Sr. Grace Frances Strauber is the director of the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) program at St. Francis Parish in Hoboken, N.J. She has been a Franciscan Sister of the Poor for 65 years.

John Casey was selected for inclusion in the 2012 Super Lawyers listing for insurance coverage. Super Lawyers is a rating service of outstanding lawyers from more than 70 practice areas who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. Congratulations John!

The class of 1973 welcomes the class of 2016 to Siena College and wishes all the best to the class of 2013 who will graduate exactly forty years after our class! I hope to see many of my 1973 classmates at our reunion in June 2013. Congratulations to Jim LaBate who published his fourth novel titled My Teacher’s Password about a student in a creative writing class facing a moral dilemma. Jim has spent his entire career as either a teacher or a writer. Since January of 2000 he has worked as a writing specialist in The Writing Center at Hudson Valley Community College (HVCC) in Troy, N.Y. I look forward to receiving more news from my 1973 Siena College classmates!

Jim Nolan recently received the Monsignor Burns Memorial Award from Catholic Central High School in Troy, N.Y. The award recognizes people whose lives and actions reflect the values of the school, with emphasis on personal moral development, the building of community and service to others. Jim is a professor in the school of business at Siena College. Richard Geary won The Business Review’s CFO of the Year 2012 award in the nonprofit category. He is CFO and chief operating officer at Saratoga Performing Arts Center. Congratulations to both!

Submit news to Jean Reamer, jpreamer[at]comcast.net

I am happy to be able to share news from a fellow classmate.  It would be nice to hear from more of you!  Please don’t hesitate to share your news about family, hobbies, career, retirement and any mini reunions with your classmates. Dave Guyette recently started in a new position as an operations security specialist with the U.S. Embassy in Kabul, Afghanistan. He is responsible for coordinating security operations for the embassy and writes a daily intelligence summary for the Kabul area. Dave’s position is a civilian role. He comes to this assignment after working in Baghdad, Iraq for five years as an intelligence analyst for L-3 Communications supporting the U.S. Army. He previously retired from the Army Reserve after 23 years of service. I recently took early retirement from HP and am in what I like to call a “rewiring” phase after 36 years of continuous service spread across Western Union, EDS and HP. During my career I reaped the benefits from Western Union’s decision to outsource to EDS, and then from HP acquiring EDS. It was an exciting and rewarding career. The people I met and the places I went provided a wealth of experiences and fantastic memories. Basketball season is coming!  Join us for the women’s and men’s basketball season opener on November 9, 2012 at the Times Union Center in Albany, N.Y. Hope to see you there.

Congratulations to Dave Smith who was inducted into the Capital District Baseball Hall of Fame in October 2012. He played baseball at Siena College from 1976 to 1978 and was the first local player to play in the prestigious Cape Cod League. He was drafted and went on to play in the minor leagues for the New York Mets organization and currently serves as Vice President for Development and External Affairs at Siena College. He was inducted into the Siena College Athletics Hall of Fame in 1987.

Mark Dixson and his wife Maria Camadella Dixson ’79 moved to Alaska in 2011. Mark was appointed city manager for the City of Soldotna, Ala. in October 2012. They are happy to report they are enjoying their life in the Greatland.

John Hayden was promoted to vice president of human resources for The Capital District YMCA. The Capital District YMCA is one of the 35 largest associations of YMCAs in the country and the largest membership-based community service organization in the area. Tom Babcock attended the Opening Bell ceremony at the NASDAQ Stock Market in New York City’s Times Square on July 30, 2012.  This special event was hosted by LPL Financial, the largest independent brokerage firm in the nation, where Tom is ranked in the top two percent of managed client assets. Tom is the owner of Thomas Babcock Investment Advisors, LLC in Clifton Park, N.Y. He has been in the advisory and financial planning industry for more than 30 years. Tom manages personal client assets, corporate pensions and institutional endowments of over $225 million. Congratulations John and Tom!

Ken Hayner was inducted into the Capital District Baseball Hall of Fame in October 2012. After a great baseball career at Siena he went on to play in the minor leagues. He is currently owner of The Sports Barn Hayner Brothers Baseball and Softball Academy in Halfmoon, N.Y. with his brother Norm Hayner ’85. He was inducted into the Siena College Athletics Hall of Fame in 1991. Elizabeth Smith Boivin was recently named Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Alzheimer’s Association Northeastern New York Chapter. David Kaiser was promoted to executive vice president and chief credit officer at Glens Falls National Bank and Trust Company. Congratulations to all!

