Spring 2003

Index for Spring 2003 Volume 4 / Issue 3

Alumni return for graduate study
2003 Winter Homecoming
Men's basketball plays in the NIT
2003 Fairfield Awards Dinner honors five
Nominate a favorite professor for the
   Distinguished Teaching Award
Connecticut alumni help needed
Calendar of Events
Club Happenings
Alumni Postcards: Kingston, Jamaica
Alumni sponsors needed for Fairfield Book
   Award program
Stag Spirit

Alumni return for graduate study

Associate professor Wendy Kohli, Ph.D. (center), teaches curriculum and instruction in the Graduate School of Education and Allied Professions.

Ken Dunaj '02, a high school social studies teacher in Wilton, Conn., saw how his undergraduate degree from Fairfield University turned heads during his post-graduation job search a year ago. Now a student in Fairfield's master's program in American studies, he's pleased with what his alma mater can offer him at the graduate level. He plans to finish the program part-time, in the evenings, in about two years. "There are places in the area that could give me a degree more quickly and, at the state schools, more cheaply. But contrary to popular perception, Fairfield's graduate programs are in the same price range as other private schools in the region. For me, the few extra dollars are a solid investment," he says. "A master's degree from Fairfield will be worth something to my career in terms of salary increases and position. It's not just a flimsy piece of paper."

Dunaj says it feels good to be back in the classroom. "Conversations are intense. Class is never a lecture - it's always a discussion," he adds. "And sometimes we even teach the professor!"

Brian Leddy '01 agrees. A fund accountant in Fairfield, Leddy is working toward a master of science degree in finance at the Charles F. Dolan School of Business. Leddy's employer provides tuition reimbursement for those pursuing graduate studies. For Leddy, Fairfield University offered the best options - a reputable program, top professors, and a convenient location. He also preferred an already-familiar environment. "In my field, I need a graduate degree to move up to a managerial position, which is where I want to be," he says. "And this program will help me get there."

Studying alongside students twice his age (and some with twice the work experience) was intimidating at first, but now Leddy appreciates learning from everyone in the classroom - not only the professor. "Learning from others' experiences puts us all at an advantage," he says. "I was surprised that even I could help and teach people with my limited time in the workforce."

More alumni are returning to Fairfield University for graduate studies - a trend Marianne Gumpper, director of graduate admission, hopes will continue. "Graduate students in Fairfield County want quality, convenience, flexibility, and a school that's close in proximity to work and home," she says. "Fairfield University's graduate programs offer these, along with a talented and dedicated group of faculty whom alumni remember from their undergraduate courses, resulting in a satisfying graduate experience and profound rewards."

Melanie Bassi '99, a math teacher at Fairfield High School who is pursuing a master of science degree in mathematics, also values the scope of experience among her peers - her classmates' ages span four decades. "I think it's great," she says. "People are in the program for so many reasons - to advance their careers, to pursue a career change, or to just study what they love."

She also appreciates the relationship she has with her professors. "It's a much livelier classroom atmosphere than what I remember from my undergraduate days," she says. "Everyone participates - eagerly - and we have fun!"

"It has been a great source of pride for me and for the deans and faculty to see alumni returning to Fairfield for graduate studies," says Dr. Orin Grossman, academic vice president. "I know many undergraduates are unaware of the exciting opportunities for such study here, and I'm delighted that the word is getting out and that undergraduate alumni are taking advantage of them."

The Office of Graduate Admission will offer information sessions on May 1 and July 29. For details, call (888) 488-6840.

2003 Winter Homecoming

	Showing that he hasn't lost his touch, Didier Boucard '98 rose to the occasion during the alumni game. Surrounding Boucard are (l-r) Joseph D'Agostin '63, Edward Duncan '90, and Craig Moorer '76.
Stag-in-training Henry Minnick, son of Steven '94 and Maureen (Leary) '94, cheered courtside with his father.

In February, more than 3,000 alumni sported their Fairfield red and cheered on the Stags during the Winter Homecoming basketball games at the Arena at Harbor Yard. The teams impressed alumni with back-to-back wins in a doubleheader. The women's team beat Rider in overtime, 79-72; the men beat MAAC rival Marist, 67-56. During the games, alumni enjoyed a reception in the Arena's Club Lounge. At halftime of the men's game, basketball alumni were honored for their athletic achievements. The 6th Man Club also hosted a reception for the alumni players.

