Spring 2006

Volume 7 / Issue 3

After 30 years of service, George Diffley announces his retirement

In the three decades of George Diffley's career at Fairfield University, there have been scores of exciting moments, emotional moments, and moments that were just downright funny. And sometimes, they were all rolled up in a single event.

Take his first President's Circle Dinner. In 1976, there were just 13 members. The newly hired Diffley had arranged the event to take place in the campus center's then-President's Dining Room. When he arrived on the scene, the room set-up wasn't exactly what he had anticipated. "So I found myself, moments before the guests arrived, moving chairs around, balancing on a ladder, and unscrewing light bulbs from the ceiling to create a softer atmosphere," he remembers, chuckling.

Today, with 1,237 Circle members and a new light-bulber on duty, Diffley, who has served Fairfield University as Vice President for Advancement, is ready to retire. He's at ease with his decision, his life, and the next steps he plans to take. In fact, he's more forward-thinking than ever, already arranging to care two days a week for his first grandchild, due in May.

"I believe this is the right moment for me. Fairfield is ready to move forward to the next phase. The future leadership of the division should be in place as the University moves to implement its new strategic vision," he says. "Over the years, we've had some wonderful accomplishments as a division, and we should feel proud of what's been done." As vice president, Diffley has overseen the departments of Advancement Research, Alumni Relations, Development (Annual Giving, Major Gifts, Foundation Relations, Corporate Relations, Constituent Relations, Planned Giving, and Development Services), Public Relations (Media Relations, Publications, Printing and Graphic Services, Sports Information, and the University website), and Special Events.

Jesuit institutions have been a part of his life since he graduated from high school: he has two degrees from Fordham, and has served as regional director of development at Georgetown. Moving to the vice presidency spot at Fairfield in 1975 was a natural progression in his career, after two positions in higher education. He found Fairfield's environment energizing, and, with the University only 33-years young then, knew it was a great opportunity for him. "We grew together," he notes.

While serving three presidents during his tenure and working through two successful capital campaigns, Diffley's fundraising efforts have not gone unnoticed. In 1999, he received the Rev. Barry M. McGannon, S.J., Award from the Jesuit Advancement Administrators, an award presented to a professional whose service to Jesuit higher education is an inspiration to others. The 1988 to 1992 fundraising effort, The Campaign for Fairfield University, surpassed its goal by $35 million. The recent Our Promise: The Campaign for Fairfield University increased its original $100 million goal by $25 million midway through, and finished with a total $137.9 million.

"George is a consummate professional who oversaw the development of a vitally important and extraordinarily successful division of the University at a critical time in Fairfield's history. Because of his thorough understanding of Jesuit higher education and his commitment to its ideals, his counsel and judgment were sought constantly by every segment of the University's organization," says the Rev. Aloysius P. Kelley, S.J., who retired in 2004 after his 25-year tenure as University President. "In addition, he was able to recruit to his Division talented individuals who provided the stability and the support needed to make two major capital campaigns remarkably successful. He is respected, admired, and loved by all who shared his devotion to Fairfield University."

Over the years, he's gotten to know a lot of alumni, many of whom have become personal friends, says Diffley. Some he knew as students now sit on the Board of Trustees and serve in many other volunteer capacities at Fairfield. He also watched his daughters, Megan, '96, M.A.'02, and Kara, '97, M.A.'05, build personal relationships with the University as students, and now, as alumnae.

For George and his wife, Maureen, who teaches English at Fairfield Prep, campus has been an extension of the family. "The only one that's not connected to Fairfield University is our dog, Lizzie, but we're working on that," he jokes.

Saying goodbye to Fairfield completely isn't in his plan, although he does intend to spend plenty of time catching up on reading and volunteer activities. He has also made himself available as a consultant to the University.

"I feel so blessed to have been part of something that has grown so beautifully over the years, and to work with people I so respect," he reflects. "I'll really miss this place."

Photo by Jean Santopatre

Alumni Association welcomes Dr. George Lacovara '56 as new president 

Dr. George Lacovara '56, P'87 is a man who loves to be involved. Chemistry Professor emeritus Dr. John Barone once told the young Lacovara he had to either "major in extra-curricular activities or biology - not both."

