Campus Currents June 2006

Volume 14, Number 9
The official news publication of Fairfield University

Index for June 6, 2006

Robinson encourages Class of 2006 to "say yes"
After 30 years, Diffley's day remains anything but typical
News Breakers
Service Anniversaries - June, July, and August
University members memorialized
Fr. Carrier to leave Campus Ministry post
University announces faculty promotions, tenure; retirements
Dr. Novotny honored for her commitment to elderly care
Fairfield University employees, sons, and daughters graduate
Dr. Ricciotti achieves a golden first place
Students honor University favorites during Senior Week
Sports
Gifts and Grants
Awards banquet honors administrators and stellar student-athletes
News Briefs
Kelley Center nearly ready for office moves

Robinson encourages Class of 2006 to "say yes"

By Nina M. Riccio, Publications writer

It was a day of rejoicing for 1,179 graduates and their families as Fairfield University held its 56th Commencement ceremonies on May 21. Under perfect-blue skies, University President Jeffrey P. von Arx, S.J., conferred 830 bachelor's degrees, 328 master's degrees, 19 certificates of advanced study, and two associate's degrees on candidates as they were formally presented to him by the deans of their schools.

British Robinson was awarded an honorary doctor of laws degree and also delivered the Commencement address. Robinson, former national director of the Office of Social & International Ministries and Jesuit Refugee Services/USA at the U.S. Jesuit Conference in Washington, D.C., and now senior advisor for public-private partnerships, Office of U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator, exhorted graduates to "say yes" to opportunities more often. "Opportunities to say 'yes' abound; saying 'yes' can open-wide your life, and it can create a better, more generous world to live in," she told the audience, citing the invaluable education she received when she "said yes" to the Jesuit Volunteer Corp. and lived in Mobile, Ala., for a year on $75 a month while working for Catholic Charities. After that year, Robinson joined the Social and International Ministries and Jesuit Refugee Services/USA of the U.S. Jesuit Conference as a policy analyst, and was named the agency's national director shortly thereafter, a position she held for 10 years. "I am just like you: a life in progress," she told the graduates. "I am just farther down the road than you ... I have shared what little bits of wisdom I have gained in the hope that it will give you confidence as you move forward. Where my steps were tentative, you can be more surefooted."

Biology major Beth Wittenberg '06 of the College of Arts and Sciences delivered the valedictory address, beginning with a story of a group of athletes "changing course" at the Seattle Special Olympics several years ago. She reminded her fellow graduates not to be afraid to do so themselves. "The whole notion of changing course is indeed frightening," she aid. "It often means opposing others and going against the status quo to fight for what we believe in, to fight for what we believe to be important and just."

Brennan K. Clark '06, a finance major in the Charles F. Dolan School of Business, received the Bellarmine Medal, an honor presented annually to the student with the highest four-year academic average. John Clancy Gallagher III '06, a visual and performing classical music major in CAS, received the Saint Ignatius Loyola Medal for outstanding University service, the highest Alumni Association award for a graduating senior.

Fairfield also bestowed honorary doctor of laws degrees on Archbishop Celestino Migliore, Hope E. Carter, and Michael Daly, in recognition of their outstanding contributions to their communities.

Fr. von Arx (center) with honorary degree recipients (l-r) Archbishop Celestino Migliore, Hope Carter, British Robinson, and Michael J. Daly.

Photos by Jean Santopatre and B.K. Angeletti

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After 30 years, Diffley's day remains anything but typical

By Alejandra Navarro, Publications writer

For most of George Diffley's 30 years at Fairfield University, work rarely began or ended at the same time - or in the same time zone. As vice president for University advancement, Diffley's day could stretch from an early morning meeting with the University's senior management team to an afternoon review of fundraising figures. It might end with a special event in New York City or a flight to Chicago to meet with a potential donor. "There's no such thing as a typical day," says Diffley. What has remained consistent for Diffley during his tenure are the colleagues who have devoted years - even decades - to his division and to Fairfield University. As his retirement on June 30 approaches, it is these folks he thinks about. "I've gotten to know many of these people over a long period of time; many of them I consider my friends," Diffley says. Diffley has earned their respect for his honesty, wit, and sharp skills.

"He can multi-task with the best of them," says Fred Wheeler, associate vice president for advancement. He has worked with Diffley for 25 years and has come to know Diffley's strengths (his attention to details) and weaknesses (his golf game). He also gained a little wisdom over the years. "I learned from George that you need to maintain a sense of humor because there is so much folly in life, intentional and unintentional, around us," says Wheeler, who will hold Diffley's post until a new vice president is selected.

Julie McGovern, administrative coordinator for advancement who arrived on campus a year before Diffley, considers him "the best fundraiser bar none. No one has worked harder than George Diffley to accomplish the goals and mission of this University to which he has dedicated his professional life," she says. Diffley contributed to fundrasing successes such as "The Campaign for Fairfield University" (1988-1992), which surpassed its original goal of $35 million and raised $42 million; and "Our Promise: The Campaign for Fairfield University" (2002-2005), which leaped beyond its $125 million goal and reached a record $137.9 million. These achievements, however, were the result of a campuswide effort, Diffley explains, adding, "I feel proud of what we were able to accomplish as a division. It would have been impossible without the staff continuity we were so fortunate to have had." Diffley is in charge of the fundraising and friend-raising division, which includes: Alumni Relations, Development (Annual Giving, Major Gifts, Foundation Relations, Corporate Relations, Constituent Relations, Planned Giving, Advancement Research, and Development Services), Public Relations (Media Relations, Publications, Printing and Graphics, Sports Information, and the Web site), and Special Events. Diffley has a passion for Fairfield, says Clare Schimpf, director of annual giving, who has worked for Diffley for 26 years. "It comes through in his success because he never is shy about asking for support. He never apologizes for asking, because it's for Fairfield," she says. For Diffley, each capital campaign was necessary to further the University's goals. "It's hard for me to imagine a campus without the Quick Center for the Arts, the Egan Chapel, or a library double its original size," he says. "Each brings something much needed and critical to the University's mission. Each of those things is connected to it in very different ways."

