Siena College alumni and friends gathered to thank Kevin Mullen for his work as president of the school. (Photo courtesy of Siena College.)
Last week, the Siena College community thanked Provincial Minister Kevin Mullen, OFM, for his accomplishments during his term as president during a reception called Thanks a Million. Kevin was named president of Siena in 2007 and this June, elected Provincial Minister of Holy Name Province. The story below is reprinted with permission and has been edited for style.
LOUDONVILLE, N.Y. — After raising a half million dollars in his name, more than 70 alumni and friends gathered for a reception on Sept. 29 to honor the 10th president of Siena College, Kevin Mullen, OFM, ’75.
First vice chair of Siena’s board of trustees John Murray, ’79, shared, “Tonight is about thanking you.” The college has many things to thank Kevin for. In the six years since he was inaugurated, Siena has experienced some extraordinary accomplishments under his guidance.
Siena developed a five-year strategic plan focused on enhancing academic engagement, bolstering resources, and celebrating and enhancing diversity and athletics.
The college has grown with the addition of three new buildings, including Rosetti Hall, a technologically-advanced academic building that houses the departments of sociology, social work and education; The Trustco Bank Center, home to many of the College’s administrative functions, and a new residence hall complete with a dining facility and exercise space, a game room and conference rooms.
Under Kevin’s leadership, Siena also committed to helping students in need by increasing financial aid by $10 million. This included providing more financial support to lower income families through a 50 percent increase of Pell grant financial aid.
Kevin has also supported the growth in diversity on campus. The percentage of diverse students increased from 9.8 percent in 2004 to 20.7 percent in 2013.
An avid sports fan, Kevin saw his fair share of athletic success while serving as president. The college’s sports programs won 16 MAAC Championships and appeared in 12 NCAA tournaments. Student athletes also succeeded in the classroom. Their graduation success rate has been at least 93 percent, among the highest in the nation for Division I schools.
Kevin helped to ensure Siena’s financial stability as well. Under his guidance, giving increased by more than 50 percent and the college’s endowment increased from $104 million to $132. A $50 million comprehensive campaign was launched last year and has nearly reached its goal.
The entire Siena family gives many thanks and blessings to Kevin as he begins his leadership position in Holy Name Province.
— Beth Hazelton is coordinator of development for Siena College.