Siena College - Saga Yearbook (Loudonville, NY)

Page 9 text:

THE DETERMINATION of the first faculty and student body heralded rapid expansion. AS PRESIDENT and Dean, Fr. Cyprian Mensing, O.F.M., proved to be an administrative pioneer.

Page 8 text:

1n the humble beginning, the college pos- sessed no name of its own. It was called the Loudorwille extension of St. Bonaventure C01- Iege. The Dean of St. Bonaventure, Fr. Cyprian Mensing, O.F.M., transferred his residence to Loudonville and assumed the actual adminis- tration of the extension. Fr. Plassman, the pioneer of the schools foundation, directed the search for a patron for the Franciscan college. On June 17, 1958, the University of the State of New York granted to the college a pro- visional charter as a liberal arts institution. On this document can be found, for the hrst time, the designation chosen by the Friars for their college e St. Bernatdine of Siena. The titular protector of this infant college had been called a second Paul the Apostle by Pius 11. St. Bernardine had been born of a noble family at Massa in 1380. Responding to the call of Christ he distributed his patri- mony as charity and at the age of twenty-two received the habit of the Franciscan order. Scholar, missionary, sociologist e all of these titles were conferred upon this eminent fol? lower of St. Francis. His eloquence brought the Word of God to auditors. His wisdom quieted social disputes. His love inspired Chirst- like actions. Blessed Albert 0f Sartiano gave a tribute to this medieval scholar who taught the people with wonderful wisdom and dis- cernment and labored to maintain them in their good disposition. Bernardine the Saint who guided the city of Sierra, was thus wisely chosen as patron and leader of this Liberal Arts College.

Page 10 text:

An absolute charter was granted to Siena on March 20, 1942, empower- ing the college to grant the Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, and Bachelor of Business Administration degrees. In the space of these few years the physical plant of the school had vastly expanded. St. Francis Hall, or the Old Friary to those who knew it well, soon gave way to a modem classroom building. The cornerstone of this building, Siena Hall, was laid on June 20, 1958. The building was constructed in the Georgian - Colonial style of architec- 3; . Ge; 9. U THE COMMUNITY'S first chapel was on the fourth Hoot of Siena Hall. THE FINANCIAL BURDEN of the founding years necessitated the erection of Siena Hall in sections. tute which was to serve as precedent for subsequent college structures. Be- cause of the financial burden of the institution, the building had to be completed in sections. The south wing was completed first and served as permanent classroom facilities. The north wing was finished in 1940, and the first. Mass was sung in the chapel 0n the fourth fioor on January 28, 1940. At this Mass the community of religious and collegians joined in thanksgiving for the rewarding of their labors on behalf of Catholic higher education.