEB) presented a $14,100 check to Trinity Alliance of the Capital Region.

Cinderella ProjectMore than 150 young women

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

Relay for LifeArmed with blankets,

pillows and lots of hope, more than 300 participants stayed up all night for this event. Under the direction of the clubs executive board, Siena raised more than $36,000 for the American Cancer Society. We received an overwhelming amount of support and I only expect this event to get bigger and better in the future, said Chairperson Shawn Reap 12.

St. BaldricksThe Gaelic Society hosted

St. Baldricks Shaving the Way to Conquer Kids Cancer which raised more than $13,500. More than 50 members of the Siena College community participated in the event.

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ACE(ing) ItBy Mark Adam

Siena and the Bonner Foundation,

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

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

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

Sienas leadership role in this important partnership reflects the power of our strategic plan to inspire others to join our national learning community along with our partners the Bonner Foundation and AAC&U, said Mathew Johnson93, Ph.D., director of academic community engagement (ACE).

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

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

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

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

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

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

Later in the semester, the Career Fair welcomed more than 100 companies and graduate schools to the Alumni Recreation Center. They discussed post-graduate and internship opportunities with more than 500 students. Dressed in their best attire, students presented their resumes, practiced their interviewing skills and researched their fields of interest.

During the recession, we havent lost a single company that recruits on campus, said Career Center Director Debra Del Belso. The event has grown each year to the point where, this year, we had to put employers on a waiting list because we didnt have the room to accommodate all organizations that wanted to attend.

Despite Economy, Siena Students Still in High Demand

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

Siena Hosts 25th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King Lecture Series on Race and Nonviolent Social Change

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

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

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

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

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

Catholics were such an underrepresented group during the

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

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

Bishop Hubbard Delivers MLK Lecture By Eric Guzman 12

The culmination of the lecture series was a speech by Bishop of Albany Howard J. Hubbard, D.D., titled The Continuing Challenge of Dr. Martin Luther Kings Vision for Todays World.

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

Catholics in the Civil Rights Movement By Eric Guzman 12

Students Celebrate Diversity and Fight Prejudice


The Center for Revolutionary Era Studies invited award-winning historian and Associate Professor of History at the University of Richmond, Woody Holton, Ph.D., (middle) to share his work during a presentation titled, Unruly Americans and the Origins of the Constitution. Holton addressed several myths revolving around the adoption of the United States Constitution in 1787.

History Comes to LifeThe explosion of cannons and military

rifles rocked the Siena campus as re-enactors transformed Sienas front lawn into a historical site at the 4th annual A Day of Living History.

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

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Siena Hosts 25th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King Lecture Series on Race and Nonviolent Social Change

11-27sien_SprSum12.indd 21 7/3/12 10:02 AM

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

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

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

Lessons from an NBA Champion By Pete Dillon 12

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

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

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

will generate customized leadership programs designed to enhance the effectiveness of leaders at all levels in an organization. Examples of program offerings include team building, leading change, ethical and legal responsibility, financial literacy, building trust, designing and delivering diversity initiatives, and 360 degree feedback loops. The training sessions will be led largely by Siena faculty members. ILD also plans to offer an executive coaching program, which will provide one-on-one coaching for executives looking to enhance a specific area of personal or professional development.

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

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

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

Siena Launches Institute for Leadership Development By Jodi Ackerman Frank


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

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

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

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

Jaqued UpBy Mike Demos

extremely excited to be a part of. The opportunity to start my head coaching career at such a welcoming place with great people to support me made this decision simple.

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

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

Jaques has enjoyed much success during her coaching career. At Northwestern, she helped guide the Wildcats to a pair of WNIT Appearances and at George Washington the program made consecutive trips to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament. Academically, Jaques coached 15 Academic All-Big Ten honorees and an Academic All-District selection at Northwestern.

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

SAINTS CORNER


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Womens Golf Earns Trip to NCAA Tournament By Andrew Champagne

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

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

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

Signs that the program was peaking at the right time appeared when, 10 days before the MAAC Championships, the Saints captured first place as a team at the Hartford Invitational. Sienas top three golfers, Victoria Nguyen 15, Mary Fletcher15 and Kylie Strijek 14 keyed the effort by finishing second, third and fourth, respectively, as the squad took the team title by 19 shots.

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

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

MAAC Tournament Leaderboard

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

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

Kylie Strijek 14 tied for second.

