Winter 2004
Student Life - All in the Family
Student Life - Encouraging Healthy Choices
Tech Time - eRecruiting
Parents' Weekend
Your Gift at Work
Tech Time - StagCard Online Office
Student Club Spotlight - Equestrian Club
What's New at Fairfield U?
Focus on Faculty
Freshmen Sendoff Events
All in the Family
by Lisa Roberts
Freshmen twins DeMarzo, Bermingham, and Keiser have become instant buddies.
Seeing double? Look again. With nine sets of twins and one set of triplets on campus, it's no wonder. As N.Y. Supreme Court Justice Linda Jamieson P'07, mother of Fairfield freshmen Heather and Jamie Keiser, puts it, "When twins walk in a room, they're a force to reckon with." At Fairfield University, that force was multiplied three-fold this fall when the Bermingham, DeMarzo, and Keiser twins came in with the Class of 2007. Four sets of twins are juniors this year, and among the seniors are the Bamaan and Maisano twins and the Cavanaugh triplets.
Parents doubling their investment in Fairfield by sending more than one child to campus at the same time is even more prevalent. On average, during the past four years, 38 first-year students joined an older sibling at the University, and 58 more had alumni relatives - parents, grandparents, or siblings who are Fairfield graduates. All in all, nearly 12 percent of the current student body have family ties to Fairfield University.
"How many people could go to school with their family?" asked the Cavanaughs when the triplets received their acceptance letters. Now seniors, Patrick, Collin, and Kaylin are helping younger brother Brendon '07 acclimate to campus life. With four children at Fairfield, remarks their mom, Linda Cavanagh P'04, '07, "that says an awful lot about our belief in the institution."
The decision to attend college together came to some twins intuitively but to others unquestionably. Louisa Maisano P'04 recalls telling son Tommy and daughter Theresa to each pick out eight schools. It turned out that seven out of the eight were the same. When they received their acceptance letters, they each narrowed their choices down to three - the same three! "They kept saying all along that they didn't care if they attended the same college," says Maisano, "but clearly they did."
Joan and David Rossi P'05 also encouraged their twin sons Benjamin and Christopher to apply to different colleges, but to no avail. Coincidentally, identical twins Troy and Garrett Bamaan '04 were recruited to the same area as student-athletes, with Garrett attending Sacred Heart University and Troy attending Fairfield as first year students. In their sophomore year, Garrett transferred to Fairfield and now the two will be graduating with the same alma mater - just like their father and uncle before them, who are identical twins and graduates of S.U.N.Y. - Alfred.
The Bermingham family looked "up and down the east coast, from Maryland to Massachusetts," when it came time to select a school for twins Marielle '07 and Rachel '07. The two shared a desire for a school with high academic standards, and a genuine appreciation for the Jesuit mission. As for the decision to go to college together, "it wasn't a question," says their mom Charissa Bermingham, a nurse in Richboro, Penn. "They couldn't imagine having to pick up a phone in order to hear the other's voice. If they can't say face-to-face, 'You're not going to believe what just happened,' they'd be lost!"
While the University's current student body has attracted multiples from Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Massachusetts, what they all seem to share in common is that they feel "at home" in Fairfield. With reports from their children that they are cheerfully settling down on campus, nearly every parent reported that they were pleased with their investment in the University for the same reason: they're happy because their children are happy. Parents also cited the size of the school, the warm and caring environment, the academic reputation, the beautiful surrounding town, and all the amenities of a major city nearby as reasons they believe their children made the right choice in Fairfield University.
"Children do well if they're where they want to be," remarked Jamieson, whose twin daughters had their hearts set on attending Fairfield. "Heather and Jamie have been away at school three and a half weeks so far, and they've told me every day they're happy. What more could I ask for?"
Adds Cavanaugh, "It's well worth the investment when they're doing so well." Speaking of investments, happiness, and a whole lot of work, this Fairfield parent is keeping herself busy these days with her newly rescued triplet dogs, a set of Cavalier King Charles Spaniels named Duncan, Findlay, and Ryan. Her hands are joyfully full - again. "Now all you need is one more, Mom," her son Brendon jokes. "And then you'll be done."
Encouraging Healthy Choices
by Susan Birge, assistant vice president of student services
A hallmark of a Jesuit education is the promotion of "cura personalis" - care of the whole individual. At Fairfield, learning involves much more than what takes place in the classroom; inherent in the college experience is the management of time, relationships, and finances, as well as making choices that impact one's safety and well-being. Learning at Fairfield involves growing into responsible adulthood by making smart and healthy lifestyle choices, starting right here, right now.