A graduate of Fordham University who worked at Georgetown University prior to arriving at Fairfield, Diffley understands the importance of a Jesuit education. When Diffley departs later this month, he will continue to be a part of the Fairfield community, but he plans to dedicate most of his time to his family, particularly his new granddaughter. "My family has been very supportive of a position that takes a lot of time and takes me away a lot of nights and weekends," he says, adding that his achievements would not have happened as easily without that support. Between spending time with his grandchild and the volunteer work he plans to begin, Diffley may never get to have a typical day - and that's fine with him.

Photo by Jean Santopatre

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The Rev. Paul Carrier, S.J., University chaplain, commented in an April 16 Connecticut Post article on how he is never at a loss for inspiration when writing Easter homilies. "Every year it's different," he explained. "Scriptures are the same, but my life isn't - my experiences aren't."

Dr. Edward Deak, Roger M. Lynch Professor of Economics in the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS), commented on gas prices for an April 17 article in the Stamford Advocate. On April 20, Dr. Deak testified in federal court on the economic impact of the Bridgeport Port Authority ferry tariffs. The Connecticut Post covered the hearing in an April 21 article. Dr. Deak participated in a panel with the U.S. Secretary of Commerce Carlos Gutierrez on May 5 in Shelton, discussing international trade. The Connecticut Post covered the event in a May 7 article. He also participated in "The Fairfield County Economy: Infrastructure Issues and Challenges" forum at the Trumbull Marriott on May 10, which was covered in a Connecticut Post article. At the forum, Dr. Deak said he expects the state to add about 13,800 jobs this year. However, in a May 12 article in the Hartford Courant, he said, "Because Connecticut lacks strong job engines, it has underperformed from 2003 to 2005."

At the third annual "Family University" day on May 15 at Joel Barlow High School in Redding, Jeanne Di Muzio, director of wellness and prevention, talked about how students can have a smooth and safe transition to a healthy and drug-free college experience. The Redding Pilot covered the event.

Dr. Ibrahim H. Hefzallah, professor emeritus of educational technology in the Graduate School of Education and Allied Professions, received the 2005 Hilda and John Jay Award from the Connecticut Media Association. The Fairfield Minuteman reported the award on April 20. Dr. Hefzallah also delivered the keynote address at the 67th Spring Convocation of Alpha Kappa State held in Glastonbury, Conn., in April. He presented "Educating the Whole Person in the Information Age." Fairfield University alumna, Sandra Petrucelli-Carbone, M.A.'81, president of the Alpha Kappa State executive board, extended the invitation.

Dr. Hugh Humphrey, professor of religious studies in CAS, published From Q to "Secret" Mark: A Composition History of the Earliest Narrative Theology (Continuum, 2006).

On May 10 at Shelton High School, Dr. Elizabeth Gardner, professor of psychology in CAS, and three Fairfield students discussed a service trip they took to Duran, Ecuador. Seniors Khoi Nguyen, Jenna Siraco, and Smita Balakrishna, who attended the presentation, were quoted in a May 10 article in the New Haven Register. The Rev. Mark Scalese, S.J., assistant professor of new media in CAS, was a leader on the trip and was included in the article. Cable television stations in Ansonia, Derby, and Shelton also covered the event.

Dr. Don Greenberg, associate professor of politics in CAS, commented on the National Security Agency's practice of monitoring phone calls in a May 12 Connecticut Post article. He said, "This activity by the NSA doesn't violate anything the court has said with respect to the Fourth Amendment." Nevertheless, he added, the NSA's phone record compilation is a "bad idea" because it overreaches. "They would be better off taking a more selective tactic collecting information, rather than this shotgun approach."

On April 12, The Hour's columnist David A. Rosenberg quoted Dr. Orin Grossman, academic vice president, about his presentation, "Aaron Copland and Leonard Bernstein: A Friendship in Music."

In a May 20 Associated Press article on the Legionaries of Christ members whose founder is under investigation for sexual abuse, Dr. Paul Lakeland, the Rev. Aloysius P. Kelley, S.J., professor of Catholic studies in CAS, said, "It puts them in a very difficult position. The only way they can really challenge this is to challenge the papacy."

In April, Dr. Jean Lange, associate professor of nursing, and Dr. Sheila Grossman, professor of nursing, published the chapter, "Theories of Aging," in Geriatric Nursing Care by K. Mauk, and "Theories of Aging as Basis for Assessment," in MEDSURG Nursing: The Journal of Adult Health.

Dr. Mark LeClair, professor of economics in CAS, participated in a panel discussion on immigration and workforce development issues on May 10 in Trumbull, sponsored by the Bridgeport Regional Business Council and the Connecticut Business & Industry Association. In a discussion, as reported in a May 12 Connecticut Post article, Dr. LeClair said that America is at a crossroads as it tries to hammer out a new immigration policy that seems to be torn between openness and sealing the borders.

Dr. Mark Ligas, professor of marketing in the Charles F. Dolan School of Business (DSB), discussed the general principles of brand loyalty and market trends for an April 29 Connecticut Post article on the growing interest in specialty beers from small breweries and the attempt by larger beer companies to provide similar types of brew. He said companies like Anheuser-Busch - known for Budweiser - may not be a consumer's first choice for a specialty beer.

Dr. R. James Long, professor of philosophy in CAS, presented his paper, "The Knowledge of God and Anselm's Atheism," on May 5 at the 41st International Congress on Medieval Studies.

