May 2002

Volume 10, Number 9
The official news publication of Fairfield University

Index for May 9, 2002

Forum opens conversation about national Church crisis

By Jill Kasiewicz Caseria, Editor

Coming together in times of crisis has become a theme this year in the string of national and local events affecting the University community. The current sexual abuse crisis within the Catholic Church is no exception. More than 150 people gathered for an open forum held in the Oak Room last month to discuss their concerns and voice their opinions.

Moderated by Paul Carrier, S.J., University chaplain, the forum's panel included Ken Cullen, CSW, treatment provider to clergy; Thomas Regan, S.J., associate dean of the College of Arts and Sciences; Nancy Dallavalle, Ph.D., associate professor of religious studies; James Mayzik, S.J., director of the Media Center; and Allison Hillenbrand '05.

"In times of difficulty and crisis we come together and support each other," said Fr. Carrier. "Tonight we are here to share our common hurt and discuss the great pain of the abuse and the cover-ups by bishops. Our goal is to seek the truth and to make sure this will never happen again."

Sexual abuse is a crime and a felony, and to sweep it under the rug is a terrible mistake, said Fr. Regan. "While there may be forgiveness and psychological help available, there is also a legal problem here...no one is above the law."

Cullen listed some frightening statistics about sexual abuse of children. "One in four females and one in six males are abused in this country before the age of eighteen - and (as a nation) we are doing nothing serious about it," he said. In terms of the crisis in the Church, he viewed this as an opportunity for the Church to disseminate information about pedophilia, and to provide assessments and treatment for those who need it. He also added that celibacy does not cause pedophilia. "If that were true, there would not be other sectors of the population who had problems with pedophilia."

Hillenbrand said that the crisis does not alter her faith, but has caused her to examine her trust in the Catholic Church. "I question the future of the Church and my generation's role in it. What does the Church do from here to regain the trust of people my age?"

Dallavalle discussed steps to prevention. "The Church needs solid, sensible policies that deal with sexual abuse, and structures within the priesthood that enable them to develop and grow their own psychosexual development." She also added that laity should "step up and take responsibility," to be a part of the solution by working with their local diocese to develop policies to prevent future abuse from occurring and to handle perpetrators.

Susan Birge, Ph.D., assistant vice president for student resources, encourages anyone who seeks additional support to contact the Center at ext. 2146.

Celebrating poetry

Dennis Keenan, Ph.D., associate professor of philosophy, was among the group of faculty and students who read poems on April 23 in the Barone Campus Center as part of Fairfield University's celebration of National Poetry Month.

Photo by Jean Santopatre

CUR fellowship to support research on marine sponges

By Jill Kasiewicz Caseria, Editor

Pictured above with Malcolm Hill, Ph.D., are his students participating in the marine sponge research: Kim Scobie '02, and juniors Nora Lopez (who will continue the research this the summer, through the CUR fellowship), Krisi Brodie, Christina McDonagh, Kim Young, and Christine Curley.

Cats use their claws, skunks their scent, and sharks their rows of triangular teeth. But how do marine sponges defend themselves against predators? That's just what Malcolm Hill, Ph.D., assistant professor of biology, and student Nora Lopez '03 will be studying this summer thanks to a 2002 Undergraduate Summer Research Fellowship in Science from The Council on Undergraduate Research (CUR). CUR awards summer fellowships to faculty mentors interested in supporting an undergraduate student to engage in a 10-week, full-time research project in a laboratory setting at their home institution. Approximately 10 percent of CUR applications receive awards.

Sponges may look defenseless, but they have various mechanisms to protect themselves from being eaten. According to Hill, who has been studying sponges for 15 years, the creatures' defenses range from chemical (bad-tasting secretions) to morphological (composition).

In previous studies, Hill examined the chemical defenses of tropical sponges. This summer's study will focus on the sponges living in Long Island Sound, which are suspected to have morphological defenses. Their skeletons contain small glass shards which may result in a painful shock for the unsuspecting predator. "A mouthful of the sponge might cause abrasions in the digestive tract," Hill explains.

Although the duo will be studying Sound creatures, this project will be no lazy afternoon by the beach. Some days will begin at 5 a.m.'s low tide, the perfect time to collect samples - sea stars, crabs, and sponges. "We will isolate the chemical compounds from the sponges, create artificial foods from them, and feed them to the sponges' predators we collect," says Hill. Then he and Lopez will monitor the reactions and record their results.

Findings from the study will be used in the annual spring poster session for Sigma Xi, the Scientific Research Society, for a continuing study on sponges, "and possibly publication," says Hill, which is the ultimate goal.

"Getting involved in research at the undergraduate level is of paramount importance. Students learn much more about biology when they are actually doing research than when they are just sitting in the classroom," says Hill. "When they participate in a project, they take ownership of a question. The search for the answer then takes on a whole new meaning."

Photo by Jean Santopatre

Board of trustees approves budget for 2002-03

Big campaign, but tight budget?

If the University's Our Promise campaign has been so successful to date, why is next year's budget so tight?

That's a question on the minds of some around the University as the Board of Trustees signed off on the FY '03 budget.

The answer, according to Vice President for Advancement George E. Diffley, lies largely in the priorities of the campaign and their relationship to each year's annual operating budget.

According to Diffley, Our Promise, which was announced publicly in September 2000 and as of February had raised $91 million in gifts and pledges toward its goal of $100 million, is seeking multi-year gifts and pledges in three areas: facilities, endowment, and current operations.

"Gifts for facilities renovation and construction," he said, "go directly to fund the various projects to which donors have directed them and are only available for that purpose. However, there is an impact on the operating budget in terms of additional depreciation and operating costs for those facilities."

Gifts that establish new endowment funds, he added, "are directed by the donors to specific purposes, such as student aid, technology support, debt service on the facilities constructed with bond revenues, and academic programs, but only a Board-set portion of the income from these endowment funds is available each year to support the designated purposes through the operating budget. And, of course, most commitments to the campaign are payable over several years, and so the endowment funds grow over time as payments are received."

Diffley said only gifts to support current operations, received largely as unrestricted gifts through the Annual Fund in each year of the campaign, directly impact the University's annual operating budget. "For our next budget year," he said, "a minimum of $2,650,000 has already been budgeted and is one of the revenue sources on which the balanced budget will depend.

"In short," Diffley said, "this campaign is focused principally on our supporting our facilities and endowment agenda, providing either no or vary gradual impact on the operating budget."

Olivia Harriott receives Women's Studies Award
Olivia Harriott, Ph.D. (center), microbiologist and assistant professor of biology, was recognized last month by the Women's Studies Center. "She is a mentor and a role model who assists students in building confidence and careers in science," said Sally O'Driscoll, Ph.D., associate professor of English and co-director of the Women's Studies Center. "She extends herself to advance the next generation of scientists by reaching out to, guiding, and supporting students in their work."

Former and current students spoke about the positive impact Harriott has made on their lives. "She made me realize my opportunities and helped me work through the obstacles to get there," said Alicia Watson '01, a teacher at Fairfield Prep. "Her words of wisdom made a difference in my experience at Fairfield and my life."

Harriott, who began teaching at Fairfield University in 1997, said that she tries to assist her students in the same way the influential mentors in her life encouraged her. "Mentors got me where I am today," she said, "so my goal as an educator is to help each student reach his or her full potential." Harriott has recently been promoted to associate professor and granted tenure.

Since 1994, the Women's Studies Center has annually awarded an outstanding University woman. Harriott is pictured above with O'Driscoll (left) and Rose Rodrigues, Ph.D. (right), assistant professor of sociology and anthropology and co-director of the Center.

Photo by Robin Fellows

In April, Bharat B. Bhalla, Ph.D., professor of finance, discussed the following three papers at the thirty-fifth annual meeting of the Eastern Finance Association held in Baltimore: "The Fading Pacific Basin January Effect," authored by William S. Compton, University of North Carolina-Wilmington and Scott Bayer, University of Wisconsin - Parkside; "Explaining Credit Rating Differences Between Japanese and U.S. Agencies," authored by William T. Moore, University of South Carolina, and Yoon S. Shin, University of Delaware; and "Political Instability and Spillover Effect," authored by Ki C. Han, Suffolk University, Sun Hun Lee, Loyola University, Chicago, and David Y. Suk, Rider University.

Susan Birge, Ph.D., assistant vice president for student resources, did an in-depth interview with Gillian Neff of Cablevision on the subject of skin cancer. Birge arranged for a free skin cancer screening clinic for Fairfield University students on April 24.

"A Study of Emotion and Reason in Products and Services," a paper by Arjun Chaudhuri, Ph.D., professor of marketing, was published in the Journal of Consumer Behaviour, 1 (3), 2002.