Fairfield's student services division strives to deliver quality services, while at the same time are careful not to create "learned helplessness" or dependence. Since learning often involves making mistakes, the educators on campus, both in and out of the classroom, provide support and guidance for those students in need.
A few recent initiatives on campus focus on assisting students in addressing what has become national concerns - the consumption and abuse of alcohol and other substances. Fortunately, findings from four Harvard School of Public Health College Alcohol Study Surveys, conducted from 1993 to 2001, confirm that most students drink moderately, and that serious consequences as a result of alcohol consumption are uncommon. That said, when problems do arise, two support groups are in place for Fairfield students.
- The Grand Group is facilitated by a licensed alcohol and drug counselor, and explores motivation for change, teaches skills and strategies, and provides information about the effects of substance abuse. Its purpose is to help students identify high-risk behaviors and develop strategies to make healthier choices with alcohol and drugs.
- Women's Wisdom consists of a cluster of programming, workshops, group experiences, and outreach for female students. Issues addressed not only include alcohol and drug education, but also female socialization, self-esteem building, and the dynamics of healthy and unhealthy relationships.
For more information on making healthy choices at Fairfield, go to: www.fairfield.edu/wellness
eRecruiting
In September, the Career Planning Center introduced eRecruiting to Fairfield University students. eRecruiting is a web-based application that allows juniors and seniors to electronically post their résumés, apply for positions, and sign up for interviews and information sessions. The eRecruiting system also provides access to Experience Network, a nationwide network of employers who list their jobs with eRecruiting career centers, allowing students to find jobs with network employers who may not necessarily recruit in person at their school. The network also allows the employers to find qualified job seekers from schools nationwide. To have full access to the resources available on eRecruiting, including posting a résumé, students must first have their résumés approved by the Career Planning Center.
A Personal and Powerful Experience
Another successful Parents' Weekend (held Oct. 25-26, 2003) has come and gone at Fairfield University, with more than 600 families registered. Parents enjoyed the opportunity to visit campus with their sons and daughters, and take part in many scheduled activities, from faculty-led sessions to entertainment events.
Weekend highlights included:
- University President Aloysius P. Kelley, S.J.'s welcome address was held in the Regina A. Quick Center of the Arts. A capacity crowd of nearly 700 parents came to learn about current University news.
- The Parents' Weekend Mass was held on Saturday afternoon. The Junior Ring Ceremony followed in the Oak Room at the John A. Barone Campus Center, where Fr. Kelley blessed the junior class rings.
- Hypnotist and Comedian Jim Spinnato had parents and students rolling in the aisles of the Quick Center in a high-energy performance on Saturday evening.
- The Fairfield University Glee Club, led by Dr. Carole Ann Maxwell, inspired another capacity audience during the Parents' Weekend concert on Sunday afternoon.
- Faculty-led sessions were standing room only and included informative discussions on such topics as: study abroad, the Charles F. Dolan School of Business, Ignatian Residential College, and Campus Ministry.
We hope all who attended had a wonderful weekend visit. If you have any comments or suggestions regarding Parents' Weekend, please e-mail us at:
parentsweekend@mail.fairfield.edu
We would love to hear from you.
Tom and Sharon Lydon P'06 at the Parents' Committee meeting on Parents' Weekend.
Parents and siblings enjoy the music of the Fairfield University Glee Club at the annual concert on Sunday afternoon.
Fr. Kelley thanked parents for their support at the President's Circle reception at Parents' Weekend. He visits here with Cheryl and Chuck Reynolds P'07.
And the winner is ...
Richard and Judy Conk P'95,'99 are the recipients of the vacation home stay in the Turks and Caicos islands donated by Parents' Committee members Britt and Diane Newhouse P'06. The Conks were randomly picked from a group of all Annual Fund donors who, during the 2002-03 fiscal year, made a first-time gift of $1,000 or more (The President's Circle member level) or who increased their gift by $1,000 or more over the previous fiscal year. The Conks are long-time Annual Fund donors who increased their gift this past year.
by Claudia B. Nielsen, associate director of Annual Giving, Parents' Program
A gift to the Parents' Annual Fund directly impacts your son or daughter by providing funds for many of the resources Fairfield students enjoy on a daily basis. The Annual Fund makes up the 19 percent of the budget not covered by tuition revenue. Some of the ways your student directly benefits from the Annual Fund are listed below.
