Campus Currents April 2007

Volume 15, Number 7
The official news publication of Fairfield University

Index for April 3, 2007

Rev. Thomas J. Regan to speak at Commencement
Gore Vidal shares thoughts from lifetime of writing
University moves toward re-accreditation
Dianne Nolan steps off the court after 28 seasons
Campus Newsbreakers
Service Anniversaries
Grant recipients promote diversity at Fairfield
Faculty Research: The effects of head injuries may last longer than a bruise
Dr. Orin Grossman: An American in Florence
James Moore Jr. to speak at Open VISIONS Forum
Service learning is taxing job for business students
Daycare center opening postponed
Firm reviews campus landscape
Dolan Chapel to be rededicated on April 22
Lenten Reflection
Student dig into service
The conversation at table six: student involvement
Graduate students launch food drive for shelters
Fairfield University honored for Community Service
Fairfield University Alumni Association honors six seniors
Club 42 draws hundreds
Sports
News Briefs
Gifts and Grants
Jeanne Moutoussamy-Ashe to speak at Fairfield Awards Dinner
The Campus View
Philippe de Montebello to speak at Open VISIONS Forum 10th anniversary
Holocaust survivor shares story

Rev. Thomas J. Regan to speak at Commencement

By Nancy Habetz, Director of Media Relations

The Rev. Thomas J. Regan, S.J., who was named Teacher of the Year early in his teaching career at Fairfield University and now serves as the Provincial Superior of the New England Province of the Society of Jesus, will deliver the Commencement address on Sunday, May 20 at 10 a.m. At the ceremonies on Bellarmine lawn, Fr. Regan will be presented with an honorary doctor of laws degree.

Other honorary doctor of laws degree recipients will be: Edward P. Hardiman '92, Ph.D., principal of St. John's Preparatory School in Danvers, Mass.; Meghan Lowney, M.S.W., a consultant and former executive director of Operation Hope of Fairfield Inc.; and Dr. James Roach '54, M.D., a physician who serves as chairperson of the board of directors of St. Vincent's Special Needs Center. 

As Provincial Superior of the New England Province of the Society of Jesus, Fr. Regan oversees the governance of some 400 Jesuit priests, brothers, and seminarians. Fr. Regan is a former president of the Jesuit Philosophical Association and serves on the executive council of the American Catholic Philosophical Association. He served a six-year term as national president and chair of the board of directors of Alpha Sigma Nu, the National Jesuit Honor Society. Before his appointment as provincial, Fr. Regan was a tenured associate professor of philosophy at Fairfield, where he chaired the Department of Philosophy and was co-director of the Ignatian Residential College.

Dr. Hardiman worked with the Rev. Paul Carrier, S.J., to develop the inaugural Mission Volunteer program to Duran, Ecuador. Following his graduation from Fairfield, Dr. Hardiman spent one year in Duran as a lay missionary with La Parroquia Santa Marianita. He returned to his high school alma mater, Xaverian Brothers High School in Westwood, Mass., in 1993 as a teacher and campus minister. There, he developed the Xaverian Global Encounter Program, modeled on the Fairfield program, to bring students to Duran, Ecuador; Tijuana, Mexico; Appalachia; and other areas.

At Xaverian, Dr. Hardiman oversaw the development of a spiritual formation program that connected with student experiences of service and restructured a six-week program of full-time service for seniors. He went on to become dean of students and then assistant principal for academics at Xaverian, before being named principal of St. John's Preparatory School in 2003.

Lowney devoted the last 16 years to upgrading and expanding the services for homeless people in the Fairfield area through her work with Operation Hope of Fairfield Inc. She joined the local non-profit agency in 1990 as coordinator of women's and family shelters and was responsible for the overall management of two emergency shelters. While in that position, she developed and opened the Family Shelter in 1995.

Named executive director in 1996, she spent the next 10 years increasing Operation Hope's services to the homeless by 500 percent. She designed and managed the first capital campaign for $2 million and wrote and won government grants totaling more than $5 million. By developing and nurturing partnerships, she gained an additional $500,000 in pro bono services for Operation Hope.

Dr. Roach is a physician whose profession and life have been dedicated to the Jesuit ideal of cura personalis, Latin for "care for the whole person." In addition to serving on the boards of several non-profit agencies, he and his wife, Joan, hosted two young people from Cambodia and another from Brazil so they could gain an education. Three years ago, Dr. Roach donated a kidney to a patient he didn't know. This year, the American Red Cross is honoring him with the Medical Award at the seventh annual Heroes of Mid-Fairfield County Breakfast.

A graduate of both Fairfield Prep and Fairfield University, Dr. Roach went on to earn an M.D. from New York Medical College. He spent most of his medical career in private practice and as attending urologist at St. Vincent's Medical Center, where he also served as chief of urology, Department of Surgery; president of the medical staff; and a member of the board of directors. Dr. Roach is on the attending staff at the U.S. Veterans' Hospital in West Haven and is a clinical instructor at the Yale University School of Medicine.

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Gore Vidal shares thoughts from lifetime of writing

There aren't too many genuine writers for life, explained Gore Vidal, the near unparalleled author and seminal chronicler of American life, at the March 21 Open VISIONS Forum, a lecture series of University College. "In every generation, a few unfortunate souls are condemned to be writers for life," said Vidal. "Politics is a cure for lifelong writerdom."

Vidal, who penned his first novel at 21 and has since written a plethora of plays, screenplays, essays, and books, provided plenty of commentary, particularly on politics. Critical of the Bush administration and the current war in Iraq, Vidal said, "Who are we to require sovereign nations to undergo regime change when we ourselves suffer under a tyrannist regime eager to strip us of our Bill of Rights … We are waging perpetual war allegedly to enjoy peace? Such contradictions." Taking questions from the audience, he discussed topics from his favorite writers (Henry James, Edith Wharton, and Mark Twain) to his thoughts of The New York Times ("a lousy newspaper"). Sprinkling humor throughout the evening, he discussed his experience with the people he's come across throughout his career. Vidal even opined on the famed baby expert, Dr. Spock. "I was convinced he hated babies." The event was co-sponsored by the Pequot Library.

Photo credit: B.K. Angeletti

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University moves toward re-accreditation

By Meredith Guinness, Publications Writer

The University's re-accreditation self-study is moving along smoothly with several reports from its rigorous examination of 11 key standards nearly ready for comment from the greater community. In addition, the steering committee leading the work toward re-accreditation from the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) welcomed to campus the Rev. Paul Locatelli, S.J., president of Santa Clara University and chair of the self-study visiting team.

The intensive self-examination means the steering committee is on schedule to complete a final report in May and prepare for a visit by Fr. Locatelli and his team in October. It has also led to a richer understanding of the University's strategic plan, said Associate Academic Vice President Mary Frances Malone. "The self-study, using the areas of emphasis approach, has helped all of us advance programmatic initiatives of the strategic plan," she said. "The process is bringing people together around a very concrete task."

Dr. Malone said she and the steering committee were pleased to learn of Fr. Locatelli's appointment. The international education director for the Society of Jesus, he is highly regarded for his commitment to Catholic education and diversity and mission, which are central to both the self-study and the strategic plan. "I think his appointment is a real testament to Fairfield and Fr. von Arx's sense that we are deepening and integrating the educational experience for all Fairfield students," Dr. Malone said. Fr. Locatelli visited Fairfield on March 21 to meet with Fr. von Arx, the steering committee, and senior management.

Dr. Billy Weitzer, senior vice president, has held regular meetings with the chairs of the three task forces and senior management, helping to move the report along and keeping everyone abreast of new developments. "Personally, I have found working with individuals from different departments, schools, and divisions to be very gratifying," said Dr. Curt Naser, associate professor of philosophy in CAS, who is a self-study co-coordinator. "We have a lot of smart people doing a lot of good work at the University and it is fascinating to learn about all that is going on."

