Central to Siena’s identity as a Catholic and Franciscan institution is the College’s commitment to service, especially to those in need. By serving the poor and marginalized, members of the Siena community live out the College’s commitment to building a world that is more just, peaceable and humane. This part of the Siena College mission is inherent in all aspects of college life, including work in the classroom, by student-athletes and through the efforts of campus leaders, including President Fr. Kevin Mullen ’75, O.F.M., Ph.D.
Mullen holds leadership positions in several community organizations. He is on the board of trustees for the Commission on Independent Colleges and Universities and the Irish-American Heritage Museum. Mullen also serves on the Board of Directors for Northeastern New York Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association, which recently recognized Siena College with the Corporate Philanthropy Award.
Earlier this month, Mullen was presented with the Teresian Community Service Award during the 23rd Annual Teresian House Foundation “Friendraising” Gala in Saratoga Springs, New York. The Teresian House is a 300-bed, non-profit home for the elderly in New York’s Capital Region. It is sponsored by the Albany Roman Catholic Diocese and served by the Carmelite Sisters for the Aged and Infirmed.
When Mullen’s award was announced, the cheers from the crowd were so loud that they prompted the presenter, Bishop Howard Hubbard to say, “Fr. Mullen has brought with him the pep group from Siena College.” Bishop Hubbard added that he could think of no one more deserving of the Teresian Community Service Award than Mullen. The award is presented each year to a person who exemplifies Christian values and ideals and is faithful to the message of the gospel in all aspects of their personal and professional lives.
“I am humbled tonight to accept this,” Mullen said as he thanked his Siena College colleagues. Mullen also spoke about the commitment and love shared by the Carmelite Sisters and the staff and leadership of the Teresian House as they care for a population of people who need their support. “I encourage you to pass on that gift of love,” Mullen said to the crowd.
Mullen joins a list of Teresian Community Service Award winners that includes former New York State Governor Hugh Carey, author Mary Higgins-Clark, horse breeder and socialite Marylou Whitney, former Siena College President Fr. Kevin Mackin, O.F.M., singer Ronan Tynan and University of Louisville Men’s Basketball Coach Rick Pitino.
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