Don Fox ’64

Don Fox ’64

Don FoxDonald Fox was born July 22, 1942 in New York City to German immigrants Melville and Herta Fox.

“Don has been a magnificent leader and supporter of Wagner College through his active trusteeship and his philanthropy,” said President Richard Guarasci.

A member of the Seahawk soccer team and vice president of the Student Government Association, Fox earned his bachelor’s degree in history from Wagner College before pursuing an MBA at the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School of Business, which he earned in 1966.

“My favorite Wagner professor was Lincoln Harter,” Fox said in a 2007 profile. “Though he was vice president of the college, he also taught political science. I took three of his courses, and did pretty well. He could really motivate students and his lectures were excellent. He was a great guy and very kind to students. I also remember Virgil Markham of the English department. When I was having difficulty, he took me in and helped me get through.”

Fox lived in Dallas, Texas for most of his professional life. In the late 1970s, he founded Texas Interocean, a reinsurance intermediary. In 1985, he started H.S. Fox Corporation with associates Robert Henderson and Alan Shepard. The three began the business on a card table, eventually growing it to the largest reinsurance brokerage of its kind in Texas. Not only was Fox proud of the company he and his team built, but he took equal pleasure in the great friendships he formed along the way. Fox was chairman and CEO of H.S. Fox when he sold the company in 1995 to the Marsh and McLennan Companies.

“Don was a well-known figure in insurance circles, but also a quiet and unassuming guy who loved Wagner,” said Jay Hartig ’67 H’09, former chairman of the board of trustees.

For 19 years, Fox served on Wagner College’s Board of Trustees: from 1985 through 1994, and again from 2004 through 2013.

“Don was a devoted board member who always added to our deliberations through his calm and wise manner,” said current board chairman Warren Procci ’68, “and he was quite entertaining and charming in social settings. He journeyed to Southern California to attend a party that Linda and I hosted to celebrate my 60th birthday and our 35th anniversary. He was a good trustee and a good friend.”

“He was such a supporter of Wagner College his entire life,” said former trustee chairwoman Louise Kaufman ’75 M’78 H’12. “He always had so much to add from his business experience and background. He was a charming gentleman.”

“I think in my memory, one of the most significant things Don did was provide a Board Challenge Matching program of his own for academic funding,” Hartig added. That program, which Fox started in the darkest days of the Great Recession, provided 10 Fox Scholars with $5,000 scholarships apiece for 3 years, enabling them to continue their college careers despite incredible economic challenges.

Fox was also deeply committed to supporting a multitude of service-research projects conducted by Wagner College faculty and students across four continents. Between 2007 and 2009 alone, the Fox Family Fund for the Advancement of Civic Engagement Scholarship provided nearly $100,000 for projects involving a dozen faculty members and hundreds of students that benefited thousands of people from Staten Island to Bangladesh and from Lima, Peru to Nairobi, Kenya. You can read about the products of his generosity in “What Don Fox Hath Wrought,” published by Wagner College in 2010.

“I love Wagner,” Fox said, “and when I sold my company, I put money aside and invested it to develop meaningful money for Wagner. I consider my giving to be my way of paying an IOU the college gave me when I graduated, and I hope that it will be a boost to the faculty.”

“Don would always describe anyone he admired as a ‘good guy,’ male or female,” recalled President Guarasci, “but Don Fox was the original ‘good guy.’ ”

Don Fox passed away in July of 2013.  In light of all of his contributions to Wagner College he will posthumously be awarded the John ''Bunny'' Barbes ’39 and Lila T. Barbes ’40 Wagner Alumni Laureate at the Alumni Association Awards Luncheon on Saturday, June 14th during Reunion Weekend. His sons Alex and Graham Fox will be present to accept the award in memory of their father.

Louis Siani ’51

Louis Siani ’51

Louis-SianiLouis Siani is a New York City based artist, educator, musician and entertainer playing piano in nightclubs, big bands and events all over the world for more than 70 years. Mr. Siani began playing in small clubs in the area at only 16 years old and has played with the elite of the music world. He went on to gain fame and recognition in some of the legendary New York clubs such as The Blue Note.

After the war and serving in the Navy, Siani continued his education receiving his Master’s Degree (and beyond) in music education at Wagner College, in Staten Island, New York. He worked for the Board of Education teaching band and orchestra for 31 years while also maintaining his music business at the Richmond Music Studios. Mr. Siani also was the musical director and orchestra leader for various New York productions including the Miss America preliminary pageants throughout the area.

