November 2001

Index for November 6, 2001

Fairfield University joins U.S.-Brazil consortium for environmental studies

By Nancy Habetz, Director of Media Relations

The Foundation for the Improvement of Post-Secondary Education of the U.S. Department of Education (FIPSE) has awarded a consortium of four universities, which includes Fairfield University, $200,000 to develop a joint program in Brazil and the United States to study environmental problems in both a global and North-South context.

Fairfield will be partnering with Washington and Lee University in Virginia, the lead institution in the United States. Both universities will be working with the lead institution in Brazil, Universidade Federal do Amazonas, and its partner, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense. Non-academic partners include Centro do Tecnologia Mineral on the Brazilian side and the Audubon Society on the American side.

Under the four-year grant, the participating universities will be developing an environmental studies curriculum that emphasizes an interdisciplinary, international approach and focuses on the complexity of the systems within and across countries. Brazilian and U.S. undergraduate students from the four schools will participate in an exchange program and work together on research projects, with the faculty at the different institutions collaborating on research as well. In addition, a set of Internet-based academic resources will be developed that can be used by other universities in Brazil, the United States, and other countries throughout the world.

Dr. Dina Franceschi, assistant professor of economics, whose specialty is environmental economics with a focus on Brazil and global sustainable development, will lead the Fairfield team, which also includes Dr. Katherine Kidd, director of International Studies; Dr. Lisa Newton, director of the Program in Environmental Studies; and Dr. W. Nickerson Hill, associate professor of modern languages and literatures, who is coordinating the language component of the grant.

Dr. Franceschi completed her doctorate in 1999 at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville with a dissertation on "Sustainable Development in Economies Using Exhaustable Resources: The Intersection Between Amazonian Sustainability and Mineral Development."

While in graduate school, Dr. Franceschi visited Brazil several times, including a six-month stint in 1998 when she was collecting data and doing field work. She has presented much of her research at conferences around the world and has published on the subject. "I'm very excited to get a student and faculty exchange going between two countries that share so much in common and yet have great differences," she commented. While the United States and Brazil are similar in size, population, and diversity, she noted that they differ greatly in economic stature and development.

Dr. Katherine Kidd, who has conducted research in Tanzania and been active with student and faculty groups traveling to and working in El Salvador, Nicaragua, and Russia, said she was delighted with the opportunities the grant would provide for students. "Having the opportunity to live and study in another culture is truly a life-changing experience for our students," she says. The project, she pointed out, will give students a better understanding of Brazil's culture and ecological, political, and social environments and help them understand the complex relationships underlying environmental issues.

University honors alumni and others lost in WTC attacks

Danielle McGuire, widow of Patrick McGuire '82, lit a candle by her husband's photograph at the Alumni Memorial Mass held in Alumni Hall on October 28.

It was a reunion no alumnus could have predicted before September 11. Yet nearly 1,700 returned to campus for the Alumni Memorial Mass on October 28 to remember and celebrate the lives of the fourteen Fairfield alumni and other members of the University family who died in the World Trade Center attacks.

Before the altar stood photographs of the deceased alumni, and a representative from each family was invited to light a candle for their loved one.

"We come together," said Rev. Thomas J. Regan, S.J. in his homily, "confident that our common prayer may celebrate the lives of those in our community who lost their lives on September 11...We come together, because we want and hope that our presence here today can somehow comfort and console those among us for whom the loss of a loved one seems all so unbelievable and all so unbearable."

Fairfield will honor those of the University family who died in the Sept. 11 attacks by establishing an endowed scholarship fund and a permanent memorial on campus.

Photo by Jean Santopatre

What to do when you feel angry at work: Dr. Donald Gibson

By Jill Kasiewicz Caseria, Editor

Dr. Donald Gibson is a recognized scholar in the field of workplace anger.

Does getting angry at work really change anything? Surprisingly, yes, according to Dr. Donald E. Gibson, associate professor of management in the Charles F. Dolan School of Business.

"Expressing how you feel is important," he says. "Understanding and then communicating the root of 'what' is making you angry is often the first means to an organizational change."

Dr. Gibson is a recognized scholar in the field of workplace anger. Since his Ph.D. work at Anderson Graduate School of Management at UCLA, his research on anger in the workplace has included studies on chronic anger and the affect of organizational context on anger feeling and expression.

What makes us angry? Throughout his research, Dr. Gibson has found that the causes of workplace anger generate from the same three sources: managers/supervisors, co-workers, and workplace issues. "Feelings of injustice" top the list. "Most angry workers feel that their trust has been violated in some way," he says. "We also get angry when the things we care about are criticized. We want to fix them."

The workplace is, by nature, a high-stress environment, especially in organizations where "professionalism" is emphasized, he explains. "At work, we're on public display, forced to interact with others, and engaged in important activities in which our identity is on the line. That kind of atmosphere generates stress that can lead to feelings of anger," Dr. Gibson continues. "However, expressions of anger are considered signs that a person is 'out of control,' a very negative judgement in any work environment."

But few workers take the best routes when expressing their feelings. "When most of us get angry at work, rather than showing it, we take an indirect or passive approach," he says. "We talk about the incident with a co-worker or another third party, we make a sarcastic remark, or we send an email."

Instead, Dr. Gibson recommends that direct communication with the individual who caused the anger is key to alleviating the problem. Waiting until the emotion subsides is the key. "First, you have to deal with the initial emotional and physical aspects of anger in some way," he says. "If you are not ready to talk to the person who angered you, try engaging in relaxation techniques, such as taking a walk, or running."

But don't wait too long to tell the person how you feel. "You need to vent what you're experiencing. Keeping it to yourself can lead to the deterioration of personal health and deeper organization problems, " he warns. "By dealing with your anger constructively, you can figure out what is making you angry and how to correct it."

Dr. Gibson says that the likelihood of an employee expressing anger or angry feelings at work also depends on his or her rank within the workplace hierarchy. "A supervisor is much more likely to express an angry feeling openly; there are fewer risks to his or her job security," he explains. "Subordinates, however, cannot express their feelings as freely. Although they usually experience more anger at work, they feel that expressing it openly is hazardous to their job security." He recommends that managers actively work toward creating an environment where employees can communicate their anger comfortably without risk.

