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Fall 2004

 

Lamp 1073 north benson


Index for Fall 2004 Volume 6 / Issue 1
Reunion Weekend 2004
New president arrives at Fairfield
Richards to head Alumni Association
Thanks for the FaVoR
A Letter From The Director of Alumni Relations
Young alumni on the move
Homecoming...
Stagtoberfest is back on October 30

Club Happenings
Athletic Hall of Fame
Alumni Golf Tournament raises thousands for scholarships
Be a part of the 7th annual New York Giants game and tailgate
Teddy Bears With Love


Reunion Weekend 2004

The sun smiled on alumni throughout Reunion Weekend 2004 on June 12-13. The classes of 1959, 1964, 1969, 1974, 1979, 1984, 1989, 1994, and 1999 returned to Fairfield to enjoy campus tours, an afternoon barbecue, and a Fun Run. At the Reunion Dinner Party, alumni dined, danced, and caught up with friends old and new under a clear star-filled sky.

reunion dinner

Bethany Franko, University Trustee Tom Franko '69, Cissy Rebich, James Flanagan '69, Robert Giusti '69, and Joan Giusti celebrate during the Reunion Dinner.

Fun Run

Alumni and their families get moving at the annual Fun Run.

reunion picnic

Michelle and John Phelan '89 and their baby, Avery Grace, enjoy a barbecue lunch at the reunion picnic.

 

reunion dance

Alumni celebrate at the Reunion Dance.

 

reunion dinner party

The class of 1999's Rebecca Clark, Kate Ferranti, Mimi Chedid, and Audra Makuch celebrate during the Reunion Dinner Party.

 

Charlie                      wiffle ball

(left) Charlie, son of Anissa (Lian) '90 and Stephen DeMatteo '89, practices his pitch. (right) At the picnic, the children of alumni play with equipment donated by David Mullany '87 of Wiffle Ball Inc.

 

50th reunion

 

Members of the Class of 1954 returned to celebrate their 50th reunion.

Reunion photos by Jean Santopatre, Craig Skinner, and Bob Winkler.

Notable Reunion 2004 Numbers

And the award goes to...

Award Class Result
Best Class Participation 1954 58%
Most Money Raised 1979 $653,000
Most Gifts 1989 172
Best Class Attendance 1989 115

Total given by all reunion classes: $1,895,390

Save The Date
Reunion 2005: June 11 & 12

Save the date for Reunion 2005, when Fairfield University welcomes alumni from the Classes of 1960, '65, '70, '75, '80, '85, '90, '95, and '00. The Class of 1955 will celebrate its 50th reunion May 21 - 22

Class Chair(s) as of July 2004
1955 Dan Browne
1960 Frank Corr
1965 Ed Shine
1970 Bill Britt
1975 Bob O'Neill
1980 Sean McNamara, Cindy Stack
1985 To Be Announced
1990 Tom Corra, Lynn Hamilton Lichatz
1995 Mark Beyerly, Emily Powell Kramer, Mark Ruddy
2000 Andrea Bulla, Tom Keefe, Alex Barnet

New president arrives at Fairfield

University President Rev. Jeffrey von Arx, S.J., joined faculty and staff at an ice cream social in July in honor of his first week on campus. Fr. von Arx served as dean of Fordham College at Rose Hill of Fordham University in New York City before arriving at Fairfield. His inauguration ceremony will be held at 3 p.m. on Oct. 7, 2004. The University plans to broadcast the ceremony over the Web. Alumni will have an opportunity to meet Fr. von Arx in the spring, when he is set to visit Washington, D.C., New York City, Boston, and cities in Puerto Rico, Florida, and the West Coast.

ice cream

Fr. von Arx and Dr. Phil Greiner, of the School of Nursing, chat at the ice cream social for University employees.

Photo by Jean Santopatre


Richards to head Alumni Association

RichardsPaul A. Richards '71, senior vice president of Insignia Systems in Port Chester, N.Y., is the new president of the Alumni Association.

After graduating with a bachelor's degree in English, Richards went on to receive a master's degree in journalism with a concentration in advertising from the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University. Since then, he has spent most of his career as an entrepreneur in the graphic arts and promotions industry.

