Spring 2005

Volume 6 / Issue 3

2005 Fairfield Awards Dinner to honor four

The Alumni Association of Fairfield University will recognize four graduates at the Fairfield Awards Dinner on April 20 in New York City. Chaired this year by University Trustee Ron Carapezzi '81, the annual event raises funds for the Alumni Association's Multicultural Scholarship Fund. The keynote speaker will be Benjamin Solomon Carson, M.D., director of pediatric neurosurgery at the Johns Hopkins Children's Center. Since its inception in 1988, the endowed fund has raised more than $3.9 million and has provided financial aid to 80 recipients. To attend, call the Office of Special Events at (203) 254-4000, ext. 2660.

Rev. W. Laurence O'Neil, S.J., M.A.'61, CT'72
Alumni Service Award

The Rev. W. Laurence O'Neil, S.J., joined the Fairfield Prep faculty in 1955. Since then, Fr. O'Neil has always helped students excel in their studies and in their professions. Today the director of Student Support Services, Fr. O'Neil works with the University's international students. As chaplain of the Alumni Association, he keeps in touch with many graduates. "I love to see students develop, graduate, and then report back their tremendous accomplishments," Fr. O'Neil says. "I appreciate being a part of their lives."

Geralyn Radowiecki Spollett '76
Alumni Professional Achievement Award

Geralyn Radowiecki Spollett earned a BSN from Fairfield and an MSN from Boston College. She returned to Fairfield from 1986 to 1991 as an adjunct professor in the School of Nursing. For 10 years, she was an associate professor at the Yale School of Nursing. Now the associate director of the Yale Diabetes Center, Yale University School of Medicine, Spollett develops programs for African-Americans, Hispanics, and Native Americans with diabetes. She is involved in the national board of the American Diabetes Association, and served on the National Certification Board for Diabetes Educators. In 1995, she won the Connecticut State Award for Excellence in Clinical Practice from the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners.

William J. Lucas '69
Distinguished Administrator Award

In 1966, the summer after his freshman year at Fairfield University, William J. Lucas landed a job in the accounting department. As a sophomore, he moved into a work-study position in the dean of students' office, where he worked for Dean Robert Griffin on a host of student-related activities for the remainder of his undergraduate years. "Bill was an amazing young man," recalls Griffin, today 81. "He applied himself to every task with diligence." That quality helped Lucas secure a full-time position in financial aid after graduation, followed by a promotion to University controller three years later. In 1983, he was named vice president for finance by then-University President Aloysius P. Kelley, S.J. Under Lucas's leadership, the fiscal year ending in June 2004 marked the University's 34th consecutive year of operating within a balanced budget.

Doug Perlitz '92
Alumni Humanitarian Award

Doug Perlitz founded a school and outreach program for homeless boys in Cap Haitien, Haiti's second largest city. The 13th Street intake center provides a safe, clean, environment for approximately 50 boys to shower, play sports, attend class, and receive meals. Those who are determined enough to come on a regular basis are asked to join the Project Pierre Toussaint village, a compound several miles outside the city where they live, attend classes, and learn vocational skills. The schools are supported largely by gifts from the Fairfield community, the Knights of Malta, and the Oblates of Mary Immaculate.

Ron Carapezzi '81
Dinner Chairman

Ron Carapezzi is president and CEO of GE Commercial & Industrial Finance and believes strongly in expanding Fairfield's diversity. He and his wife, Newell, established the Richard Magro Jr. '81 Scholarship, in memory of his good friend and classmate. Carapezzi was active on the class committee during the three-year Our Promise: The Campaign for Fairfield University.

Benjamin S. Carson, M.D.
Keynote Speaker

Statistics tell us that the chance of success for a poor, black boy growing up in Detroit with a single mother is slim at best. Indeed, Ben Carson, with his terrible temper and even worse grades, certainly looked as if he was heading for trouble in his early years. Fortunately, he and his brother had a few things going for them: a loving family and a strong mother, Sonya, who was not about to let her boys end up in the dustbin of history. When their grades began to fail, Sonya - who has a third-grade education - took action by limiting television and requiring her sons to read two books a week and provide her with a written report on each. Carson eventually rose to the top of his class, earning academic scholarships to Yale and to the University of Michigan School of Medicine, from which he graduated in 1977. He did his internship in general surgery at the Johns Hopkins Children's Center in Maryland, where he is director of pediatric neurosurgery.

