A true Siena Saint, Phil Burden ’74 will spend his October honoring a lifelong friend. Phil is set to hike 120-miles from Baker, CA to Las Vegas, NV, in memory of Kevin Nulty.

Phil and Kevin became fast friends during the late 70s when they both worked as police officers. Kevin passed away last year after a battle with Mantle Cell Lymphoma; Phil was diagnosed with the same cancer a couple of years ago.

Thanks to his Franciscan education received at Siena, Phil was inspired to give back. “Siena instilled in me a sense of community and going the extra mile to help others,” he says. “My four-year experience at Siena provided lifelong friendships; a quality education; a solid sense of community; and reinvigorated my Catholic faith.”

Phil credits Bob Reilly, his track and cross country coach, as a mentor during his four years at Siena. “Bob impacted me in so many positive ways. His leadership, team building, zest for life, trying new things and exploring opportunities are traits I try to emulate.” He also remembers former Siena president Fr. Hugh Hines, O.F.M., H’89 as an encouraging figure in his life. “Fr. Hugh encouraged us to live our faith by action and he emphasized the importance of the Eucharist. A teacher of Franciscan traditions!”

Phil hopes to raise $50,000 during his hike for cancer research at City of Hope Hospital in California. We thank him for his commitment to the mission of St. Francis and for being a Saint who doesn’t sit on the sidelines!