Spring 2002

Index for Spring 2002 Volume 3 / Issue 3

Seeking employment in a difficult market
Winter Homecoming 2002
CEO of Avon Products headlines 2002 Fairfield Awards Dinner
Summer travel opportunities
Calendar of Events
Club Happenings
Alumni Postcards: Santa Ana & San Francisco, California
Creating the future today
Alumni fill PepsiCo Theatre with "Heart and Music"

Seeking employment in a difficult market

All graduating seniors worry about finding a job. However, for members of the Class of 2002 - or anyone looking for a career change - landing a job may be much more challenging now than it was just 12 months ago. Fairfield University is facing this challenge head-on with career panels and business etiquette dinners. Alumni, faculty, and staff are lending a hand to offer advice and give students an edge in today's very competitive market.

That competition is reflected in the reality that on-campus recruiting is down about thirty percent from last year. "Larger firms are still coming, but not with the usual volume of openings," says Michael Dalton, director of the University's Career Planning Center.

Realities like this are similar to what alumni from the classes of 1991, 1993, and 1995 faced when they were seniors. At a January career panel, a number of them shared their experiences and spoke with students concerned about the job search process. Denise (Henry) Suarez '91 told students, "It's easy to become apathetic about your job search because it can be frustrating in a difficult economy. But if you don't start the process, nothing will happen." Her advice? Think creatively and be flexible. "Keep an open mind to opportunities that you might not have considered otherwise. The worst thing you can do is not work at all and have a gap in your résumé. Instead, try getting into a solid company, even if it may not be the specific job or set of responsibilities you want. Then stick with it, be passionate, work really hard, catch people's attention, and things will happen. When the economy rebounds, your career will, too."

At the same panel, Thomas Regan, S.J., associate dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, emphasized the importance of networking and taking risks. "In this very tough economy, you have to take advantage of every opportunity that comes along," he said. "Talk to people, take chances, explore; try jobs out - ask to sit in an office for a day."

What else can help an applicant? Good manners and a neat personal style. In February, 120 students, faculty, staff, alumni, and members of the Trustees Advisory Council took part in "Gaining Your Competitive Edge," a business etiquette workshop in the Charles F. Dolan School of Business. Students learned everything from table manners and mixing and mingling to the real definition of "business casual."

"It is important for students to know how to present themselves to put their best foot - and best fork - forward," says Dean Norm Solomon, Ph.D. "These are skills students can't learn in the classroom."

Says Cathleen Borgman '80, director of corporate relations, "Recruiters have told me that they can tell which students have had more experience in the business world just by the way they carry themselves." And that edge just might be the key to landing the job.

Seniors Colleen Reiley and Rebecca Severs practice mingling during a mock business cocktail party at the Charles F. Dolan School of Business.

Photo by B.K. Angeletti

Winter Homecoming 2002

Nearly 5,000 alumni, their families, and friends turned out at the new Arena at Harbor Yard for this year's Winter Homecoming. The men's basketball team lost by a slim margin to Manhattan 73-70 and the women defeated Loyola 61-59.

Prior to the men's game, Eugene Doris, athletic director, and Tim O'Toole '86, head basketball coach (pictured above), presented the family of Steven Hagis '91 with a framed jersey bearing the number Steven wore while playing for the Stags from 1987-1991. Steven died September 11 in the World Trade Center. Pictured above with Doris and O'Toole are Steven's parents, Mary Jane and Steven, his wife, Gloria, and his children Jaclyn and Daniel.

More than 20 grads played in an alumni hoops game in Alumni Hall. Pictured above are (front row, l-r): John Phelan '89, Kyle Commodore '99, Yvette Nicholas '99, Mary Ellen (White) Carlu '81, George Groom '73, Joe D'Agostin '63; (middle row, l-r) Ralph Rehn '75, Gary Dittrich '74, John Ryan '74, Rich Broggini '81, Aaron Seymour '96, Frank Magaletta '70, Mary Rowe, athletics secretary - retired; and (back row, l-r) Joe Morina '75, Ray Kelly '75, Pat Yerina '86, Craig Moorer '76, Sunday Eniojukan '00, Joe Finn '77, Terry Fitzsimons '92, Karl Luechau, Kevin George '93, and Art Kenney '68.