The steering committee spent much of March reviewing and revising the initial reports on all 11 standards, including the crucial reports and summaries on the three strategic plan goals. The final draft of the report will be available for comment from the University community in May. The committee will send an e-mail alert explaining how to access the reports.

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Dianne Nolan steps off the court after 28 seasons

By Chris O'Connor, Associate Director of Sports Information

Fairfield University women's basketball Head Coach Dianne Nolan announced on March 20 her decision to step aside after 28 years at the helm of the Stags.

"I am very proud of what we have accomplished here at Fairfield during my tenure," Nolan said. "I have had the honor of coaching student-athletes who not only excelled on and off the court, but who have established very successful careers. The latter is probably the most gratifying, because basketball ends for all players at some point.

"I leave knowing that the program is on solid ground. Winning the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) and competing in the postseason have been the goals of the program we developed from Division III to being recognized as a class program in Division I. I wish the University well in the search for the new coach. I am looking forward to the next chapter of my career."

Nolan posted a 456-359 (.560) record during her tenure with the Stags, leading the program to five postseason appearances. She led the Stags to four NCAA Tournament appearances, the most recent in 2001, when the team won the first at-large bid in school history. Fairfield captured three MAAC Tournament titles, in 1988, 1991, and 1998, advancing to the NCAA Tournament each of those seasons. The Stags were invited to the 2000 Women's National Invitation Tournament after posting a school record 25 wins, a number the team equaled a season later.

Nolan has received numerous coaching accolades during her tenure with the Stags, including the Metropolitan Basketball Writers Association (MBWA) Distinguished Service Award in 2006. The MBWA named her its coach of the year in 2001, and she earned MAAC coach of the year honors five times.

"I am thankful for the 28 years of service that Dianne has provided this University as the face of our women's basketball program," said Director of Athletics Eugene Doris. "Dianne embodies the Jesuit ideal and has provided our student-athletes, as well as the youth of our community, with an excellent role model. Her teams have always competed at a high level on the court, and with great success in the classroom. Additionally, Dianne has always been an active member of the University and local community, giving her time and effort unselfishly. As we begin the search for our next head coach, we will build on the foundation provided by Coach Nolan and continue to strive towards the goals we have for the program."

Doris said that a national search for a new head coach will begin immediately. ChampSearch, based in Northridge, Calif., will help create a pool of top-notch candidates.

Nolan's coaching career has spanned 33 years, with her first five seasons at St. Francis College in New York. She is one of only 32 NCAA Division I coaches to have compiled more than 500 career wins, and currently ranks 27th all-time with 517 victories. Her 33-year career record is 517-416 (.554).

Photo by Jean Santopatre

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Dr. Sandra Billings, director of Secondary Education programs in the Graduate School of Education and Allied Professions (GSEAP), presented "The Invisible Minority" at a Fairfield University Symposium on March 8.

Deb Cady, associate dean and director of Residence Life, has been named chair of the Spirituality and Religion in Higher Education Knowledge Community for NASPA (National Association of Student Personnel Administrators).

Dr. Gerald Cavallo, associate professor of marketing in the Charles F. Dolan School of Business (DSB), was quoted in a Connecticut Post article on rising gas prices.

Dr. Nancy Dallavalle, associate professor of religious studies in the College of Arts & Sciences (CAS), presented the paper "Is Abortion the New Hubris? Recent Catholic Anthropology, Gender and Public Policy" at the American Academy of Religion Annual Meeting in Washington, D.C., in November 2006. She also spoke at Vanderbilt University Law School in February 2007 on a multidisciplinary panel titled, "Life, Choice and Women's Rights in the 21st Century." In a Feb. 24 Stamford Advocate article, also published in the Hartford Courant, Dr. Dallavalle described one parish's decision not to use girls as altar servers, "a mistake in judgment."

Dr. Edward Deak, professor of economics in CAS, commented in a Feb. 25 Hartford Courant article on the projected job growth in the state. In a March 4 article in the Courant, Dr. Deak discussed how conservative home building has cushioned declining housing prices in the state. "Connecticut certainly did not experience the run-up in home construction that you see in other parts of the country," Dr. Deak said. "Home construction didn't get out of line, as it did elsewhere." The Stamford Advocate also quoted Dr. Deak in a business and economics review published on Feb. 27.

Dr. Donald Gibson, associate professor of management in DSB, described some of the challenges of working with a large committee, in a March 11 Hartford Courant article on a new 44-member board of education committee to address racial imbalance, space use, and declining enrollment.

The New Haven Register published a Feb. 10 article on Diversity Day at Mohegan Elementary School in Shelton, organized by Dr. Paula Gill-Lopez, associate professor of psychology and special education in GSEAP, and her graduate students.

Dr. Sheila Grossman, professor and director of the family nurse practitioner track in the School of Nursing, published "Assisting Critical Care Nurses in Acquiring Leadership Skills" in Dimensions of Critical Care Nursing (March 2007); "A Comprehensive Guide to Patient-Focused Management Strategies for Crohn's Disease" in Gastroenterology Nursing (March 2007); and "The Time is Now for Every Nurse to be a Leader" in ADVANCE for Nurses (fall 2007).

In a Feb. 27 Connecticut Post article on the tomb some experts believe contain the bones of Jesus and other religious figures, Dr. Paul Lakeland, director of the Catholic Studies Center, said if it is authenticated, it would send a shock wave through those who believe in a literal interpretation of the resurrection and ascension. "If these ossuaries were found to be authentic, this would present them with a religious challenge," he said. Dr. Lakeland was also quoted in a March 15 Tuscon Weekly article on reform in the Catholic Church.

Dr. Elizabeth Langran, assistant professor and director of educational technology program in GSEAP, delivered "The Tapestry Project: Digital Stories at the United Nations Global Youth Leadership Summit," at the 2007 Society for Information Technology & Teacher Education International Conference in San Antonio, Texas, on March 29.

Dr. Mark LeClair, professor of economics in CAS, was quoted in a Feb. 15 Fairfield Today article on the conference "Faith and Culture 2006: An Interactive Exploration of Media" at Fairfield University. In reference to the discussion on immigration, Dr. LeClair said, "The state can only look at immigration in a positive way. We have an aging population and we need these people to do work." University President Jeffrey P. von Arx, S.J.; the Rev. Rick Ryscavage, S.J., director of the Center for Faith and Public Life; Dr. Terry Ann Jones, assistant professor of sociology and anthropology in CAS; and Dr. Cecelia Bucki, associate professor of history in CAS, were also included in the article.

Dr. Dawn Massey, chair of the Accounting Department in DSB, commented for a Feb. 23 Wilton Villager article on the growing demand for accountants in Fairfield County.

At the February 2007 American Marketing Association Winter Educators' Conference in San Diego, Calif., Dr. Camelia Micu, associate professor of marketing in DSB, presented "Advertising and Product Trial: The Impact of Product Type and Attribute Information on Consumer Evaluations," which she co-authored with Dr. Robin Coulter of the University of Connecticut.

In a March 4 article in the New Haven Register, Dr. Judith Primavera, professor of psychology in CAS, discussed how the children of divorce are affected by the experience as they become adults. Divorced parents who showed little "tug-of-war" behavior actually gave their kids a positive model for resolving problems in later life, she said. "It's the amount of conflict, both pre- and post-divorce, that best predicts the long-term effect of divorce on children."

Rev. Richard Ryscavage, S.J., professor of sociology and director of the Center for Faith and Public Life, was the visiting scholar at Benedictine University from Feb. 21 to 23. He presented two lectures, "Spirituality of Migration" and "U.S. Immigration and the Globalization of Migration." Fr. Ryscavage also discussed immigration trends in a March 22 Hartford Courant article. Dr. Ed Deak was also quoted in the article.

