Fr. Sinisi wins Bel Cuore Award

Leah Kessler, Reporter

The Rev. Dan Sinisi, an athletics chaplain and longtime member of the Department of Campus Ministry, is the winner of the 2014 Bel Cuore Award.

The announcement was made on Sept. 15 at the Sunnehanna Country Club in Johnstown following the SFU Athletics Department’s annual Stokes-Hahn Golf Tournament.

“The award means ‘beautiful heart,’” said SFU Director of Athletics Bob Krimmel.  “His life resembles what the award is all about.”

Father Dan oversaw the growth and development of the chaplains program, one which now serves 22 athletic teams, the University band and the cheerleaders.

When the program started, Father Dan served as chaplain for any team that did not have one.  He is currently chaplain for the Red Flash softball team.

“I was surprised, humbled and very appreciative of the award,” said Sinisi. “I love Saint Francis University, the athletic program and the students.

“I appreciate what they do.”

The award was established in 1988 in memory of John Calandra, a founding member of the Stokes Club, the athletics department’s booster organization. The award is presented annually to someone who has demonstrated a true dedication and friendship to the University and the Athletics Department.

Nominees are selected by the Stokes Executive Board.  Candidates for the award are then discussed by board members and evaluated by the president of the University, who makes the final decision.

“When I think of Father Dan Sinisi, he has Franciscan qualities in his blood,” said women’s volleyball chaplain Lisa Georgiana.  “He is full of joy, he is humble, simple and he is a huge asset to the Franciscan community as well as the University.”