Photos by Jean Santopatre

Correction: In the Spring 2002 issue of Fairfield Now, the e-mail address listed for the Ignatian Residential College is incorrect. Alumni interested in becoming mentors can inquire at irc@mail.fairfield.edu.

CEO of Avon Products headlines 2002 Fairfield Awards Dinner

Andrea Jung, chairman and chief executive officer of Avon Products, Inc., spoke at this year's Fairfield Awards Dinner held April 3 at the Sheraton New York Hotel and Towers. She was honored with Fairfield's Distinguished Leadership Award. The Dinner, chaired by University trustee Joseph F. Berardino '72, raised more than $250,000 for multicultural scholarships.

Also awarded were:

Laura A. Incerto '81
Alumni Service Award
Former Alumni Association president and vice president, Laura Incerto, has been a member of its Board of Directors since 1984. As a member, she has served on several of its committees, including clubs, hospitality, Alumnae Forum, undergraduate and graduate relations, Fairfield Awards, Sons and Daughters Scholarship, and golf.

The Hon. William J. Lavery '59
Alumni Professional Achievement Award
An alumnus of both Fairfield Prep (1955) and Fairfield University, Judge Lavery received an L.L.B. from Fordham Law School in 1964. In 1981, Gov. William O'Neill appointed him to the Connecticut Superior Court. In 1989 he was appointed to the Appellate Court and in 2000, was named the Chief Judge. Throughout his career, Judge Lavery has earned the respect and admiration of Connecticut's legal community for his scholarship, integrity, and independence.

Thomas J. Regan, S.J.
Distinguished Faculty/Administrator Award
Teaching philosophy at Fairfield for nearly 20 years, Fr. Regan has served as chair of the philosophy department and is currently completing a two-year term as associate dean in the College of Arts and Sciences. Fr. Regan has written numerous scholarly publications and was named Teacher of the Year in 1984 by Alpha Sigma Nu.

Summer travel opportunities

Montserrat Jesuit Retreat House, Lake Dallas, Texas - August 1-4, 2002
Enjoy three nights at this secluded, prayerful lakeside retreat house, reflecting on God's love. The weekend includes individual counseling, quiet reflection, and a series of inspiring lectures based in the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola. For retreat details, contact the Retreat House at 940-321-6020 or retreat@airmail.net.

The Heritage Tour of Ireland - August 14-22, 2002
Discover Ireland's traditional villages and exquisite natural beauty on this nine-day tour. Visit the Cliffs of Moher, Killarney, Blarney Castle, and Galway. Enjoy a medieval banquet in a 15th-century Irish castle and Irish cabaret in Dublin. Join Fairfield University's own Larry O'Neil, S.J., director of student support services, and Joe Duffy, S.J., of Boston College for this unforgettable journey. For trip details, contact Fr. O'Neil at (203) 254-4000, ext. 2445.

Calendar of Events

For event details, visit www.fairfield.edu or call the Office of Alumni Relations at (203) 254-4280.

Art Tours Note: Fee for each tour is $25 per person. Optional lunch, $25; dinner, $36. To register, call the Office of Special Events at (203) 254-4000, ext. 2660.

Remembering Mike

Remembering their friend Mike Andrews '89 at New York City's Coppersmith's bar were Class of 1989 alumni (l-r) Dave Pooley, Andy Davis, Matt McLaughlin, and Joe Solomine. (See "New York City" below.)

Club Happenings

Boston -

The Boston club held its annual Mardi Gras party at the Big Easy Restaurant and Bar on February 7. Club members danced the night away with area alumni from 12 other colleges and universities.

On March 14, more than 70 alumni and friends celebrated the 20th annual St. Patrick's Day Party at Boston's Hurricane O'Reilly's.

Save the Date
The 5th Annual Greater Boston Club Golf Outing will be held on Saturday, June 15, at Juniper Hills Golf Course, Northborough, Mass. For further information, contact Brendan Downey '92 at (617) 498-4327.

Connecticut alumni -
Alumni cheered on the men's ice hockey team at the Arena at Harbor Yard in its February 22 game against Quinnipiac University. Before the game, alumni were invited to a reception in the Arena's club lounge.

Hartford -
Save the Date
Habitat for Humanity Volunteer Day will be held on Saturday, April 27. Space is limited. Contact Paul Thompson '87 at (860) 257-7833 or thomppft@aol.com.