Jim Howard was inducted into the Capital District Baseball Hall of Fame in October 2012. He has been a scout for the Baltimore Orioles organization since 1988. In 2011 he was inducted into the Professional Baseball Scouts Hall of Fame and this year will receive the Jim Russo Scout of the Year Award from the Orioles organization. Basil Valente, O.F.M. celebrated his 25th anniversary as a Franciscan friar on June 21, 2012 during a jubilee Mass at St. Francis of Assisi Church in New York City. Br. Basil is the director of the graduate integrated marketing communications program at St. Bonaventure University. Congratulations to both of you!

Tim Delaney moved to Los Angeles, Calif. and works for the Federal Bureau of Investigation as the special agent in charge. Linda Clark was selected for inclusion in 2012 Super Lawyers list for New York in the area of business litigation. Super Lawyers is a rating service of outstanding lawyers from more than 70 practice areas who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. Mary Hanchar joined the board of trustees of the Academy of the Holy Names in Albany, N.Y. Gwynn Davey has been elected to the board of directors of Kids Charity of Tampa Bay, Inc. The organization serves foster children and foster families. She is also a member of the Tampa Bay Rotary Club and serves as subcommittee chair of the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce small business of the year program. Gwynn is senior vice president and Tampa Bay senior commercial lender at American Momentum Bank.

Submit news to Mike Carbonaro, sienanews.1989[at]yahoo.com

Tom Amell recently joined Pioneer Bank as President and Chief Operating Officer. Pioneer Bank is a mutual community bank headquartered in Troy, N.Y. with $775 million in assets and 16 branch offices. He serves on the board of numerous local organizations including Northeast Parent & Child Society, the Center for Economic Growth, Make-A-Wish Foundation, 15 Love and the Albany-Colonie Regional Chamber of Commerce. Tom is the chair of the Siena College Associate Board of Trustees and, in that capacity, is a member of the Siena College Board of Trustees. Guy Maddalone is the author of How to Hire a Nanny: A Household HR Handbook – Your Complete Guide to Finding, Hiring and Retaining a Nanny and other Household Help. He is the founder, President and Chief Executive Officer of A New England Nanny and GTM Payroll Services. Guy is widely recognized as the nation’s household employment expert. He was recently appointed to the Siena College Associate Board of Trustees. Tom DePaola accepted the position of principal at Carle Place Middle and High School in Carle Place, N.Y. Tom served as vice principal at Long Beach High School for the past three years. He served as a biology and chemistry teacher for 13 years at Farmingdale High School and was also a union officer for six years.

Jill Dunn is a visiting assistant professor of academic success at Albany Law School. She is teaching bar exam preparation courses and workshops to support the academic and professional success of the students.

Val Higgins O’Dell was selected to be inducted into the 2013 MAAC Basketball Hall of Fame Honor Roll and will be a part of the MAAC experience exhibit at the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Mass. Congratulations, Val!

Bruce Schroeder was selected to be inducted into the 2013 MAAC Basketball Hall of Fame Honor Roll and will be a part of the MAAC experience exhibit at the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Mass. Congratulations, Bruce!

Kristy Pace is the author of a book recently published titled 101 Things to Do With Your Kids at the Airport. The book includes hours of fun activities for travelers of all ages. She is also busy with the theatre company she founded in 1999 called Pocket Full of Tales Theatre Company. Her experience in teaching dramatic arts and directing children’s theatre includes successful productions at the Worcester Children’s Theater, Fiddlehead Theater Company, Kidstock, Theater After Hours and dozens of theatre programs for preschool, elementary and secondary school children in Mass., N.C., Calif. and N.H. Michelle Moore received her master’s of business administration in global studies from Excelsior College in July 2012. She is currently with The Neurology Group, LLP as business manager. Cristin Ruggles married Mike Butler on August 27, 2011. Congratulations to all!

Gerry and Becky Oliver Esposito welcomed their son Maxwell Alexander on July 31, 2012. Congratulations!