He certainly found a way to balance his time during his years at Fairfield, being involved with the student government, Glee Club, The Mirror, and many other organizations, while working toward a degree in biology.

After graduation, he went on to Columbia University School of Dental & Oral Surgery, and earned a degree in 1962.

A dentist in his native Fairfield for 36 years, Dr. Lacovara has been enjoying his retirement since 2000, while continuing to remain active by playing golf, staying involved in the Fairfield community, and spending time with his six grandchildren.

An active member of the Alumni Association Board of Directors since 1998, Dr. Lacovara's two-year term as president will begin in July. He hopes to gain even more recognition for the Alumni Association on campus, and increase alumni involvement in the events the Association organizes each year. He is also excited about working with University President Jeffrey P. von Arx, S.J., in executing the strategic vision.

"Right now what I'm most looking forward to is my own 50th class reunion this year," says Dr. Lacovara, who is co-chairing the event. "I am very eager to see my old pals, some of whom I haven't gotten the chance to see in many years."

Dr. Lacovara is very proud to be a Fairfield University alumnus, and is excited to begin his term as Alumni Association president, yet another role that will help him stay involved in his community.

500 wins and counting

Fairfield University honored Head Women's Basketball Coach Dianne Nolan, M.A.'89, on Feb. 11 for winning the 500th game of her 32-year career - in a Jan. 29 game over Rider University (68-53). Nolan is the 28th coach in Division I women's basketball to join the 500-win club, and the second in the history of the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) to reach the elite ranking.

She began her coaching career at St. Francis College (N.Y.) in 1974, and picked up her first win over Malloy College that season. Her first Fairfield win was Dec. 1, 1979, an 88-74 victory over the University of Bridgeport. Nolan has coached the Stags to four MAAC titles, three NCAA Tournament appearances, and one WNIT berth.

In her career, Nolan has earned five MAAC Coach of the Year accolades (1983, '84, '90, '98, and 2000), and was named New England Coach of the Year in 1984. After the 2000-01 campaign, she was named the Coach of the Year by the Metropolitan Basketball Writer's Association. Adding to her accomplishments, Nolan served as an assistant coach at the 1990 United States Olympic Festival and the 1993 World University games.

Photo by Bob Winkler

2006 Fairfield Awards Dinner honors two alumni

The Alumni Association of Fairfield University recognized two alumni at the Fairfield Awards Dinner on April 4 in New York City. Chaired this year by William A. Malloy '80, president of Marsh Inc., the annual event benefits the Alumni Multicultural Scholarship Fund in support of African American, Hispanic, Asian, and Native American students. The Alumni Association presented the keynote speaker, Jesse L. Martin, American stage and screen actor, Detective Ed Green of NBC Universal's Law & Order, with the Fairfield Award for Distinguished Leadership.

The honorees included Mary-Margaret Weber '84, former Alumni Association president (2000-2002), with the Alumni Service Award; Christopher J. McCormick '78, president and CEO of L.L. Bean, with the Alumni Professional Achievement Award; and Dr. Judy Primavera, professor of psychology, with the Distinguished Faculty/Administrator Award.

Awards honor Dr. King's vision

Paula Donovan '77 was among this year's recipients of Fairfield University's Martin Luther King Jr. Vision Awards. Awardees are honored for accomplishments that reflect Dr. King's vision.

Donovan has dedicated 19 years to a career in international relations, focusing on HIV/AIDS work. In 2000, she served as UNICEF's regional advisor on HIV/AIDS for 23 African countries and was subsequently recruited by UNIFEM, the UN's women's agency, as its Gender and AIDS Advisor in Africa. Early in her career, she managed public relations for the anti-poverty program, Action for Bridgeport Community Development.

Today, Donovan is senior advisor to Stephen Lewis, UN Special Envoy for HIV/AIDS in Africa. This year, she has been named a policy consultant on children and AIDS with the Harvard School of Public Health's Francois X. Bagnoud Center for Health and Human Rights.

