May 2011
Gibson, Campbell to serve as interim deans
University President Jeffrey P. von Arx, S.J., announced that Dr. Donald E. Gibson, professor of management and chair of the Management Department, has been named as interim dean of the business school, and Dr. Suzanne Campbell, associate dean for academic programs and associate professor of nursing, will take the helm at the School of Nursing. Dr. Gibson takes over the reins from Dr. Norm Solomon, who announced his decision to step down as dean in February, and Dr. Campbell will serve as interim dean after Dr. Jeanne Novotny, who has announced her retirement.
Dr. Gibson will hold the post until the University conducts a national search for a permanent dean. As interim dean, he will lead the Dolan School of Business through an assessment of its strategic direction as well as the re-accreditation process by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), which is expected to begin in the fall 2011 semester.
Dr. Gibson is a leader in his field of organizational behavior research. His work on anger in the workplace and the management of emotions in corporate organizations has received national recognition. Last year, he was named the University's 2010-11 Robert E. Wall Faculty Award winner for his research, and received a Faculty Recognition Award for Extraordinary Excellence in Research and Scholarship.
Dr. Gibson received a B.S. from the University of California, Riverside, and M.A. from San Francisco State University, and his MBA and Ph.D. from the University of California at Los Angeles. He was a professor for six years at the Yale University School of Management before joining the faculty of Fairfield in 2001. He is the editor of the Current Empirical Research section of the Organization Management Journal, and he has also served as program chair and executive director of the International Association for Conflict Management.
"Given Dr. Gibson's knowledge, skills, and experience as both an academic leader and as a leader in the business world, it makes sense to make this a two-year appointment," said Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs Paul Fitzgerald, S.J. "We will have the clarity and focus to move successfully through the AACSB reaccreditation process, and at the same time, set ambitious new goals for the Dolan School of Business."
Dr. Solomon will take a yearlong sabbatical, then return in fall 2012 to teach full time and conduct research. Dr. Gibson will step into his new role in July.
Dr. Campbell will hold the post while the University conducts a national search for a full-time dean for the School of Nursing. She will provide guidance and leadership to continue the School's remarkable growth, as it enters the second year of clinical doctorate programs.
Dr. Campbell has been a leader at the nursing school, as project director of the Robin Kanarek Learning Resource Center and director of the school's graduate programs. She has also distinguished herself as a scholar and clinician. She graduated with her B.S. and M.S. from the University of Connecticut and earned her Ph.D. in nursing from the University of Rhode Island. She received a post-master's certificate as a women's health nurse practitioner from Boston College and has been certified as an international board certified lactation consultant since 2001.
Dr. Campbell is co-editor of Simulation Scenarios for Nurse Educators: Making it Real and her other publications include articles in the International Journal of Case Method Research & Application and the Journal of American Academy of Nurse Practitioners.
"Her numerous acts of generosity and her willingness to serve the community as a mentor and volunteer in so many capacities are extraordinary," said University President Jeffrey P. von Arx, S.J. "I know that under her guidance and stewardship, the School of Nursing will continue to excel, and to provide world-class training and education in the disciplines of nursing, infused with our Jesuit and Catholic emphasis on our obligation to form professionals dedicated to the care and wellbeing of others."
Residential Colleges seek mentors
Here at Fairfield, one of the major ways we support our students in their own growth and development is through mentoring. Mentors are there to be present, create a safe and trusting space, facilitate "real" discussions and reflections among students, and offer their own perspectives and struggles about living an authentic life.
The Office of Student Development is currently looking for mentors for our five sophomore residential colleges (Creative Life, Environment, Ignatian, Leadership, and Service for Justice). We are seeking adult mentors who are willing to accompany students throughout the year, exploring their sense of vocation, and contribute to building an intentional and meaningful community. Mentors are asked to facilitate conversations with students, reflect on monthly questions, participate in all activities, and seek to empower students to take ownership and leadership roles in and out of the mentoring communities.
Parents, faculty, staff, administrators, graduate students, alumni of a few years, and friends of Fairfield University can mentor. Undergraduate students who have participated in a residential college experience can also assist as student alumni mentors. To apply, visit www.fairfield.edu/ll/ll_mentorapplication.html
Contact Joseph DeFeo, Director of Living and Learning, at jdefeo@fairfield.edu or call (203) 254-4000 ext. 4053.
Senior Week
As the Class of 2011 starts to plan for life after Fairfield, the University Activities Office and the Senior Week Planning Committee are busy planning a celebration in their honor!
Senior Week offers the graduating class many events to strengthen friendships, reflect on their years together at Fairfield, and to celebrate their accomplishments as they prepare for the future. The week consists of seven (7) different events that happen both on and off campus:
- Monday, May 16: The Jesuit Social is a reception with Fairfield University's Jesuits, staff, and faculty.
- Tuesday, May 17: Brunch is a time for the class to come together for one last meal in the Main Dining Room of the campus center.
- Tuesday, May 17: Pub Night provides a venue for entertainment, food, and beverages.
- Wednesday, May 18: Commencement Ball is a formal event that takes place at an off-campus location with dinner and dancing all night.
- Thursday, May 19: The Senior Picnic is a day trip to an off-campus location with activities like canoeing, swimming, and a BBQ!
- Friday, May 20: The Mohegan Sun Casino Trip includes $10 meal and $10 betting vouchers.
- Saturday, May 21: The Family Dance offers four floors of food, dancing, and live entertainment.
Please note that all of the events are for members of the class of 2011 only, and can sell out, so make sure to have your son or daughter register early.
The only events that students can invite guests to are Commencement Ball and Family Dance. For Commencement Ball, students can invite one guest until the event sells out. For the Family Dance, students are not limited on the number of guests they invite unless the event sells out.
For more information about Senior Week check out www.fairfield.edu/seniorweek.
Commencement Parking Information
To make the process of parking on campus the day of Commencement as delay-free as possible, following are important guidelines for you and your guests.
Arrive Early!
The heaviest volume of traffic arrives in the half hour prior to the start of Commencement. Please instruct guests to arrive before 9 a.m.
- Vehicles traveling northbound on I-95 should use the Round Hill Road Exit #22 and enter campus through the northwest (Jogues Hall) gate.
- Vehicles traveling southbound on I-95 should use the North Benson Road Exit #22 and enter campus through the south (Barlow Road) gate.
- Vehicles traveling from either direction on the Merritt Parkway should take Exit #44 and enter campus through the main (North Benson Road) or Prep entrance.
Follow Officers' Directions
To direct the flow of traffic, certain roads on campus will be closed before the ceremony. University Public Safety and Fairfield Police officers will be directing all vehicles to parking areas. Your patience and cooperation will be greatly appreciated.
Important: Roadways must remain accessible for emergency vehicles. Vehicles found parked in fire lanes, or blocking any campus gates or roadways, will be subject to being towed at the owner's expense.
Shuttle Buses Available
Shuttle buses will be available for rides from all parking areas to a drop-off near the Commencement location. Shuttles will also provide rides back to the lots after the ceremony.
Inclement Weather Plans
Come prepared for inclement weather as every attempt will be made to hold the ceremony outdoors. In the event of severe weather, Commencement will be held at Alumni Hall. Information concerning a change will be broadcast beginning at 6 a.m. on Sunday, May 22 on WVOF (88.5 FM), WNLK (1350 AM), WICC (600 AM), WELI (960 AM), WEBE (107.9 FM) and WEZN (99.9 FM). Tickets are necessary to enter both the indoor and outdoor locations.
Additional information can be found at www.fairfield.edu/commencement.
The Department of Public Safety will do everything possible to make Commencement weekend a wonderful and memorable occasion.