Name: Rev. James Bowler, S.J.
Fairfield Connection: Former Facilitator for Catholic and Jesuit Mission & Identity
Occupation: Jesuit since 1964; priest since 1974

Why Go: I think everyone came back from the trip with a clearer view of the "how" and the "why" of Jesuit education, and the importance of God's preferential option for the poor. We have an ongoing responsibility for the spiritual development of our alumni, and the trip was a valuable way to facilitate that.

Name: Dorothea E. Brennan
Fairfield Connection: M.A. Grad Comm. 1981
Current Hometown: Fairfield, Conn.
Occupation: Director of Process Improvement, The United Illuminating Co.
Family Status: Married

Why Go: To explore a new country; because I was inspired by my Ignatian Residential College Mentor students and Egan Chapel congregants who have participated in Fairfield's service trips.

Name: Janet Canepa
Fairfield Connection: B.S. Marketing 1982
Hometown: Fairfield, Conn.
Occupation: Director of Alumni Relations, Fairfield University

Why Go: I have been on immersion trips with the students to Ecuador and I have heard from many alumni about their interest in having a special trip just for alumni. On a personal level, traveling to developing countries such as Nicaragua helps me put life in perspective and frames my thinking about life choices, politics, etc. and at the same to share our talents and expertise for the betterment of the people we met.

Name: Thomas A. Franko
Fairfield Connection: A.B. 1969
Current Hometown: Chatham, N.J.
Occupation: Retired as General Counsel of Brokerage firm, currently practicing law
Family Status: married

Why Go: As a trustee, I heard of the life changing experiences of undergraduates as they participated in service learning. This trip was an opportunity for me to experience it for myself. In fact, it was all they told about and more: a life transforming experience.

Name: Betsy Gardner
Fairfield Connection: Professor Emerita, Psychology; several student service-learning trips
Current Hometown: Fairfield, Conn.
Occupation: Retired

Why Go: It is not easy to encapsulate an experience so powerful, but here are some reasons: to walk with people in the reality of Nicaragua; to see with different perspective how we in the U.S. live; to strengthen the partnership between Fairfield University and UCA and explore possibilities for future collaborative projects; to bring back a model for Fairfield University to more closely emulate in its relationship with the surrounding community; to deepen our own faith journey.

Name: Kathleen Doherty Griffin
Fairfield Connection: B.A. Economics 1983
Hometown: Fairfield, Conn.
Occupation: Software consultant
Family Status: Two boys, ages 19 and 17

Why Go: The spiritual fulfillment I get from trips such as this one is indescribable. There is no substitute for the emotions one experiences when immersed in the world of the less fortunate. It was so easy to see God's face in the people we met. His presence is palpable in such a beautiful country. I think all alumni, especially those facing the challenges (and/or questions) of mid-life, should consider taking a trip like this one. It will change your perspective forever.

Name: Laura A. Incerto
Fairfield Connection: B.S. Marketing 1981
Current Hometown: Fairfield, Conn.
Occupation: Sales
Family Status: Single

Why Go: I saw this inaugural alumni trip to Nicaragua as an unprecedented opportunity for us as alumni to expand our global reach of educational and spiritual support through the universal Jesuit tradition of service to others. Our collaborative relationship with the University of Central America shows our commitment to furthering the mission and the unlimited opportunities available to all of our Alumni to participate in various programs of interest in the future. There is no question in my mind that possibilities abound for Alumni to help foster the growth of this developing country. The experience was life changing for me personally and I look forward to participating in future trips.

Name: Michael J. Knight
Fairfield Connection: B.S. Marketing 1973
Current Hometown: Fairfield, Conn.
Occupation: Certified Public Accountant
Family Status: Married with children

What Was Inspiring To You About The Trip? It is truly saintly work what the people of Nicaragua do with limited resources. My involvement began came outside church in August 2009 talking to Winston Tellis (professor of finance). Sometimes all you have to do is ask someone to get them involved. We must be men and women for others!

Name: Kelly Gaffney McClure
Fairfield Connection: B.A. in Political Science 1984
Hometown: Dallas, Texas
Occupation: Attorney
Family Status: Married, four boys ages 17, 16, 13, 13

Why Go: The trip was so rewarding - not just because we learned more about another country - but in terms of spiritual and personal development. It was inspiring and life-changing.

Name: Greg Magner
Fairfield Connection: B.A. English 1981
Hometown: Poolesville, Md.
Occupation: Real Estate/Investments
Family Status: Three children, Ellie 17, Quinn 14, Cullen 11

Why Go: The opportunity to visit a third world country and see firsthand the struggles that are still among us every day is life changing. As a representative of Fairfield University, you are able to bring the Fairfield Spirit to others in the world and see what a difference you can make in their lives and give hope to others, showing that people in the world really do care. Everyone should get involved in at least one service trip during their lifetime.