Winter 2001

Index for Winter 2001 Volume 2 / Issue 2

Homecoming Weekend 2000
Four alumni inducted into Fairfield's Athletic Hall of Fame
Winter Homecoming February 25
Alumni College enrolls 100
University to launch national journal this spring
Calendar of Events
Alumni tour of Spain and Portugal
The DiMenna Challenge to match Annual Fund gifts
In memoriam
Club Happenings
A breakfast of champions
Winter/Spring game highlights
Measure twice, cut once
Alumni Sport Shorts
Bear hugs

Homecoming Weekend 2000

There was no place like Fairfield in October as University alumni and their families returned to campus for annual Homecoming celebrations.

As tradition holds, the Alumni Association's Annual Athletic Hall of Fame dinner and induction ceremony launched the weekend on Friday night.

Saturday morning's pre-game tailgate party revved Stag spirit for the day's activities. More than 2,500 alumni, students, and friends cheered on the home team throughout its defeat of the Georgetown Hoyas, 38-14. Fans joined the coaches for post-game revelry at the Levee. That evening, former "Saturday Night Live" news anchor Colin Quinn performed his comedy routine in Alumni Hall for more than 600 alumni and students, rounding out a full day of festivities.

Homecoming photos by Susan Warner

Members of the Class of 2000 at the tailgate picnic before the big game. Pictured (l-r): Jeanne Volpitta, Jennifer Silveira, Jean Conway, Renee Kinsch, Matt Day, Jennifer Mazzo, and Megan Madden.

Student Alumni Association members cheered on the Stags and greeted alumni at the hospitality tent. Pictured (l-r): Nick Calcanes '02, Maureen Toomey '02, Chrystal Brown '02, Lynn Stasiowski '03, and Kristen Pienkowski '03.

Pictured (l-r) with the Fairfield Stag are Class of '68 alumni John Garandinitti, Anthony Labesky, Norm Balthasar, and Paul Bueker.

"Students for 4 years...Alumni for life!," worn by president of the Student Alumni Association, Karen Donoghue '03.

Four alumni inducted into Fairfield's Athletic Hall of Fame

To kick off Homecoming Weekend 2000, alumni, family, and friends joined the Alumni Association at the annual Athletic Hall of Fame Dinner on October 27 to honor excellence in athletics.

Thank you to Anthony Merola '74, selection committee chair, and committee members John Casper '91; Francis Corr '60; Gene Doris, director of athletics; Steve Festa '84; Dr. Brian Fitzgerald '69; Jack Jones, director of sports information; Dr. Phil Lane, associate professor of economics; Rev. Victor Leeber, S.J., chaplain of athletics; Robert Miani '92; Michael Steed '87; Peter Sullivan of the University grounds crew; and Teale Zembruski '83.

Photo by Ron Bruner

Standing (l-r): Robert Meyers '83 (club football), Alumni Association President Mary-Margaret Weber '84, University President Rev. Aloysius P. Kelley, S.J., and Christopher McTague '95 (swimming and diving). Seated (l-r): Jack Smith '85 (ice hockey), Fran Arthurs '95 (cross country), and Anthony Merola '74, chair of the Athletic Hall of Fame Committee.

Save The Date:

Winter Homecoming February 25

On Sunday, February 25, the women's basketball team takes on St. Peter's at 2 p.m., followed by the men's team against Loyola at 5 p.m. Join us for post-game celebrations at the Levee (sponsored by Alumni Relations and Athletics) with coaches Dianne Nolan and Tim O'Toole. Come and wish the teams well for the upcoming MAAC Tournament.

For more information, contact the Office of Alumni Relations at (203) 254-4280.

Alumni College enrolls 100

On November 11 more than 100 alumni returned to campus for Fairfield's Alumni College, held in the Charles F. Dolan School of Business. Taught by Fairfield professors from several departments, courses in the half-day program covered topics such as e-commerce, Italian architecture, and spirituality.

"Since graduation, I have wanted to come back to Fairfield. Alumni College gave me the opportunity to be a student again," says Lisa Sticca '97. "Each mini-course included lectures and open discussions. They were light, entertaining, and interactive." She chose mini-courses related to her undergraduate majors and interests.

Another rewarding aspect of the day for attendees was meeting and networking with other alums and catching up with professors. "Every time I visit campus, I feel like I'm coming home," Lisa says.