Dr. David Schmidt, chair of the Management Department in DSB, commented on the idea of ownership and ethical behavior in a March 2 Christian Science Monitor article about the burgeoning business of selling low-cost knockoffs of high-fashion couture. "We can't view the issue of fashion being copied in isolation," says Dr. Schmidt. "There is something happening that runs across all these activities, such as downloading music or sharing videos." In previous generations, he says, ownership was clear. "If you had it on your shelf, you owned it. And if someone copied it, there was always a degradation from the original that made that original valuable."

Dr. James Simon, associate professor of English in CAS, commented in a March 19 Stamford Times article on the sale of The Advocate (Stamford) and Greenwich Time to media giant Gannett. "Gannett has a reputation of leaving a newspaper alone as long as it turns a profit," he said.

Wylie Smith Blake, community outreach coordinator for Campus Ministry, was quoted in a March 18 Stamford Advocate article about the Fairfield University and Prep students who traveled to New Orleans during Spring Break to help rebuild homes. "All of them have their hearts in the right place," she said.

Dr. Debra Strauss, assistant professor of business law in DSB, had her article, "Enlisting the U.S. Courts in a New Front: Dismantling the International Business Holdings of Terrorist Groups Through Federal Statutory and Common-Law Suits," which was published in the May 2005 Vanderbilt Journal of Transnational Law, cited by the District Court for the District of Columbia. In Hurst v. The Socialist People's Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, et. al., the court cited Dr. Strauss's article as the authority in interpreting Section 2337 of the Anti-Terrorism Act, thereby denying the defendants' motion to dismiss and allowing a civil lawsuit against Libya and Libyan officers in their personal capacity by victims of the terrorist act that destroyed Pan Am Flight 103 over Lockerbie, Scotland. Dr. Strauss also published the article, "Defying Nature: The Ethical Implications of Genetically Modified Plants," in the Journal of Food Law & Policy (spring 2007).

David Ryan-Soderlund, director of Academic and Disability Support Services, discussed how disabled students handle college in a Connecticut Post special section article on March 6. In the article, Todd Pelazza, director of public safety, also discussed the ways in which the University makes campus more accommodating for students with special needs.

On March 9, The Irish Brigade honored Fairfield University President Jeffrey von Arx, S.J., at the annual Gold Eagle Dinner held in New Canaan. The awards dinner is hosted by prominent physicians and surgeons from throughout Fairfield County.

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5 years

Donald Adams
Stefanie Borsari
Susan LaFrance
Tracey Sonn Wasserman

10 years

Stephen Switter

Condolences

James Kelly, father of Nora Magi, business manager at Fairfield Preparatory School, died on March 6.

Marilyn Ruocco, mother of Dr. Virginia Kelly in GSEAP, died on March 6.

Mary S. Ryan, mother of Dr. Sallyanne Ryan, assistant professor of communication in CAS, died March 13.

New Employees

Laura Keller - operations assistant, University College.
Yola Norton - operations assistant, Human Resources.
Frances Yadre - program assistant, College of Arts & Sciences.
Edward Feldheim - program assistant, Center for Faith & Public Life.

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Grant recipients promote diversity at Fairfield

On March 27, the first Student Diversity Grant recipients presented some of the activities and research completed this year as part of their grant projects. In attendance were (pictured above l-r): Joaquin Prandi '08, Emily Arouth '08, and Daniel Arroyo '09 (Fairfield Roots Awareness Project team); Ashley Toombs '07, a member of the grant advisory board; Jacqueline Mylroie '09 (Elevation of Hip Hop Music and Culture project); Michelle Holmberg '08, Lauren DiGiovine '07, and Michael Barrett '07 (The Collegiate Closet: Exploring GLBT Issues at Fairfield University team); Dr. Betsy Gardner, professor of psychology in CAS and faculty coordinator of the grant; and Jodie Pfau '07, Darci Fulcher '07, Brigid Williams '07, and Casey Regan '07 (Project Peg: Women's Day Campaign team). The Collegiate Closet team, which conducted in-depth interviews with more than a dozen members of the University community, found positive results regarding the attitudes on the rights of sexual minorities. The group will release its finding later this month.

Photo by James Nguyen '07

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The effects of head injuries may last longer than a bruise

By Meredith Guinness, Publications Writer

You had a minor head injury years ago. Maybe you lost consciousness for a time or are a little fuzzy on just what happened. But time heals all wounds, right?

Wrong, says Dr. Timothy Heitzman, assistant professor of psychology in the College of Arts & Sciences. In his recent research using student volunteers, he found those who'd had a past head injury demonstrated significantly worse attention and executive functioning than students who had not experienced such injuries. Just as significant, the students didn't realize their cognitive abilities had changed after the injury, said Dr. Heitzman, who presented his findings at the International Neuropsychological Society meeting in Portland, Ore., in January.

Dr. Heitzman found that lasting effects of head injuries, even minor ones, can go undetected. Given the exposure so many young people have to head injuries, especially through sports and recreation, he says it is important to be aware that a person may seem to regain all his or her faculties following a concussion, but can have cognitive deficits and emotional distress as a result. In the case of children and adolescents, these deficits may take years to manifest themselves, and become more noticeable as the workload in school becomes more challenging, he says.

Dr. Heitzman's research is especially timely, given the alarm sounded in the media about the lasting damage to NFL players following repeated concussions, most notably New England Patriot Ted Johnson, who has suffered significant emotional and cognitive distress.

Dr. Heitzman's study is unusual in that many of the participants were young women and most were not involved in varsity sports. Among the 50 volunteers whose attention, planning, and organizational skills were measured, he found that 12 volunteers, or 24 percent, had experienced a head injury that resulted in lost consciousness or memory problems within four years prior to the study. Many had limited or no medical attention after their injuries.

None of the students reported any lingering problems associated with attention or executive functioning, though the testing proved cognitive effects, Dr. Heitzman said. They were aware "of emotional distress as they reported significantly greater levels of depressed mood and anxiety and less personal adjustment than non-injured subjects," said Dr. Heitzman, who holds a Ph.D. from the University of Rhode Island.

Dr. Heitzman recommends that anyone who experiences a head injury should consult with a neuropsychologist to assess and monitor his or her progress. He points out that because the brain develops as a child grows, a head injury that appears to have no affect at the time may manifest itself years later.

Dr. Heitzman is continuing his research with varsity and recreational athletes who have experienced either diagnosed or undiagnosed head injuries and he hopes to include a greater number in his current studies. However, his primary area of research is in developmental psychology, working on ways to measure the development of attention and organizational skills, especially in children with autism, ADHD, and learning disabilities. "Development is one of the hidden aspects of neuropsychology," he said. "I look at how to measure things like attention and how it is disrupted through development."

Photo by Jean Santopatre

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Dr. Orin Grossman: An American in Florence

By Nina Riccio, Publications Writer

His day job as academic vice president means he spends a lot of time in his Canisius office or in meetings around campus. He might even give a lecture or two during the course of a semester. But it's his second job as a renowned concert pianist that will bring Dr. Orin Grossman to Florence this month.

The April 20 concert, aptly entitled "An American in Florence," will be held at the Palazzo Giugni, a concert hall that seats 300. Dr. Grossman will present an evening of music by George Gershwin, Aaron Copland, and Scott Joplin. "One thing I find is that all this music, especially Gershwin's, is loved all over the world," says Dr. Grossman, who has chosen to play all-piano versions of Gershwin's "Rhapsody in Blue" and a Copland classic, "El Salon Mexico," a piece based on popular Mexican dance tunes.

