LOUDONVILLE, N.Y. — Siena College President Kevin Mullen, OFM, was the cover story in Success magazine in May, the publication’s annual “Siena” issue. In addition, eight Siena alumni were featured, as the Clifton Park, N.Y., magazine profiled the area’s top business leaders.
Wearing his habit and showing the Siena white tower and cross in the background, Kevin’s smiling face appears prominently on the magazine cover. Inside, he discussed his deep connection to Siena, a place, he said, that made him what he is today.
“Siena College is undoubtedly a fine institution that continues to provide its students with the strong foundation needed to truly succeed in both business and in life,” said editor Ashley Mondrick in her Letter from the Editor. Mondrick, a 2001 graduate, said it was a great honor to produce the Siena edition.
In a four-page story, titled “Father Kevin Mullen,” he talks about attending the school as an undergraduate and leading it as its president. He discussed what drew him to Franciscan life, why he pursued a doctorate in theology, and how he learned early on to listen more than to talk. That, he said, is the best piece of advice he was ever given.
Q&A with Kevin
In a question-and-answer style interview, Kevin answered the question of what “success” means to him.
“Success is found in the way a person has lived their life,” he said. “Reaching out to those most in need, recognizing the value of each person, loving all our brothers and sisters, advocating for peace and justice, and appreciating the world that God has created — these are life’s achievements.”
He also discussed why he chose to attend Siena. “The Franciscan formation, the people, and the academic program. It was a place I knew would allow me to grow both spiritually and academically.”
He also was asked, “What are your goals for the future of the college?”
“With the foundation and mission we already have in place, we are poised to achieve great things as a college. Some of my hopes include a successful capital campaign, building a diverse community that draws strength and intellect from our Franciscan and Catholic traditions, and attaining widespread distinction as a college that integrates academic excellence, professional preparation, and a commitment to responsible leadership.”
Reflecting on what the past year as president has meant to him, he said: “It has been a lot of listening and traveling – around campus and around the country to our main alumni chapters. It is important to me to hear from the voices within our community in order to lead it. Siena’s future success depends on collaboration and teamwork.”
Siena Alums Featured
Alumni profiled in the issue included men and women running successful businesses in the Capital area of upstate New York.
They include:
• Mark Grimm, Mark Grimm Communications
• Alex Tronco, managing director, Northwest Mutual
• Charles Cronin, founding principal, Axiom Capital
• Richard Sleasman, executive vice president, Brokerage Services
• Michael Hickey, president, Pitney Bowes Software
• Martin Finn, founding partner, Lavelle & Finn, LLP
• Ken Blass, president/CEO, Blass Communications
• Chris & Andrea Litchfield and Seth Yates, Siena Fence Co., Inc.
— Wendy Healy is a freelance writer and contributor to HNP Today.