Siena's new president places emphasis on Franciscan ideals

Rev. Kevin J. Mullen, OFM, the new president of Siena College in Loudonville, is looking forward to continuing the strong Franciscan tradition at Siena.

He is well acquainted with Siena's current programs because he's been director of the Franciscan Center for Service and Advocacy there, and has taught students since 2005. He is also an alumnus.

In addition, before his appointment as president, he served as the guardian (supervisor) of the Franciscan Friary located on campus.

At home

"I've made friendships at Siena that have remained with me through the years, and I feel very comfortable here," Father Mullen told The Evangelist. "In many ways, this campus is home to me."

The new president said that "the students and the programs that we provide are of primary concern" to him. "Students at Siena are exceptionally bright, often in the top of their graduating classes.

"I envision this position as one where I can use my own talents to bring out the best in this community."

Environment

Father Mullen noted that, with the growth of academic and social interest in global warming, the staff has been discussing ways to address environmental issues.

"We challenge [students] to learn all they can," he said, including how "to articulate certain ideals of St. Francis, who looked at all of creation not as something that humans could dominate but [as something] created for enjoyment and responsible stewardship."

Environmental studies and activities "fall within the spirituality of St. Francis because he was very interested in nature. We hope to increase our own and our students' consciousness. This can be done, not by preaching but by example, following in the footsteps of St. Francis."

Goals

The new president has established as a primary goal the assurance that students recognize their Christian responsibility to society, especially to the poor, through immersion programs sponsored by the college in conjunction with local social service agencies.

"We want to increase their awareness by providing ways for them to implement Christian values through service to others," the priest explained. "Our faculty and staff are committed to making our students the best that each one of them can be. I want to empower them to continue that mission."

That goal is "part of my life as a Franciscan priest," he said. "My primary relationship is with the Lord. The overflow from that is the foundation for my relationship with others."

He called the Franciscan way of life "one of joy, optimism and serving others. Our joy is reflected in the values that we live and in what we believe. This is what I hope to give to Siena as its president."

(A native of Paterson, N.J., Father Mullen earned a bachelor's degree in history at Siena in 1975 and has been a Franciscan priest since 1980. He holds a doctorate in theology from The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. Father Mullen is an avid golfer and a fan of the Mets, Jets and -- of course -- the Siena Saints.)

(6/7/07)