St. Francis of Assisi Award
The St. Francis of Assisi Award honors an administrator or staff member who consistently leads by putting others first. They have demonstrated a devotion to Siena’s mission as a learning community advancing the ideals of a liberal arts education, rooted in its identity as a Franciscan and Catholic institution.
| Year |
Winner |
| 2022 |
John Henchey |
| 2023 |
James Calechman |
| 2024 |
Chris Burdo |
| 2025 |
April Backus; Tom Templeton |
Founding Friars Award
The Founding Friars Award honors an administrator or staff member who took an action that had a dramatic impact on the success of the College within the past year. This person’s activity went above and beyond their assigned duties and had a lasting, positive impact.
| Year |
Winner |
| 2022 |
Michael Lounello |
| 2023 |
Julia Zielinski |
| 2024 |
Mike Utzig |
| 2025 |
Kris Kolonko |
Innovator of the Year
The Innovator of the Year Award honors an administrator or staff member who has developed and implemented imaginative and forward-thinking ideas with the foresight to meet the emerging needs of the University and the community.
| Year |
Winner |
| 2022 |
Lindsay Green |
| 2023 |
Lori Lasch |
| 2024 |
Lorelei Wagner |
| 2025 |
Deb Pasquarella |
SAINT OF THE YEAR
The Saint of the Year Award recognizes a staff member who strengthens the Siena community through extraordinary execution of their responsibilities and unwavering devotion to the College’s mission. This person fosters friendship and respect among colleagues across campus, and epitomizes the selfless character and tenacious work ethic of a Siena Saint.
| Year |
Winner |
| 2022 |
Zach Brimmer and Colleen Sheedy |
| 2023 |
Michael Collins |
| 2024 |
Kathy Palumbo |
| 2025 |
Dan Happ |