Campus Currents - October 2007
Volume 16, Number 3
The official news publication of Fairfield University
GE executive speaks on international finance
University on the path to a more cohesive campus
Chinese environmentalist to receive honorary doctor of laws degree
Greek Archbishop to receive honorary degree
Campus News Breakers
Service Anniversaries
New website for students: Students411
CN&S Tech Talk
Advancement: Building a Strong Team
New Director, Office of Academic & Disability Support Services
Loung Ung shares her story of survival with freshmen
New Faculty at Fairfield
Admission Process for Children of Employees
Wear Red on First Fridays
Our best wishes go with them!
Fairfield joins U-CAN initiative
Conversation on Cuba series begins
New Clinical nurse leader program takes off
Human trafficking conference planned
2007 Charitable Sharing Campaign
Stag Sports
Fit at Fairfield
Student-Athletes Honored
New Website for Athletics
New McInerney Chair thrives on student engagement
Conlisk Scholarship Awarded
October Brown Bag Lunch
New Music Education Certification Program
GE executive speaks on international finance
L-R: Dr. Norman Solomon, dean of the Dolan School of Business, Philip Eliasoph, professor of art history and liaison for academic community cultural engagement; University President Rev. Jeffrey von Arx, S.J.; Mrs. Marilisa Beccalli-Falco; Ferdinando Beccelli-Falco; and David Guerar '08, winner of the William G. McGowan Scholarship.
Referring to the U.S. economy, Ferdinando 'Nani' Beccalli-Falco, the president and chief executive officer of General Electric International, called the recent sub-prime mortgage crisis a temporary setback of the economic system. "There was an exuberance of growth here in recent years," explained Beccalli-Falco during his Sept. 10 talk, "Megatrends in Global Business," at the Charles F. Dolan School of Business. "Now what you are seeing is the economy cleaning itself up."
Beccalli-Falco's talk focused on the rapid internationalization of Fairfield-based GE. He told faculty, staff, students, and the community that emerging markets are important to the conglomerate's global growth. "The emerging countries will drive the economy, including China, India, Latin America, and the Middle East. They will quite simply drive growth over 'x' amount of years. We just have to keep in mind that this growth in these countries happens in away that the environment is protected." To students present, he emphasized, "Asia is a must if you want to grow your career."
Photo by Jean Santropatre
University on the path to a more cohesive campus
Fairfield University is a step closer to finalizing its landscape master plan, which will guide construction projects over the next few years and shape the appearance of the campus.
The University's consultants, Baltimore-based Ayers Saint Gross, will present a new draft of the landscape master plan on Oct. 11 at noon in the Kelley Center. The University community is invited to view this latest version, which incorporates comments and suggestions gathered from conversations held last spring and over the summer.
This draft is a refined version of the plan presented to the campus community in May, said Dr. Billy Weitzer, senior vice president charged with overseeing the landscape master plan. The final report, which is scheduled to be completed by the end of the calendar year, will provide design guidelines and a palette of materials and colors to use in developing the pathways and open space on campus, in addition to plant and tree recommendations that would complement those varieties already on campus. The firm will also provide options on how to best use the land between buildings so that the campus will support the University's strategic goals and create a more pedestrian-friendly campus.
"The landscape master plan will guide us on how we do things so that over time there will be a real cohesiveness to the exterior of campus," said Dr. Weitzer.
He cautioned that not all of the suggestions will be implemented, nor will the changes happen immediately. "From all of these ideas we can select what we want to do," he explained. These decisions would be based on what is a priority for the University and what is financially feasible.
Ultimately, the landscape master plan will lay the groundwork for the more comprehensive facilities master plan.
Chinese environmentalist to receive honorary doctor of laws degree
By Meredith Guinness, Assistant Director of Academic Marketing and Communications
Sheri Liao, winner of the 2000 Sophie Prize, known as the Nobel Prize for environmentalists, will be given an honorary doctor of laws degree for her influential work on and dedication to the environment. Liao will receive the honor and deliver "This Endangered Planet: A Chinese View," at 8 p.m. on Oct. 10 in the Quick Center. The event is free and open to the public.
One of China's best-known environmentalists, Liao is president and founder of Global Village of Beijing, a non-profit, non-governmental organization (NGO) dedicated to environmental education, public participation, and community services. Liao is the environmental ambassador to the 2008 Summer Olympic Games. She is also an independent producer of the weekly Chinese television program, Time for Environment.
In addition to the Sophie Prize, Liao won the 2001 international Banksia Award and has received commendations from the United Nations and the White House for her pioneering work with Global Village, only the second environmental NGO in China. Her work has been featured in TIME magazine and on CNN and the NBC Nightly News, and President Bill Clinton met with her in 1998 during a visit to China.
"She is tireless and amazing," said Dr. Dina Franceschi, associate professor of economics in CAS, who, along with Dr. Danke Li, associate professor of history and a longtime colleague of Liao's, suggested bringing her to campus.
Liao has other ties to Fairfield as well. Last year, she hosted Jessica Martin '06, a Fairfield Fulbright Scholar in China. Drs. Franceschi and Li hope Liao's visit to campus will boost that academic relationship with Global Village for future living and learning, service, and faculty/student research opportunities.
Greek Archbishop to receive honorary degree
By Meredith Guinness, Assistant Director of Academic Marketing and Communications
The University will confer an honorary degree upon Archbishop Demetrios, primate of the Greek Orthodox Church in America, to commemorate the 40th anniversary of his consecration as a bishop. The ceremony, which will include a talk by Archbishop Demetrios and performances by local Greek church choirs, will take place at 8 p.m., Nov. 14, in the Quick Center's Kelley Theatre. The event is free and open to the public.
The Rev. Demetrios Recachinas, protopresbyter of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Bridgeport, suggested the University honor the archbishop, who will be the first non-Roman Catholic archbishop to receive an honorary degree here, said the Rev. Charles Allen, S.J., executive assistant to the president.
Born Demetrios Takatellis in Thessaloniki, Greece, the archbishop had strong ties to education even before he was enthroned as Archbishop of America, becoming the spiritual leader to 1.5 million Greek Orthodox Christians. He holds a Ph.D., with distinction, from Harvard Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, and a doctorate in theology from the University of Athens. Prior to coming to the United States in 1965, he spent time as a monastic, and his lectures and writings were said to have a profound influence on university students.
Archbishop Demetrios also spent a decade as the Distinguished Professor of Biblical Studies and Christian Origins at Mass.-based Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology, where he taught many of America's Greek Orthodox clergy. He is the author of six books, including The Fathers Interpret and A Call to Faith.
All university faculty and staff are welcome to submit their news clips or mention of publicity they received through print or electronic media in the past month. Please send by the 20th of the month for inclusion in the next issue, via e-mail to: campuscurr@mail.fairfield.edu
A Sept. 12 Fairfield Citizen-News story on the anniversary of 9/11 quoted the Rev. Charles Allen, S.J., executive assistant to the president and the chaplain of the Fairfield Police Department. He encouraged citizens to reflect on the tragedy by visiting memorials in town, including a bench donated, in part, by students from the University, which sits between two trees near Old Town Hall. Just as those trees have grown in six years, he said he hoped residents would see that "yes, our nation is rising up again and returning to our God."