"That particular piece was arranged for piano by a then-unknown composer named Leonard Bernstein," explains Dr. Grossman, who has written elaborate program notes and will answer questions after the concert.

The concert is sponsored by the University's Florence program and campus, the Florence University for the Arts, and by the Lyceum International Club; proceeds will be donated to a charity in Florence. The event is part of the ongoing BRIDGES program, established by Fairfield University's Florence program as a way to build bridges between the Florence campus and the community by opening lectures, events, and volunteer programs to the public.

The concert was planned to coincide with the naming and dedication of the new library at the University's Florence campus in honor of S. Roberto Bellarmino, S.J., who is also the patron saint of Fairfield University.

University President Jeffrey von Arx, S.J., will officiate at the April 19 ceremony. Dr. Edna Farace Wilson, dean of University College, Susan Fitzgerald, associate dean and director of international education, and Christopher Johnson, University College's new assistant dean, will represent the University at the dedication.

While in Florence, Fr. von Arx will host the 87 students from Fairfield University and other colleges across the country, who are in the Florence program. Representatives from the Association of American College and University Programs in Italy also will attend.

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Peter James P. Moore Jr. to speak at Open VISIONS Forum

By Meredith Guinness

James P. Moore Jr., founder and CEO of ATI (formerly known as Ameritrade), will deliver this year's University College Ignatian Lecture on Wednesday, April 18, at the Quick Center for the Arts. The event is part of the Open VISIONS Forum of University College.

Moore started Ameritrade, the groundbreaking Internet brokerage firm, after a long career in government, having been appointed by President Ronald Reagan to several senior-level positions, including assistant secretary of commerce. Under the Reagan administration, Moore, who holds a political science degree from Rutgers University, was responsible for a series of trade and economic agreements between the U.S. and Japan, China, Spain, the Soviet Union, and other countries. His accomplishments include being chief negotiator for the last trade and economic agreement with the Soviet Union. He was one of the chief negotiators in launching the Uruguay round of international trade negotiations, which led to the World Trade Organization.

While it might seem an unlikely endeavor for someone so involved in politics and commerce, Moore is also the author of One Nation Under God: The History of Prayer in America (Random House, 2005), in which he considers how prayer and spirituality affected American history and, in turn, the world. The book, which took six years to research, is being turned into a companion film for PBS.

A much sought-after instructor and lecturer, Moore has spoken at Harvard, Princeton, Yale, and Columbia universities, and received the distinguished professorship award for excellence in teaching at Georgetown's McDonough School of Business, where he teaches international business and corporate ethics courses.

Named for St. Ignatius Loyola, the Ignatian Lecture reflects the University's mission to integrate Jesuit values while exploring ethics, morality, and service to others. For tickets, call the Box Office at ext. 4010.

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Service Learning is no taxing job for business students

By Alejandra Navarro, Editor

The total was surprising, but accounting major Kylin Wentz '07 had checked and double-checked the figures on the tax return forms. Her client, a Bridgeport family, was due a $3,000 tax refund.

"Their eyes just lit up when I told them," Wentz recalled with excitement. "These families work hard for their money and we can make sure they get everything that's owed to them."

Wentz is preparing taxes for low-income residents as part of the Bridgeport campaign of the Internal Revenue Service's National Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, which is run under the auspices of the Greater Bridgeport Family Economic Security Coalition. She volunteered for the program last year, but this year it's a service learning component of the "Federal Income Taxation II" course. Dr. Kathleen Weiden, assistant professor of accounting, revised the course with the help of the Office of Service Learning.

It also qualifies as a U.S. Diversity course for the general core requirements - a first for the Accounting Department, exposing students to both economic and ethnic diversity in the population.

In class, students study fundamental principles of taxation, primarily as applied to property transactions and businesses. In addition, students read papers on the role of tax policy in welfare reform, specifically examining welfare policy motivations for several family-oriented tax credits. Many workers eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit and the Child Tax Credit are not aware of them.

For the most recent filing season, the majority of Bridgeport VITA clients (42 percent) identified themselves as African-American; 40 percent identified themselves as Latino/Hispanic; and 12 percent identified themselves as Caucasian. The median adjusted gross income for a Bridgeport VITA client last year was $16,615, and only 16 percent of filers had adjusted gross incomes of more than $35,450. At the service sites, where students have been preparing taxes since February, they gain experience working with real taxpayers in a real world setting, and are exposed to cutting-edge tax preparation software, Dr. Weiden said.

"We have an opportunity to apply everything we learn in class," said Nicole Krupa '07, who was touched by how appreciative the clients have been.

Each tax return refund puts a little more money back into the community. Last year, VITA helped prepare 2,168 tax returns for Bridgeport and Stratford residents, and helped these residents claim more than $3.3 million dollars in federal and state refunds, and more than $1.7 million in tax credits.

An important aspect of a Jesuit education, reflection exercises are woven into the curriculum to encourage students to think about economic and ethnic diversity, and issues of privilege and difference in U.S. society. "Hopefully, they are thinking about the role of service in their lives after college, as well as how their life experiences compare to the lives of the taxpayers they assist, and to other populations in the United States," said Dr. Weiden.

Even though Wentz volunteered for VITA last year, she has gained a better understanding of others and herself this time around. "I definitely feel like I'm getting more out of it this year as a student in Dr. Weiden's class," she said.

Wentz recalled one client who explained that her check was going straight into an account for a down payment on a house. "It is incredibly rewarding to be a part of this," Wentz said. "It really opens your eyes to see how hard people work to survive, and it made me realize how lucky I am."

Photo by James Nguyen '07

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Daycare center opening postponed

By Alejandra Navarro, Editor

Plans to open the proposed Fairfield University daycare center this fall hit a wall - literally. The University found potentially hazardous materials in the walls of Southwell Hall, the location selected to house the proposed center. The discovery postpones the center's opening to September 2008, University officials announced at a March 7 information session.

University President Jeffrey P. von Arx, S.J., said the administration would do everything it could to get the facility online. Fr. von Arx said the center was more than just an employee benefit.

"I consider it an important part of the mission and identity of a Jesuit and Catholic university to support our families," he said.

In February, Campus Operations found vermiculite in Southwell Hall, which was selected to be the site for the daycare center. The Environmental Protection Agency recently announced that vermiculite mined in Montana before 1990 may contain small traces of asbestos.

The mineral undisturbed, as it is in its present state in the walls of Southwell Hall, does not pose any health concerns. The extensive renovations required to make the building a daycare facility, however could create a hazardous situation. The University decided it would be best to select another site and push back the opening date to allow time to find one.

The University also wanted to keep within the traditional daycare schedule. Most families renew their childcare options in the spring, explained Mark Guglielmoni, director of Human Resources. "We didn't want families to relinquish their contracts with their current childcare providers only to find out that we can't open in September."

The University is forming a new committee to select an alternative site for the center. The process will likely be easier and faster, given that the original committee researching the daycare center has already reviewed several potential sites. One option would be to use a pre-fabricated modular classroom, which could be constructed to blend in with the buildings on campus.

Dr. Susan Franzosa, dean of the Graduate School of Education and Allied Professions, discussed some of the ways in which students could be involved in the childcare center. The School plans to hire its first faculty member in early childhood education who will act as a liaison to the center. Dr. Franzosa said, "With a new faculty member in place, we'll have the opportunity to develop some meaningful collaborations with the center."

For more information on the daycare center, please contact the Human Resources Department at ext. 4080.

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Firm reviews campus landscape

Fairfield University's physical appearance has changed quite a bit in the past few years, with the addition of new structures and changes to the layout of the campus, such as the development of the University entrance. To receive some guidance on how to create a more consistent and coherent campus in the future, the University has tapped the services of Ayers Saint Gross Architects & Planners, a landscape planning firm. Staff from the Baltimore-based firm will be on campus this spring to meet with members of the campus community.

They will collect information and viewpoints that will allow them to evaluate the buildings and grounds, reviewing vehicle and pedestrian traffic, landscaping, outdoor gathering spaces, and open space. The firm will then submit options on how best to approach the development and design of the physical campus to meet the needs of the University community.

Ayers Saint Gross specializes in designing and planning non-profit organizations, specifically colleges and universities. Duke University, Georgetown University, and Loyola College of Maryland are among the firm's clients.

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Dolan Chapel to be rededicated on April 22

By Meredith Guiness, Publications Writer

On April 22, the Fairfield community will remember a proud part of its past during a rededication of the chapel lounge on Dolan Hall's third floor. The refurbished library-like space will be named the Sister Julie Billiart Common Room in memory of the founder of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, who until 1989, lived in the building, providing education and assistance to the surrounding community.

The rededication and community Mass, to be presided over by the Rev. Charles Allen, S.J., will take place at 2 p.m. on Sunday, April 22, in the third-floor lounge, which may provide space for Masses in the future. During the rededication, Fr. Allen will bless an original carved seal of the Sisters. In storage for many years, the intricate piece has been fully restored by Behnam Ostovarpour, a painter in Campus Operations, to hang in the space.

"Having offered Mass many times in this very room for the Sisters of Notre Dame," Fr. Allen said, "I cannot thank the students enough for their work in restoring this beautiful room and once again giving a special place of prominence to the seal of the Sisters of Notre Dame."

Dolan Hall was once part of the Fox mansion property, owned by John Fox, the former owner of the Boston Post. Fox lost the mansion during litigation in the late 1950s, and it was later purchased by the Sisters, who created a convent, beginning with the construction of what is now Dolan Hall West in 1959. They named the building Julie Hall, later adding a connector building, which included the third-floor sacristy.

In 1989, they sold the property to Fairfield University and it became Dolan Campus, named for longtime University friends Helen and Charles Dolan.

The Mass and rededication will honor the unique community atmosphere Dolan Hall has enjoyed over the years, said Jim Scholl '07, senior resident assistant. "The event also continues to foster a commitment to Jesuit ideals and spirituality that is so much a part of who we are as an institution," he said.

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A Lenten Reflection

By Rev. Jeffrey P. von Arx, S.J.

Has it ever struck you how clumsy we human beings are when it comes to saying good-bye? Of course, I'm not talking about the kind of good-byes we say everyday, the ones that really mean "see you again," and which most other languages express more accurately: "au revoir!" "auf wiedersehen!" "Hasta luego!" I'm talking about the kind of good-bye we must say when we know that we shall not see someone again. Or the kind of good-bye we must say when a change in our lives means the end of the way we have known and loved a friend. When we take a new job, or move to a new city, how carefully we avoid admitting to ourselves or the people we leave behind that our relationship can no longer be the same: that now memory and not presence will mediate our friendship.

I know that as I have moved from one place to another in the course of my life as a Jesuit, I have used all kinds of excuses to avoid saying good-bye. In the last minute rush of departure, good-bye usually becomes a quick hug or a handshake and a not very honest "see you soon," or "let's keep in touch." For some reason, we cannot face the fact that relationships change; still less that separations can be permanent. And so we tend to avoid the kind of good-bye that would acknowledge frankly what we have shared with a friend, or the pain we experience at its loss.

If saying good-bye is so hard, it is perhaps because it calls to mind the vulnerability and fragility of life itself. It is to be reminded continually and forcibly that life, too, comes to an end. Much of our refusal to say good-bye is, I suspect, a reaction to the threat mortality poses to human relationships. Nor is it only in leave-taking that we withdraw ourselves from one another. Even in the midst of relationships, we often seek to cut our losses by risking nothing further of ourselves into friendships we know must end.

And yet ... I think we know that fear of loss is not all that is behind our reluctance to say good-bye. There is something in us that longs for love not to end; something that hopes every parting is not final. One can sense the presence of that longing and hope even in the ultimate experience of human parting that is death. For though we know we shall never see someone again in this life, something within us refuses to say a good-bye that is forever.

As we move toward the end of Lent and the Triduum services that recall Christ's death and resurrection, the Scriptural accounts of the Last Supper reveal the startling beauty of Jesus' farewell to the disciples he loved (as contrasted with our own assiduous avoidance of good-byes). Although the growing hostility of religious leaders must have made it clear to Jesus that he would die in Jerusalem, he did not seek to deny the pain of this moment by escaping from it.

Instead of withdrawing himself from those he was leaving, he gave himself to them utterly. He did this first symbolically, by taking on the garb and function of a servant, and washing their feet. He did it sacramentally in the gift of all he is, under signs of bread and wine. But the gift of self to which the Lord consecrated himself at the Last Supper is consummated on the cross. It is, therefore, on the cross, that we see the glorious paradox that is the sign and source of our salvation. In death, at the very moment when all the dark powers conspire to destroy life and bring all our human loving to nothing, Jesus succeeds in giving himself completely. In that gift, love - God's love for us - is poured out over the whole world. And this love, which has loved through death, can never come to an end.

Not all the difficulty we have in saying good-bye can be traced to our fear of death. There is a longing and a hope that whispers in our hearts - "No! Life and friendship are too beautiful, too valuable to end without a trace. Something must survive out of all the joy and pain that goes into our struggle to love and give ourselves to one another."

There was a time in our history, a time in each of our lives, perhaps, when such a hope was merely that: a longing of human spirit for ... we knew not what. But as we contemplate the face of Christ in these days: at that Last Supper, in the garden, on the cross, transfigured in glory - I think we know what it is we have been hoping for, and that this hope is now fulfilled.

For through Christ's gift of himself, all the good-byes of our lives have been transformed. In the immortal love of our savior, there are no more good-byes. All of our partings are now what this Last Supper became when Christ died for us: not "good-bye," but "Remember me! I am with you! Until I come again!"

Photos by Jean Santopatre

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Students dig into service

Seven Fairfield University students and eight Fairfield Prep students spent spring break in New Orleans and Mississippi helping to rebuild a region still struggling from the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. The group participated in a Jesuit-sponsored teach-in on March 9 at Loyola University in New Orleans before heading off for work.

The teach-in included Jesuit officials, New Orleans community leaders, the Jesuit Volunteer Corps, and 500 students from Jesuit high schools and colleges around the country. The University students worked at a Habitat for Humanity site in Mississippi and also participated in other community service projects throughout New Orleans. Prep students worked at Camp Restore in New Orleans, which is a church that has been refurbished to house more than 200 volunteers in dorm-style rooms. Other Fairfield University students spent their spring breaks volunteering with Habitat for Humanity in other cities and with non-profit organizations across the country.

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The conversation at table six: student involvement

By Nina Riccio, Publications Writer

Are students more out of touch than ever from their experiences and from the Jesuit ideals Fairfield is trying to impart? Are cell phones and laptops helping them become more - or less - connected? Is the technology that provides them with instant entertainment keeping them from developing face-to-face skills?

Faculty and staff tackled these dilemmas at The Conversation at Table Six, a forum that uses articles in Conversations magazine as a stepping off point for lively dialogue. The magazine is published every semester by the National Seminar on Jesuit Higher Education and contains articles by professors, staff, and students on Jesuit campuses across the country. Approximately 30 people attended the February roundtable.

Panelists Mark Reed '96, vice president for Student Affairs, Dr. David Gudelunas, assistant professor of communication in the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS), and Melissa Quan, assistant director of the Center for Faith in Public Life, opened the discussion by speaking for a few minutes on "Jesuit Education and Today's Student: A Disconnect?" Dr. Nancy Dallavalle, associate professor of religious studies in CAS, moderated the discussion.

