Fall 2002

Index for Fall 2002 Volume 4 / Issue 1

Alumni Return For Reunion Weekend 2002
Save The Date Reunion 2003: June 7 & 8
Reunion 2002's impressive numbers
LeClerc installed as new Alumni Association President
Annual Giants game and tailgate party
Calendar of Events
Homecoming Weekend
Club Happenings
Alumnus installed as NJBA president
Freshmen send-offs
Honoring friends lost
20th Annual Alumni Golf Tournament
Arena at Harbor Yard - Season Two!
"Teddy Bears With Love" campaign seeks donations

Alumni Return For Reunion Weekend 2002

Hall of Famer Joe Kehoe '52 rose to the occasion when asked to score another basket at the Class of 1952 dinner during Reunion Weekend. Kehoe was the first on Fairfield University's inaugural basketball team to score 1,000 points.

More than 1,100 alumni returned to Fairfield University June 8 and 9 for a full weekend of reunion festivities.

Among the traditional class cocktail parties, banquets, and dancing at Bellarmine Gardens, were trolley rides, a family barbecue, campus tours, and the annual Fun Run. Alumni from all reunion classes represented - 1952 through 1997 - joyously celebrated and reminisced, reuniting on the familiar grounds they all once called home.

Reunion Weekend 2002

Class of 1962 alumni John Moore and David Jones.	Class of 1982 alumnae (l-r) Therese (Daley) Caliendo, Donna (Browne) Ford, Patricia (Tine) Abbiatici, and Cristi (Bolivar) DeSosa.
Members of the Class of 1952 returned to campus to celebrate their 50th class reunion.
Saturday evening's cocktail party in the Bellarmine Gardens.
Class of 1987 alumna Michele (Mazurkewitz) Novella and her husband, John, boogied under the stars at Saturday night's dance	Class of 1962 alumnus Robert Jenkins Sr. and his wife, Myrtis. Kerrie Shea Bailey '92

Reunion photos by Susan Warner and Jean Santopatre

Save The Date

Reunion 2003: June 7 & 8

Class chairs and committees, currently being formed, are already planning for Reunion 2003, when Fairfield University welcomes alumni from the Classes of 1958, '63, '68, '73, '78, '83, '88, '93, and '98. Mark your calendars and plan to join your friends in June!

Note: The Class of 1953 will celebrate its reunion May 16-18, 2003.

Reunion 2002's impressive numbers

LeClerc installed as new Alumni Association President

Following her two-year tenure, Mary-Margaret (Walsh) Weber '84, presented the Alumni Association president's gavel to Bryan L. LeClerc '84 in June.

A graduate of the University of Connecticut School of Law, LeClerc is an attorney who practices with Berchem, Moses & Devlin, P.C. He has been an active member in the Town of Fairfield, serving on the RTM (town council) since 1991; the Republican Town Committee as finance committee chairman; and as a parking appeals hearing officer with the Fairfield Police Department, and a past commander of the Penfield Power Squadron.

A member of the Fairfield University alumni board, he has served as a committee chairman and as vice president.

As an undergraduate, LeClerc received a Student Achievement Award in 1984. He was also a resident advisor, executive editor of advertising for The Mirror, and president of the Cardinal Key Society, a service club.

In addition to spending time with his wife, Mary (Suriano '84) and their children, LeClerc enjoys sailing and gardening.

Photo by Laura Pitaniello

Annual Giants game and tailgate party

Don't miss the New York Giants as they take on the Jacksonville Jaguars at Giants Stadium on Sunday, November 3 at 8 p.m. Join alumni and guests at a private pre-game Fairfield University tailgate party beginning at 5 p.m. (hosted by Gary Marzolla '71 of Deutsche Bank Private Banking).

Tickets cost $60 per person. They will be available Sept. 23 and must be purchased by credit card. Ticket requests before Sept. 23 will not be accepted. Contact Vic D'Ascenzo 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. Additional events are listed at www.fairfield.edu. For a complete schedule of Fairfield University athletic games this season (and ticket information), visit www.fairfieldstags.com or call (203) 254-4103.

Homecoming Weekend

November 1 & 2, 2002

At the 21st Annual Athletic Hall of Fame awards ceremony on November 1, the Alumni Association will honor the following for their outstanding contributions to Fairfield's athletic program. (For tickets, call the Alumni Relations office at (203) 254-4280.)

Shannon Bowman '97 - men's basketball
Shannon is ranked 8th all-time scorer with 1,421 points. An All-MAAC player during his undergraduate years and co-captain his senior year, he was part of the 1996-97 team that captured the MAAC tournament title as the number 8 seed.