The Hartford Courant sought Dr. Edward Deak, professor of economics in the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS), for comment for an Aug. 29 story on a census report ranking Connecticut's median household income as the third-highest in the nation. Dr. Deak said troubles in the mortgage market that are rippling through the financial services industry could have implications for income growth in the state. Dr. Deak also commented in a Sept. 5 Connecticut Post story on a wave of mortgage failures in Bridgeport. Commenting on the use of sub-prime rates for financing, Dr. Deak said, "They're digging the hole deeper." In early September, Dr. Deak spoke to the Homebuilders and Remodelers Association of Fairfield County, saying the economic outlook is bleak, but not insurmountable, according to a Sept. 13 story in the Westport Minuteman. He used the term recession, but said the economy may soon be "in the midst of what is commonly called a 'growth recession.'"
Dr. Wendy Kohli, associate professor of curriculum and instruction in the Graduate School of Education and Allied Professions (GSEAP), was appointed to the advisory board of the National Women's Studies Association Journal for the term of 2007-2010.
Dr. R. James Long, professor of philosophy in CAS, edited two books of the encyclopedia of Bartholomew the Englishman in Bartholomaeus Anglicus, De proprietatibus rerum, Volume I: Introduction generale, Prohemium, et Libri I-IV (Turnhout, Belgium: Brepols, 2007). This is the first edition of the work since 1601 and the first-ever critical edition. Dr. Long's review of Essays in Medieval Philosophy and Theology in Memory of Walter H. Principe, CSB: Fortresses and Launching Pads appeared in the July 2007 Journal of the History of Philosophy.
Dr. Sharlene A. McEvoy, professor of business law in the Dolan School of Business (DSB), presented "An Inconvenient Decision: Massachusetts v. the Environmental Protection Agency" at the Oxford Round Table program on Global Warming and Sustainable Development: Governing a Crisis. Dr. McEvoy's paper analyzed the recent U.S. Supreme Court decision in which the Court ruled in favor of the state's challenge to the EPA's narrow interpretation of a section of the Clean Air Act. She presented as part of a five-day series of papers at the conference, held at St. Anne's College, Oxford University, England.
Dr. Kurt Schlichting, chair of the Sociology and Anthropology Department in CAS, was quoted in an Aug. 28 Connecticut Post story on the census reports on income, poverty, and insurance. Commenting on the disparity in incomes across the country, Dr. Schlichting said, "The top has been doing so spectacularly well." But, he said, the nation's loss of good-paying industrial jobs means people are borrowing to make up the difference, resulting in little noticeable change in the standard of living. MSNBC also picked up the story. The Greenwich Time quoted Dr. Schlichting, author of the book Grand Central Terminal, in a Sept. 3 story on the aging infrastructure of Metro-North's New Haven Line. The volume of travelers has never been greater and the line carries high-speed trains, but equipment and wiring is a century old. "These decisions made over 100 years ago are still with us today," he said. The story was syndicated by Knight Ridder Tribune Business News.
Campus View
A.J. Piper '08 sits and reflects on the Bellarmine back lawn after a 20-mile bike ride.
Photo by Jean Santropatre
Service Anniversaries
October 2007
25 years
Kathleen Allen
15 years
Janice Miles Dunn
Karen Hira
Russell Nagy
Susan Peterson
10 years
Helena Puttock
5 years
William Farley
Clare P. Kirk
Catherine O'Donnell
Caridad Rivera
John J. Rosito
Condolences
Michael Walsh, father of Mike Walsh, landscape supervisor, died on Sept. 15.
Marion Hutvagner Murphy, grandmother of T.J. Murphy, business manager of the Quick Center, died on Sept. 2.
The University community mourns the passing of Kristen Duhamel, a member of the Class of 2010, who tragically died as a result of an automobile accident on Saturday, September 22 in Greenwich. Kristen was a student in the School of Nursing and a resident of Charlestown, Rhode Island.
New Employees
Colleen Adams - director of communications, Development
Teresita Babula - associate director, Annual Giving
Ruth Anne Baumgartner - visiting instructor, English
Soyong Byun - assistant professor, biology
Sheila Candelario - assistant professor, modern languages
Samuel Cohen - web programmer, C&NS
Jocelyn Collen - administrative coordinator, Center for Faith & Public Life
Yvel Crevecoeur - visiting instructor, special education
Matthew Dempsey - admission counselor, Undergraduate Admission
Geri Derbyshire - director, major gifts, Advancement
Jonathan DeRosa - director, student activities, Guidance Services
Ryan Drake - visiting assistant professor, philosophy
Kaitlyn Gumpper - coordinator, Institutional Giving
Elizabeth Haas - visiting assistant professor, English
Sara Hanrahan - operations assistant, Financial Aid Office
Cynthia Hull - secretary, Athletics
Diana Hulse-Killacky - professor, counselor education
Manyul Im - visiting professor, philosophy
William Kaplan - visiting instructor, curriculum & instruction
Hyun Uk Kim - visiting associate professor, education and applied ethics
Andrea Kovacs - director of annual giving, Development
Catherine Lisle - assistant dean, Graduate School of Education and Allied Professions
Jennifer Lee Magas - visiting professor, English
Deborah McLean - visiting assistant professor, finance
John Miecznikowski - assistant professor, chemistry
Alexa Mullady - operations assistant, Academic Vice President's Office
Emily Orlando - visiting assistant professor, English
David Patterson - director of women's rowing, Athletics
Nels Pearson - assistant professor, English
Amalia Rusu - assistant professor, software engineering
Katsiaryna Salevei - assistant professor, finance
James Shanahan - associate professor, communication
Lynnette Sodha - director of planned giving, Advancement
Aimee Tiu - director of student support services, Academic & Disability Support
Anibal Torres - assistant professor, marriage & family therapy
Gretchen Tosh - assistant director, career planning
John Vangor - visiting instructor, mathematics
William Vasquez Mazariegos - assistant professor, economics
Vishnu Vinekar - assistant professor, information systems
Shirley Wakin - visiting assistant professor, mathematics
Virginia Weir - assistant director, Advancement Communications
Jiwei Xiao - visiting instructor, modern languages
Remembering 9-11
Katie Hart '08 sings the national anthem at the 911 Fire Department/Police Department Town of Fairfield memorial event held on September 12. From left to right: Fire Chief Richard Felner, Fr. Charles Allen, S.J., who gave a blessing and Fairfield First Selectman Ken Flatto.
Photo by Jean Santropatre
New website for students: Students411
Students411 is a brand-new website where Fairfield University students can get the latest information on campus news and events. The site was created to help reduce the large amount of e-mail students get on a daily basis by consolidating announcements within a one-stop resource. Students411 can be accessed from the University web home page - www.fairfield.edu - by clicking the Current Students section or by accessing it directly through www.fairfield.edu/students.
Students411 was created in collaboration with a number of departments including Printing & Graphic Services, Computer & Networking Services (C&NS), and staff from the Office of Administrative & Student Affairs. The main programmer for the site was Gordon Johnson, a student worker employed by C&NS over the summer who also works there during the school year.
Faculty, staff, and students are encouraged to submit questions, suggestions, announcements, notices, and pictures for the main page's slideshow to students411@mail.fairfield.edu.
Please note that Students411 displays information pertinent to all students. It is not intended to replace the Personal Announcements function in StagWeb, which can still be used to send an e-mail directly to a specific group of students. Announcements targeted to specific groups can also be sent to Jan Buswell at jbuswell@mail.fairfield.edu.
