Click here to see photos from the event.
Over 400 students, alumni and friends of the College gathered together for the 26th annual Siena College Endowed Scholarship Dinner on Thursday, April 6th. This annual event brings together Siena’s scholarship donors with their student recipients to show appreciation for their continued generosity.
27 years ago, Siena’s scholarship program started with 52 scholarships worth a few hundred thousand dollars. Dave Smith, vice president for Development and External Affairs, announced to the guests that today, there are over 300 endowed scholarship with a market value of $50 million.
The night’s program was hosted by senior computer science majors, Firmin Alexander ’17, Jen Hogan ’17 and Kevin Danaher ’17. The trio are not only friends, but business partners. As founders of TeachMe, an educational tool for dancers, by dancers, they are an illustrated example of the importance of scholarships.
“None of these life changing experiences would have happened if we did not all meet each other at Siena College,” said Hogan. “We would like to thank the Stack Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship for always supporting us and always encouraging anyone with an idea. We would also like to thank the donors. Without you, the three of us never would have met at Siena, and never realized that you do not have to give up on your dreams.”
The program also included remarks from Siena College trustee and scholarship donor, Virginia Darrow ’83, College President Br. Ed Coughlin, O.F.M., Ph.D., and MiKaila Ford ’17.
Ford, a senior psychology major from Albany, has a long history with Siena. Growing up as a young child in the College’s Mentoring Program, Ford eventually become a high school junior mentor before moving up the ranks to the position she has today as a head counselor. She hopes to inspire future generations of students the way that Jim Snyder, founder of the Mentoring Program, and her scholarship donors have inspired her.
“In the future, I hope to have my own non-for-profit where I can work with troubled youth to create a safe haven where they can learn, create and grow. This is my way of giving back to those who need it most, giving them the same opportunities that I have been given with the help of my donors and mentors.”
The Scholarship Dinner closed with an explosive, confetti filled performance from Siena’s Bhangra team.
“The support and generosity of individuals and families, colleagues and friends, corporations and organizations, alumni and parents, allows for Saints to have the tools needed to take an active and meaningful part in the world,” said Hogan.
