Thanksgiving, for most of the world, is simply Thursday. Maribella Gaetani '24 was happy to immerse herself in French customs, but she was slightly concerned about missing a favorite holiday. So, her family brought Thanksgiving to France. Sort of.
President Chris Gibson and his wife, Mary Jo, led the countdown from the steps of Siena Hall. At "one," they flipped the enormous lever, and when the trees on either side of Siena Hall ignited in Christmas colors, a new Siena tradition was born.
It was December 14, 2012 and Katie Bisset ’26 was eight years old. She and her classmates and teacher at Sandy Hook Elementary School were huddled together, terrified and confused, in the reading corner of their third-grade classroom. They heard a commotion happening elsewhere in the building. The loudspeaker that had just played morning announcements switched back on and was relaying disturbing sounds from the front of the building.
Starting college is a huge transition for every student, and Siena is committed to making that experience as smooth as possible. The one-credit Siena 101 course is offered to any incoming freshman who wants to take it. Sessions on test taking, study tips, time management and more are offered; one of the key components of the course’s success, however, are the personal connections made by peer mentors.
With deep concern for rising levels of antisemitism throughout the country, Siena College makes clear its unwavering commitment, as a Franciscan community, to the unique worth of each and every person.
Damietta Cross-Cultural Center, School of Science, Environmental Studies and Sciences, Chemistry & Biochemistry
A Study Abroad team member recently received a commendation from the U.S. Department of State for her work on applicant review for a prestigious scholarship program.