Cortney Tilley 13 and Katie Nelson 15 tied for fifth.

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


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

Sienas Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) chose Ronald McDonald House Charities and on May 30 SAAC members Elizabeth Ives13 and OD Anosike 13 presented the check at the Albany house.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

This is an accomplishment we truly cherish, SAACs outgoing president Katie Carew 12 said. Winning games and championships is important, but being a student athlete at Siena is about so much more than that. The Goodworks Challenge has helped unite Sienas student athletes and its great to be recognized for all the work we have done together. SAAC has always been really involved in the community and Siena student athletes love to give back.

Saints in the Community By Jason Rich 98

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

This summer student athletes Julie Juchno 12, left, and Meghan Y

i 12 are cycling

4,000 miles across the southern United States to raise money an

d awareness for

affordable-housing programs.


Cheryl Buff 82, Ph.D., associate professor of marketing, is the new Director of the Center for Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity. Buff will retain her faculty position and continue to teach two courses. In her new role, she will coordinate and support efforts across the College to foster undergraduate research.

Len Cutler, Ph.D., professor of political science, has been appointed to the Merit Selection Panel by Chief Judge Gary Sharpe of the United

States District Court of the Northern District. The panel is in charge of screening and recommending candidates for a full-time United States Magistrate Judgeship in Albany. Cutler is the sole member of academe to serve on this prestigious seven-member panel, comprised principally of attorneys.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Michael Pepe 90, D.B.A., assistant professor of marketing, was recently recognized by the Journal of Product and Brand Management for an outstanding research paper. Titled The Impact of Private Label Brands on Customer Loyalty and Product Category Profitability, his paper was one of four papers chosen worldwide for this honor.

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FACULTY AND STAFF NEWS


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

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

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

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

Richard Ognibene, Ed.D, professor of education emeritus, has published a book titled A Persistent Reformer: Jonathan Kozols Work to Promote Equality in America. Kozol has been a leading

education and social activist since 1967 when Death at an Early Age, his book about racism in Bostons schools, was published and won a National Book Award. Since then, Kozol has written 11

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

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

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

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

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

Fanny Sderbck, Ph.D., assistant professor of philosophy, was honored by the Society for Phenomenology and Existential Philosophy, the second largest philosophical society in the United States. Her paper titled Living in the Present: Derrida and Irigaray on the Metaphysics of Presence, was accepted for presentation at the next annual meeting and chosen as Best Submission by a Junior Scholar.

Diane Strock-Lynskey, M.S.W., professor of social work, was recently published in the textbook, Death, Society and Human Experience (11th Edition). She has also received a follow-up grant to continue her research and document the experiences of first responders as well as those who care for and support them.

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

Len Stokes, Ph.D., professor of accounting, published a book Through the Students Eyes: A Novella Approach to Ethics for College-Age Business Students, which will be used at Siena College to aid in the practical discussion of how to approach ethical dilemmas. Michelle King11, Kristen Bus 11, Kristofer Bond12, Steven Simonetti 12, Krista Timpano 12 and Alicia Yacarrino 12 (M.S.A.) contributed student situations to the publication which was made possible through a grant from Pricewaterhouse Coopers Charitable Foundation, Inc.

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

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By Mark Adam Sienas sons and daughters returned to campus June 1-3 for Alumni Reunion 2012, traveling from as far away as Arizona and California. More than 700 alumni, family and friends returned home to reconnect, see whats new on campus and celebrate their class anniversaries. The weekends events began with the Alumni Golf Tournament Friday and then continued with the Class of 1962 enjoying a 50th Reunion dinner. Later in the evening, they joined graduates from other classes at the Destination Siena: Welcome Home Party in the Sarazen Student Union. Other events included honoring the Colleges distinguished alumni, campus tours, additional class dinners and the Alumni and Family Picnic. On Saturday, the McMahon Atrium in Sarazen Student Union was transformed into an exhibit that showcased the Colleges 75 years. Freshman beanies, yearbooks, magazines, trophies and other Siena artifacts were on display. A multimedia presentation captured three quarters of a centurys worth of a Siena education.

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

at REUNIONReconnecting

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

ALUMNI CONNECTION


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

If you would like to stay informed about service at Siena, connect with other alumni and students in service learning and/or share your experience, please email [email protected] or call 518-783-2430.

