Winter 2000

Index for Winter 2000 Volume 1 / Issue 2

Welcome Home - Homecoming 1999
Homecoming 1999
Five inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame
REUNION 2000 - Reaching for a Millennium Million
Introducing Alumni Annual Fund Co-chairs
Calendar of Events
Club Happenings
Alumni Club Contacts
Legal Studies Program to form Advisory Council
The 1999 President's Dinner
500 "warm fuzzies" donated to area hospitals

Welcome Home

Homecoming 1999

Pictured from the Class of '93 (standing, l-r): Mark Petruzzi, Karen Barwick Petruzzi, Catherine Bassi Desmarais, Christopher Desmarais, Ed Fletcher, and Deidre Pollack Fletcher. Seated (l-r): Peter Thompson and Kimberly Bond Thompson.

Picture-perfect weather welcomed alumni "home" in November to celebrate Fairfield University's Homecoming 1999.

The 1999 Alumni Association's Athletic Hall of Fame dinner kicked off the weekend on Friday night, inducting five new members. Saturday began with a pre-game tailgate party starting at 10 a.m. More than 3,800 alumni, students, friends, and fans cheered from the stands at 1 p.m., as they watched the Stags football team defeat the Marist Red Foxes, 57-7.

Saturday evening featured a first-time "Battle of the Alumni and Student Bands" in the Oak Room with nine groups (seven were alumni bands) competing. A total of 450 alumni and students attended the event, which was capped off with a midnight breakfast. All proceeds generated from the evening's activities went toward the Hunger Clean-up.

Pictured left are running back Matt Costanzo '01 (#30) and quarterback Jim Lopusznick '00 (#12), who passed for five out of six touchdowns in the team's win over Marist.

Photos by Susan Warner

Homecoming 1999

These fans showed their Stags pride as they rooted for their favorite players - defensive end Nathan Lusas '01 and offensive tackle Brandon Csaszar '00 - at Saturday's game.

Photos by Susan Warner

Nearly 200 cars filled with tailgaters of all ages settled in behind Alumni Hall on Saturday, November 6, for a pre-game celebration.

Five inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame

More than 160 alumni, family, and friends attended the annual Athletic Hall of Fame Dinner on November 5 to recognize and honor excellence in athletics.

Thank you to the selection committee which was chaired by Anthony Merola '74 and included Francis Corr '60, Michael Steed '87, Steve Festa '84, Dr. Brian Fitzgerald '69, Peter Sullivan, Teale Zembruski '83, Gene Doris, athletic director, Jack Jones, director of sports information, and Rev. Victor Leeber, S.J., chaplain of athletics.

Reunion 2000

Reachin' for a Millennium Million

The nine Reunion Giving committees planning for Reunion Weekend in June hope to kick-off the new millennium by becoming the first set of classes to raise $1 million.

The committees are also working to reach and exceed individual class goals. With $950,000 as a minimum target, the committees feel confident that each class will exceed its current goal enroute to reaching the "millennium million."

So, when the phone rings and it's a classmate asking for your support, or you open an envelope from the chair encouraging an increased gift, take a moment to reflect on your Fairfield days. Giving helps strengthen Fairfield's legacy as a highly respected Jesuit institution. Make your Reunion year special by supporting your class giving campaign while marking your calendar for Reunion Weekend 2000.

If you have any questions about how to make a special gift in honor of Reunion, contact your class chair or the Annual Giving office at (203) 254-4004.

Note: Reunion Weekend invitations are scheduled to be mailed in early April. For information about the Weekend, contact the Alumni Relations office at (203) 254-4280.

Introducing Alumni Annual Fund Co-chairs:

Mike McGuinness '82 and Mary (Kelly) McGuinness '83

"There is something very rewarding about being able to assist the University from which you graduated," said Mike McGuinness '82, who, with his wife Mary (Kelly) McGuinness '83, is serving as co-chair of the 1999-2000 Annual Fund. "I'm proud of Fairfield's progress and I feel good about being a part of that." Alumni who support the Annual Fund represent a significant portion of the University's funding each year.