Winter Homecoming 2005

Despite an impending blizzard, Stags fans came out in full force for the 8th annual Winter Homecoming on Jan. 22. The doubleheader against Siena (men) and Rider (women) ended in two exciting wins for Fairfield: 80-58 and 78-58. A special thanks to singers Kristen Record '99, Maryjane Pacifico, M.A.'65, Cheryl Mayeran '87, Lisa Sticca '97, and Amy Beech, M.A.'05 who harmonized a beautiful rendition of the National Anthem for the occasion. Alumni hoops players were introduced to the crowd prior to the men's game.

During halftime, University President Rev. Jeffrey P. von Arx, S.J., Athletic Director Gene Doris, Alumni Association President Paul Richards '71, and members of the Hall of Fame were among those who unveiled the mobile Athletic Hall of Fame.

The mobile Athletic Hall of Fame will be housed at the Arena during basketball season, after which it will travel to various alumni athletic events, including the Athletic Hall of Fame dinner in October.

Celebrating diversity

Larri Mazon, director of the Center for Multicultural Relations, and Attorney Ellen Morgan '86.

Attorney Ellen Morgan '86 of Shelton, Conn., was among this year's recipients of Fairfield University's Martin Luther King Jr. Vision Award. The awardees are honored for their dedication to help promote the ideals of Dr. King.

In her practice, Morgan emphasizes service to children and families, incorporating mediation as a tool. She currently is a volunteer mediator for the Dispute Settlement Center of Norwalk, providing dispute resolution to the community. She also serves on the board of the Child Guidance Center of Greater Bridgeport, and is a member of the Greater Bridgeport Bar Association, Connecticut's Juvenile Matters Trial Lawyers Association, and the National Association of Counsel for Children.

The awards were part of Fairfield University's three-day Martin Luther King Jr. Human Relations Celebration. At the Jan. 27 LaFarge Convocation held on campus, Fr. von Arx delivered the keynote address, in which he discussed his commitment to increase racial and economic diversity at Fairfield. He explored these questions, first by looking through the lens of Jesuit history; second, by examining the positive impact that diversity has on learning; and third, by reflecting on how these benefits resonate with the deepest values of the Jesuit educational tradition. He specifically mentioned the campus committee on diversity, an initiative of Academic Vice President Dr. Orin Grossman, and the need to include diversity in the University's strategic plan.

The 2005 Vision Award recipients also included Dr. Elizabeth Gardner, professor of psychology; Class of 2005 students Orlena Cowan and Katherine Canner-O'Mealy; and the Rev. Paul Merry, pastor of Blessed Sacrament Parish in Bridgeport.

Photo by B.K. Angeletti

Young Alumni to Cruise Manhattan 

Invitations will be sent soon for an evening cocktail cruise around Manhattan this summer. Here's your chance to see old friends - and meet new ones. If you and your friends are interested in this event, e-mail Megan Noonan '03, Alexis Loquercio '03, or Kim Gaines '03 at alumniinmotion@yahoo.com.

The greater the interest, the bigger the boat!

The Young Alumni Committee, Fairfield University's newest group, has some great ideas for events this spring. Check out its web page at www.fairfield.edu/youngalumni. While you're at it, update your contact information to receive event notices via e-mail.

Members of the Young Alumni Committee, Megan Noonan '03, Alexis Loquercio '03, and Kim Gaines '03, reunited at an Young Alumni event at Temple Bar in Stamford, Conn., in October.

Calendar of Events

For more information and news about additional events, visit www.fairfield.edu or call the Office of Alumni Relations at (203) 254-4280.

Giants game and tailgate reception sell out - again!

A sold-out crowd of more than 80 alumni, parents, and friends booed the weather but cheered on the Giants on Nov. 28, at the Alumni Association's seventh annual Giants game and tailgate reception. Fr. von Arx (center) was among the fans who enjoyed the day despite Mother Nature's attempt to dampen the party, hosted by Gary '71 and Marie Marzolla (pictured right, front).

Photo by Vic D'Ascenzo, M.A.'88

Reunion Weekend 2005

50th Reunion Weekend 
Class of 1955 - Golden Stags

Rooms are still available during Reunion Weekend at the Marriott Hotel in Trumbull, Conn., for $159 per night. For reservations, call (800) 682-4095.

For the classes of
'60, '65, '70, '75, '80, '85, '90, '95, and '00

Reunion invitations will be mailed in April with specific details, including campus housing information.

