Fall 2001

 

Index for Fall 2001 Volume 3 / Issue 1

Alumni Volunteers
Alumni Volunteer Opportunities
Alumni host 2001 freshman send-offs
Reunion 2001 hosted Fairfield's 50th
Season tickets now available for The Arena at Harbor Yard
Fall Sports Highlights
Nominate an Alum for the 2002 Fairfield Awards Dinner
Benefit golf tournament raised $21,000 for men's basketball
Club Happenings
19th annual alumni golf tournament
Alumni Postcards: Mauritania, West Africa
Third Annual Teddy Bear Collection kicks off this month
Tickets available for fourth annual Giants game & tailgate party
Calendar Of Events
Homecoming Weekend 2001
Fairfield University's 2nd Annual Alumni College
Hall of Fame ceremony to honor four
2001 Alumni Sons and Daughters Breakfast

Alumni Volunteers:
Lending energy and expertise for Fairfield's future

Incoming freshman Dave Kostek (far left) of Newington, Conn., and his parents Toni and Paul (right), chatted with Rev. Tom Regan, S.J., associate dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, at a summer Freshman Send-Off, hosted by long-time volunteer B. Maxwell O'Meara '52.

The group is called FaVoR - Fairfield Volunteer Recruiters. And without it, the University simply wouldn't have the resources to reach all of those high school students interested in Fairfield University.

With admission inquiries coming in from all over the world, and applications reaching an all-time high last spring (more than 7,100 for the Class of 2005), Fairfield's Admission staff relies on dozens of alumni volunteers to assist them in making personal contact with prospective and admitted students. Volunteers conduct applicant interviews, attend college fairs, host freshman send-offs, sponsor book awards, participate in alumni receptions, and telephone accepted students.

"We've found that prospective students connect with alumni very well," says Laurie Conley, assistant director of admission and volunteer coordinator. "They look to get that insider's perspective of University life that only alumni can provide."

Brendan Downey '92, co-president of the Boston area alumni club, and his wife Stacey (Irwin) '93, have represented Fairfield at numerous open houses, college nights, and local high schools, and have called accepted students in spring phonathons. "Speaking at college nights is a lot of fun," says Brendan. "Both students and parents want to know what Fairfield has to offer, academically and socially. They usually ask us about the students and professors, housing options, financial aid packages, and the kinds of majors most people pursue."

Since graduating in 1996, Californian Erin Enright has conducted interviews in the Los Angeles area and has represented Fairfield at several college fairs. "Volunteering in this capacity is an easy way to stay in touch with the University," she says. "I enjoy getting to know young adults and finding out their academic interests. The students I've met are all very curious about life on the east coast and the daily routine on Fairfield's campus."

It's not unusual to find Michael McCormack '94 conducting an admission interview in a café, over a bagel and a cup of coffee. Sometimes he meets prospective students from the Washington, D.C. area at their schools or in their homes, always allowing the students to decide where they would prefer to get together. "I try to make their interview experience as comfortable as possible," he says. "That way, they aren't shy about asking all the questions they have about Fairfield and it's more conversational."

Michael has been conducting regional interviews for three years. "I enjoy being an advocate for my alma mater. I was very involved in activities when I was a student, and interviewing is a great way to maintain my connection to the University. It doesn't take a big time commitment on my part and it's really a lot of fun."

He says that interviewing also keeps him from losing sight of his Jesuit roots. "In talking with these students I'm reminded of what shaped me, what helped me grow, and what's really important."

Alumni Volunteer Opportunities

Alumni Interviews: Year-round

Interview prospective students in your area who are unable to visit campus due to distance. The Office of Admission provides you with detailed guidelines to help you conduct the interview.

College Fairs: Fall & Spring

Represent Fairfield University at a college fair in your area. A traditionally popular selection among alumni, college fairs are a great way to share memories of Fairfield and encourage students to apply. Alumni representatives are sent a complete set of admission materials and information prior to the event.