"Soft Barriers to ICT Applications in Development: Trust and Information Quality in Russia," an article by Elia Chepaitis, Ph.D., associate professor of information systems and operations management, was published in the Journal of International Development in January. Ivy League Publishing published her chapter, "E-Commerce and the Information Environment in an Emerging Economy: Russia at the Turn of the Century," in Global Information Technology and Electronic Commerce in September 2001.

In addition, Chepaitis delivered three papers that were published in proceedings in 2001: "Strategies for Effective E-Health," at INFORMS (Institute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences) in Miami in November; "Soft Information Infrastructures: The Limits of E-Commerce," at the Global Information Technology World Conference in Dallas in June; and "It's Alive: Life and Death in Information Infrastructures," at the International Conference on Information Resource Management in Toronto in May.

Anne Cole, director of student health services, was interviewed by Channel 12 News regarding the newly enacted meningitis legislation and about how Fairfield was preparing to deal with the required immunization for the fall semester.

Ralph Coury, Ph.D., professor of history, has participated in several programs at the Museum of the City of New York in conjunction with the current exhibit, "A Community of Many Worlds: Arab Americans in New York City," which he helped to organize. On March 6, he presented "Who is an Arab American?"; and on April 6, he gave a lecture on the Pen League, an organization of renowned Arab New York writers of the 1920s and '30s. The audience was a group of New York secondary school teachers who are taking a continuing education course on the history of the New York Arab community under the auspices of the Museum and Teachers' College of Columbia University. On April 7, Coury participated in a public panel on the Pen League.

Robin Crabtree, Ph.D., chair of the communications department, was interviewed by WSTC/WNLK radio on the lecture on campus by Dr. B. Lee Artz, an expert on media and propaganda as they relate to the events of Sept. 11.

Victor D'Ascenzo, major gifts officer, has been named vice chairman of the 2002 Connecticut Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Philanthropy Day Conference. The one-day conference, scheduled for November 2002, is for development professionals from Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and New York. D'Ascenzo is also on the Board of Directors for AFP's Fairfield County Chapter.

Jesús Escobar, Ph.D., art history program director, presented Art and Life in Baroque Madrid, as part of the Art History Lecture Series at Wesleyan University in April.

"When Intent Makes All the Difference in the World: Economic Sanctions on Iraq and the Accusation of Genocide," an article by Joy Gordon, Ph.D., associate professor of philosophy, was published in the Yale Human Rights and Development Law Journal, Volume 5, 2002.

Gordon spoke on "The Ethics of Economic Sanctions and the Problem of Iraq" before the Association for Practical and Professional Ethics in March; and at Wellesley College in January on "The Cuban Economy and the Impact of Sanctions." Last semester she spoke at The International Center for Ethics, Justice, and Public Life at Brandeis University November on "When Intent Makes All the Difference in the World: Economic Sanctions on Iraq and the Accusation of Genocide," and at the Watson Institute for International Studies at Brown University on " 'And Titus, lamenting the deaths of the Jerusalemites, called God to witness that it was not his doing': Economic Sanctions and the Problem of Moral Agency."

In April, Nancy Haegel, Ph.D., professor of physics, presented "Numerical Modeling of Transient Behavior in Far-Infrared Photoconductors at the Far-IR, SUMM, & MM Detector Technology Workshop sponsored by NASA/Ames & USRA/SOFIA" in Monterey, California. In addition to her presentation, two papers co-written by Fairfield University students were contributed. These were "Modeling of Growth Parameter Effects for Far-Infrared Blocked Impurity Band Detectors," co-written by Stacy Samperi '02, Haegel, and A.M. White (from White Numeric Consulting Ltd., Malvern, England), and "Transient Modeling and Measurements for Ge:Ga Photoconductors," co-written by William Schwartz (continuing education student), Matt Smylie '03, and Haegel.

Two professional journals have accepted papers from Mark LeClair, Ph.D., associate professor of economics. "Fighting the Tide: Alternative Trade Organizations in the Era of Global Free Trade" will appear in the June 2002 issue of World Development, and "Export Composition and Employment in the U.S." will be published in Economic Systems Research, the journal of the International Input-Output Society, in June.

Dee Lippman, Ph.D., professor of nursing, was quoted in the Greenwich Time in an article about the lingering effects of Sept. 11 on people, including those not directly affected.

In April, R. James Long, Ph.D., professor of philosophy, presented "The Fate of the Proslogion Argument at the Hands of the First Oxford Masters" at The Second Saint Anselm Conference held at St. Anselm College in Manchester, New Hampshire.

Paula Gill Lopez, Ph.D., associate professor of psychology and special education, was quoted in the Mountain Times in Killington, Vermont, about skiers who are physically challenged.

Paul Arnold of BBC in London came to Fairfield University on March 29 to record an hour-long interview with Joseph MacDonnell, S.J. of the MACS department concerning scientists and mathematicians of the 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries. BBC is in the process of creating a 40-minute audio program about scientists and the Catholic Church which will be aired sometime in May. One of Fr. MacDonnell's web pages (www.faculty.fairfield. edu/jmac/sjscient.htm) caught the attention of Arnold who is the project coordinator.

Carole Ann Maxwell, director of liturgical music, was chorus master for the Yale Opera - Graduate Opera Program at Yale University, for three performances of Mozart's "The Magic Flute" in February. In April, she also directed the Mendelssohn Choir of Connecticut in "French/Russian Double Bill" at the Norwalk Concert Hall. The latter was part of a series of six concerts leading to her doctorate in sacred music.

Sharlene A. McAvoy, Ph.D., professor of business law, presented "Bad Cases That Made Bad Law: The Ten Worst United States Supreme Court Decisions" at the annual meeting of the Mid-Atlantic Academy of Legal Studies in Business, held March 22 in Philadelphia.

In March, James Mullan, Ph.D., professor of English, presented "Irish American Writing in the 19th and 20th Centuries" to the Ancient Order of Hibernians in Stamford.

Women's basketball coach Dianne Nolan spoke to students in the Valley Instructional Network for Education (VINE) in a lecture series that brings prominent politicians, journalists, educators, and business people to discuss issues with students in Seymour, Ansonia, Derby, and Shelton.

Several University professors have been asked to comment on the crisis in the Catholic Church by media outlets. News12 Connecticut interviewed Rev. Thomas Regan, S.J., Ph.D., associate dean of the College of Arts & Sciences, and Paul Lakeland, Ph.D., professor of religious studies, about the meeting of the Cardinals that was called by Pope John Paul II in Rome. Lakeland said, "The Church has finally decided that it cannot take care of these issues on its own; that bringing these things out in the open is a way of showing that it's willing to be accountable to the people of the Church and, when necessary, to the legal system."

James Simon, Ph.D., associate professor of English, became an elementary school journalism instructor in his hometown this semester at Stratford's Wilcoxson School when he taught three separate sixth grade classes how to write a newspaper story. Simon engaged the students by having them write a headline and story for a tabloid-style paper. He then discussed the credibility of tabloid stories versus those in the mainstream press.

Simon also conducted an in-service workshop for all teachers on how to use a newspaper story format as a way to encourage students to write. His 8-year-old son, Christopher, attends the school.

The April 7 edition of The New York Times mentions Brian Torff, director of the music department, in an article about the eclectic jazz pianist, George Shearling. He was also reviewed on the record label Website of Whaling City Sound, where the site noted that Torff's "complete command of his instrument had brought him to the attention of Cleo Lane, George Shearling, and so many others."

Fredric Wheeler, associate vice president for development, was featured in "Fundraising in Tough Times," an article that was carried in the March issue of University Business magazine and quoted in a Fairfield County Business Journal article on the same subject.

Eight faculty promoted

Congratulations to the following faculty members:

Kim Bridgford, Ph.D., promoted to professor of English.

Mary Ann Carolan, Ph.D., promoted to associate professor of modern languages and literatures and granted tenure.

Ronald Davidson, Ph.D., promoted to professor of religious studies.

Sheila Grossman, Ph.D., promoted to professor of nursing.

Olivia Harriott, Ph.D., promoted to associate professor of biology and granted tenure.

April Hill, Ph.D., promoted to associate professor of biology and granted tenure.

Brian Torff, promoted to associate professor of visual and performing arts and granted tenure.

Jo Yarrington, M.F.A., promoted to professor of studio arts.

Service Anniversaries

May 2002

5 years
Maria Piechocki

15 years
Elizabeth Garvin

35 years
Alfred Benney

Condolences
Luz Reyes, the mother of Richard Santiago, security officer, died on April 5.
Gerard Walters, the husband of Joan G. Walters, Ph.D., retired professor of economics, died on April 6.