Make your class #1 at reunion

Join the Reunion Giving competition and help your class win in one or more of the following categories:

• Best Attendance at Reunion
• Best Class Participation Rate
• Highest Number of Gifts
• Most Money Raised

Make your contribution by June 3 to have your gift counted in this year's competition. Awards are based on actual dollars in hand; class totals will include this year's installments toward multi-year pledges.

Make your gift today by calling the Office of Annual Giving at (203) 254-4004, or visit www.fairfield.edu/give.

Have you seen these missing alumni?

We've lost track of the following alumni, but hopefully you haven't. With Reunion Weekend 2005 just weeks away, we want to make sure all reunion-year alumni receive invitations. If you've seen or heard from any of the following classmates, please call the Office of Alumni Relations at (203) 254-4280.

News from the Class of 2000 tri-chairs:
Alex Barnet, Andrea Bulla, and Tom Keefe

Our class has a chance to make a big difference in honor of our 5th Reunion! Trustee Nancy Altobello '80 (celebrating her 25th Reunion this year) will match, dollar-for-dollar, every gift that the Class of 2000 makes between April 1 and June 3. In other words, every gift will be automatically doubled! Watch your mailbox for details.

Club Happenings

Atlanta

Save the Date
On April 14, join Atlanta alumni at Limerick Junction Pub (822 North Highland Road, Virginia Highlands) for an evening of food and live Irish music. A complimentary appetizer buffet starts at 6 p.m. To attend, e-mail Marc Brennan '97 at marcjbrennan@earthlink.net.

Baltimore/Washington, D.C.

Even a snowstorm could not keep alumni, friends, and Stags fans from cheering on the men's basketball team as they challenged Loyola on Feb. 3. Fans also rallied the spirit at Mackey's Public House for the Stags basketball game on Feb. 19 during the ESPN Bracket Buster.

Save the Date
On May 5, join Baltimore and Washington, D.C., area alumni at a reception welcoming University President Rev. Jeffrey P. von Arx, S.J., at the Capitol building. Call the Office of Alumni Relations at (203) 254-4280 for more information.

Join area alumni on May 21 in the America Online/Greater D.C. Cares Servathon 2005. To sign up, please contact Christine Kohlmeyer '01 at ckohlmeyer@gmail.com or (202) 441-2661.

Boston

More than 75 alumni attended the Briefcase Breakfast on Feb. 16 at the Batterymarch Conference Center in Boston. University Trustee William P. Egan '67, P'99 was the guest speaker. Special thanks to Bill Crean '91, Dick Brewer '69, Tom Corra '91, and the host committee for spearheading this event.

In March, Boston-area alumni celebrated the luck o' the Irish at Hennessey's for their annual St. Patrick's Day party.

Save the Date
Don't miss the Eighth Annual Boston Club Golf Outing on May 14, at Juniper Hills Golf Course in Northborough, Mass. Proceeds will go to a scholarship benefiting a Boston-area Fairfield University student. Guests are welcome. For information, call Brendan Downey '92 at (781) 440-6248.

On July 9, join Boston alumni to help Habitat for Humanity. To sign up, e-mail Jodi DiGregorio '98 at jodianne_d@yahoo.com.

Fairfield

Love to golf? Interested in helping students network? Join the recently formed Fairfield University Golf Organization (FUGO), a golf club intended to help Fairfield students uncover future career opportunities in a social setting. Golf outings will take place on a bi-weekly basis.

Hartford

Alumni gathered on Feb. 17 for a fireside chat with politics professor Dr. Alan Katz, to discuss the 2004 presidential election. Special thanks to B. Maxwell O'Meara '52 for opening his home and hosting this event.

Manhattan

Alumni came loud and proud to the MAAC Alumni Party held at Coppersmiths (owned by Tom Jackman '90) on March 5 to cheer on the Stags as they contended for the MAAC Championship title.

Southern California

Save the Date
On May 15 at 11 a.m., join alumni in the Southern California area for one of the best brunches in town. The Castaway, at 1250 Harvard Rd. in Burbank, offers a spectacular view and a special champagne brunch for just $22.95. To reserve a space, e-mail Chris Cause '95 at ccause@sbcglobal.net.

Get out your peanuts and Cracker Jacks because alumni in Southern California are invited to see the Dodgers play the Mets on Aug. 13 at 1:05 p.m. Bring your friends and cheer on your team of choice! For tickets, e-mail Chris Cause '95.

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, or visit www.fairfield.edu/alumni.

 John Hickson '52 and Edward Klim '54 were among the alumni at Fairfield University's Golden Stags reunion on Feb. 6 in Palm City, Fla. The Golden Stags represent graduates from the Classes of 1951 to 1955.

