Winter 2004

Index for Winter 2004 Volume 5 / Issue 2

University President embarks on farewell tour
Alumni Return for Homecoming Weekend 2003
2003 Athletic Hall of Fame inducts three
Calendar of Events
Club Happenings
Alumni sponsors needed for Fairfield Book Award program
Alumni honor Prof. Suzanne Lyngaas with Distinguished Teaching Award
Young Alumni Professionals Night
University Community Remembers Mark Fisher '06
Fairfield University alumni in post-graduate service
Alumni luncheon speaker series features timely topics
Women's basketball raffle: Pebble Beach or Las Vegas
Reunion 2004 Save The Date
Leadership Workshop: The finish line in sight
Ways to give
Participation equals strength
Health care, counterterrorism, and entertainment

University President embarks on farewell tour

 

After 25 years of service to Fairfield, University President Aloysius P. Kelley, S.J., will retire from his post in June - but not before completing a round of stops to bid adieu to Fairfield alumni.

In a farewell tour that began in Boston on Nov. 20, Fr. Kelley is scheduled to visit several alumni hubs in the United States and Puerto Rico (see box below).

At the Boston event, Fr. Kelley addressed a crowd of nearly 100 alumni, parents, and friends. "It's great to be back in Boston, the city to which Fairfield Jesuits by the dozens have traced their roots for decades," he began.

He focused on the growth and successes the University has had throughout his tenure, as well as projects scheduled for the remainder of the year, including the completion of Our Promise: The Campaign for Fairfield University, which draws to a close on June 30.

He also thanked alumni for their dedication to their alma mater, especially since so many were students during his years as University President. "Your gifts of time and talent are an ongoing source of inspiration because they signal your commitment to the University's Jesuit mission and identity," he said.

Fr. Kelley is the seventh and longest-serving president in Fairfield University's history and the longest-serving president of the nation's 28 Jesuit colleges and universities. Since he began in 1979, Fr. Kelley has presided over the graduation of 64 percent of Fairfield's 38,000 alumni.

To attend the tour stop in your city, contact the Office of Alumni Relations at (203) 254-4280.

Photo by Nicholas Segretario '99

In the spirit
Ruth Gall, operations assistant for the Office of Alumni Relations, trims the tree with "Stag" ornaments in Alumni House's Robert J. Brennan '65 Room.

Photo by Jean Santopatre

Alumni Return for Homecoming Weekend 2003

Picturesque weather, lots of friends, and a unique brew welcomed hundreds of alumni "home" on Oct. 31 and Nov. 1 to celebrate the tradition of Homecoming Weekend.

This year's theme, "Stagtoberfest," featured a new beer by the same name made by Southport Brewing Co.

The Alumni Association's Athletic Hall of Fame dinner kicked off the weekend on Friday night, inducting three new members. Saturday's events included a social with Jesuits, faculty, and staff; an alumni lacrosse game; a pep rally; a rugby club game; entertainment by the Highland Rovers band; and plenty of activities for the kids. An evening Mass for the Feast of All Saints rounded out the festivities.

Homecoming photos by Jean Santopatre

Save The Date

Winter Homecoming: Feb. 14, 2004

Bring your sweetheart to this year's Winter Homecoming on Saturday, Feb. 14, at the Arena at Harbor Yard as the men's and women's basketball teams take on Canisius. Tip off for the women is at 1:30 p.m., followed by the men at 3:30 p.m. Wear your Fairfield red and cheer on the Stags! For tickets, call Ticketmaster at (203) 368-1000.

Former men's and women's hoops players, don't forget the annual alumni game on Feb. 14 at 11 a.m. in Alumni Hall. Watch your mailbox for invitations.

2003 Athletic Hall of Fame inducts three

 

The founding members of the 1951 men's baseball program were also honored at the Athletic Hall of Fame dinner. Pictured above are (front row, l-r) Thomas Winfield '51, Elliott Pierson '52, Rudolph Girandola '53, Edward Lynch '51, Frank Feroleto '51, and Norbert Fahey '53; (back row, l-r) John Welch '54, John Doheny '53, Richard Landy '52, James Burns '51, B. Maxwell O'Meara '52, James Roach '54, and William Smith '54.

Photos by B.K. Angeletti

Calendar of Events

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

Club Happenings

Boston
The Fairfield University Glee Club performed at Saint Mary of the Hills Church in Milton on Nov. 1 for the Feast of All Saints. After Mass, the group provided a mini concert. Alumni and friends met afterwards at Common Market for a reception.