Participating in the alumni basketball game in Alumni Hall were (front row, l-r) Mary Ann Palazzi M.A.'88, William Pritz '67, John Phelan '89, Joseph D'Agostin '63, Yvette Nicholas '99, Brandon Jubrey '98, Meishay Gattis '96; (back row, l-r) former head coach George Bisacca, Joseph Pascale '65, Arthur Kenney '68, John Ryan '74, Craig Moorer '76, Edward Duncan '90, Gregory Keith '91, Andrew Buzbee '00, Terence FitzSimons '92, Didier Boucard '98, and head coach Tim O'Toole '86.

Photos by Jean Santopatre

Men's basketball plays in the NIT

In March, the men's basketball team earned its fifth bid to the National Invitation Tournament and secured a home game at the Arena at Harbor Yard. The Stags hosted Big East foe Boston College before 6,585 fans, a record attendance. Fairfield gave the game its all, trailing by only five points with two minutes to go before losing to BC, 90-78. The team finished the season with a 19-12 overall record and a 13-5 MAAC mark, tying the school record for most conference wins in a season. The 13 wins gave the senior class a four-year total of 41 conference wins, the most ever by a four-year class.

2003 Fairfield Awards Dinner honors five

E. Stanley O'Neal, chief executive officer of Merrill Lynch, presented the keynote address at this year's Fairfield Awards Dinner held April 1 in New York City. The event, which raises funds for multicultural scholarships, was chaired by Trustee Michael A. Neal, senior vice president of General Electric Company and president and chief executive officer of GE Commercial Finance.

The Alumni Association presented O'Neal with the Fairfield University Distinguished Leadership Award. Also honored at the dinner were:

Arthur C. Laske Jr. '51, P'83
Alumni Service Award
As a director of the William T. Morris Foundation, Laske has helped guide more than $1 million in scholarship aid to Fairfield students. A longtime President's Circle member, Laske served on the Alumni Association board of directors for 16 years and helped organize his class reunions in 1991 and 2001.

Maive Scully '76
Alumni Professional Achievement Award
Maive Scully is senior vice president and chief financial officer of GE Consumer Finance in Stamford. A President's Circle member, Scully has served on the Fairfield Awards Dinner committee, as Annual Fund chair, and on the Board of Trustees.

Dr. Kurt Schlichting '70
Distinguished Faculty/Administrator Award
Dr. Kurt Schlichting, professor of sociology and anthropology, has promoted the Jesuit ideals of academic inquiry and social justice throughout his professional career. Dr. Schlichting has also served in administrative roles, as acting dean (1984-1985) and associate dean (1990-1992) of the College of Arts and Sciences. His book, Grand Central Terminal: Railroads, Architecture and Engineering in New York (2001), received the Association of American Publishers 2002 Best Professional/Scholarly Book award in the category of architecture and urbanism.

Victor F. Leeber, S.J.
Honorary Alumnus Award
A member of the original faculty in 1947, Victor Leeber, S.J., chaired the modern languages department, founded five varsity sports programs, and was chaplain and mentor to scores of student-athletes at Fairfield University. Fr. Leeber retired from teaching in 1992, but remained a tutor and mentor to student-athletes until his departure for Campion Center in Weston, Mass., in 2002. In 1992, he was inducted into the University's Athletic Hall of Fame as its Father of Athletics.

Did you graduate in 1970? Do you hold a master's degree from Fairfield?
The Fairfield University Alumni Association board of directors is looking for two representatives to fill these vacancies. The three-year terms begin July 1, 2003. Interested alumni should send a letter of inquiry by April 30, 2003, to the Alumni Association Nominations Committee, Fairfield University, 1073 North Benson Road, Fairfield, CT 06824.

Nominate a favorite professor for the Distinguished Teaching Award

Is there a professor who made a difference in your life by exemplifying the Jesuit ideal? Consider honoring that unforgettable educator with a nomination for the Alumni Association's Distinguished Teaching Award.