New Employee
Alexander Sency - Locksmith, Carpenters

Commencement to feature alumnus Douglas Perlitz '92

By Nancy Habetz, Director of Media Relations

Fairfield University is turning to one of its own to address this year's graduates at commencement on May 19 at 10 a.m. Douglas Perlitz '92, will speak to the Class of 2002 about his experiences in Haiti where he has established and runs a school and residence for former street children in Cap Haitien.

"Jesuit education encourages students to be 'men and women for others, to share their God-given gifts to help those less fortunate," said Aloysius P. Kelley, S.J., University President, in making the announcement. "Doug's extraordinary work with poor children in Haiti is an inspiration to people of all ages, but particularly to our own students who will be looking for ways to incorporate the community service they have been involved in at Fairfield into their lives as they begin their careers." Perlitz will receive an honorary doctor of laws degree.

Fairfield will also confer honorary doctor of laws degrees on Loretta Brennan Glucksman, chairman of The American Ireland Fund, and George W. Bur, S.J., president of the Gesu School in Philadelphia. In addition, John P. Sachs, Ph.D., a former trustee of Fairfield University and former president and CEO of Great Lakes Carbon Corporation, will receive an honorary doctor of science degree.

Douglas Perlitz '92

douglas perlitz first visited haiti on a campus ministry mission volunteer trip during his junior year. his question to university chaplain paul e. carrier, s.j., "when will some of us stay?" became prophetic when he returned to Haiti five years later to work as a pastoral minister at Sacre Coeur Hospital in Milot. The following year he founded the Pierre Toussaint School and Outreach Program for Street Children in the northeast Haiti town of Cap Haitien, with the support of Fairfield University Campus Ministry, the Knights of Malta, and the Oblates of Mary Immaculate, a French Canadian order.

Presently, 25 students live together in the "walled" village on the outskirts of town, that includes three small houses, a dining hall, two classrooms, an administrative building, a basketball court, and soccer field. Another 50 to 60 boys attend the 13th Street School in town where they have access to a free meal, showers, locker space, and minor medical attention. Perlitz has enlisted a team of local Haitian aides to provide 24-hour supervision, and works to reconnect as many children as possible to their families.

Perlitz grew up in Barrington, Ill., and taught in the Punta Gorda High School in Belize following his graduation from Fairfield. He earned a master's degree in theology from Boston College before moving to Haiti.

Loretta Brennan Glucksman

Loretta Brennan Glucksman, a third-generation Irish-American who grew up in an Irish community in Pennsylvania, has been a leading force in garnering support for the people of Ireland and their culture. As chairman of The American Ireland Fund, she has played a key role in the fund becoming the world's largest private organization supporting constructive change throughout Ireland.

Glucksman credits her husband, Lew, with reuniting her with the homeland of her grandparents. A Hungarian Jew and Wall Street financier, he had a passionate interest in Irish literature and, as a trustee of New York University, funded a center for Irish Studies there. Together they have raised over $75 million for Ireland and have witnessed dramatic economic and social change.

Earlier in her career, Mrs. Glucksman was a producer for news and public affairs with PBS-TV and served as director of media relations for the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. She is a trustee of the Trinity College Foundation and the National Library of Ireland, and is a member of the New Jersey Board of WNET-Channel 13 and the NYU College of Arts & Sciences.

George W. Bur, S.J.

As pastor of Philadelphia's Church of the Gesu in the 1980s, George W. Bur, S.J., oversaw the inner-city congregation as well as its elementary school, Gesu School. When the parish was one of three slated for closing in 1993 to consolidate the North Philadelphia area, Bur mobilized community leaders to keep the school open. Gesu has attained a national reputation for excellence in inner-city education and the school's future has been assured.

Located in a neighborhood where just 35 percent of students stay in school, more than 95 percent of Gesu graduates finish high school on time, and most go on to college. In addition to his responsibilities as president of the school, Bur teaches advanced math to 8th graders, tutors graduates, and plays a vital role in the school and community.

During the 1970s and early 1980s, Bur worked in Baltimore on housing justice issues, including a successful effort to expose and eliminate systematic racism in mortgage lending.

A graduate of Woodstock College with a bachelor's degree and a master's of divinity degree, Bur also earned a master's degree in physics from Catholic University. He was ordained a priest in 1972.

John P. Sachs, Ph.D.

John P. Sachs, Ph.D., served on the Fairfield University Board of Trustees from 1980 to 1992. Sachs and his wife, Mary, made a major contribution to the University during its last campaign to support the construction of the Arrupe Campus Ministry Center, which is part of the Egan Chapel of St. Ignatius Loyola.

Sachs spent most of his career with Great Lakes Carbon Corporation in New York, where he served as president and CEO from 1978 to 1986, and then as vice chairman and CEO. He joined Great Lakes Carbon in 1966 as group vice president. Before that he was an operations manager with the Union Carbide Corporation.

Sachs earned a bachelor of science degree in chemical engineering from the Illinois Institute of Technology. He served in the Army during World War II before returning to the Illinois Institute, where he completed master of science and doctoral degrees in chemical engineering.

Sachs served as president of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers and was chairman of the board of the General Refractories Company and a director of the Chemical Manufacturers Association.

Bhalla appointed associate dean of the Dolan School of Business

By Barbara D. Kiernan, Director of University Publications

His colleagues in the Dolan School of Business have been wondering aloud if they should be offering him congratulations or condolences. What professor of finance Bharat Bhalla, Ph.D., keeps telling them - with an ear-to-ear smile - is, "Neither. Just let me enjoy this moment in time!"

This "moment" is his recent appointment as associate dean, which becomes effective July 1. Already stacked on his desk, however, is a foot-high pile of applications awaiting his review. Bhalla's new responsibilities revolve around the Dolan School's graduate programs, which include an MBA with numerous concentrations, an Executive MBA, and a master's in finance. Although some students enroll full-time, most pursue these advanced degrees while holding a full-time job in the corporate sector, taking advantage of the programs' evening, online, and summer courses.

"One of the reasons I so relish this new opportunity is that the graduate programs will be a vital force in the future growth of the Dolan School," says Bhalla. "I hope the combination of my experience in business and my commitment to this institution will help increase traffic on the two-way bridge between Fairfield and the business sector. The graduate programs, in particular, have the potential to foster strong ties with businesses through responsiveness to their needs."

According to Dolan School Dean Norm Solomon, Ph.D., "Dr. Bhalla brings to the associate dean position not only a strong academic background but also a superb set of experiences from his career in business. As someone who has been both an academic and a business practitioner, he clearly has the leadership skills and the vision to lead our dynamic graduate programs. I am thrilled to have him on board."

For Bhalla, who joined the full-time faculty in 1987, higher education is a second career. He calls it "the most fulfilling part of my life." Continuing, he says, "I get to meet young people every day and share my knowledge with them. I'm in a school that is growing, and I have the freedom to be creative and innovative. While there's never a dull moment, I relish the work."

After earning a doctorate in finance from Cornell in 1966, Bhalla began a two-decade career in the corporate world. "I wanted to test what I had learned, provided I could work in an international division," says the native of India. His subsequent work with Allied Signal, The Private Investment Company for Asia, Bio-Medical Sciences, and The Continental Group took him around the world on business, and included a three-year stay in Japan. When The Continental Group was acquired in the mid-'80s, Bhalla had the opportunity to stay on, but decided to use the situation as a catalyst for personal change.

He first worked as a consultant for the U.S. Agency for International Development, where he successfully negotiated a technical agreement between India and the U.S. During that time, he taught as an adjunct professor at Fairfield University and at Baruch College in New York City. Subsequently offered a full-time position by both institutions, he chose Fairfield. "I haven't had a moment of regret," he says.

In the next few years, Bhalla wrote three successful federal grant proposals, which led to the creation of the Dolan School of Business' Center for Global Competitiveness. Still the Center's director, he oversees students and faculty who assist small businesses in finding export markets for their products. In 1994, Bhalla helped negotiate the intricacies of launching an undergraduate major in international studies. "Having it offered jointly by the School of Business and the College of Arts and Sciences was an important innovation, and required diplomacy and broad thinking," he recalls. "One thing we all agreed on in shaping the new major was that, while we might need to compromise on content to accommodate the needs of each school, there would be no compromise on basic principles or quality." During its first four years of existence, Bhalla co-directed the major.

In his new position, Bhalla looks forward to increasing the dynamism between the Dolan School and many corporations in the region whose employees are engaged in graduate studies. According to Bhalla, such personal interaction not only strengthens the curriculum by keeping it dynamic and relevant, but it also challenges faculty to stay on top of changes in their fields. "All in all," he explains, "what results is more broad-based thinking, a benefit to students, faculty, and industry."

