As an annual tradition, the Class of 2017 gathered at the Saratoga Racetrack for the 100 Days After Graduation Party on August 5. Hosted by Siena’s Alumni Relations Office, the day gives the Saints a chance to catch up, reminisce and place some bets with their fellow classmates.
Over 200 members of the Class gathered for the celebration.
"The 100 Days After Graduation Party is a great Siena tradition. Our newest alumni gather for the first time since graduation, greeted by many Graduates of the Last Decade (GOLD) who stop by to say hello," said Director of Alumni Relations, Mary Beth Finnerty.
This was not the first time the Class of 2017 was off to the races. Challenged by the annual Senior Gift, the Saints raised over $21,000, a record for single year fundraising for the yearly senior campaign. By their annual Kickoff Party in January alone, the class had already broken a College record and amassed over $12,900, a number that no other senior class has reached prior to the month of April.
Their gift helped to create an endowed, sustainable fund that will support the annual champagne toast reception during senior week. The Toast has become a favorite senior activity, and helps to welcome the class into the ranks of the alumni family.
“My favorite aspect of the day was taking the Class of 2017 alumni picture because the last time we were together like this, we were sitting in the Times Union Center for Commencement,” said Amy Polchinski ’17. “We truly represented the Siena Spirit in a large capacity even though we may not have won big at the races!”
Since graduation, Polchinski has been working as a teacher's aide for a preschool in Schenectady for children with special needs. It was important to Polchinski to give back to the surrounding community. At the end of August, she will be pursuing her Master's Degree in Occupational Therapy at Sage College.
“This event is a tradition like no other, reuniting the Saints to the Capital Region to reconnect and join in the experience of Saratoga. It is important that we keep in touch with one another, supporting everyone's new journey and cherishing our new beginnings after the Siena College experience. As we will always have Siena College, this event demonstrates that no matter where we end up in the world we can always come back to each other and share in the fun of the moment.”
