Spring 2000
 
Index for Spring 2000 Volume 1 / Issue 3
AHANA Alumni - Making a connection, providing inspiration
The Year of the Dragon
2000 Winter Homecoming
Don't forget to check out our newly launched, totally re-designed website
Club Happenings
Think FUNd
Fairfield Awards Dinner to honor four on May 1
Making it happen
Renion 2000
Touch and Live
Making a connection, providing inspiration
(Above) AHANA Alumni Unity Reception, January 29. Back row, standing (l-r): Luis Ballena '98, Marilyn Lopez Flores '89, Tabitha Brickhouse Fortt '90, Johnnie Jones '94, Elner Scott Morrell '81, Dan Caldera '02, Charise Burt '92, Larri Mazon, director of Multicultural Relations, Heather Clinton '98, Von Potter '96, Luis Rivera '95, Kaimwatie Bhairo '97. Middle row, sitting (l-r): Simone Coley '96, Cathy Perry '90, Martha Alejandro Bird '90, Priscilla Resto '97, and Cynthia Swift, counselor in Multicultural Relations. Front row (l-r): Mildred Scott '97, Jamie Capafoli '00, Justin Wright '00, Diana Yepes '90, Eileen Lopez '92, and Sim Taing '93.
Photo by Susan Warner
For Dr. Tabitha Brickhouse Fortt '90, family practitioner and mother of three young children, reaching out to current and prospective AHANA students at Fairfield University just comes naturally. Since October, the former women's basketball standout has been back to visit for the Christopher B. Love AHANA Student Achivement Awards Dinner, Unity 2000 (an alumni reunion and student mentoring program), Horizons Weekend (an introduction to campus life and academics for accepted AHANA students), and "just to play some basketball" in Alumni Hall.
When Tabitha meets with current students, she is usually asked to talk about what she is doing with her life, now that she is out in the "real world." She is more than happy to share her experiences, and hoping to inspire others to follow their dreams.
"When I was in medical school at Georgetown University, some of the med school alumni came to talk about what they were doing. I was in awe of their successes - they literally took my breath away - and was inspired to follow in their footsteps. That experience made me realize how important it is for alumni to talk to students, to be that inspiration.
"There is great value in seeing and hearing about the successes of people with a background similar to your own," she continued. "Fairfield University provides such a solid education, and finding out about the successes of other grads can help complete the vision you have for yourself. It gives you an idea of what can happen next. Most students have no idea what alumni are doing - or what the options could be - unless they hear our stories."
Maria Alfonso '85, who works with the Conn. Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities in Hartford, Conn., has also returned to campus several times this academic year. A member of the Alumni Association Board of Directors since 1995, she focuses on speaking with prospective and accepted students and their parents about what Fairfield University can offer AHANA students. "It's important for these young people to know that there is a support system for them on campus while they are students, as well as after graduation," she said. Horizons Weekend is usually a time when many AHANA alumni come back and share something about their experiences while a student at Fairfield, as well as where the education led them after graduation. During this year's Weekend, Maria and Tabitha fielded many questions about how Fairfield's education helped them attain their academic and career goals.
For Maria, "reaching out" to AHANA students doesn't end at the conclusion of the weekend, it's a part of her daily life. She says she "makes her pitch" for Fairfield University whenever she gets the opportunity, and works on promoting events and encouraging other AHANA alumni to come back to visit campus. "All students need to know that the alumni care about them. We care about getting them here, keeping them here, and maintaining a connection with all graduates once they leave Fairfield."
(At left) Maria Diorio, operations assistant for Multicultural Relations, helps Sheniqua Rowe '01 with her corsage before the Awards Dinner.
Photo by Bryce Vickmark
Heather Clinton '98, Mildred Scott '97, Kaimwatie Bhairo '97, and Priscilla Resto '97 took time out to reunite and reminisce at the AHANA alumni reception during Unity 2000.