The Louis W. Siani orchestra has become iconic in the Staten Island and New York City areas. Mr. Siani has provided musical services for legendary New York restaurants and also generations of families; first playing at weddings and then continuing on for anniversaries and important family events decade after decade. Mr. Siani is also a well-established professional for corporate events, executives, theater, film and notable celebrity affairs. Mr. Siani’s reputation as a talented and consummate professional endears him to his devoted clientele.

Mr. Siani continues to travel throughout the world. He was the entertainment for the Amtrak executive excursions between New York and Quebec over the years. He has played clubs in Ireland, where he was joined by his vocalist wife for their classic tribute to the American Songbook. Most recently, Siani was performing in Positano, Italy at some of the most popular restaurants in the tony resort area.

In addition to his music career, Mr. Siani is also a talented painter as well, with his work displayed at exhibits throughout the area, including a returning spot at Sailor Snug Harbor’s annual art show. A devoted Navy man, he continues to donate all his many talents to entertaining veterans at events and rehab facilities. Siani is a life long learner who continues his Italian lessons every week and continues to play and spread his passion for American made music and will be on tour with his tribute show, “The Golden Age of the Broadway Musical.”

Jenny Kelly ’13

Jenny Kelly ’13

jenny kelly headshotA native New Yorker, Jenny Kelly was born in Staten Island and raised in Rockland County.

In her early years, Jenny nurtured a love of music and performance by studying piano and flute, and taking part in various high school and community theatre productions. In 1990, Jenny made Staten Island her permanent home, and New York City her infinite playground.

After taking nearly 15 years off to tackle life and raise a family, Jenny decided it was time for a return to college and to theatre. At thirty-something, she enrolled at Wagner College to pursue a degree in theatre, and graduated magna cum laude with a B.A. in Theatre Performance & Speech, and a minor in Religious Studies in May 2013.

Some of her performance credits include "Next to Normal" (Diana), "RENT" (Joanne), "Into The Woods" (The Witch), "Benches" (Joyce), "Love, Life...Lyrics" (Maria), "Les Liaisons Dangereuses" (Madame la Marquise de Merteuil), and "Lysistrata" (Stratyllis).

Matthew Hosmer ’13

Matthew Hosmer ’13

M.Hosmer-2 fixed red croppedMatthew Hosmer is a 2013 Wagner College graduate. Some of his favorite performance credits include "The School For Lies" (Oronte), "Urinetown" (Tiny Tom), and "My Fair Lady" (Cockney Quartet). He has also appeared Off-Broadway and is featured on two original cast recordings. In addition to performance, Matthew also works as a music director. Past credits include "Zombie Prom" (WCT), "John & Jen," "Next to Normal," "Hairspray" (asst. music director), and "Little Shop of Horrors" (asst. music director).

Steven Babino ’13

Steven Babino ’13

Steven Babino (without name)Steven is a 2013 graduate of  Wagner College, where he studied both Theatre & Music.  While at Wagner, he toured with the Wagner College Choir, and was involved with the productions of Guys & Dolls, Legally Blonde, Seussical, Cinderella, and Beauty & the Beast.  As a musician and vocalist, Steven has performed on stages around the country, including performing the National Anthem with his brother Anthony at the Richmond County Ballpark prior to The Beach Boys Concert.  Most recently, he provided bass guitar, & lead and backing vocals for the debut album of Sons of Origin, an emerging alternative rock band, which he co-founded with his brother Anthony.  Steven has sung on a national TV commercial for DOVE soap, and is continually performing LIVE at various venues around NYC.

Elana Abt ’13

Elana Abt ’13

Elana Abt '13Elana Abt is a Chicago native and recent graduate from Wagner College, where she majored in Theatre Performance.  She is one of the featured performers in the revue "The Golden Age of the Broadway Musical" being performed during Reunion Weekend 2014.

Regional credits: Guys and Dolls (Sarah Brown), West Side Story (Consuela), Rocky Horror Show, Legally Blonde, and Sound of Music.

Wagner credits include: Putting it Together (Featured soloist), Five Women...(Georgeanne), Urinetown (Josephine Strong), My Fair Lady (Servants Choir/Ensemble), Jesus Christ Superstar, and Beauty and the Beast. Other credits Into the Woods (Witch), Jon and Jen (Jen), Macbeth (Lady Macbeth), Hello Again (Young Wife), and Hair (Black Boy Trio).

