Siena College expanded its footprint across Route 9 with the opening of The Trustco Bank Center. Seats were filled on the front lawn as Siena College leaders, including Chairman of the Board of Trustees Howard Foote ’74, President Fr. Kevin Mullen ’75, O.F.M., Ph.D., and Vice President for Finance and Administration Paul Stec ’79 joined Town of Colonie Supervisor Paula Mahan and representatives from Trustco Bank and the New York State Police to dedicate the newest addition to Siena’s campus.
The newly renovated, environmentally friendly administrative building houses human resources, business affairs, purchasing, auxiliary services and the Capital District’s Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) unit, the Mohawk Battalion. The move not only repurposes the former New York State Police Troop G Headquarters, but also frees up space in Siena Hall for academics.
As part of the $5 million renovation project, The Trustco Bank Center, a LEED-certified building, received new windows, a new roof and solar panels, which will provide as much as 40% of its electrical energy. In addition to the new office space, there is a high-tech classroom, seminar space, a multi-purpose room, secure storage space and more than 100 parking spaces.
Siena College Trustee Rob McCormick ’87, president and CEO of Trustco Bank, and Robert Cushing ’77, former Chairman of the Siena College Board of Trustees and executive vice president and CFO of Trustco Bank took on leadership roles in the project and were there to celebrate the building’s grand opening.
“My heart is filled with gratitude,” Mullen said. “I want to thank the McCormick family for their tremendous support of me and their generosity to this community.”
McCormick thanked Mullen for his leadership and praised the College’s commitment to its mission.
“You’ve made Siena a beacon of progress. We only need to look at this building as an example of the progress that you’ve shown throughout your tenure here,” McCormick said.
With guests standing, Mullen read a blessing and then sprinkled holy water on the front of the building. “Today, we bless this structure,” he said.
As the group of Siena, Trustco Bank and community leaders gathered to cut the ribbon, McCormick handed the ceremonial shears to Cushing and said quietly, “You deserve this.” Cushing cut the ribbon and Fr. Kevin proudly exclaimed, “It’s officially open!"
