Forever Rooted in the Values of St. Francis

Siena University joined two of its sister universities to renew and update agreements of sponsorship by the Franciscan order.

The leaders of Siena, St. Bonaventure University and Quincy University met January 31 at the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities (ACCU) and the Association of Franciscan Colleges and Universities (AFCU) conference in Washington D.C. for a joint signing ceremony renewing their sponsorship by the Order of Friars Minors. This was required as the five provinces in the United States merged to become one new Franciscan province, and also the change of name from college to university at Siena.

President Chuck Seifert, Ph.D., joined Jeff Gingerich, Ph.D. of St. Bonaventure and Brian McGee, Ph.D. of Quincy to sign the agreements with Br. Lawrence Hayes, O.F.M., provincial minister of the Province of Our Lady of Guadalupe, affirming a shared Franciscan vision rooted in the values of Francis of Assisi.

Fr. Mark Reamer, O.F.M., D.Min., vice president for mission at Siena, organized the signing event and helped draft the language in the agreements. Though each university has a unique sponsorship agreement, there is a common preamble that reflects "the long-standing commitment of Franciscan men and women to promote an educational experience that enhances the human development of all those who seek truth, beauty and goodness in God's creation."

Siena's updated agreement references the original document signed March 14, 1974, which established the general principles governing the relationship, and further articulates a shared commitment to Catholic Franciscan higher education that is central to Siena's foundation, mission, and future. The agreement is renewed every three years.

In his remarks, Br. Hayes emphasized the universities' responsibility to steward the Franciscan intellectual tradition, one that views learning as a path toward wisdom as well as knowledge. He called on the institutions to model fraternity, civil discourse, service to the poor and marginalized, and accessibility for students from lower-income families.