In the March issue of Across the Board (N.Y.), Dr. Lisa Mainiero, professor of management in DSB, responded to changes in corporate America over the years since the release of her book, Office Romance: Love, Power, and Sex in the Workplace (Rawson Assoc., 1989).

Dr. Carole Ann Maxwell, director of coral and liturgical music in CAS, has been named the principal conductor at the convention of the National Pastoral Musicians Conference. The convention will be held in Stamford, and Dr. Maxwell will conduct on June 27 at St. Catherine of Siena Church in Greenwich.

In a May 14 Connecticut Post article on political candidates, Dr. John M. Orman, professor of politics in CAS, commented on Gov. M. Jodi Rell's inexplicable popularity. "She got so many points because she's not John Rowland, then more points because she hasn't done anything too controversial," Dr. Orman said. "It's hard to figure out, if Connecticut is a such a Democratic state." In a May 21 Associated Press article, Dr. Orman also discussed the trend of candidates raising their own political dollars instead of relying on political parties. He said, "It's almost like every person is on their own."

In a May 7 Connecticut Post article, Dr. Norman Solomon, dean of DSB, explained why Sikorsky management and union members have become silent in the media a month after a six-week strike. "There is no purpose in discussing the issue in public anymore," explained Solomon, who specializes in labor relations and mediation. "No side benefits." He added that when the strikers were on the picket lines, they weren't part of the team; now that the strike is over, it's in their best interests to work with management to make the company prosper.

Holocaust survivor Jay Sommer, adjunct professor of modern languages and literatures in CAS, shared his life story with the students at Fairfield's Tomlinson Middle School on April 11. The Fairfield Citizen-News covered his presentation in an April 14 article. He explained to the students, "I'm telling my story so that the world doesn't forget, and so that we can all make the world a better place."

On April 26, Dr. L. Kraig Steffen, associate professor of chemistry in CAS, presented a poster describing Fairfield University's new science core at the Capitol Hill Poster Session on "Innovative Projects in Mathematics and Science Education." The poster session featured students and faculty from 20 different institutions from around the country. This event was sponsored by SENCER (Science Education for New Civic Engagement and Responsibility), a nationally recognized leader in support of science education reform.

Dr. Winston Tellis, Camille and Stephen Schramm Professor of Information Systems and Operations Management in DSB, was appointed to the distribution committee of The Greater Bridgeport Area Foundation, which identifies pressing needs within the community and responds with financial support. The Stratford Star published an article on the new committee members on April 6.

The May issue of Strings Magazine published a feature article on Brian Torff, director of jazz and popular music in CAS.

University President Jeffrey von Arx, S.J., spoke at the Bridgeport Regional Business Council breakfast on April 21.

Dr. Joan Weiss, professor of mathematics in CAS, presented "Modeling World Series Outcomes via Absorbing Markov Chains" at Florida Atlantic University in January and at Rhode Island College and Siena College in May.

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June Service Anniversaries

5 years
Billy Davidson
Heather Petraglia

10 years
Carl Rees

25 years
Kim Dobyan

July Service Anniversaries

5 years
Sandra Billings
Cristina Dieguez
Lydia Greiner
Diana Mille
Jeanne Novotny
Richard Santiago
Timothy Snyder
Norman Solomon

30 years
Phyllis Fitzpatrick

August Service Anniversaries

5 years
Kristin Ancona
Trevor Fanning
Cynthia Fortunato
James Timmeny
Alecia Watson
Denise D'Addario Weed
Jeffrey Wyshner

10 years
Susan Birge
Michael Boughton, S.J.

15 years
Joseph Kelly

25 years
Gary Stephenson

Birth

George Diffley, vice president for advancement, and Maureen Diffley, Fairfield Prep - granddaughter, Katherine Mary, born on May 18.

Condolences

Wanda Russo, who established a $1 million scholarship at Fairfield University in honor of her late husband, died on April 27, 2006. In recognition of her 2001 gift, the University established the Robert D. Russo Sr., M.D., Scholarship, and directed it to benefit pre-med students who have financial need. During the 1989 construction of the Egan Chapel of St. Ignatius Loyola , the Russos contributed funds for the altar and subsequently donated some of the stained glass windows that now beautify the sacred space. A graduate of Dunbarton College and the Georgetown School of Nursing, Mrs. Russo was a radiology technologist when she met her future husband at Georgetown. After moving to Fairfield in 1947, she engaged in a long career of community service at organizations including St. Joseph's Manor, the American Red Cross, Mount Aery Baptist Church, and St. Vincent's Medical Center. Among many honors she received for service were two she treasured: one from Fairfield Prep and one from Fairfield University. She is survived by three children: Dr. Arlyne Russo, Dr. Robert Russo Jr., Richard Russo, and their spouses.

Dr. Frank J. Riccio, father of Nina Riccio, publications writer/editor, died on May 4.

Aviva Cohen, adjunct professor of sociology in the College of Arts and Sciences, died on May 8.

Betty A. Gibson, mother of Allen Gibson, associate director for operations and facilities of the Athletic Department, died on May 10.

Bernard Taylor, father of Kathleen Borrelli, administrative assistant in the School of Nursing, died on May 13.

Frank Vozzo, grandfather of Kimberly Nickolenko, assistant dean of students, died on May 22.

Robert K. Griffin, former dean of students, died on May 24.

James Hanrahan, former mathematics teacher at Fairfield Prep and University basketball coach, died on May 31. He received his master's degree from Fairfield in 1953 and received an Honorary Degree from the University in 2004. Six of his children are Fairfield University alumni.

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University members memorialized

Honoring Alejandro Carrion

Groundbreaking for the Alejandro Carrion Memorial Plaza took place outside Loyola Hall last month in honor of the 20-year-old politics major and Ignatian Residential College student who died suddenly in February. Above, the Rev. James Mayzik, S.J., director of the media center and director of the Ignatian Residential College, gives the go-ahead to break ground to University President Jeffrey von Arx, S.J., and Alex's parents, Marie Angel and José Carrion, who came from Florida for the dedication and memorial service. The memorial, designed by Mike Cusato, director of campus planning and design, will contain a rounded brick patio with benches, plants, and a plaque, and will be completed this summer.

