Dante Angelini '23 had one message for his fellow graduating seniors at Holyoke High School in Massachusetts. He stepped up to the podium, grabbed the microphone, and told the Class of 2019 to "reach for the stars." Those words have taken him further than he could have imagined. 

Dante was chosen to speak at his high school commencement partly for his school spirit and knack for spreading cheer though the halls. In fact, Dante was the spotlight student in an issue of the Holyoke High Herald, and in the article, the author noted, "Dante is a happy kid... Dante brightens people's days."

Dante was also chosen to speak at commencement for his unrelenting perseverance, which inspired students, teachers, and administrators. As a high school freshman, Dante was placed exclusively in special education courses. Diagnosed with autism at a young age, Dante can struggle with verbal and social communication which makes school work more challenging. Despite the obstacles, Dante reached for the stars. By his senior year, he was a member of the National Honor Society.

  "I'm so happy that I was able to accomplish so much in high school. My autism life feels like a rollercoaster of challenges. But from where I was as a 10-year-old boy, to everything I've achieved in the past few years, my message at graduation was about perseverance."

Dante fell in love with Siena early in the college search, and just like he did in high school, he made an immediate impact on the community. In high school, he was manager of the tennis team. At Siena, he helps out with women's lacrosse and works with Admissions. He's also developed a bond with President Gibson. 

"Dr. Gibson made my college life amazing, and I couldn't ask for a better person to be surrounded by. I can't even describe. He just says how proud he is of my achievements."

Dante's GPA was 2.4 his first semester freshman year; last semester, he made the dean's list. 

"I'm enormously proud of Dante," said President Gibson. "He represents all of our Franciscan values and is a tremendous ambassador for our cause. Dante has worked very hard here at Siena and earned a stellar reputation as an excellent student, effective campus leader, and good friend to all. I see great things in his future." 

Dante will start his MBA in the fall with a concentration in marketing. When he graduates, he plans to start applying for jobs... at Siena.

"I just love this campus and I want to work here. I love the community. I love the culture. That Franciscan tradition is part of my personality."

Meat lover's pizza is a part of his personality, too. During the pandemic, Dante needed a creative outlet, so he started Dante's Pizza Review on Instagram. Over 99 episodes, he's ranked pizzas on a scale of 1-10 (Joe's Pizza in New York City has earned the only perfect 10). Last month, Lonnstrom Dining Hall introduced a brand new pizza oven, which created the perfect opportunity for a special 100th episode.

"We purchased the Marra Forni Pizza oven to give our students a better experience, said Rachel Miller, senior director of dining services. "Our house made dough and sauce were not able to be highlighted because of the poor condition of our previous oven. I have been after Dante to do one of his famous pizza reviews at Lonnstrom since I’ve known him." 

Dante made the pizza himself and reviewed it in front of an audience. How did the pie score? Check it out, here