Among the many reasons why I feel honored to be a part of the Siena College community is the opportunity to participate in time-honored traditions with our incredible students. Every school has its traditions. Some involve just the students, some involve just the faculty. What I love about Siena is that many of ours involve both.
If there’s one thing you’ll keep hearing from everyone on this blog—from admissions, from professors, from alumni, from students—it’s the word “community.” We’re a tight-knit family here, and during finals time, we celebrate that bond and our eagerness to learn and succeed with one tradition in particular: the Blessing of the Brains. (The what?! Stay with me…)
Here’s what happens. Before students enter a long week of finals, they’re invited to this fun event which is always hosted by the Office of the College Chaplain. After the Gospel, chapel choir music, and a series of Intercessions, the College Chaplain—which is me this year!—and some other friars will give each student a blessing. “May God bless you and open your mind with wisdom and understanding.” That’s the annual saying. Then, we gather together for a wonderful breakfast spread and just enjoy each other’s company.
I think many of our students look forward to it not just because of the spiritual guidance it provides, but because it gives them a cozy, relaxing event to attend before their tests begin. Personally, I look forward to it because it’s one of those precious memories that faculty and students can take with them long after they’ve graduated. (And the breakfast is delicious, too.)
If this sounds like a tradition you want to be a part of, I hope you will look more closely at Siena as your potential new home for the next four years. We can’t wait to see new faces at each of our traditions, and create more memories that last a lifetime.
