Siena Bids Farewell, Good Luck to Fr. Jim

Wednesday, July 16, Loudonville, N.Y. – Yesterday afternoon, the community gathered to congratulate and thank their good friend Fr. Jim Toal, O.F.M. Fr. Jim has served as vice president of the college for over a decade. He has overseen the acquisition of the president’s house and the state police barracks, the renovation of Siena Hall, the installation of the turf field, the implementation of the strategic plan and many, many athletic achievements, among others.

President Fr. Kevin Mullen, O.F.M. presented Fr. Jim with a Siena chair and some more fun gifts—a Yankees all-star tee shirt and cap, although it pained the Mets fan to do so. “To know Jim Toal is to know him from your heart,” said Fr. Kevin. He then credited Fr. Jim as being one of the reasons he is still a friar.

Fr. Kevin also read a resolution expressing gratitude to Fr. Jim passed by the Board of Trustees at their last meeting.

John D’Argenio, director of athletics also spoke and bestowed Fr. Jim with another round of gifts. “They cannot equal what he has given to us,” he said.

Fr. Jim, who is moving on to become guardian of a friary in St. Petersburg, F.L., responded, “I thank you all for being here. My years at Siena were enjoyable. The entire thing has been a treat for me. Thank you to everyone.”
“It was nice to see the different groupings of the college come together to celebrate one of our own,” said Fr. Kevin.

Feel free to send messages to Fr. Jim via our blog comments- we'll make sure they get to him!