a man who made the lessons of the classroom take on new life and as a lifelong student who carried his knowledge and wisdom into the busy marketplace and stately halls of government. St. Bernardine serves then, not only as a patron, but as a model of the Arts and Sciences: above all, of the greatest art, which is the art of right-living, and the greatest science, which is the science of bringing to society the blessings of a truly liberal education. Siena received its provisional charter from the Board of Regents of the University of the State of New York in 1938. Within four years, when the student population increased to almost 1,000, a permanent charter was granted.
The Franciscan Liberal Arts Tradition
Siena College is a Catholic College with a strong liberal arts tradition, founded by followers of Francis and Clare of Assisi. The Franciscan tradition of the pursuit of knowledge is likened to a dance: between the desire of the mind for understanding and intelligibility, and the longing of the heart for love and salvation. This tradition developed nearly 800 years ago, when four professors at the University of Paris were received into the Franciscan Order. In the early years, scholarship was made a vibrant part of Franciscan life by St. Bonaventure of Bagnoreggio and Blessed John Duns Scotus in the arts, Roger Bacon in the sciences, and Luca Pacioli in business. Contemporary scholars such as Zachary Hayes, Ilia Delio, and many more have kept the dance alive. In light of this Franciscan tradition, which emphasizes intellectual, social and religious dimensions, Siena College seeks to foster scholarship, service and community. Siena is committed to intellectual development through critical thinking skills, leading to deeper awareness of questions that challenge human beings. To this end, the College encourages students to gain proficiency in scholarly inquiry, to develop their ability to analyze, synthesize and evaluate evidence in pursuit of truth, to make sound judgments, and to refine their skills in spoken and written communication. The Franciscan tradition endeavors to make people more sensitive to important social, political and ethical issues of today, and more aware of their responsibilities to others. This encourages them to be witnesses to a positive relation between reason and faith, and to the fact that faith must always be engaged in a critical conversation with culture. Siena College prepares its students for demanding lives and careers in the 21st century. In a world where many perceive education solely as a means for economic advancement, Siena offers a broader and more profound vision of life, with a unique perspective. This perspective is based on the life of Jesus Christ and given unique expression by Francis of Assisi. Therefore, Siena’s students, faculty, administrators and staff will learn that the greatest power is found in humble service, particularly with the poor and marginalized. The Siena College graduate brings this experience into the world. The Franciscan intellectual tradition indicates that each person, every creature, and all of nature give reason to praise God. Ultimately, Siena College’s unique liberal arts tradition is revealed in a diverse community, where people join in pursuit of higher learning. People of all faiths and philosophies are called to foster the Franciscan tradition at Siena, with an appreciation and understanding of academic excellence and the essential role of religious faith in human life and destiny.
Growth of Campus Facilities
Siena College broke ground on its signature building, Siena Hall, in 1938. The building, completed in two stages, marked the start of a constant campaign to provide students with facilities designed to complement their learning and living experience. Between 1938 and 1950, Gibbons Hall (now known as Foy Hall), St. Bernardine of Siena Friary (now known as Hines Hall), and St. Mary of the Angels Chapel were added to the campus. In response to an increased interest in on-campus housing, Siena opened Plassmann and Ryan halls, each housing 275 students, as well as Serra Dining Hall in 1959 and 1962 respectively. In 1968 Hennepin Hall, with accommodations for 300 students, was opened. Roger Bacon Hall, Siena’s first science center, was
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