Salt marsh dedicated to former biology chair

On April 28, the Town of Fairfield Conservation Commission honored former Fairfield University biology chair Dr. Salvatore Bongiorno by placing a memorial plaque and dedicating the South Pine Creek Marsh - now the Salvatore F. Bongiorno Memorial Salt Marsh - in his name.

Dr. Bongiorno served the Fairfield University Biology Department from 1971 until his death in 1993, spending nine of those years as its chair. He is survived by his wife, Dr. Consolación Garcia Devesa, assistant professor of modern languages in the College of Arts and Sciences.

Dr. Bongiorno's research focused on salt marshes, wetlands, and birds. He was instrumental in restoring the South Pine Creek area to the salt marsh it is today.

Photos by Jean Santopatre

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Fr. Carrier to leave Campus Ministry post

At a reception held in May for Campus Ministry staff Fr. Carrier, Fr. Devino, and Melissa Quan, Fr. Carrier chatted with Barbara Farrell of the Follett Bookstore.

By Barbara D. Kiernan, Director of University Publications

The Rev. Paul E. Carrier, S.J., who has served Fairfield University and its extended family for 20 years, begins a yearlong sabbatical this month in anticipation of a new assignment. He taught in the Department of Religious Studies from 1977 to 1979, and returned in 1988 to begin a long and distinguished tenure as University Chaplain and Director of Campus Ministry.

His gifts as a liturgist and homilist inspired many to think beyond themselves, to reflect with compassion on the forgotten of our world, and to connect a newly informed conscience to an appropriate form of advocacy. For some students, that advocacy began with community service in nearby Bridgeport; for others, it included participation in the Mission (now Arrupe) Volunteer Program, which has enabled students - in the company of faculty and staff - to experience, face-to-face, the dreadful conditions in which the poor of the world live. These trips took hundreds of students to Mexico, Jamaica, Belize, Nicaragua, Ecuador, and Haiti.

The poor of Haiti became a special concern for members of the Egan Chapel of St. Ignatius Loyola who, drawn to worship at the 11 a.m. Mass each Sunday, formed a strong community of prayer. Through Fr. Carrier's considerable energies, that community joined with the Order of Malta in providing financial and other support to Project Pierre Toussaint in Cap Haitian. Founded by former Mission Volunteer Doug Perlitz '92, the Project began as a place where homeless street kids could bathe, have a warm meal, and enjoy some recreation. It has since evolved to include a residential program, a school, cafeteria, vocational workrooms, and a new chapel.

Early in his tenure as University chaplain, Fr. Carrier provided important input into the design and function of the Egan Chapel of St. Ignatius of Loyola, which opened at the heart of campus in 1990, along with the Pedro Arrupe, S.J. Campus Ministry Center.

Upon learning the news of Fr. Carrier's reassignment, Fr. von Arx reflected on the many blessings his presence has brought the University and local community. "While at Fairfield," said Fr. von Arx, "Paul has advocated for and helped create, as he calls it, 'a strategy for an education for compassion' - the elements of which he describes as 'awareness, empathetic imagination, and, finally, action.' It is an approach to life full of mercy and compassion - one he not only wanted for our students, but one that he himself embraces with extraordinary passion. This community has been blessed by his presence."

Editor's note: As announced by Fr. von Arx in May, the Rev. Michael J. Doody, S.J. '70, will return this month to his alma mater as the new director of Campus Ministry. The September issue of Campus Currents will include an introductory article about Fr. Doody.

Photo by Jean Santopatre

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University announces faculty promotions, tenure; retirements

The Office of the Academic Vice President announces the following:

• Dr. W. Richard DeWitt, promoted to professor of philosophy, CAS
• Dr. Carol Joy Gordon, promoted to professor of philosophy, CAS
• Dr. James Simon, promoted to professor of English, CAS
• Dr. Carl Scheraga, promoted to professor of management, DSB
• Dr. Cheryl Tromley, promoted to professor of management, DSB
• Dr. David Sapp, professor of English, CAS, received tenure
• Dr. Virginia Kelly, chair of counselor education, GSEAP, received tenure
• Dr. Jennifer Klug, promoted to associate professor of biology, CAS, and received tenure
• Dr. Matthew Kubasik, promoted to associate professor of chemistry, CAS, and received tenure
• Dr. Tod Osier, promoted to associate professor of biology, CAS, and received tenure
• Dr. Mousumi Bhattacharya, promoted to professor of management, DSB, and received tenure
• Bogusia Molina, promoted to associate professor of counselor education, GSEAP, and received tenure
• Dr. James He, promoted to professor of information systems, DSB, and received tenure

Retiring in 2006

As the fiscal year comes to a close, Fairfield University bestows its best wishes on these retiring faculty and administrators:

• Carole Boccuzzi, registrar's office (25 years of service)
• Dr. Elia Chepaitis, associate professor of information systems and operations management, DSB (20 years of service)
• George E. Diffley, vice president for University advancement (30 years of service)
• Dr. Consolación Garcia Devasa, assistant professor of modern languages and literatures, CAS (19 years of service)
• Marge Glick, associate dean of University College (retired in January after 22 years of service)
• Dr. Virginia H. Hodgkinson, associate professor of biology, CAS (22 years of service)
• Michael Kreuzer, director of planned giving (retired in November after 7 years of service)
• Dolores McCluckie, program assistant, Sociology Department, CAS (8 years of service)
• Winston Roberts, HVAC facilities mechanic (retired in July after 33 years of service)
• William P. Schimpf, vice president for student services (retired December after 37 years of service)

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Dr. Novotny honored for her commitment to elderly care

By Emily Faherty '08, Contributing writer

Dr. Jeanne M. Novotny, dean of the School of Nursing, was honored on May 6 with a Vision Award at the Mother M. Angeline Teresa Award Dinner presented by the League of St. Joseph's Manor in Trumbull. She was recognized for her commitment to the health care needs of the elderly, as well as to the education of future nurses, emphasizing gerontological nursing to ensure that the elderly continue to receive quality nursing care.