Celebrating the Jewish New Year
Ellen Umansky, professor of religious studies and director of Judaic Studies, celebrates the Jewish New Year with challah bread, apples, honey, sweets, and wine in the Judaic Studies office. Blowing the shofar is Mike Meehan '08. Watching nearby are (left to right): Tara Reby '11 and Katy Zaremba '10.
CN&S Tech Talk:
Tips for safe computing
By Jeff Potocki, Software Support Specialist and Training Coordinator for Computing & Network Services
Enhanced Outlook Web Access
Computing and Network Services has recently upgraded the University Exchange e-mail server from Exchange 2000 to Exchange 2003. This upgrade gives us many new server features including a new version of Outlook Web Access 2003 (OWA), the program we use to access our Exchange e-mail (jdoe@mail.fairfield.edu) over the Internet.
The process for accessing your e-mail over the internet using OWA will not change. You can still use either www.fairfield.edu/mail or https://owa.fairfield.edu/exchange as the web addresses that will take you to your mailbox. However, this new version of OWA 2003 gives you more features and functionality and is also faster than the previous version. More importantly for Windows users accessing the site through Internet Explorer, OWA looks almost exactly like the Outlook program you use on your office computer. No features will be lost and no setup is required on your end.
As in the past, OWA supports the most features when you use Internet Explorer version 5.1 or higher as your Windows web browser. Mac and Linux users, as well as anyone accessing the site through a Windows browser other than Internet Explorer (i.e. Safari, FireFox) will not see as many additional features as Internet Explorer users.
C&NS will begin to roll out the enhanced OWA on a department-by-department basis throughout the fall. Quick Source reference guides for OWA 2003 are available upon request; please send an e-mail to cnstraining@mail.fairfield.edu and we will send one out to you through campus mail.
New Computer Tracking Website
As we begin the 2007-2008 fiscal year, Computing & Network Services, in conjunction with the Office of the Controller, is pleased to announce the availability of a new web-based computer tracking system that will allow all University faculty and staff to monitor the ordering, delivery, and installation of new computer equipment assigned to them. Developed in consultation with a wide variety of individuals, including representatives from Purchasing, Finance, and the Educational Technology Committee, the database behind this website will now form the University's official computer inventory for purposes of insurance and software licensing.
If you believe that you were approved for a new University computer in FY '08, please log onto our new website at: https://www2.fairfield.edu/cns/computers.
You will be asked to enter your network/Outlook e-mail username and password. Any machine requests that received approval will be listed with their full specifications as well as a projected order date and, eventually, a delivery and installation date. If you should see an error in your assigned list of machines, please click the link in the left-hand column and submit the form telling us what is incorrect.
If you have any questions about the website or the inventory database, please contact Debbie Whalley (dwhalley@mail.fairfield.edu), Jay Rozgonyi (jrozgonyi@mail.fairfield.edu), call C&NS at ext. 4069, or e-mail us at cns@mail.fairfield.edu. If you have any questions concerning OWA 2003, please contact us as well.
Good luck and safe computing.
Advancement: Building a Strong Team
By Virginia Weir, Assistant Director of Advancement Communication
The Advancement Division welcomes 10 new staff members; six of the positions are new to the Division. "In order to build the endowment and strengthen the financial future of the University, while at the same time maintaining a strong annual giving program, we have been charged to raise significant funds," notes Vice President for University Advancement Stephanie Frost. "There is great energy and talent in the Division, both among the new hires as well as with our longstanding members, and I am confident that we have the right people in place to help Fairfield University move its Advancement effort to the next level."
Maria Bolis (B.A., University of Dayton), the new Manager of Reunion Giving, comes to Fairfield from Hamilton College, where she managed the student phone-a-thon program and worked with reunion giving and young alumni. "It's exciting to be part of the team at Fairfield!"
Melanie Torosyan (B.A., Barnard; M.A., Teachers College, Columbia University), Major Gifts Officer, will be building relationships with Fairfield's alumni, parents, and friends in New York. She has a major gift background from previous jobs at Columbia University Medical Center and The Mount Sinai Medical Center. "As the wife of a Fairfield employee (Roben Torosyan, associate director of the Center for Academic Excellence), the faculty and staff I met helped me feel like a member of the community even before I started working here, and I continue to feel truly welcomed."
Andrea E. Kovacs (B.S., State University of New York), Director of Annual Giving, will be leading the Annual Giving team in fundraising to alumni, parents, and friends of the University. After an initial career in the fashion industry, Kovacs worked in strategic marketing for small businesses and eventually found "the perfect balance of marketing and social service" at United Way of Eastern Fairfield County, where she was the senior vice president of marketing and community relations for the past 11 years. "I am delighted to apply my marketing and fundraising skills to an organization that provides young men and women with the education and experiences to lead their own 'inspired lives'."
Mike Boyd (B.A., University of Virginia; M.Ed., Lehigh University) comes on board as Associate Vice President for Individual Giving and he will oversee the Major Gifts, Annual Giving, Planned Giving, Reunion Giving, and Advancement Research areas. Boyd's major and planned gift experience is extensive, and he comes to Fairfield most recently from Georgetown University, where he was senior director, Georgetown Advancement, and senior director of the McDonough School of Business Development. "I'm excited to be part of a great advancement team and look forward to helping Fairfield fulfill its vision."
Lynnette Sodha (B.A., University of Missouri; M.A., Southern Illinois University), Director of Planned Giving, will focus on raising funds to build Fairfield's endowment, offering creative ways for donors to maximize their contributions. She comes to Fairfield with more than 20 years of higher education advancement experience, having worked at both Washington University and Yale. "I'm thrilled to be given the opportunity to help build Fairfield's endowment to a level that surpasses those of its peer institutions."
Hope Gallagher Ogletree (B.A., Wheaton College), Major Gifts Officer, has a long career in sales, most recently as director of advertising for Connecticut's County Kids and Hartford's County Kids magazines. She has spent more than 20 years as a volunteer for her own alma mater, Wheaton College, and looks forward to meeting the Fairfield alumni who have been shaped by their Jesuit education. "I appreciate the real sense of community which is clearly in evidence here."
Teresita R. Babula, II (completing B.S., Southern Connecticut State University), Associate Director of Annual Giving, has worked for six years in the development office at Yale-New Haven Hospital, "wearing many hats" and eventually landing in annual giving and special events. "I'm very glad my journey has brought me here to Fairfield University, and I'm excited about working on raising funds through the senior class giving and young alumni programs."
Ruth E. Gall, P'91, '88 is certainly not a newcomer to Fairfield. She has been at the University for 25 years - 23 of those in the Alumni Relations Office. As Assistant Director of Alumni Relations, she's responsible for the alumni Web pages, implementation of R25 Web calendar, and helping to implement the alumni Online Community. "It's amazing to personally witness the many extraordinary changes that have taken place. But the spirit and dedication of the community and their love of the University is constant. Fairfield is a special place."
Cristina Dieguez '99, MBA '06, Major Gifts Officer, joined the team in July, bringing to her new position six years' experience working in the Annual Giving office. Cristina not only completed both of her degrees at Fairfield, but her fiancé is also employed at Fairfield (Fred Kuo, associate director of Student Activities). "Between my college friends and our collective Fairfield colleagues ... our life is very much tied into this University!"