These service experiences include but are not limited to:

AmeriCorps City Year Mercy Corps Public Allies Teach for America Habitat for Humanity Peace Corps Jesuit Volunteer Corps Franciscan Volunteer Ministry

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

The College honored the following alumni at the Presidents Circle Brunch: Judy Capano Michaelson 87 Sal Ferlazzo 77, Esq. Jay Girvin 78, Esq. The Fr. Benjamin Kuhn, O.F.M. Award for Service to the Siena Community

Mary Liz Finn 82 Robert McCormick Jr.87The Professor Joseph A. Buff Award for Career Achievement

Francis Regnante 52 The Professor Egon Plager Award for Humanitarian Effort

To view a video of the award recipients visit www.siena.edu/news title search Reconnecting at Reunion.


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Remembering Fr. Matthew Conlin, O.F.M.By Ken Jubie 04

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

Franciscan friar for nearly three quarters of a century and a Catholic priest for 66 years. Between 1945 and 1976 Fr. Conlin left an indelible mark on Siena as a teacher, mentor and administrator. For the last six years of his tenure he served as Sienas sixth president. He provided balanced academic leadership at a time of great social and political unrest. He launched a systematic program to hire faculty members with terminal degrees and welcomed the first class of students from the Higher Education Opportunity Program. Under his watch, the College increased the quality of applicants, professionalized its fundraising efforts and replaced deans with vice presidents in the areas of academic affairs, student affairs, business affairs and development. Before becoming president, Conlin was known as an exceptional educator. He was a professor of English, department chair, dean and vice president. The students considered him to be a fair but firm teacher who demanded excellence in the classroom. Many of his former students still tell stories of his profound influence on their personal and professional lives. When I was a student, there were a few courses that you just had to take. Shakespeare with Fr. Matthew Conlin was one of those courses, said Bill McGoldrick 68, who attended the memorial mass. We all thought he was intimidating because he was such a scholar, yet his was the course we wanted to take. He made Shakespeare

come alive. In recognition of his decades of service both to the College and to the poor and marginalized in society, each year Siena honors a tenured faculty member with the Fr. Matthew T. Conlin, O.F.M. Distinguished Service Award. After suffering a stroke in October 2009, Fr. Conlin transferred to the friars infirmary in Ringwood, N.J., where he remained until his death. Ever the teacher, Fr. Conlin requested that his body be donated to New York Medical College in Valhalla, N.Y. to assist in the training of future physicians.


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Since the unveiling of Living Our Tradition, Sienas strategic plan for 20112016, Fr. Kevin has been meeting with alumni around the country. Throughout his travels, Fr. Kevin delivered a message that looked back at Sienas 75 years of history and discussed the new and exciting developments at the College while encouraging alumni to get involved.

January 26 Washington, D.C.February 5-7 Stuart, Fla.February 8 Fort Lauderdale, Fla.February 9 Bonita Springs, Fla.February 10 Naples, Fla.February 11 Tampa, Fla.February 12 Orlando, Fla.March 13 Newport Beach, Calif.March 14 San Francisco, Calif.March 15 Los Altos, Calif.March 15 San Jose, Calif.March 17 San Francisco, Calif.April 24 Boston, Mass.April 26 Darien, Conn.

The 2012 Green and Gold Tour

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

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

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


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

Sponsor-A-Sister Sr. Fabiola Mkenda, a nun from Tanzania, became the first graduate of Sienas new partnership with Assumption College for Sisters

in New Jersey when she completed her sociology degree this past May. Assumption College is the last remaining institution in the United States primarily designed to educate religious sisters from

developing countries. Upon graduation from Assumption, the sisters seek admission to any of the 220 Catholic colleges and universities in order to obtain their bachelors degree. Sr. Fabiola will return to Tanzania this summer as a rarity in her country - a woman with a college education. She will use the skills she acquired at Siena in her work among the poor, especially the women in her community. Siena is providing an opportunity for sisters like Fabiola to finish a four-year degree program in the United States with the hope that they will create positive change in the developing countries from which they came. Meanwhile, the sisters create positive change on Sienas campus through the witness of their religious life. Sr. Nazarena Figawo, also from Tanzania, will be joining the Siena community this fall. While the College is able to cover the cost of her tuition, funding is still needed for her books, winter clothing, incidentals and insurance. If you would like to help Sr. Nazarena with her Siena education, please consider making a donation. In the memo of your check, note the Sr. Nazarena Fund and mail to: Siena College, Development Office, 515 Loudon Road, Loudonville, NY 12211.