The Golden Age of the Broadway Musical

The Golden Age of the Broadway Musical

The Golden Age of Broadway PosterCreated by Wagner alumnus Louis Siani '51, The Golden Age of Broadway is characterized by uniquely American classics, familiar, sung and whistled by people of all ages. Composers including George and Ira Gershwin, Cole Porter, and Rogers and Hammerstein are all represented. Often although their work is familiar, it cannot be attributed or put in its place in American history and its cultural significance is forgotten. One might not realize that one great composer; Irving Berlin, was responsible for such classics as “God Bless America”, “White Christmas”, and “The Easter Parade” – all unique Americana penned by an immigrant to New York from Siberia, Russia.

This project is created for a piano and multiple vocalists to recreate the Broadway American Songbook, putting into historical perspective its contribution to American society. Explanations of the role of musicals in their heyday, starting in the 1920’s – a time before television- and through the 1960’s, will unfold as a story told through its musical creations. Mr. Siani's goal is not just entertainment, but an education in putting the familiar in its appropriate context and place in American culture.

Come see this wonderful show during Reunion Weekend 2014!

Featured Wagner Performers

 
Elana Abt '13
Elana Abt is a Chicago native and recent graduate from Wagner College, where she majored in Theatre Performance.  She is one of the featured performers in the revue "The Golden Age of the Broadway Musical" being performed during Reunion Weekend 2014. Regional credits: Guys and Dolls (Sarah Brown), West Side Story (Consuela), Rocky Horror Show, […]
 
Post Image for Jenny Kelly '13
Some of her Performance credits include "Next to Normal" (Diana), "RENT" (Joanne), "Into The Woods" (The Witch), "Benches" (Joyce), "Love, Life...Lyrics" (Maria), "Les Liaisons Dangereuses" (Madame la Marquise de Merteuil), and "Lysistrata" (Stratyllis).
 
Post Image for Louis Siani '51
Louis Siani is a New York City based artist, educator, musician and entertainer playing piano in nightclubs, big bands and events all over the world for more than 70 years. Mr. Siani began playing in small clubs in the area at only 16 years old and has played with the elite of the music world. […]
 
Post Image for Matthew Hosmer '13
Matthew Hosmer is a 2013 Wagner College graduate. Some of his favorite performance credits include "The School For Lies" (Oronte), "Urinetown" (Tiny Tom), and "My Fair Lady" (Cockney Quartet). He has also appeared Off-Broadway and is featured on two original cast recordings. In addition to performance, Matthew also works as a music director. Past credits […]
 
Post Image for Steven Babino '13
Steven is a 2013 graduate of  Wagner College, where he studied both Theatre & Music.  While at Wagner, he toured with the Wagner College Choir, and was involved with the productions of Guys & Dolls, Legally Blonde, Seussical, Cinderella, and Beauty & the Beast.  As a musician and vocalist, Steven has performed on stages around […]
 

2014 Reunion Weekend Alumni Choir Music

2014 Reunion Weekend Alumni Choir Music

Click on the name of each piece to download the pdf of the sheet music.

Selig sind die Toten

I ll Fly Away

Shall We Gather At The River

Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring

Lo V'Chayil

Psalm 23: Shepard Me, Oh God

Ride the Chariot

Click on the name of each midi file to download it to your computer.

I ll Fly Away

Ride the Chariot - alto

Ride the Chariot - bass

Ride the Chariot - soprano

Ride the Chariot - tenor

Ride the Chariot

Reunion Weekend Schedule – Sunday, June 15

Reunion Weekend Schedule – Sunday, June 15

Friday, June 13th - Saturday, June 14th - Printable Schedule

$ Payment required
❖ Family/child friendly event

 Sunday Morning

8:30–9:30 a.m.
Reunion Yoga Wind-Down
Dance Studio, Spiro Sports Center
Unwind from the weekend with local yoga instructor Fran Kosowski. Fran teaches a traditional style of yoga that welcomes everyone — whether you are a beginner or have taken yoga in the past. Yoga is for the health and strength of the body, mind and spirit. Focus on breathing, movement, meditation and relaxation before you travel home.

WEBSITE-Family-Reunion-SQ

9–11 a.m.
Reunion Farewell & Father’s Day Breakfast ❖ $
Faculty Dining Room, Union Building
This year we would like to end Reunion Weekend by inviting all Wagner families to come to campus to celebrate the special man in their lives, Dad. (pay at the door)

See what is going on the rest of the weekend!