Geri Derbyshire (B.S., California State University) joins Fairfield at the end of the month as Director of Major Gifts. Her most recent position was associate vice president of Individual Major Gifts at Save the Children in Westport, with other previous planned giving experience at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center and the Natural Resources Defense Council in New York.
Front row: (L-R) Maria Bolis, manager of reunion giving, Melanie Torosyan, major gifts officer, Andrea E. Kovacs, director of annual giving and Mike Boyd, associate vice president for individual giving. Back row: (L-R) Lynnette Sodha, director of planned giving, Hope Gallagher Ogletree, major gifts officer, Teresita R. Babula, II, associate director of annual giving, Ruth E. Gall, assistant director of alumni relations and Cristina Dieguez, major gifts officer. Not pictured: Geri Derbyshire, director of major gifts.
Photo by Jean Santropatre
New Director, Office of Academic & Disability Support Services
Aimee Tiu recently joined Fairfield University as the new director of Academic & Disability Support Services. Prior to joining Fairfield, Tiu was an ESL instructor at Beijing Normal University in Beijing, China, and worked as a learning specialist at the Moses Center for Students with Disabilities at New York University (NYU).
Tiu earned her bachelor's degree from De La Salle University in Manila, Philippines, and her master's degree from NYU's Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development.
The Office of Academic & Disability Support Services, located in the Kelley Center, includes Tiu as director and two graduate assistants during the academic year. The Office's responsibilities include disability assessment, accommodation, and support, ensuring that students and visitors with disabilities have equal access to all programs, services, and activities that the University provides. The Office also oversees the Peer Tutorial Program and Academic Skills Development services. The director reports to Dr. Susan Birge, assistant vice president/director of Counseling & Psychological Services, and the Office is under the purview of the Office of the Dean of Students.
Geriatric Nursing Certificates Awarded
Above, some of the 27 nurses from St. Vincent's Medical Center who completed Fairfield's online geriatric certificate program, at a ceremony honoring them in September. The certificate program was designed for nurses who want to focus on the unique needs of older adults. Professor Kathleen Lovanio, second row, center, facilitated the program for the nurses, all of whom work full time and completed their course work after hours.
Photo by Robert Jimenez
Loung Ung shares her story of survival with freshmen
By Nina Riccio, Assistant Director of Academic Marketing and Communications
Author and activist Loung Ung reminded the class of 2011 that they are lucky to live in this country and not know war. "But with that comes a responsibility," she explained. "It is up to you to make this a better world." Ung spoke on Sept. 8 at the fifth annual Convocation for freshman. All incoming freshmen were asked to read Ung's book, Lucky Child, and to participate in discussions before the Convocation.
 In her Convocation speech, Luong Ung, author of Lucky Child, inspired incoming freshman and many others in attendance to make a better world by taking action. |
"War came into my home when I was five," Ung told the assembly of students, faculty, and administrators gathered on the Bellarmine lawn. She described her early years as the youngest child of middle class Cambodian parents in the early 1970s, and she recalled the April day that Pol Pot's army emptied Phnom Penh of its 2.2 million inhabitants and forced them to live in villages "that were akin to labor camps. Every day was a Monday. Every day was a workday," she said. "We built dams, we picked food. I was trained as a child soldier. We had no rights and couldn't speak up. The people who could speak up, the doctors, the teachers, the students and singers all people like you were rounded up and executed en masse." After five years of this hell, Pol Pot was forced to flee, but by this time both of Ung's parents and two of her siblings were dead.
After the war, Ung's family was able to raise enough money to send three people to the United States. "It was decided that my oldest brother and his wife would go, and they would take one of us. I was the chosen one. I was the lucky child," she said. After months in a Thai refugee camp, the three were resettled in Vermont, "the whitest state in the Union. For diversity, we went to Maine," she said, to laughter from the crowd. Ung described her mishaps with American teen culture, then became serious, speaking of her outrage during her first visit back to Cambodia in 1995, when she saw countless people who were missing limbs. "How is it that all these many years after the war was over, these landmines are still killing people? My sisters and brothers were at risk for every step they took," she said. It was her rage at the fact that landmines kill or maim an estimated 18,000 people every year that fueled her passion to become an activist.
The reasons she always had for not getting involved in issues were many, she said, "but the reason to get involved is simply that I wanted to. I knew I wanted to help the survivors of the war survive the peace." Ung has since become the national spokesperson for The Campaign for a Landmine-Free World. "Wanting to do something is not enough. The work of creating a better world means that we have to take action." she admonished students, urging them to become involved and to ignore their fears at speaking out over injustice.
At the conclusion of Ung's talk, Dr. Martha LoMonaco, professor of visual and performing arts, presented three sophomores with Phi Beta Kappa book awards for outstanding academic performance in their freshman year. The three were English major Brianna Calhoun, history and drama major Kira Gustafson, and biology major Jonathan Haskins, all of whom had averages of at least 3.9 and had to submit two papers for the committee's consideration. "I hope this will inspire you in the audience to strive to do well this year," Dr. LoMonaco told the freshman audience.
Photo by Jean Santropatre
Dr. Huyun Uk Kim
Dr. Huyun Uk Kim joins the Psychology and Special Education Department in the Graduate School of Education and Allied Professions as an assistant professor. She has taught in several Korean colleges and universities, and worked at the Autism Evaluation Clinic at the University of California, Los Angeles. Dr. Kim earned a bachelor's degree in linguistics, as well as a master's degree in applied linguistics, from the Southern Illinois University at Carbondale. She also received a doctorate in psychological studies in education from UCLA. Dr. Kim is interested in researching autism spectrum disorders, special education and atypical development, brain and language development, as well as language development in children with developmental disabilities.
How did you become interested in your field?
I responded to a volunteer ad on a newspaper and three days with kids with autism turned my life around.
Have you held jobs in other professions?
Yes, export sales representative and English instructor.
How do you stay healthy?
Exercise kouksundo, a Korean-style yoga.
The book that tops your list of must reads?
Conversations with God.
What was the proudest moment in your life?
Giving birth to my daughter.
Do you have a favorite moment in teaching?
Every moment.
Dr. Ashley Byun McKay
Dr. Ashley Byun McKay joins the College of Arts and Sciences' Biology Department as an assistant professor. Dr. Byun McKay comes to Fairfield from SUNY Empire State College, where she was an assistant professor in the department of science, math, and technology. She also worked as an adjunct professor at SUNY Stony Brook in the department of ecology and evolution. Before that, she was a postdoctoral researcher at Simon Fraser University and the University of Saskatchewan. Dr. Byun McKay earned a bachelor's degree, with honors, from York University and a doctorate from the University of Victoria. Her research interests focus on understanding the various evolutionary processes by which new genetic functions originate.
How did you become interested in your field?
Like a lot of first-year science students, I originally thought I'd like to be a medical doctor. However, as an undergraduate, I was lucky enough to participate in a number of different projects that convinced me that I loved research. Evolutionary biology was always my favorite because I think understanding how living things originate, change over time, and become extinct is one of the coolest things to work on.
What is your favorite quote and why is it important?
It's difficult to narrow down my favorite quote since my favorite seems to fluctuate depending on my mood.
Three of my favorites are:
1)"To get the fruit you'll have to climb out on a limb."
It emphasizes the importance of taking risks to get what you want. I particularly like this because there is also the risk that the fruit will not be ripe - i.e. the prize may not be what you hope it will be.