The 2006 Vision Award recipients also included Dr. John A. and Rose Marie (CT '63) Barone, leaders in supporting educational opportunities for multicultural students. During his 42-year career at Fairfield, Dr. Barone served as a professor of chemistry in the College of Arts and Sciences and as the University's first provost. He was instrumental in bringing to campus the Upward Bound program, which works with college-bound Bridgeport high school students. His wife, Rose Marie, spent her 25-year teaching career at two Bridgeport high schools. Upon her retirement, she donated nearly $300,000 to Fairfield University for a scholarship for multicultural students.

Other awardees were Dr. Winston Tellis, M.A.'69, the Camille and Stephen Schramm Professor of Information Systems and Operations Management in the Charles F. Dolan School of Business, who has worked to address issues of poverty in Haiti, Nicaragua, and Bridgeport; and Chrystie Cruz '07, cultural director of the Fairfield University Student Association.

The awards were part of a campus-wide, three-day Martin Luther King Jr. Human Relations Celebration. At the Martin Luther King Jr. Convocation, speaker Rev. Bryan Massingale, theology professor at Marquette University, focused on Dr. King's insistence that racism, poverty, and war are the greatest threats to the achievement of a better, more inclusive society.

Photo: Paula Donovan '77 and Larri Mazon, director of the Center for Multicultural Relations

Photo by B.K. Angeletti

Reunion Weekend 2006

50th Reunion Weekend 
Class of 1956 - Golden Stags

Saturday, May 20

11 a.m.
Registration - Alumni House

Noon
Class of 1956 Luncheon - Alumni House

1:30 p.m.
Campus tour with Rev. Charles Allen, S.J. - Alumni House Circle    

4 p.m.
Baccalaureate Mass - Bellarmine Lawn (Rain location: Alumni Hall)
The Class of 1956 will process with the faculty.

5 p.m.
The Golden Stags Reception - Charles F. Dolan School of Business Dining Room

6 p.m.
The Golden Stags Dinner - Classes of 1951-56 - Charles F. Dolan School of Business Dining Room
University President Jeffrey P. von Arx, S.J., will honor the Class of 1956 at a special ceremony.

Sunday, May 21

8 a.m.
Continental Breakfast and Class Photo -  Charles F. Dolan School of Business Dining Room

10 a.m.
56th Commencement - Bellarmine Lawn
Celebrate Fairfield's 56th Commencement and your 50th Reunion by marching in the procession. Ceremonies will include special recognition of the Class of 1956.

12:30 p.m.
Farewell Reception - Bellarmine Hall

Rooms are still available during Reunion Weekend at the Trumbull Marriott Hotel for $169 per night. For reservations, call (800) 682-4095.

For the Classes of '61, '66, '71, '76, '81, '86, '91, '96, and '01

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

Saturday, June 10
Registration:  Check in
Charles F. Dolan School of Business lobby
Morning: Welcome Breakfast

• Tour the campus
• Take part in the Fun Run
• Sign up for the online community

Afternoon:
Texas Barbecue
Barlow Field

• Join family and friends for the best barbecue around! A DJ will spin tunes and there will be special entertainment for the kids.
• Take a trolley tour of campus.

Evening:
President's Circle Reception
Class Cocktail Parties
Reunion Dinner Dance

Sunday, June 11
Morning:
Continental Breakfast
Reunion Mass
Egan Chapel of St. Ignatius Loyola

Farewell Champagne Brunch

Throughout the weekend:

• Visit the bookstore
• Work out at the Leslie C. Quick Jr. Recreation Complex
• Tour the campus

Make your class #1 at reunion

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

Make your contribution by June 2 to have your gift counted in this year's competition. Awards are based on actual dollars in hand.

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

If you have any questions, contact Jessica Colligan '03, associate director of annual giving, at the number above or at jcolligan@mail.fairfield.edu.

Have you seen these missing alumni?

We've lost track of the following alumni, but hope you haven't. With Reunion Weekend 2006 quickly approaching, 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.