"Dr. Novotny has been instrumental in getting Fairfield University students to St. Joseph's for their practicums, and in speaking about the need for geriatric nurses and for quality geriatric nursing education," says Sr. Michelle Anne Reho, administrator at St. Joseph's Manor.

Educating students in elderly care is a major focus of the School of Nursing. "With people living longer, all nurses need to know best practices for the care of older adults," explains Dr. Novotny. "It is essential that nursing students have positive clinical experiences and are able to understand the complexity of caring for this increasing population." Today, she explains, patients 65 and older make up 57 percent of all visits to general physicians; 50 percent of hospital days; 80 percent of home care visits; and 90 percent of nursing home care.

At the School of Nursing, Dr. Novotny has shaped the curriculum by developing goals and strategies through programs that provide students with first-hand practical experience with the elderly. During the past three decades, she has been a leader in the education and direction of nursing, including the development of the first collaboration between the World Health Organization and an American Red Cross chapter, and work implementing advanced nursing care programs in Mexico, Chile, Zimbabwe, and Italy. She has received two Book-of-the-Year Awards from the American Journal of Nursing for Distance Education in Nursing and A Nuts-and-Bolts Approach to Teaching Nursing.

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Fairfield University employees, sons, and daughters graduate in 2006

Congratulations to the following employees who graduated in the Class of 2006:

• Carol Chiodo, assistant teacher, modern languages and literatures - B.A.
• Cristina Dieguez, associate director of annual giving - MBA
• Courtney Galla, RecPlex - CAS
• Natalia Jarava, assistant teacher, modern languages and literatures - B.S.
• Abubaker Kaldi, RecPlex - M.S.
• Susan Marci, Web development and senior reference librarian - MBA
• Lisa Montiero, Talent Search academic counselor - M.A.
• Melissa Quan, assistant University chaplain - M.A.
• Brian Remigio, project coordinator, Computing and Network Services - M.S.
• Shrestha Pooja, production assistant, Media Center - M.S.
• Matthew Tellis, technology specialist/teacher, Fairfield Prep - B.A.
• Scott Wagner, production assistant, Media Center- M.A.
• Noelle Zboray, clerical temp, LARC - M.A.

Included in this year's class were the following sons and daughters of employees:

• Sarah Booth (daughter of Jeanne Marie Booth, administrative assistant, Office of Undergraduate Admission) - B.A.
• Todd Curesky (son of Marie Curesky, secretary, Office of Residential Life) - B.S.
• Meghan Daly (daughter of Sharon Daly, secretary, athletics) - B.A.
• Meghan Dancho (daughter of Laura Dancho, program assistant, biology, College of Arts and Sciences) - B.S.
• Fred Daniele (son of Jean Daniele, administrative assistant to the dean, CAS) - A.A.
• Kara Diffley (daughter of George Diffley, vice president for advancement) - B.S.
• Daniel Fahy (son of Lori Fahy, secretary, chemistry, CAS) - B.A.
• Megan Fairfield (son of Joanne Fairfield, switchboard operator) - B.S.
• Michael Falzone (son of John Falzone, carpenter) - B.A.
• Ellen Feeney (daughter of Kathleen Feeney, operations assistant, counseling services) - B.A.
• Anne Hennessey (daughter of Dr. Rose Rodrigues, assistant professor of anthropology and sociology, CAS) - B.A.
• John Miller (son of Linda Miller, secretary, English, CAS) - B.S.
• Zachary Miners (son of Dr. Laurence Miners, associate professor of economics, CAS) - B.A.
• Christopher Pastore (son of Patricia Pastore, Office of the Bursar) - B.S.
• Irja Peck (daughter of Dr. Milo Peck, assistant professor of accounting, DSB) - B.A.
• Gregory Romatzick (son of William Romatzick, energy controls supervisor) - B.S.
• Michael Salvioli (son of Brigida Salvioli, secretary, dean of freshmen) - B.A.
• Michael Testa (son of Louis Testa, central receiving) - B.A.
• Edward Thompson (son of Alex Krshisezki, public safety officer) - BSE

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The Staff Association of Fairfield University awards Karly Sanders '07

At its annual Scholarship Luncheon held May 3, Linda White, president of the Staff Association of Fairfield University, awarded $4,000 to Karly Sanders '07 based on her academic achievement and extracurricular activities. Sanders, whose major is sociology and minor is psychology, is interested in pursuing a job in criminal justice.

Sanders also received a gift certificate for the University bookstore, presented by Dr. Donald Ross, retired professor of biology in the College of Arts and Sciences. The $300 certificate, from the Friends of the Library, will be used for textbooks.

Photo by Jean Santopatre

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Dr. Ricciotti achieves a golden first place

By Alejandra Navarro, Publications writer

For Dr. Joseph Ricciotti, internship coordinator in the Graduate School of Education and Allied Professions, gold and silver never shined so bright. Investing in the precious metals, Dr. Ricciotti made a hypothetical $100,000 investment increase by a whopping 102 percent. With that feat, he topped the list of professors participating in Barron's Challenge stockpicking contest and he landed in second place overall, beating out more than 2,300 contestants. For his financial shrewdness, he gets a real check for $1,500.

Dr. Ricciotti has been an investor in precious metal stocks since the mid-1990s, beginning at a time when it was at its lowest point in 20 years. Gold, for example, was $265 per ounce then, and recently the price has reached nearly $700 an ounce, he says. "I was indeed fortunate, as gold and silver mining stocks had a spectacular rise in the past six months," he says. "That just happened to coincide with the six months of the contest from this past October to mid-April."