Ken Countermine was promoted to Senior Relationship Manager in commercial banking at TD Bank in Latham, N.Y. He is responsible for expanding market share and managing the commercial team serving business clients across the capital region. Ken also volunteers on the board of Junior Achievement of Northeastern New York. Congratulations Ken.

Jennifer Bonanno Loscialpo started a web-based business called Dare to Inspire. It is a place where you can shop and support your favorite causes. Check it out at www.daretoinspire.net. Congratulations Jen!

Janine Trapp Scotti and her husband Thomas welcomed their daughter Katherine Marie on March 13, 2012. Meaghan Harding Tuttle and her husband Ryan welcomed their son Rowan Mannion on July 8, 2012. Congratulations to the happy couples.

Anthony Brindisi was elected to the New York State Assembly in September 2011 to represent the 116^th Assembly District. He is a partner at the law firm Brindisi, Murad, Brindisi, Pearlman & Pertz, LLP in Utica, N.Y. Matthew Mazzone won The Business Review’s CFO of the Year 2012 award in the medium private company category. He is CFO of Mazzone Hospitality which owns several restaurants and catering operations in the Capital Region.

Ryan M. Hungershafer, CFP, CLU, CLTC received his designation as certified financial planner. Ryan is a wealth management advisor with Northwestern Mutual. Gregory Graves married Andrea Craparo Graves ’03 on April 9, 2011. They welcomed their son, Carter Gregory on March, 14, 2012. Congratulations to all!

Andrea Craparo Graves and Gregory Graves ’02 were married on April 9, 2011. In attendance were Chris Curtis ’02, Bob Engels ’04, Michael Craparo ’98, Rob Stout ’02, Christopher Tichio ’99, Johnson Varughese ’99, Amanda Kelly Engels, Tim Hinteman ’02, Bobby Prestyly ’03, Tom Laffin ’02, Heather Caron Laffin, Joanne Kerins Whitney, Casey McCanta, Rebecca Aney McCanta and Stephen DeSalvo ’00. Fr. Dennis Tamburello ’75, O.F.M. and Br. Michael Harlan, O.F.M. officiated. On March 14, 2012 Andrea and Greg welcomed their son Carter Gregory. Prosper Karangwa recently accepted a job with the NBA’s Orlando Magic as a college scout. He will be based out of Cincinnati and will scout midwest colleges and universities. Luke Tyler has been in the real estate business since we graduated. After consulting for a few years, Luke founded Simplicity Title Agency, LLC, in Basking Ridge, N.J., a company specializing in residential and commercial closings. Luke employs five full time employees and has 12 part time independent contractors. The growing company has revenues of $1 million annually and serves all of N.J. with partnerships to provide title insurance in every state throughout the country. Matthew Truax recently joined Bridger Management, LLC as their chief compliance officer. Bridger Management, LLC is a privately owned hedge fund sponsor. The firm invests in the public equity markets and hedging markets across the globe. Michael Ranieri married Kaitlyn McElwee on September 24, 2011.

Clare Weeks married James McDermott ’05 on December 31, 2011. Jonathan Phelps graduated J.D., magna cum laude from Tulane University Law School in 2012. He joined the firm Irwin Fritchie Urquhart & Moore LLC as an associate in their New Orleans office. Jon practices in the areas of insurance, railroad, products liability, pharmaceutical and medical device litigation, premises liability and casualty. Ashley Jeffrey was named Chief Executive Officer of Girls Inc. of the Greater Capital Region. Girls Inc. is an organization that is committed to helping girls build skills and capabilities for a responsible, confident and self-sufficient adulthood.

James McDermott married Clare Weeks ’04 on December 31, 2011 and Kathryn Czynski married David Cazes on July 14, 2012. Congratulations to both couples.

Stephen Ballas started a real estate investment business called the Bay State Home Group in the Boston area two years ago. The main focus of the business is purchasing and renovating single family and multi-family properties. The growing company will be featured on the national A&E television show Flipping Boston. Check out his website at www.massrealtypros.com. Brian Borie and Nikki Rougeau Borie ’07 welcomed daughter Mia Juliet on September 30, 2012. Katie Luker married Keith Cherney on July 27, 2012 in Utica, N.Y. Fr. Ken Paulli ’82, O.F.M. was concelebrant. In attendance were many Siena alumni, including mother of the bride Kim Kamilow Luker ’82, Rebecca Simbari Almstead ’82, Sheila Lemke Peebles ’82, Cheryl Buff ’82, Lisa Van Houtte ’80, Chris Madden ’77, Jen Holzhauer, Kim Witkowich, Melissa Benzo Coffay, Christine Mulhall, Katie Bubnack, Christina Gorman, Stephanie Battista, Cara Marchio Musits and Jason Musits ’07. A wonderful time was had by all.

