The First Graduates of Siena University

May 26, 2026

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The first graduating class with diplomas bearing the name "Siena University" celebrated Commencement the weekend of May 15-17 as they helped open a new era in the institution's history.

For Lexie Denis '26, Siena felt so much like home that she enrolled as a freshman even though her dream major wasn't offered. Denis made a good call - Siena added the program her sophomore year and she graduated Sunday with her bachelor's degree in early childhood and childhood education B-6. In her address on behalf of the 976 undergraduates in the Class of 2026, she riffed off of the famous essay "All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten," but instead credited the Siena experience with preparing her and her classmates for life.

As a student teacher, she noticed some similarities between the elementary school classroom and a college campus:

"The importance of being a good person. That friendship is the most important part of starting at a new school and is the key to happiness. That true friends make the journey better than the destination," she offered as advice to both grads and their families gathered at the MVP Arena. "Hold the door open for the person behind you. Stand up for what you believe is right. Cheer on your team and support each other, and a blessing from a friar goes a long way.

"As we venture out into the world, we must remember that Siena has given us the greatest gift of all: each other," she concluded. "We may be leaving Siena, but Siena will never leave us."

Emmy Award-winning broadcaster and Women's Basketball Hall of Fame member Debbie Antonelli delivered the Commencement address and received an honorary degree from Siena in recognition of her accomplished career and philanthropic leadership. In her remarks, Antonelli emphasized the importance of teamwork, resilience, and lifting others through leadership.

"One day you'll look back at Siena...and remember this day today, and your fellow graduates, which have become your network," she told the class. "Siena has prepared you as our next leaders, and we need you. You are smart, you are prepared and you are full of ambition."

President Chuck Seifert, Ph.D., acknowledged that Commencement is his favorite event on the Siena calendar.

"You have been shaped by this place, but we promise, we at Siena have been shaped by you," he said. "And you've done it at a historic moment: you are setting the foundation for all of the students to come. You truly are pioneers in a new era."

Margaret Madden, Ph.D. served as master of ceremonies, her last as Siena's provost and senior vice president. Madden retires at the end of June.