2/27/19

A Final Farewell

‘Radicals in Miniature’

Men’s Lax First Win

Opinion

Vine

Sports

“Radicals in Miniature” comes to the Quick.

Men’s lacrosse wins 1-3 against SHU.

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Our departing EIC offers empowering words for aspiring female journalists.

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THE MIRROR Independent student newspaper

Week of February 27, 2019

Vol. 44 Iss. 17

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Claire-Voyant Outcome in FUSA Election Monahan and Guerrera look forward to the future of their presidency Monahan and Guerrera defeated opponents Thomas Boutros ’20 and

By Deanna Carbone Danielle Tringali’ 20, Brian Managing Editor Gozzo ‘20 and John (Jack) The 72nd Fairfield UniCallanan ’20 and Jennie versity Student Association Toutoulis ‘20 and Meghan election proved that one vote, Jackson ’20 after a six-day or 12 as the case maybe, goes election period. a long way. Junior Claire Mo“FUSA president was nahan and Noelle Guerrera ‘21 never something I thought were elected to be the 2019-20 I would do,” said Monahan. student body president and “What I realized is that vice president by a margin of FUSA president is the voice just 12 votes. of the students.That’s when The two campaigned right I realized that the FUSA up until the polls closed at president is someone that 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 26 can achieve real change on in the Daniel and Grace Tully campus.”

Dining Commons where they Monahan and Guerhanded out candy and spread rera were able to secure the positive enthusiasm. presidency with 532 votes.

At 7:00 p.m., students Boutros and Tringali came took to The Levee Pub to supat a close second place port the next elected leaders of with 520 votes, followed by campus. When the results were Toutoulis and Jackson with announced at 7:20 p.m., it was 275 votes, and Gozzo and met with resounding applause Callan received 249 votes. from University students as “There were a lot of the underdog candidates were amazing candidates that indeclared the winners. Neither spired Claire and I to work Lexi Thimble/ The Mirror Monahan nor Guerrera have harder to campaign and served on the FUSA proconnect with the students,” Left to Right: Noelle Guerrara ‘21 and Claire Monahan ‘20 are all smiles after winning the 2019 FUSA election. gramming board or on any board in the executive branch, and Guerrera ran as an underclassman. said Guerrera. “I always loved serving the students and listening to what they want fixed. I want the Monahan currently serves as the head of the judicial branch as chief justice of the FUSA court and Read FUSA on Page Two Guerrera currently serves as the head of the legislative branch as speaker of the senate.

By Alicia Phaneuf Editor-in-Chief

Students Fearful After Library Incident

By Alicia Phaneuf Editor-in-Chief When Audra Dachowski ‘22 ventured to the DiMenna-Nyselius Library with her two friends, Kaitlin Tracy ‘22 and Danielle Doleva ‘22 on Saturday, Feb. 23, facing a potential invasion of privacy never crossed their minds. After being in the library for about two hours, the three first-year students unexpectedly felt threatened by a questionable person lurking around them.

According to the director of Fairfield University’s Department of Public Safety, Todd Pelazza, “Students were concerned about suspicious behavior from a male non-community member who appeared to be either filming or taking photos of them on the second floor of the library.”

According to Dachowski, the three friends went to the library around 1:00 p.m. and believe the male to have arrived around 3:00 p.m. Dachowski explained that the male had been in the library for a while, when she noticed he was holding his phone upwards in a way that appeared he was recording.

“He was very obviously recording. It was so obvious that I thought he wouldn’t be recording me … and I dismissed it,” said Dachowski.

Dachowski moved to sit in a different chair when one of her friends approached her and expressed immediate concern to leave the library. Her friend had been watching the suspicious male and believed that he had definitely been recording the three students.

“He had his phone up … and then he set it down and rested it on his computer and then moved it so that the camera was still on us,” said Dachowski.

The girls immediately felt compelled to pack up their stuff and leave the library. They explained that the individual could have been filming them for about 45 minutes until they realized what was happening. Before exiting the library the three students went to the circulation desk to explain what they had witnessed. The employees who were behind the desk at the time of the incident then called DPS. DPS received a call from the library at 5:48 p.m.

“DPS came and basically flooded the library,” said Dachowski. “There was like six DPS officers and we airdropped a photo of the guy to the DPS officers.”

The three students were told they could leave the library and would be notified with updates of the situation.

“I was very impressed with how seriously DPS took us.

They could easily have been like ‘you’re being paranoid,’ but

they took us really seriously and responded so quickly to it,” said Dachowski. The students estimated that it took DPS about five minutes to arrive at the library.

