Siena College’s dining hall is getting a fresh start under a new name. The building, which first opened in 1959 as Serra Hall, will now be known as Lonnstrom Dining Hall in honor of Professor of Quantitative Business Analysis Doug Lonnstrom ’66, Ph.D. and his wife Cristine.
“As a sign today though of our appreciation for their leadership and enthusiastic support, we’re pleased to name the dining hall in their honor,” said Board of Trustees Chair Howard Foote ’74 during the building’s dedication ceremony.
Lonnstrom earned his MBA from Siena in 1966 and has taught business courses at the College for nearly 40 years. He is also the founding director of the Siena Research Institute. Still, Lonnstrom said the best part about his Siena College career is working with the students.
“If it wasn’t for the students, this would be a job. This is not a job. I never think I’m coming here to work. I’m coming here to teach,” said Lonnstrom.
The Lonnstroms’ commitment to serving Siena students and supporting the College has led to their philanthropic support of several initiatives over the years. Their latest gift, which demonstrates leadership in the College’s ongoing $50 million dollar comprehensive campaign, will support an endowment to perpetually underwrite activities and improvements to the dining hall and other buildings.
“We are so grateful for this naming honor today and we can’t wait to see and be part of the next Siena episode,” said Cristine Lonnstrom.
As Siena’s main dining facility, Lonnstrom Dining Hall offers everything from pizzas and burgers to sandwiches, salads and food made to order. Along with providing great meals, it gives students a place to gather for good conversation.
“It is the place where they can meet friends. It’s the place they can strengthen friendships. It’s sometimes the place they can go to receive sympathy. It’s sometimes the place they go to share their joys. All that is part of a Franciscan outlook upon life,” said Siena College President Fr. Kevin Mullen ’75, O.F.M., Ph.D.
Whether they’re supporting academic initiatives or ensuring that students have top-notch facilities, the Lonnstroms’ legacy will ensure that the education of a lifetime is always being served at Siena College.
The legacy of the building’s previous namesake Fr. Junipero Serra, O.F.M. will live on at Siena as well. The 33 Fiddlers Lane building will be named in honor of the revered Franciscan. Serra served as friar, professor, explorer and evangelizer to the people of Mexico and California. Serra, who was born in Spain, founded nine missions from San Deigo to San Francisco. He was beatified by Pope John Paul II in 1988.