Among his plans are visits to companies now represented among the student body, and to others whose employees could benefit from the School's graduate programs. He also plans to streamline the admission process so that decisions are made more quickly. "One thing that differentiates Fairfield's graduate programs is our attitude of service," he says. "I want applicants to know they can count on the Dolan School of Business for content and contact.

"I'm looking forward to working with Dr. Solomon," Bhalla continues, "because we stand on common ground. I have a lot of respect for his leadership and for his many positive ideas for the Dolan School of Business." Photo by Jean Santopatre

AT&T's Armstrong tells students, "Never give up"
"Assume nothing," and "Never give up." Those were among the words of advice from AT&T Chairman and CEO C. Michael Armstrong (left) to Dolan School of Business students and others during a wide-ranging discussion held April 24 at the second annual Charles F. Dolan Lecture.

Armstrong was joined by Emmy award-winning interviewer Charlie Rose (right) for a lively, two-hour program in the Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts. The conversation was taped for future broadcast of the national on the PBS program, "Charlie Rose."

Near the end of the exchange, Rose asked Armstrong for his advice to the business students. "I have a sign on my desk that has two words on it - 'assume nothing.' Every time I violate that, I do something wrong," he said.

Armstrong added he never planned to be a corporate CEO, but rather a salesman. Whatever one's career pursuit, however, he said a guiding maxim has been to "enjoy what I was doing and do it better than anyone else. Never give up if you believe in what you are doing."

Photo by Jean Santopatre

Project Excel: easing the transition to college life

By Jill Kasiewicz Caseria, Editor

Before he applied to college, Jason Cummings '02 never imagined the atmosphere would be so supportive. The first in his family to attend college, he owes his four-year academic success, in part, to the encouragement he received through Project Excel.

"The counselors have a lot of faith in us students," he says. "They always push us to do well. When we slip academically, they help us find a resolution. By the same token, when we succeed, they are the first to congratulate us. They have offered me a tremendous amount of support throughout my time at Fairfield."

Project Excel is a Student Support Services program sponsored by the United States Department of Education. It provides a spectrum of services to students who are from low-income families, are the first generation to attend a four-year college, or have a disability. Services include academic instruction, career counseling, tutoring, and assistance in applying for financial aid and graduate school.

Located on the ground floor of Alumni Hall, Fairfield University's Project Excel was established in 1998. Says Georgia Day, Ph.D., assistant academic vice president, "At that time, former Academic Vice President, Dr. Robert Wall, and I were concerned about the poor retention rate of students who came from disadvantaged backgrounds. It was our observation that first-generation students often have background characteristics that are associated with risk for attrition. They are more likely than their peers to be from low-income families, have family responsibilities, and have lower levels of academic integration and of social integration in the college environment." At the same time, she continued, it was projected that the future pool of applicants would show an increase in academically talented students whose parents never attended college. "Many would have the high school grades and test scores sufficient for admission but, would be lacking in the academic grounding necessary to maintain and prosper in the University's challenging environment. Project Excel provides a system of mentoring, and constant monitoring of students that affirms their personal worth while it moves to address their academic and social concerns."

Says Cummings, "When you're the first one in your family to go to college, or if you're from a low-income home, you have no idea what to expect as a freshman - the environment, the food, and what it's like to be independent."

Cummings was part of the first Project Excel group at Fairfield University, participating in its month-long summer program prior to his first semester. The program consisted of two three-credit courses and an opportunity to experience campus life prior to the September rush. Those four weeks made a huge impression on him. "Out of the Project Excel students who were in the program with me, two of them ended up being my best friends. We have built a strong system of support amongst ourselves."

Over the years, he has participated in Fairfield's work study program and visited the Project Excel office frequently where he took advantage of the workshops, help with homework, and the educational resources available.

Services also include advice from upperclassmen on what courses to take, and which professors offer greater support. "Students are the best resources," says Cummings. "By sharing their experiences and talking about their internships, they helped me chart my academic and career plan."

In addition to workshops, Project Excel offers trips, providing students with opportunities to try new things, such as horseback riding, ice skating, visiting museums, and Broadway shows.

Tara Blackwell, academic counselor, says that Project Excel goes beyond a traditional tutoring program by offering assistance in all aspects of the college experience. Explains Michelle Marino-Fleisher, project coordinator for Project Excel, "We will help students with whatever they need - from a homework assignment to filling out a financial aid form." Occasionally, she adds, they accompany students to the financial aid office. "We want the students to know that we are here for them. For those who are the first in their families to attend college - or for those whose parents don't speak English - these services are a great help."

That support also includes graduate school preparation and assistance in the application process. "When I began to consider going to graduate school, Project Excel set up visits to schools in Connecticut and New York City," says Cummings. "They even paid for my LSAT prep course, when I thought I wanted to go to law school. Career-path-wise, they gave me a tremendous amount of guidance."

Now he's preparing to graduate and getting ready to begin Indiana University at Bloomington's Ph.D. program in sociology.

"Project Excel has been there from the beginning," he says. "They have become like a second family to me." Freshman Alisha Holland can vouch for that. The English and sociology double major is also the first in her family to go to college, and says that Project Excel's workshops and mentorships have eased her transition into college life, and helped get her through some of the typical first-year hurdles.

"The upperclassmen mentors gave us advice on how to adjust to University life, and what the major pitfalls are for most freshmen - and how to avoid them," Holland explains. She has been able to network, to find out which are the best courses to take in her first year.

Workshops she has attended so far have ranged from interviewing skills to how to read a textbook. She has also taken advantage of the open hours and computer availability at the Project Excel center to get help with homework and writing assignments.

One event in particular opened her eyes to future possibilities: a Project Excel-sponsored trip to a graduate school fair held at Rutgers University. "It made me realize how much I want to do well here and then go on to graduate school," says Holland. She has already made the Dean's list.

"Project Excel is a great organization to be involved with when you first get to campus; it provides an immediate community," says this busy freshman, who is on The Manor staff and part of SKILL. Her advice to other freshmen? "Get involved!"

Photos by Jean Santopatre

ASN names Kidd as 2002 Teacher of the Year

By Jill Kasiewicz Caseria, Editor

Katherine Kidd's fourth grade teacher, Mrs. Hanson, made her redo nearly all of her homework assignments. Not because Kidd's work was poor, but because Mrs. Hanson knew that her young pupil was capable of more. By encouraging Kidd to work to an "internal standard," the fourth grade teacher taught Kidd a lesson she has never forgotten.

Apparently not. This year, Kidd has been selected to receive the Teacher of the Year Award by the students of Alpha Sigma Nu, the Jesuit National Honor Society. Director of the International Studies program, Kidd's emphasis on setting high standards is what the students find so commendable.

"I was stunned and very pleased," says Kidd, when she was notified that she had been named. "As an administrator, I didn't think I could even be considered for this award."

She explains that her primary identity is with teaching and working one-on-one with students. She encourages her students to set and strive to reach their "internal standards," especially when applying for prestigious national scholarships and programs.

Much of that time is spent revising their personal essays. "Helping students identify a topic that they want to spend a year researching is the challenging and fun aspect of the work. But polishing is what finally gets the scholarship. It isn't fun, but I tell them that when I pull their essays up on my computer screen, there better not be any red or green underlines. If I see red or green, I send it back to them and tell them to keep working. They are competing for scholarships and programs with students from the top schools in the country. Through the application process they begin to appreciate the level at which they will have to work. They have to learn how to think about themselves as operating in a much larger universe than the one here."

Between advising and assisting students applying for national scholarships, Kidd also teaches three to four courses a year, something she hopes will always remain a part of her schedule. "In the entry level International Studies course (IS 10), I set the tone for the major. I tell the students that in this program, professors will expect you to do good work, and that the quantity of work is significant." Most importantly, she says, she helps students see in a creative way how exciting this major can be.

If that weren't enough to keep her - and her students - busy, Kidd also organizes extracurricular activities for International Studies students, such as volunteering at the International Institute working with refugees, asylum seekers, and immigrants, and the Model UN group, which was named 2002 Cultural and Special Interest Club of the Year by Student Services.

All in all, the International Studies major is much more than a textbook trip around the world. "This isn't a major for the faint-hearted. It's a life-style major," she says with a smile.

Alpha Sigma Nu selects the Teacher of the Year based on classroom effectiveness, availability to students, and contribution to the University. The winner receives the award at the Senior/Faculty Brunch during Senior Week and is guest speaker at the Alpha Sigma Nu induction in the fall.

After serving as an adjunct professor of politics from 1991 to 1993 at Fairfield University and as director of global studies and assistant professor of political science at Sacred Heart University, Kidd returned to Fairfield in 1997 as the University's first full-time director of the International Studies Program and assistant professor.