What if communication with a boss backfires, or the employee is accused of "overreacting"? "The boss may be someone who is uncomfortable around anger," says Dr. Gibson. "I recommend that the subordinate express the anger in a way the boss can understand, such as in a conversation, since blowing up at a person who is uncomfortable with conflict and anger will only make the situation worse. The subordinate should acknowledge that the situation may be uncomfortable for the boss, but that his or her feelings are important and whatever caused them should be discussed."

He recommends that if a boss "deflects" the anger or changes the subject, that the subordinate should continue to "make clear that he or she feels angry about the situation, and offer his or her willingness to work with the boss to resolve it."

Managers should recognize that anger among workers is often a signal that something systemic may be wrong and could be corrected. "Perhaps resources are not allocated correctly, or a situation is unfair," says Dr. Gibson. "Acknowledging the employee's anger and offering a reevaluation of the current system is often the best way to handle the situation. The anger may return if the problem is not addressed."

Photo illustration By Jean Santopatre, John Ur, and Casey Timmeny

Bowen named Associate Dean

By Douglas J. Whiting, Associate Vice President for Public Relations

Dr. Timothy Law Snyder, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, has announced that Associate Professor of English Dr. Betsy Bowen will become Associate Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences beginning Jan. 1, 2002. She will serve in that post through the 2004-2005 academic year.

Dr. Snyder said Dr. Bowen's "compassionate professionalism," combined with numerous skills and a warm personality, "make her an ideal associate dean."

Dr. Bowen joined Fairfield University in 1988 after completing her Ph.D. at Carnegie Mellon University. Since then, she has taught 10 courses with concentrations on writing and interdisciplinary themes, including Honors and first-year Critical Thinking Seminars.

"Professor Bowen is beloved by students," the dean wrote to faculty in the College in late September. "Her dedication to them is known throughout the campus. Her research focuses on how language is used, in particular, on the development of writing; adult literacy; and the use of technology in the teaching of writing. Most recently, Professor Bowen has investigated teacher certification examinations for K-12 education. Her publications and scholarly presentations are numerous.

"Professor Bowen's service to Fairfield and the world is broad," he continued. Dr. Snyder noted her commitment to the recruitment and mentoring of new faculty and significant contributions on the Standards Committee, which developed guidelines for Fairfield's relationship with its contractors.

Dr. Bowen has served as department chair, internship coordinator, and director of composition for the Department of English. She tutored for five years in Bridgeport's Mercy Learning Center, a literacy center for low-income women, and is serving as associate director of the Connecticut Writing Project, which plans and implements professional development programs in the teaching of writing for elementary and secondary school teachers. In 1998, Dr. Bowen was named Women's Studies' "Woman of the Year" at Fairfield.

Photo by James Marshall

German Instructor Dr. Iris Bork-Goldfield organized and directed a regional three-day conference on Pedagogy and German Cinema in October at Wisdom House in Litchfield, Conn. for teachers and professors of German. Conducted completely in German, the conference attracted participants from New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts.

In October, Dr. Javier Campos, associate professor of modern languages and literatures, gave a presentation about and introduction to Chilean poetry at the Americas Society in Manhattan.

With the economy making headline news, Dr. Edward Deak, professor of economics was in demand last month, and was quoted three times in the Hartford Courant, where he said people's regaining a sense of security would be a big factor in moving consumer confidence forward. Dr. Deak was also interviewed by The Advocate in Stamford, Greenwich Time, New Haven Register, Fairfield County Business Journal and Westchester Business Journal.

"Band-Aides and Blackboards," the website of Dr. Joan Fleitas, associate professor of nursing, was selected as a finalist in the Stockholm Challenge competition.

Dr. Donald E. Gibson, associate professor of management, was interviewed recently on several radio stations about managing anger in the workplace. His recent interviews include: KNX-AM Newsradio in Los Angeles, CBC radio in St. John, New Brunswick, AM 1060 in Boston, and WWRL-AM in New York City.

He also gave some tips on how to manage anger in the workplace in an interview with Newhouse News Service that appeared in the Gloucester County Times in Woodbury, N.J.

On October 3, Dr. Donald Greenberg, associate professor of politics, discussed "How to Fight Terrorism Without Trampling on our Civil Liberties and the U.S. Constitution" with WVOF radio host Beth Lazar.

Dr. Doris Lippman, professor of nursing, was interviewed by the Greenwich Time about post traumatic stress disorder in the wake of the World Trade Center Attack.

Dr. R. James Long, chair of the Philosophy Department, delivered " 'Undoing the Past': The First Oxford Debate on God's Absolute Power" at the Twenty-Sixth International Conference on Patristic, Medieval and Renaissance Studies at Villanova University on September 29.

In October, Dr. Long presented "The Role of Self-Reflexivity in the Question of Free Choice: From Robert Grosseteste to Robert Kilwardby" at the 27th Annual Meeting of the Southeastern Medieval Association in New Orleans, and "Is it Unreasonable to be Catholic?" as part of the series "Theology on Tap," at the Temple Bar in Stamford.

"Exchange Rate Exposure of U.S. Banks: A Cash Flow-Based Methodology," an article by Dr. Anna D. Martin, associate professor of finance, has been accepted for publication by the Journal of Banking and Finance.

Over the summer, Dr. R. Keith Martin, Stephen and Camille Schramm Professor of Information Systems and Operations Management, kept busy around the globe. He taught a course on International Management at the International School of Economics, Rotterdam, in the Netherlands. He was also moderator for a plenary session on "Gender Issues in Organizations" at the Eighteenth International Conference of the World Association for Case Method Research and Application at Lund University, Sweden.

On U.S. shores, Dr. Martin presented "Too Much Too Soon? - The Saga of Industrial Enterprises, Ltd." at the Portland International Conference on the Management of Engineering and Technology in Oregon.

Dr. Sharlene McEvoy, professor of business law, was interviewed for an article in Current Health on "Being a Lefty is All Right." Dr. McEvoy, who is the founder of "The Sinistralian," a newsletter devoted to lefties, said research on the brain is not advanced enough to support the conclusions of current studies.