DPS later told the students that the individual had no distinct reason to be on campus, and when officers went to go and talk to him, he “faked a phone call,” and officers believed that the individual to be deleting photos and/or videos from his phone.

“Officers responded and identified the individual. The individual denied taking pictures, however, was somewhat non-compliant with other officer requests,” said Pelazza. “This individual was escorted out of the building and off campus after being issued a criminal trespass warning.”

Pelazza explained that the criminal trespass warning bans the individual from campus, and if found on the grounds of Fairfield, “ he will be arrested for Criminal Trespass in the first degree.”

Following this incident, a new protocol has been initiated where all non-university faculty, staff and students will need to produce an authentic ID upon entering the library and be required to sign-in at the front desk.

“It just feels very violating,” said Dachowski. “I’m supposed to feel safe to be in the library. I shouldn’t have to look out for people videoing me while I’m studying.”

Students Raise Over $20 Thousand for a Cure

By Daniel Messier Contributing Writer Fairfield University’s second annual Stagathon was held on Saturday, Feb. 23 at 1:00. Students formed teams for $10 a person and were tasked with competing in various board games, participating in different activities and, most importantly, staying on their feet. All of the money raised goes to children in need.

“Stagathon is a year long fundraiser that raises money for our local CMN [Children’s Miracle Network] Children’s Hospital, Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital. During the event we had multiple fundraiser opportunities as well, whether it was the raffle table or

hourly fundraiser pushes, encouraging participants to donate or reach out to friends/family to donate,” said Liza Rozenberg ‘21, recruitment chair for the event.

However, the event goes further than just financial support for children in need. “For our main event that was held this past Saturday, we invited families that were treated the Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital to honor them and have them tell their story.

This day was a day for the kids to just be kids. No hospitals or doctors just fun and celebration of all they’ve been through in their medical journey,” continued Rozenberg. The day was truly about the children.

The main theme of this year’s Stagathon was board games.

“At the event, there were a variety of fun activities, ranging from giant Jenga, to Twister, to bowling, to KanJam, corn hole and more! The Exec Team also organized several minute-to-win-it games that were super fun for the kids, and Just Dance was a huge crowd pleaser,” said Megan Roy ‘21 and current philanthropy chair of Play Like A Girl, who attended the event. However, Roy noted that the students’ interactions with the children was the highlight of the event, “My favorite part of the event was hearing the Miracle Read Community on Page two

News

THE MIRROR | Week of February 27, 2019

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FUSA Presidential Election Decided by 12 Votes Continued from Page One

students to know they can always approach me and know that I’m still passionate about solving their issues.”

The total amount of votes cast by the class of 2019 was 184. The junior class contributed 454 votes, sophomores cast 441 and firstyear students made their voices heard with the highest amount of contributed votes at 507.

“Since we were the only ticket with members from two different class years, we really wanted to make sure the concerns of the the first-year and sophomore classes were heard,” said Monahan. “Our platform centered around feedback we heard from them, we want to improve fairfield for future students.”

Current FUSA president Danielle Rice ‘19 applauded all of the

“

What I realized is that FUSA president is the voice of the students. That’s when I realized that the FUSA president is someone that can achieve real change on campus.”

-Claire Monahan ‘20

students that put all they had into the election.

“We are so proud of all the candidates and the dedication they’ve shown to the student body and FUSA. Matt and I know how hard it is to put yourself out there to run. We’re excited for Claire and Noelle to continue a legacy,” said Rice.

Monahan plans to stick to her campaign promise of remaining open and transparent to the student body. “I want the students to know that they can talk to me about anything at any time, by email, coming to the FUSA office, they can come up to me in The Tully.”

The Mirror remained unbiased throughout the 2019-20 FUSA campaign, but we would like to extend our congratulations to now former News Editor, Claire Monahan.

We will miss you on staff and on Tuesday nights.

Lexi Thimble/ The Mirror

Candidate Boutros ‘20 chats with Rebecca King ‘19.

Community Rallies Together for Dance Marathon Continued from Page One families stories, as they were a true reflection of why this event was happening on our campus.”

Although Stagathon was a great place for students to relax and have fun, it became a celebration of the brave children of Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital, and a way for students to connect with those inspiring children. The event gave the students and children a chance to learn and experience the activities together, illuminated by the final dance number to the song “Best Day of my Life” by the American Authors. The students and children learned bits of the dance routine throughout the day, and eventually danced the whole routine together.