Kidd earned her bachelor's degree in history and German at Pacific Lutheran University, a master of arts degree in Soviet studies from Harvard University, and a Ph.D. in international relations from the University of Pennsylvania. In addition to spending a junior year abroad at the University of Vienna, she has lived in the Netherlands as an American Field Service (AFS) student, in Argentina for the Lutheran World Federation, and volunteered for ecumenical programs in East Africa and Central America.

Fairfield's first Fulbright Scholar-in-Residence

By Jill Kasiewicz Caseria, Editor

Fulbright Scholar-in-Residence Marianna Mouravieva

Explaining the difference between women's studies and gender studies is something Marianna Mouravieva, Ph.D., Fairfield University's first Fulbright Scholar-in-Residence, is doing a lot of this semester. A history professor at Herzen State Pedagogical University in St. Petersburg, Russia, Mouravieva has been teaching two courses on campus since January that showcase her combined expertise in Russian history and gender studies.

Mouravieva is here thanks to the persistence of David McFadden, Ph.D., chair of the history department. McFadden first met her when he was on a Fulbright scholarship teaching at Herzen University in 1998. When he returned for an American Studies seminar in 2000 (in which she participated), he was impressed with Mouravieva's teaching ability and suggested that she might apply for a Fulbright. "In her application, she specifically tailored her training and scholarly interests to teach something Fairfield needed - gender history of modern Europe," he says. "She has been a great asset to the department, not only teaching the first course ever in gender history of modern Europe, but team-teaching a junior-senior seminar with me - The Meanings of History - in which Russian, European, and American perspectives on the different philosophies and meanings of history are studied intensively."

Both courses Mouravieva teaches - Gender History of Modern Europe and The Meanings of History - compare and analyze the works of European and Russian historians and philosophers. Comparison is Mouravieva's goal, although she emphasizes that cultures can't be judged based on personal attitudes or stereotypes. "There are no 'good' or 'bad' cultures, just others that should be judged on their own," she explains. She is also in constant pursuit to promote mutual understanding between people of different cultural backgrounds. "It's necessary for American students to understand that it's not possible to impose your values and culture on another."

This hurdle is something she has confronted whenever she presented guest lectures on Russian history and culture at other U.S. universities this semester, including Virginia Technical University, University at Slippery Rock, and Iowa State University. Although her topics ranged from gender studies to cultural comparisons to Russian historiography, more often than not they resulted in an open forum where she dispelled myths about Russia and the former Soviet Union. "I usually have to explain the difference between socialism and communism right away," she says. "They are often surprised to find out that in St. Petersburg, we eat, dress, and socialize in many of the same ways as Americans."

Clarifying the meanings of women's studies and gender studies, too, is often a part of these lectures, since not many American students are familiar with the difference between the two.

"Women's studies, or women's history, emerged after 1960," she explains. "It has a feminist slant and focuses on women's causes. Gender history or gender studies, is the study of power in relationships and how society constructs relationships built on power." In Russia, she explains, feminism is not popular. Not because Russian women don't support its basic messages, she says, but because "in Russia, women have always been very powerful."

Mouravieva's research in gender studies has focused on the spectrum of masculinity in elite British society, comparing and contrasting the notions of it between knights and gentlemen. "Knights defined masculinity through their attitudes toward power, while gentlemen defined it through their relationship with women," she explains. She is currently at work on an article about rape and the male consciousness, comparing European and Russian male perpetrators from the 16th to 18th centuries.

Her fluency in English helps her read from non-translated British documents that are key to her research. Mouravieva, who also speaks Russian, Greek, French, German, and Italian, says that reliance on translations is not always possible. "Knowing two or three foreign languages is absolutely necessary for the historian," she says, since so much about a culture is reflected in its language. In addition, there are many primary sources for which a translation does not exist.

With only two months left in the program, Mouravieva has had time to reflect on her U.S. teaching experience. "The program is a wonderful opportunity to express and understand yourself. This time I have had to be with American faculty and to exchange ideas has been invaluable."

Photo by Jean Santopatre

Don Adams selected as director of CNS

By Jill Kasiewicz Caseria, Editor

This Don Adams is nothing like clumsy spy Maxwell Smart. Fairfield University's Don Adams can handle technology far better than the bumbling Agent 86.

As the new director of Computing and Network Services, Adams is responsible for "almost anything that plugs into the wall," he says, which includes the University networks, academic computing, technology support services, and infrastructures such as the telephone and card swipe systems.

A native of Toronto, Canada, Adams has served in similar positions at two other U.S. Jesuit universities. At Saint Louis University (SLU), he was director of administrative IT services, where he was responsible for the institutional enterprise software systems supporting academic and administrative business. At Seattle University's School of Law, he was director of technology (chief information officer).

Now at Fairfield, Adams looks forward to working with the CNS team and with what he calls the "impressive" computer infrastructure already in place. "I am amazed by the difference in network speed compared to other places I've worked, as well as with the foresight and the planning that went into building it. Usually when another layer is added to a network - such as telephones and more computers - it has to be rebuilt. That's not the case at Fairfield."

His future plans aim to benefit the entire campus community. "In addition to advancing the strategic plan, I will work with the CNS staff to improve services to all members of our University family - students, faculty, staff, parents, alumni, and administrators," he says. "Simply put, our objective is to provide the greatest short-term technology enhancements and support to users, within the long-term context of building an IT architecture with the capacity to evolve smoothly to the technologies of the future." He also hopes to automate some of the University's current paper processes, such as tuition remission forms. Adams instituted a similar "self-service" system at SLU, which he says streamlined procedures.

James Estrada, vice president for information services and University librarian, says that at the end of an eight-month search (and reviewing résumés from 85 applicants), it was clear that Adams was the right person for the position. "Don had an extensive résumé of academic computing experience, a record of leadership and effective management, and exceptional references. His supervisors and colleagues had high praise for his customer service orientation and his ability to work with a diverse and demanding clientele. I am very excited that Don has decided to join the Fairfield University community."

Adams is a graduate of Columbia Pacific University, where he earned a B.A. and M.A. in business administration and management.

Photo by Jean Santopatre

Susan LaFrance is new director of Government Grants

By Jill Kasiewicz Caseria, Editor

Orin Grossman, Ph.D., academic vice president, announced that Susan LaFrance has been named Director of Government Grants.

"Susan brings solid experience in managing federal grants, and an understanding of the collaborative process necessary to produce successful grants," said Grossman. "She will work with faculty members, deans, and administrators on individual and institutional grants to further Fairfield's mission."

LaFrance will monitor federal, state, and local funding opportunities for faculty research projects and institutional grants, manage projects, and collaborate with deans and faculty while supporting them in their grant writing efforts. She will also serve as the primary liaison with government funding agencies.

With a background in juvenile criminal justice, LaFrance most recently served as grants manager for a state juvenile justice department in Boston, Massachusetts. There, she managed the implementation and tracked the progress of all federal grants for the department, as well as developed and wrote proposals. She also has experience in interagency grant writing collaborations and has worked as the primary liaison between the agency and the State.

She graduated from Westfield State College with a degree in criminal justice and psychology, earned an MSW from the University of Connecticut in administration and casework, and holds an MBA from Western New England College.

Photo by Jean Santopatre

Fairfield Alumni Association honors six seniors

By Jill Kasiewicz Caseria, Editor

Honored for excellence were seniors (l-r) Emily Sciascia, Aimee Wagner, Kevin Horne, Kathryn O'Connell, Kristin Yochum, and Amy Hurford.

The Alumni Association awarded six seniors for their leadership, community service, and commitment to the Jesuit ideal at the Student Awards Dinner on April 17 in the Charles F. Dolan School of Business.

Aimee Wagner
St. Ignatius Loyola Medal
"Understanding and appreciating the value of friendship and developing interpersonal relationships are important experiences to take away from college and into the world," said Aimee Wagner. She is the leader of Best Buddies, a Campus Ministry-sponsored organization that matches college students with the mentally challenged.

When Wagner joined Best Buddies in her freshman year, she was paired with Lisa - a friendship that has developed and strengthened over the past four years. "Lisa and I have a special type of friendship that has made me come to appreciate the simpler things in life because Lisa does," she said.

Under Wagner's leadership, student involvement with Best Buddies has grown considerably. A recruitment system has been established to ensure future success, assistance from the Campus Ministry Council provides a support system, and an Internet friendship system called "E-buddies" was created.

