Team Siena changed its colors from green and gold to pink for one afternoon, all for a good cause: the annual Pink Bus Pull to raise awareness and funds to fight breast cancer.
The October 21 event was hosted by the Capital District Transportation Authority (CDTA) and raised more than $5,000. Co-ed teams of eight people test their strength and race the clock as they pull a 30,000-pound pink bus 30 feet.
This was the first year Siena fielded a team for the event. On the rope line for “Siena Strong” were President Chris Gibson, George Christian, Shelby Crespino, Kathleen Kiernan, Kiley Pendergast, Jason Rich, Rose Seggos, and Fr. Tito Serrano.
The Albany Fire Department took home the coveted pink bus trophy with the Albany Department of General Services coming in second. Money raised supports the American Cancer Society’s Real Men Wear Pink campaign.
Siena’s participation was organized by Sam Hesler, assistant director of academic programs and events, and Kiley Pendergast '21, assistant director for experience and executive assistant.
“One of the things I admire most about Siena is our commitment to giving back,” said Hesler. “I knew getting involved with the CDTA Pink Bus Pull would be a wonderful way to start a new tradition and show our support for members of the community who have been impacted by breast cancer. I'm looking forward to expanding our team for the event in coming years.”
Siena was the only area college to field a team. Pendergast said she roped in (pun intended) almost the entire President’s Office to participate. The Siena team had to overcome a few obstacles right before the event: team shirts that were ordered didn’t come in on time (Athletics helped by providing some of theirs) and Hesler tested positive for COVID the morning of the bus pull and was replaced at the last minute by Fr. Tito.
“We were a bit nervous about how far and how fast we would be able to pull the bus,” said Pendergast. “There were firemen and policemen there who did a great job. Seeing them do so well was a bit intimidating, but we also did really well, and CDTA did a great job with this event.”