2)"In the depths of winter, I finally learned that within me lay an invincible summer." (Albert Camus)
I like this because it reminds me that I have the potential to be powerful even if I feel very weak.
3)"You don't win friends with salad." (Homer Simpson)
I guess it's not really important. I just think it's funny (and to some extent, sadly true).
What is your favorite song?
Windmills by Toad the Wet Sprocket
Curve of the Earth by Matt Nathanson
Power of Two by the Indigo Girls
Best vacation?
One of my favorite vacation moments occurred when I was in the Queen Charlotte Islands. I had hiked up a mountain known as Sleeping Beauty and once reaching the top, slid down a glacier on my coat to a small mountain stream. It really couldn't have been more perfect ... the weather was great, the view was fantastic and the water was the best I ever had!
Do you have a pet? If so, what kind and what is its name?
I have a crazy but lovable cockapoo and a dog named Ginger. I also have five fish: Bartholomew, Mowgli, Joseph, Billy, and Cinnamon.
What is your most daring moment in life?
I used to hike a lot, both for pleasure and as part of my dissertation. I remember one incident where my supervisor and I had spent the entire day hiking through the woods and wading through rivers of spawning salmon, examining dead fish carcasses. We were there to examine nocturnal black bear feeding behaviors. I think that was pretty daring (or stupid) considering that we were waiting in the pitch dark, smelling like a bear's favorite food!
How do you keep peace in your life?
I don't. I've learned to enjoy chaos.
Photos by Jean Santropatre
Dr. Kim Bridgford: Connecticut Poetry Circuit Poet
Known for her lively, passionate readings, Dr. Kim Bridgford, professor of English, will recite poems and try to demystify the art of writing poetry, as the touring poet of the Connecticut Poetry Circuit. Each year the organization selects an outstanding poet to give readings throughout the state and meet with college-age poets. "It's an extraordinary honor to be selected," she said. "I hope to allay people's fears about what poetry is, and perhaps instill in them an inclination to write a poem."
Her accomplishments laid the groundwork for being selected touring poet, according to the Poetry Circuit. She is the recipient of fellowships from the National Endowment for the Arts and the Connecticut Commission on the Arts, and the author of three books of poetry: Undone (David Robert Books, 2003) nominated for the Pulitzer Prize, Instead of Maps (David Robert Books, 2005) nominated for the Poets' Prize, and the recently published, In the Extreme: Sonnets about World Records (Contemporary Poetry Review Press, 2007). On the upcoming tour, Dr. Bridgford will read excerpts from this most recent collection, for which she received the 2007 Donald Justice Poetry Award. She is also busy writing Take-Out: Sonnets about Fortune Cookies, and she's working on a three-book project with Kathryn Jo Yarrington, professor of visual and performing arts in CAS, featuring photographs and sonnets based on Iceland, Venezuela, and Bhutan.
The Connecticut Poetry Circuit tour during October and November will take Dr. Bridgford to schools throughout the state:
- Oct. 23: The University of Hartford, 12:30 p.m.
- Oct. 25: Middlesex Community College, 12:30 p.m.
- Oct. 30: Western Connecticut State University, 12:30 p.m.
- Oct. 31: Wesleyan University, 8 p.m.
- Nov. 7: Manchester Community College, 8 p.m.
- Nov. 15: Southern Connecticut State University, 8 p.m.
Admission Process for Children of Employees
For all members of the University who have eligible children applying to the class of 2012, note that Fairfield University's application deadlines are November 15, 2007 for early action and January 15, 2008 for regular decision. Fairfield University provides a very comprehensive tuition benefit program, which includes tuition benefits, referred to as grants-in-aid, for dependent children of eligible employees. Eligibility requirements are explained in the University's personnel handbooks.
In an announcement to the University community, Dr. Orin Grossman, academic vice president, summarized admission information that relates to the tuition benefit program.
All children of Fairfield employees are encouraged to apply to Fairfield. Accepted children of eligible employees will be able to offset some costs of attendance through the tuition benefit program. Others are encouraged to complete the financial aid application process.
The Expression of Interest (EOI) process is now done online. The process begins by requesting the on-line form from your division's office of the vice president. At that time, you will also receive instructions on how to submit the form electronically. The EOI form needs to be returned to the office of the vice president electronically by November 15 (early action) or January 15 (regular decision). The EOI form is designed to better track the application through the admission process. While an EOI does not change an admission decision, it makes for a smoother process.
The Office of Undergraduate Admission gives significant consideration to the children of employees in rendering admission decisions. However, since admission into Fairfield is selective, there is no guarantee of admission into the full time undergraduate program. The typical student admitted for the Fall 2007 presented the following:
- A/B record in a strong college prep curriculum
- 1140-1300 (mid 50% range) on the 1600 SAT scale; 1740-1940 on the new SAT scale
- Involvement and/or leadership in service, athletics, and/or school organizations
- Evidence of sound writing skills through the college essay
Admission counselors are happy to meet with employees and their children at any time during the process. You are also encouraged to attend an open house, information session, or campus tour when available. If you have any questions regarding the admission process, please contact the Office of Undergraduate Admission at ext. 4100 to speak with Director of Admission Karen Pellegrino, or Senior Associate Director Deb Johns at ext. 2170.
Children not accepted into the full time undergraduate program are encouraged to pursue the options offered through University College. Once certain criteria have been met, students often have the opportunity to matriculate in the full time undergraduate program at a future date. To further investigate the opportunities available through University College, contact Neil Landino at ext. 2622.
For information on our other tuition programs, Fachex and Tuition Exchange, please contact Deb Johns at ext. 2170 or Laura Martin at ext. 2347. Both of these programs are available to full time employees with four years of service. There will be an information session in the spring for employees who have children in their junior year of high school. To receive tuition grant-in-aid waiver forms call the Office of Human Resources at ext. 2277.
Hutchinson "Hutch" Williams, president of the Fairfield University Student Association (FUSA) began his second term as FUSA president with an announcement of "Fairfield Fridays" - a new idea to help energize campus spirit and pride by encouraging the campus community (students, faculty, staff, and administrators) to wear red on the first Friday of every month. "One goal that is close to my heart is the continued infusion of Fairfield pride," Williams wrote in a broadcast e-mail to the university in early September. "Walking through campus this summer, I had a vision that if all Fairfield University community members wore red, our Fairfield University pride would be evident. Whether it be a shirt, shorts, belt, shoes, even socks, if everyone wears red, together we can create an atmosphere of pride."
Be a part of a new, fun Fairfield tradition by proudly donning your "Fairfield Red" on the first Friday of every month!
Barbara Kiernan delights in a specially designed cover issue of Fairfield Now presented by her colleagues in the Marketing Communications Division. Donna Marino (left) and Kathy Schwab (right) enjoyed the presentations as well.
In September, members of the Fairfield University community gathered to say thank you and farewell to Barbara Kiernan and Karen Creecy, two long term and valued employees who have recently retired.
Barbara Kiernan, director of University advancement and student affairs communication, has been with Fairfield since 1983, serving in several different capacities, starting at the library and joining the public relations team in 1995. Her contributions to the University are varied and valued, including serving as editor of Fairfield's flagship alumni publication, Fairfield Now. She has amassed an institutional memory and experience that will be deeply missed at the university.
Many well wishers came to Karen Creecy's retirement reception including (left) Fr. Laurence O'Neil, S.J. and
University President Jeffrey von Arx, S.J.