Photo by Susan Warner
 Nearly 80 students were honored at the annual Christopher B. Love AHANA Student Achievement Awards Dinner held in October. Kevin Bennett '02, Joycelyn Maw '00, and Santiago Restrepo '01 received plaques for having the highest GPAs amongst AHANA students. Larri Mazon (left), director of Multicultural Relations, presented the awards. He also spent some time with Luis Rivera '95 (right), who attended the ceremony.
 Nikki Giovanni, one of America's most widely read poets and essayists, was the keynote speaker at the four-day Martin Luther King, Jr. Human Relations Celebration held on campus in January. The activities, sponsored by the Center for Multicultural Relations, were organized by student leaders Felipe Polanco '01, Lynda Jackson-Sealy '00 (right), and Brant Berndlmaier '00, as well as other members of the University community.
Photo by Debranne Cingari
The Asian Students Association (ASA) hosted the annual Chinese New Year celebration on February 17 in the Barone Campus Center. Traditional food, costumes, music, dance, and acrobatics lit up the Oak Room. "This year marks the Year of the Dragon," said Mei Sun, AHANA Student Advisor in the Center for Multicultrual Relations and a chairperson for the celebration. "All Chinese are proud to be called Descendants of the Dragon, because in Chinese culture, the dragon is the symbol of power and virtue."
(Left) Hong Wang, a world champion in Chinese acrobatics, amazed the audience by performing Kicking Umbrella.
Photo by Susan Warner
Whether for the alumni basketball games or the chance to connect with old friends, grads of all ages came back to campus in February for Winter Homecoming 2000. They also had the opportunity to root for the Stags in a pair of home games, as the Stags took on the men's and women's teams of Rider College.
Taking it easy at the Levee Matt Hart '92, Fred Vitale '92, Vincent Galgano '92 and his wife Tracy, and John Ambery '92.
Photo by Nicholas Segretario
 Men's Alumni Basketball Team Front row (l-r): Terry Fitzsimmons '92, Mike Aldridge, Jr. '82, A.J. Wynder '87, Johnny Ryan '74, and Ed Golden '87. Back row (l-r): Joe D'Agostino '81, Tom Crowley '69, John Phelan '89, Mike Horan '63, Ed Duncan '90, Pete DeBisschop '83, Art Kenney '68, and Tim O'Toole, '86.
Photo by Susan Warner
 Women's Alumni Basketball Team Front row, l-r: Chantel Williams '98, Teale Stevens Zembrewski '83, Mary Lou Matott '92, and Jessica Grossarth '98. Back row, l-r: Sue Bly '91, Mary Ann Kelleher Kiely '78, Tabitha Brickhouse Fortt '90, Pam Rivers Farley '87, Kate Abromovitch '93, and Robin Massari Steele '94.
Photo by Susan Warner
Don't forget to check out our newly launched, totally re-designed website: www.fairfield.edu
Key features include:
- Rotating series of campus and student life photos
- Common-sense navigation
-
Easy access to items of interest to alumni including:
- Alumni calendar of events
- News from the Alumni Club nearest you
- Upcoming lectures and cultural events on campus
- Fairfield Now and 1073 North Benson
- Follett Bookstore for purchase of Fairfield U. memorabilia
- Updates on varsity athletics
- Live Internet broadcasts of many games: www.fairfieldstags.com
- Admission information (If your child is getting to that age, don't forget Fairfield!)
Whether it's for a good cause or just a cause for celebration, if there's one thing Fairfield grads love to do, it's reunite.
Take a look at what some alumni clubs have been doing this season - beginning the year with festivities across the country:
Baltimore/Washington, D.C.
Alumni, family, and friends came together twice this basketball season to support and cheer on the men's team. On February 7, the team took on George Mason University (Jerry Bozek '77 organized a pre-game reception at Brion's Grill), and on February 18, watched an exciting game against Loyola Maryland.
On March 11, Club Vice President Kathleen Doody '93 arranged for alumni to gather and enjoy the second of four Embassy Concert Series events. The evening featured pianist Teric Himy at La Maison Francais. The third Embassy Concert Series was held at the Austrian Embassy and featured Austrian violinist Karen Adam and her sister, pianist Doris Adam.