Wagner is also captain of the women's varsity crew team. She was part of the North American Mission Experience in Kentucky, a Mission Volunteer to Tijuana, Mexico, a camp counselor for AmeriKids, a lector for Campus Ministry, and she participated in Urban Plunge. She is secretary of Alpha Sigma Nu, and has been inducted into Phi Beta Kappa, has been on the Dean's List, and has received the Fellow Scholar Award, the Marguerite F. O'Meara Award, and the Rowing Scholastic Athletic Award from the Collegiate Rowing Coaches Association.

After graduation Wagner plans to commit to a year of service and pursue graduate school for a degree in biological developmental research.

Kathryn O'Connell
William J. Kramer '60 Humanitarian Award
Kathryn O'Connell says that her four years at Fairfield have been "transforming" due to her involvement with Mission Volunteers and her two trips to Haiti where she worked at Project Pierre Toussaint. Upon entering Fairfield, O'Connell had planned to major in politics and increase her earning power, but after Haiti, her perspective changed. "I have seen such poverty in Haiti, but the people there are amazing. From them I've realized there is a bigger world out there beyond these walls, and not to worry about material things."

In Haiti, O'Connell taught children how to read and write. "Seeing those children's faces after they comprehended addition or something they had struggled with was unbelievably rewarding," she said.

Being president of the Campus Ministry Council has allowed O'Connell to develop her skills as a leader. During her term, the Campus Ministry Council created a weekly Student Mass and dinner to promote community. Increasing the number of people involved with Campus Ministry, she says, is her way of giving back to those who made her who she is today.

O'Connell is also a Eucharistic Minister, the coordinator of Monday Night Mass, and was co-chair of Senior Week. She is involved with Prospect House and the Boys and Girls Club. Academically, O'Connell is a member of the politics honor society, National Leadership Society, and the Dean's List. "Through Fairfield I learned that service isn't a sacrifice, it is a privilege," she said.

After graduation, O'Connell plans to embark on a year of service and continue to raise a level of awareness and consciousness of human conditions similar to those in Haiti.

Kevin Horne
Student Achievement Award
Through Fairfield University's chapter of Habitat for Humanity, Kevin Horne developed leadership skills, a love for service, knowledge of construction, and an appreciation of teamwork. "Nothing beats the look on people's faces when they walk away from the worksite feeling confident and surprised with themselves that they could help repair or build a house," he says.

As president of the University's Habitat chapter, Horne has played a significant role in increasing student participation. In fact, since he got involved, Fairfield University has worked on 23 homes including eight this year alone. Horne's work has also helped him grow spiritually. "I've always believed that you show your love for God and others through your actions," he said, "and Habitat is an excellent way to do that." He adds that the people of Bridgeport and their appreciation for life have inspired him to remain involved with Habitat.

Horne is also involved with MAACS, Head Start Family Literacy Project, and Campus Ministry. He has been a resident advisor and townhouse manager for the past two years. He is a member of Psi Chi and Phi Beta Kappa, and is president of Alpha Sigma Nu. With John F. McCarthy, Ph.D., chair of psychology, he has co-authored three papers for a language research project.

Horne credits Fairfield for changing his life. "From the administration and the faculty I have learned communication, confidence, and working in groups. I have also learned that life isn't always easy and it takes a lot of diligence to get through it. Fairfield has provided me with the direction I want my life to take."

After graduation, Horne plans to pursue teaching in an inner city school and possibly earn a master's degree.

Amy Hurford
Student Achievement Award
For the past four years Amy Hurford has dedicated herself to being a true student athlete. As a member of the women's varsity basketball team, she realized that her schedule would make it difficult to participate in community service projects. Taking matters into her own hands, Hurford worked out a way for the team to volunteer on their one day off. While attending the NCAA Foundation Leadership Conference in Florida, she developed an idea to tutor children at the Burroughs Community Center in Bridgeport, which provides youth programming for fourth to eighth graders who live in the P.T. Barnum housing project.

While only four players were needed per week, usually six to eight would go. "My teammates really supported the program," said Hurford. A native of New Zealand, she noted that working with the children taught her patience and how to interact with those of different backgrounds.

At Fairfield, Hurford has excelled on the court and in the classroom. A member of Phi Beta Kappa, she also won the Award for Distinguished Work in the Natural Sciences in 2001. She is a delegate on the Student Athletic Advisory Committee and is a member of the Faculty Athletics Committee. In reminiscing about her time at Fairfield, Hurford said, "Had I gone somewhere else, I wouldn't have had these experiences." Her tutoring program has had a ripple effect for many other athletic teams, which she hopes will continue long after she has graduated.

Hurford plans to go to graduate school and be a biology professor.

Emily Sciascia
Student Achievement Award
"It's been experience after experience, test after test. And I have loved every minute of it," said Emily Sciascia about her two years as a member of the Weekend Programming committee at Fairfield. The committee offers alternatives to students through diverse programming such as game shows, live bands, and free movie tickets - all in an effort to keep students on campus during the weekends. As a result of Sciascia's efforts, attendance at these events has steadily increased.

Her very first year of working on Weekend Programming, Sciascia stepped up to a position of leadership. With only two other members on the board, her enthusiasm and determination energized the board and its growth in achieving its goals.

Sciascia has also worked on Senior Week, held an internship in the Office of Special Events, and worked with the S.K.I.L.L. Initiative Program. She is also a member of "Who's Who in Universities and Colleges" and has been on the Dean's List.

These experiences will be beneficial to Sciascia and the career she desires in event planning after graduation. Sciascia also promises her support to Fairfield post-graduation.

Kristin Yochum
Student Achievement Award
When Kristin Yochum joined Fairfield's debate team in her freshman year, she felt a change in her life. Once the "quietest girl ever," and today's chairperson of the Debate Team, Yochum has been transformed, she says, into a student leader and "a more outgoing person."

The Debate Team requires lots of preparation time per week. During the fall, it was not uncommon for Yochum to coordinate the travel arrangements when the team traveled to different schools almost every weekend. The rigorous schedule slowed down only slightly in the spring. While some would shy away from such a demanding and exhausting schedule, Yochum admits that this is what attracted her to the team.

Yochum said, "The key to continued success is to ensure that the members enjoy every minute of it." To encourage a love for the team, she helped form a summer workshop that allowed members to meet and work on speaking, acclimating, and debating. She also implemented a workshop during the school year. Her efforts were rewarded when the Debate Team was the Special Interest Organization of the Year in 2000.

Yochum is also involved in multicultural relations at Fairfield, and helped plan this year's Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Celebration. She hopes to attend graduate school and pursue a career in either political management or public policy in Washington, D.C. "My life was a blank slate," Yochum says, "and Fairfield University gave me the opportunity to create myself."

Photo by Jean Santopatre

Karen Donoghue '03: Just call her President

By Kate Garvey '02, Publications Intern

Karen Donoghue never thought she would have her name in the record books by the time she was 20. But history was made with a mere 11-vote victory over her opponent when she won the Fairfield University Student Association (FUSA) presidential election in February and became the first-ever female FUSA president.

"It hasn't hit me that I made history," says Donoghue, "but I want to focus on my job, and not the fact that I am a woman. It shouldn't matter that I am female. What should matter is whether or not I make a difference." With her thoughts of a better Fairfield in full force, Donoghue hopes to shed her label as "first female" and be known simply as "president."

"I will work hard to change the school for the better, not to prove myself as a female," she adds.

A member of FUSA since her freshman year, last year serving as vice president for the class of 2003; president of the Student Alumni Association, a group she helped develop in 1999; and student manager of the Barone Campus Center, Donoghue is no stranger to student government.

With her feet already wet, Donoghue has set goals that she hopes to accomplish in her year in office. She wants to empower the students, to give them the opportunity to get involved, and to see that everyone has a voice, "not just people in FUSA."

"It's about time that power is shared," says Donoghue. "I know people have ideas and I want to help them get them out there."

Besides acting as a liaison between administration and students, Donoghue also intends to improve communication between students, FUSA, and the University community. She also wants to "bring the fun back to FUSA," making sure it runs well, and that everyone has the opportunity to participate.

Her outlook for the year ahead is nothing but positive. "I have an amazing executive board," says Donoghue, "so it will change the students' view of FUSA. It will be a growing year, a positive year, but the only way that we will be successful is if everyone works hard and works together."

Donoghue credits her victory to the friends who helped in the campaign. "I would not have been able to do it without them!"

With a strong team behind her and an enthusiastic mindset, Donoghue is ready to make history, not only as a woman, but also as a FUSA president.

Photo by Jean Santopatre

Sports

Mellissa Santos '03: Strikeout pitcher

By Jack Jones, Director of Sports Information

If pitcher Mellissa Santos's career ended today, she would be ranked 13th among the all-time strikeout leaders at Fairfield. Fortunately for Head Coach Julie Brzezinski, the junior right-hander has many more starts ahead of her.