Meet the Saints Jazz Event

Med Program Turns 20 The Siena/St. Peters Preceptorship celebrated its 20th anniversary in Spring 2012. Over the past two decades, Siena students have participated in the joint program which exposes them to the medical profession so that they can determine if this is the right career for them. The program offers seminar sessions at Siena and three didactic sessions at St. Peters Hospital in Albany, N.Y. Siena Professor of Biology Ed LaRow 59, Ph.D., teaches the Siena component on campus while Chief of Emergency Medicine Sam Bosco 78, M.D. and his colleagues direct the hospital module. After the sessions, students spend a half-day rotating through seven different departments at St. Peters: cardiology, emergency medicine, family practice, medicine, radiology, rehabilitation medicine and surgery. The students interact with physicians and residents, and acquire real-life experience of the medical profession. The original intent of the program was to give students exposure to medicine and help them in their career discernment, said LaRow. We count as a success a student who decides against medicine, as well as those energized by the experience.

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


In September of 1964, Gene Jannotti 68 walked through the doors of Siena Hall not realizing the education he would receive would lay the foundation for a successful 40-plus year career. His telecommunications and information technology expertise would bring him all over the world. My ability to succeed in an industry that is changing

all of the time came from the tools of my liberal arts education: critical reading, thinking and communicating, Jannotti said. Having been afforded the education of a lifetime by the generosity of alumni before him, Jannotti was motivated to endow a scholarship at Siena College and make an estate provision to enlarge the scholarship, allowing future generations of students the same opportunities he enjoyed. Giving back is at the very essence of the Franciscan tradition, Jannotti said. To know this scholarship will afford access to this tradition for future generations of Siena students is extremely gratifying to me.

Leaving a Legacy

If you would like to learn how to join

people who are leaving their legacy at

Siena College like Gene Jannotti 68,

please contact Director of Gift Planning

Jack Sise 75, Esq. at 518-783-2315

or at [email protected] for a

confidential discussion.

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

1957Marion Zanghi and Leona

Kimball attended their class dinner at Reunion Weekend. They enjoyed catching up with each other and made some new friends from the Class of 1962.

1959 Frank Martin [email protected]

1962The Class of 1962 50th

Reunion was a great success. Everyone enjoyed wearing their college senior picture buttons. After looking at old photos, sharing old memo-ries and enjoying dinner, the class received a 50th Reunion medal presented by Fr. Kevin Mullen75, O.F.M., Ph.D.

1951John Hourigan [email protected]

1952William Healey, Richard

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

1953Fr. Peter Young

was a guest on the Rachael Ray show that aired on April 23, 2012. He was invited to share his vision and his ac-complishments. He has touched the lives of thousands of people in upstate New York by giving them a second chance. No one wants to be unemployed and addicted, Fr. Peter explained. They want to get their lives together, and they want to find out how to do it. He is founder of the Peter Young Housing, Industries & Treatment Center in Albany, N.Y. He has helped to make jobs available through his partnership with the Schuyler Inn Culinary Arts & Training Program. Participants have gone on to culinary schools all over the country.

1955Anthony Schmitz, a veteran

of World War II, was presented with Frances most prestigious

1963Kevin Raymond [email protected]

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

1964John Leonard has enjoyed a

successful career in insurance. He is president and CEO of Maine Employers Mutual Insurance Company (MEMIC), Portland, Maine, and MEMIC Indem-nity Company, with offices in Manchester, N.H., Glastonbury, Conn., and Albany, N.Y. The combined entity is now the fifth largest workers compensation company in New England. John has served on many boards, nationally and internationally. John has been a major supporter of several not-for-profit organi-zations throughout Maine and is part owner of the Portland Maine Red Claws, a team in the NBA development league.

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

around the world on foster-ing moral values and character development. He has written nine books on morality and character development, which have been translated into more than a dozen languages. His book Educating for Character won a Christopher Award for affirming the highest values of the human spirit. Tom is the past recipient of the Character Education Partnerships Sandy Award for Lifetime Achieve-ment in Character Education and the Award for Outstanding Achievement in Moral Educa-tion from the University of San Francisco. He recently received an honorary doctorate from the Universidad Anahuac Mexico. His Centers work was the subject of a New York Times Magazine cover story, Teach-ing Johnny To Be Good. He has appeared on national media including Good Morning America, Larry King Live, National Public Radio and Focus on the Family. He and his wife Judith live in Cortland, N.Y., and have 14 grandchildren.