"When we talk to students, what they love (about college life) is their community with one another," said Dr. Gudelunas. "We need to harness this sense of community, but we don't need to direct it. This means the staff must meet them where they are."

Janice Dunn, director of distance education, agreed. "All these kids are in different places - socially, spiritually, and academically. For some it's their first time away from home. We have to be accepting and supportive of students wherever they are and for whatever interests they want to pursue during their time at Fairfield."

Students now in college have had years of hard practice at disconnecting with adults, Dr. Lisa Newton, professor of philosophy in CAS, reminded the group. "But they're terrific at engaging with each other. And I don't think the Jesuit or Catholic influence is any barrier. Things Jesuit seem to have a closer bond with them than things faculty."

"We must create the space where students can become involved," said Reed, after which Dr. Winston Tellis, professor of information systems and operations management in the Dolan School of Business, suggested creating activities that break down the barriers between faculty, administration, and students: for example, an orientation activity that involves seniors and freshmen as well as faculty.

The Conversation at Table Six will next be held in the fall. All members of the Fairfield University community are invited to attend.

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New Graduate student launch food drive for shelters

The Dolan Graduate Business Association (DGBA) will lead a non-perishable food drive from April 16 through April 20, and stock shelves at a local food pantry and shelter to mark the JesuitMBA National Day of Service.

The 12-member association asks all faculty and students in the Charles F. Dolan School of Business to drop off dry and canned goods in collection bins in the graduate classrooms. A group of MBA students will bring the items to Fairfield-based Operation Hope of Fairfield County and spend the morning of Saturday, April 21, stocking shelves there. A barbecue lunch will follow at the DSB.

The effort is part of a nationwide JesuitMBA service day that includes similar projects at 27 Jesuit campuses, says Ashley Boland '06, who is coordinating Fairfield's effort. "Fairfield's Jesuit tradition reminds us that we have a responsibility to use our gifts and abilities to help those who are less fortunate," she said. "Over the course of my years at Fairfield, I have come to understand the importance of stepping out of my comfort zone and servicing the needs of the greater community."

The DGBA is open to all graduate students at the Dolan School. The organization undertakes initiatives in response to students' input and suggestions. One recent DGBA project provided wireless Internet in the Dolan School. For more information on the food drive or to r.s.v.p. for the barbecue, e-mail Boland at 06_aboland@stagweb.fairfield.edu.

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Fairfield University honored for community service

With its plethora of service learning and volunteer activities, Fairfield University has been named to the first-ever President's Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll. The distinction recognizes students, faculty, and staff for helping to build a culture of service and civic engagement across the nation.

In total, 492 schools were recognized and it's no wonder: According to the College Students Helping America study, student volunteering increased about 20 percent from 2002 to 2005, with about 3.3 million students serving others each year. The Corporation for National and Community Service is working with federal agencies, higher education and student associations, and nonprofit organization to boost that number to 5 million by 2010.

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Fairfield University Alumni Association honors six seniors

The Fairfield University Alumni Association will honor the following six members of the Class of 2007 for their leadership, community service, and commitment to the Jesuit ideals. The Student Awards Dinner will take place on April 16.

Ashley Toombs, St. Ignatius Loyola Medal

A coordinator behind the scenes, Ashley Toombs helped make the Student Diversity Grant program a success. She jumped at the chance to participate, because diversity is an issue close to her heart. "If we don't embrace diversity, we're missing out on the chance to really learn about people, " says Toombs, who is graduating with degrees in international studies and Spanish and a minor in Caribbean and Latin American Studies.

She has embraced a number of issues. As an intern with the New Haven-Leon Sister City Project, Toombs brought the pilot program and fundraiser, "Educate a Nicaraguan Child for a Year," to the Fairfield campus and created a program to bring educational books to the country. Toombs is also a student representative for the Center for Faith and Public Life Committee and the Environmental Steering Committee. She is most proud of the work she's been able to accomplish through her involvement with the Fairfield University Student Association, as a senator for two years and the secretary of academics. "Through FUSA, we have really encouraged students to act and keep these issues alive."

Toombs was one of the recipients of the Martin Luther King Jr. Vision Awards.

She credits her achievements in part to the integrated curriculum and living and learning community Fairfield offers. "Everything I'm learning in the classroom is completely applicable to what I want to do," she says, "and it has also helped me grow intellectually and personally."

Jennifer Miller & Marco Ambrosio, William J. Kramer '60 Humanitarian Award

To make sure their peers were aware of the devastation caused by the AIDS epidemic and the issues of gender inequality and injustices associated with it, Jennifer Miller and Marco Ambrosio began the Fairfield University chapter of FACE AIDS.

Miller's childhood friend, Jonny Dorsey of Stanford University, and two other students founded the national FACE AIDS organization that now has 160 chapters and has raised an astounding $650,000 for Partners in Health, an international healthcare organization. The Fairfield chapter raised $22,500, with matching funds, through the sales of hand-made pins and other fundraising activities.

Miller and Ambrosio, with the help of Dr. Renee White, club advisor, organized a national FACE AIDS conference, featuring HIV/AIDS expert Stephen Lewis. More than 120 people attended the keynote address and more than 70 students from across the country attended workshops. "I wanted to bring it to Fairfield, because it fit so well with the Jesuit ideals," says Miller, who grew up doing community service with her family.

Ambrosio, who has been involved with FUSA as a senator and as the secretary for student life, helped with the logistics of forming the club and the conference, which he said was a campus-wide effort. He has seen firsthand the conditions that affect poor regions of the world, particularly those affected with HIV and AIDS. He spent the 2005 spring break in Nicaragua researching the causes and effects of the country's high population rate, and returned again in summer 2006 to volunteer at a public health non-governmental organization and conduct an independent research project on drug prevention programs for adolescents and a self-help HIV group. "Through no fault of their own, they have to deal with social injustices that only exacerbate their personal fight against the disease," he says.

Ambrosio created an individually designed major, Social Justice in Latin America, a first at Fairfield. He is also graduating with a minor in Spanish and a pre-medicine concentration.

Miller, who is graduating with a degree in marketing and a minor in English, has accepted a job at Google in California. She's pleased to see the FACE AIDS club is carrying on with activities planned for next year. "It's a great opportunity to combine the mind with spirit and service."

Kevin Donohue, Student Achievement Award

On a service trip to Mexico while in high school, Kevin Donohue came upon a very poor woman who, in small ways, reminded him of his grandmother.

"I just realized that there's no reason that someone like myself - or someone in my family - was not born into that situation," says Donohue, who is graduating with a degree in politics and minors in history and peace and justice. To raise awareness about injustices and poverty both here and abroad, Donohue helped found the Students for Social Justice club.

"My goal is to help people see that doing things for social justice is empowering and enjoyable," he explains. "Sometimes people do things out of a sense of guilt. I want them to feel good about using their talents and resources to make positive change happen."

The club has hosted a number of successful events and fundraisers, including a fashion show with clothing produced in an environmentally friendly way and with sound labor practices. Donohue is most proud of the Students for Social Justice Day of Silence in December, which raised awareness about the genocide in Darfur.

The group has thrived thanks to the tremendous help of Melissa Quan, assistant director at the Center for Faith and Public Life, and Conor O'Kane, associate director of Campus Ministry, he says.

Donohue is also chapter president of Alpha Sigma Nu, the Jesuit honor society, and has participated in the Urban Plunge and service trips to Appalachia and Duran, Ecuador. "The experiences I have had at Fairfield and the breadth of my studies has given me a better perspective on justice in the world and understanding it politically, historically, and economically."