The class of 2007 had one of the best showings at Reunion 2012 in June. Everyone who attended raved about the weekend. Although the faces and places on campus change over time, one thing remains the same: Siena will always feel like home. Jackie Shelburne is happy to share our class news with you in this column:

I’m a proud member of the class of 2007 and former editor in chief of The Promethean. I recently graduated from Boston College with my master’s in social work and concentration in a macro level study of older adults. I am now working at Holiday Retirement as a community sales leader for an independent living community for seniors in Guilford, Conn.

Nikki Rougeau Borie and Brian Borie ’06 welcomed a baby girl Mia Juliet on September 30, 2012.

Ryan Watroba has joined Prime Companies as director of business development. In his new role Ryan handles marketing, public relations and outside sales for the various real estate brands at the company.

James Cataldo is a senior auditor at the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services.

Laura Darling was sworn into the New York State Bar on April 23, 2012 and on May 4, 2012 she started the law firm of Darling and Wesdorp, PLLC, in Delmar, N.Y. Laura also serves on the Troy Civic Theatre’s Board of Directors and recently won the Meritorious Achievement in Direction award for the Troy Civic Theatre’s production of Guys and Dolls.
Love is certainly in the air this season. Caitlin Carroll and Will Brown are engaged and will be married next October in Long Island, N.Y. Caitlin’s former Ryan Hall roommate Cristina Polizzi is engaged to Brian Woods. They will be married in May 2014. Mike Budz recently proposed to Courtney Long in an apple orchard in Wrentham, Mass. where he first told her he loved her three years ago. A fall 2013 wedding is planned. Nate Jenkins and Heather Loneck are engaged and planning a wedding for November 2013. Alison Reidy married Jeffrey Markin on July 7, 2012 in Nyack, N.Y. Jim Shahen married Brielyn Smith on May 28, 2012. Christina Pampalone married Ryan O’Shea on September 29, 2012 in Montauk, N.Y. The happy couple honeymooned in Bora Bora. Congratulations to all!

Lindsay Sanky received her master’s of business administration in finance from St. John’s University in May 2012.

Javid Afzali obtained his juris doctor degree, magna cum laude from Albany Law School in May 2012. He is an associate with the law firm Whiteman Osterman & Hanna LLP.

Anthony D’Amato is vice president of the D’Amato Family’s Power Fuels, LLC, Energy Division, Oil Holdings Terminal and Power Fuels Heating & Cooling Company. Tony is responsible for the oversight of more than three million gallons in fuel sales per year, three internal departments and the overall growth strategy and marketing of the division’s products and services to its customers.

Callin Rous Mulvaney married Erik Mulvaney ’10 on June 22, 2012.

Heather Stec was accepted to Springfield College’s graduate program where she hopes to achieve a master’s degree in psychology with a concentration in athletic counseling. She is a graduate assistant for the women’s basketball team, splitting her time between studying and coaching.

Christina Sillery married Vinny DaSilva on July 29, 2012.

Patrick Russo married Angela Nastasi on June 29, 2012 at St. John the Evangelist Church in Schenectady, N.Y. Fr. Bill Beaudin ’76, O.F.M. officiated at the wedding and Dean Charette ’08 was best man.

Channing Vidal and Ashley Gonzalez were engaged in June 2012.

Brittney Lindhorst married Benjamin McShane on August 26, 2012.

Shana Brady married Matt DeFazio on Oct. 13, 2012.

Conor Geary is the marketing and advertising manager for a downtown Hartford, Conn. Brewery called City Steam Brewery Cafe. He manages their comedy club and restaurant. The beer is also available in select New York areas, including Albany. The comedy club is called The Brew HaHa.

Frank Battiste received his CPA designation. He is an associate in accounting, assurance and advisory services at the certified public accounting firm CMJ, LLP in Queensbury, N.Y.

