Siena College President Brother F. Edward Coughlin has died at 71.

Coughlin’s death comes a week after he suffered a stroke during non-emergency heart surgery at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester.

He received his bachelor's degree from St. Bonaventure and eventually went back to that school teaching and serving as vice president for Franciscan Mission. Five years ago, he became president of Siena College.

He's being remembered by the school community and Capital Region as a whole as a kind and compassionate leader. Administrators say he was always involved with the students on campus, and looked out for the good of others.

Bishop Edward Scharfenberger of the Albany Diocese said in a statement, "[W]e extend our love and gratitude to Brother Ed's family, to the Siena community, and to all the friars for the gift of Brother Ed's presence among us. ... Brother Ed was a true servant-leader."

The campus is still coming to terms with his loss, saying Brother Ed leaves behind a legacy that will never be forgotten.

"Starting this next semester is going to be very difficult," said Siena Student Senate President Zachary Coderre. "This is going to cast a shadow over this upcoming semester, but I also think that in times of mourning, communities come together. I know the Siena community is strong. We will all rally around Dr. Madden and I think that we will be able to continue on the path that Brother Ed set us on."

Dr. Margaret Madden was selected as interim president to serve as Brother Ed recovered from surgery, but will now serve until August 2020 as the search for a new president begins.