Welcome back to The Legacy Family Spotlight, a monthly media feature highlighting the proud tradition of attending Siena where green and gold runs through the generations. Our next family, the Heck family, has roots and memories that span from the 60s to the present day. Their legacy is one of life-lasting friendships, memories, and professional growth that bind their family from House to Haus, all while Siena is at the focal point.
The story begins with Bud Heck, a graduate of the Class of 1963, who studied accounting while at Siena. Bud had such a transformative experience while at Siena that he pursued his entrepreneurial spirit to transform the ways small businesses become industry leaders. He founded Alpin Haus in 1964, which has grown into an outdoor recreation powerhouse with 6 locations across New York and New Jersey selling RVs, Boats & Powersports, Skis & Apparel, Pools & Patio Furniture, and Hot Tubs. Bud’s entrepreneurial vision and success were recognized by Siena in 2021 as the Stack Center’s Entrepreneur of the Year. Alpin Haus was also an early member of the Maddalone Wall of Success.
Andy Heck, a 1988 graduate, met the love of his life Lorraine (Lanci) Heck, class of 1989, while at Siena. Andy is now the President of Alpin Haus, and Lorraine was an elementary school teacher transforming lives and positively impacting the community as a teacher until staying home to raise their family. Andy likewise, has also positively impacted the community back here at Siena serving on the Board of Advisors. They note that the Siena community has been so great to their family and business and that every time they’re back on campus for events it still has that special feeling.
Andy and Lorraine have also seen their bond with Siena shared by their children Nicole (Heck) Cornell ’14, Ryan Heck ’16, and Danielle Heck ’19. Upon graduation, Nicole worked as the assistant director for the alumni office at Siena before transitioning to a position at Alpin Haus as the Human Resource Manager. Ryan, like his parents, met the love of his life Colleen (Ferrucci) Heck ’17 at Siena and is the General Manager at Alpin Haus while Colleen is the Ski & Pool Shop Buyer. Fr. Dennis Tamburello ’75, O.F.M. has shared in the love stories of all immediate family presiding over their weddings and awaits the next one this summer when Danielle weds her fiance Ricky. Danielle has followed in the Heck family's footsteps as well, as a teacher like her mother.
Katie (Heck) Osborn, class of 1997, and her husband Tom Osborn, also class of 1997, met at Siena. Katie, now the Vice President of Marketing at Alpin Haus, and Tom, the VP of Customer Service at Nice CXone, credit their Siena education with providing the skills and connections that have fueled their careers. Their son, Matt Osborn, is currently part of the Siena class of 2026, majoring in Management, continuing the next generation of the family tradition.
The Heck family's deep connection to Siena College is a testament to the lasting impact of a Siena Franciscan education. They believe that a Siena Franciscan education not only prepares you for a career but also for life in the way you become as a whole person. Then, when you become Siena alumni you instantly have a connection with other alumni and easily build relationships that open doors. Their story is a shining example of how Siena College prepares its alumni not just for successful careers, but for meaningful lives.