Club President Peter Costello '84 organized "A Night at the MCI Center" in early April. Alumni and friends cheered on the Washington Capitals as they played the New York Rangers.
The Third Thursday Floating Happy Hour continued to cruise around the Club area in early Spring. Alumni from various Jesuit universities and colleges celebrated on March 16 - an early "port of call' to coincide with St. Patrick's Day - and again on April 20.
This spring, the Club welcomes three new vice presidents: Kathleen Berganski '77, Service to Community; Pam McGovern '89, Service to School; Kathleen Doody '93, Service to Alumni.
Boston
Mardi Gras was "celebrated with style" on March 2. The Club joined alumni from twelve other colleges and universities at the Big Easy Restaurant and Bar at One Boylston Place in downtown Boston.
On March 16, more than 70 alumni and friends celebrated the 18th Annual St Patrick's Day Party a day early at (where else?) the Black Rose Pub in Boston.
Fairfield alumni joined with those from fourteen other colleges and universities to participate in the sold out "Party for a Plate" held April 6. Now in its ninth year, the event benefits the Greater Boston Food Bank.
Save the Date
The 3rd Annual Greater Boston Club Golf Outing will be held on Saturday, May 13 at Juniper Hills Golf Course in Northborough, Mass. For further information, contact Brendan Downey '92 at (617) 713-0342.
Chicago
More than a dozen alumni in the Windy City took a moment to relax and catch up with friends on April 13 for an "After-work Unwinding" party at the Rock Bottom Brewery. This was the first event organized and hosted by new co-presidents Matt Geraghty '96 and Jim O'Connor '98.
Fairfield County
"Third Thursdays" began on January 20 at Coaches in Stamford. It then traveled to Black Rock Castle in Bridgeport on February 17 and finally ended up at Tommy's Restaurant on March 16. More than thirty "young" alumni came together to catch up and enjoy the cheer at each happening.
Fairfield County alumni, students, and friends gathered on April 8 to help out the community for the 13th Annual Hunger Cleanup.
Hartford
A big thank-you to Paul Thompson '87 for organizing alumni from the Greater Hartford area to work for a day with Habitat for Humanity on April 29.
Save the Date
Watch your mailbox for more information about a private tour and reception to be held in September
at the Wadsworth Atheneum.
New Haven
Save the Date
Volunteers are needed to assist with the 5k Road Race for the Friends of the Children's Hospital of Yale New Haven on Sunday, May 7. For further information, contact Steve Festa '84 at (203) 783-3025.
New Jersey/Philadelphia
Alumni and their families from the New Jersey and Philadelphia clubs came together at Veterans Stadium to watch the Phillies take on the Expos on April 21.
South Florida
Save the Date
The 2nd Annual Dinner Club Classic will be held on Saturday, May 20. For further information, contact Rich or Denise Heagen '83 at (561) 495-3882.
 The New Haven Club hosted a Meet the Coaches reception at the historic Graduate Club on February 23. More than 60 alumni and friends met with 20 coaches from the Fairfield University athletic program. Pictured left are (l-r) Club Presidents Steven Diaz '76 and David Vegliante '83, and Athletic Director Gene Doris, who addressed the enthusiastic group.
Photo by Janet Canepa
When you're thinking fun
Do you ever mean to get together with an old friend, but somehow never find the time? Ever put aside a magazine article to read "later" - only later never comes? Ever intend to send a get well card, only by the time you remember to buy it, the person is back on the ski slopes?
You get the picture. And if you're like most of us in this way-too-busy world, you're in it, too. Therefore, in an effort to nudge you (and ourselves) to follow through on our good intentions, we've come up with a method we'd like to test.
It goes like this. When you look back on your college years, it's not hard to remember the fun times... a faculty member who cared... a Jesuit who listened... a course that helped launch a career. It's all too easy to forget, however, how hard you worked during these transition years - when you came in as a "kid" and left ready to face the world.