Dr. Lisa Newton, director of the Program in Applied Ethics, gave the kick-off keynote lecture for Greenwich Continuing Education. She spoke on the impact of the Human Genome Project on medical practice, biological research, and industry.

Dr. John Orman, professor of politics, was quoted in the "Who's News" column in USA Weekend. Questioned about U.S. presidents winning a second term, Dr. Orman said the war on terrorism is likely to be the issue on which George W. Bush is judged. At this point, he said, "I'd give him an A. He has the American people, the House (and) the Senate, and he's getting the international community behind him.

Dr. Orman was also quoted in "El Nuevo Dia" a San Juan, Puerto Rico newspaper, the Advocate in Stamford, and the Greenwich Time.

Following the September 11 attack, two professors who specialize in the Middle East have been in high demand. Dr. Marcie Patton, chair of the politics department, presented "Understanding the Middle East Conflict - Gaining Perspective." at the Wilton Public Library. She and Dr. Ralph Coury, professor of history, also discussed a similar topic while on a panel sponsored by the League of Women Voters in Weston. In addition, Dr. Coury was invited to speak to Masuk High School and grammar school teachers in Monroe, and did a lengthy interview on WICC's Chris Connolly Talk Show.

"Truest Memorial Lies in the Ruins," an opinion piece by Dr. Gavriel Rosenfeld, assistant professor of history, appeared in the Washington Post's Outlook section. The piece made the case for preserving portions of the World Trade Center ruins as a memorial.

Interviewed by the Greenwich Time, Dr. Kurt Schlichting, professor of sociology and anthropology, predicted a greater voter turnout following the September 11 tragedy. He said that voting is a way in which residents may see themselves as helping the country to overcome the attacks.

Dr. David Schmidt, associate professor of religious studies and business ethics, and Dr. Sandra Ducoffe, associate professor of marketing, were interviewed for a column in the Fairfield Minuteman and Westport Minuteman about the many patriotic condolence ads that followed the most recent terrorist attacks.

Dr. James Simon, associate professor of English and coordinator of the journalism program, assessed news media coverage of the World Trade Center terrorist attack for News 12 Connecticut. Simon also was interviewed by News 12 on the media coverage of the FBI investigation of Waterbury Mayor Philip Giordano.

Library name now official

Cutting the ribbon at the dedication ceremony were (l-r) Roger Lynch, chairman of the Board of Trustees; Dr. Orin Grossman, academic vice president; Maureen DiMenna; University President Rev. Aloysius P. Kelley, S.J.; Joseph A. DiMenna '80; James Estrada, vice president for information services and University librarian; Joan Overfield, director of library services; and Ric Taylor, assistant vice president of campus operations.

Fairfield University's DiMenna-Nyselius Library was formally dedicated at a ceremony held on October 4. The renaming recognizes the support of alumnus Joseph A. DiMenna, Jr. '80 and his wife Maureen, whose $5 million gift in 1998 made it possible to proceed with the $18 million expansion and addition to the existing building.

The name change links the generosity of the DiMennas with that of Gustav and Dagmar Nyselius, whose gift thirty years ago contributed to the construction of the original facility.

In thanking Mr. and Mrs. DiMenna for their contribution to the library project, Fr. Kelley said, "We envisioned a University library that would become a campus centerpiece, reflecting the preeminence of the life of the mind. At the same time, seeking to meet the highest standards set by the Association of College and Research Libraries, we planned, expanded, and renovated with that goal in mind. Today we celebrate the accomplishment of both."

Mr. DiMenna noted that, "In the physical sense, we have built a beautiful building. However the completed project is more than that; it is a place of knowledge and culture."

Photo by Jean Santopatre

Condolences

Thomas L. Pullen, the husband of Jean Pullen, operations assistant in Campus Operations, and the father of Corey Pullen '02, died on October 29.

Gloria Liberto, the mother of Michele Sullivan, part-time English professor, and the sister of Julie McGovern, administrative coordinator in advancement, died on October 31.

New Employees

Luis Agosto - Mail dist. assistant
Laura Brand - Head women's lacrosse coach
Lorraine Coyne - Secretary, corporate relations
Don Galluzzi - Assistant aquatic director, head swim coach
Mark Hernandez - Midnight dispatcher, Security
Konstantinos Pontikis - Mailroom assistant
Ingrid Shaw - Security officer
Andrew Towers - Assistant director of the RecPlex, director of intramural sports, assistant coach

Board of Trustees adds six members to its roster

By Nancy Habetz, Director of Media Relations

Six new members have been added to Fairfield University's Board of Trustees. The group includes: Nancy Altobello '80, a managing partner of Ernst & Young; Jack L. Kelly '67, managing director with Goldman, Sachs & Co.; Rev. Gerard L. Stockhausen, S.J., academic vice president and provost of the University of Detroit Mercy; John R. Joyce, CFO of the IBM Corporation; and Daniel L. Simon, president of KJ Investment, LLC in Chicago. William P. Egan '67, managing general partner of a Boston venture capital firm, is returning to the board where he served from 1987 to 1993 and 1994 to 2000.

Nancy Altobello has been a partner with Ernst & Young in New York City since 1980 and currently serves as managing partner of operations. She is a member of the boards of the MS Society and of Junior Achievement. She resides in Greenwich with her husband, Joel.

Jack L. Kelly of Holmdel, N.J., has been with Goldman, Sachs & Co. for 25 years, previously serving as vice president of Irving Trust Company. Kelly is a certified financial analyst, a member of the New York Society of Security Analysts, and a trustee of the Christian Brothers Academy in Lincroft, N.J. He and his wife Jo-Ann have four children.

Rev. Gerard L. Stockhausen, S.J., served at Creighton University for 15 years before being named academic vice president and provost at the University of Detroit Mercy last year. At Creighton, he was chair of economics and finance before being named acting dean and then associate dean of the College of Business Administration.

John R. Joyce was named senior vice president and chief financial officer of IBM in 1999. Joyce is responsible for the company's financial, treasury, tax, business development and real estate activities. Part of the team responsible for the successful global reengineering of IBM in the mid-1990s, Joyce has held several executive and management assignments, including vice president and controller for the company's worldwide operations and president of IBM Asia Pacific. He is a member of IBM's Chairman's Council, Operations Committee, Corporate Development Committee, Worldwide Management Council, and Senior Leadership Group. He and his wife Maria have two children and live in Ridgefield, Conn.