- The wide variety of research databases, periodical titles, multimedia items, and books available to your student at the DiMenna-Nyselius Library are funded through Annual Fund dollars.
- The advantage of a top-notch faculty, who keep current in their fields and regularly attend workshops to develop new techniques, deliver an up-to-date body of knowledge with today's most sophisticated teaching delivery methods.
- Fairfield continues to upgrade its technology infrastructure with Internet access in residence hall rooms and many public areas. Faculty makes use of state-of-the-art equipment to provide new and exciting learning opportunities for students.
- Fairfield's reputation continues to grow as successful graduates reach out to students like your son or daughter, involving them in internships and connecting them with exciting opportunities to gain "real world" experience while still in school.
Your gift to Fairfield builds upon your tuition investment and makes a difference in the life of your Fairfield student. Please be assured that your gift is hard at work every day to provide the best possible education for your son or daughter whom you have entrusted to us, and we thank you for it.
Parents' Fund Committee
 As of press time, the following parents have graciously agreed to serve on the Parents' Committee for the 2003-04 academic year.
Ed and Solanj Abkarian P'07
Donna Ayers P'07
Bruce and Barbara Barnet P'00 '03 '06
Greg '80 and Rene '81 Blair P'07
John and Eileen Bryson P'07
John and Jeannine Callahan P'03
Ed and Maureen Carey P'03
Charlie '70 and Paulette Douglas P'06
Al and Lorna Duranti P'07
Jim and Lisa Faro P'06
Ron and Theresa Furman P'07
Tom and Sharon Lydon P'06
Ed and Rosaleen Meyer P'05 '06
Christian Millet P'06 and Andrea Mayes
Joe and MaryAnn Mangione P'07
Britt and Diane Newhouse P'06
Jim and Denise Paul P'03 '05
Ray and Sally Pilkerton P'95 '04
Bob and Tina Priolo P'05
Chuck and Cheryl Reynolds P'07
Carlos and Clari Rom P'07
Mike and Patricia Serafino P'05
Bob and Kim Wojtowicz P'07
Ways to Give to the Parents' Fund
Parents can reap tax benefits in 2003 by making a gift before the end of the year, using the gift response envelope included in this newsletter.
- Call the Annual Giving toll-free number (877) 748-5123 and make your gift by credit card.
- Go online to www.fairfield.edu, click "Advancement" and "Give to Fairfield."
- Consider a gift of appreciated stock or a gift-in-kind; call the Annual Giving office at (203) 254-4004 for more information. Last year, Michael Fee P'06 donated $15,000 worth of fire sprinkler equipment for the residence halls.
- Check with your employer to see if they have a matching gift program. Corporate matching funds are an excellent way to increase the impact of your gift. You can view a list of matching gift companies at the Fairfield web site at: http://www.hepdevelopment.com/Fairfield/
- Make a gift to Fairfield out of assets rather than income. Michael Kreuzer, director of planned giving, is available to discuss ways to make gifts to Fairfield a tax advantage to you. Contact him at: (203) 254-4000, ext. 2411 or mkreuzer@mail.fairfield.edu
StagCard Online Office
Students can check the balance of their Dining Dollars and StagBucks accounts online at www.stagcardonline.com. In addition to account balances, students can view all recent activity on their card and even temporarily disable a card if they have lost or misplaced it. Students use their StagCard for a variety of services at Fairfield, including dining services, cash food operations, vending machines, printing, access to buildings, and library services.
Equestrian Club
Seabiscuit, move aside. Fairfield's Equestrian Club is gaining fast as one of the leading collegiate riding teams in the United States, with a current standing in the top six percent as the team competes with and continually defeats varsity programs throughout the country. Emphasizing strong horsemanship skills, this program offers fabulous riding and horse showing opportunities to riders of all skills levels, from beginner to open. A cost of $475 per semester includes lessons, team practices, show fees, and clinics with top area trainers. For intermediate and open riders, access to advanced equitation horses are available at The Courtyard Farm in Bedford, N.Y. (30 minutes from campus); 25 lovely school horses for all levels are available at New Canaan Mounted Troop, in New Canaan, Conn. (20 minutes from campus). This top equestrian program is led by Coach Lisa Bailey, who has had riders at Nationals every year but two since 1985. Repeating top ribbons at the prestigious Tournament of Champions Invitational - featuring top collegiate teams from around the country - Fairfield's Equestrian Club is clearly among those leading the pack. Interested students can contact Lisa A. Bailey at NCMTLB@aol.com.