Mike and Mary have been President's Circle members since 1990. Mary has served as a reunion committee co-chair and enjoys knowing that the University continues to improve its offerings to current students. "I am very proud of Fairfield's academic reputation and am happy to assist students through the Annual Fund. Fairfield has a great formula for success."

From Southborough, Mass., they have three children, ages 12, 9, and 5. All alumni can look forward to hearing from Mike and Mary throughout the year.

For ticket information and event details, call the Alumni Relations Office at (203) 254-4280.

Get complete sports updates, schedules, and scores at www.fairfieldstags.com.

You're invited...
Trip to Lourdes and Loyola: An Ignatian pilgrimage of prayer and service, July 26-August 2
Spend a week with other Fairfield alumni, faculty, and students serving the sick, visiting the Lourdes shrine, and spending time in prayer. The trip includes a visit to Loyola, Spain, on July 31 (the Feast of St. Ignatius) to learn about his life and the Jesuit formation process. To join the University's Jubilee 2000 journey of prayer and service, contact Rev. Paul Carrier, S.J. at (203) 254-4000, ext. 2547, or Kate Carter at ext. 2668.

Club Happenings

Baltimore/Washington, D.C.
Cheering on the Stags

On October 30, Fairfield alumni met before the Georgetown vs. Fairfield football game for tailgating. Parents and families of players, along with alumni and friends, enjoyed a gorgeous day at the game. The fun continued at a post-game reception at Georgetown's Old Glory restaurant.

Save the Date

• February 18 at 7:30 p.m., the men's basketball team will take on Loyola of Maryland.
• You're invited to join the Fairfield University Club of Baltimore/ Washington, D.C. at this year's Embassy Series concerts and artists' receptions. The monthly series begins January 29 with a piano recital by Austrian pianist Barbara Moser. For a season schedule and ticket prices, call Embassy Series ticket office at (202) 625-2361.

Boston
Fundraising with Gershwin

Seventy alums and family members attended the Boston Club's fundraising dinner at the Westin Copley Hotel on October 8 for Fairfield's ice hockey team. Rev. Tom Regan, S.J., chair of the Philosophy Department, gave the invocation, and Athletic Director Gene Doris provided an update on athletics. Dr. Orin Grossman, acting academic vice president, performed a medley of Gershwin melodies following his update on campus academics. Department chairs Dr. John McCarthy (psychology) and Dr. Phil Lane (economics) also attended.

On October 16, alumni, family, and friends enjoyed a great fall day as the Stags played an exciting football game against the Holy Cross Crusaders.

Save the Date

• Don't miss the 18th annual St. Patrick's Day celebration on March 9, to be held at the Black Rose.
• On April 6, the club will host "Party for a Plate" to benefit Boston homeless. Call Martin MacDonnell '89 for reservations and information.
• The Third Annual Golf Outing will be held at Juniper Hills Golf Course in Northborough on May 13. For infor-mation, contact Brendan Downey '92.

Chicago

Assisting in Fairfield's future

More than 25 Chicago area alumni met in November with Marianne Gumpper, assistant director of admission, at the Chicago Athletic Association. Marianne discussed the opportunities available for Chicago alumni interested in participating in the admission process.

Brian Hayes '92 has stepped down as president of the Chicago club. Brian, thank you for your time and dedication these past two years.

Welcome to new co-presidents Matt Geraghty '96 and Jim O'Connor '98. Both are eagerly planning their first event and look forward to hearing from you.

Fairfield County
T'was the season for getting together

"First Fridays" at Stamford's Landmark Club were popular again this fall. Kicking off the semester on September 23, alumni met at the Club along with Fairfield basketball coaches Tim O'Toole and Dianne Nolan, and guest bartenders, Rev. Charles Allen, S.J., executive assistant to the president, and Dr. Phil Lane.

In November, Rev. Tom Regan, S.J. and Rev. Gregg Grovenburg, S.J., assistant university chaplain, were hosts at a cigar dinner at the Landmark Club for alumni and friends.

The Christmas season began on December 3 for the Fairfield and New Haven Clubs. The clubs again hosted an alumni reception in the Wien Theatre prior to the Glee Club's holiday concert, "Traditions and Treasures."

Rounding out the weekend was the Annual Alumni Christmas Mass celebrated by Rev. Paul Carrier, S.J., university chaplain, with music by the Ambassadors of Song.

