David Mezzapelle '90 will discuss his new book "Contagious Optimism: Uplifting Stories and Motivational Advice for Positive Forward Thinking" at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, July 16 at Fairfield University Bookstore, 1499 Post Road, Fairfield. This event, part of the Inspired Writer Series presented by the MFA in Creative Writing Program, is free and open to the public.

Copies of the book will be available for purchase and signing. A portion of the profits from the sale of all Contagious Optimism books will benefit Fairfield University along with other charities.

Mezzapelle believes that we all have the capacity to make optimism contagious just by sharing our life's adventures. His book, which is the first volume of a series, features stories from people around the world documenting how every cloud has a silver lining.

Mezzapelle was the founder and director of marketing for Goliath Technology from 1990-2007, a data center infrastructure company that supported corporations, schools and government agencies worldwide. In addition, Mezzapelle orchestrated an innovative internship program that has become a staple for organizations today. Prior to 1990, Mezzapelle was an intern for IBM while attending Fairfield University. Mezzapelle has hired interns from Fairfield to help edit this book, giving dozens of students valuable real-world experience. He has also employed several graduates as well.

Early reaction to the first book has been positive.

"Reading 'Contagious Optimism' will allow you to appreciate and understand the principles that people of all races, religions, and socioeconomic backgrounds live by and have exhibited during their life's adventures," said Daniel P. Tully, chairman emeritus of Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc.

"'Contagious Optimism' is proof that people from all corners of the world have the ability to meet and exceed their goals despite the odds," said Baseball Hall of Famer Bucky Dent, a former New York Yankee World Series MVP.

For more information on Fairfield University's MFA in Creative Writing Program and its Inspired Writer Series, visit www.fairfield.edu/mfa .

Posted On: 07-01-2013 11:07 AM

Volume: 45 Number: 307