The past couple of weeks have been a tremendous joy for St. Francis College. The college orchestrated numerous activities celebrating the inauguration of its nineteenth President Miguel Martinez-Saenz. But, upholding Franciscan values which all members of the Terrier family cherish, the celebration had to be shared with the community. And so a Mentorship Day was organized with children from Big Brothers Big Sisters of New York City, Cristo Rey Brooklyn High School, NYC Urban Ambassadors, and Kiskeya Sport. They all got the chance to come and see what St. Francis College is all about. They also got to hear poetry telling, spoken word rapping, and soccer commentating from President Martinez-Saenz.
"The day of mentorship is an event which is a part of the inauguration for President Miguel Martinez-Saenz," says Margaret Martini, Director of Athletic Marketing here at St. Francis College. "He joined the Terrier family in September and has been an amazing proponent of everything we are doing and we are very lucky to have him. The work we are doing for the inauguration ceremony spans over about two weeks. There are a lot of events that are happening and that are being planned by the department of social events here on campus along with the inauguration committee. This is actually an event that was created for the inauguration festivities. It was held on Saturday, January 20
th. It started at 12 o'clock when about a hundred and fifty students from the community and the surrounding area all came on campus for a day of mentorship. So, they were learning about academics, they were learning about the athletics and what it means to be in college."
And who wouldn't want to be a part of a college where the President invites famous spoken word artist Bryonn Bain to perform for SFC's students? The first time President Martinez- Saenz spoke to the Terrier family, he recited a Langston Hughes poem and did some spoken word. After that, he narrated a soccer play and made students join him on stage to cheer. When he speaks to kids he doesn't make it seem like a routine speech. Instead, it's an interaction which makes you glad to be there and sorry if you missed it. He tries to get people involved and that's what he did this time.
"He {Miguel} wanted, as a lead up to his inauguration, a lot of different activities," stated
Carl Quigley, Terriers' Assistant Director of Athletics. "He's had Cuban day sandwiches and he had Mr. Bainm come and do his poetry. He wanted to involve the community, a college community specifically, where he is helping "youngsters" in a day of mentorship. He set up a committee with Rob Oliva,
Irma Garcia, Ruben Gonzales, Hector Batista, myself… We were all in different classrooms and we were rotating individuals according to their age and interest."
"Students came in at noon," said Martini. "They came to the Genovisi Center, we all had lunch together, we talked to them, the President talked to them, Hector Batista spoke to them. We had professors from different departments come in and they all presented their subjects. The biology department ran bio experiments. The nursing department was here, so they took the kids to see the simulation lab. Athletics was represented so they got to speak with some of our student-athletes and hear what it is like to be a student-athlete. They really got a whole first – hand experience at what is it like to be a student. The event ended about 4 p.m. and then the majority of them came down to watch the Terriers men's basketball game against Bryant University."
As a successful ending to a successful day, the children participated in the making of the signs for the game. They also sat down at the scorer's table and learned a little bit about what it takes to put on a basketball game. The Terriers came out victorious and everyone got to go home more than satisfied that night.
St. Francis Brooklyn Athletic Director
Irma Garcia says that nothing less is expected from her students.
"We do this on a regular basis. You can pick a specific day but, as you know, this is why we're here. Most of our athletes do community service, and it is their job, when they are here, not only to excel at sports and academically but to give back as well. I just love the idea that our students are a part of something special. That's why I always say they are the best."
As everyone else, Irma is thrilled to have President Martinez-Saenz join the family.
"He has brought new energy. As you know, we are Franciscans and most people that work here attended this school. He came in with fresh eyes, brought in new energy and made us more creative. He's always happy, he's about kids, about sharing his story and listening to yours. So you can't lose there. You can become completely addicted to the way he does things. Elsewhere the President gives you advice and you listen. But here is a guy who talks about what we are doing in this world, how it all connects and how we are all connected to something bigger than what we are here. He's just great for us, I look forward to new things, new ideas and how we can all get better and support each other."
And so, St. Francis College goes forward into the New Year with a new President. The Installation Ceremony was held on Saturday, January 27th in Founders Hall at the College.