Class of 1951
Frank T. Clark
Thomas J. Davis
William R. Forte
Michael T. Levinsky
David W. Murphy
Umberto Russo
William J. Szombathy
Robert M. Tyler

Class of 1956
Albert M. Sullivan

Class of 1961
Robert V. Biroschak
Francis W. Colleran Jr.
John E. Faulkner
John H. Garity
Van F. Geisler
Marc G. Jasmin
Donald J. Johnson
John B. Kilfoyle
Edmund W. Korpas
Peter T. Kujawski
William C. McNulty
Richard B. Medve
Raymond E. Ryan
Robert A. Walsh
Robert W. Whelan

Class of 1966
Nicholas J. Abbot Jr.
Donald J. Aliberto
John D. Bailhe
William A. Connelly Jr.
Robert E. Corbett
Robert L. Dolan
Claude N. Frechette
Ronald G. Hadfield
John M. Hammer
Thomas A. Hufnagel
Jeffrey R. Lee
Richard P. Maracina
Charles J. O. Obol
Alan S. Richards
Alan R. Saginario
John J. Sayers Jr.

Class of 1971
Brian K. Barnett
Dennis G. Bludnicki
John J. Campbell
George D. Caratzas
Walter J. Cedar
James P. Condren
Frank A. D'Amato
Patrick J. Downs
Mark L. Frazer
Michael J. Garrett
Joseph J. Hunt
Michael F. Janczecki
Kevin J. Kelley
Bruce R. Klastow
Peter A. Macary Jr.
Timothy J. Maloney
William J. McCann
Robert J. McMahon
Albert Mento Jr.
John J. Mirisola
Walter A. Mullon
James L. Turner Jr.
David L. Wright

Class of 1976
Barbara (D'Alessio) Allison
Patricia (Bemiss) Brecciaroli
Ralph H. Cheney
Wallace M. Ford
Michael W. Kearns
Joseph R. Kondziela
Joann (Garofan) Newman
Richard P. Pitre
Robert E. Porcaro
Ingrid G. Reichenback
James J. Williams Jr.

Class of 1986
Deborah A. Dolan
Kathleen (House) Earley
Catherine (Henwood) Eklund
Ginamarie Foglia
Sheryl (Schroth) Gilbert
Sarah A. Kelly
Tereza B. Lima
Elina (Monteagudo) McDonald
Eileen M. Schlichtig
Susan (Vandegrift) Winter
Janice (Maves) Wright

Class of 1991
Kathleen Allen
Deborah (Pallas) Bernard
Stephanie A. Caso
Mark W. Davidson
Kimberly (Torpey) Donovan
Maria Luisa Felix
Timothy S. Gunning
Mark P. Hehir
Alexandra Karanik
Robert C. Knapp
Pamela J. Nocerino
Vincent C. Parrotta
Patrick S. Quinlan
Mary St. John
Jorg N. Steyskal
Stephanie Thornton

Class of 1996
Michelle (Vodrazka) Arseneau
Miguel A. Bandres
Robert J. Dungan
Kurt W. Hackbarth
Susan Hadnagy
Suzanne D. Hassett
Junghyun Huh
Lynn Jacobowski
Justin M. Kern
Michele Kozloski
Kathryn E. Lonergan
Jennifer L. Mongillo
Taranjit Mudhar
Kieran M. Sikso

Class of 2001
Jeannette Bilello
Eva M. Carignan
Khoa Dang Do
Stacy A. Long
Gregory G. Morris
Marina A. Obarrio
Kathleen Marina Watson
Agnes Zbylut

Club Happenings

Baltimore/Washington, D.C.
Stag spirit was alive when D.C.-area fans cheered on the men's basketball team as the athletes challenged the Georgetown Hoyas on Dec. 11. A post-game reception was held at Fado's pub.

More than 70 alumni and parents welcomed University President Jeffrey P. von Arx, S.J., to the Washington, D.C., area on Feb. 7 with a reception at the University Club.

