In 1976, one year after graduating from Siena with a bachelor's degree in French and a minor in philosophy, Fr. Dennis Tamburello '75, Of.M., professor of religious studies, headed to novitiate at St. Francis Friary in Brookline, Mass. where he professed his first vows. Forty-five years later...
Fr. Dennis has served Siena College as a campus minister and professor. He's led service trips and written books. He's played in bands and he's volunteered as a prison chaplain. Fr. Dennis has inspired generations of Saints in innumerable ways. On October 16, the Siena community celebrated Fr. Dennis and his 45 years as a Franciscan friar.
The event began with Mass in the chapel followed by a dinner and program in the Maloney Great Room for 200 friends, alumni, family, and friars. In fact, friars from New York City, Boston, and Florida made the trip, and all five living Siena College presidents were in attendance.
The program, of course, included musical performances, live and recorded (see below).
"I am filled with gratitude for the celebration. It meant a lot to me to have so many Siena alumni, faculty, staff, and students present -- not to mention my family, every living president of Siena, and a large group of friars. I am overwhelmed by the generosity of the donors to the Tamburello Family Scholarship, which I hope can now help more students with a larger award. All in all, it was a night I will never forget."
Fr. Dennis Tamburello '75, O.F.M., Ph.D., professor of religious studies
You've heard of James Corden's Carpool Karaoke? Instead, put Fr. Dennis behind the wheel, throw in a few hitchhiking students, and dub in a "studio audience" - and you've got Golf Cart Karaoke, a heartwarming video that debuted during the October 16 celebration.