Harold Theurer ’79

“There is no such thing as a self-made man. We are made up of thousands of others. Everyone who has ever done a kind deed for us, or spoken one word of encouragement to us, has entered into the make-up of our character and our thoughts, as well as our success.” - George Matthew Adams

Harold is a native New Yorker, born, raised and still living in Brooklyn, NY, who earned his undergraduate degree in Psychology from Wagner College and his M.A. in Counselor Education from New York University. Since graduating, Harold has been a steady supporter of Wagner, through donations to the annual fund, various sports teams, the Wagner College Men's Center and the Center for Global Learning.

Harold has always felt a responsibility to give back to the school. His contact with the college increased when Harold's office at Merrill Lynch became one of the first Internship sites run by Dr. Walter Rohrs back in the late 80's early 90's (Dr. Rohrs created the career development initiative). Harold mentored students who were interested in the financial services and developed a wonderful relationship with Dr. Rohrs through the initiative. Dr. Rohrs would ask Harold to come to campus and speak with the students during his career seminars and Harold would talk about how to market themselves.

When Lisa De Respino Bennett became Alumni Director she got Harold more involved. Since he was already a Class Agent when Fred Williamson stepped down as President of the National Alumni Association (now known as the Wagner Alumni Association), Harold took over from '94-'97. Lisa and Frank Young kept Harold close to the college throughout the years, but it wasn't until he met President Richard Guarasci that he solidified his relationship with the college.

Since then Harold has served as the Chair of the Inner Circle, a Wagner leadership giving society in which members annually donate $1,500+ each year to the school, spearheading the effort to create a marketing campaign that asked Wagner alumni to make leadership gifts in honor of their favorite professors at Wagner College.

He is also the author of the children's book Hey Dad, Let's Have a Catch, which he will be reading on campus for future Seahawks (children of alumni) during Reunion Weekend at the Ice Cream Social on Saturday afternoon, prior to being featured on Fox & Friends the following Sunday, June 15th as a part of their Father's Day segment.

This year Harold will receive the Kevin Sheehy Alumni Leadership Medal at the Reunion Weekend Alumni Awards Luncheon in honor of his work behind the scenes related to fundraising for Wagner.

For a look at other Alumni Award winners, both past and present, visit the Alumni Association Achievement & Service Awards page on our website.

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. 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

A 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 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 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 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

Created 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

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).

Louis Siani '51

Matthew Hosmer '13

Steven Babino '13

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 – Saturday, June 14

Friday, June 13th - Sunday, June 15th - Printable Schedule

$ Payment required
❖ Family/child friendly event

Saturday Morning

8–10:30 a.m.
Alumni Choir Rehearsal
Horrmann Library
Breakfast available at 8 a.m.; rehearsal will begin promptly at 8:45 a.m. Click here for choir music.

8:30 a.m.–7 p.m.
Reunion Registration
Atrium, Union Building

8:30–10:30 a.m.
Reunion Wake-up Breakfast ❖
Manzulli Board Room, Foundation Hall
Get ready for a busy day on campus with a continental breakfast.

President’s Breakfast with Alumni Association Board of Directors and Award Recipients (By Invitation)

9:30–10:15 a.m.
State of the College with President Richard Guarasci
Hall of Fame Room, Spiro Sports Center
Wagner College is constantly evolving. From an innovative curriculum focusing on learning communities and civic education to research projects and study abroad experiences that expand our students’ understanding of the shrinking world we live in, President Guarasci has developed a clear vision for how the practical liberal arts will serve Wagner students for years to come.

10:30–11:45 a.m.
Memorial Service with the Alumni Choir
Horrmann Library
Remember and honor the contributions of alumni and friends of the College whom we have lost this past year. Special performance by the Wagner College Alumni Choir.