Friday, June 13th - Saturday, June 14th

Ready for Reunion? Register online now!

Reunion Weekend Schedule – Friday, June 13

Reunion Weekend Schedule – Friday, June 13

Saturday, June 14th - Sunday, June 15th - Printable Schedule

$ Payment required
❖ Family/child friendly event

Happening All Day Friday

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11 a.m.–6:30 p.m.
Reunion Registration
Union Atrium
Stop by reunion headquarters to check in, pick up a schedule of reunion activities, or ask a question. Also, post a note at the Seahawk Community Reunion Message Board or check for messages from classmates, friends, or faculty members.

 

Friday Afternoon

12 p.m.
Heritage Society Luncheon (By Invitation)
Members of the Heritage Society help secure the future and ensure the vitality of Wagner College by including the College in their estate and/or financial plans.

Lunch (On Your Own) ❖ $
Hawk’s Nest, Union Building
Enjoy lunch with your fellow alumni, friends, and family in the Union Building. See who has arrived on campus and relax while you review the activities for the weekend (pay at the door).

WEBSITE-Painting-Anchor2–4 p.m.
Paint the Anchor
Front of Harborview Hall
One of the longest-standing traditions on Wagner’s campus is decorating the Cunard shipping company anchor that has been on campus since 1963. Come show your Wagner pride by decorating the anchor in celebration of Reunion Weekend!

2:30–4:30 p.m.
“Meet the Seahawks” Athletics Open House
Hall of Fame Room, Spiro Sports Center
Stop by the sports center to meet some of the coaches and players from various Wagner College sports teams, see our collection of NEC trophies, watch game film and walk down memory lane through Wagner’s Hall of Fame.

2, 3 & 4 p.m.
Campus Tours
Depart from Union Atrium
See and hear about all the changes happening on campus as we take a walking tour. Please plan to arrive at least five minutes before the scheduled tour time.

3:30 - 4:30 p.m.
“Gustav Klimt’s Golden Portrait: Creation, Exploration, Return” with Dr. Laura Morowitz, Professor, Art History
Main Hall, Room 6
Explore the history of Gustav Klimt’s famous portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer. Created in 1907, the piece was stolen by the Nazis and remained in Austria until 2006, when a brave 93 year old fought and won to have her family legacy restored.

Friday Evening

WEBSITE-Presidents-Welcome25–6 p.m.
Welcome Reception
Foundation Hall
Help officially kick off Reunion Weekend with a reception hosted by President Richard and Carin Guarasci.

6–8 p.m.
Class of 1964 and Friends 50th Anniversary Dinner $
Faculty Dining Room, Union Building
The Golden Seahawks commemorate their 50th anniversary. Buffet dinner with wine service. ($25pp)

Seahawk Social ❖ $
Hawk’s Nest, Union Building
Join alumni, friends, and family in the Hawk’s Nest to catch up on what’s new and exciting. Buffet dinner will be served with a cash bar serving wine and beer. For groups, if you would like a table reserved for your group (five or more), please call the Office of Alumni Relations at 718-390-3224. ($25pp)

WEBSITE-Jersey-Boys6–11:30 p.m.
Broadway Show: Jersey Boys ❖ $
August Wilson Theatre, New York, NY
In celebration of the June release of the Jersey Boys movie, starring Wagner’s own Renee Marino ’04, winner of the 2014 Alumni Key award, join fellow alumni at the place where it all began… Broadway. How did four blue-collar kids become one of the greatest successes in pop music history? Find out at the runaway smash hit, Jersey Boys. Winner of the Best Musical Tony Award on Broadway, in London and Australia, this blockbuster phenomenon takes you up the charts, across the country and behind the music of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons. Bus departs from Howard Avenue promptly at 6 p.m. ($95pp)

8–10 p.m.
Alumni Jazz Night
John Trentacosta ’70 and Friends, featuring guest singer Lori Carsillo
❖ $
The Coffeehouse, Reynolds House
Enjoy a relaxing evening with friends while you listen to the sweet sounds of singer Lori Carsillo, a talented vocalist from the San Francisco Bay Area. Lori has performed all over the West Coast and throughout Europe, delighting audiences with a mix of well-known favorites and forgotten gems that reflects her love of beautiful tunes. ($10pp)

See what is going on the rest of the weekend!

Saturday, June 14th - Sunday, June 15th

Ready for Reunion? Register online now!