Allison Anglim '16
Siena alumnus and Executive Vice President of Corporate Affairs for MetLife, Michael A. Zarcone ’83, led a lunchtime lecture at the College titled “The Value of the Liberal Arts and Franciscan Education Based on Education in the 21st Century Global Business." As a speaker in this year’s School of Liberal Arts Lecture Series program, Zarcone reminisced with Siena’s students, faculty and community on the career experiences that led him to where he is today.
Zarcone received a Bachelor’s Degree in English from Siena College, where he is now a member of the Associate Board of Trustees. He also earned a Juris Doctor degree from Catholic University of America School of Law. He serves as a member of the New York State Bar Association, the Pennsylvania Bar and the Bar of the District of Columbia. Prior to joining MetLife, Zarcone served as Associate Counsel to Minority Leader Clarence D. Rappleyea in the New York State Assembly. In this position, he was Counsel to the Assembly Committees on Insurance, Banks and Commerce.
“The best education, for your generation and certainly in the business world, is the Franciscan education,” said Zarcone. “It is so valuable to take what you have learned [at Siena] and combine it with the morality of the Franciscan tradition to make for a better world.”
Zarcone dedicated much of his success in the business world to the Franciscan values instilled in him during his time at Siena. He believes that these same values will help current students achieve their dreams.
Siena College Visiting Assistant Professor of English, Chantelle Thauvette, Ph.D., believes in the importance of alumni returning to campus to speak with her students.
"Alumni are an invaluable source of guidance and inspiration for students. Each disciplinary track provides students with a set of tools to use in solving problems, but it is alumni who can empower students by explaining how they used their skills to make a difference.”
Zarcone is also dedicated to giving back to the community. Serving as Chair of the MetLife Foundation, Zarcone utilizes charitable organizations, research and financial inclusion to make sure that the “poorest of the poor can sustain their lives”.
In his concluding comments Zarcone urged those in attendance to “be open to opportunities and the unexpected”.