To be considered for this award, which carries with it a $5,000 gift, the current faculty member must have completed 10 years of service at Fairfield University and have demonstrated excellence in classroom teaching, curriculum development, and/or advising/mentoring.

Alumni may submit nominations by writing to the Office of Alumni Relations, Attn: Distinguished Teaching Award, 1073 North Benson Road, Fairfield, CT 06824. Submissions are due by May 15, 2003.

Connecticut alumni help needed

Fairfield University students who live in Connecticut currently receive nearly $1.5 million in state financial aid. Present legislation would reduce that amount by about 24 percent, thus creating serious hardship for those students who have a demonstrated financial need. Please e-mail your State Representative and Governor Rowland to express your concern over the proposed budget cut and its implications for students in need by visiting the Connecticut Council of Independent Colleges website and choosing the section Legislative Action.

Calendar Of Events

For information on upcoming events, call the Office of Alumni Relations at (203) 254-4280.

Club Happenings

Boston
Boston-area alumni and friends celebrated the club's 21st annual St. Patrick's Day party at Hurricane O'Reilly's on March 13.

On April 12, Boston alumni donated their time for Habitat for Humanity, working on homes in the greater Boston area. Thanks to Jodi DiGregorio '98 and Matthew Curran '93 for organizing this event.

Save the Date: Don't miss the 6th Annual Greater Boston Club Golf Outing on June 21 at Juniper Hills Golf Course in Northborough, Mass. For more information, contact Brendan Downey '92 at (617) 498-4327.

Chicago
Save the Date: Join Chicago alumni for a club social on May 2 at Stanley's Kitchen and Tap (1970 North Lincoln Ave.), from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. For details, contact Kelly Simon '01 at (847) 736-1535 or Marjorie Vollmer '01 at (773) 296-2147. Alumni are invited to a presidential reception and dinner at the Chicago Athletic Association (12 S. Michigan Ave. at Madison Ave.) with University President Aloysius P. Kelley, S.J., on May 8 hosted by Kevin and Marilou McGirr P'03. For details, contact the Office of Alumni Relations at (203) 254-4280.

Fairfield
In February, alumni enjoyed a lunchtime discussion at the Alumni House with guest speaker Dr. Kurt Schlichting '70. Dr. Schlichting provided a historical and sociological look at the construction of Grand Central Terminal. His award-winning book, Grand Central Terminal: Railroads, Architecture and Engineering in New York, was published in 2001.

In March, young alumni enjoyed a St. Patrick's Day party in the Levee hosted by George Diffley, vice president for university advancement, and William Schimpf, vice president for student services.

Hartford
In February, Hartford alumni met at Grant's in West Hartford to chase away the winter blues. Thanks to club president Paul Thompson '87 for organizing the event. Ideas for the Hartford Club may be sent to Paul at thomppft@aol.com.

In March, alumni helped Habitat for Humanity build a home for a family in the Hartford area. We thank Matthew Dallahan '94 for leading this event.

Save the Date: Join Hartford-area alumni on May 1 at 8 p.m. for the Connecticut Forum's Food Fest at the Bushnell Theatre. Hear from world-class chefs, critics, and lovers of food including Mario Batali, Jacques Pepin, and Jane and Michael Stern. For tickets and information, call the Office of Alumni Relations at (203) 254-4280.

New Haven
In March, New Haven alumni gathered at Christopher Martin restaurant in New Haven for a "Welcome-in Spring" social. We thank Joseph Del Vecchio '00 for organizing this event.

New York
In January, alumni from the classes of 1989 to 1992 gathered at Coppersmith's to remember their classmate and friend Michael Andrews '89, who died on Sept. 11. Thanks to Andrew Davis '89 and Matt McLaughlin '89 for helping plan "Mike's Night II."

On Feb. 1, New York-area alumni enjoyed the sounds of the Fairfield University Glee Club, conducted by Carole Ann Maxwell, during and after a 5:30 p.m. service at the Church of the Holy Trinity.

Puerto Rico
In February, alumni in Puerto Rico enjoyed a presidential reception with Fr. Kelley at Banco Popular's Banker's Club. Many thanks to David Chafey '76 for hosting the reception.

