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Charities we have helped:

United Cerebral Palsy

Old Fella Burke County Animal Rescue

The Warrick Dunn Foundation

Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation

American Cancer Society

Ronald McDonald House

RESPONSES, REACTIONS AND RESULTS

 

RESPONSE:

Scott,

Thank you for your kind words and for appreciating Siena for the many good things we stand for.

I completely understand your mixed emotions and I am glad that our success gave you a clear sense of pride as an alumnus. You earned that and I am truly sorry that football didn't endure like we all would have liked. I remember how special Fall was during my 11 years at Notre Dame because of football.

My committment to Siena will continue and my hope is that you will continue to wear the green and gold with pride.

Sincerely,

Fran McCaffery

 

REACTIONS:

Scott, good letter. Your description of how you have felt almost mirrors my own. I started healing some of my wounds a little earlier maybe three years ago. I have donated some to the school but targeted it to a specific project in the new science building. It was very rewarding and felt good to give back in this way. To me it is a way of thanking them for helping me get to medical school and have my current career. Giving truly helps both parties as the sense of "goodness" that philanthropy brings is quite meaningful and unique.

That being said I will never donate anything toward the athletic department or even the general fund. I guess I haven't healed completely yet, have I!

-Jeff M, Chittenango, NY

 

With regards to Siena, I understand why they cut the football program. The expenses to run it couldn't be justified and the students who were members of the team at that time were terrors on campus. There method of dealing with the issue is what I have problems with.

When we presented a club team (no recruiting, just regular students who wanted to play football with a lower cost that the alumni group was willing to fund a big portion of), the school rejected it. They refused to meet with us and used delaying tactics at every opportunity in an attempt to render the point moot, which they were successful at. Once the clamor had died down (all the equipment had been sold, all the players had either transferred and the few who stayed saw their last ditch hopes for club football in their senior year dashed), suddenly the school wanted to help us maintain our alumni group by inviting us back to campus for a barbeque which we'd have to pay for. How magnanimous.

Since then, any time the school has asked me for money, I've responded that I would love to donate as soon as the football program is reinstated. During one e-mail exchange, it was stated that Siena had done a lot for me and that giving back to your college is something that good people do. Apparently, I am not one of those people.

I watched Siena's two games in the tourney and enjoyed both, the same way I enjoy any close game, regardless of team. I relate to that team in the same way as I do the Oakland A's, meaning that at one point, I wore a uniform that was green and gold.

Apparently, I'm not ready to forgive yet.

Jeremy F, Fairfield, CT

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