Save the Date
Upcoming events for spring include a Briefcase Breakfast, Party for a Plate, golf outing, and the annual St. Patrick's Day gathering. Details and dates coming soon.

Fairfield
More than 50 young alumni raised Stag spirit as they began Homecoming celebrations at the Thirsty Turtle in Stamford on Oct. 29.

Charles Allen, S.J., executive assistant to the President, celebrated the Alumni Christmas Mass on the second Sunday of Advent at the Egan Chapel of St. Ignatius Loyola. Many alumni weathered the snowstorm to attend Mass and donate teddy bears.

Hartford
Even hurricane Isabel couldn't keep Hartford alumni from getting together at the Elbow Room in West Hartford. Those who weathered the storm met with Paul Thompson '87 and discussed upcoming events.

From the heart
Alumni in the greater Hartford region helped build a home during a Habitat for Humanity work day in November. Pictured above (l-r) are Kevin Adams '84, Kevin Kazlauskas '91, club president Paul Thompson '87, Matt Dallahan '94, and Sharon (Reynolds) Gusky '84.

New York
Young alumni were in full force to kick off this year's Floating Naut tradition in New York City. The first Naut, hosted by Jared Scotto '00 at Wolfe's (pictured second from left, with John Frissora '00, Danielle Damiano '99, and Jamie Kondrat '00), gathered more than 50 alumni and friends in September. Jim Reichert '01 hosted the October floating party at Big City Bar and Grill. Watch your e-mail for more details on upcoming Young Alumni events!

Bears bring warm "hugs" for the holidays

Area children enjoyed a brighter holiday season this year, thanks to the generosity of alumni and friends. Hundreds of new bears were donated to the annual Teddy Bears with Love campaign and delivered to community centers, bringing joy to children who needed them most.

Special thanks to alumni everywhere who donated, as well as local organizations, church groups, individuals, schools, and the Fairfield University community. The bear sent in from the furthest location was from Eagle River, Alaska.

Alumni sponsors needed for Fairfield Book Award program

Every year, Fairfield University honors 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, and
• Possess leadership qualities and a sense of concern for and a responsibility to others.

Several high schools previously involved in the program are without alumni sponsors. To continue these partnerships, Fairfield University needs your help. The sponsorship fee is $35 per school per year. You may also sponsor a school not listed. For more information, contact Keith Moran '03, admission counselor and volunteer coordinator, at (203) 254-4000, ext. 2944, or kmoran@mail.fairfield.edu.

Alumni honor Prof. Suzanne Lyngaas with Distinguished Teaching Award

Prof. Suzanne Lyngaas, an assistant professor of accounting in the Charles F. Dolan School of Business since 1983, was honored recently with the Alumni Association's Distinguished Teaching Award. The award was presented to her at Alumni College on Nov. 8.

In her nomination, Michele Theuerkauf '90 of Glen Rock, N.J., noted her former professor's passion for the subject matter, her enthusiasm for spirituality, and her enjoyment of life. "Professor Lyngaas dedicates 110 percent to the education and welfare of her students," she wrote. "She exemplifies the Jesuit philosophy in her personal and professional life," and, she added, the humor she injects into accounting excites students about the subject.

The Distinguished Teaching Award honors faculty who have served at Fairfield University for 10 years or more and who have displayed excellence in the areas of teaching, curriculum development, and mentoring/advising.

Photo by Bob Winkler

Young Alumni Professionals Night

In November, Robert Stevenson '92, vice president of artists and repertoire at Island/Defjam Records, spoke with students and graduates about pursuing the recording industry as a career and the importance of networking. Stevenson filled the Robert J. Brennan '65 Room in Alumni House. Joining Stevenson was his wife, Eileen (Conrad) '91.

Photo by Jean Santopatre

University Community Remembers Mark Fisher '06

On Oct. 21, University President Aloysius P. Kelley, S.J., celebrated a Memorial Mass for the repose of the soul of Mark Fisher '06. Hundreds of students, faculty, and staff packed the Egan Chapel of St. Ignatius Loyola to remember their friend. Fisher was killed in Brooklyn, N.Y., on Oct. 12.