Book Award Program: Sponsorship is year-round; awarded in spring

Become a Fairfield University Book Award Sponsor for only $35 a year. Last year, more than 200 high school juniors nationwide were recognized for their academic achievement and leadership qualities with a Merriam-Webster Dictionary embossed with the University seal.

Telephoning admitted students: April

Congratulate admitted students in your area. Each spring, Fairfield University Alumni Clubs nationwide coordinate phonathons to provide admitted students with an alumni contact and to continue to provide a personal connection as they select a college or university. Alumni also answer questions from students and parents.

Alumni receptions: Year-round

Participate in a regional alumni reception. Designed for prospective (fall) and admitted (spring) students, these receptions (held both on- and off-campus) give students and parents an opportunity to learn more about the value of a Fairfield education.

Freshman "Send-Offs": July & August

Host incoming freshmen and their parents for an afternoon cookout at your home. Local alumni and current students will assist you with set up, clean up, and answering questions the new students have.

Interested in volunteering? Contact Laurie Conley, assistant director of admission and volunteer coordinator at (203) 254-4100 ext. 2438 or lconley@mail.fairfield.edu.

Alumni host 2001 freshman send-offs

Many thanks to the gracious alumni who opened their homes to host some of this year's incoming freshmen. The Class of 2005 had the opportunity to meet fellow classmates, alumni, and Fairfield University staff. This year's hosts were: Steve '84 and Lucy Hollingsworth (Boston); Kathleen Berganski '77 (Baltimore/DC); Stephen Kriso '98 (New Jersey); and B. Maxwell O'Meara '52 (Hartford). Thank you all for instilling "Fairfield Pride" in our future alumni!

Reunion 2001 hosted Fairfield's 50th

Special guests of honor at this year's celebrations were 61 members of Fairfield's first 50th reunion class, the Class of 1951. The weekend was filled with stories and memorabilia from the University's early days and was topped off with a video (produced by Fairfield University's Media Center) commemorating the class.

Joining the Class of 1951 were hundreds of alumni from the Classes of '56, '61, '66, '71, '76, '81, '86, '91, and '96. Log on to www.fairfield.edu to view photos from this year's reunion events.

This year's impressive reunion numbers:

Save The Date

Reunion 2002
June 8 & 9

Plans for next year's Reunion Weekend are already under way, when Fairfield University will welcome back alumni from the Classes of 1952, '57, '62, '67, '72, '77, '82, '87, '92, and '97. Mark your calendars and plan to join your friends on campus in June.

Season tickets now available for The Arena at Harbor Yard

Make plans now to catch the Stags at their new home - The Arena at Harbor Yard in Bridgeport, Conn.

Season tickets can be purchased now by calling the Fairfield Athletic Ticket Office at (203) 254-4103. Prices are $235 for mid-court and $160 for the end-court. Tickets are for both the men's and women's games, as teams will play primarily double-headers.

Individual game tickets will go on sale in November through The Arena box office. Prices are $18 for mid-court and $12 for end-court. Tickets can be puchased in advance or the night of the game.

The women's basketball team plays at The Arena on November 16 against Boston College. The men's team gets its first shot on November 27 against the University of Rhode Island. Visit www.fairfieldstags.com for a complete game schedule.

Fairfield University alumnus and former player Wes Gregory '57 was the first winner of the July 23 select-a-seat lottery drawing for season tickets to Stags' basketball at The Arena at Harbor Yard. Stag basketball players Megan Light '02 and Nick Delfico '03 offered their congratulations.

Photo by Jean Santopatre

Fall Sports Highlights

Don't miss the Stags this fall! This is a partial listing of fall games. For a complete lineup, visit www.fairfieldstags.com.

