St. Francis of Assisi was watching over Siena when it first opened its doors on September 22, 1937. The Franciscan spirit was palpable 85 years to the day later as faculty, staff, and administrators gathered to observe not only the College's birthday, but a new building and new guideposts to lead Siena into the future.
After hours of pouring rain, the clouds suddenly made way for brilliant fall sunshine in the afternoon, just in time for the celebration. The construction zone on the eastern side of campus was completely cleared and in its place was the beautifully renovated Patricia Gioia Hall. The manicured grounds between Gioia Hall and the Grotto now feature the College’s three Bells of Remembrance, housed in a brick structure that will play an ongoing part in future campus ceremonies.
In addition to celebrating Siena’s 85th anniversary of founding and the new Gioia Hall and bell structure, the College marked the many accomplishments of the 2017-2022 strategic plan “Tradition, Transformed.” and formally introduced its new plan “Leading the Way.” Contrade flags were also handed out: faculty and staff each received a flag to denote one of the 17 contrade they joined, in honor of the unique wards of Siena, Italy.
Siena students received their flags at their own birthday celebration today on the Nigro Family Plaza during free period.
Fr. Dan Dwyer, O.F.M. associate professor of history, offered both an historical and Franciscan perspective on the College’s eight-plus decades. Siena President Chris Gibson, Ph.D., acknowledged the inspiration provided by Siena’s Franciscan tradition.
“We have been blessed with visionaries throughout Siena’s history,” he said, as he explored the four key pillars of the new strategic plan: Education, Experience, Community and Reputation. This blueprint for success will guide the College as it evolves in the coming years, helping all students to meet their full potential.
Thom Schlinck '19, operations manager for Student Activities and Leadership Development, performed his original song, "Take Me Home, Loudon Road." Thom first performed the popular sing-along as his talent during the Mr. Siena competition three years. The community program concluded with a celebratory pealing of the bells. Later in the evening, trustees and donors held a reception in Patricia Gioia Hall that began with a ceremonial ribbon cutting.