Rozenberg further emphasized the emotional connection that was made between the students and the children when she described the “Circle of Hope” activity.

“We distribute hospital wristbands to all the participants and the families and then form two circles: one in the center (the exec team and the miracle families) and the participants circle on the outside,” said Rozenberg. “Then, we have our special guests, the kids, cut off everyones wristband one by one. It’s a very moving activity, watching the wristbands fall to the ground, honoring the families and everything they have been through.”

Overall, Stagathon raised $20,546.70 this year, a sizeable leap from last year’s $16,058.02. Although only the second installment of this annual event, Fairfield University’s Stagathon 2019 proved to be a success.

Photos Contributed by Austen Kenyan and Matthew Little

Students played games with children during the festivities of Stagathon which was held in the Dogwood Room of the John A. Barone Campus Center on Saturday.

News

THE MIRROR | Week of February 27, 2019

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The Mirror Reflects on this Week in Social Media: Compiled by Claire Monahan Information contributed by the Department of Public Safety.

Thursday, 2/21 10:45 p.m.

On Feb. 9 at 3 a.m., an unknown male walked into a room in Regis Hall. Nothing occurred. The matter was referred to student conduct.

Friday, 2/22 10:16 p.m.

A resident assistant reported finding a male with marijuana in a lounge in Loyola Hall. Alcohol and a THC vape pen were also confiscated. The student was referred to student conduct.

Saturday, 2/23 3:00 a.m.

An RA reported the discovery of a THC vape pen in a room in Loyola Hall which was confiscated by DPS. The matter was referred to student conduct.

5:48 pm DPS received a report of suspicious male in the DiMenna-Nyselius Library Library possibly taking photos of females in library. DPS located and identified the male who was determined to be a non-student. DPS issued a criminal trespass warning and warned the male not to return to campus.

THE MIRROR Incorporated 1977

Alicia Phaneuf, Editor-in-Chief Cara Lee, Executive Editor Deanna Carbone, Managing Editor Editors Sabina Dirienzo, Chief Copy Sabrina Trueheart, Copy Claire Monahan, News Julia Monteleone, Assistant News Lexi Thimble, Opinion Gracianne Eldrenkamp, Vine Alle Scanlon, Assistant Vine Julia Crews, Coee Break Patrick Getz, Co-Sports Daniel Montgomery, Co-Sports Christopher LaZazzera, Assistant Sports Business Department Email: info@fairfieldmirror.com Natalia Macchio, Director of Finance Advisor Professor Matt Tullis Contact Information Fairfield University 1073 North Benson Road, BCC 104 Box AA, Fairfield, CT 06824 General email: info@fairfieldmirror.com

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THE MIRROR | Week of February 27, 2019

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Talking Statue Speaks to Students

Claire Monahan/ The Mirror

Claire Monahan/ The Mirror

The large statue of Pope Francis stands waving with a smile in John A. Barone Campus Center with a box for students to place their answers to the prompts it has.

By Claire Monahan News Editor

Students walking past the steps to the Daniel and Grace Tully Dining Commons might have noticed the almost nine-foot-tall marble statue of Pope Francis waving at them. The statue was installed in the John A. Barone Campus Center the morning of Feb. 12, before the snow hit campus.

The statue features prompts related to the Pope’s encyclical “Laudato Si”, for those that walk by to reflect on the relationship between social justice and care of the environment.

The sculptors of the statue, Joan Benefiel and Jeremy Leichman of Figuration Limited Liability Corporation, were inspired by the history of “talking statues.” These were statues in 16th century Rome that people would post writings on such as poems or impassioned speeches. Since the statues were located in public squares, writings posted to the statue would inspire conversation in the public.

The hashtag #hopeofpope, encourages students to tweet their responses to the prompts printed on the statue. There is also a pen and paper, as well as a slot for students

to hand write their responses.

Benefiel said the responses written and placed in the slot will be collected by her and Leichman after Earth Day and the author of the best response will be given a miniature Pope Francis statue. All of the written responses will be scanned and posted online for others to view.

Benefiel and Leichman also created the statue of St. Ignatius in front of The Egan Chapel of St. Ignatius of Loyola.

Director of Campus Ministry Father Mark Scalese S.J. hopes that the statue will inspire conversation in the Fairfield community about climate change. “If we care about social justice, about the environment, we should do something about it,” said Scalese.

Scalese added that he had originally considered placing the statue in the lobby of the Egan Chapel but BCC was chosen instead because, “more people would be able to see it and interact.”