Los Angeles -
More than 30 alumni attended a Presidential Welcome for University President Aloysius P. Kelley, S.J., on March 6, hosted by Mitchell Clarfield '82, and his wife, Christine, at their Malibu home.

New York City -
On January 5, more than 200 alumni gathered in honor and remembrance of Mike Andrews '89, a victim of the September 11 attacks, who had worked for Cantor Fitzgerald on the 105th floor. The bittersweet event took place at Coppersmith's, a west-side bar on 53rd Street and 9th Avenue, where Mike had been a managing partner for two years with his friend Tom Jackman '90.

Tom and Mike's close friends from the Class of 1989 - Andy Davis, Matt McLaughlin, Joe Solomine, Dave Pooley (see photo above), Maura O'Callaghan-Coughlin and Cathy Norton - organized the event that raised over $2,500 for the Lyons-Lademan Athletic Fund. The money was donated through the fund to the baseball team. Mike pitched for the Stags from 1985 to 1989.

Rhode Island -
On February 10, area alumni turned out to enjoy a Glee Club performance at St. Mary's Church in Newport as part of the group's anniversary celebration.

Puerto Rico -
On February 12, David Chafey '76 hosted 30 alumni and parents at a reception for Fr. Kelley at the Banker's Club.

Washington DC/Baltimore -
Save the Date
Join local alumni at a welcome reception for Fr. Kelley on Thursday, April 11, at the Historic George Town Club, beginning at 6:30 p.m. For more information, contact the Office of Alumni Relations at (203) 254-4280 or alumni@mail.fairfield.edu.

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

Serve as your Class Representative

The Fairfield University Alumni Association Board of Directors will soon have several openings for class representative positions. Each term is for three years beginning July 1, 2002. Alumni interested in serving on the board should send a letter of interest by April 19, 2002, to Alumni Assoc. Nominations Committee, Fairfield University, 1073 North Benson Road, Fairfield, CT 06430.

Class representative openings are available for the Classes of: 1952, 1954, 1957, 1960, 1963, 1966, 1975, 1976, 1978, 1980, 1981, 1987, 1988, 1992, and 1999.

Two, four, six, eight... who do we appreciate?
Alumni Volunteers!

Throughout the year, Fairfield alumni have donated countless hours of personal time and energy to University events, on- and off-campus. As National Volunteer Week approaches (April 21-27, 2002), we remember and thank you for your continued generosity. Your actions and contributions do not go unnoticed!

No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted. - Aesop

Unexpected gift adds value to the equation

Thankful for the education he received as an undergraduate math major nearly 40 years ago, a generous alumnus from the Class of 1965 (who wishes to remain anonymous) recently donated $5,000 to the scholarship fund for the students in the master's in Mathematics program. This is the single highest contribution to the scholarship fund, which currently totals approximately $25,000.

The gift was presented in honor of Robert Bolger, associate professor of mathematics, who remains one of the donor's most beloved professors. Bolger is co-director of the program.

Fairfield University's master's in mathematics program was launched in 2000, and now has 14 students, six of whom will graduate in May.

Nominate a favorite professor for a Distinguished Teaching Award

Through the Alumni Association's newly established Distinguished Teaching Award, you now have the opportunity to give special honor to that professor who touched your life.

This award, intended for a faculty member who exemplifies the Jesuit ideal, carries with it a $5,000 gift. To be considered, faculty must have completed ten years of service at Fairfield University, and have demonstrated excellence in classroom teaching, curriculum development, and/or advising/mentoring. Alumni may submit nominations via the Web at www.fairfield.edu/alumni or by writing to Janet Canepa, Director of Alumni Relations, 1073 North Benson Road, Fairfield, CT 06430.

Alumni Postcards: Santa Ana & San Francisco, California

For Class of 2001 alumnae Fran Millar and Kerry Schardien, spending a year in California is no ordinary day at the beach. Both serve with the Jesuit Volunteer Corps: Southwest.

Millar, assistant director of the computer training center at San Francisco Network Ministries (www.sfnetworkministries.org), teaches computer classes to adults and children from the Tenderloin community, some of whom are homeless. Classes range from Microsoft Word workshops to using the Internet. Two days a week, she runs an after-school program for children.