Save the Date
On May 7, cheer on the Washington Nationals with other alumni as the team takes on the Pittsburgh Pirates. Game time is 1:05 p.m. at RFK Stadium, Washington, D.C. For tickets and more information, contact Christine Kohlmeyer '01 at ckohlmeyer@gmail.com.

Join area alumni on May 20 in the America Online/Greater D.C. Cares Servathon 2006. To sign up, e-mail ckohlmeyer@gmail.com.

Boston
More than 75 alumni attended the Briefcase Breakfast on Jan. 20 at Ernst & Young, hosted by Fairfield University Trustee Nancy A. Altobello '80. Special thanks to Lt. Col. Christopher Conley, P'06, guest speaker, for sharing his experience in Afghanistan. If you are interested in planning the next Briefcase Breakfast networking event, contact Bill Crean '91 at bill.crean@cbre-ne.com.

On March 10, alumni celebrated the luck o' the Irish with their 24th annual St. Patrick's Day Party at the Black Rose in Boston.

Save the Date
Don't miss the 9th Annual Greater Boston Club Golf Outing on June 24 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 contact Brendan Downey '92 at (781) 440-6248.

Chicago
Hoops fans came out to cheer for the men's basketball team as it took on the Loyola Ramblers on Feb. 18.

Hartford
Hartford-area alumni gathered on Feb. 17 to indulge their senses and broaden their palate as they "Swirled the World" with a wine tasting at the West Hartford Art League. Thanks to Max O'Meara '52 and Cathy Scarfe Pedemonti '84 for organizing this sold-out event.

It was another night of strikes, cheers, and an occasional gutter ball as alumni gathered at the Blue Fox Rock 'n Bowl in Simsbury on March 23.

If you are interested in planning young alumni events in the Hartford-area, contact Deirdre Tindall '99 at deirdre@foxforce.com.

Save the Date
Plans are underway for a late spring business networking reception and family outing. Watch your mailbox for details.

Max O'Meara '52 and Cathy Scarfe Pedemonti '84

Photo by Nicholas Segretario '99

Thank a retiring professor or administrator

If you've ever wanted to thank a professor or administrator who made a difference in your life, here is your chance. Listed below are faculty and administrators (to date) who plan to retire 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 forward submissions. In the letter, please provide your contact information. Letters are due by May 1 to the Office of Alumni Relations, Fairfield University, 1073 North Benson Road, Fairfield, CT 06824.

Retiring in 2006 (to date)

• Dr. Elia Chepaitis, Information Systems and Operations Management, Charles F. Dolan School of Business
• George E. Diffley, Vice President for University Advancement
• Dr. Consolación Garcia-Devesa, Modern Languages and Literature, College of Arts and Sciences
• William P. Schimpf, Vice President of Student Services (retired 12/05)

Sail away: Summer Young Alumni boat cruise

It's almost cruise time again! After last year's success, plans are in the works to make this year's Young Alumni event even bigger and better. Watch your mailbox for information and get ready for a night on the water in Manhattan this summer. Here's your chance to see old friends, meet new people, and have some Fairfield fun.

For more information, contact Class of 2003 alumnae Megan Noonan, Alexis Loquercio, or Kim Gaines at alumniinmotion@yahoo.com.

Alumni Postcards
A Year in Tijuana

Under the bright sun of Tijuana, Mexico, Tim O'Connor '05 is working - heart and soul. On any given day, you can find him mixing cement by hand to rebuild a neighborhood school, playing tag with children at an orphanage, or serving lunch at a local migrant center.

Most Americans who visit this border city only experience its limbo-like existence. Throngs of young visitors, the expected Mexican souvenirs, and impoverished children selling trinkets along the main strip are among the limited aspects day-trippers see during an excursion south. Yet for O'Connor, a year of service with an organization called Los Niños has opened his eyes to all the beauty that Tijuana has to offer.

"Tijuana is an incredible city filled with so much culture and kindness that gets lost among the stories of drug trafficking and government and police corruption," he says. "Tijuana has even been named as one of the top seven cultural centers of the world."

O'Connor serves as a guide for groups of college and high school students who travel to the region to volunteer with various agencies. By setting up work projects and cultural excursions for student groups, he tries hard to change young people's preconceptions of what the area has to offer.