To celebrate your positive memories, and help create similar ones for those following in your footsteps at Fairfield today, here are a few fun occasions when, while you're thinking "fun," you can link it to making your gift to the Annual FUNd:
- When you finalize your annual vacation plans
- The day you begin your Christmas shopping
- Opening Day
- Your birthday
- Your anniversary
- After a successful performance review
- The kickoff of the football season
Remember: Think FUNd when you're thinking fun. And if you haven't made your gift to the 1999-2000 Annual Fund, here are a few more "fun" options before our fiscal year closes on June 30: Easter Sunday, National Honesty Day (4/30), May Day (5/1), No-Diet Day (5/6), Mother's Day (5/14), Memorial Day (5/29), Graduation Day (pre-k, grammar school, high school, college), Daniel Boone Day (6/7), Flag Day (6/14), Father's Day (6/18) ... You get the picture!
Fairfield Awards Dinner to honor four on May 1
The following alumni will be honored at the annual Fairfield Awards Dinner on Monday, May 1, at the Sheraton New York Hotel and Towers in New York City:
Alumni Service Award:
B. Maxwell O'Meara '52
Volunteer
Alumni Professional Achievement Award:
Eileen Clarkin Rominger '76
Managing Director, Goldman Sachs
Distinguished Faculty/ Administrator Award:
Dr. Winston Tellis, M.A.'69
Assistant Dean, School of Business
Honorary Alumnus Award:
Rev. Aloysius P. Kelley, S.J.
University President
Actor and humanitarian Danny Glover will be the keynote speaker. Paul J. Huston '82 is this year's dinner chairperson.
The dinner, which is hosted by Fairfield University and the Alumni Association, supports the Alumni Multicultural Scholarship Fund. For ticket information, contact the Office of Special Events at 203-254-4000, ext. 2660.
You may not recognize these faces, but their names and voices are sure to ring a bell. These seven students were just some of those who telephoned alumni and parents during the Annual Fund Phonathon in February and March. Thanks to your generous contributions, the Annual Fund is able to continue to provide innovative opportunities for Fairfield University students.
Pictured left are students Reese Antony '03, Beth Svinarich '03, Adriane Kilar '01, Kyle Fasteson '02, Adolfo Caldas '02, Jarrett Basedow '01, and Katie Carlson '00.
Photo by Catherine Desmarais
Reunion 2000
Are you ready?
 If you're planning to visit Fairfield University for Reunion on June 10-11, one aspect of our current campus life is sure to stand out: construction, construction, construction. Fear not. We've come up with new sites on campus for a few Reunion 2000 activities, and the weekend will be all the more exciting as you get a first-hand look at the multiple projects now under way.
Your Reunion Weekend begins with registration on Saturday morning. The annual picnic has activities for people of all ages, so bring along the entire family! That evening, you'll enjoy the class cocktail parties before the big dinner dance on the Bellarmine Lawn, which is always the most popular event. Sunday will include a Mass and brunch.
Watch your mailbox this month for your invitation - and reply early. We look forward to seeing you in June!
Touch and Live
Written, composed, and directed by liturgical musician Don Brelsford '82, "Touch and Live" is a Broadway-style musical that commemorates the way God has touched His people from the beginning of time. The show has been performed to packed audiences throughout the region in recent years.
A cast and crew of over 100 adults and children - including 13 Fairfield University alumni and their children - will perform the musical in the Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts the weekend after Easter, April 28 and 29. Pictured at above are (l-r) cast members Meagan Bolton (daughter of Tim Bolton '82), Tim Bolton '82, and Amy Sciuto.
Photo by Carmine Ticarello
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 offices:
1073 North Benson
Bellarmine Hall Room 220
Fairfield University
Fairfield, CT 06824
(203) 254-4000 ext. 2556
www.fairfield.edu
Editor
Jill Kasiewicz
Editorial Board
Douglas Whiting
Associate Vice President for Public Relations
Barbara D. Kiernan MA '90
Director of Publications
Janet Canepa '82
Director of Alumni Relations
Marshall Richards '83
Associate Director of Alumni Relations
Nicholas Segretario '99
Assistant Director of Alumni Relations
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