Daniel L. Simon was chairman, president, and founder of Universal Holdings, Inc. for 25 years before becoming founding president of KJ Investment LLC, three years ago. Simon serves as a director or a trustee for the following organizations: Affiliated Networks Inc., BP Capital Holdings LLC, St. Mary's University of Minnesota, and the Outdoor Advertising Foundation. He is a member of The Hundred Club of Chicago and the City Club of Chicago. He and his wife Sandra have two children and live in Glenview, Ill.

William P. Egan is a general partner of Alta Communications, a venture capital firm in Boston established in 1979 and formerly known as Burr, Egan, Deleage & Co. Before that he was a general partner with TA Associates and earlier was a manager in the Venture Capital Division of the Bank of New England. As a former trustee, Egan has served on the University's Advancement Committee, and as a member of the Finance Committee and the Campaign for Fairfield Cabinet. He and his wife Jacalyn have been most generous to the University, making a major commitment to the Egan Chapel of St. Ignatius Loyola to honor his parents, John and Marion Egan. In recognition of the Egans' most recent leadership gift, the University established a scholarship endowment named to honor three long-time members of the faculty. Mr. and Mrs. Egan live in Natick, Mass., and are the parents of four children, including their son Mark '99.

Fairfield welcomes new faculty

By Barbara Kiernan, Director of University Publications

Throughout the semester, Campus Currents has introduced the newest faculty members to the University community. Here is the final group of professors who began this fall.

Cathy G. Miners
Cathy G. Miners, assistant professor of economics, joins the University faculty after teaching in the department as a visiting assistant professor for three years. She earned her B.A. at the College of William and Mary and a Ph.D. in economics from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Following several years as a teaching fellow at UNC, she moved north and began work as an economist in the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, working in the Research Department's Domestic Financial Markets Division. Three years later she was appointed Division Chief.

Dr. Miners' research has focused on two broad areas: the real rate of interest and the viability of the thrifts.

Tod L. Osier
Tod L. Osier, assistant professor of biology, is an ecologist with research interests in plant-insect interactions. He holds a B.S. in biology from SUNY Binghamton and a Ph.D. in entomology (with a forestry minor) from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

His research focuses on how plant chemistry affects the number and kind of herbivorous insects that chew plant tissue or suck their juices. Because plants are continually under attack from these critters, plants have evolved an amazing array of chemical and physical defenses for protection. Dr. Osier is investigating factors that alter plant defense systems and the way these change subsequent insect-plant interactions.

He has published his findings in journals including Biochemical Systematics and Ecology, Ecological Entomology, Ecoscience, and the Journal of Chemical Ecology, and has presented numerous professional papers at Annual Meetings of the Ecological Society of America and the Entomological Society of America.

David A. Sapp
David A. Sapp, assistant professor of English, earned his Ph.D. in Rhetoric and Professional Communication at New Mexico State University. He brings to the University an expertise in technical and professional writing, composition theory, and writing pedagogy.

Dr. Sapp did his undergraduate work at the University of Minnesota, where he majored in English. He went on to the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga for a master's in English/Rhetoric, during which time he also worked in industry as a technical writer/customer quality assurance auditor. While doing his doctoral studies, he braved the world of academic technical editing, working on projects with titles like "Septate Fungi and Developing Salinity Resistance in Alfalfa Plants."

Dr. Sapp has numerous professional publications to his credit, and has presented at conferences nationally and internationally on topics ranging from Teaching for Peace to Incorporating Critical and Feminist Theories in the First-year Composition Classroom.

Lecturers examine issues in religious scholarship

By Jill Kasiewicz Caseria, Editor

Dr. Elizabeth A. Johnson of Fordham University discussed images of femaleness in God at the Quick Center on October 3, as part of the inaugural Anne Drummey O'Callaghan Lecture series.

Fairfield University hosted two religious scholars last month who provided insight on key issues in theological studies.

Dr. Elizabeth A. Johnson
"It is taught that all people are made in the image of God," said Dr. Elizabeth A. Johnson at the inaugural lecture of the Anne Drummey O'Callaghan series, "but it is denied to apply to women."

Citing Bible passages, events in history, and quotes from priests throughout the ages, Dr. Johnson, distinguished professor of theology at Fordham University, discussed "Women Imaging God" on October 3 in the Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts.

"There are basic texts that affirm women in the image of God and Christ," said Dr. Johnson. To support her argument, she drew from Bible passages including one from the Book of Genesis, which implies that on the sixth day of creation, male and female were created in God's image. "Women and men were created in the image and likeness of God together in the human race," she said.

She commented on the depiction of a male God as deeply entrenched in Christian culture. "Our chief image of God is of a wealthy, powerful male. In our language, we use words such as king, lord, and almighty father. It is this image of an older white male that dominates. Why is (the popular image of) God not a woman? black? young? all three? Maleness sneaks into the image of God even among those who don't believe ... Seeking the female in that image frees the truth of a living God."

The Anne Drummey O'Callaghan lecture series is designed to acknowledge the advanced role of women in the church and provide a forum to converse on issues important to the church.

Rev. John R. Donahue, S.J.
Rev. John R. Donahue, S.J., Raymond E. Brown Distinguished Professor of New Testament Studies at St. Mary's Seminary and University, presented "The Answer is in the Question: Searching for the Historical Jesus" in the Quick Center on October 24.

His talk was part of the Christopher F. Mooney, S.J. Lecture in Theology, Religion, and Society series, which was created to honor and remember Fr. Mooney, who served as Fairfield University's Academic Vice President from 1980 to 1987 and Professor of Religious Studies from 1980 to 1993.

Fr. Donahue spoke on the trends in the way scholars have searched for the historical Jesus throughout time. Quests for the historical Jesus, he explained, reflect the eras during which they occurred.