Karen Creecy, associate dean of the Graduate School of Education and Allied Professions (GSEAP), started as a processor in the Registrar's Office in 1986 and, after completing her M.A. in 1990, joined GSEAP in January 1991 as an assistant to the dean to work on the school's reaccreditation study. She has been involved in the day-to-day operation of the school for the last 17 years, serving at various administrative levels, including assistant and associate dean and also as the school's certification officer. Her tenure has provided continuity for the school during its many noteworthy accomplishments.
Photos by Jean Santropatre
Fairfield joins U-CAN initiative
Fairfield University announced on September 28 that the institution is participating in a national initiative to provide comprehensive public information to help prospective students and their parents judge the quality of the education it offers.
Fairfield is one of more than 500 colleges and universities throughout the country to commit to a new, free, web-based project called the University and College Accountability Network (U-CAN). Sponsored by the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities, U-CAN is designed to give, in a common format, prospective students and their families concise, web-based, consumer-friendly, searchable information on individual private colleges and universities. The U-CAN website is http://www.ucan-network.org and consists of institutional profiles that contain comparable data and hyperlinks to campus information.
Sections on the site will cover: information on distinguishing features, admissions, enrollment, academics, internships, career and placement services, student demographics, graduate rates, most common fields of study, transfer or credit policy, accreditation, faculty information, class size, tuition and fees trends, price of attendance, financial assistance, campus housing, student life, and campus safety.
University President Jeffrey P. von Arx, S.J., said of the U-CAN initiative, "Selecting the right college is a challenging process and a significant investment. Fairfield University is committed to providing detailed, easily accessible and reliable information for our prospective students and their families. The new U-CAN website will be a valuable new tool and information source."
Conversation on Cuba series begins
By Meredith Guinness, Assistant Director of Academic Marketing and Communications
President Jeffrey P. von Arx, S.J., faculty, and about 30 students gathered in the Barone Campus Center Sept. 24 for an enlightening informal discussion on Cuba, its people, its politics, and its religion.
"Conversation on Cuba" was the first of three panel discussions on the island nation, which several Fairfield faculty and staff visited recently. The final panel session will take place at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 16 in the DiMenna-Nyselius Library multimedia room.
Fr. von Arx discussed the changing face of the Catholic Church in Cuba. Open participation in religious services has increased in recent years, and Pentecostal and other Protestant faiths and Afro-Cuban religions are more prominent.
"It's a very rich religious mix," he said, noting "the Catholic Church is the only institution in Cuba that has a national presence that is not connected to the government."
Fr. von Arx and Fr. James Bowler, S.J., in the office of Jesuit Mission and Identity, visited a Havana church and a Jesuit retreat house during the trip. While the Church no longer has schools in the country, Fr. von Arx said, the seminary still exists and the clergy there are well educated and "they're getting younger, too."
Dr. Dina Franceschi, associate professor of economics and co-director of Environmental Studies, was impressed by Cuba's apparent interest in sustainability and environmental issues. Realizing there's only a finite piece of land on an island, the government has turned an eye to air and water quality and, most notably, reforestation, she said.
Some said their eyes were opened to new ways of looking at Cuba during the trip. Others said it's time for the United States to rethink its policies towards the country for the betterment of both nations. "Some things have to change," said Fr. Bowler.
Conversation on Cuba is sponsored by the programs on Latin American and Caribbean Studies, Peace and Justice, International Studies, and Women's Studies, and the departments of Modern Languages and Literatures, English, Religious Studies, and Philosophy, the Patrick Waide Fund, and the Center for Faith and Public Life.
New Clinical nurse leader program takes off
By Meredith Guinness, Assistant Director of Academic Marketing and Communications
The School of Nursing's new clinical nurse leader (CNL) master's degree program began last month with an enthusiastic group of 14 students. "It's been exciting, getting to know the students and becoming immersed in a whole new program," says CNL Track Coordinator Sally Gerard, noting that the program was borne out of a collective concern of the quality of healthcare based on a variety of evidence. "The AACN (American Association of Colleges of Nursing) proposed the role of CNL and outlined specific criteria for the development of these generic master's programs. It is designed specifically for nurses who want to be healthcare leaders, yet remain in patient care. Previously, there hadn't been a degree to really suit them," she added, noting that nurses who went on to earn higher degrees generally ended up in non-clinical roles.
The focus of the clinical nurse leader degree is on leadership and quality patient outcomes in an evidence-based practice. Those in the class have several years of experience behind them, says Gerard, which is just as it should be. "We want advanced practice nurses tackling some of these issues of patient care," she says.
For critical care nurse educator Josephine Ritchie, currently working at Norwalk Hospital, choosing the clinical nurse leader program was a logical fit. "I'm constantly working with the staff, trying to meet the gold standard of patient care, to institute best practices," she says. "This program provides the support and leadership skills I need. It's the academia behind what I already do."
The program not only educates nurses to design, implement, and evaluate the care of patients with complex needs, it prepares them to address the major healthcare dilemmas of the future: the needs of an aging population, chronic illness management association with socioeconomic status, and the promotion of disease prevention.
Classes are scheduled in the evening, and students can use the healthcare facility in which they work to do their quality focused leadership hours. It is expected that most students will finish the program within two to three years.
Human trafficking conference planned
By Meredith Guinness, Assistant Director of Academic Marketing and Communications
While many think of human trafficking as something that happens in other countries, some of the nation's top experts will give the subject a regional focus at "Human Trafficking: Slavery Here & Now," a day-long conference planned for Oct. 24 in the Barone Campus Center. The University's Center for Faith & Public Life and the Bridgeport-based International Institute of Connecticut Inc. are co-sponsoring the event.
"The focus will mostly be on the United States and this region in particular," said the Rev. Richard Ryscavage, S.J., the Center's director. "What's happening when people are brought here?"
In addition to two main speakers, the day includes workshops on human trafficking and labor issues, mental health and trauma, law enforcement investigations, and children's issues. Fr. Ryscavage expects the conference will appeal to state law enforcement officials, social workers, and members of faith-based communities, but he hopes it will spark interest among students as well. Registration is $25, including lunch, and some professionals may be eligible for CEU credit for attendance.
One of the main attractions is keynote speaker Florrie Burke, one of the nation's most recognized authorities on human trafficking. The former senior director of international programs at Safe Horizon, she has provided training to federal prosecutors and FBI and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) investigators about the dynamics of trafficking and the psychological impact on trafficked persons.
Ron Soodalter, an author who studies modern day slavery, will discuss national trends and recent trafficking cases in the U.S. Working with Kevin Bales, president of Free the Slaves, Soodalter has done extensive research on an array of cases. His book, Hanging Captain Gordon, tells the saga of the only man in U.S. history hanged for slave trading in the 1800s.
The conference runs from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Oak Room, with breakout workshops throughout the building. For more information, contact the Center for Faith and Public Life at ext. 3415.
2007 Charitable Sharing Campaign
The annual Charitable Sharing Campaign to support the United Way of Eastern Fairfield County, Community Health Charities of New England, and other charitable organizations will run through October 16. Chairing this year's campaign are Art Payne, director of printing and graphic services, and Judy Dobai, associate academic vice president for enrollment management.
Participation this year translates into thousands of people receiving the assistance they need, and the campaign enables each of us to contribute to the health and welfare of the community in which we live and work. Besides the United Way and Community Health Charities of New England, you may designate your donation to numerous other agencies.