In his sermon, Terrence Devino, S.J., assistant chaplain, spoke of Fisher's infectious smile and how he always looked for the best in people. "He taught others to value the important stuff in life," he said, "and encouraged his friends to see the world in a positive light ... We will remember Mark, as he is now a part of us. He has made a difference in the lives of those on this campus. We will keep his energy and spirit alive in our hearts."

Photo by Jean Santopatre

Fairfield University alumni in post-graduate service

Seven recent Fairfield University graduates are participating in a year of service. They welcome your letters and e-mails.

Alumni luncheon speaker series features timely topics

Graduates of all ages gathered for the fall alumni luncheon speaker series. They included Rev. James Bowler, S.J., who talked about the Jesuit mission in higher education; Dr. John Orman, who discussed his book, Celebrity Politics, on the day of the California recall; and Jodie LaCava McGarrity from Fairfield's Office of Undergraduate Admission, and Mary Smith Speigel '83, of Spiegel Educational Consulting (pictured above), who offered tips on what every parent wants to know - how to get a son or daughter into college.

Photo by Jean Santopatre

Women's basketball raffle: Pebble Beach or Las Vegas

Would you like to pay only $100 to play golf at Pebble Beach or in Las Vegas (airfare and hotel included)? How about tickets to the Women's Final Four in New Orleans (hotel accommodations included), two tickets to the 2004 U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club, or a round of golf at Great River Golf Club for three players - for the same low price?

Well, here's your chance!

The Fairfield Women's basketball program is selling just 300 raffle tickets for these exciting prizes. Each raffle ticket is $100. The raffle concludes on Sunday, Feb. 22, when the winners' names will be drawn at halftime during the Fairfield vs. Iona women's basketball game at the Arena at Harbor Yard.

To purchase raffle tickets, contact the women's basketball office at (203) 254-4115 or the Lyons-Lademan Athletic Fund office at vfdascenzo@mail.fairfield.edu or (203) 254-4000, ext. 2024.

Save The Date

Reunion Weekend
Classes ending in 4 and 9
June 12 and 13

Don't miss out on the excitment! June 2004 will be a pivotal moment in our 61-year history - the conclusion of Our Promise: The Campaign for Fairfield University, and the completion of Aloysius P. Kelley, S.J.'s 25th and final year as President.

50th Reunion
Class of 1954
May 22 and 23

Members of Fairfield University's fourth graduating class are invited to celebrate their reunion during Commencement weekend. The Class of 1954 will march into graduation with the Class of 2004.

So if you're ready to reminisce, mark your calendars today!

Leadership Workshop: The finish line in sight

By Lisa Roberts, Development Writer

With the finish line in sight, the final stretch of any marathon is propelled by a burst of energy and determination. Such a feeling was in the air on Oct. 4, when the Leadership Workshop for campaign volunteers was held on campus to launch the third and final year of the National Alumni Phase.

"Fairfield has raised $122 of its $125 million campaign goal," says Mike Guarnieri '84, class chairman. "Everyone I came across at the Leadership Workshop was charged up for the home stretch. They are excited to do what has to be done so that Fairfield can get where it needs to go."

The National Alumni Phase is the alumni-driven, three-year component of Our Promise: The Campaign for Fairfield University. In this phase, every Fairfield graduate has the opportunity to participate in the University's campaign and shape its future. Ending with the campaign in June 2004, the National Alumni Phase has volunteers reaching out to classmates across geographic boundaries and generations. Their task is to spread the word about the exciting growth at Fairfield, to invite fundraising participation, and to identify and cultivate new and diverse alumni leaders who will ensure the University thrives far into the future.

Fifty of this year's 125 alumni volunteers gathered together on Oct. 4 for a day of training and inspiration. This year, the reunion classes ending in 4 and 9, as well as classes ending in 1 and 6, will be contacted for their support. This last call for alumni support will offer the remaining 20 classes an opportunity to participate in the success of a campaign that is transforming the University. Other classes were invited to participate during the two previous years - two successful years that have placed the goal even closer in sight.

At the workshop, after welcoming remarks by George Diffley, P'96,'97, vice president for University advancement, Rev. Charles H. Allen, S.J., executive assistant to the president, injected some humor into the workshop by expounding Ignatius Loyola's principles of fundraising. The morning was also marked by a question-and-answer session moderated by Diffley, class break-out sessions, and lunch in the John A. Barone Campus Center.