Santos has averaged 8.9 strikeouts per game throughout her career, which is even more impressive when you consider she has taken the ball a school record 110 times in two-plus seasons. She has 842 strikeouts in 659.1 innings pitched, 158 short of becoming the nation's 12th Division I pitcher to reach 1,000 career strikeouts. She's been ranked among the nation's top ten strikeout leaders in both her sophomore and junior seasons.

"I never really think about the numbers," Santos says. "It really surprises me to hear where I rank 'all-time.' I think more how what I do helps the team win."

And to think she was a late acquisition, not signing on with the Stags until April of her senior high school season.

"I didn't know what to expect when I first saw her," Brzezinski says. "I only saw her throwing on the side, not in a game. But I could see she had the size and the strength necessary to be successful."

Santos has been nothing but successful since she first came to campus. As a freshman, she tied the school record with 17 wins, and became the first Stag pitcher to reach 200 strikeouts in a season. Her sophomore year shattered all of those records, helping her gain Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) co-pitcher of the year. Her 2001 stats included 22 wins and 288 strikeouts. And true to form, Santos broke her own records yet again as a junior in strikeouts and wins.

"When I came here, I had one good pitch," Santos says. "But (former pitching) coach Karen Yehle taught me to be a pitcher. She showed me how to succeed with different pitches. Coach Jen Smith taught me a change-up and a screwball this year, which have really helped."

Santos's arsenal also includes a rise, a drop, and a curve. Oddly enough, the strikeout pitcher does not throw a fastball. Keeping the hitter off-balance with her five-pitch repertoire is how Santos succeeds.

"I see the same teams each year," Santos says. "I have to keep changing each year if I am going to be successful. So, I have added a pitch or two each off-season to keep the hitters off balance. It's tougher to guess when you have to choose from five possibilities."

Senior catcher Katie Caputi plays a key role in keeping the batters guessing, because she is the one who calls each pitch. That fact is not lost on Santos.

"Katie has as big a role as I do in every strikeout," Santos says. "She knows what to call in every situation, and it always seems to work. The catcher's role in a strikeout goes unnoticed by most people, but never by the pitcher."

She also credits her parents for giving her the confidence necessary to be successful in the pitching circle.

"My parents taught me to believe in myself," Santos observes. "They always believed in me. Their view projects onto how I view myself. You have to have confidence to be successful."

Her confidence has certainly paid off this season. Santos has fanned 10 or more batters in 15 of her 29 starts, including a school record 18 strikeouts in a seven-inning game. Most recently, Santos broke her own school record in an extra inning game with 20 strikeouts. As she tossed an 11-inning no-hitter in a 1-0 win over Iona College. Her best week came between April 15-21, as she did not allow an earned run in 35 innings and posted a 4-1 record.

During that week, she pitched four two-hit shutouts against conference opponents, shutting out Niagara twice on April 15 and Rider twice on April 21. Her only loss was to Brown University, a 1-0 setback off an unearned run in the seventh inning.

To add to her success on the field, Santos is a member of the MAAC All-Academic team as a psychology major, and is a nominee for Academic All-America honors.

Between her academic and athletic honors, Mellissa Santos has packed a full career into just two-plus seasons. Fortunately for Fairfield fans, she still has more time left in her record-setting career.

Lacrosse earns first-ever national rank
The men's lacrosse team earned the program's first national ranking as well as the first invitation to the NCAA tournament. The Stags clinched the tournament berth following an 11-10 win over Notre Dame on the road, giving Fairfield the Greater Western Lacrosse League title. Matt Buecker '03 scored the game-winning goal against the Fighting Irish, one of three goals of the day. The win came a week after a double-overtime victory against 13th-ranked Ohio State. Fairfield's schedule also included a match-up with seventh-ranked University of North Carolina.

Basketball players score accolades
In April, the Metropolitan Basketball Writers Association named Schrene Isidora to the MBWA second team, becoming the 10th Fairfield women's basketball player to earn this honor. Isidora finished the 2001-02 season with a 16.4 scoring average, and surpassed the 1,000-point mark for her career. The forward also collected All-MAAC first team honors. Two men's basketball players also garnered All-MAAC honors, namely Ajou Deng '02 (2nd team) and Sam Spann '02 (2nd team). Megan Light '02 and Ayanna Brown '04 earned All-MAAC third team laurels. Deng Gai '05 received the MAAC Defensive Player of the Year, after leading the team with 3.96 blocks per game. Amy Hurford '02, Marybeth Chartier '04, and Rob Thomson '04 each earned MAAC All-Academic honors.

Varsity awards banquet honors student-athletes
The athletics department held its annual varsity awards banquet on April 29, honoring all student-athletes. Iza Kotowski, a senior on the field hockey team, received Female Athlete of the Year, after leading the team to the NCAA tournament and setting the career goals and scoring records. Ajou Deng, a senior on the men's basketball team, earned the Male Athlete of the Year, as he averaged a team-best 13.7 points and 8.1 rebounds per game. Meghan King '05, a forward on the women's soccer team, and Deng Gai '05, a forward on the men's basketball team, collected the Female and Male Freshman of the Year awards. Women's basketball forward Amy Hurford '02 and men's soccer midfielder Rob DeFaveri '02 were presented the Female and Male Scholar-Athlete award, respectively. Seniors Kelly DiMario and Joseph Fennell were awarded the Arthur Ashe Memorial Award, given to a female and male tennis athlete who best exemplify the spirit and sportsmanship of the game. Jessica DeMarco, a senior coxswain with the crew team, was named the William Wallin Memorial Award winner. The award is given in memory of the late William Wallin '61, who demonstrated the highest levels of sportsmanship, character, and leadership on and off the field.

news Briefs

Rock-N-Jock scores big
Thanks to the generosity and enthusiasm of the University community, the second annual Rock-N-Jock event raised nearly $12,000 for the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Connecticut, surpassing its $10,000 goal.

The team players included: Eileen Bossone, administrative coordinator for Student Services; Steve Ciesielski, resident coordinator; Patty Covino, mail distribution assistant; Dave Currier, security; Steve Daily, computer and network services; Diane Dains, support services manager; Jeanne Di Muzio, director of Wellness and Prevention; John Falzone, maintenance department; Frank Ficko, associate director of security; Jim Fitzpatrick, assistant vice president for Student Services; Martin Kelly, resident coordinator; Jeremy Nappi, assistant director of Alumni Relations; Diane Nolan, head women's basketball coach; Rich Radocchia, counselor (who alone raised $1,300); Mark Reed, dean of students; Jonathan Stark, resident coordinator; Mark Taraszkiewicz of the media center; and Scott Verate, security.

Skin cancer screening identifies suspicious lesions
For the second year in a row, the Office of Wellness and Prevention sponsored a free skin cancer screening on campus. On April 24, three local dermatologists, Dr. Robert Patrignelli '87, Dr. Lawrence Blum, and Dr. Melvin Coolidge, donated their time and expertise to screen students for suspicious lesions. The doctors examined 39 people. Thirteen were referred to have 21 lesions biopsied. This is an increase in suspicious lesions from last year, when doctors screened 45 students and found nine suspicious lesions.

Fairfield Awards Dinner honors four
Andrea Jung, chairman and chief executive officer of Avon Products, Inc., was the keynote speaker at this year's Fairfield Awards Dinner held April 3 at the New York Sheraton Hotel and Towers. The event benefits the Alumni Multicultural Scholarship Fund. This year's dinner raised more than $335,000 in net proceeds. Jung was honored with the Fairfield Award for Distinguished Leadership. In addition, the University and its Alumni Association honored the following with the Fairfield Awards: The Honorable William J. Lavery '59, Laura A. Incerto '80, and Rev. Thomas J. Regan, S.J.

Fairfield awarded for community service
Fairfield University received two 2002 Higher Education Community Service Awards last month.

Judith Primavera, Ph.D., professor of psychology, won a special award for her literacy project at ABCD Head Start in Bridgeport. Since 1993, she has annually recruited 250 students to tutor preschoolers and provide literacy education and parental support.

The Fairfield University Community Service Council won in the student category. Created and administered by 20 student members, the Council oversees nine community service programs through which more than 200 volunteers perform 1,000-plus hours of service each year.

The annual ceremony is sponsored by the Connecticut Department of Higher Education's Community Service Network, and the Connecticut Commission on National and Community Service.

