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Siena University is grieving the loss of its former president, Father Kevin Mackin, who passed away on Saturday (November 15) at the age of 87. Father Mackin died at Teresian House in Albany after a prolonged illness. He served as Siena's ninth president from 1996 to 2007, leaving a lasting impact on the institution.
Father Mackin's tenure at Siena was marked by significant advancements in both campus facilities and academic programs. Under his leadership, the university saw the opening of the J. Spencer and Patricia Standish Library in 1999, as well as the Gene and Mary Sarazen Student Union, the Morrell Science Center, and Padua Residence Hall in 2001. He also initiated the renovation of Siena Hall and Bacon Hall, developed the Academic Excellence Plan, and established the Sr. Thea Bowman Center for Women, the Franciscan Center for Catholic Studies, and the Franciscan Center for Service and Advocacy.
Current Siena President Chuck Seifert praised Father Mackin's leadership, saying, "His wisdom, humility, and Franciscan joy shaped the very heart of Siena. His decades of service as president, professor, and mentor left an indelible mark on our campus community." Seifert also recalled Mackin's unique ability to remember names and his habit of getting around campus on rollerblades.
Before his presidency at Siena, Father Mackin began his career there in 1970 as a faculty member. He later served as the leader of Christ the King Seminary in East Aurora and as director of development and public relations for the Holy Name Province in New York. After leaving Siena, he became president of Mount Saint Mary College in Newburgh, New York, from 2008 to 2014, before retiring to Florida.
A wake for Father Mackin will be held on Thursday (November 20) at the Saint Mary of the Angels Chapel from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. The funeral Mass and burial are scheduled for Saturday (November 22) in New Jersey.