Melissa Gassler '95 - women's tennis
Melissa helped guide the women's tennis team to three straight MAAC championships; she was the first player in MAAC history to win the number one singles and number one doubles in each of her first three years; and she was a three-time MVP. In addition, she garnered the University's Female Athlete of the Year award as a freshman and junior.

Kara Burmaster Heckler '96 - women's soccer
Kara played on two MAAC championship teams. As one of the top scorers in the University's history, she held the school records for the University's career goals, career assists, and career points.

John "Doc" McCarthy - Hockey Coach 1968-1996
As coach, "Doc" was key in developing the club into a viable varsity hockey program. In the team's seven-year stay with the Metropolitan Intercollegiate Hockey League, it finished first in the division five times and won the championship three years in a row. Fifteen players were named to the ECAC squad and one was named ECAC Player of the Year. His lifetime record is 345-327-20.

Honoring Fairfield's first lacrosse team
Fairfield will also honor the founding members of the men's lacrosse club team: Jim Broderick '75, Jim Coakley '74, Jay Corcoran '73, Garrett Fitzsimons '74, Tom Fox '73, Paul Gallois '73, Robert Groen '72, Steve Hinchey '73, John Hughes '74, Joe Kern '74, Chris Meade '74 (deceased), Will Mraz '73, Ed Perlak '74, Larry Puzzo '73, John Raymond '73, Frank Reeves '73, Bob Reilly '73, Larry Rosano '74, Roger Yergeau '73, Coach Ken Gilstein, and team managers Mary Strachan Sherrow '75 and Michele Vittori Casandra '75. They paved the way for the Division I program at Fairfield University today. If you were a part of the founding lacrosse team (or know someone who was) and the name is not listed, please contact Alumni Relations.

Club Happenings

Atlanta

On August 14, the newly-formed Atlanta club held its first Alumni Social at Casa Grande in Buckhead. Many thanks to Hugh Brennan '80 and club president Paul Gallois '73 for organizing this event.

Save the Date
Fairfield University President Aloysius P. Kelley, S.J., will visit Atlanta on October 29. Join fellow alumni in welcoming him at a reception hosted by Jack Dalton '64 at Troutman Sanders. For more information, contact the Office of Alumni Relations at (203) 254-4280.

Baltimore/DC
The first "Floating Naut" was held on July 25. Thanks to James O'Brien '88 for hosting alumni in his Washington, D.C. bar and piano lounge, Staccato. To be notified for future events, contact Kathleen Berganski '77 at berganskik@aol.com or Chris Maynard '95 at cmayns@hotmail.com.

Save the Date
The Stags will take on the Georgetown Hoyas on September 21 at 1 p.m.

Boston
The Alumni Club of Boston held its 5th Annual Golf Tournament on June 15 at Juniper Hills in Northborough. A constant rain did not dampen the spirits of the 80 alumni, family, and friends representing classes from 1965 to 2001. On the Riverside Course, a team led by Daren MacKinnon '91 and John Casper '91 won for the fourth time in five years. Benjamin Harvey '01 and Mike Belcourt '89 won the "closest to the pin" competition. Brian Daly '92 and Louis DeFrancisco '99 won the longest drive contest. Cheers to all sponsors and participants, as proceeds were donated to a scholarship that benefits a Boston area Fairfield University student.

Hartford
The Hartford club welcomes a new president, Paul Thompson '87. Paul follows longtime president Max O'Meara '52. Max has dedicated time and energy to the Hartford Club for many years and Paul will have big shoes to fill. Thank you for all of your hard work, Max!

Save the Date
An alumni social will be held on September 26 at the Elbow Room. Watch your email and www.fairfield.edu for more details.

New Haven
Area alumni attended a New Haven Ravens game and picnic at the Yale Bowl on June 30. Proceeds benefitted the Connecticut Chapter of the American Parkinson Disease Association. Many thanks to Donna (Packo '75) and Steve Diaz '76 for planning a fun-filled day.

New Jersey

Save the Date
Join fellow alumni and friends for a cocktail reception with Fr. Kelley on September 29. It will be at the Montclair Golf Club in West Orange from 4 to 6 p.m. For more information, contact the Office of Alumni Relations at (203) 254-4280. New York
On July 18 and August 22, NYC area alumni attended two "NYC Floating Nauts" - one hosted by John Joyce '92 at Kanvas, and the other hosted by Robert Gillin '92 at Tavaru Bar and Lounge.

Save the Date
On October 5, at 8 p.m., Lang Lang plays Rachmaninoff at the New York Philharmonic. Call the Office of Alumni Relations to reserve your tickets.