Research is part of his strategy. "I read websites that tend to offer more of a contrarian point of view regarding investing," he says, adding, "Investing and finance are simply interests of mine and I do not profess to have any expertise as an investor."

For the challenge, he selected 20 mining stocks on the New York Stock Exchange, including Newmont Mining, Goldcorp, Goldfields, and Agnico Mining; he owns shares of each in his personal portfolio.

"I entered the contest on a whim and never expected to do well," says Dr. Ricciotti. During the first month of the contest, he actually began losing money from the original hypothetical $100,000 given to all participants. His grandsons, Joe and Leo Connelly, also became intrigued with the Challenge and helped Dr. Ricciotti select some stocks. After a few lessons in the history of silver and gold, Leo, 9, became so fond of precious metals that he convinced his grandfather to expand his portfolio with silver, even when he was thinking about selling. The investment paid off. It's no surprise that Dr. Ricciotti will to give his prize money to his two grandsons, who plan to invest it in a custodial account at Wachovia's Securities in Westport. "I do plan to enter the contest again next year but know for a fact that I will never duplicate what was achieved this year," Dr. Ricciotti says. "Leo, however, thinks winning next year will be 'a piece of cake.'"

And, as good as gold.

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One million visitors and counting...

University President Jeffrey P. von Arx, S.J., joined in the party at the DiMenna-Nyselius Library last month, along with Joan Overfield, director of library services, James Estrada, vice president for information services, and plenty of staff, faculty, and students. The event celebrated the one millionth visitor to the library since its March 2001 opening.

Photo by Jean Santopatre

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Students honor University favorites during Senior Week

At the annual Senior Brunch on May 17, the Rev. Terry Devino, S.J. (pictured left), was touched by The Manor staff's decision to dedicate the 2006 yearbook to him. "Fairfield is the best, and it will always be in my heart," said Fr. Devino, who, after three years on Fairfield's campus, is heading to the University of Scranton at the end of this academic year to become its director of campus ministry. "These have been the best three years of my life. Maybe someday I will come back - if Fr. von Arx gives up his job," he joked.

Also recognized at the brunch was Dr. Jocelyn Boryczka (pictured right), assistant professor of politics in the College of Arts and Sciences, as Alpha Sigma Nu's Teacher of the Year. Dr. Boryczka, who shared her experiences as a young teacher in Teach for America, advised students to reflect on their own lives as a guide to living the years ahead. See the May issue of Campus Currents for an article on Dr. Boryczka's research. or visit http://fairfield.edu/cc_may06.html#facres.

Photos by Jean Santopatre

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Sports

SAAC members awarded

By Jack Jones, Director of sports information

With more than 300 individuals from diverse backgrounds on the rosters, Fairfield University student-athletes often search for a common ground and a collective voice. The Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), a group that includes two representatives from each of the 19 varsity sports, accomplishes just that.

SAAC provides insight on the student-athlete experience, and offers input on the rules, regulations, and policies that affect student-athletes' lives on NCAA member institution campuses.

Members of Fairfield University's SAAC are also involved in many off-campus services, including a fall food drive with donations going to area food banks and soup kitchens. In the spring, the group coordinates the annual Empties for Africa campaign, which collects empty cans and bottles for recycling with the proceeds going to the residents of Khayelitsha and Mitchell Plain in South Africa. The committee began its affiliation with the South Africans after former student-athlete Jill Macari '05 spent a summer working with the residents. So far, the money raised has helped fund a nine-hole golf course, a fitness center, basketball, netball and tennis courts, and a swimming pool.

"SAAC gives our student-athletes an excellent opportunity to reach out to their community, both within Fairfield County and abroad, and learn leadership skills," says Alison Sexton, senior associate director of athletics.

The group also worked on other projects this academic year, including recruiting student-athletes to participate in the annual phone-a-thon and coordinating a collection to support Christian McEvoy '04, a former member of the swimming and diving team who is participating in a cross-country run to raise funds for the Yale Cancer Center Survivorship Clinic and cancer research.

"Involvement in the community has been a true benefit for all SAAC members," Sexton says. "Their work has touched so many individuals over the years."

Committee members provide a valuable link between the student-athletes and athletic and University administrators. By meeting regularly and discussing topics such as hazing and alcohol abuse, SAAC members have the opportunity to learn and pass along that knowledge to their peers.

"Their input helps educate administration by expressing some of the concerns that student-athletes have," adds Sexton. "At the same time, SAAC helps administrators educate student-athletes about important topics and legislation that have a direct effect on them as a group."

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Awards banquet honors administrators and stellar student-athletes

Pictured above (l-r) are Gene Doris, director of athletics; George Diffley, vice president for University advancement; Bill Schimpf, retired vice president of student services; and Mark Reed, vice president for student affairs.

By Jack Jones, Director of sports information

At its annual awards dinner in May, the Department of Athletics presented ECAC Certificates of Appreciation to George Diffley, vice president for University advancement, and Bill Schimpf, retired vice president of student services. Diffley was honored for his role in helping fund many of the improvements that have become part of the daily experience of the Fairfield student athlete. Schimpf helped mold Fairfield University athletics, and was a driving force in its development as a Division I program.

Seniors Beth Loffredo and Vasilis Androutsos were named the Fairfield University athletes of the year. Loffredo led the women's lacrosse team in scoring with 53 total points, which placed her fifth among the conference leaders. Her point total this year made her Fairfield University's all-time leading scorer with 136 goals in just 54 career games. This year, Loffredo earned All-MAAC first team honors for the third time in her career. Androutsos, a draft pick of the Montreal Impact in the United Soccer Leagues, completed his senior season with 28 total points. He tallied 11 goals and six assists in 2005, which were one goal and one point shy of tying the school record in both categories. He finished his career with 18 goals, 15 assists, and 51 total points. His point total places third all-time in Fairfield's scoring annals.