The statue has also been displayed in St. Ignatius Loyola Church in New York City, NY, and the Our Lady of the Lake Parish Center in Leominster, Mass. The statue is only here temporarily and will be transported to another location after this year’s convocation in May.

Students Come Together for Custodians’ Rights

By Claire Monahan News Editor

“Don’t cry over spilled milk! One of our hardworking custodians will clean it up,” read one of the signs some students saw posted all around campus on Feb. 20. The posters are another manifestation of the ongoing campaign of the Students and Workers United club to inform students of the working conditions of custodians on campus.

Senior Sean Tomlinson, an active member of SWU, said that the posters were taken down too quickly to have an effect on students. However faculty did notice them, “I had numerous conversations with them [the faculty] about why I had posted them [the posters], but not necessarily about the content they [the posters] covered,” explained Tomlinson.

The postings were a week after the Feb. 14 Valentine’s Day protest at the Stag Statue for workers’ rights. Students held up signs and stood atop the statue while asking students walking by to sign a petition regarding the treatment of custodians to be delivered to President Mark Nemec.

One of the protest organizers Renee Babin ‘21, explained the significance of the protest on the holiday. “We thought Valentine’s Day would be a good day to have the demonstration because, while it is great to enjoy the holiday and celebrate with loved ones,” said Babin, “it is also import-

ant to realize that many people don’t have the privilege of doing so because they are stuck at work all day –– often under harmful working conditions –– like our custodians here on campus.”

Tomlinson was hopeful working conditions would improve despite years of poor working conditions. “I have noticed that it becomes more difficult, though not impossible, for blatant workers’ rights violations to occur when the students are actively concerned about their custodians’ well-being,” said Tomlinson.

Claire Monahan/ The Mirror There was another proStudents support custodians and their rights by protesting at the Stag with signs. test about the same issue at the Stag State in the fall of 2017. tions to President Nemec to spread the word and carry that SWU held an event trying to passion forward to demand action,” said one student who raise awareness for this issue in Nov. of 2018. attended the protest Teresa Sauer ‘20.

“Now we just need everyone who signed the peti-

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Opinion

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THE MIRROR | Week of February 27, 2018

Opinion

Editor Lexi Thimble » alexandra.thimble@student.fairfield.edu

To All The Girls Who Were Told ‘You Can’t’ remember. I want to seek the truth, report the truth and make a difference in the world by doing something that I’m pretty good at — writing.

I grew up in a super small town in Massachusetts, and since middle school I’ve faced instance after instance of people telling me “you If you have ever had the privilege of taking Women’s Literature with can’t.” When my father was laid off from his job the summer before I was Dr. Emily Orlando, professor of English at Fairfield University, then you supposed to enter a private high school, my parents gave me the choice know about the “angel in the house.” The angel in the house is described by of either going to private school, or going to public school. If I went to Victorian author Virginia Woolf as representing society’s idea of the “ideal private school however, I would have to quit being a competitive dancer woman.” A woman who is devoted and submissive to her husband, who because they could no longer afford both. I chose to go to public school is passive, pious and pure. In her speech, “Professions for Women,” Woolf and got accepted into every college/university I applied to, despite the fact talks about the challenge female writers face when battling these preconthat people told me I wouldn’t have the same opportunities as students ceived ideas of what a “true woman” should be. Unfortunately, female writgraduating from a private school. ers continue to face the challenge of combating this “angel in the house.”

When it came time to choose between Fairfield and a few other On Jan. 13, 2019, Yahoo published an article about previous teleuniversities more well-known for journalism, people once again told me vision news host Brittany Noble-Jones’ experience in the newsroom at that going to a small, Jesuit university wouldn’t get me to where I wanted WJTV This Morning in Mississippi. Nobles-Jones explained that she was to be. I would like to again point out that I proved those people wrong. nervous to tell her boss that she was pregnant and, after she worked up the I am a hip-hop choreographer for Fairfield University’s Dance Encourage to tell him, she “soon felt more ostracized at work.” She wrote on semble, I am a team member for Fairfield’s competitive dance team, Dance Medium, “After announcing that I was pregnant, I was no longer included Fusion, and I currently work as an investigative unit intern at my dream in commercials. I felt the need to starve myself to fit in. I now weigh only company, NBC Universal, all while continuing to serve the student body 108 pounds. I did eat while I was pregnant and while carrying my son and as the editor-in-chief of The Mirror. I am not a woman who likes to sit postpartum, I wasn’t allowed to represent the station and my events were still. given away to another white reporter.”