Richards has been a longtime supporter of the University, joining The President's Circle in 1986 and participating in student events, such as the Legacy Breakfast.

Richards directed his $50,000 Our Promise campaign gift to the game room of the Barone Campus Center to give students a well-deserved break from the rigors of academic life.

While at Fairfield University, he was part of the Glee Club, the Cardinal Key Society, and the rugby club. Richards and his wife Rosemary have three children, Kathryn Rose, Hayley Elizabeth, and Mark Andrew.


Thanks for the FaVoR

With undergraduate admission inquiries flooding Fairfield University, the Office of Undergraduate Admission staff relies on alumni volunteers to assist them in making personal contact with prospective and admitted students. The group - called FaVoR (Fairfield Volunteer Recruiters) - conducts applicant interviews, attends college fairs, hosts freshman send-offs, sponsors book awards, participates in alumni receptions, and telephones accepted students.

A sincere "thank you" to the 363 Fairfield Volunteer Recruiters, also known as FaVoR members, who donated their time and energy to help recruit prospective students during the 2003-04 year. A complete list of the FaVoR members is available.

To participate, contact Keith V. Moran '03, admission counselor and volunteer coordinator, at (203) 254-4100, ext. 3398, or kmoran@mail.fairfield.edu or visit the website.


A Letter From The Director of

Alumni House

Alumni Relations

Dear Alumni:

What's in a number? That depends. Data collected in 2003 reveals that:

  • 25 percent of American children are sedentary, watching television for four or more hours every day (www.exponent.com);
  • 25 percent of corporate e-mail contained unsolicited spam (www.emailuniverse.com); and
  • 25 percent of Fairfield alumni participated in the University's Annual Fund. Depending on your perspective, these numbers convey a message that's positive or negative. But, either way you look at it, each begs the question: "How can we do better?"

I suspect there's little we can do individually to decrease the television-watching habits of all children or reduce spam in corporate e-mail, but, as Fairfield alumni, there's something we can all do to improve the University's participation rate. That something is simple, but it's important. Here's why.

Alumni participation helps make a great university all the better. Whether you share your expertise with a group of current students, share your enthusiasm with a prospective student, or share your experience with a recent graduate, you're helping the University improve on and advance the distinctive education for which it's known.

Giving to the Annual Fund is one more way to express your pride in and allegiance to Fairfield. When you give to the Annual Fund, your gift does more than help the University meet its current needs. It positively impacts:

  • Fairfield's rating in U.S. News & World Report's annual college rankings;
  • Fairfield's ability to obtain foundation and corporate funding for important initiatives; and
  • Fairfield's competitiveness and its reputation.

All of which increase the power and value of your Fairfield degree.

Although half of our alumni participated in the Annual Fund during the past five years, our participation rate remains low. That's because they didn't participate every year. If they had, Fairfield's participation rate would have reached 51 percent in each of those years.

Now that's a number worth considering!

signature
Janet Canepa '82
Director, Alumni Relations


Young alumni on the move

A great big thank you to all of the Fairfield alumni who came out for Westchester County's Habitat for Humanity on July 17. It was a beautiful day filled with hard work and new friendships. A special thanks to Christine Carey '03 and Rich Battikha '91, who organized the event.

Did you know young alumni, from classes 1995 to 2004, can purchase season tickets to Fairfield basketball games for only $99? The University also has a number of upcoming events planned especially for young alumni. Visit www.fairfield.edu for more information.


Stagtoberfest

Homecoming...
Stagtoberfest is back on October 30

Gather with old friends during this festive, fun-filled, homecoming celebration on Oct. 30. Both the men's and women's basketball teams will be playing consecutive red/white games in Alumni Hall complete with performances from the dance team, pep band, and cheerleaders. Southport Brewing Co. has brewed a special Stagfest beer just for the occasion and it will be poured all day in the Stagtoberfest tent behind Alumni Hall. There will be plenty of entertainment as alumni bands Exit 22, The Alternate Routes, Near Fall, and Fat Cows take the stage. To register, call (203) 254-4280.