Phi Beta Kappa-Zeta of Connecticut at Fairfield University selects 35
On April 7 the following students were inducted into Phi Beta Kappa, the nation's oldest and most prestigious academic honor society. Juniors: Casey Butterly, Michael Franco, Matthew Smylie, and Sallianne Ontko. Seniors: Amanda Bartolotta, Paula Boa, Jodi Bolognese, James Britton, Timothy DiGiacomo, Lara Eckler, Lauren Ferrante, Eileen Galasso, Jennifer Guarino, Catherine Henry, Edward Hertwig, Kevin Horne, Carolyn Hronis, Amy Hurford, Sasha Hutchings, Jill LaBanca, Victoria Lacqua, Sarah Likavec, Stephanie Lombardi, Barrett Massey, Kimberly McDermott, Samantha Mekrut, Karl Muth, Kimberly Scobie, Nancy Sequeira, Carrie Sherwood, Heather Spaide, Jeffrey Tang, Karen Trangucci, Aimee Wagner, and Angela Weston.

Beta Gamma Sigma honors 38
On April 8, 38 students were inducted into Beta Gamma Sigma, the honor society for AACSB (The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business) accredited business programs. Juniors: Brian Beirne, Michele Boutin, Nicole Cinque, Robert Colby, Joseph Delaney, Elizabeth DiPalma, Tara Donnelly, Gina Franceschini, Michael Franco, Gina Lanzafama, Jennifer Ramos, Jennifer Roy, Chad Russolillo, Edward Seavers, Ann Smith, Jonathan Spongberg, and Sarah Tuveson. Seniors: Timothy Andreula, Candice Brancazio, Mathew Burns, Angela Crowley, Jessica Kapoor, Zinovia Lazaridis, Erica Lind, Craig Medeiros, Kevin O'Donnell, Brian Rio, Paul Scharfenberger, and Melissa Studer. Graduate students: Colleen Colbert, Antoine deMontbel, Nathan Edwards, Jr., Angelo Fischetti, Rocco Guerrera, Beata Leniart, Kathy Neary, Laurie Richardson, and Aaron Seymour.

Scholar-in-residence speaks on Judaic culture
Anthropologist of religion Chava Weissler, Ph.D. (pictured above, right), the Philip and Muriel Berman Professor of Jewish Civilization at Lehigh University, spoke to students of Ellen Umansky, Ph.D., last month. Thanks to the generosity of Edith and David Chaifetz, Weissler is the Bennett Center's 2002 Scholar-in-Residence. Weissler also gave two public lectures as well as a Jewish Faculty Forum discussion on the meaning of folklore revivals in American Judaism.

Photo by Jean Santopatre

Unexpected gift adds value to the equation
Thankful for the education he received as an undergraduate math major nearly 40 years ago, a generous alumnus from the Class of 1965 (who wishes to remain anonymous) recently donated $5,000 to the scholarship fund for the master's in mathematics program. This is the single highest contribution ever to this scholarship fund. The gift was made in honor of Robert Bolger, associate professor of mathematics and co-director of the master's program, who remains one of the donor's most beloved professors.

Fairfield master's in mathematics program began in 2000, and now has 14 students, six of whom will graduate this month.

Sapp receives grant from Pew Charitable Trusts
David Alan Sapp, Ph.D., assistant professor of English, recently received a grant from the Pew Charitable Trusts to study problem-based learning, instructional design, and business and technical writing. His grant will support the creation of a teaching portfolio intended for publication at the Peer Registry at Samford University's Center for Problem-Based Learning in Birmingham, Alabama.

Staff Association awards five scholarships
At its annual Scholarship Luncheon held May 1, the Staff Association awarded five $1,000 scholarships to five juniors whose academic achievement and extracurricular activities set them apart. Scholarship recipients are Mary Wei, Kristen DeLucia, and Grant Webeck (pictured above, l-r), Ryan Robinson and Edward McNasby (not pictured). Donald Ross, Ph.D., professor emeritus of biology (above), also presented each awardee with a gift certificate to the University bookstore from the Friends of the Library. Pictured with them is this year's guest speaker, Randye Kaye of STAR 99.9, and Linda White, Staff Association co-president.

Photo by Jean Santopatre

Two thumbs up for Theatre Fairfield's Henry IV

By William Abbott, Ph.D., Associate Professor of History

Theatre Fairfield's production of Shakespeare's Henry IV, Part I, performed April 17 through 21 in the Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts, was an example of how well Fairfield students can rise to the most difficult of dramatic challenges. The rousing ovation from a packed house testified to an excellence in classical theatre that is seldom given sufficient credit. Directed by Martha LoMonaco, Ph.D., director of the theatre program, produced by Lynn Porter, associate professor of theatre, with scenic and lighting direction by Karl Ruling, and performed by a cast of twenty Fairfield students, it was a splendid performance. The production's authentically Shakespearean stage, surrounded by the audience on three sides, contributed to a sense of being right in the middle of the action.

Henry IV takes place in the early 1400s, after Henry has seized the throne from Richard II. An aristocratic faction, however, is threatening rebellion against him. Part I takes audiences through the successful crushing of that rebellion, and through the growth of Henry's son Hal from a dissolute youth into a responsible warrior-prince.

Scott Ferguson '02 in the title role and Kathleen Mooney '02 as his enemy, Worcester, were convincingly ruthless, leaving emotion and impetuousness to the younger generation. Megan Bell '03, for example, made a fine Prince Hal, witty and cynical during the first two acts, as Hal and his high-spirited companion Poins (Kristy Farrell '04) drink and play pranks. As time passes, Hal becomes increasingly mature and compelling in his reconciliation with his father and his triumph over the hero-villain Hotspur (Bill Bria '05), whose courage and charisma made his death at the Prince's hands genuinely tragic. The clash between Hotspur and his strong-willed wife (Nicole Smith '04) was the most applauded scene in the play. Part love scene, part wrestling match, it showed the ambition of medieval noblewomen, who were as adept as their husbands at political maneuvering.

As Falstaff, Edward Walsh '02 brought out the comic personality that attracted Hal and his tavern-mates, together with the weakness and duplicity that would lead to the later estrangement with the Prince. One truly felt sorry for the old knight as Hal's friendly banter shaded into growing contempt.

The large cast showed the growing depth of Fairfield's Theatre program. Alexander Pavone '04 was a ferociously foolish Earl of Douglas. The scene in which he plots rebellion with Worcester, Mortimer (Jeffrey Wright '04), and the Welsh magician Glendower (Tim Eberle '05) was alternately menacing and comic. In the only other female role, Elizabeth Capinera '03 was a funny and clever Mistress Quickly. Ably filling other roles were Chris Wood '03 (Westmoreland), Jason Stowe '04 (Percy), Amy Mattulina '02 (Lancaster), Danny Williams '04 (Blunt), Sean Harrell '04 (Francis and Archbishop), Cait Davis '05 (Chamberlain and Vernon), Rehan Ansari '02 (Sir Michael and servant), Paul Robinson '04 (Bardolph), and Christopher Taggart '05 (Peto).

It was a thoroughly enjoyable evening, exuberant without being over-the-top. As the entire cast took its bows, I was struck by the sheer effort and ability that a play such as Henry IV demands. It certainly got both from these Fairfield students.

Take Our Daughters to Work Day
Kaitlin Pelazza showed off her one-day Fairfield University ID card to her father, security director Todd Pelazza, at the annual Take Our Daughters to Work Day luncheon in the Charles F. Dolan School of Business on April 25. Sponsored by the Office of Human Resources, the day provided children of Fairfield University employees with a first-hand look at their parents' work world.

Photo by Jean Santopatre

Jesus calms the storm
Carved into the latest addition of a growing collection of Haitian religious art displayed in the Egan Chapel of St. Ignatius Loyola is a depiction of the scripture passage Matthew 8:23-27.

Paul Carrier, S.J., University chaplain, invites the University community to look, touch, and feel the faith of Haitian artist, Moise, of Port-au-Prince, and see reflected in his art the irrepressible spirit of the Haitian people.

"The sea is part of the everyday life of the people of Haiti, a source of life as well as death. Fishermen, like Jesus' disciples, put off to deep waters each day to make a living. Haitians of all ages put off to deep waters seeking a better life," says Fr. Carrier. "This Haitian sculpture is a reminder that in whatever boat Haitians find themselves, they know that Jesus is with them, as he was with his disciples the day he calmed the storm. Their faith and spirit is a powerful example to people everywhere, an invitation to share their struggle for a better life."

Photo by Jean Santopatre

Campus Currents is the official news publication of the Fairfield University community. It is published on the first Tuesday of every month. The editorial office is located in the Public Relations Dept., Bellarmine Hall 220. Telephone 254-4000, ext. 2556; fax: 254-4167. E-mail: campuscurr@mail.fairfield.edu.

Editor
Jill Kasiewicz Caseria

Editorial Board
Douglas J. Whiting
Associate V.P. for Public Relations

Barbara Kiernan
Director of University Publications

Jean Santopatre
University Photojournalist

Linda Gustavson
Publications Assistant