Hundreds of students, alumni, honored guests and friends of Siena College gathered to celebrate the inauguration of the 11th President, Brother F. Edward Coughlin, O.F.M., Ph.D., on October 2, 2015.
In June 2014, Brother Coughlin was appointed as interim president of the College. Prior to his appointment, he was a Siena College trustee and vice-president for Franciscan mission at his alma mater, St. Bonaventure University. In November 2014, he was officially appointed eleventh president by the board of trustees.
During his first year at Siena, Brother Coughlin set out to initiate a conversation with the College. He accomplished his goal by meeting with faculty, staff and administrators, eating in the Lonnstrom Dining Hall with students and engaging in dialogue with the outside community about Siena’s many successes.
“A little over a year ago I stood in front of this community and began my campus conversation as an Interim President. I was on a steep learning curve and yes, there were many surprises,” said Brother Coughlin. “It was not long thereafter that I found myself needing to answer a few tough questions as I prepared to stay in lead, as I prepared to convene open dialogues, engage in passionate debates, do urgent and difficult planning, and make tough decisions.”
Sr. Margaret Carney, O.S.F., S.T.D., President of St. Bonaventure University delivered the introduction to the inaugural address where she recognized Brother Coughlin’s numerous academic achievements that have shaped many institutions, and have undoubtedly shaped Siena as well.
“His keynote presentations have taken him across the globe, his published articles and reviews are in numerous syllabi in classrooms throughout the association of Franciscan colleges and universities…I wish to assure this distinguished faculty that he is no stranger to the blessed trinity of teaching, research and publication that runs every excellent college and its faculty leaders.”
Student Senate President, Patrick Madden ’16 spoke on behalf of the College’s students that often see Brother Coughlin chatting between classes in the academic buildings, cheering at athletic events and eating dinner in the dining halls.
“Within days of arriving on campus, he quickly extended himself to the members of our community, especially the students. To us, Brother Ed exudes the Franciscan spirit of relationship and he is a shining model of what it means to be a Siena Saint.”
The theme that Brother Coughlin chose for his inauguration, “Embracing What Is Ours to Do,” was meant to challenge the already successful Siena community in order to see what more they can accomplish as a whole with Siena’s education of a lifetime.
Provincial Minister of the Holy Name Province and former Siena College President, The Very Rev. Kevin J. Mullen ‘75, O.F.M., Ph.D., closed the inauguration with a Benediction blessing that echoed this important theme.
“May Brother Ed promote and affirm the dignity and worth of each person. May he challenge this community to stay united.”