He outlined four reasons why a "quest" for the historical Jesus is necessary and valid. First, there exists a significant expanse of knowledge of Jesus' life, and research material continues to surface, which sheds new light on the world in which Jesus lived. Second, there exist differences within the Gospels. "We are not sure what words Jesus actually said," commented Fr. Donahue. Third, he explained that the Gospels are not biographies, and that the authors of the time wanted to portray a person - Jesus - according to the valued virtues of the era in which the Gospels were written. Finally, the quest is to correct and foster the image of Jesus and the faith of the church.

"There are different portrayals of Jesus that apply to different people at different times in their lives, and to different religions," Fr. Donahue concluded.

Photo by Jean Santopatre

Recycling made easy

By Joanne Choly, Biology laboratory supervisor and adjunct lecturer

"And the seasons, they go round and round. And the painted ponies go up and down. We're captive on a carousel of time..."*

Nature recycles. The sun's energy, captured by plants, cycles material around and around in ecosystems. Water, carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, sulfur, calcium, magnesium, trace minerals all go around - in forests, on grasslands, in wetlands, at the shore.

Human activity, however, often interrupts and circumvents natural cycles. Landfill sites, for example, are dead ends for materials that could be recycled by nature or by us, in both cases avoiding further disruption of ecosystems. In other words, what could be recycled often ends up in landfill dumpsters or as litter.

The good news: Fairfield cares about recycling! All we ask is that the procedure become a little easier and clearer.

Fairfield University recycles white office paper, newspaper, corrugated cardboard, #1 and #2 plastic, toner cartridges, glass bottles, aluminum cans, steel cans, as well as materials in science labs, work shops, and art studios. Eddie Rivera, custodial liaison with Pritchard (the company contracted by the University for cleaning services), notes that Pritchard staff collects properly separated items in black bags and places them in the proper bins outside the buildings. The key to success, however, lies in one phrase - properly separated. Separating is up to all of us.

What now? Here are a few suggestions to keep nature's cycles humming. Let's:

• Reduce and reuse what we can. Bring reusable food containers from home. Use re-washable coffee mugs and plates.

• Cut down paper use. The back of that rough draft is just as good as a sticky note!.

• Use recycling containers when they are available - or create your own. In your office or department, separate waste into different containers - bottles, cans, white paper, newspaper, flattened corrugated cardboard. It is not a big effort, and Mother Earth will thank us!.

• Use recycled paper products. This brings our efforts full circle..

• Set an example. Students often put me to shame with their environmental enthusiasm; on the other hand, they look to see how we "older generations" conduct ourselves. If we don't care, why should they?.

Please let me (ext. 2929) or Rob Keder '04 (ext. 6325), vice president of the Student Environmental Association (SEA), know your recycling comments, concerns, or suggestions. We are interested in hearing what your department does.

Are we game to make our campus a recycling example? Other schools have done it. We can, too. Fill me in on activities. Next spring, I'll provide an update on any progress made.

"...We can't return, we can only look behind from where we came. And go round and round and round in the circle game..."*

*From "The Circle Game," song by Joni Mitchell.

Photo by B.K. Angeletti

Pictured above with University President Rev. Aloysius P. Kelley, S.J. are award recipients (l-r) Kevin Bennett '02, Rayman Choo-Wing '03, Erika Acosta '04, and Summar Siddiqui '03.

Christopher B. Love Awards dinner honors 81

On November 1, the Center for Multicultural Relations hosted the Christopher Blake Love AHANA Students Achievement Awards Dinner, honoring students who achieved a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or better during the previous academic year.

Class of 2002: Jilani Baaquie, Maria N. Benedicto, Kevin Bennett, Orville Bennett, Allison Blasé, Marada Bou, William Chin, Christina Chu, Jason Cummings, Enrique Escalante, Lauren Ferrante, Myriem Hashamboy, Daniel Hernandez Trujillo, Swati Joshi, Eric Kaul, Patricia Li, David Lopez, Pranav Mehta, Trang Nguyan, Carlos Ortiz, Crystal Powe, Christina Reid, Marielena Roig, Sayeda Sayed, Michelle Todeschini, Maureen Toomy, Merry Uk, Marianne Valente, Raymond Viggiano, Nathaniel Williams, and Michael Zielinski.

Class of 2003: Yesenia Almanzar, Rayman Choo-Wing, Maria Dipilato, Miguel Diaz, Akshay Kumar, Marisa Marquez, Michael Mercado, Hung Nguyen, Elizabeth Orga, Cristina Quintero, Jennifer Ramos, Ellen Sarosy, Summar Qiddiqui, Francisco Velez, and Mary Louise Wei.

Class of 2004: Erika Acosta, Frances Altamirano, Zultan Bermudez, Amanda Borges, Richard Carrion, Bridgedette Castro, Danielle Doran, Eloise Frangias, Malula Gonzalez, Huy Huynh, Mai Huynh, Robert Keder, Ae Lee Kwon, Ji-Eun Lee, Anh Nguyen, Hai Nguyen, Veena Panduranga, Daniel Prokop, Jose Reymondez, Julian Saavedra, Stephanie Savary, Andrew Smith, Mariam Sultan, Jennifer Tan, Tania Torres, Kimberly Valenzuela, and Desiree Verdejo.

Students who received service awards were sophomores Tania Torres and Julian Saavedra. Community Leadership awards went to Dan Caldera '02, Steve Cruz '03, and Nicola Douglas '02. Alumni awards were given to Robert Taylor '52 and Clinton Lewis '88. Judy Dobai, director of admission, and Ed Wilkes, associate academic vice president, each received awards for Administrator of the Year, and Dr. Olivia Harriot, assistant professor of biology, received the award for Faculty Member of the Year.

Matthew Smylie '03 receives physics research grant
Physics major Matthew Smylie '03 was awarded research funding from Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Society, through the Grants-in-Aid of Research Program. He was among the less than 25 percent of 1,100 applicants from 50 states and 18 countries, many of them graduate students, to receive funding.

Matthew was awarded $1,750 for his research into the "Development of a Junction-Regulated Photoconductor." As part of the grant, he collaborated with scientists this summer at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory at the University of California at Berkeley to make a new style of detector for far infrared light. These detectors are used for astronomy observations from space-based telescopes. Matthew began developing the idea while working at Fairfield University with Dr. Nancy Haegel, professor of physics. His research this year will involve testing the new detectors that he helped design and manufacture.