Our Promise is only the second capital campaign in Fairfield University's history. "It has been wildly successful - more than we'd even dared to hope at its inception," remarked Rosellen Walsh Schnurr '74, co-chair of the National Alumni Executive Committee. "This is almost entirely due to the incredibly generous response from Fairfield alumni."

All in attendance were called to focus on the main goal of the alumni phase, which is to strengthen alumni ties to Fairfield. "Now, in the final months of the campaign and the national alumni phase," said Schnurr, "We must maintain the momentum that's built up. This year is like the final lap - or anchor leg - in a relay race."

By June 2004, approximately 325 volunteers will have set the pace for the National Alumni Phase. Armed with the tools they will need to help make Fairfield's capital campaign goals a reality, all who attended left energized to bring the campaign to its successful conclusion.

Photos by Bob Winkler

Ways to give

• Call the Office of Annual Giving toll-free number at (877) 748-5123 and make your gift by credit card.
• Go online to www.fairfield.edu, click "Advancement" and "Give to Fairfield."
• Consider a gift of appreciated stock; call the Office of Annual Giving at (203) 254-4004 for more information.
• Check with your employer to see if there is a matching gift program. Corporate matching funds are an excellent way to increase the impact of your gift. You can view a list of matching gift companies at www.hepdevelopment.com/Fairfield/.
• Make a gift to Fairfield out of assets rather than income. Michael Kreuzer, director of planned giving, is available to discuss how making a gift can provide a tax advantage for you. Contact him at (203) 254-4000, ext. 2411, or mkreuzer@mail.fairfield.edu.

Participation equals strength

Alumni participation is powerful. Involved alumni strengthen the competitive nature of their universities. Active alumni reinforce the reputations of their universities. Supportive alumni express a satisfaction that enhances both. Enhance Fairfield's competitive reputation by participating in the Annual Fund.

Health care, counterterrorism, and entertainment:

Fairfield degrees at work

By Lisa Roberts, Development Writer

Reunion years are an excellent time to take stock in the present while honoring the past. With more than 5,000 Fairfield graduates celebrating a reunion this spring, many are already making plans to return to campus and catch up with old friends. On their minds are memories of, gratitude for, and pride in their alma mater. That pride is a reflection not only of how much these graduates have developed since graduation day, but how much Fairfield University has, too.

Representing the power and diversity of a Fairfield degree, these three alumni share where the last several years have taken them.

25th Reunion
The doctor is in

"The older I get, the more I appreciate the education I received at Fairfield," says Dr. Thomas J. McLarney '79, who studied biology on campus and went on to earn his doctorate degree at Georgetown University. "In the field of medicine, you have to be a whole person to be there for your patients. That describes the environment at Fairfield - the broad core curriculum added a dimension that gave me a whole education I still tap into today."

Following his Georgetown graduation, Dr. McLarney served 10 years in the navy practicing a full spectrum of family medicine, and then became a practicing physician in East Hampton, Conn. However, his most recent position, he says, has been his most rewarding. As medical director of the East Hartford Community Healthcare Center, a federal- and state-funded clinic, "We take care of the uninsured and underinsured," he says, "The patients people forget about. We take all walk-ins, and by so doing, try to eliminate the disparities of the current healthcare system."

It's hard for Dr. McLarney to choose just one favorite memory of Fairfield, because it's where he met his wife. "And 27 years later, we're still going strong," he says. He and Patricia Lynn Swider '79 shared an interest in the medical field and a commitment to community involvement. Swider graduated from the School of Nursing and became a pediatric nurse pracititioner.

Dr. McLarney's calling to serve others was evident at Fairfield during his undergraduate years when he volunteered with the Knights of Columbus to help raise money for the Southbury Training School, a campus for the mentally challenged. Recalls Dr. McLarney, "We went there different times of the year to mingle with the residents. That's one thing Fairfield impressed on its students - community involvement and social awareness."

In the 1980s, Dr. McLarney took that sense of social responsibility to Thailand, where he served in refugee camps and, more recently, he took part in a group of medical residents who served in Haiti.

Today, community service is a family affair. Daughter Katie, a freshman at Boston College, is very active in Christian leadership groups, and son, Jim, a freshman at East Catholic High School, is involved in community service projects in preparation for his confirmation next year.

Dr. McLarney was recently named one of the state's "Top Doctors" in the April 2003 issue of Connecticut Magazine. He also received the David D. Schmidt Award for Best Community Physician Teacher, given by the St. Francis Hospital at the University of Connecticut.