For a complete list of alumni clubs in your area, visit www.fairfield.edu

Alumnus installed as NJBA president

In May, Rev. Charles H. Allen, S.J., executive assistant to the President, surprised Atty. Richard Badolato '62 with a framed diploma and photo of Bellarmine Hall on the occasion of his installation as the 104th president of the New Jersey Bar Association (NJBA). Fairfield University's Vic D'Ascenzo, major gifts officer, also attended the organization's annual meeting in Atlantic City.

Badolato is the founder and past president of Fairfield's New Jersey Area Club and was honored in 1997 with the University's Alumni Service Award.

Freshmen send-offs

Many thanks to alumni who hosted "send-offs" for incoming freshmen in Hartford, Chicago, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C. Members of the Class of 2006 mingled with fellow classmates, alumni, and Fairfield University staff. This year's hosts were: Hartford - B. Maxwell O'Meara '52; Chicago - Stella Boyle P'04; Philadelphia - Margy (O'Reilly '74) and Steve Smith P'06; and Washington, D.C. - Kevin Barry '74. Thank you for instilling "Fairfield Pride" in our future alumni!

Honoring friends lost

Baseball coach John Slosar (far left) and team captains Jon Novalis, Sean Easton, and Matt Ciardelli presented team jerseys to the families of Bill Micciculli '93 and Mike Andrews '89 on May 4.
Photo by Robin Fellow

Since the events of September 11, 2001, Fairfield University alumni, friends, and family members have held individual memorial events to honor those who died in the World Trade Center.

Among the events last spring, was one held March 27 for Christopher Slattery '92, where 200 people gathered at Tavaru Bar and Lounge in New York City - raising more than $14,000 for a memorial scholarship fund set up by his family. Frank Malara '92, Peter Graseck '93, Robert Gillin '92, and Tim O'Toole '87 donated raffle prizes that raised a significant amount for the fund.

Bill Micciulli '93 and Mike Andrews '89 were honored at two events held in their memory. On May 4, more than 100 baseball alumni, parents, and friends gathered on Fairfield's Alumni Diamond as team jerseys were presented to the Micciulli and Andrews families. A reception at the Levee followed the baseball doubleheader. In addition, a memorial golf tournament was held on July 22 at Pautipaug Country Club hosted by Michael Svab '90. All proceeds were split between the baseball account of the Lyons-Lademan Athletic Fund, and a fund for Bill Micciulli's two children.

Save the Date. Alumni are welcome to join friends and family for a memorial event in honor of Johanna Sigmund '98 during Homecoming Weekend. There will be a ceremony at the turf field prior to the 11 a.m. field hockey game vs. Lafayette on Saturday, November 2. Also on November 2, the permanent memorial dedicated to the 14 alumni victims of September 11 will be unveiled. Look for details in the Homecoming Weekend invitation.

20th Annual Alumni Golf Tournament

The Alumni Association held its 20th annual alumni golf tournament at the Country Club of Fairfield on June 10. Co-chairs Rich Papscoe '89 and John Casper '91 joined 134 alumni and friends on the course. Brian Daly '92's foursome was the big tournament winner.

A raffle, silent auction, sponsors, and a $5,000 putting contest helped raise money for athletic scholarships. Alumni and friends of Fairfield University donated all prizes. A big thank you to the co-chairs and to the Alumni Golf Committee for all of their hard work. Special acknowledgement goes to Rich as he steps down after seven years as chairman. Thanks for making the tournament a premier event!

Arena at Harbor Yard - Season Two!

Be a part of the excitement as the Fairfield Stags begin their second season in this state-of-the-art facility, which seats approximately 9,500 fans. Opening day is Friday, November 22, with the men playing Harvard and the women taking on Penn State. For a complete schedule and ticket information, log on to www.fairfieldstags.com or call (203) 254-4103.

"Teddy Bears With Love" campaign seeks donations

The Alumni Association's yearly teddy bear collections have brought smiles to thousands of children during the Christmas season thanks to the generosity of countless Fairfield alumni and friends. This month kicks off the fourth annual "Teddy Bears with Love" campaign. Please help us surpass last year's total of 1,100 bears. Bring or send a new, unwrapped teddy bear with your name and class year by December 13 to the Office of Alumni Relations, Alumni House, 1073 North Benson Road, Fairfield University, Fairfield, CT 06824. Bears will also be collected at the Alumni Christmas Mass on Sunday, December 1, at 11 a.m. in the Egan Chapel of St. Ignatius Loyola. For more information, contact Alumni Relations at (203) 254-4280.

 

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: jcaseria@mail.fairfield.edu
www.fairfield.edu

Editor
Jill Kasiewicz Caseria

Editorial Board
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

Jeremy Nappi '00
Assistant Director of Alumni Relations

Jean Santopatre
University Photojournalist

Design: Nancy (Gelston) Dobos '91