The Grants-in-Aid of Research Program is administered by Sigma Xi and seeks to foster original investigation in all areas of science and engineering. Sigma Xi was founded in 1886 as an honor society for scientists and engineers and has more than 500 chapters in North America and around the world at colleges and universities, industrial research centers and government laboratories.

Helene Fuld Health Trust funds nursing program in leadership
The Helene Fuld Health Trust. (HSBC Bank USA, Trustee) has awarded Fairfield University a Leadership Development grant of $26,500. This grant will support "Learning to Negotiate," a project designed to engage nursing students in the daily activities of a health care leader and increase their skills in critical thinking, communication, and collaboration.

Each of the 45 participants - a group which includes undergraduate seniors, second-degree students, and RN to BSN students - will shadow a health care leader in one of five areas: patient advocacy agencies, homecare and acute care, legislative health policy development, entrepreneurship, or research and quality improvement.

"This project gives students first-hand experience in how health care leaders negotiate funding, managing, and leading health care agencies," says Dr. Sheila Grossman, associate professor of nursing and project director. "It will increase their confidence and prepare them for real-life situations where they can participate and collaborate as equals in multidisciplinary teams."

A second element of the project will be to create a Learning Resource Center at the Health Promotion Center (HPC) in Bridgeport, which will contain a library with a variety of media on leadership and mentorship. Lydia Greiner, HPC manager of community services, will assist Dr. Grossman in finding internships with mentors.

The Helene Fuld Health Trust mission is to support and promote the health, welfare, and education of student nurses. In 1935, Dr Leonhard Felix Fuld and his sister, Florentine, created a foundation in honor of their mother, Helene. In 1965, the foundation was converted to the Helene Fuld Health Trust, and in 1969 HSBC Bank USA (formerly Marine Midland Bank) became its corporate trustee. HSBC Bank USA is currently responsible for overseeing and administering the Fuld Trust.

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news Briefs

Fairfield students"make a difference" in Bridgeport
More than 800 Fairfield University students took steps to improve Bridgeport's landscapes and parks last month.

On October 13, some 300 first-year students participated in a cleanup effort in conjunction with Groundwork Bridgeport, a non-profit organization dedicated to the environmental enhancement of the city's urban landscape. Two weeks later, on October 27, as part of the nationwide Make a Difference Day, a group of 500 students planted bulbs, trees, and shrubs, raked leaves, mowed lawns, painted buildings, and repaired playgrounds at several locations around Bridgeport.

Participation in these clean up days is part of the students' commitment to Fairfield's Campus Urban Experience (CUE) through the First Year Experience (FYE) program.

Caring in times of need
In the Jesuit spirit of "men and women for others," the 2001 Charitable Sharing Campaign is an opportunity to give to those organizations which do such good in trying times.

More than 50 University volunteer captains in every department have distributed pledge forms to faculty and employees. Any amount is welcome and can be donated by payroll deduction. This year's goal for the University is $30,000.

You can decide where you want your gift to go. Community Health Charities works with 26 health care agencies. United Way, a national organization with local branches, supports groups including the Salvation Army.

All who return the pledge forms by November 20 will be entered into a campus-wide raffle for a variety of prizes including tickets to Quick Center events, passes to games, gift certificates to the Levee, and more.

For more information, call Ray Bourdeau at ext. 2165 or Mark Reed at ext. 4211.

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Hewlett Foundation funds core curriculum project

By Jill Kasiewicz Caseria, Editor

Fairfield University has been awarded a $140,000 grant from the Hewlett Foundation to fund the development of a two-part project related to the core curriculum.

The dual objectives of the project are to design a new two-course science component for non-science majors and to educate faculty on enhancing courses with technology. Future goals include developing a series of technology-enhanced core courses, fully integrated across the curriculum.

The two-year endeavor, "Renewing the Core Curriculum: Natural Science and Technology Enhancement Project," is being directed by Dr. Dennis Keenan, associate professor of philosophy. "The science component will integrate elements from different natural science disciplines," he says. "The goal is to provide a more integrated set of objectives, common experiences, and associated assessment criteria to the science core courses."

The technology aspect of the project will begin by visiting colleges and universities where resources are integrated effectively into classrooms, creating a series of educational seminars and a system of mentoring to faculty, and training students as technology assistants. "The goal of the technology enhancement component is to help students understand the variety of ways technology can be used to solve problems and enhance learning," says Dr. Keenan.

"The success of both parts will greatly assist students in the acquisition of important academic competencies in the contemporary world," states the grant proposal.

Faculty in the project's executive committee include: (Natural Science) Dr. Nancy Haegel, professor of physics; Dr. April Hill, assistant professor of biology; and Dr. Edmond O'Connell, professor and chair of the chemistry department; and (Technology Enhancement) Dr. Laurence Miners, associate professor of economics; Dr. Kurt Schlichting, professor of sociology and director of the International Studies/Language Technology Initiative; and Dr. Malcolm Hill, assistant professor of biology. On the advisory board are Dr. Mary Frances Malone, associate academic vice president; Dr. Timothy Law Snyder, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences; Dr. Beth Boquet, associate professor of English and director of the Writing Center; and Dr. Al Benney, professor of religious studies.

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Taking back the night

Jeanne DiMuzio (pictured above, left), director of the Wellness and Prevention team, was among those at the candlelight vigil for "Take Back the Night" on November 1. Held on the plaza of the Egan Chapel of St. Ignatius Loyola, the event raised public awareness of sexual assault, domestic abuse, and violence against women.

Photo by Jean Santopatre

Sports

Deutschland duo looks to lead Stags to MAAC title

By Pat Nugent, Assistant Director of Sports Information

Fairfield University volleyball players Conny Paul '03 and Carola Stowe '03 at the summer '01 German National Championship for beach volleyball.

Just what has been the biggest adjustment for volleyball standouts Conny Paul '03 and Carola Stowe '03, two Fairfield University international students from Germany? Surprisingly, it's not coping with a different educational system, the defensive style of American volleyball, or speaking another language that have been the most challenging.

