Proceeds from the Citizen Laureate dinner support programs of The University at Albany Foundation, established in 1967 to encourage philanthropic support, advance UAlbany strategic goals, and build ties to the community.

ALBANY, N.Y. (October 30, 2014) — The University at Albany Foundation will honor the former president of Siena College, Father Kevin J. Mullen, OFM, Ph.D.; the president and CEO of Hugh Johnson Advisors LLC, Daniel P. Nolan ’74; and Capital District volunteer, Phoebe Bender at its 35th Anniversary Citizen Laureate Awards Dinner on Thursday, Nov. 6., beginning at 5:30 p.m. in UAlbany’s SEFCU Arena.

Father Mullen will receive the 2014 Academic Laureate, while Nolan and Bender will each receive the Community Laureate. The Citizen Laureate Awards, which recognize outstanding leaders in business and industry, government, and academia, are the most prestigious honors bestowed by The Foundation.

The event, which is co-chaired by Robert M. Curley, director of Berkshire Hills Bancorp and chairman of the New York region of Berkshire Hills Bancorp, Inc., and R. Mark Sullivan, former president of the College of St. Rose, is expected to draw more than 400 attendees. Proceeds will support the University at Albany Foundation’s many programs dedicated to enriching the educational experience of UAlbany students.

The Foundation was established in 1967 to encourage philanthropic support, advance the University's strategic goals, and build ties to the community.

ACADEMIC LAUREATE

Fr. Kevin J. Mullen, O.F.M., Ph.D. '75
Provincial Minister, Holy Name Province; Former President of Siena College
Tenth President of Siena College
Assuming the Siena College presidency in 2007, Fr. Kevin guided Siena’s successful efforts to craft a new strategic plan, presided over its 75th anniversary, launched a $50 million comprehensive campaign, and oversaw major campus expansion and renovation. In August, he stepped down from Siena’s presidency to become provincial minister for Holy Name Province in New York City, the largest Franciscan community in the U.S.

Throughout his career Fr. Kevin has served as a teacher, pastor, guardian and director, often in administrative and leadership positions. Despite his achievements, he continues to hear and to heed the words of his saintly mentor, Francis of Assisi: “Brothers and sisters, let us begin again, for up to now we have done little or nothing.”

Fr. Kevin received his bachelor’s degree in history from Siena in 1975, his Master of Divinity degree from the Washington Theological Union, and his Ph.D. in Medical Ethics from the Catholic University of America.

COMMUNITY LAUREATE

Phoebe Powell Bender
Community Volunteer
For more than 50 years, Phoebe Bender, a Capital Region native, has been a remarkably accomplished community volunteer, offering her service to numerous non-profit boards and actively serving as a trustee in organizations which support the arts, tourism, public policy and reproductive health.

She has served as president of eight non-profit organizations and led three state-wide organizations, and served as vice president and/or chair of over a dozen others.

In recognition of her service, Ms. Bender has been honored by several organizations including the YMCA and Albany-Colonie Chamber of Commerce and, together with her husband Matthew Bender, the New York State Office of Parks and Recreation and the Community Foundation.

A graduate of Tufts University, she and Matt reside in Albany, and together have three children and eight grandchildren.

Daniel P. Nolan ’74
President and CEO, Hugh Johnson Advisors, LLC
A highly successful businessman and respected community leader, Dan Nolan’s contributions to the quality of life in the Capital Region are extensive.

Recognized for his business expertise, both in his current role and throughout his career at Ayco Company and Goldman Sachs, he is perhaps more known for his work as chairman of the Board of Trustees for both The College of St. Rose and Albany Law School. Additionally, he supports many other non-profit organizations and is renowned for his integrity and wit.

Dan graduated from the University at Albany in 1974 with a degree in business administration, and received his Juris Doctor degree from Albany Law School in 1978. He resides in Loudonville with his equally generous wife, Sally, and their children, Philip and Victoria, both live in New York City.

EVENT CO-CHAIRMEN

Robert M. Curley
Robert M. Curley was named chairman of the New York bank of Berkshire Hills Bancorp, Inc., in 2009. He was chairman and president for Citizens Bank in New York from 2005 to 2009, and was, prior to that, with Charter One Bank, as president for New York and New England. From 1976 to 1999, he was employed by KeyCorp, where he rose to the position of vice chairman of KeyBank N.A., and president and CEO of four of its subsidiary banks.

R. Mark Sullivan
R. Mark Sullivan served as president of The College of Saint Rose from 1996 to 2012, and is now a professor in the college’s Lally School of Education. Dr. Sullivan has lectured at several universities, including Harvard, on subjects including leadership, public policy, higher education planning and ethics. A past evaluator for the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, he has written numerous articles on education policy and urban economic development.

Funds raised through the Citizen Laureate Awards event will support The University at Albany Foundation’s student programs and its ability to ensure access to the finest higher education experience possible. Established in 1967 to encourage philanthropic support, the Foundation continues to advance the University's strategic goals and sponsors efforts to build ties to the community.

To learn more about the event, visit the UAlbany Citizen Laureate website or contact the Office of University Events at (518) 442-5310.

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