New Search Committee
Upon the announcement in October that University President Aloysius P. Kelley, S.J. will be retiring at the end of this academic year, the Board of Trustees appointed a 14-member search committee to find a Jesuit successor. The committee includes representatives of the student body, faculty, alumni, administrators, trustees, and the Jesuit community. Fr. Kelley will be completing his 25th year as President on June 30, 2004, coinciding with the successful completion of Our Promise: The Campaign for Fairfield University. During his tenure Fairfield University has emerged as one of the preeminent Jesuit schools in the country. The search committee is confident that this position will attract a number of outstanding candidates who will step forward, eager and ready to take the institution to even greater heights.
New Fairfield Faculty Enhance the "Mind, Body, and Spirit" of a Jesuit Education
From the College of Arts and Sciences:
The College of Arts and Sciences welcomes Dr. Miriam Gogol as an associate dean, who is in charge of advising students, developing programs, internships, and more. A Ful-bright scholar herself, she is also running the Fulbright program. Also newly named as an associate dean is Fairfield resident Dr. Raymond Poincelot, a veteran biology professor at the University and a faculty member since 1977. Dr. Poincelot, author of five books, is known for his dedication, intellect, and fairness. His first major project is the Howard Hughes grant initiative, which could bring the University as much as $1.6 million for research in the sciences.
From the Athletic Department:
Fairfield's athletics welcomes four new assistant coaches. Darryl Delia, who comes to Fairfield from Yale University where he served as an assistant coach since 1998, is coaching men's lacrosse. Paige Sauer, a former athlete-student at the University of Connecticut who helped the Huskies capture the 2000 National Championship, is coaching women's basketball. Fairfield's own Erin Heslin '03, who is highly regarded as one of the best runners in the University's history, is coaching the cross-country team. And Meghan Main '03, who just finished her college career among the top scorers in Stags lacrosse history, is coaching the women's lacrosse team.
From Campus Ministry:
The Fairfield University community warmly welcomes Terrence Devino, S.J., who has joined the Campus Ministry team as associate director. Fr. Devino comes to Fairfield from Boston College where he served as assistant director of residential life; he has also served at the Gloucester Eastern Retreat House. At Fairfield, he is directing several retreat and Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults programs and Hunger Cleanup, will lead students on missions in North America, and is providing pastoral counseling and spiritual direction to the entire campus community. Fr. Devino entered the Society of Jesus in 1994 after serving eight years as associate pastor for three parishes in the Diocese of Springfield, Mass.
During the summer, the Parents' Committee organized 10 freshmen sendoff parties. We wish to thank hosts Barbara and Bruce Barnet P'00, '03, '06 (Long Island); Christian Millet P'06 and Andrea Mays (northern New Jersey); Chris and Bernadette Wilcox P'04 (southern New Jersey); Paul and Anne Noble P'06 (southwestern Boston area); Paul and Patricia Murphy, P'03, '06, '07 and Peter and Marybeth Nixon P'06 (southeastern Boston area); Jim '70 and Margaret LaCroix, P'06 (Hartford); Kelly and Julie Conway P'07 (Chicago); Terry '73 and Christy Horan (Cincinnati); Kathleen Berganski '77 (D.C. area); and Greg '84 and Elizabeth Hayes (Philadelphia area).
Charles Allen, S.J., with the Barnet family at the Long Island sendoff. |
The Nixon and Murphy families hosted the southeastern Boston area sendoff in Scituate. |
Philadelphia area freshmen at the sendoff hosted by Greg '84 and Elizabeth Hayes. |
Students share a light moment at the
Chicago sendoff event. |
The Advancement Division of Fairfield University publishes Parent Ties three times a year for parents of undergraduate students. Letters to the editor, address changes, and correspondence should be sent to:
Parent Ties
Bellarmine Hall Room 315
Fairfield University
1073 North Benson Road
Fairfield, CT 06824-5195
e-mail: parentties@mail.fairfield.edu
Editor
Lisa M. Roberts
Editorial Committee
Claudia B. Nielsen
Eileen Bossone
Jim and Denise Paul P'03, '05
Clare (Carney) Schimpf '76
University Photojournalist
Jean Santopatre |