Baendu Lowenthal '09 and Kerr McLeod '09 earned the University's freshman of the year accolades. Lowenthal averaged 8.2 points and 5.4 rebounds per game for the women's basketball team. Among the conference's rookies, the forward ranked fourth in scoring and first in rebounding. She was named to the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) All-Rookie team. McLeod received All-MAAC and MAAC All-Rookie laurels after helping the men's soccer team win the conference regular season title. He tallied a goal and three assists during his first season, which included a game-winning goal against Siena and a game-winning assist versus Niagara. He capped his season with the MAAC Rookie of the Year award.

Devin Hagen '06 and Tara Hansen '06 received the Alumni Association's Scholar-Athlete of the Year awards. Hagen, an American studies major, served his teammates as a co-captain in 2006, and was the team's leading scorer for three straight seasons. Among his career highlights was a third-place finish in the MAAC All-Academic selections and a spot on the Dean's List for seven straight semesters. Hansen, an engineering major, collected the award for the second straight year. She earned a spot on the Dean's List each semester from the 2002 to 2005. She has earned three MAAC All-Academic awards. On the field, Hansen was named the 2006 MAAC Pre-Season Player of the Year. She currently ranks second all-time with 13 career home runs, and holds the school record for career doubles.

Ed Meyer '06 of the men's soccer team earned the William Wallin '61 Memorial Award. The award, which was established for Wallin, is for an athlete who demonstrates the highest level of sportsmanship, character, and leadership on and off the field. Meyer is an active member of the Student Athlete Advisory Committee and served the committee as a co-president and as an officer. On the field, he was team captain of the 2006 team. He earned All-MAAC honors during his career, and anchored the defense which allowed just 10 goals in 18 games.

Tiffany Marsocci '06 and Michael Cuozzo '06 were the recipients of the Arthur Ashe Award, which is given to two Fairfield University tennis players who best emulate the virtues and values of Arthur Ashe.

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Fairfield University receives $50,000 for Bennett Center for Judaic Studies

The Carl and Dorothy Bennett Center for Judaic Studies, which offers courses, public lectures, and a host of other activities for students and the greater community, has received a $50,000 grant from the Adolph and Ruth Schnurmacher Foundation to continue and expand its work.

"The Foundation has been a longtime supporter of the Bennett Center since its founding in 1997. Support from the foundation has been crucial in helping the Center grow to meet the needs of the University and the community," says Dr. Ellen Umansky, the Carl and Dorothy Bennett Professor of Judaic Studies.

Continued support from the Schnurmacher Foundation will be used to expand the Center's staff and support speakers' fees and operating expenses. The Center also works with the Jewish undergraduate student group, KADIMA, to organize several campus events, including a Jewish New Year celebration, a Sukkot observance, a Passover Seder, and the Holocaust Remembrance Service.

Kirby Foundation awards $30,000 grant to Fairfield University's Kirby Family Literacy Project

The F.M. Kirby Foundation has awarded a $30,000 grant to Fairfield University to enhance the endowment and operating budget of the Adrienne Kirby Family Literacy Project (AKFL), a 14-year-old Bridgeport-based program fostering children's language skills and parental effectiveness. The AKFL Project, a partnership between Fairfield University and Action for Bridgeport Community Development's (ABCD) Early Learning/Head Start Program, offers school-readiness sessions, book giveaways, and parenting programs for nearly 750 children and their families, as well as meaningful work/study, internship, and volunteer experiences for about 175 Fairfield students each year.

"What is so wonderful about this Project is that everybody wins," says Dr. Judy Primavera, professor of psychology in the College of Arts and Sciences, who founded the literacy project with Dr. June Malone, ABCD's director of Early Learning. "Our partners at ABCD get the human and material resources they need to more effectively prepare the children for kindergarten. Fairfield students get the type of real-world learning experiences that not only helps them live the Jesuit ideal of 'men and women for others,' but also provides them with invaluable opportunities for academic, professional, and personal growth."

A vibrant part of Fairfield outreach efforts and a vital part of the Psychology Department's pre-professional training, AKFL augments ABCD services in many ways. Fairfield students and staff have assisted in significantly boosting the language, cognitive, and social skills of youngsters in ABCD's Head Start program for preschoolers. During the 2005-06 school year, 165 Fairfield University students participated in the Project comprised mostly of student volunteers. The group also includes psychology students who worked in the Head Start classrooms as a part of their course's service learning component, students trained for the Project as their University work/study assignment, and students completing their applied psychology internships with AKFL. In addition, thousands of books are donated by University employees and through service projects at elementary schools associated with the Jamie A. Hulley Fund for the Arts.

Fairfield University wins grant for innovative girls' technology camp

The Fairfield County Community Foundation Fund for Women and Girls has awarded Fairfield University Engineering Professor Michael Zabinski's program a two-year grant of $7,752 to help fund the 2006 and 2007 technology camps for girls from Bridgeport, Norwalk, Fairfield, Milford, and Orange.

The program has also received the following: a $2,200 grant from the Connecticut chapter of the American Association of University Women (AAUW); a $300 grant from the Bridgeport AAUW; a two-year $2,000 grant from The Harvey Hubbell Foundation; and $1,250 from Fairfield University.

"The anticipated long term effect of the project is to help shape tomorrow's female leaders in the field of technology," says Dr. Zabinski, founder and executive director of National Computer Camps (www.nccamp.com), the country's original computer camp.

Based on the successful girls' computer camp Dr. Zabinski directed at Fairfield last summer, the two-year Technology Camp for Girls is designed to bolster computer and leadership skills in 50 girls entering seventh grade in five local school districts.