"Fairfield University has a strong tradition of support for this campaign," said Fr.von Arx. "I anticipate that this year will be no exception. I am confident that with our collective support we will reach this year's goal of $30,000." In the coming weeks, employees who are acting as campaign captains will ask the campus community to respond by making a contribution. "Please give as generously as you can, as you will touch the lives of so many people who need a helping hand," Fr. von Arx said.
This year, Fairfield's campaign will be managed using an electronic pledge system. Payne and Dobai will be sending more detailed instructions on how to use this convenient tool. "Thank you for your past contributions to the Charitable Sharing Campaign at Fairfield University and your thoughtful consideration of support for this year's campaign," Fr. von Arx said.
Fairfield Welcomes New Rowing Coach
By Jack Jones, Director of Sports Information
Everyone has that cathartic moment at some point. You know, the moment when the clouds part and the sun shines through, or the light bulb flickers on and you can finally see the direction your life will now follow. 
For David Patterson, the Stags' newly-appointed director of rowing, that moment came while rowing during his days at Edinburgh University in Scotland. "I was rowing for four years without any coaching other than from fellow rowers before I had my eureka moment," Patterson said. "Someone sitting in the boat behind me gave me a little tip about my rowing, which for the first time seemed to make sense. I used it to greatly improve myself as a rower. It was something that, had I picked it up earlier, would have made me much faster."
It was at that point in his life that Patterson knew he wanted to be a coach. It just never occurred to him that he would have the opportunity to do so professionally. "I didn't want others to have to suffer the same frustrations I did for four years," Patterson said. "I realized how important coaching was and the effect a coach can have on an athlete."
Patterson took his experience as a rower, which included a British Universities Championship in the novice four and an additional six gold medals at the Scottish Universities Championships in varsity boats, and moved into the coaching ranks.
"It was an easy transition into coaching," Patterson said. "Looking from the outside, it's easy for me to see what needs to be worked on. Coaching is a vocation; you have to want to do it, which is why I'm still doing it today. I really enjoy working with collegiate rowers of all abilities."
Patterson has indeed coached at all levels both here in the United States as well as in Britain. The London native began his coaching career as a volunteer at the State University of New York at Binghamton in October 1999, while doing postdoctoral research in the psychology department. He coached the women's varsity program to their only appearance in the varsity 8 grand final at the Dad Vails, and to the program's only invitation to the ECAC National Invitational Regatta. He also occasionally coached the men's team at Binghamton, assisting with the varsity and novice squads.
His academic career brought him to Oxford University in England in the fall of 2002 with a junior lectureship in the phonetics laboratory. He became a volunteer coach at The Queen's College (one of the many colleges which form the basis of Oxford University), overseeing the men's varsity 8.
Patterson returned to the U.S. after a year, spending two seasons as an assistant varsity and head novice women's rowing coach at Smith College while earning a master's degree in exercise and sports studies - the last of his four degrees. During his two-year stay, the team accomplished back-to-back second place finishes at the NCAA Division III championships. Smith captured the women's and overall points trophies at the New England Championships during his stay.
From Smith College, Patterson accepted the director of rowing position at Iona College, where he guided the women's team to silver and bronze medals at the New York State Championships in 2006, and to three gold medals with a bronze medal at the 2007 regatta. The men's program secured a silver medal at the Dad Vails in 2007.
Now that he has spent seven years in the United States, Patterson does see differences in the European and American approach to rowing. "In the U.S., there is an obsession with the 8s. Everything is built around supporting the 8s, and no question they are raced very well," Patterson said. "The European powerhouses have greater strength in their overall approach to the sport, supporting everyone including the 4s, pairs, and of course all the sculling events. However, the U.S. national team is taking a lead in changing this bias, and I hope the U.S. colleges will follow suit."
Even though he has been in this country since 1999, Patterson still keeps tabs on the British scene, including the Oxford-Cambridge boat race. "The Oxford-Cambridge race is on television in England and it is the event for that day," Patterson said. "Regardless of sport affiliation, everyone picks a color on that day (light blue for Cambridge, dark blue for Oxford). For that one afternoon, everyone watches and concentrates on rowing."
Patterson hopes to bring that same enthusiasm to the sport as the director of rowing, and to continue to build upon the women's varsity tradition while helping the men's program make the transition from club to varsity status this fall.
Photo by Jean Santropatre
Norm Solomon: Running for healthy kids
By Alejandra Navarro, Assistant Director of Academic Marketing and Communications
It's 5:15 a.m. and Dr. Norm Solomon, dean of the Charles F. Dolan School of Business, is navigating through the quiet streets of Easton on foot. The sounds of his heartbeat, each breath he takes in the crisp autumn air, and the pat of each foot against the pavement create a rhythm that will propel him to reach this morning's goal of six miles.
 After running 26.2 miles in the Hartford Marathon in 2006, Dr. Norman Solomon, dean of the Charles F. Dolan School of Business, looks energized. He's heading for the New York Marathon in November. |
He repeats this routine every other day, with the exception of the longer endurance runs he takes with the New York Road Runners club on weekends. All of this is preparation for the prestigious New York Marathon on Nov. 4. Dr. Solomon will be one of tens of thousands of runners - including many elite athletes from around the world - who will undertake the 26.2-mile race. That's a distance equivalent to running from campus to Bridgeport City Hall and back - twice.
This will be Dr. Solomon's fourth marathon, but more importantly, this time he's running for kids. He's raising money for Team for Kids, the official charity of the New York Road Runners, which funds youth fitness programs in an effort to curb childhood obesity. The foundation serves New York City children, as well as children in other countries, including South Africa. Dr. Solomon, a New York City native, has an affinity for the charity. "I benefited from these types of programs when I was a child," he says. Family and friends, including many in the University community, have been very supportive, helping him surpass his goal of $2,500 and raise an impressive $3,700 thus far.
Running is truly an egalitarian sport, he says. "All you need is a pair of running shoes and the will to do it." Dr. Solomon began running recreationally in 1974. About three years ago, his doctor advised him to lose a few pounds so he decided to step up his running. "I always wanted to run a marathon," Dr. Solomon admits. "There are always excuses not to do it. I knew if I didn't do it then, I was never going to do it." Now he's become a poster child for good health (and his doctor has even asked him for a picture to inspire other patients).
He tackled his first half-marathon in Westchester in 2005. He completed his first marathon in Ottawa in 2005. He crossed the finish line at the Ottawa Marathon again in 2006, in addition to the Hartford Marathon also in 2006. He has completed a total of eight half-marathons and several 20K (12.4 miles) races between marathons. His wife Kathy, who attends all of his races, is one of his biggest supporters, but he appreciates the community of runners he encounters on the road. Many are willing to share their expertise and encouragement.
Running a marathon is a lot like running a school of business, Dr. Solomon explains. It's not a sprint to the finish line; it's a feat of endurance with the goal of maintaining a constant pace through the peaks and valleys of the course, be it on the street or in the conference room.
As in business, the runner has to be prepared for the obstacles that may surface. In the case of a marathon, that could be pouring rain, scorching sun, the dreaded muscle cramp, or the fear of hitting "the wall" and not finishing the race. None of these deter Dr. Solomon. "You get out there, and you get into the rhythm," he says. "You can almost always do more than you think you can do with a little effort." With determination he adds, "I may have to crawl across the finish line, but I will cross it."