He was first introduced to Tijuana in much of the same way, traveling there in 2004 with the Arrupe Volunteer program of Campus Ministry. After the experience, he thought about doing a year of service, but wasn't sure. "I felt that my time would be better spent getting my career underway," says this communications and film production double major. "After realizing that spending a year like this would not be giving anything up, I knew the experience would greatly add to my life in a way that working for others allows a person to do." 

Learning how to feel comfortable out of their element is a central life lesson O'Connor hopes the students understand when they return home. "While here, I have learned that it is very important for people to leave their comfort zone," he says. "At this point in my life, I went to another country where I didn't speak the language and elected to live very differently than I did at home. It may sound cliché, but I feel that this year I have learned new things about myself and others. That's not necessarily because I am here doing service work, but because I left many things that were familiar to me. I hope to continue to do that throughout my life."

He appreciates the opportunity to learn about Tijuana's culture – and the social and political issues affecting it – by living among the local population. "Being down here has also shown me the good that people are capable of doing, whether that be the good of the students who come from the United States to work, or the good of the community members who are selflessly trying to make their neighborhoods better places for their children," he says. "It's been a life-altering experience."

Alumni recruit at on-campus Career Fair

At Fairfield University's 2006 Career Fair, held on campus Feb. 9, Greg Walsh (center left) and Fairfield alumnus Joseph Stagg '04 (center right) of Walsh Public Relations in Fairfield, answered questions from Andrew Patashowick '07 (far left), a marketing and management major from Springfield, Mass., and Taylor Warwick '07 (right), a communication and economics major from Shawnee Mission, Kan. More than 80 companies and organizations participated in the fair, with 17 represented by Fairfield alumni. About 350 students attended and networked with the various representatives of an array of organizations, including the American Cancer Society, Ernst & Young, General Electric, and the Peace Corps. The Career Planning Center holds the event twice a year, primarily for undergraduate students, but graduate students and alumni are also welcome to attend.

Recruiting for their respective employers were:

Matt Greenstein '03 (Archives One); Sharon Pivirotto, M.A. '84 (Bridgeport Public Schools); Laura Sandonato '04 (Cendant Mobility); Kathleen Corrigan '01 and Jeanne Cronin '95 (Ernst & Young); Chris Huff '04 (FactSet); Joe Hanlon '87, Colin Torrance '04, Andrea Suriano '04, and Greg Newman '00 (GE Commercial Finance); Linda Zebian '05 (Images and Details Inc.); John Cannon '80 (John S. Herold Inc.); Jean Conway '00, Rashad Ford '00, Greg Zacholl '02, Jim Brasser '04 (KPMG); Steve Edison '03 and Billy Allison '05 (Merrill Lynch); Michael Siuta '92 (North Rockland Central School District); Katy Garner '03 (Northwestern Mutual Financial Network); Christopher Halliday '96 (Pepperidge Farm); Scott Fletcher '84 and Arelis Cintron '03 (Primerica); Valerie Achkhanian '04 (TeleRep); Dana Comuniello '02 and Jennifer Keras '02 (The New England Center for Children); and Fran Mollica '99 (Vertrue).

Photo by Jean Santopatre

Fairfield's Online Community is Launching in May!

Access will be free and open to all alumni. Upon enrolling, you'll be able to easily:

• Connect with friends and classmates worldwide through an online directory
• Network through FAN (Fairfield Alumni Network) with alumni from a multitude of career industries and regions
• Let others know what you've been up to. Post a Class Note and photos of your wedding, new baby, or that fabulous trip
• Register for special alumni events
• Receive advance notice of University news
• ...and much more!

Help us build Fairfield's online community - update your contact information today at www.fairfield.edu/updateus

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, '04
Director of University Publications

Janet Canepa '82
Director of Alumni Relations

Nicholas Segretario '99
Associate Director of Alumni Relations

Colleen McGinn
Assistant Director of Alumni Relations

Jean Santopatre
University Photojournalist

Annie Forstrom, Designer