Siena to Celebrate Family and Franciscan heritage with Blessing of the Animals, Opening of New Student Lounge

This Saturday, October 4, Siena College will honor its Franciscan heritage and welcome families to campus for a day filled with fun, energy and exciting events. Here is a list of the day’s events, with times and locations.

·        SAINTS County Fair
10 a.m. – 2p.m. on the Academic Quad (Rain Location: Marcelle Athletic Complex) Siena College faculty, staff and administrators will join students and their families for a fun-filled day that brings the spirit of the county fair to the Siena campus. There will be several attractions, including live music, food, games, miniature golf and even a petting zoo.

·        Blessing of the Animals
2 p.m. to 3 p.m. on the Academic QuadThis annual tradition and community favorite brings the spirit of St. Francis of Assisi to life. In remembrance of Francis’ love for all creation, one of Siena’s Franciscan friars will bless family pets of all kinds, including dogs, cats, hamsters, parrots and even a horse or two.

·       Grand Opening Ceremony for New Student Lounge, “Casey’s”

3:30 p.m. inside the Sarazen Student UnionAs part of Siena’s $50 million comprehensive campaign, which is near completion, the College renovated its Sarazen Student Union. The Union’s new signature space is a student lounge named Casey’s, which will officially open with a ribbon cutting and blessing. Complete with a coffee shop, grill, performance stage, game room and casual and comfortable seating, Casey’s has become the epicenter for student activity.

·       Mass for the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi

4:30 p.m. on the Academic Quad (Rain Location: Marcelle Athletic Complex)In keeping with Siena’s Catholic and Franciscan tradition, the College community will celebrate the Eucharist in honor of St. Francis. The Mass is open to the entire community.

Please contact Manager of Media Services Ken Jubie if you have any questions or would like further information about any of the events listed above.

Siena College is a learning community advancing the ideals of a liberal arts education, rooted in its identity as a Franciscan and Catholic college. Located in Loudonville, N.Y., two miles north of the state capital, the 176-acre beautiful, suburban campus is home to 3,000 undergraduates. Siena offers 27 majors in the Schools of Business, Liberal Arts and Science. In combination with its minors and certificates, Siena provides students with more than 1,200 program combinations. Siena College: Providing the education of a lifetime for more than 75 years.