The program was sponsored by Alumni Relations, the School of Continuing Education, the Charles F. Dolan School of Business, and the College of Arts and Sciences.

University to launch national journal this spring

An undertaking of the English Department, Dogwood is a national journal of poetry and prose whose inaugural issue will be published in the spring.

A quarter-page ad in Writer's Chronicle, coupled with flyers sent to 500 creative writing schools, helped attract submissions from established and emerging writers across the nation. A $500 first prize will be awarded in both poetry and fiction.

Dr. Kim Bridgford and Dr. Michael White of the English Department are serving as co-editors. "Dogwood's reputation will be a reflection of Fairfield University and what it represents," explains Dr. White.

Alumni now have the opportunity to support Dogwood through their gift to the Annual Fund. Contact the Office of Annual Giving at (203) 254-4004 or 877-748-5123.

Calendar Of Events

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

Alumni tour of Spain and Portugal:

May 29-June 13, 2001

Alumni of all ages and their families are invited to join Dr. Martin Lang, professor of religious studies, on a cultural tour of northern Spain and Portugal. Tour stops include Lisbon, Madrid, and Barcelona, with special pilgrimage Masses at Loyola, Compostela, and Fatima. Daily Masses will also be celebrated at local churches and religious sites. This tour is held in conjunction with the Alumni Association of Georgetown University. Rev. Stephen Fields, S.J., professor of theology at Georgetown, will accompany the group as chaplain. For a full itinerary and additional tour details, call Dr. Lang at (203) 254-4000, ext. 2420.

The DiMenna Challenge to match Annual Fund gifts

Trustee Joseph DiMenna '80 and his wife Maureen have launched a $1 million challenge to Fairfield University's Annual Fund campaign, for gifts made through The President's Circle. In 1999, the couple made a gift of $5 million to the University for the extension and renovation of the library.

The DiMenna Challenge works like this:

• All increases in gifts to The President's Circle will be matched on a 1:1 basis. For example, a $1,000 gift increased to $2,500 will be matched with $1,500 from the DiMenna fund.
• New members of The President's Circle will have their entire gift matched 1:1, so that a $1,000 gift gets the full $1,000 match.

Membership in The President's Circle is extended to alumni, parents, and friends of the University who make an annual gift of $1,000 or more. Members of the most recent nine graduating classes can attain junior membership with a gift of $600.

"The President's Circle has risen to the occasion so many times on behalf of Fairfield University and we are sure its members and potential members will respond enthusiastically again," said Clare (Carney) Schimpf '76, director of annual giving. "Once more, we are indebted to Joe and Maureen DiMenna for their great generosity and allegiance to Fairfield."

For more information, contact Clare Schimpf at (203) 254-4004 or 877-748-5123.

In memoriam

Rev. Joseph E. McCormick, S.J., dean of discipline at Fairfield University from 1957 to 1966, died at the Campion Center in Weston, Mass., on November 4, after a prolonged illness. Fr. McCormick, who also served as rector of Fairfield's Jesuit Community from 1966 to 1970, was included in a feature article on Alzheimer's Disease in the Fall 1998 issue of Fairfield Now.

Rev. Arthur A. MacGillivray, S.J., chair of the English Department from 1947 to 1953, died at Marion Manor in South Boston on September 1. One of the original University faculty members, Fr. MacGillivray taught English and religion, and was assistant spiritual prefect, moderator of the Sodality Blessed Mary Virgin and League of the Sacred Heart. Also a poet, he published one volume of poetry and contributed his works to several anthologies.

Dr. Walter G. Ryba, dean of the School of Business, died at home in Ridgefield, Conn., on August 17. Appointed acting dean in 1997 and then dean in 1998, Dr. Ryba oversaw major advances in the School, including its final approval of accreditation by the AACSB-The International Association for Management of Education. He joined the University faculty in 1982. He was a professor of law and management when he was named associate dean, a position he held for four years.

Club Happenings

Access alumni information online at www.fairfield.edu and www.fairfieldstags.com

Check out alumni and club news, campus updates, publications, admission information, and the events calendar at www.fairfield.edu.

Keep up-to-date with the latest Stags game information at www.fairfieldstags.com. Purchase tickets online, access live internet broadcasts and schedules, and get updates on varsity scores.

