Siena Offering Courses at Local Correctional Facility

Siena College has finalized a new teaching program at the Mt. McGregor Correctional Facility in Wilton, New York.

Vice President for Academic Affairs, Linda Richardson, Ph. D. said the instruction of inmates at Mt. McGregor is slated to start on November 2^nd.
 

“As part of our mission statement as a Franciscan community, we are called to embody the vision and values of St. Francis of Assisi including the “affirmation of the unique worth of each person and service with the poor and marginalized.” Education is our profession and what better way is there to contribute than through your passion,” Richardson said.
 

Siena will offer four for-credit courses, including Microeconomics taught by Manimoy Paul, Ph. D., Poetry taught by Cara Benson, Introduction to American Politics taught by Leon Halpert, Ph.D. and Introduction to Religious Thought taught by Fr. Dennis Tamburello ’75, O.F.M., Ph. D.
 

The College will also offer a noncredit seminar course called “Success in Life through Sales”  taught by Derek Peterson and Kristopher Benson.
 

“I was never so proud of my faculty colleagues as I was when the invitation went out from Academic Affairs to teach at McGregor, with the understanding that this would be volunteer service and that we would not get paid,” said Tamburello.
 

According to Dr. Richardson, Mt. McGregor students would be “non-matriculated,” but the registrar will keep track of their Siena credits so they can be transferred to other institutions.
 

Tamburello and Richardson agree that this teaching opportunity is a perfect way to live Siena’s mission of educating and helping the marginalized.
 

“I know that the men there are hungry for education. This program will give them the opportunity at least to get started with some basic college courses, or to continue an education that got cut short by their incarceration. For many of them, it will be the highest quality of education that they’ve ever had. Taking these courses could lead many of them to continue their education when they are released and complete a college degree, something they might not otherwise consider. Having a bachelor’s degree will increase their chances of success in the world, and decrease their chances of returning to prison,” Tamburello said.
 

Richardson said she is already developing plans to continue offering courses in the spring.