Football

Men's Basketball

Women's Basketball

Nominate an Alum for the
2002 Fairfield Awards Dinner

April 3, 2002

Do you know of a Fairfield grad, faculty member, or administrator who has yet to be honored for achievements made in his or her career, through volunteer work, or in serving the University? Let your voice be heard!

Send us your nomination by Sept. 28, 2001 to 2002 Fairfield Awards Dinner Nominations, Alumni Relations, Fairfield University, 1073 North Benson Road, Fairfield, CT 06430-5195, or email us at fualumni@fair1.fairfield.edu.

Please include the following information:

• Your name
• Class year
• Daytime phone
• Nominee
• Class year
• Indicate award nomination category:
  • Distinguished Faculty/Administrator Award
  • Alumni Service Award
  • Alumni Professional Achievement Award

Important: On a separate sheet, please state your reasons for nominating this person (be as specific as possible).

Benefit golf tournament raised $21,000 for men's basketball

Jim Fay '86 coordinated a men's basketball benefit golf outing at Westchester Country Club on May 22 that raised more than $21,000 for the men's basketball program. More than 60 alumni and friends enjoyed a post-game reception, buffet dinner, and an address by Stags' head coach Tim O'Toole '86. Five prizes were awarded to teams in various categories, including team low gross (golf bags), 1st team low net (travel bags), 2nd team low net (wedges), longest drive, and closest to the pin.

"This was a special day for Stag basketball," said O'Toole. "This is a unique group of people and I look forward to having this event on an annual basis. I can't thank Jimmy enough for the time and effort he put into making today happen."

Pictured above are "1st Team Low Gross" members John Fay, Chris Slattery '92, Frank Malara '92, Terry Fay '92, and Tim O'Toole '86 with their prizes.

Club Happenings

Baltimore/Washington, DC

Fairfield University and Holy Cross alumni teamed up on August 10 to see the Boston Red Sox take on the Baltimore Orioles at Camden Yards. Guests enjoyed a pre-game barbecue and time to mingle with friends old and new.

Boston -

Boston area alumni, parents, and friends were treated to a reception at the Bay Tower on April 23. More than 125 guests gathered for an update about on-campus initiatives from University President Rev. Aloysius P. Kelley, S.J. William P. Egan '67 served as honorary chair.
   The Boston club held its Seventh Annual "Walk on Water" Harbor cruise on June 21. More than 40 Fairfield alumni joined 700 alumni from several Jesuit schools including Boston College, Georgetown, and Holy Cross for a cruise around Boston Harbor. Many thanks to Shannon Sullivan '00 for her hard work in organizing the event.
   On May 19, the Boston Alumni Club held its Fourth Annual Golf Outing with 80 golfers tackling the greens, fairways, and bunkers of Juniper Hills in Northborough, Mass. Classes from the 1950s through 2000 were represented, including a few father-son combos: Francis O'Connor '52 and his son Francis '83, John D. Thoran '00 and his father John, and Richard Guagnini '59 and his son Brian.

Save the Date
Join your Fairfield friends for a day of service by volunteering for Habitat for Humanity on Sunday, September 30. If you'd like to work on a Boston-area house or make a donation, contact Matt '93 and Margaret '95 Curran at 718-749-0582, matthewcur@yahoo.com or mcurran@bu.edu.

Hartford -

Save the Date
Join your fellow alumni and friends for a cocktail reception with University President Rev. Aloysius P. Kelley, S.J. on September 20 at the Hartford Club in downtown Hartford, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. To register, contact the Office of Alumni Relations at (203) 254-4280.
   Don't miss the opportunity to help construct a house for a family in the Hartford area. Join alumni and friends at Habitat for Humanity on Saturday, November 3. Contact Paul Thompson '87 at 860-257-7833 or thomppft@aol.com.

New York -

Save the Date
Join alumni, family, and friends on October 4 at Dyker Beach Golf Course in Brooklyn, N.Y. Ticket cost of $100 per golfer includes greens fee, cart, lunch, barbecue, prizes, and more! Call Bobby Fagan '90 at 718-388-7700 or Steve Mahanna '90 at 718-491-0404 for tickets and information.

