Saints Talk About Grief, Passion, and the Arts

When Saints talk, we can all learn something.

SaintsTalk '26 was staged in the Beaudoin Theatre on April 30. Now in its second year, the primetime kickoff to the Academic Showcase featured five speakers delivering Ted Talk style presentations: an alumnus, a faculty member, an administrator, a student, and a former News10 ABC Meteorologist, who doubled as emcee.

From left to right, above:

Travis Brodbeck '17, G'18, associate director of data management at the Siena Research Institute - The Paradox of Progress: Using AI to Save the World without Losing Ourselves

"I am blown away by all of the other speakers, the stories they told and the lessons they left me, are reasons why I am grateful for Siena to offer this opportunity to listen to one another."

Giovanni Lisi '20 - How to Use Loss as Motivation

"It was an honor to share the stage with a Capital Region legend, Mr. Steve Caporizzo! Thank you to Siena for having me back on campus as an alumnus to speak."

Steve Caporizzo - The Joy in Loving What You Do

"I do many speaking engagements every year, and this was one of the best. All of the speakers were so talented and passionate. I love events where I can learn about something that I have no idea about!"

Krysta Dennis, Ph.D., associate professor of creative arts - The Art of Being Human: How the Arts Make Us Who We Are

"It was lovely to chat with Steve, Leah, Travis, and Giovanni and learn about their topics, as well as having the chance to connect with the receptive audience about how important the arts are in our lives, whether we are aware or not."

Leah Garrison '27 - How the Way We Talk About Mental Health Impacts the Lives of People Who Struggle with It

"Being part of SaintsTalk '26 was the coolest thing I've done in my three years at Siena. I learned so much from all the other speakers, and it was truly such an enlightening experience."