Submit news to Kelly Peckholdt, kellypeckholdt[at]gmail.com

Lisa Dussault is busy planning her wedding for November 10, 2012.  Congratulations Lisa!

Katie Logothetis graduated in May 2012 with her master’s degree in history from West Virginia University. She is currently pursuing her doctorate degree in history. Katie is excited to announce her engagement to Elias Thompson. An August 2013 wedding is being planned.

Erik Mulvaney married Callin Rous ’09 on June 22, 2012.

Francis Stanton accepted a position teaching United States history at his alma mater Waltham High School in Massachusetts. He is also in the midst of a campaign run for the 10^th Middlesex State Representative of Massachusetts position.  Best of luck with the campaign, Francis!

Kelly Peckholdt, who has been dancing since the age of three, recently became the new owner of Positions Dance Studio in Babylon, N.Y.

Luke Van Der Veer finished his master’s of business administration in human resources and information systems at the State University of New York at Albany. He is currently working as a benefits analyst at General Electric.

Courtney Lynch, after two years with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, was promoted to senior event marketing representative and was relocated to the New York City office. Her responsibilities include various dinner and gala events including one of the hospital’s premier events, Wall Street’s 23^rd Annual Taste of NY!

Michael Raymond co-produced the film “Closing Bell,” written, directed and produced by Janek Ambros ’11. The film depicts the atmosphere on Wall Street in October 2008 and was awarded the 2012 Anthem Film Festival Award at Freedomfest, one of the largest Libertarian political conventions in the world.

Kristen Adach is working at Ellis Medicine as a community relations and communications specialist.

Congratulations to everyone!

Congratulations to Janek Ambros, whose short film “Closing Bell” received the 2012 Anthem Film Festival Award. The movie depicts the atmosphere on Wall Street in October 2008. Janek wrote, directed and produced the film. The Anthem Film Festival is a Freedomfest, one of the largest Libertarian political conventions in the world. Janek’s company, Assembly Line Entertainment, is developing two feature films that are scheduled to reach the big screen by 2014. Congratulations Janek!

Hildy Marinello is working as an account coordinator at Creative Communications Associates in Albany, N.Y. She is currently pursuing a master’s of arts in communications at the College of Saint Rose.

Katelyn Boucher is a middle school English language arts teacher at Hartford Central School in Hartford, N.Y. She is working towards her master’s degree in school library and information technology.

Kelsey Higgins is a personal lines insurance representative for State Farm in Albany, N.Y.

Christina O’Brien is a first-year student in the doctor of dental surgery program at the University of Buffalo.

Peter Lucchesi was promoted to project manager on the business development team at Forbes. He also works as an independent social media consultant to start-up companies.

Thomas Gelok and Concetta D’Alessio are currently pursuing their degree in the higher education administration program at the University at Buffalo Graduate School.

Alexandra Falvey recently accepted a position in the Siena College Admissions Office. She is an admissions counselor and visits and recruits prospective students living in Massachusetts, Maine and New Hampshire.

Siena College mourns the loss of the following members of our community:

Edwin Friedman ’48

Walter J. Mulcahy ’48

James J. O’Brien ’49

Dr. Charles Halstead ’49

George W. Bruda ’50

George E. Hicks ’50

Robert J. Nealon ’50

David L. Reali ’50

Sidney W. Roth ’50

Richard Shutts ’50

James R. Bottum ’51

Nicholas P. Dudo ’51

John F. Guagliardo ’51

Vincent F. Norton ’51

Jane E. Kirsch ’53

James P. Walsh Jr. ’54

Charles W. Chouiniere ’55

Dr. Bohdan Rakoczy ’55

Bill Adams ’56

Joseph P. Byrne ’56

John R. Bosnian ’58

Ronald P. Kohn ’58

Lowell A. Blom ’60

Francis “Mitch” Burnett ’60

John A. Conoby ’60

John A. Tower ’60

Francis T. Jeram ’61

Vincent Mazurczyk ’61

Sister Mary David Donohue ’63

George P. Hamelin II ’67

Edwin T. Sells ’68

Michael A. Muscatello ’71

Gary Sosnowski ’71

Richard C. Sysol ’72

Janet (Paige) Jenson ’79

Paul F. Solimini ’79

Barbara Seal Pierce ’86

Robert J. Sheehan Jr. ’92