Save the Date

• Don't miss Winter Homecoming on February 26.
• "Third Thursdays" began on January 20 at Coaches in Stamford. Catch the group again on February 17 at Black Rock Castle with special performances by the alumni band, NeverReady, and on March 16 at Larkin's Varsity Club.
• "First Fridays" at Stamford's Landmark Club will continue on February 4 and March 3.

Hartford

Fall reception in Hartford

B. Maxwell O'Meara '52 and the Hartford Club hosted a reception in October at the historic Hartford Club. Thirty-five alums enjoyed the evening and many signed up to assist with future events.

Save the Date

• The Hartford Club will host a reception for the hockey team at Zenny's restaurant in Storrs on February 26 prior to the game against UConn.
• Volunteer with the Club on April 29 in Habitat for Humanity. Limit 15. Contact Paul Thompson '87 at (860) 275-7833.

New Haven

Club social

Save the Date

• Co-presidents Steve Diaz '76 and Dave Vegliante '83 will be hosting a "Meet the Coaches"reception at the Graduate Club in New Haven from 6 to 8 p.m. on February 24. RSVP to Alumni Relations at (203) 254-4280.

New Jersey/New York

New club presidents kick off the season on the right foot

Jennifer Abate '94 and Chris Steger '92, presidents of the New York and New Jersey clubs respectively, brought the two clubs together for some sports action and two "Floating Nauts" at Tammany Hall in Manhattan in the fall. Jennifer and Chris also jumped at another "Naut" opportunity when the Stags played the Fordham Rams at the Continental Air Arena on November 29, where they held a reception prior to the game at the Winner's Club Bar. In January, the "Naut" became a post-game reception after the Stags vs. Siena game.

South Florida
Second annual dinner classic

Save the Date

• The Club will be hosting the Second Annual Florida Dinner Classic on May 6. For more information, contact Richard and Denise (DeNigris) Heagen '83 at (561) 368-6355.

On November 14, Gary Marzolla '71 (pictured left, second from left) hosted a sold-out pre-game tailgate reception at Giants Stadium. Pictured above (l-r) are Michael Feighan '71, Gary Marzolla '71 and his wife Marie, Gerald Sargent III '82, and his wife, Patricia Tobin Sargent '83.

Photo by Marshall Richards

Alumni Club Contacts
If you'd like to get involved with any of the alumni clubs or need more information about upcoming events, here is who to contact:

Alumni volunteers are needed for spring college fairs and telephoning accepted students.

Interested alumni should contact Marianne Gumpper, assistant director of admission/volunteer coordinator, at (203) 254-4000 ext. 2908.

Legal Studies Program to form Advisory Council

Fairfield's Legal Studies Program is looking for alumni attorneys interested in participating in forming a Legal Studies Advisory Council. Interested alumni should contact Julia Griffin Murphy, coordinator of the Legal Studies Program, at (203) 254-4000, ext. 2852.

The 1999 President's Dinner

This year, the Rev. Aloysius P. Kelley, S.J. celebrates his 50th year as a Jesuit and his 20th year as President of Fairfield University - the longest tenure of any president in Fairfield's history and the longest leadership tenure among all current presidents of the 28 Jesuit colleges and universities in the United States.

The annual President's Dinner was held at the Winter Garden World Financial Center in New York City on October 2. Among the 600 guests honoring Fr. Kelley and Fairfield University were members of the President's Circle and University community, as well as alumni and friends.

500 "warm fuzzies" donated to area hospitals

Nicholas Segretario '99, assistant director of alumni relations, collected more than 500 new teddy bears last month from the Fairfield University community, alumni, and friends. The bears were given to the Medical Mission Sisters from the Hartford Seminary, who distributed them to children in some of Connecticut's hospitals. Connecticut alumni also got involved, including Ann (Kardos) Gaudioso '85 of Stamford, who recruited 30 Girl Scout troops to deliver 140 bears; Maura McCullough-Fay MA'89, counselor in the School of Continuing Education, who organized town merchants and schoolchildren of Old Greenwich to contribute to the collection; and Donna (Schinella) Berger '75 of Fairfield who helped gather more than 90 bears.

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: