Siena University, formerly Siena College, is a privateFranciscan university in Loudonville, New York, United States. It was founded by the Order of Friars Minor in 1937 and is named after the Franciscan friar Bernardino of Siena. The college enrolls approximately 3,600 students and offers undergraduate and graduate programs through three schools in business, liberal arts, and science. Siena competes in NCAA Division I athletics as a member of the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference.
Siena College, established in 1937 by the Order of Friars Minor, began as a modest institution with a faculty of seven friars and one layperson, operating out of the former Garrett estate in Loudonville, New York. Initially named St. Bernardine of Siena College, it received its provisional charter from the University of the State of New York in 1938 and was granted a permanent charter in 1942.[7] The college is named for Bernardino of Siena, a 15th-century Italian Franciscan friar and preacher.[8]
In the late 1930s, Thomas Plassmann, president of St. Bonaventure University in Western New York, sent seven Franciscan friars to New York's Capital Region to found another college.[9]
Siena College carried out initiatives to enhance its academic programs, campus facilities, and student resources.[10]
A Siena College Grotto, along with a new bookstore, opened in 2014.[11] A new rugby pitch was opened in fall 2016.[12] In 2020, the college was listed as a census-designated place (Siena College CDP).[13]
In January 2025, Siena opened a $35 million science building. This includes laboratories and a nursing floor equipped with simulation tools.[14]
In June 2025, the Board of Trustees voted to approve a name change to "Siena University." [15] In July 2025, Siena College officially changed its name to Siena University. [16]
Academics
Siena Hall
Siena University offers more than 40 majors, 80 minors and certificates, and graduate programs in business, education, and other fields.[17] Students attend three schools within the college:
Siena College Research Institute, an affiliate of Siena University, conducts expert and public opinion polls, focusing on New York State and the United States, on issues of public policy interest.[19]
Siena has various housing options, including residence halls, private rooms, and townhouse units, across eight residential communities.[21] Housing assignments for Siena students who live on campus are based on class year.[21] Additionally, some students opt for off-campus housing at the College Suites or commute from nearby areas.
Approximately 90 student clubs and organizations range from academic and professional groups to cultural and recreational clubs.[21]
The men's lacrosse team qualified for their first MAAC tournament in 2007 and their first NCAA tournament in 2009. That season, the Saints secured an automatic berth in the tournament after winning their first MAAC championship during a ten-game winning streak.[26] Between 2016 and 2019, Siena University undertook a $13.5 million renovation project for the Alumni Recreation Center (ARC) and the Marcelle Athletic Complex (MAC). The multi-phase initiative included the construction of a new basketball practice facility, enhancements to seating capacity, upgrades to strength and conditioning areas, and the addition of sports medicine suites. In early 2025, the college announced plans for a $4.5 million lacrosse complex, named Bice/Clive Field at the Paladini Family Lacrosse Complex. The facility is intended to provide dedicated space for the men's and women's lacrosse teams and to honor the legacy of former players Frank Bice and Colin Clive.[27]
↑ McGuire, Mark (January 22, 2010). "Streaking Siena". Times Union (Albany). Hearst Newspapers. p.B1. Archived from the original on July 11, 2012. Retrieved June 22, 2010.
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