Sunday, May 14 saw 799 Siena Saints become alumni at the 2017 Commencement ceremonies at the Times Union Center in Albany.
The graduating class represented 31 undergraduate majors and one graduate major, and more than 80 minors and certificate programs.
Amy Polchinski ’17, a psychology major from Mahopac, N.Y., spoke on behalf of the Class of 2017.
“Our abilities will take us all over the world in pursuit of our passions. We will remain grounded with the Franciscan tradition so that we can inspire those we meet in our future.”
The beaming graduates were also addressed by Lucas J. Tucker, Ph.D., associate professor of chemistry and biochemistry, recipient of Siena’s annual Excellence in Teaching Award, and Br. F. Edward Coughlin, O.F.M., Ph.D., president of Siena, who recapped the Class of 2017’s above-and-beyond efforts to bring in Jimmy Fallon and Jon Bon Jovi as commencement speakers.
Their time together as a college class was marked by creativity and spirit, and Br. Ed encouraged them to keep being “creative and spirit-filled risk-takers, as you continue to find your path in life, to build strong relationships, to make a difference in the world and to serve generously in responding to the needs of the world.”
A benediction was offered by The Most Rev. Edward Scharfenberger, bishop of the Diocese of Albany, who told the graduates, “You are all beautiful.”
The Saturday before Commencement was a busy one on the Siena campus. The morning saw the induction ceremony for the Alpha Kappa Alpha honor society as well as the student awards ceremony. The Masters in Accounting hooding ceremony was held for 63 graduates, and six Siena ROTC students were commissioned as second lieutenants in their chosen branch of service. The afternoon wrapped up with a Baccalaureate liturgy, a special time of prayer and reflection at the Marcelle Athletic Complex.
One graduate received a very special surprise after picking up her diploma on Sunday: Jaclyn Aubin ’17 of Clarksburg, Mass., was greeted by her uniformed brother, Airman First Class Kyle Aubin, after she came off stage. He traveled from his Air Force base in North Carolina just to see his sister graduate.
“I have no words for him,” she said, her eyes bright with tears. “No words. I’m speechless.”
Kyle said he and Jaclyn “were best friends growing up.” He worked with Siena’s Academic Affairs office a couple months ahead of time to plan the surprise reunion.
Photos
Master's in Accounting Hooding Ceremony
Centre d’Études Franco-Américain de Management (CEFAM) Ceremony