In June, the McLarneys hope to join their group of a dozen college friends. The group has kept in touch through social gatherings since graduation, Dr. McLarney says, but "I'm also looking forward to seeing some faces I haven't seen in 25 years."

20th Reunion
Combatting terrorism

How does a Fairfield degree in English prepare one to be an FBI agent? "In law enforcement, we're held to the highest ethical standards," explains Cesare "Frank" Figliuzzi '84, an assistant special agent in charge of the FBI's Miami Division. "The ethical and moral base I received from the Jesuits at Fairfield has served me well in my career." And, he says, the writing skills he developed in his major directly impact his daily work, which includes investigative reports, case briefs, presentations of cases for prosecution to the U.S. Attorney's office, and persuasive writings of many kinds.

Following graduation Figliuzzi earned a degree from the University of Connecticut School of Law, and was hired as an FBI agent immediately after completing his degree. After attending the FBI Academy in Quantico, Va., Figliuzzi was stationed in Atlanta, Ga., Washington, D.C., and Palo Alto, Calif. He then was promoted back to Washington headquarters as a chief in the office of professional responsibility. Since July 1999, Figliuzzi has been in the number two position at the Miami Division of the FBI, which is the fifth largest in the nation.

Figliuzzi headed the South Florida Joint Terrorism Task Force after Sept. 11, 2001, and investigated the first anthrax-related death in the United States. "The crime required law enforcement to work with the scientific and medical communities like it never did before," he explains. "It was rough at first but we developed a strong relationship and worked very well together to get through this trying time in the nation's history."

Figliuzzi has not been back on campus in 15 years, but is planning to make it for his 20th reunion along with his wife, Coleen (Button) '84, who majored in nursing. They met in their sophomore year during the interview process for their resident assistant jobs and started dating in their senior year. Both Connecticut natives, they have traveled the country following Figliuzzi's work. "What really impresses me about Fairfield now, is how many Fairfield grads I have come across around the country. Fairfield is placing graduates in key positions - in positions of leadership," reflects Figliuzzi, which he believes contributes to the University's growing reputation beyond the region.

10th Reunion
Late Night with...

What defines a rough day at the office for Kimberly Simon '94 is when a guest for NBC's Late Night With Conan O'Brien cancels just before a show. "That's when we have to say, 'Okay, who's in New York this week?' Then we act quickly, make some phone calls, do the research, and pre-screen in a matter of minutes," she says. "Sometimes the cancellation comes in so late we just try to grab whoever's in the building - like Al Roker."

Simon graduated from Fairfield as a politics major and, thanks to a personal contact, landed at NBC where she hoped to lay the groundwork for a career in entertainment law. Instead, she was encouraged to apply for an entry-level position, serving as a liaison between NBC and the general public. She soon advanced to the audience coordinator for Late Night With Conan O'Brien, and never left. Today, she is head of the research department, which culls information on each guest and creates the list of questions O'Brien uses on the show.

Simon loves her job because of the people and the environment. "There's a very laid back and comedic atmosphere," she says, "and anything goes." Her favorite guest to date has been David Bowie, whom she considers an incredibly talented and gifted man, yet humble. The one who most surprised her was Harrison Ford, who was expected to be a bit more serious but "was very loose and ready to have some fun."

Simon also enjoys working with O'Brien, who is a "ton of fun" and generous to his employees. In January 2002, the entire staff was invited to O'Brien's wedding in Seattle.

Simon attributes her education at Fairfield to helping her develop the flexibility needed on the job. "Studying the core curriculum makes you the person you are, capable of handling any situation," she says.

In a work environment where almost anything goes, such an education is invaluable.

Wondering who's going to Reunion?

Be a part of Fairfield University's Reunion e-mail directory. The directory will help you make plans for Reunion Weekend - or just reconnect with classmates. It will be distributed via e-mail in mid-April to alumni who are celebrating their reunion and whose e-mail addresses are in the University's database. If you do not wish to be included in the printed directory, please check the box on the form. Don't miss out on the buzz - sign up today!

 

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

Editor
Jill Kasiewicz Caseria

Editorial Board
Barbara D. Kiernan MA '90
Director of University Publications

Janet Canepa '82
Director of Alumni Relations

Nicholas Segretario '99
Associate Director of Alumni Relations

Jean Santopatre
University Photojournalist

Designer: Annie Forstrom