1965Jack Mulvey [email protected]

Paul Merges [email protected]

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

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

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

class notesA L U M N I

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Institute (VI), Christian Brothers Academy (CBA) and Academy of the Holy Names combined class of 1961 50th high school reunion. In attendance from VI were Gerry Barry, Gary Condon, Dan Dugan, Chuck Harris, Pete La Porte 66, Henry LaRose, Mike Lynch, Paul Merges, Bob Newell, Mike ONeil, Pat Reilly, John Ringwood, Jim Tunney, Jim Weinman and Chuck Moore 66. CBA graduates included Jack Brennan, John Di Nuzzo, Jack McEneny, Gene Napierski, Joe Perreault, Austin Sennett and Anthony Talbert. While we may have been rivals in high school, we all joined together at Siena to be a part of the great Class of 1965 our 50th college class reunion is only three years away.

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

1966Ira Mendleson was honored

by the Albany Law School of Union Universitys Moot Court Board with the 2011-2012 Gabri-elli Memorial Award for his con-tributions as a volunteer judge to law students participating in the court competition program and in appreciation of his out-standing service and dedication in promoting the principles, practices and objectives of the moot court program. He credits Siena College and his advisor in the colleges pre-law Barristers Club with helping him discover his love for the law.

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

social events, trade shows and seminars.

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

1967Rick Spataro [email protected]

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

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

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

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

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

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

Len DePasquale was holding court.

Peter Chepaitis reportedly made many visits to the buffet.

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

There was a Steve Boyle sighting on Friday night.

If you havent seen it yet, check out the work of Lyn and Joe Muldoon on YouTube by searching Old Green Bonnet Class of 67, we are all in it. It was a great way to prep for the weekend and no one should miss the opportunity to hear some otherwise creative lyrics to a song we all remember. If I omit-ted anyone from the dinner crew, let me know.

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

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

1968Bill McGoldrick [email protected]

Robert Guido was selected to the Standing Advisory Group (SAG) of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB). The mission of PCAOB is to oversee the audits of public companies in order to protect the interests of investors and further the public interest in the preparation of informative, accurate and independent audit reports. The SAG was estab-lished in June 2003 and includes experts in the fields of account-ing, auditing, financial reporting, corporate finance and corporate governance, as well as experts in investing in public companies. Walter E. Sawyer is the author of a book titled Growing Up With Literature, which includes

NEWSMAKER

Social Security Attorney Ira Mendleson 66

was honored by Albany Law Schools Moot Court Board with the 2011-2012 Gabrielli Memorial Award

for his contributions as a volunteer judge to law students participating in the court co mpetition

program. Mendleson, a principal partner of Buckley,

Mendleson, Criscione and Quinn, was recognized with the prestigious award at the 32nd annual Spring Awards

Banquet.

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Henry Zwack 75, Harry Stridick 75, Dr. Joe Perillo 74, Kurt Neiswender 75, Danny Devine 74, Dave Motta 75,

Patti Caputo DeFilippis 75, Ron DeFilippi s 73, Bob Swider 74 and Dr. Jim DeCresente reunited this past winter.

CLASS oF 1975 REUNIoN

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

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

1969Joe Condon received the

NYS Mental Health Associa-tions Electronic Media award for his radio and television broadcasts on mental health. He is the public affairs director of Albany Broadcasting. The award was presented to Joe by Peter Yarrow of the singing trio, Peter, Paul and Mary. Congratulations, Joe.

1970Bob Hermann [email protected]

1971Nicholas Positano [email protected]

Rick Pepe recently retired from a 37 year career teach-ing English at Schalmont High School in Schenectady, N.Y. He has published a book titled Thank You for My Children: A High School Teachers Final Year Journal, Anecdotes and Observations. He credits Siena for much of his success. Congratulations, Rick.

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

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

1972Jack Callahan [email protected]

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

1973Brian Valentine [email protected]

1975Janet Gutowski Hall [email protected]

Daniel Dinny Cahill was inducted into the MAAC Honor Roll as part of the organizations first class. Each MAAC school had two all-time greats tappe

siena news summer 2012

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