Photo by Michael Kreuzer

Fore a good cause

Join alumni this spring for a day of golf at the Country Club of Fairfield. On May 9, Fairfield University Alumni Association will host its 23rd Annual Golf Tournament to benefit student athletes in non-revenue producing sports. All alumni are welcome. To play, call the Office of Alumni Relations at (203) 254-4280.

Meeting alumni around the world

During the past six months, Fr. von Arx has visited several alumni hubs, including Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York City, Chicago, Palm Beach, Fla., and San Juan, Puerto Rico. This spring, he will visit Boston on April 6, Washington, D.C., on May 5, and London on May 12.

Palm Beach, Fla.
January: Nancy Lynch, P'95,  Jack O'Connor '52, Roger Lynch '63, P'95, and Hope O'Connor at host Thomas Quick '77's home.

San Juan, Puerto Rico
February: David Chafey Jr. '76 (host), Eduardo Herencia '86, and Fr. von Arx at Banco Popular.

Chicago, Ill.
March: Tim Leydon '01, Gretchen Carey '01, Michael Giordano '99, and Fran Millar '01 met Fr. von Arx at the Tower Club reception hosted by Trustee Dan Simon and his wife, Sandi, P'01.

Los Angeles, Calif.
March: Fr. von Arx chatted with reception hosts D.D. Gavin Shipman and Stephen Shipman, P'06 at The Jonathan Club.

Career Fair attracts alumni recruiters

At Fairfield University's career fair, held Feb. 10 in Alumni Hall, Sharon Testa Pivirotto M.A. '84 (pictured right), from Bridgeport Public Schools, encouraged Chris DiBiase '05 (left), an English major from Massapequa Park, N.Y., to apply for a teaching position in the Bridgeport public school system. Of the more than 90 companies and organizations participating in the fair, 14 were represented by Fairfield alumni. More than 300 students networked with representatives from varied groups including the American Cancer Society, General Electric, Jesuit Volunteer Corps, and Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. The Career Planning Center holds the event twice a year primarily for undergraduate students, but graduate students and alumni are also welcome.

Recruiting for their respective employers were: David Hirx '03 (American Cancer Society), John Petrides '99 (Bear Stearns Asset Management), Nicola Douglas '02 and William Cotto '04 (Enterprise Rent-A-Car), Joe Hanlon '87 and Colin Torrance '04 (GE), Michael Newman '00 (Linens 'n Things), Michael Whelan '01 and Neemit Shah '04 (Prudential Financial), Kimberlie Leon '89 and Emily Sciascia '02 (Reed Exhibitions), Carla Schneider '01 (Soundwaters), Robert Harbeck '74 (Sprint), Marc Spellane '98 and Matthew Campbell '04 (Sun Life Financial), Nadine Sbezzi '82 (Talent Partners), Kristin Rodriguez '04 (TeleRep), Sally Hansen '96 (The Hain Celestial Group), and Paul McSherry '98  (UBS).

Photo by Jean Santopatre

Thank a retired professor

If you've ever wanted to thank the professor who really made a difference in your life, here is your chance. Listed below are faculty who will be retiring at the end of the academic year. Consider taking a moment to write a remembrance or two and send it to the Office of Alumni Relations, which will send submissions to each faculty member. In the letter, please provide your contact information. Letters are due by May 2 to the Office of Alumni Relations, Fairfield University, 1073 North Benson Road, Fairfield, CT 06824.

Retiring in 2005

Dr. Arthur Anderson, Sociology

Prof. Robert Bolger, Mathematics

Dr. Robert Fedorchek, Modern Languages

Dr. Ibrahim Hefzallah, Education Technology

Dr. Martin Lang, Religious Studies

Dr. John MacDonald, Chemistry

Dr. R. Keith Martin, Information Systems and Operations Management

Prof. Walter Petry, History

Dr. Lik Tong, Philosophy

Dr. Richard Tyler, Management

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 06824-5195
(203) 254-4000, ext. 2556
e-mail: jcaseria@mail.fairfield.edu
www.fairfield.edu

Editor
Jill Kasiewicz Caseria, M.A.'04

Editorial Board

Barbara D. Kiernan, M.A.'90, P'02, '94
Director of University Publications

Janet Canepa '82
Director of Alumni Relations

Nicholas Segretario '99
Associate Director of Alumni Relations

Elizabeth Chatel '02
Assistant Director of Alumni Relations

Jean Santopatre
University Photojournalist

Annie Forstrom, Designer