Jared Mezzocchi, Student Achievement Award

Combining his love for theatre and film, Jared Mezzocchi produced the play, The One Stoplight in Hollis (named after his hometown where there is only one stoplight). At the heart of Mezzocchi's edgy, modern production is a story loosely based on his family that began two years ago at his father Michael's funeral. "It is a story of one family's journey to peace," he explains. When Mezzocchi delivered his father's eulogy, he asked those present to close their eyes and visualize the stories he recounted from his father's life. "It became a mosaic of his life," says Mezzocchi, who at the urging of the Rev. James Mayzik, S.J., collected these stories for his play.

The stage performance is enhanced with the presence of three screens. Filmed scenes make the characters appear to jump from stage to screen. Mezzocchi has been able to incorporate a variety of different disciplines into the play, including philosophy, religious studies, and physics to not only enrich the storyline, but also to advance the technical aspects of the production. In an independent study course, Mezzocchi used physics, for example, to determine the best use of sound and images on the Quick Center stage.

The production drew the talents of several professors, nine professional actors, and nearly two dozen students, including a core group of 13 from the film and theater programs. He received a grant of close to $8,000 from the Humanities Institute and raised an additional $1,500 from family and friends for the production.

Mezzocchi has received several awards for his work in film and theater, and participated on the film crew for the Rev. Mark McGregor, S.J.'s documentary Posada, about the plight of detained unaccompanied migrant children and families. Graduating with degrees in New Media Film, Television and Radio and theater, Mezzocchi plans to attend graduate school. He also has plans to establish a non-profit organization, Pienocchi, to raise money for continued exploration of interdisciplinary art.

Jim Scholl, Student Achievement Award

When Jim Scholl transferred to Fairfield University the spring semester of his freshmen year, he didn't anticipate an easy transition. Fairfield students in his residence hall had had a semester to make friends.

But thanks to the resident assistants in Campion Hall, he fit right in. "One of the R.A.s - Rob Keder, the 2004 St. Ignatius Loyola Medal winner - was really committed to getting to know the students and he made me feel welcome," Scholl says. "From that moment, I knew I wanted to become a resident assistant."

Scholl went on to become a resident assistant in Campion the following year and in Dolan Hall the next two years. From his own experience, Scholl knows how difficult it can be for students to be away from home for the first time. Sometimes, it's the small things that make a difference for the residents, explains Scholl, who was named the Resident Assistant of the Year in 2006.

"The most important thing I try to leave with each and every resident is a feeling of importance; a feeling that they can bring great things to the table," says Scholl, who also served as a eucharistic minister. "I really try to show them that they will make a difference - and they have."

Scholl, who is graduating with a degree in communication and a minor in English, plans to enter graduate school next year and eventually have a career in higher education or secondary education.

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Fairfield's "Club 42" draws hundreds

Who says a party without liquor can't draw a crowd? Club 42, an alcohol-free party held in the Barone Campus Center Oak Room and Jazzman's Café on March 23, drew more than 500 Fairfield University students and guests.

With the goal of giving students a club-like venue on campus, townhouse residents and juniors Matthew Majewski, Jeff Andrieux, Fausto De la Rosa Manon, Geoff Middleton, Peter Otoki, Michael Traverzo, and Evron Trim worked with Allison Berger, assistant director in the Dean of Students Office, to host the fête.

"The students are receiving amazing feedback," Berger said. "There was such a great energy in the room." With funds from Student Activities and the Dean of Students Office, the party had a D.J., videos playing on four screens, food, and giveaways. Students danced until the "club" closed at 2 a.m., she said. Organizers hope to hold the party again.

Despite the large crowd, none of the guests created problems. Berger said the students were respectful of the rules, particularly those prohibiting alcohol. "It was wonderful to see an alternative like this come together," she said. "It was successful thanks to the hard work of some very dedicated students."

Giving students a place to dance and socialize, juniors (l-r) Evron Trim, Matthew Majewski, Jeff Andrieux, and Michael Traverzo helped organize alcohol-free Club 42.

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Sports

Fairfield outfielder hitting the mark on the plate

By Jack Jones, Director of Sports Information

If you were to take a moment to speak with Julia Jacoby, you wouldn't characterize her as an aggressive person, unless of course she had a softball bat in her hands. The junior outfielder, by her own admission, is very aggressive when she steps into the batter's box. And, it's that aggression that has made her one of the toughest players in America to strikeout.

Last season, the San Diego native struck out just seven times in 202 at-bats, which ranked her third on the NCAA Division I list for toughest to strikeout. She fanned just once every 28.9 at-bats, a number which has improved so far in 2007. Through the team's first 13 games, Jacoby was the only Stag not to strike out, a streak which included 40 at-bats.

"I'm not a power hitter, so my hitting approach lends itself to being more of a contact hitter," Jacoby said. "I am an aggressive hitter, so I swing early in the count when there are more hittable pitches. I don't have too many two-strike counts which means I don't let good pitches go by."

During spring break, the team traveled to her hometown for eight games, which included a five-game tournament. The Stags saw very good pitching, especially in the team's game against the University of Utah.

"Utah's pitcher had a lot of movement and threw the ball hard," Head Coach Julie Brzezinski said. "We probably won't see another pitcher of her caliber the rest of the season."

Still, Jacoby faced Karina Canyon and stroked one of the team's two hits, and was not one of Canyon's six strikeout victims.

"I just focused more when I faced her, or any other pitcher who throws hard or has a lot of movement on her pitches," Jacoby said. "I am still aggressive, because it's the only way I know how to hit."

Her family and friends were able to see her play during the eight-game trip.

"My parents have seen me play at Fairfield, but it was the first time that my grandparents and friends were able to see me play since I came to Fairfield," Jacoby said. "It was great to see everyone and it made it even better that I played well during the eight games."

She has played well enough to lead the team in hitting after the first 13 games with a .450 batting average and 18 hits, twice as many hits as the next leading hitter. Last season, she placed second on the team with a .332 batting average with a team-high 67 hits in 60 games.

"Julia has become one of our most dependable hitters because she knows the strike zone and because she takes an intelligent approach to hitting," Brzezinski said. "She gives an edge at the top of the lineup because not only does she get hits, but she also finds a way to score runs."

Jacoby will anchor this year's team as it begins its quest for a Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) championship. The program has won several regular-season titles, but has not captured a MAAC tournament title or the automatic NCAA tournament berth that goes along with it.

"The team wants to win the MAAC tournament," Jacoby said. "I think the tournaments we played in North Carolina and San Diego will help us achieve that goal. Playing those types of teams will prepare us for the MAAC season and the tournament. I think we played together as a team by the end of the San Diego trip. We did all the little things that make a team successful."

Regardless of who is making it, you will always find being aggressive at the plate somewhere on that list of little things. That's a problem that the Stags shouldn't have this season, especially with Jacoby at the top of the lineup card.

Fairfield softball player Julia Jacoby'08 is a pitcher's nemesis with only seven strikeouts in 202 at-bats last season.

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News Briefs

Zeta Chapter of Connecticut, Phi Beta Kappa, inducts 48

Phi Beta Kappa, Zeta Chapter of Connecticut, announced this year's junior and senior inductees. Phi Beta Kappa is the nation's oldest and most prestigious academic honor society. Phi Beta Kappa inductees are selected from students majoring in the liberal arts and sciences who demonstrate excellence in their academic work and a passion for learning and the intellectual life. Students are elected by the chapter members on the basis of their academic achievement and the strength of the nominations submitted by faculty.

Juniors inducted include: Randell Bozzello,Tara Kalberer, Jenna Koliani, Stephanie Lauto, and Christine Mauro.