Through the Academic and Career Development Center’s alumOne event that went largely undercovered amidst the sexual misni job shadow program, I had the opportunity to shadow Danielle Tullo conduct allegations by Les Moonves is the lawsuit filed by former CBS ‘15, a senior editor for Her Campus Media. She’s a powerhouse for sure, investigative reporter, Michele Gillen. Gillen was the only female investigaand solidified for me the idea that women have the power to instill change. tive reporter on the team in CBS Miami and began reporting about disWomen can both be strong and confident. crimination in the workplace in 2010; but it wasn’t until August 2018 that “I feel like girls who go to Fairfield and want to achieve their dream she was finally allowed to sue CBS. job just have to hustle,” said Tullo.

An article written by the Hollywood Reporter explains, “Gillen says Th e “new woman” is an empowered woman, a woman with goals, a younger and male reporters were routinely given projects she pitched, leavwoman who hustles. The fact that it is the 21st-Century and female writers ing her with less desirable assignments and little to no support in producare still subjected to certain roles and characteristics is something I have ing them. When she approached human resources about the issue, she was worked to change at Fairfield. We have an all-female editorial board, told to let God handle it and that ‘bad karma’ would catch up to the and I am proud to say that after this week another all-female edpeople doing it. After complaining, Gillen claims her on-air time board will once again run The Mirror. We have brought to was cut back.” the table investigative pieces that have started imporAs a young, female journalist, I too have experitant conversations and brought about positive changes enced the challenge of trying to break the Victorian mold to the University. of the “true woman.” People today still hold the idea that I’ve been hustling my entire life, and I have no a woman should “put their partner first” or choose to intention of slowing down now. I’ve done what I felt solely be a mother, rather than join the workforce. I guess Pictured: Departing Mirror Editor-in-Chief Alicia Phaneuf '19 was right for me, I’ve done what I’ve wanted to do for that’s just not how I was programmed. My top Clifton the past 21 years, regardless of what other people said Claire Monahan/The Mirror Strength is “achiever,” and anyone that knows me knows or thought. So, to all the girls out there who are told that settling down immediately post-grad is really not on “you can’t” … on behalf of myself and all other female Stags, my radar.

I’m telling you that you absolutely can.

I’ve had the dream of becoming a journalist for as long as I can

By Alicia Phaneuf Editor-in-Chief

Smollett's Hoax Brings America's Deep-Seated Prejudices To Light

By Kallan Hook Contributing Editor “Empire” actor Jussie Smollett recently captured the media’s attention after being involved in a potential hate-crime after two masked men attacked him on Jan. 29. The two men allegedly attacked him with racial and homophobic slurs while yanking rope around his neck. Promptly following Smollett’s filing of a police report, the two men were detained and later released without being charged after attesting that they were paid to play part in this hoax. Police revealed that the two men involved in the attack were friends of Smollet with one man acting as an extra on “Empire” and the other being Smollett’s recently hired personal trainer.

In the weeks since the attack, Smollett was arrested on the grounds of filing a false police report with the bond being set at $100,000. According to media sources, Smollett was upset by his salary and seeking publicity. Smollett faked his assault by paying the two men $3,500 and sending himself a threatening letter a week prior to the incident. Chicago Police Superintendent Eddie T. Johnson explained during a news conference on Feb. 21 how Smollett carelessly took advantage of the anger surrounding racism to create his role as the victim as a means of seeking attention. Johnson further discussed how “[He] just wish[es] that the families of gun violence in this city got this much attention.”

Editorial Board "Winds of Change, They Blow in My Direction" Alicia Phaneuf Editor-in-Chief Cara Lee Executive Editor Deanna Carbone Managing Editor

The repercussions surrounding the revelation that this hate-crime was nothing more than a hoax in a desperate cry for attention is devastating. Not only has Smollett carelessly cried victim, the lack of integrity within his claims can also further invalidate the stories of future victims. Minority groups in modern America constantly face disturbing accounts of racism and discrimination. When an affluent member of a minority community, either African-American or LGBTQ+, creates a deceitful scam due to lack of satisfactionsurrounding salary or for another selfish reason, the individuals who are actual victims may have a more difficult time in sharing their stories.

Furthermore, the hate-crime spawned against Smollett, regardless of being a complete hoax, reveals a greater truth that lies in American culture. Hate-crimes are still increasingly present and many individuals have become accustomed to ignoring the violence.