Beethoven! Mozart! Britten! What could be better than autumn in New York City topped off with an evening of classical music? Andre Previn will be conducting the New York Philharmonic on October 5 at Lincoln Center. The concert will begin at 8 p.m. Also attending will be Dr. Norman Solomon, new dean of the Charles F. Dolan School of Business. Purchased through Alumni Relations, tickets are $63 (orchestra seats). Tickets are limited, so call Alumni Relations today at (203) 254-4280.

San Francisco -

The Gordon Biersch restaurant was the site of the Bay Area alumni mixer held May 5. Alumni and friends spent an evening overlooking San Francisco's Bay Bridge while enjoying the company of old friends. Thanks to Bay Area Club President Gary Ramoso '94 for organizing this fun event.

San Diego -

Save the Date
Join alumni at a pre-game tailgate party on October 13 as the men's football team takes on the University of San Diego. Tailgate at 11:00 a.m.; 1:30 p.m. kickoff. Call Jay Simpson '61 for more information at 858-646-0966 or jaysimp@cts.com.

19th annual alumni golf tournament

The Fairfield University Alumni Association held its 19th annual alumni golf tournament at the Country Club of Fairfield on May 14. Co-chairs Rich Papscoe '89 and Dave Weber '83 helped organize 144 alumni and friends for a beautiful day of slices, hooks, mulligans, and the occasional straight drive. The winning foursome, all from the Class of '86, included John Rachel, Tom Luglio, Jack Ghize, and Keith Brown.

A raffle, silent auction, sponsors, and a $5,000 putting contest raised money for athletic scholarships. Alumni and friends of Fairfield University donated all prizes. If you would like to donate a raffle/silent auction gift or be a sponsor for next year's outing, call the Alumni Relations office at (203) 254-4280.

Alumni Postcards: Mauritania, West Africa

Shelagh Scollin '95 (pictured left, carrying her water bucket) recently sent a letter and a few photos to Fairfield University from Mauritania, West Africa, where she has been serving in the Peace Corps since September 2000. In the desert climate, she has adjusted to a rice and couscous diet, learned Hassaniya (one of the five local languages), and lives the communal way of life.

"People here are very generous, sharing graciously what little they have," she wrote in her letter. "If someone stops by just as you are getting ready to sit down for a meal, you just make room around the communal plate, pass around the teapot full of water and the basin so people can wash their hands, and say 'bismillah,' which means 'in the name of God.' Everyone digs in with their right hand. There is no silverware." Sharing like this takes place on every level, she explains, adding that unlike in America, there is no shame in asking a relative or friend for money in Mauritania if they have some and you don't.

Shelagh will be in West Africa until November 2002. Although internet access is often limited, she welcomes alumni email at sscollin@yahoo.com.

Do you know of a Fairfield graduate doing extraordinary work, here or abroad? Please send photos, information, and contact name to the 1073 North Benson editorial office.

Third Annual Teddy Bear Collection kicks off this month

Thanks to the generosity of alumni and friends, the Alumni Association's annual teddy bear collections have brought Christmas joy to hundreds of hospitalized children, and those whose parents are incarcerated. The third annual Teddy Bears with Love project kicks off this month - and we need your support! Please bring or send a new unwrapped teddy bear with your name and class year to the Office of Alumni Relations, Alumni House, 1073 North Benson Road, Fairfield University, Fairfield, CT 06430. Bears will also be collected at the Alumni Christmas Mass on Sunday, December 2 at 11 a.m. in the Egan Chapel of St. Ignatius Loyola. For more information, contact Alumni Relations at (203) 254-4280.

We thank you in advance for your love and support for children who need this teddy bear "hug" during the Christmas season.