Seniors inducted include: Rachel Abenavoli, Michael Barrett, Nicole Bournival, James Burns, Tyler Conway, Danielle Corciullo, Catherine Cosgrove, Margaret Curran, Meredith Darts, Lauren DiGiovine, Andrew Fusco, Cristina Gaschino, Sean Gleason, Brendan Hermalyn, John Jorgensen, Jessica Kurose, Amanda LeClair, Allison Loso, Thomas Malley, Alison Mattessich, Katie McLaughlin, John Mendez, Jared Mezzocchi, David Muccino, Teresa O'Toole, Marissa Passantino, Amanda Popham, Allison M. Proto, Andrew Raissis, Bethany Reis, Megan Roby, Matthew Ryder, Dana Savidge, Wendy Scola, Colleen A. Slyne, Kathryn Sprovieri, John Stupak, Jonathan Velotta, Meredith White, Michael Willis, Michael Zaffetti, and Kristen Zeitler.

Group Theory Conference held at Fairfield University

On March 10, Fairfield University hosted an international mathematics conference, "Aspects of Infinite Groups." Organized by Dr. Benjamin Fine, professor of mathematics in CAS, the conference was designed to bring together workers in Infinite Group Theory and to honor Dr. Anthony Gaglione of the United States Naval Academy on his 60th birthday.

Group Theory is a branch of mathematics that is officially part of algebra but which touches on most other areas within the mathematical sciences including cryptography. Dr. Gaglione is a well know researcher in the area who proved one of the crucial leading steps to the final proof of the celebrated Tarski problem. More than 30 people attended the conference, which included six speakers at the top of their discipline: Dr. Gilbert Baumslag, a distinguished professor at City University of New York; Dr. Michael Anshel of the Computer Science Department of City University; Dr. Alexei Myasnikov, a chaired research professor at McGill University in Montreal; Dr. Gerhard Rosenberger of the University of Dortmund in Germany; Dr. Dennis Spellman of Temple University; and Dr. Fine. The University hosted a dinner at the Dolan School of Business for conference participants.

A FUSA First: Williams is a two-term president

The student body elected Hutch Williams '08 to his second term as president, making him the first president in Fairfield University Student Association history to serve two terms.

"One of the things I'm looking forward to is being able to continue working on our goals from last year, especially increasing school unity and pride, both in athletics and in other areas outside the classroom," said Williams. The students suggest many of the issues that need to be pursued, he added. For that reason, "I want to have more town forum-like meetings for students to talk about issues. Those meetings are also a good way for me get the word out about what's happening on campus. One of my goals is to help improve students' experiences and student government is one of best ways to do that."

Voter turnout this year was low, most likely because William's opponent dropped out before election night, making his reelection a sure bet. This year's vice president is John Daly '08.

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The Adolph and Ruth Schnurmacher Foundation gives $55,000 for Judaic Studies

The Carl and Dorothy Bennett Center for Judaic Studies received a $55,000 grant from the Adolph and Ruth Schnurmacher Foundation to support its programs and activities during 2007. This amount represents a $5,000 increase over last year's grant. The Schnurmacher Foundation has been a generous benefactor of the Center since 1997. The Bennett Center's programming includes special events, community outreach, and annual lectures, including the Adolph and Ruth Schnurmacher Lecture in Judaic Studies and the Jacoby-Lunin Humanitarian Lecture.

"I remain deeply appreciative of all that the Schnurmacher Foundation continues to do for Judaic Studies at Fairfield University," said Dr. Ellen Umansky, director of the Carl and Dorothy Bennett Center for Judaic Studies. "It's wonderful to have donors who are both financially and personally supportive of our efforts and who continue to make possible, and enrich, many of our offerings."

The Samuel H. Kress Foundation gives University $50,000 grant for Bellarmine Museum

Fairfield University has received a $50,000 grant from the Samuel H. Kress Foundation for the Bellarmine Museum project, a series of galleries and instructional space planned for the lower level of Bellarmine Hall. The grant includes $25,000 to be put towards the construction of the museum, which is scheduled to open in fall 2007, and $25,000 for a visiting museum scholar. The Bellarmine Museum project is one of the priority fundraising initiatives for the College of Arts & Sciences Board of Advisors, whose members have been instrumental in bringing this project to fruition.

"I am deeply appreciative for the Kress Foundation grant, as it will enable Fairfield to embark on this important initiative," said Jorge Figueredo '82, chairman of the CAS Board of Advisors. "The Bellarmine Museum is a vital project within the Board's charge and this gift will enable us to get it off the ground. Moreover, it will bring an important cultural aspect to the student and community experience at Fairfield University."

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Jeanne Moutoussamy-Ashe to speak at Fairfield Awards Dinner

Jeanne Moutoussamy-Ashe, photographer, author, activist and wife of the late tennis champion Arthur Ashe, will be the keynote speaker at Fairfield University's annual Fairfield Awards Dinner on Thursday, April 12 at 6 p.m. at the Grand Hyatt in New York City. The chair of the dinner is Brian P. Hull, a 1980 alumnus and trustee of Fairfield, as well as senior vice president of Global Private Client, Merrill Lynch.

Also honored at the dinner by the Alumni Association will be the Rev. Charles H. Allen, S.J., executive assistant to the president, with the Distinguished Faculty/Administrator Award; Larry C. Rafferty '64, P'03, chief executive officer of Rafferty Capital Markets, with the Alumni Service Award; Michele Macauda '78, P'09, a senior vice president at AT&T, with the Alumni Professional Achievement Award; and AIDS activist Paula Donovan '77, M.A. '88, with the Alumni Humanitarian Award.

The dinner serves as the annual fundraiser for the Multicultural Scholarship Fund. For more information about the event or to attend, contact the Office of Corporate Relations via e-mail at rcottle@mail.fairfield.edu or crusso@mail.fairfield.edu, or call ext. 2927. The public is welcome. Fairfield University employees receive a special discount on event tickets.

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The Campus View

The stars were out for the Fairfield University Staff Association's "Oscar and the Movies" luncheon on March 21, complete with films playing on a screen and popcorn and candy on every table. Faculty and staff took a page from the scripts of some favorite films to play a game. Contestants, including Elise Bochinski (pictured above), the University archivist for the DiMenna-Nyselius Library, had to figure out which glamorous actress she was supposed to be (the answer was taped to her back) by asking the crowd questions. With a feather boa, she was Elizabeth Taylor - of course!

Photo by Jean Santopatre

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Philippe de Montebello to speak at Open VISIONS Forum 10th anniversary

Philippe de Montebello, director of The Metropolitan Museum of Art (MMA), will deliver a lecture in celebration of the 10th anniversary of the Open VISIONS Forum of University College on April 22.

Montebello is the longest serving director in the museum's history, celebrating his 30th year in 2007. He was the very first Open VISIONS speaker in 1997. Under his leadership, MMA has nearly doubled in size, acquired significant collections and masterpieces, and created wide-ranging educational programs. MMA is the largest museum in the Western Hemisphere and is approached in size only by the Louvre in Paris.

The event is sold out, but a wait list is available. For more information, contact the Quick Center Box Office at ext. 4010.

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Holocaust survivor to share story

Martin Schiller was just six years old when the Nazis invaded his homeland of Poland. His family fled eastward, but three years later were rounded up and interned in a labor camp, where his father perished. He and his brother survived several months at Buchenwald, eventually reunited with their mother and spent some time in a displaced persons' camp before making their way to the United States. Schiller attended the University of New Haven and became an electrical engineer. Today, he lives in Fairfield.

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Campus Currents is the official news publication of the Fairfield University community. It is published monthly. The editorial office is located in Dolan West. Telephone: 254-4000, ext. 3392. Fax: 254-5554. E-mail: anavarro@mail.fairfield.edu.

Editor
Alejandra Navarro
Publications Writer and Editor

Editorial Board
Martha Milcarek
Assistant Vice President for Public Relations
Barbara Kiernan
Director of University Publications
Jean Santopatre
University Photojournalist

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