Saturday Afternoon

12–2 p.m.
Alumni Awards Luncheon ❖ $
Main Dining Hall
Sponsored by the Alumni Association
All are invited to join the alumni and campus community in recognizing the service and achievements of our 2014 Alumni Association award winners. ($40 pp, $20 per 2004-14 grad, $10 per child under 12, or buy a table of 8 for $280)

2:30 & 3:40 p.m.
“A Tour of the Solar System and Beyond” Planetarium Show ❖
Planetarium, Spiro Hall
Using the planetarium’s new SciDome-HD projection system, we will explore the constellations and learn the star lore of the summer sky. Our show will continue with an IMAX-like presentation, “Oasis In Space,” featuring a close-up visit to the planets and moons of our solar system. Seating for each show time will be first-come, as there are limited seats available.

2:30 & 3:30 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.

2:30–4:30 p.m.
Ice Cream Social & Children’s Story Time ❖
Atrium, Union Building
Sponsored by the Wagner College Bookstore and Barnes & Noble College
Get together with other Wagner alumni, their family and friends to enjoy some delicious treats as we relax, reconnect, and enjoy an afternoon on campus. Young Future Seahawks are invited to the Bookstore to listen to alumna Colleen Venable ’02 and alumnus Harold Theurer ’79 read from their published children’s books, The Ferret’s a Foot: Guinea Pig, Pet Shop Private Eye and Hey Dad Let’s Have a Catch, respectively. Reading times will be posted by the bookstore during the weekend. There will also be a special alumni performance at the Ice Cream Social by alumna Karen Schleifer '93 (a.k.a. Curly Karen), 2014 Alumni Award winner Ernie Jackson '87, and alumnus Mike Massimo '91.

3:30–4:30 p.m.
“Fun with Chemistry: Finding Chemistry Around Us” with Dr. Valeria Stepanova, Professor, Chemistry ❖
Freshman Lab, 3rd Floor, Megerle Science Building
This class has been canceled due to a last minute conflict
Turn your child(ren) into a scientist for the afternoon! Performing experiments in a modern, college chemistry laboratory, they will see that usual daily things, like water and air, are not always what they appear to be. We will see how things dissolve in water and other solvents, how gasses can be separated, and how different substances react to heat. Show your children a glimpse of the fun side of chemistry! All experiments will be performed under safe guidance by qualified supervisors. Limited to 20 children, ages 7 and up.

4–5:10 p.m.
“The Golden Age of the Broadway Musical” by alumnus Louis Siani ’51 ❖
Performance Center, Campus Hall
This alumni performance revue will take us on a journey through the history of classical musical theatre as it is captured in the American Songbook, highlighting composers such as George M. Cohan, Jerome Kern, George and Ira Gershwin, Irving Berlin, Cole Porter, Rodgers and Hart, and Rodgers and Hammerstein. All of the vocalists for this show are Wagner College graduates. Click here for more details on the show and its alumni performers.

Saturday Evening

6:30–11 p.m.
Casino Night Cocktail Reception and Dinner Dance $
Union Building
86 any plans you have and check out all the action in the Wagner pit at our annual Reunion Weekend Dinner Dance! Every roller, from fish to whales, is welcome to try their luck at Craps, Blackjack, Roulette and other games when we turn our dining hall into a casino floor, complete with DJ and dance floor. Each guest in attendance will receive a bankroll with their registration for this evening of fun and excitement. Once the action dies down, our Pit Boss will count everyone’s winnings and the top earners will receive prizes for their skill. No real money will be used for the casino games. All chips have no monetary value. ($75 pp, $40 per 2004-14 grad, or buy a table of 8 for $525)

11:30 p.m.–1 a.m.
Young Alumni Comedy Show $
Coffee House, Reynolds House
SoulJoel Productions, founded by Wagner alumnus Joel Richardson ’02 M’08, presents an evening with Ángel Salazar. An established actor/comedian for over 20 years, Ángel has played many major roles including parts in Scarface, where he played ChiChi next to Al Pacino, and Carlito’s Way, as well as Where the Buffalo Roam with Bill Murray, and Punchline with Sally Fields and Tom Hanks. Light refreshments, wine and beer will be available. Each guest is limited to two drink tickets, which are included in your registration fee. Space is limited, advance registration required. Show may contain coarse language and is not recommended for children or those who are easily offended. ($10 pp)

See what is going on the rest of the weekend!

Friday, June 13th - Sunday, June 15th

Ready for Reunion? Register online now!