Actually, the hardest cultural adjustment for both Conny, now in her second year at Fairfield, and Carola, in her first year, has been adapting to American cuisine. "It's challenging to find food we really like," says Conny, "so we end up eating pasta most of the time."

Academically, the duo is excelling. Since Conny accrued enough credits while at the University of Munich, where she studied for two years prior to Fairfield University, she is enrolled in both graduate and undergraduate classes, and will graduate in May 2003 with an MBA in finance. A member of the Dean's List last spring, Conny boasts a 3.54 cumulative grade point average, and has earned a spot on the 2001 MAAC All-Academic team. Carola, a psychology major who studied for two years at the University of Applied Sciences, is doing well in her first semester but will not be eligible for MAAC All-Academic accolades until next year.

The two are finding school here at Fairfield challenging and different, but more personal than in Munich. "The classes are much smaller here," explains Conny. "It forces you to keep up with your homework and do your assignments every day. At home, classes are a lot bigger, with up to seven or eight hundred kids in a room. You have no relationship with the teacher, and your entire grade is based on one big exam at the end of class to determine whether or not you pass."

"School here is more centralized," says Carola. "Everything - the bookstore, the academic buildings, the food - is all in one place. In Munich, everything is much more spread out."

And then there's volleyball, where the two are adjusting not just from the more offensive mindset of the German game to the defensive play in America, but also from competing as a pair on the beach to competing on a team of six on the court. For the past two summers, Conny and Carola have been beach volleyball partners in several German tournaments. In August, the two qualified for the German Nationals, earning them the right to play against some of the best players in the country. The duo went into the event ranked 16th, but finished a respectable ninth.

By the end of her first season of U.S. collegiate volleyball, Conny had certainly proven herself, earning accolades including being named both the 2000 MAAC Player of the Year and the 2001 Preseason Player of the Year. Her stats tell the story. She ranked first in the MAAC and 10th in the nation for hitting percentage (.384), second in the conference for kills average (4.85), and sixth for total blocks (85). This year, she is third in the conference for hitting percentage (.302) and blocks (.96), and eighth for kills average (3.49).

As to the other half of the duo, Carola's reputation apparently preceded her, as she was selected to the All-MAAC Preseason squad without yet having played ball on American soil. Now that she has, she has become an excellent complement to Fairfield's All-American candidate, Joanne Saunders.

Just how did these two beach volleyball players get to New England? About three years ago, Fairfield Head Volleyball Coach Mitch Jacobs got a tip from a fellow college coach on a powerful hitter who trained with the German Youth National program now playing beach volleyball on the Bavarian tour. The tip led him to a contact overseas who got him a videotape. "I could see Conny was an experienced player who competed at a very high level," Jacobs says. "I she she would make a positive impact on our program."

She was not the last player he spoke with however, as Conny soon led him to her beach volleyball partner Carola, who brings style and finesse to the game.

Corry and Corola's contribution to the Fairfield University team as a whole - both in statistical production on court, and in the positive chemistry they bring - has been a critical component to the Stags success this year. "Carola has an infectious personality," says Jacobs. "She's always smiling, and she's very easy to get along with. Conny needs things to be organized and mapped out. She likes things to be in line. She really helps in the organization of the team."

Fairfield, at 11-9 overall and 3-1 in the MAAC, will no doubt rely on this chemistry as it looks to claim a fifth consecutive MAAC Championship title on November 17 and earns a fifth trip to the NCAA tournament.

Sports Shorts By Jack Jones, Director of Sports Information

Fairfield's Stag gets a new look

The new Fairfield University sports logo made its debut (above, left) on October 18, as part of the Arena Madness celebration. The logo, which is featured at center court of the basketball floor at the Arena at Harbor Yard, will be used by the two basketball teams this season, and will be introduced to all athletics teams next season.

Basketball hosts exhibition games

The men's and women's basketball teams host exhibition games this month. The women open up the exhibition season with a November 5 contest against the New York Gazelles. The men will play two exhibition games, the first of which comes on November 10 in Alumni Hall when they will battle the Mickey Walker All-Stars, beginning at 7 p.m. The second men's exhibition game, also against the All-Stars, will be played on December 22 at noon in Alumni Hall.

Basketball hosts scrimmage in its new home

Basketball fans came out to witness the public inauguration of Fairfield University basketball at the Arena at Harbor Yard on October 18. Both the men's and women's teams ran drills and played scrimmages during the 90-minute event. Fans received a public introduction at the beginning of Arena Madness, as both rosters were announced. After a 10-minute period of drills, the women's team battled a team of Alumni in a scrimmage. The men followed with an intra-squad scrimmage.

Photo by Jean Santopatre

The RecPlex unveils a new name

Thomas Quick '77, shared memories of his father, Leslie, for whom the RecPlex is named.

At a ceremony held October 5, Fairfield University unveiled a new name for a familiar landmark, now to be known as the Leslie C. Quick, Jr. Recreation Complex. The change reflects the generosity of the Quick family to the University.

The late Leslie C. Quick, Jr. was a member of the Board of Trustees from 1982 to 1995, its chairman from 1993 to 1995, and led The Campaign for Fairfield University, which was conducted from 1987 to 1992. Throughout his professional life, he and his wife Regina gave generously to Fairfield, most recently making a gift to Our Promise: The Campaign for Fairfield.

"As a major benefactor of Fairfield University, Les gave of his time, talent, and treasure to enhance the learning environment on campus," said University President Rev. Aloysius P. Kelley, S.J. in his remarks. "I am delighted that, together, the family has chosen to honor Les in the naming of this recreational facility...Naming the facility for him makes good sense when you think of the characteristics that helped define him," he continued, highlighting Mr. Quick's healthy sense of competition, fine performance, teamwork, and boundless energy.

"My father was not an athlete," commented Mr. and Mrs. Quick's son Thomas '77, trustee and chairman of Our Promise, "but he certainly gave every golf game his best shot. He had a love of life and enjoyed it to the fullest."

Son Christopher C. Quick '79, noted his father's devotion to the University, saying, "He would have loved to have been here today; he loved Fairfield University and all of you very much."