The project directly addresses the large gender gap in technology and, in particular, computer science. Campers will use Fairfield's facilities to learn more about webpage design, computer programming, Flash, and Photoshop.

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News Briefs

Credit Union offers competitive rates
Fairfield University Employees Federal Credit Union is available throughout the academic year and all summer long. Open to University faculty and staff, the Credit Union offers savings, Christmas, and vacation accounts, as well as car loans and personal loans to qualified borrowers - with competitive rates and the convenience of payroll deduction. Located in Gonzaga Hall, its summer hours are Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., and Fridays, 7:30 a.m. to noon. For more information, call ext. 2610.

Staff Association plans upcoming trips
Mark your calendars for these exciting excursions with members of the Fairfield University Staff Association:

Mohegan Sun Casino bus trip: July 21, afternoon; four-day bus trip to Washington, D.C.: Oct. 6 through 9, Columbus Day weekend; outlet shopping in Kittery and Freeport, Maine: Nov. 17 through 19; 13-day Alaska Cruisetour (5 days on land, 7 days cruising and 1 day in Vancouver, British Columbia): July/ August 2007. For more information, e-mail Linda White at lwhite@mail.fairfield.edu.

Sigma Pi Sigma inducts new members
On May 7, the Fairfield University chapter of Sigma Pi Sigma, the Physics Honor Society (which is also a member of the American Institute of Physics), inducted eight students and one professor. Sigma Pi Sigma honors outstanding scholarship in physics; encourages interest in physics among students at all levels; promotes an attitude of service of its members towards their fellow students, colleagues, and the public; and provides a fellowship of persons who have excelled in physics. Congratulations to the following inductees: Angela Biselli, assistant professor of physics in the College of Arts and Sciences; and students Brendan Hermalyn '07, Brittany Hunter '07, Jessica Kurose '07, Rita Schneider '05, John Stupak '07, Michael Talmadge '07, Frances Tursi '07, and Michael Zaffetti '07.

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Kelley Center nearly ready for office moves

By Alejandra Navarro, Publications writer

Offices will begin to move into the newly built Aloysius P. Kelley, S.J., Administrative Center the week of July 17, unleashing a chain reaction of moves across campus by freeing space for new programs and departments now housed in temporary locations.

"It's a domino effect," explains Michael Cusato, director of campus planning and design. The University Registrar's Office, for example, is scheduled to move into the new Kelley Administrative Center. Its current location in Canisius Hall, Room 200, will become home to the Center for Catholic Studies and the Center for Faith and Public Life and its service learning initiative.

In addition to the University Registrar, other offices moving into the new Kelley Administrative Center include:

• Career Planning Center
• Enrollment Management
• Financial Aid
• Graduate Admission
• Marketing
• New Student Programs
• StagCard
• Student Support Services
• Undergraduate Admission

And the dominoes continue to fall. The space now occupied by the Financial Aid Office in Donnarumma Hall will revert to faculty offices.

The Office of Residence Life and Housing, which today resides in the Campion Hall trailer, will occupy the space currently housing the Career Planning Center on the ground floor of the John A. Barone Campus Center. In addition, new office space is being constructed on the ground floor for the Fairfield University Student Association (FUSA). The Center for Multicultural Relations (now housed in Loyola Hall, Room 4) and the TRIO Programs (now located in Southwell Hall) will move into the offices FUSA currently occupies.

Southwell Hall is scheduled to house the University's new childcare center by fall 2007.

Questions still remain about some office space that will become vacant, including rooms in Canisius, Loyola, and Bellarmine halls. One goal is to have some Advancement Division offices currently in temporary space across campus - such as Special Events and Advancement Research in Alumni Hall - return to Bellarmine. However, space in the building will also be needed for two new senior administrators, Cusato says.

Cusato expects most of the moves to run smoothly. Since the Kelley Administrative Center will have new furniture, changing spaces will just be a matter of moving boxes.

On a growing campus like Fairfield, with new and exciting programs emerging every year, the domino of moves never seems to ends. In fact, he explains, the roof of the 24,551-square-foot Kelley Administrative Center was built so that, if necessary, a second floor could be added.

The hope is always to give people on campus an upgrade in the efficiency of their workspace, Cusato says. "Overall, everyone's going to come out with a better space than what they have now."

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Students prepare for service trips

At last month's Mission Mass, Melissa Quan, assistant University chaplain, distributed wooden crosses to the students and employees participating in this year's two-week Arrupe Volunteer experiences. University Chaplain Paul Carrier, S.J., presided at the Mass. The volunteers, who had prepared for their trips for several months, returned on June 3 after working and living in some of the world's poorest communities in Ecuador and Mexico.

Photo by Jean Santopatre

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Vermont cheddar wins competition

David Ainsworth (pictured right), a fifth-generation Vermont dairy farmer, rolled a giant wax-coated wheel of Cabot white cheddar cheese down the Barlow Field Hill on May 16. The event was part of the Food Network's program, Ham on the Street, which taped an episode on campus that included a segment on an "old-fashioned" cheese wheel rolling contest. Losing to Ainsworth was Wisconsin's Tim Domack, whose yellow cheddar veered to the right instead of down the hill. University students, administrators, and staff - including University President Jeffrey P. von Arx, S.J. - were there to cheer on the rollers and taste the competing wheels.

Photo by Jean Santopatre

Campus Currents is the official news publication of the Fairfield University community. It is published monthly. The editorial office is located in Bellarmine Hall, Room 203. Telephone: 254-4000, ext. 2556. Fax: 254-4167. E-mail: jcaseria@mail.fairfield.edu.

Editor
Jill Kasiewicz Caseria
Assistant Director of University Publications

Editorial Board
Martha Milcarek
Assistant Vice President for Public Relations
Barbara Kiernan
Director of University Publications
Jean Santopatre
University Photojournalist

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