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

Artistic, educational, and spiritual pilgrimage to Italy
March 12-20, 2004

Join alumni and friends for Fairfield University's Alumni College Abroad program, led by professors Philip and Yael Eliasoph and Charles Allen, S.J. The trip includes Florence and Rome with excursions to Assisi and Siena. E-mail your expression of interest to alumni@mail.fairfield.edu.

Alumni Postcards: Kingston, Jamaica

Using skills learned in his undergraduate years, Matthew Gardner '90 (pictured left) applies some practical laws of physics to a chicken coop building project in Kingston, Jamaica. Another Mustard Seed volunteer assists with the construction.

When asked why he decided to go on three mission trips to Kingston, Jamaica, with Mustard Seed Communities, Matthew Gardner '90 says that his motivation goes back several years, starting with his immersion in the Jesuit tradition at Fairfield University.

"When I turned 30 I realized that it was at the age that Christ really began his mission," Gardner says. "So I was inspired to begin tutoring high school kids in Harlem and working in a soup kitchen."

It wasn't until he moved to Atlanta in 1999 that he began exploring overseas service opportunities. Gardner researched Mustard Seed Communities and soon began volunteering with the organization in Kingston. On his third trip to the island (in November 2002), Gardner led a group of 28 volunteers.

"The mission in Kingston," Gardner says, "is to uplift the less fortunate and those who have been forgotten, especially children who were born with disabilities or HIV and abandoned by their parents."

The service trips are not glamorous. Before boarding the plane, volunteers relinquish all conveniences such as cell phones and CD players. While in Kingston, their showers are restricted to one minute of running water per person - after a day of hard work in the hot sun building chicken coops, hauling trash, and painting buildings.

"Some tourists to the island don't realize that Jamaica is a third-world country," Gardner says. "They spend a week at a resort and have a wonderful time and are unaware that the reality of Jamaica is far different."

The truly rewarding aspect of these trips for Gardner is the time he spends with the children - playing with them, reading to them, and letting them know they are loved.

"We experienced some enlightening moments while amidst the poverty of Jamaica," says Gardner about the group. "No one left unchanged."

Matthew Gardner welcomes your e-mail at mgardner68@juno.com. For more information about Mustard Seed Communities, visit www.mustardseed.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.

Alumni volunteers...
We couldn't have done it without you!

Your energy and dedication to the University is felt throughout the year at Fairfield. National Volunteer Week (April 27 through May 3) serves as a reminder of your unfaltering support. We'd like to take this opportunity to say ... Thank you!

Alumni sponsors needed for Fairfield Book Award program

This year, Fairfield University will honor more than 200 high school juniors around the country with a Fairfield University Book Award. Designed to raise students' awareness of Fairfield and advance its reputation as a premier Jesuit university, the program awards a Merriam-Webster Collegiate Dictionary to one junior-year student in each participating high school. Recipients must meet the following criteria:

Rank in the top tenth of their class.

Participate actively in school and/or community activities.

Possess leadership qualities coupled with a sense of concern for and responsibility to others.

Currently, 50 high schools previously involved in the program are without alumni sponsors. To continue these partnerships, the University needs your help. The sponsorship fee is $35 per school per year. To sponsor an award, contact Laurie Conley, assistant director of admission and volunteer coordinator, at (203) 254-4000, ext. 2438, or lconley@mail.fairfield.edu.

Stag Spirit

Away games typically don't feature the boisterous Stag mascot to animate the crowd and encourage the players. T. Gerald "Rusty" Magner III '89, of Northfield, Ill., wouldn't let his favorite team go Stag-less last December when the men's basketball team took on DePaul. Having "been" the Stag mascot during his Fairfield days, Magner donned the Stag uniform once again for the game. Although the team lost, Magner kept fans' spirits high as he danced, wiggled, and grooved courtside.

Left: Pictured with Rusty "the Stag" Magner '89 is his wife, Sarah (Richard) '93, and their children (l-r) Teague, 9, Peter, 3, Grace,1, and Mary Catherine, 6. Right: Magner (left) with his son, Teague.