The Bucci Plan S I E N A C O L L E G E Student~Alumni Engagement Program

So What is the Bucci Plan and How Can I get Involved?

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History

In the spring of 2005, Michael Bucci ’73, Siena Trustee and co-founder/owner of AMSA (Armored Motor Service of America – now part of Loomis Fargo), agreed to sponsor and fund an innovative new program at Siena called, “The Bucci Plan.”  David Smith ’79, Siena’s Vice President for Development and External Affairs, explained, “Siena, much like many colleges and universities around the country, has been experiencing a decline in participation by alumni from what are called the GOLD classes – graduates of the last decade.  Much of it is due to the far more global world these young adults are entering after graduation.  Advanced technology is commonplace to them and puts the entire world at their fingertips…and it makes them far savvier than new graduates of 20 years ago.  Their lives change far more quickly and dramatically after graduation now, so it is much more difficult to get them to see the value of staying connected to their alma mater.  We felt it critical to make a positive investment in these classes now in an effort to turn the trend around.”  As the parent of a 2001 and 2006 graduate, Siena Trustee, and alumnus who has been extremely engaged with the College over the years, Mike was the logical choice to approach as a partner in this effort.  Mike jumped at the opportunity to be part of a program targeted at this alumni population.  He often comments, “When I graduated in 1973, our alumni participation numbers were award-winning and students left graduation with a strong bond to Siena.  I want the students of today to have that same passion about this institution as I, and so many from different generations, have before.” 

Objectives

The plan has two primary goals:

1.         Creating an overall giving culture of Time, Talent and Treasure among students that will endure when they become alumni

2.         Inspiring young alumni to contribute to Siena College philanthropically, beginning with the Annual Fund

This plan intends to engage young alumni in the efforts of Development and External Affairs to establish and perpetuate a cultural of philanthropy by showing how young alumni can impact and perpetuate change at Siena through their contributions.  The Bucci Plan will also focus on preparing students for life after graduation and what it means to be an alumnus. 

While it is impossible for Development and External Affairs to change what has already transpired for current young alumni while they were students, these efforts are designed to show an investment in impacting the future which Siena hopes young alumni will want to invest in.

Getting Involved

As the program progresses, more and more opportunities for involvement by alumni, especially those from the GOLD classes, will grow.  Currently there are the opportunities listed below.  To find out more about these, contact Nathan Maloney ’00, Director of Alumni Relations, at 1-888-SIENA4U or nmaloney@siena.edu.  

Class Mentors

Alumni will be recruited to serve as mentors for each student class over a period of several years to convey the commitment of Siena in investing in the concept of the development of a life-long relationship of a student with the College.  Multiple mentors will be sought for each class and will work with the class officers initially then further expanding the list to other student leaders within the class.  Mentors will share information and insight about their own college experiences, encourage creative thinking and problem solving skills in the College setting and show how to incorporate upon graduation, offer career advice and mentoring, provide insight on the bridge between the Siena world and outside world, enlighten students about how their role will change as alumni and what their opportunities and responsibilities will be.  Mentors will be asked to make a long-term commitment to the class.

Speaker Series

Alumni speakers are invited to participate in a variety of venues targeted for students of each class with appropriate topics for each class.  Currently the “Lunch and Learn” program exists which offers alumni a small group setting in which to speak with students about a career path/topic, etc., however there are a myriad of topics beyond career advice which are relevant to the student audience which have been untapped until now.  Siena’s Alumni Relations staff is receptive to working with alumni on customizing a program for the student audience beyond the Lunch and Learn program.

Student/Young Alumni Networking Event in NYC – Summer 2006

This event will introduce current students to young alumni from all different walks of life and profession.  Not only is this a great opportunity for students to speak with young graduates about what life after Siena is really all about, but it gives young alumni the opportunity to mentor students and help them make some career connections.

Annual Fund Volunteer Solicitations

Young alumni are invited to participate in solicitation of classmates to help boost participation by young alumni classes in support of Siena’s Annual Fund.  Training is offered.  This is a great opportunity not only to reminisce with friends, but to help spread the word of these new Bucci Plan initiatives and the benefits to all as this program succeeds.  In addition, for each new gift of $19.37 or more (year of Siena’s founding; currently the 1937 Society is marketed to new donors as an entry-level giving society with a gift of $19.37), Michael Bucci ’73 will give a one to one match.  Our goal is to achieve an average of 10% of each class as new donors at $19.37 or higher to the 2005-06 Annual Fund (ends May 31, 2006).  Match will go toward the enhancement of the student programs referenced in the Bucci plan.

Senior Class Seminar

At the beginning of the Spring Semester the seniors are invited to participate in an event called Life After College Explained.  This full day of seminars covers such topics as how to handle you first day on the job, filing taxes, finding an apartment, philanthropy, and staying connected to Siena College. The day concludes with a notable keynote speaker during dinner and 21 Club to wrap up the night.

Bucci Advisory Committee (coming soon)

Opportunities for students to work with alumni and staff of Siena to help formulate programs and spread the messages of The Bucci Plan.

Class Connector

Seniors will be asked to consider taking on a five year responsibility for keeping track of 10 classmates after graduation to keep them connected to Siena.  Seventy seniors will be asked to participate in this role.

The Bucci Plan is an exciting new program as part of Siena’s Alumni Relations effort.  The most innovative aspect – it is dynamic in nature and constantly evolving to meet the needs of students, alumni and the College.  Get involved TODAY!  Contact Nathan Maloney ’00, Director of Alumni Relations, via email at nmaloney@siena.edu or via telephone at 518-783-2430.
 

Office of Alumni Relations
Please contact alumni@siena.edu for questions regarding this page.
Last Modified: 04/17/2007
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