She says that her undergraduate studies in sociology, mathematics, and computer science make this position a perfect fit for her. "The day-to-day interaction with the people who come to the center has given me more than I had ever anticipated. I have learned an immeasurable amount of patience as well as how to deal with unexpected situations."

As Catholic chaplain coordinator for Juvenile Facilities at The Institute for Conflict Management in Santa Ana, Schardien helps incarcerated teenagers prepare for the sacrament of first communion.

Most of the juveniles she instructs are in line to be tried as adults for serious, violent crimes of murder and attempted murder. But she says she is not afraid. "I try to see the kids through God's eyes," she says. "They are not bad people, they just did bad things, and sometimes it wasn't even their fault for ending up here."

She says that many just need someone to spend time with them, and to listen. One-on-one counseling is a large part of her job. "I offer direction for their lives, and help them understand that there are alternatives to joining neighborhood gangs."

It's not an easy job, but Schardien now knows that this ministry was part of God's plan for her. "At first, I was nervous about being so far away from home and not earning money for an entire year, but now, being here, I realize that this is what I needed to do."

Do you know of a Fairfield graduate doing extraordinary work? Send photos and information to the 1073 North Benson editorial office.

Creating the future today

As Fairfield alumni, you probably know that Our Promise: The Campaign for Fairfield made the recent campus renovations possible. But do you know who underwrites the changes that occur daily and are vital to Fairfield's continued success? You do.

Alumni participation impacts all aspects of University life. Through the Annual Fund - which subsidizes library books, computers, classroom televisions, a portion of each student's tuition, and numerous other needs - alumni strengthen the Fairfield experience for current and future students and increase the University's reputation in the academic and professional communities.

When you support your alma mater you acknowledge the benefits of your education and help ensure that others can enjoy the same experience. Publications such as U.S. News and World Report recognize this and take into account alumni participation when ranking colleges and universities, as do corporations and foundations that fund academic initiatives.

Working together through the Annual Fund, Fairfield alumni can create a future of continued academic excellence at Fairfield. For more information or to make a donation to the Annual Fund, call 877-748-5123. Together Fairfield alumni can make a difference.

Alumni fill PepsiCo Theatre with "Heart and Music"

What do you get when you cross a group of Theatre Fairfield alumni with Broadway favorites? "Heart and Music," a new musical revue written, produced, directed, and acted by Fairfield University alumni.

Jennifer Strycharz '98 and Kelly Fagan '99 (pictured right) were among the cast performing at the Pepsico Theatre in January. Together with Ryan David Mckinney '97, Strycharz developed "Heart and Music" and co-founded Melange Productions, a New York City-based company of Theatre Fairfield alumni. The cast and crew also included alumni Steve O'Connell '00, Love Littlefield '99, Megan Ferrara '99, Allison Hall '99, Erin McLaughlin '99, John Power '96, Steve Scarpa '00, Brian Lockhart '97, and New York-based actors, directors, and musicians.

Prior to the men's game, Eugene Doris, athletic director, and Tim O'Toole '86, head basketball coach (pictured above), presented the family of Steven Hagis '91 with a framed jersey bearing the number Steven wore while playing for the Stags from 1987-1991. Steven died September 11 in the World Trade Center. Pictured above with Doris and O'Toole are Steven's parents, Mary Jane and Steven, his wife, Gloria, and his children Jaclyn and Daniel.

More than 20 grads played in an alumni hoops game in Alumni Hall. Pictured above are (front row, l-r): John Phelan '89, Kyle Commodore '99, Yvette Nicholas '99, Mary Ellen (White) Carlu '81, George Groom '73, Joe D'Agostin '63; (middle row, l-r) Ralph Rehn '75, Gary Dittrich '74, John Ryan '74, Rich Broggini '81, Aaron Seymour '96, Frank Magaletta '70, Mary Rowe, athletics secretary - retired; and (back row, l-r) Joe Morina '75, Ray Kelly '75, Pat Yerina '86, Craig Moorer '76, Sunday Eniojukan '00, Joe Finn '77, Terry Fitzsimons '92, Karl Luechau, Kevin George '93, and Art Kenney '68.

Photo by Linda Gustavson '00

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 06430-5195
(203)254-4000 ext. 2556
e-mail: jcaseria@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

Jeremy Nappi '00
Assistant Director of Alumni Relations

Jean Santopatre
University Photojournalist