Stretching resources through generosity and community service

Donald Shea '56 helped Fairfield freshmen volunteers clean up Svihra Park in Bridgeport on September 30. The project was part of the University's Campus Urban Experience (CUE), a community service activity required of all freshmen as part of their first year program at Fairfield. "I played in that park as a child and camped with the Boy Scouts in there," says Donald. "Through all the changes in the city, this land has remained woods." The park is more than 30 acres of woods - all needing TLC, which Fairfield students were happy to provide. Freshmen weeded, mulched, planted flowers, moved trees, removed rocks dangerous to children, and installed playground equipment.

Donald was impressed with the students' enthusiasm and involvement with the community. "When a hundred students come together to volunteer, that turns one dollar into three, four, or five dollars. Volunteers can make a big difference when a project has a modest budget," he says.

Pictured (l-r) are Donald Shea '56 with First Year Experience (FYE) Coordinators Christina Brasser '02, Mark Taraszkiewicz '01, and Kurt Kuechler '03.

Third annual tailgate at Giants Stadium

More than 85 alumni and friends came out for this year's Annual Tailgate Reception and game at Giants Stadium on November 12. Guests were treated to a pre-game spread second-to-none as only co-hosts Gary '71 and Marie Marzolla can do. Pictured above (l-r): John Munro '55, Frank Zaino '66, Tim Zaino '96, co-hosts Gary and Marie Marzolla, Ryan Marzolla, Kevin Marzolla, and Scott Langlais '84.

Hartford - From the heart

Paul Thompson '87 organized a Habitat for Humanity work day on November 4 for Fairfield alumni of Greater Hartford. Fifteen volunteers came out to lend a hand and assist in the construction of a home for a local family.

First impressions

B. Maxwell O'Meara '52, president of the Fairfield University Alumni Club of Hartford, organized a reception at the Hartford Club and a tour of the Impressionist exhibit at the Wadsworth Atheneum on October 12. Colleen McClain '99 and Marlie Lavatori '94 co-chaired the event as twenty-five alumni and friends listened to a presentation by Colleen prior to the tour.

Hockey Benefit raises $4,000

Seventy-five alumni and family members attended the second annual Benefit Banquet at the Westin Copley Hotel in Boston on September 30. Mike Brewster '97 was the master of ceremonies and Jim Hunt, the new head hockey coach, gave guests a preview of this year's team. Ed Horne '87, president of NHL Enterprises, was the event's guest speaker. Pictured (l-r): Marshall Richards '83, Head Coach Jim Hunt, Ed Horne '86, Psychology Chair and former coach Dr. John McCarthy, and Assistant Coach Pat Nugent '96.

Philadelphia - Stag spirit

More than 65 alumni and friends gathered at the President's Lounge on the Villanova campus for a pre-game reception on November 14. Fairfield fans were loud (and proud!) as they cheered on the men's basketball team against the Villanova Wildcats.

A breakfast of champions

To start the football season with a good balance of vitamins and energy, coaches and members of the administration served up a hot breakfast to 135 alumni, parents and friends at the 2000 Football Kickoff Breakfast held August 31 in the Thomas J. Walsh, Jr. Athletic Center. Proceeds from the breakfast benefited the Stag football program.

Diners were introduced to the team captains and received a preview of the season from Head Coach Kevin Kiesel. Special guests included University President Rev. Aloysius P. Kelley, S.J., Chairman of the Board of Trustees Roger Lynch '63, Alumni Association President Mary-Margaret Weber '84, former Stags player Bob Meyers '83, who was inducted into the Fairfield Athletic Hall of Fame in October, and State Representative Jack Stone.

2000 Kickoff waitstaff included (pictured, l-r): Paul Barnes '67; Will Mraz '73; George Diffley, vice president for University advancement, Bill Schimpf, vice president for student services; Jim Fitzpatrick '70, MA'72, assistant vice president of student services and operations; Marc Kolb, assistant football coach; Dianne Nolan MA'89, head women's basketball coach; Aaron Seymour '96; Kevin Kiesel, head football coach; Mike Zapolnik, assistant football coach; Joe Bernard, assistant football coach; Tim O'Toole '86, head men's basketball coach; Dennis Wade, assistant football coach; and Rich Papscoe '89.