Tickets available for fourth annual Giants game & tailgate party

The New York Giants will take on the Oakland Raiders at Giants Stadium on Sunday, November 25 - and you're invited! Spend an afternoon with alumni and guests at a private pre-game Fairfield University tailgate party (hosted by Gary Marzolla '71 of Bankers Trust Private Banking), followed by kickoff at 4:15 p.m.

Tickets for the tailgate and game are available for $60 per person and may be purchased by credit card only. All food and beverages are included in the ticket price. Tickets will be available for purchase beginning September 25; ticket requests received before September 25 will not be accepted. Contact Vic D'Ascenzo, major gifts officer, at (203) 254-4000, ext. 2024. Two tickets maximum (non-refundable) per person.

Calendar Of Events

For ticket information and event details, contact the Office of Alumni Relations at (203) 254-4280, visit www.fairfield.edu, or email fualumni@fair1.fairfield.edu.

September

October

November

December

Homecoming Weekend 2001

Friday, November 2
6:30 p.m. 20th Annual Athletic Hall of Fame Dinner
Charles F. Dolan School of Business Dining Room

Saturday, November 3
Beginning at 10 a.m. Pre-game tailgate *
1 p.m. Kickoff! Fairfield Stags v. Duquesne Dukes *
Post-Game Reception with the coaches at the Levee

Sunday, November 4
11 a.m. Alumni Mass, Egan Chapel of St. Ignatius Loyola

*Tickets required. Call the Athletic Tickets office at (203) 254-4103.
For a complete schedule, visit www.fairfield.edu.

Fairfield University's 2nd Annual Alumni College

Saturday, November 10, 2001

Charles F. Dolan School of Business

Dust off that thinking cap! Join alumni and Fairfield University faculty for Alumni College, a day of personal and professional enrichment. A variety of classes and discussions will be offered for grads of all ages and interests for an interactive learning experience. Watch your mailbox for more details.

Hall of Fame ceremony to honor four

Homecoming weekend kicks off with the 20th Annual Athletic Hall of Fame awards ceremony on Friday, November 2. For tickets, contact Alumni Relations at (203) 254-4280. The Alumni Association will honor the following four alumni for their excellence in athletics:

Dianne Nolan MA '89 - Women's Basketball Coach
Dianne has been the Stags' head coach since 1979, compiling 383 victories at Fairfield. She has led the women's basketball team to four NCAA tournament berths, three by winning the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) championship, and one by earning an At-Large bid in the '00-'01 season. Her accomplishments include 18 winning seasons at Fairfield, six 20-plus win seasons, five MAAC Coach of the Year awards, one New England Coach of the Year honor, and a citation as one of the Outstanding Women in Connecticut. Nolan earned an ECAC Medal of Merit in 1996 and was honored by the MAAC with the conference's Career Achievement Award. Perhaps her most impressive accolade is that every senior she has coached at Fairfield has graduated with a degree and on time. Dianne lives in Fairfield with her husband Mark Breslin and their three sons.

Troy Bradford '89 - Men's Basketball Team
Troy was part of two NCAA tournament teams. He was the second Fairfield player ever to score 600 points in a season. He also received first team All-MAAC honors, was second team All-Metropolitan and All-MAAC, and averaged a team-high 20.4 points per game. Street and Smith magazine selected him as a pre-season honorable mention All-American in '88. Troy's 1648 career points rank him as the third all-time scorer in Fairfield history, and he currently maintains the highest per season/ per game scoring average (22.7 points per game). Troy lives in New Haven and works for the New Haven Board of Education.

Christine Fryer Paprocky '95 - Women's Basketball Team
Throughout her Fairfield athletic career, Christine participated in three consecutive MAAC tourney finals, was MAAC Rookie of the Year, 1st team All-MAAC for 3 years, All-Met for 2 years, team captain for 2 years, New Haven Tap Club Conn. player of the year, 6th all-time leading scorer with 1584 points, 1st all-time steals, and 3rd in all-time assists. Christine lives in Howard Beach, N.Y. with her husband Ray, and is a physical education teacher for the Levittown Public School system.

Catherine Bassi-Desmarais '93 - Women's Swimming & Diving
Catherine's diving career began at Fairfield. In the MAAC championships, she placed 1st on both 1M and 3M boards in 1993, the year she was named MAAC Conference Outstanding Female Diver of the Year. She also qualified and competed in the ECAC invitational meet. Catherine still holds four records on both boards. In 1992 and 1993, she was All-MAAC Academic Women's Swim Team, and co-captain of the women's team for two years. Catherine lives in Ridgefield, Conn., with her husband Christopher '93, and is the director of marketing for Junior Achievement of Southwest Connecticut.

At the Athletic Hall of Fame Dinner, Fairfield University will also celebrate the Golden Anniversary of the 1950-51 men's basketball team in commemoration of the University's first official intercollegiate basketball schedule. This honor reflects the achievements of the 1950-51 men's team, as well as those players who helped build the program. They are: George Boser '54, Timothy Cronin '53, Dominic DePonte '51, Francis Fitzpatrick '54, James Flanagan '51, Paul Frauenhofer '54, James Homa '54, Joseph Kehoe '52, Joseph Kraynick, Sr. '53, Robert Markovic '54, Harry Marmion '53, Mickey McBride (deceased), Joseph Miko '51, John Moffett '52, John Mullady '51 (deceased), Harold Mullen '52, Patsy Pagliarulo '54, Elliot Pierson '52, Francis Prior '51, Joseph Regensburger '51, Frederick Roback '52, William Smith '53, James Stapleton '54, Stanley Suchenski '54, Robert Taylor '52, John Sullivan '54, and team manager Anthony Varone '51; coaches James Hanrahan, Joseph Dunn, and Robert Noonan (deceased); and Athletic Director, Rev. Gerald Kinsella.

If you were a part of the '50 -'51 team (or know someone that was) and your name is not listed above, please contact the Alumni Relations office (203) 254-4280.

2001 Alumni Sons and Daughters Breakfast

Front row: Gerard Egan '67, Donald Telesca '64, Richard Francis '65, Daniel Foley M.A. '96, Tom O'Connor '75, Mary Lou O'Connor '83, Tom Dybick '70, Thomas Sowinski '73, Chantaly Inthapannha P'01, Somnet Inthapannha '99 (parents of Jacob Inthapanna '01).

Middle row: James Egan '01, Donald Telesca, Jr. '01, Heather Kelly-Francis '01, Erin Foley '01, Katherine O'Connor '01, Caitlin Dybick '01, Paul Sowinski '01, Brian Conroy '01, John Conroy '69.

Back row: Joseph Maher '71, Jennifer Maher '01, Rudolph "Vic" Pino '73, Anne Pino '01, Stephen Hicks '73, Elizabeth Hicks '01, Daniel Skuret '64, Patrick Skuret '01, Daniel Skerritt III '92, Patricia Algiere '01, John Algiere '74, Bridget Syp '01, Joanie Syp '72, Mitch Syp '72.

 

1073 North Benson is published three times a year by Fairfield University for its alumni. Letters to the editor, address changes, and correspondence should be sent to the editorial office:

1073 North Benson
Bellarmine Hall Room 220
Fairfield University
Fairfield, CT 06824
(203) 254-4000 ext. 2556
e-mail: jkasiewicz@mail.fairfield.edu
www.fairfield.edu

Editor
Jill Kasiewicz Caseria

Editorial Board
Douglas Whiting
Associate Vice President for Public Relations

Barbara D. Kiernan MA '90
Director of University Publications

Janet Canepa '82
Director of Alumni Relations

Laura Salerno Pitaniello '89
Associate Director of Alumni Relations

Jean Santopatre
University Photojournalist

Design
Nancy (Gelston) Dobos '91