Norm Solomon's Tips:
- Consult a doctor to make sure you're in good health to begin training.
- Get good shoes from a retailer that specializes in running shoes.
- Read as much as you can about marathon training (check out books by former Olympian Jeff Galloway.)
- Ask more experienced runners for advice.
- Start slow and set realistic goals.
A Connecticut nonprofit organization, Give2TheTroops, whose objective is to support U.S. troops in combat zones, honored Fairfield University student-athletes for their "Stag Boxes for the Soldiers" campaign. Individuals and organizations were presented awards a special award ceremony that was held on Saturday, September 15 in appreciation of their efforts in collecting items for care packages that are sent to the troops.
Fairfield University softball players Kristen D'Alessandro '08 (left) and Riannon Thomas '08 pose with U.S. Congressman
Christopher Shays at the awards presentation by Give2TheTroops, a Connecticut nonprofit organization whose objective
is to support U.S. troops in combat zones
During the 06-07 academic year, the Student-Athletic Advisory Committee conducted a competition among Fairfield's varsity teams which resulted in the accumulation of more than 60 boxes that were sent to the troops along with others collected by the organization. Fairfield University is the only University that is receiving an award.
Fairfield University Athletic Director Gene Doris said, "Our athletic program supports the ideals of Jesuit education and is committed to challenging our student athletes to be successful in the classroom, on the playing field and by contributing to the greater good. This project by our Student Advisory Committee is just one example of many in which our students are involved in the welfare of others and I'm very proud of them."
In September, the Department of Athletics launched a new and improved website, http://www.fairfieldstags.com, powered by PrestoSports. The new site offers a bold new look and exciting avenues in which to follow all 20 varsity sports. Users should find the site clean and crisp and very user-friendly.
New McInerney Chair thrives on student engagement
By Meredith Guinness, Assistant Director of Academic Marketing and Communications
At the end of this summer's BASE Camp for science-minded Bridgeport high school students, Dr. Shelley Phelan and her team of counselors asked the 25 participants how many would like to join next year's batch of campers.
"All 25 said they wanted to come back," said a smiling Dr. Phelan, associate professor of biology in the College of Arts & Sciences.
It's just that kind of response that Dr. Phelan craves in all facets of her work - from teaching nuts-and-bolts biology to inviting students to work on her promising research projects to inspiring teens to consider college and a career in the sciences.
 Dr. Shelley Phelan, associate professor of biology in the College of Arts & Sciences, was recently named as the Elizabeth DeCamp McInerney Chair in Health Sciences. |
"Most of the students are pre-med or think they want to be. Or sometimes Mom and Dad want them to be. I want to expose students to as many different career paths as there are open to them," said Dr. Phelan, the newly named Elizabeth DeCamp McInerney Chair in Health Sciences. "I try in every way I can to show students in my classes the relevancy of what I'm teaching to human health and human diseases. I want them to know how the concepts relate to what's going on right now."
Much of that teaching goes on in Dr. Phelan's research lab, where she's working on the protective role of antioxidant proteins in the pathogenesis of age-related diseases, including atherosclerosis, neurodegenerative disease, and cancer. During her eight years at Fairfield, she has focused on a family of antioxidant proteins called peroxiredoxins and one of her goals for her three-year term as the McInerney Chair is to involve more students in her research. So far, she's mentored more than 35 Fairfield undergraduates in the lab and several have gained life-changing experience: Three students were co-authors on published manuscripts, and most have gone on to Ph.D. and master's degree programs, medical school, or research positions.
At Fairfield, Dr. Phelan said she's found a place that supports her research as well as her love of teaching. "Very few places are like Fairfield," she said, noting that most schools are either research-focused or classroom-focused, not both. "It's really a perfect balance between teaching and being able to maintain an active research lab. The faculty here really want that, to engage with students, and it's rewarding because the students are motivated and bright."
Photo by Gus Powell, Generation
Shane O'Rourke, a native of County Clare in Ireland, is the 2007 recipient of the Rev. John M. Conlisk Scholarship.
Like the previous seven Conlisk scholars, O'Rourke received a bachelor of business studies from the University of Limerick. As an undergraduate he studied economics, finance, and quantitative analysis and held an eight-month internship with KPMG's Financial Services division.
O'Rourke said he was confident about his application, particularly given the strong candidates that have come from the University of Limerick. "Despite this, it was still brilliant to get news of my award," he said. "I know the term 'once-in-a-lifetime opportunity' gets batted about very often but in this case, it's very apt."
O'Rourke is enrolled in the M.S. in finance program in the Charles F. Dolan School of Business. The scholarship, named for a 1954 Fairfield Prep graduate who served the Diocese of Bridgeport, will cover tuition, room and board, and medical insurance expenses for the time it takes him to complete the degree, which will likely be three semesters. O'Rourke hopes to find an internship in investment banking during his time at the Dolan School and eventually apply to a doctorate program.
October Brown Bag Lunch: Tuesday, October 16 at DSB Dining Room
John Moriarty, retirement counselor with TIAA-CREF, will be the guest speaker at the upcoming Brown Bag Lunch on Tuesday, October 16 from 12:30-1:30 p.m. in the Dolan School of Business Dining Room. Moriarty will review investment options available to University employees through the group retirement plan and asset allocation. University employees need not be a participant in the TIAA-CREF Retirement Plan to benefit from this presentation. The half-hour presentation will be followed by a Q&A Session. Spouses are welcome and refreshments will be available. Reserve your seat by calling the Office of Human Resources, ext. 4080.
New Music Education Certification Program
This fall, the University welcomed its first students into the Music Education Certification Program, a new initiative aimed at developing truly excellent music teachers for children in grades K-12. One of only five such programs in the state, it is the only one offering evening classes, which appeal to those transitioning to a new career.
Approved by the Connecticut Board of Education last year, the program includes four new "music methods" classes designed to prepare students for teaching across the grades and in diverse schools and communities, said Dr. Laura Nash, the program's supervisor. She worked closely with Sandra Billings, director of secondary certification programs in the Graduate School of Education and Allied Professions (GSEAP), to create the new program. "Music is the only core discipline that requires K through 12 certification," said Dr. Nash. "So you could be a high school band director and - if there's a kindergarten class open - you may end up teaching that, too. Or a string teacher might have to take on the band. You have to be prepared."
To that end, the program will include a piano lab for those not yet proficient in the instrument most found in school music classrooms and courses emphasizing multicultural music, a highlight of many school systems' music curricula.
A collaboration between the College of Arts and Sciences and GSEAP, the program is a "great fit" for Fairfield because music education inherently involves a lot of community outreach - whether it's directing the high school play or staying late for the middle school orchestra's public concert, Dr. Nash said. It will give Fairfield students many opportunities for fieldwork, "and not just observing, but doing," she said.
Campus Currents is the official news publication of the Fairfield University community. It is published monthly. The editorial office is located in Bellarmine Hall, Room 202. Telephone: 254-4000, ext. 3392. Fax: 254-4167.
Editor
Alejandra Navarro
Publications Writer and Editor
Editorial Board
Catherine O'Donnell
Director, Marketing for Academics and Admission
Martha Milcarek
Assistant Vice President for Public Relations
Barbara Kiernan
Director of University Publications
Jean Santopatre
University Photojournalist