Winter/Spring game highlights

This is a partial listing. For a complete sports lineup, check out www.fairfieldstags.com, the official athletic website of Fairfield University.

Men's Basketball

Feb. 4 ..........vs. Marist at Madison Square Garden, 2 p.m.
Feb. 10 ........vs. St. Peter's, 5 p.m.
Feb. 12 ........vs. Canisius, 7 p.m.
Feb. 16 ........vs. Siena, 7 p.m.
Feb. 18 ........at Rider, 4 p.m.
Feb. 22 ........at St. Peter's, 7:30 p.m.
Feb. 25 ........vs. Loyola, 5 p.m.
March 2-5 ....at MAAC Tournament (Buffalo, N.Y.), TBA

Women's Basketball

Feb. 4 ........vs. Iona, 2 p.m.
Feb. 7 ..........at Manhattan, 7 p.m.
Feb. 10 ........vs. Marist, 2 p.m.
Feb. 16 ........at Canisius, 5:30 p.m.
Feb. 18 .........at Niagara, noon
Feb. 22 ........vs. Rider, 7 p.m.
Feb. 25 ........vs. St. Peter's, 2 p.m.
March 1-4 ....at MAAC Tournament (Buffalo, N.Y.), TBA

Ice Hockey

Jan. 30 ........vs. Army, 7 p.m.
Feb. 9 ..........vs. Connecticut, 8 p.m.

Men's Lacrosse

Feb. 18 ........at North Carolina, noon
Feb. 24 ........vs. Holy Cross, 1 p.m.

Women's Lacrosse

Feb. 19-20 ...South of the Border Tournament -
Duke Univ./Univ. of North Carolina
April 28 ........MAAC Tournament (Siena), 4 p.m.

Women's Crew

April 29 ........at MAAC Championship (home)
May 10-12 ...at Dad Vail (Philadelphia, Penn.)

Measure twice, cut once

Photo by Susan Warner

In September, Mike Purcell '04 and Grace Smith '04 of the cross country teams were among more than 100 student-athletes who helped construct a new playground at Fairfield's Sherman School. Members of the ice hockey, men's lacrosse, softball, and men's and women's cross country teams participated in the two-day project. Mary-Margaret Weber '84, president of the Alumni Association, was a member of the construction committee and invited the Stags to participate in the event.

Alumni Sport Shorts

Golf & Lacrosse: Homecoming Weekend marked the beginning of a new tradition for alumni golfers. On October 27, the first Alumni Lacrosse Golf Outing and Banquet took place at Richter Park in Danbury, Conn. Thirty-two alums enjoyed a day on the green, while reuniting with Fairfield friends. The following morning, nearly 40 lacrosse players returned to campus to test their skills in the annual alumni game. The "odds" took on the "evens" for a great day on the field.

Cross Country: Roy Harris, head coach for the cross country team, organized the alumni cross country race on September 30. Participants enjoyed a 3.1-mile run through campus and a small reception following. Plans are in the works for next year's event!

Bear hugs

Thanks to alumni and friends, this year's Teddy Bears with Love collection surpassed last year's records! Teddy bear donations made the holiday season brighter for those Connecticut children who needed them most. This year, the bears were delivered to children who had to spend the holidays in area hospitals, as well as to those who have an incarcerated parent. More bears were sent to Bridgeport's Center for Women and Families.

Special thanks to Ann (Kardos) Gaudioso '85, Stamford Girl Scout Troops, Jennifer (Gall) Errico '91, Flood Intermediate School in Stratford, and the Walk Dance Academy in Norwalk for their donations and contributions.

Spearheading the collection for the second year in a row was Nicholas Segretario '99, assistant director of alumni relations. "On behalf of all these children, thank you for your generosity, love, and support," says Nick.

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:

1073 North Benson
Bellarmine Hall Room 220
Fairfield University
Fairfield, CT 06430-5195
(203)254-4000 ext. 2556
e-mail: jkasiewicz@mail.fairfield.edu
www.fairfield.edu

Editor
Jill Kasiewicz

Editorial Board
Douglas Whiting
Associate Vice President for Public Relations

Barbara D. Kiernan MA '90
Director of Publications

Janet Canepa '82
Director of Alumni Relations

Nicholas Segretario '99
Assistant Director of Alumni Relations

Design
Nancy (Gelston) Dobos '91
Dobos Design