Celebrate on campus

Whether it's a wedding reception, a christening, or that special anniversary, the Oak Room in the Barone Campus Center is a warm, welcoming place to celebrate your festive occasions. The renovated, air-conditioned Oak Room can accommodate up to 250 people. For more information, contact Jim Fitzpatrick '70 at (203) 254-4000, ext. 2378.


Club Happenings

Atlanta

The Naut managed to float all the way to Decatur, Ga., on July 15 as Atlanta alumni gathered at Universal Joint, owned by Marc Brennan '97, for drinks and conversation. If you are interested in getting involved with the Atlanta Club, please contact Club President Paul Gallois '73 at pgallois@ups.com.

Save the Date

Oct. 2 - Join "Hands On Atlanta," the nation's largest citywide day of service! An estimated 16,000 volunteers will participate in a variety of service projects in and around the metro area. To get involved, contact Paul Gallois '73.

Baltimore/Washington DC

Save the Date

Nov. 6 - The Fairfield University Glee Club will perform at the 5:30 p.m. liturgy at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, on 36th Street between N and O streets. Following Mass, the group will perform a mini concert. Alumni will gather after the concert. Details to come.

Special thanks to Kathleen Berganski '77 for four years of service to Fairfield University as the president of the Baltimore/Washington D.C. alumni club. If you are interested in joining new club leaders Christine Kohlmeyer '01 and Jeannie Pilkerton '04 in planning upcoming club events, contact the Office of Alumni Relations.

Boston

More than 100 alumni attended the newest networking opportunity, "Briefcase Breakfast," held on April 29 at the Downtown Club in Boston. Dr. Milo Peck, professor of accounting in the Charles F. Dolan School of Business, gave a mini-lecture on "Corporate Scandals, Ethical Lapses, and their Impact on the Markets." Special thanks to Bill Crean '91 and the host committee for spearheading this event.

In May, 45 alumni and friends participated in the 7th Annual Alumni Club of Boston Golf Outing held at Juniper Hills Golf Course in Northborough, Mass. Thank you to Brendan Downey '92 for organizing the event.

Save the Dates

Sept. 23 - The second "Briefcase Breakfast" with The Very Rev. Thomas J. Regan, S.J., at the Downtown Club, 7 a.m.

Oct. 2 - Habitat for Humanity.

Oct. 23-24 - Head of the Charles Regatta and alumni reception.

Los Angeles

There has been interest in forming a club in L.A. because of the growing number of Fairfield alumni in the area. If you are interested in being involved in developing this new club, please contact the Office of Alumni Relations.

Manhattan

Save the Date

See New York City like you have never seen it before! Fairfield University comes to Manhattan for walking tours focusing on history, architecture, and the neighborhoods you live or work in but never knew about.

Networking is the name of the game, and here is your chance to improve your networking skills! Join other alumni for an after-work, one-night course to learn with the pro Laura Smith in October. Watch for details.

New Haven

Save the Date

Dec. 3 - Ring in the Christmas season with "The Joyful Noise" of Fairfield University's Glee Club during its annual holiday concert and reception beginning at 8 p.m. in the Quick Center.

New Jersey

On Aug. 21 New Jersey alumni flocked to the Jersey shore for the second annual summer social at Bar Anticipation.

San Francisco

Several alumni in the Bay Area have expressed interest in reviving this club. If you live in the area and would like to be involved, please contact the Office of Alumni Relations.

For more information on club happenings, events, or ways to get involved with the club in your area, contact the Office of Alumni Relations at alumni@mail.fairfield.edu or (203) 254-4280,


Athletic Hall of Fame

The Alumni Association will celebrate athletic excellence at the 23rd Annual Athletic Hall of Fame Dinner and Induction Ceremony on Oct. 29. All alumni are welcome to attend, celebrate, and honor two of Fairfield's finest athletes. For tickets, contact the Office of Alumni Relations at (203) 254-4280. Congratulations to this year's inductees.

Matt Baron '92 - Swimming and Diving. Matt competed from 1988-89 to 1991-92, and dominated as the Stags' top diver during that time. His records still stand today, owning both one-meter diving records (six dives - 249.95 points; 11 dives - 414.00 points) as well as both three-meter diving standards (six dives - 251.95 points; 11 dives - 390.15 points). Matt achieved two of his records during the MAAC championships, showing his ability to face pressure. He finished third in the one-meter dive and fourth in the three-meter dive during the 1992 MAAC championship. He continued his successful senior season by placing second in the New York Metropolitan championships.

Hugh Coyle '88 - Club Lacrosse. Hugh played from 1984 to 1988. As a four-year starter, Hugh was a dominant midfielder. Best known for his accurate shooting and passing, he was also perhaps the strongest defensive midfielder on the team. Before 1984, no other freshman cracked both the starting line-up and starting man-up (power-play). He led the team to its first and only undefeated season, 11-0, and the New England Club Championship in 1987. In the 1988 season he led the team in assists (21) and was second in total points (37). Hugh was also recognized as the 1988 Fairfield University Club Athlete of the Year. Hugh had countless contributions as president of the club. He increased the team's visibility, recruited prospective student players, scheduled a challenging season versus Division I and Division III teams, and worked as the Athletic Department liaison.


Alumni Golf Tournament raises thousands for scholarships

Hundreds turned out for a beautiful day of slices, hooks, mulligans, and the occasional straight drive at the Alumni Association's 22nd annual alumni golf tournament on May 10. Committee chair John Casper '92 helped organize 136 players at the tournament held at the Country Club of Fairfield. The winning foursome of the tournament was Ed Emler '94, Jacques LeFevre, Joe Romanello '94, and Dan Dufferin.

A raffle, silent auction, sponsors, and a $5,000 putting contest raised more than $15,000 for athletic scholarships. If you would like to donate a raffle or silent auction gift, or be a sponsor for next year's outing, call the Office of Alumni Relations at (203) 254-4280.

alumni golf

Putting contest finalists (l-r) Robert Brennan '65, Brian Daly '92, John (Shawn) Toal '80, former Alumni Association President Bryan LeClerc '84, Andrea Satigiu, and Sean O'Leary '91.


Be a part of the 7th annual New York Giants game and tailgate

Don't miss the New York Giants as they host the defending NFC East Division Champion Philadelphia Eagles at Giants Stadium on Sunday, Nov. 28 at 1 p.m. Join alumni and guests at a private, pre-game Fairfield University tailgate reception, beginning at 10 a.m., hosted by Gary Marzolla '71 of Deutsche Bank Private Banking and his wife, Marie. Tickets are $75 each with a two-ticket maximum (non-refundable) per alum. Tickets are distributed by lottery. To enter, please forward your name and credit card information by Friday, Oct. 1 to lyonslademan@mail.fairfield.edu or call 203-254-4000, ext. 2024. Alumni who already have season tickets to the Giants are welcome to attend the tailgate reception. To register send a note to the e-mail address above.


teddy bear

Give a teddy bear, get a smile
Teddy Bears With Love

Thanks to the generosity of Fairfield alumni and friends, more than a thousand teddy bears were donated to local children's charities last Christmas. The annual Teddy Bears with Love campaign has become a holiday tradition. For five years, these bears have brightened the days of less fortunate children. Bears collected are donated to local organizations, such as Phoebe's Phenomenal Toy Drive, ABCD Nursery School, and Kids in Crisis.

This year, we would like to involve more schools in the teddy bear collection. We encourage teachers or those affiliated with a school to get students involved in this cuddly campaign. It's easy to help. Bring or send new, unwrapped teddy bears to the Office of Alumni Relations, Alumni House, 1073 North Benson Road, Fairfield University, Fairfield, CT 06824 by Dec. 10. Please include your name and class year. Bears will also be collected at the Alumni Christmas Mass on Sunday, Dec. 5 at 11 a.m. in the Egan Chapel of St. Ignatius Loyola. For more information, contact the Office of Alumni Relations at (203) 254-4280.


1073 North Benson

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

Nicholas Segretario '99
Associate Director of Alumni Relations

Jeremy Nappi '00
Assistant Director of Alumni Relations

Jean Santopatre
University Photojournalist

Design: Nancy (Gelston) Dobos '91