The Siena Experience, Told by the Class of 2026

Choosing a college is about more than choosing a place to take classes. It is about choosing the place where you will grow, find your people, discover new opportunities and start to see what your future could look like. For the Siena Class of 2026, that experience started early.

"I could definitely tell by the first four days of Orientation that this was going to be the best four years of my life," said Lauren Kinley.

That is the kind of feeling students often talk about when they describe Siena. From the first moments on campus, students are welcomed into a community that feels personal, supportive and easy to become part of. It is not just about meeting people. It is about finding the people who will walk with you through the next four years and beyond.

"I've made lifelong friends here that I know I'll be able to take with me in all of my walks of life," said Bella Poniros.

At Siena, those connections are only one part of the experience. Students are also encouraged to get involved, ask questions, try something new and take advantage of opportunities that help them grow outside the classroom.

For Sarah Dingel, that meant presenting at the 9th Annual European Congress of Mathematics. "Honestly, it felt like a dream. It was amazing," she said.

For another student, it meant discovering a passion for research with support from professors who noticed his interests. "My professors came up to me. They're like, 'You really like research. Do you want to get paid for it over the summer?'" said Ahmed Zegher. "It was honestly the time to learn."

Those moments show what makes Siena different. Students are not expected to figure everything out on their own. They are guided by faculty and mentors who pay attention, open doors and help them see what is possible.

Siena students also learn by doing. Whether they are completing research, writing and reporting for athletics, serving the community, student teaching or stepping into leadership roles, they build confidence through real experiences.

For Cean-Lucas Saint-Fort, that confidence came through the mentoring program. "One of the best involvements was definitely the mentoring program," Cean-Lucas shared. "Kids look at me as a role model, and that's why I'm proud of myself."

That is what a Siena education is designed to do. It helps students grow into themselves while preparing them for what comes next. They leave with more than a degree. They leave with memories, mentors, friendships, confidence and a clearer sense of who they are becoming.

For future Saints, the Class of 2026 offers a powerful reminder: the right college can change your life.

At Siena, students find a community that supports them, challenges them and helps them become ready for the future.

Watch the Class of 2026 reflect on their Siena experience here!