A Ring of Honor – a circle of engraved benches at the center of campus – was dedicated by Siena College on Sept. 29 to honor its most generous benefactors.
The 22 gray granite benches are engraved with the names of 25 Siena donors who have given more than $1 million to the College.
“As I walk about the College, I am pleased to see that our students are constantly using the benches as a place to gather, to talk, to enjoy the fall weather. The circle has already become an integral part of our campus by promoting fellowship among our students and serving as a visual focus point at the center of our academic quad,” said Br. Ed Coughlin, O.F.M., President of Siena.
“Siena College was founded nearly eight decades ago to inculcate the ideals of St. Francis of Assisi into the young people it was preparing for careers and life beyond college walls – to sow hope where there is despair, joy where there is sadness, and light where there is darkness. The individuals, groups and families who have given so generously to support these ideals, and the ideals of knowledge and scholarship, have transformed the lives of generations of young men and women.”
The ring is located at the heart of the College’s academic quad, in the center of campus.
A reception was held in the College’s Maloney Great Room with remarks from campus dignitaries, followed by a blessing of the Ring of Honor by Fr. Larry Anderson, O.F.M., Siena’s chaplain, and other friars connected with Siena.
“These names already are well known to us and to all those who love Siena. If you look at the list of honorees, you will see the names that currently grace many other campus spaces,” said Howard Foote, chairman of Siena’s board of trustees. “This Ring of Honor bring these names – these benefactors – together in one circle at the center of the campus. Our Ring of Honor is also a ring of dedication, support and commitment to the ideals of Siena, and it sits justly at the heart of this beautiful campus.”
The following individuals and families were honored:
- James ’58 and Maureen O’Sullivan H’83 Cushing
- John J. Dawson ’68, Esq.
- Rosario “Sal” Ilacqua ‘50
- Joseph F. Krause ‘51
- Kenneth and Thelma Lally
- Col. Charles C. MacClosky ‘40
- Gino H’05 and Whilma Turchi
- J. Patrick Barrett ‘59
- Stewart’s Shops/The Dake Family
- The Friars of the Holy Name Province
- Jack ’50 and Betsey Harvey
- Ambassador Douglas T. Hickey ’77, H’16
- Douglas ’77 and Margaret Lanzafame ’76 Colbeth
- Dr. Douglas A. ’66 and Cristine M. Lonnstrom
- George T. ’54 and Sally M. Maloney
- The Marcelle Family
- The McCormick Family/Trustco Bank
- James J. ’66 and Kathleen Morrell
- The John D. Picotte Family
- Gene H’78 and Mary Sarazen and Family
- J. Spencer H’04 and Patricia H’04 Standish
- Dr. Dell N. and Audrey L. Thompson
- Anonymous
- John J. Nigro H’13 and Family
- Dennis L. Winger ’69 and Barbara L. Waldman
Andrew Murphy ‘17, president of Siena’s Student Senate, spoke for the current student body:
“The Ring of Honor has already become a gathering place for students where we relax in between classes, meet friends, and discuss our studies. It is also a place where we can be reminded of the generosity that founded Siena years ago and continues to sustain it to this day,” he said. “It also makes us ponder future opportunities to give back to the College that is giving us so much.”
