News

Ten things you probably don't know about the Professor of Social Work.

Starting college is a big step for anyone, but for international students, it’s an even bigger leap. They leave behind their families, friends, and home countries to chase their dreams in a new place. At Siena, international students bring fresh perspectives, different cultures, and inspiring stories that make our campus even more special.

For Patrick Freaney ’98, protecting others isn’t just a job—it’s a mission. As the Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Secret Service’s New York field office, he leads a team responsible for safeguarding high-profile individuals, including world leaders and dignitaries. His career has taken him across the globe, working in high-stakes environments. But his journey to the Secret Service began long before his first assignment. It started with a defining moment in his teenage years.

Picking a major is an exciting step in your college journey, but it doesn’t mean you have to stick to just one path. Combining different areas of study through interdisciplinary studies can help you develop a unique skill set, making you stand out to employers and opening up more career opportunities.

Tom Smalley ’20 used to spend hours every day on his compulsions. Literally hours. If he didn’t tap an object 100 times or take 500 steps, it meant his family would get in a car wreck. Or he’d lose his next sports game. Or God wouldn’t love him. Or he’d injure someone accidentally. Those fears were in his head constantly, and he devised compulsions to ensure himself that everything would be OK.

Ten things you probably don't know about the lecturer in nursing.

A Siena professor is part of an international team of scientists whose recent findings suggest that what we thought we knew about the universe may be wrong.

Maureen (Krant) Van Woert ’98 met her future husband when they were both Saints during a service trip with Habitat for Humanity. This March, their daughter made her first Habitat trip through the chapter her dad founded.

Choosing a college isn’t just about rankings or campus amenities—those matter, but so does finding a place where you can truly thrive. The experiences that shape your time on campus often come from moments of unexpected discovery: joining a club that challenges your perspective, taking a class that sparks a new passion, or finding a community that makes campus feel like home. These moments don’t happen by accident—they happen when a school fosters an environment where students feel encouraged, supported, and valued.

When this semester began at the University Institute of Lisbon, Sean Donnelly '26 (above, right) made sure he was in his seat for each class 10 minutes early. He's that kind of student. But now, Donnelly's barely strolling in by the start of class. He's not struggling; he's acclimating.