Father Hugh F. Hines, OFM, 94

Father Hugh F. Hines, OFM, 94

LOUDONVILLE — Father Hugh F. Hines, OFM, who led Siena College (now University) from 1976-1989, died Oct. 4 at the St. Lawrence Friary in Beacon. He was 94. A native of Schenectady, Father Hugh was the seventh and longest-serving president in Siena’s history.

“Father Hugh was a true embodiment of the Franciscan spirit. His devotion, warmth, humility and vision helped shape the soul of Siena not only during his time as president, but for the generations that will follow. His legacy lives on in the enduring strength of the community he loved so deeply,” said current Siena President Chuck Seifert, Ph.D.

In a message sent to the friars of the Province of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Minister Provincial Brother Michael Perry, OFM, who resides at Siena, called Father Hugh “a humble friar who loved to laugh and make others laugh. He regularly reached out to those who were grieving or in need of support. A true friar’s friar, he loved his brothers and his vocation and lived it faithfully.”

Father Hugh’s first roles at Siena were teaching religious studies and serving as assistant director of the pre-novitiate formation program. As president, he guided Siena through a significant period of growth and transition. Plans were developed for a new friary, allowing the former friary to be converted into a residence hall. That building was named Hines Hall in his honor when he retired from Siena in 1989. St. Mary of the Angels Chapel was restored and the library and dining hall were expanded. The townhouse complexes were opened and the 17,000-square foot Kiernan Hall became the first new building constructed on campus in 20 years.

Applications to Siena increased dramatically during Father Hugh’s presidency, making admission more selective and competitive. The Siena/Albany Medical College program was established; academic majors were added in computer science, theatre and social work; and certificates were first offered with programs in international studies, peace studies and foreign language for business. His tenure also saw the creation of the Siena Research Institute. He was the last Siena president to live in a campus residence hall, serving as a friar-in-residence in Plassmann Hall.

After his retirement from Siena, Father Hugh served at the St. Francis Inn in Philadelphia, where Siena students continue to volunteer today. He later ministered at parishes along the East Coast as well as at St. Anthony Shrine in Boston, and served his fraternity as a provincial councilor for the legacy Holy Name Province.

Father Hugh earned a bachelor’s degree from St. Bonaventure University in 1956, a master’s degree in education from Canisius College in 1967, and a master’s degree in theology from St. Bonaventure University in 1971. He was received into the Order of Friars Minor in 1953, and professed solemn vows in 1957. He was ordained to the priesthood in 1960. He was awarded an honorary doctorate of humane letters from Siena upon his retirement and also held an honorary doctorate from St. Bonaventure.

A funeral Mass was held at Siena’s St. Mary of the Angels Chapel on Oct. 9, and burial will be at St. Agnes Cemetery in Menands.