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Br. Basil holds graduate degrees from The American University and Washington Theological Union (The Catholic University of America), and has pursued advanced studies in Theology and International Business throughout his tenure as a college professor.  A proud member of Siena’s Class of 1984, Br. Basil has served on the Siena Board of Trustees since 2016, contributing to key committees including Academic Affairs, Student Success, Branding and Identity, and Governance. He currently serves as Secretary of the Board of Trustees.
 
As a Franciscan friar of the Province of Our Lady of Guadalupe, which serves communities throughout the United States, Puerto Rico, Jamaica and Cuba, Br. Basil has dedicated more than 12 years to vocation ministry. He has served as Director of Vocations in his legacy province and, most recently, as Executive Director of the National Vocation Office in New York City. Throughout his ministry, he has accompanied men discerning a Franciscan vocation while promoting the Franciscan values of fraternity, prayer, service, and solidarity with those who are poor and marginalized.
 
Br. Basil remains a tenured assistant professor at St. Bonaventure University (on leave) where he taught many undergraduate and graduate courses in advertising, marketing and public relations and also served as Director of the Graduate Program in Integrated Marketing Communications. He also directed the Francis E. Kelley Oxford Program, a partnership between St. Bonaventure University and Trinity College, University of Oxford, fostering academic and cultural engagement for students abroad.
 
Returning to his alma mater marks a meaningful new chapter in Br. Basil’s professional and ministerial journey. He recently joined the Siena University community and now resides at the St. Bernardine of Siena Friary. Enthusiastic about contributing to the institution that helped shape his own Franciscan and academic formation, Br. Basil serves as Director of the NExT Fellowship Program, where he guides students who work in teams to address real world problems as researchers and consultants for local nonprofits. He also teaches within the program, serves as Assistant Director of ACE, and is recognized as a Franciscan Marketing and Communication Scholar-in-Residence at Siena. Br. Basil is honored to collaborate with colleagues, students, alumni, local business leaders and friars in advancing Siena’s mission and strengthening its Franciscan identity.
 
A former dancer trained in tap, swing, and Spanish dance (about 100 pounds ago, he says), Br. Basil once performed for members of the Spanish Royal Family as part of the international touring organization Up With People. He also had the opportunity to work with Charles M. “Sparky” Schulz, creator of Peanuts. Today, Br. Basil continues to share his passion for Franciscan life and vocation ministry, often asking a question that has guided much of his work: “Is God calling you, or someone you know, to be a Franciscan?” Learn more at Friars.US.