Siena College - Saga Yearbook (Loudonville, NY)

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1. 2. St. Fr ncis first to receive five wounds of Christ. St. Anthony was the most celebrated preacher and wonder worker of the 13th century. Father Roger Bacon fore- saw electricity, airplanes, railways and invented gunpowder in the 13th century. Father Luke Pocioli in- vented double - e try bookkeeping in the 14th century. Father Juan Perez made voyage with Columbus. Celebrated first Moss in New World. Founded first school in New World. Built first college in West- ern Hemisphere. Discovered Niagara Falls. First to find cool and oil in No America. Bro ght first printing press to North America. Established the Christmas Crib, Forty Hours Devo- tion, Angelus, Boxing etc.

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10 The Franciscan Order has for 700 years extended a who1esome influence to every part of the world and has achieved remarkable accomplishments for our Church and mankind. St. Francis, the founder, of the Franciscans, was born in 1181 and was called t6: his eternal reward in 1226. He has been singularly honored as the patron of Cath- olic Action. 1 ' -' i : T i - The greatest glary of the Franciscans is the large number of its saints Lendkb1essed. No other order has equalled its remarkabietecbrd. The spirit of the Fran- ciscans has literally ruled the world, for they have cul- tivated every field of human endeavor. Its members are outstanding in re1igion, education, science, on the field of battle, in social reforms. The Franciscans have in- scribed their names on the scrolls of glory as the bene- factors of mankind. The glory of the order can be summed up by read- ing a list of their highlights:

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For some reason, today, I am thinking in terms of trains and railroad stations e possibly because trav- elling is one of the President's duties. So you will please pardon me if I slip into a simile. In some respects, a college resembles a railroad station. Pa- trons enter for the precise purpose of leaving. Hav- ing planned their journey, they enter, and, for a price, purchase their ticket, and off they go towards their destination. And so it has been with you. Four years ago, as a class, you came to Siena College e expecting to leave it at the I953 Commencement. You planned your course of studies with our travel agent - the Registrar - and you selected your destination. The price of your ticket has been the effort and applica- tion you put into these four years of study. Your ticket, of course, is your degree and all that it stands for. This testimonial of academic achievement will take you to your destination - your place in life. What will that be? We hope it will mean an abun- dant measure of success and happiness, and your share of God's blessings for yourself and the family which you hope to establish. Now that we have sold you your ticket, we wish to assure you that for us it has been a pleasant and interesting experience. We Franciscan Friars and lay faculty members like to think that we have helped you, and we trust that you will find all the wonder- ful things on your journey through life, which we know are there, and which we have endeavored to point out to you, and towards which we have tried to direct you. Let your conscience be your guide; bear in mind that the Commandments of God and the lows of our great country deserve your respect and observance, and are for your protection. The Sacraments of Mother Church are the great means of God's grace; be convinced of this and make proper use of them. Your own family, your parish, your civic community, your country, need and should receive the advan- tages you possess in the education and training you received at Siena College. On a shelf in my bookcase stand a dozen or more Class Record Books. These books contain the records of nearly one hundred classes of students whom I have been privileged to teach, off and on, during the past twenty-five years. As I read at ran- dom from these lists, names of young men of yester- year throw back the curtain of memory and provoke concern and speculation. Some of these students have gone to the top, some have failed, but most of them, thank God, have done well, and have taken their places in our fine citizenry. Among these are physicians, lawyers, school teachers, career soldiers, businessmen, dentists, clergymen, farmers, scientists, newpapermen, and, possibly, butchers, bakers, and candlestick makers. I see in my books, likewise, the names of men no longer with us - they have reached their final destination, life's iourney is over. Sickness, accidents, and war have taken their toll. For these i breathe a prayer. Thus it has been with my former students, so it will be with you, the members of the Siena College Class of 1953. I can assure you that I am happy and feel honored to be your President. I shall share your joy and that of your parents on Commencement Day. I know that I speak for all your teachers .. the splen- did faculty of Siena College .. when I tell you that we congratulate you, and we wish you every bless- ing in life, every measure of success and happiness. In the words of the Psalmist: May the Lord give thee according to thy own heart. Sincerely yours in Christ,