Dear Siena Community,
There is a distinct energy that takes hold of our community during these final weeks of the academic year. As the ground thaws and the campus truly comes alive in the spirit of springtime, we find ourselves in the home stretch. This is the pivotal moment where months of hard work, curiosity, and collaboration begin to reach a crescendo.
For me, this is the most rewarding time of the year. To walk across campus and see our students and faculty deeply engaged in the final stages of their research and creative projects is a powerful reminder of why we are all here.
This intellectual vitality will be on full display during our Academic Showcase on Friday, May 1 and the kickoff SaintsTalk Series the night before. These events are a celebration of the academic journey and lead us directly into the culminating activities surrounding Commencement next month. I encourage everyone to witness the incredible scholarship our students have produced. It is the very heart of the Siena experience.
While we celebrate our students, we must also recognize the dedicated professionals who make their success possible. On Friday, we gathered for our annual faculty and administrator award ceremony and reception to honor retirees and those reaching milestone years of service. It was a night to reflect on the collective wisdom and commitment that defines our community.
I was particularly proud to recognize this year’s award winners: Dr. Keith Wilhite, Dr. Scott Greenhalgh, Dr. Daniel Moriarty ’93 and Michael Lounello '11. These individuals ensure Siena consistently shows up at a level that matches our rising national reputation.
That national reputation was on full display this March. For two unforgettable hours on March 19, Siena basketball was the biggest sports story in the country. Our student athletes played with courage, confidence and resilience against Duke. Our success reminded the nation, and ourselves, exactly where Siena belongs. The entire team made Siena proud.
As I shared during the introductory press conference for our new Men’s Basketball Head Coach, Nevada Smith, Siena is back. Nevada is a proven winner who understands that success on the court is inseparable from character and academic excellence.
This momentum is about a palpable pride that is reverberating from Loudonville across the country. We see that same 'Siena is Rising' energy in our classrooms and labs. Last week, for instance, we explored the intersection of technology and humanity during the Lewis Golub Executive Lecture featuring Laszlo Bock. His insights reinforced that for us, innovation means identifying forward-thinking ideas while remaining person-centered.
To that end, I want to address how we are applying that approach to the evolving landscape of AI. Our leadership team is currently developing a comprehensive strategy to integrate AI literacy across our campus, with a specific focus on the ethical and human-centered dimensions that technology alone cannot replicate. This work includes training, integration with our curriculum, partnerships, and seeking external funding for high-tech learning spaces. By pairing technical competency with the critical thinking and communication skills at the heart of our Franciscan, liberal arts tradition, we will ensure that a Siena education remains a powerful advantage in a changing workforce. More details on these initiatives will follow soon.
The same spirit of innovation is driving our Strategic Planning Committee as they look toward our future. They are currently tackling a fundamental question: what makes Siena special? We need your voice to help articulate that answer. The committee is hosting two engagement sessions on Thursday, April 16, and Friday, April 17, in Massry Dining Hall.
As we build for the future, we are also in the final push to welcome the Class of 2030. Between now and National Decision Day on May 1, we all play a role in recruitment. You are our best ambassadors. Thanks to the many of you who volunteer at our admissions events. It makes a huge difference.
When you see visiting families on campus, I encourage you to stop, say hello, and share what makes this community so special to you. Those small, authentic interactions often become the reason a student chooses to become a Saint.
Finally, I want to thank everyone who attended our April 1 Town Hall. I hope you found it informative and feel more connected to the decisions shaping our University. To help us improve, please take a moment to fill out the survey that appeared in last week's Digest.
Our next Community Conversation will feature Provost Maggie Madden this Thursday, April 16 at 9 a.m. in the Norm following our community breakfast. I also invite you to visit the Siena in Focus website for archives and updates, and to use the What’s on Your Mind link to provide feedback.
I look forward to seeing you at my upcoming open office hours on Tuesday, April 14 (tomorrow) from 2-4 p.m., or Wednesday, April 29 from 1-3 p.m., at Casey’s. You can expect my final monthly email update of the academic year on Monday, May 11. Thank you for your energy, your scholarship, and your unwavering commitment to Siena. Let's finish this semester strong.
Peace and all good,
Chuck