Photo by Jean Santopatre

The Arts on Campus

Pianist Dr. Orin Grossman slated to perform at next OVF

Academic Vice President Dr. Orin Grossman, a classical pianist who has won acclaim for his innovative integration of classical pieces with jazz piano solos, will be performing at the Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts this Friday, November 9, at 7:30 p.m. His program, featuring the music of George Gershwin and Isaac Albéniz, is part of the University's Open VISIONS Forum.

In selecting two composers who used the popular melodies and dance rhythms of their native culture to produce piano masterpieces, Dr. Grossman is following his own long-standing interest in jazz and popular music. Among the pieces he will perform are the solo piano version of Gershwin's "Rhapsody in Blue" and Books I and II of Albéniz's great masterpiece of Spanish music, "Iberia."

In recent years, Dr. Grossman has been associated with the music of George Gershwin, performing concerts of song transcriptions and classical pieces to critical praise around the world, including performances in Cairo and New York. In St. Petersburg, Russia, he performed Gershwin's "Rhapsody in Blue" and gave the Russian premiere of Gershwin's "Second Rhapsody" with the St. Petersburg Philharmonic. In addition, he was chosen recently to play for the New York City Mayor's Awards of Honor for Arts and Culture.

Dr. Grossman began piano and theory instruction at the Longy School of Music in Cambridge, Mass., at the age of five. After giving several graduate recitals there he entered Harvard College, where he won the coveted Concerto Competition and performed the Beethoven Concerto No. 4 with the Harvard-Radcliffe Orchestra. After graduating magna cum laude with a degree in music, he continued his studies at Yale University, earning a Ph.D. in music. In 1971, he toured France with the Yale Orchestra, winning particular acclaim in concerts in Paris and Lyon.

Dr. Grossman has the distinction of having masterfully navigated dual careers in education and music. He joined Fairfield in 1975 as an assistant professor of fine arts and was named dean of the College of Arts and Sciences in 1991. Last year he was appointed academic vice president, and is also professor of Visual and Performing Arts.

For tickets, call the box office at ext. 4010.

Photo by Jean Santopatre

Former U.S. Ambassador Richard Holbrooke to speak at Fairfield

richard holbrooke, former u.s. ambassador to the united nations, will present "humanitarian challenges to world diplomacy past, present and future" at the Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts on November 12, at 7:30 p.m., as part of the Open VISIONS Forum, and as the Carl and Dorothy Bennett Center for Judaic Studies' fourth annual Jacoby-Lunin Humanitarian Lectureship.

Holbrooke served as the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations from 1999 to 2001. In that capacity and in other positions, he played a vital role in the development of U.S. policy toward the United Nations, the Balkans, Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and humanitarian crisis issues.

Holbrooke secured his reputation as the world's premier negotiator by arranging an unprecedented agreement, bringing the United States back into good standing with the United Nations. He simultaneously persuaded United Nations' members to reduce America's share of dues and assessments, persuaded the U.S. Congress to release $582 million in unpaid U.N. assessments, and enlisted the aid of Ted Turner to ante up the balance of U.N. dues.

As Assistant Secretary of State for Europe from 1994 to 1996, Holbrooke was the chief architect of the 1995 Dayton peace agreement that ended the war in Bosnia. He received numerous awards for this, including five Nobel Peace Prize nominations. His best-selling account of that historic negotiation, To End A War, was named one of the ten best books of 1998 by The New York Times.

From 1993 to 1994, Holbrooke was the U.S. Ambassador to Germany, and during the Carter Administration, 1977 to 1981, he served as Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs.

Holbrooke, author of two books and numerous articles, has received 12 honorary degrees and several awards. He is a Counselor at the Council on Foreign Relations and President and CEO of the Global Business Council, the business alliance against HIV/AIDS. He is vice chairman of Perseus, a leading private equity firm.

The lecture is sponsored by the Frank Jacoby Foundation. Frank Jacoby, a Jewish immigrant from Hungary, traveled to Bridgeport, Conn., where he became a successful businessman. Recognizing that people were treated unfairly due to their race, religion, or creed, he founded the lecture series bearing his name to promote the cause of humanity.

The first lecture was in 1951, and some of the early speakers included Eleanor Roosevelt and Martin Luther King, Jr. Jacoby's son-in-law, Arthur Lunin, guided the lectureship until his death in 1999. Now known as the Jacoby-Lunin Lectureship, the endowed series is in its fourth year at Fairfield University.

For tickets, call the Quick Center box office at ext. 4010.

Brian Torff to introduce new band at Quick Center concert

Renowned bassist and composer Brian Q. Torff, Fairfield University's director of jazz and popular music, will introduce a new band and sound when he performs in concert at the Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts on November 8, at 7:30 and 9:30 p.m.

Keeping the name Thunderstick and members of his three piece ensemble - Torff on bass, Florence Melnotte on keyboard, and Grisha Alexiev on drums - he is adding a four-person horn section to the mix. His intent is to update the popular sound of the late '60s and early '70s horn bands, like Blood, Sweat & Tears and Chicago. "I always loved that sound," he explains, "but I wanted to do it my way with a newer style and more modern arrangements."

Torff says he has enjoyed exploring and expanding the color, power, and excitement of a horn-driven group. The creative possibilities have been enhanced by the caliber of musicians he assembled, which include Scott Wendholt and Nathan Ecklund on trumpets, David Mann on tenor sax, and John Fumasoli on trombone. "They are experienced musicians who have played with groups like Blood, Sweat & Tears, Tower of Power, and for Broadway shows," says Torff. "The level of performance they bring is stellar." The group plans to record a CD next year.

While some of his earlier compositions will be on the program, Torff will be introducing several new works, including "Earth Mother," a tribute to Mary Lou Williams that has a gospel influence, "Gnarly Shred," a reggae ska song, and a reggae-funk tune, "Asiaaterrukai," which he wrote in May while appearing at the Blue Note in Tokyo. Torff has some fun with "Grandma's Hoover Dance," which he describes as "a funk tune inspired by a vacuum cleaner," and "Farewell, Duke of Prunes," written in the rock style of Frank Zappa. "Workin' on a Bassline" is a praise song Torff included in memory of his mentor, Milt Hinton.

For tickets, call the Quick Center box office at ext. 4010.

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.