Modern racism is one of the most disturbing forces still present in America. Yet so many individuals are consciously ignorant of racial slurs and dehumanizing actions used against minority groups. The media has become so accustomed to covering police brutality against African-Americans or religious minority groups being threatened that audiences now lack empathy. The media coverage of the Smollett hoax was an attempt to raise awareness of the continuing hate-crimes that are apparent across America, yet individuals were only drawn towards the story because it involved a celebrity.

Thousands of individuals are targeted each day due to their

It’s hard to believe it’s been a year since we became the 2018-19 Mirror editorial board. But, here it is, our last issue. In our first ed-board, we outlined our goals for our time here, and I’m happy to report that not only did we achieve all of those goals, we surpassed them and accomplished so much more. Together, we reduced our print circulation while dramatically increasing our online presence, both on our website and our social media. While we didn’t double our followers, we revolutionized our content and have been reliably posting articles relevant to the student body every weekday. Our Instagram page has also taken off, and we created the record-holding Mirror post when we shared the news about the beach flooding and the students who used the opportunity to sail down the streets!

More importantly, we completely overhauled everything about our print issues. During the past year, we’ve

race, religion, or sexual orientation, yet the media rarely focuses on their stories. Promoting equality and unification in this country is only apparent when a celebrity is the victim. Ultimately, the Smollett hoax reveals a deep American truth: racism and minority discrimination is still strongly apparent, and we must continue to progress as a society to fight the inequalities that inexcusably still exist. While it was revealed that Smollett created a fraud assault, it is growing more important that we continue to give voice to the victims and not allow one individual’s cry for attention to invalidate all other survivor stories.

In order for us to be better as a naPictured: 'Empire' star Jussie tion, we need to Smollett be better people.

Creative Commons/

released nearly a dozen intense investigative pieces, from updates about Fairfield University’s connection to the Catholic Church Sexual Abuse scandal, to breaking the news about the surprising campus statistics on mental health and starting an investigation into the mold caused by water leaks on campus – a continuous investigation that has directly resulted in the University beginning to resolve these problems.

Continuing on improvement of our print content, ed-board members Alicia Phaneuf and Cara Lee both hail from Vine section backgrounds and wanted to spread creativity throughout the paper and Deanna Carbone, with her on-point eye, was equally interested. Since we began, it has been pointed out by numerous readers, school faculty and staff that each section of our issues have become even more professional looking as well as more visually

Yokota Air Base

pleasing.

We’ve also succeeded in a number of our other goals.

Our writing staff is bigger than ever, we never had to be in the office until the sun rose – and we even made it out before midnight FOUR times.

We can’t take all of the credit. We have our amazing staff to thank for helping us to accomplish these goals. It also wasn’t all easy. There were a lot of trials and tears along the way. The Mirror finances collapsed, and we spent a lot of time re-working the very framework of your favorite student newspaper. But, we’ve come a long way from the frantic ed-board that stayed an hour past the first issue was completed because we couldn’t get it to send to the printer.

Now it’s come full circle. Out with the old, in with the new. You heard it here – welcome former Opinion editor Lexi Thimble, the 2019-20 Editor in Chief!

THE MIRROR | Week of February 27, 2018

Opinion

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'Unconditional Surrender' is Honest Emotion, Not Assault “‘So we get into Times Square and the war ends and I see the nurse,’” and “‘I had a few drinks, and it was just plain instinct, I guess.

I just grabbed her.’”

Clearly Mendonsa had no intentions of mistreating Friedman in any way. He acted on pure adrenaline it seems, and he had no motive to harass her by any means. People do crazy things when they are excited, relieved, or just really thankful for something. You’ve probably all heard the saying, “I’m so happy, I could kiss you right now!” That is basically what seemed to go through Mendonsa’s head, and he acted on

By Catherine Santangelo Contributing Writer

An iconic moment that was captured in a photograph, and that many of us have probably seen and are familiar with, is the famous picture of the sailor kissing the nurse in Times Square after WWII ended, entitled “Unconditional Surrender.” This famous photograph was created into a statue that now resides in Sarasota, Fla. Sadly, the sailor in the photo, identified as George Mendonsa, passed away on Sunday, Feb. 17 at the age of 95.

The nurse in the photo was identified as Greta Friedman, who passed away back in 2016 at the age of 92. The Monday afternoon or evening after Mendonsa’s passing, the statue was vandalised by someone spray painting “#MeToo” on Friedman’s leg. Although the #MeToo movement is currently a very large, important and sensitive issue, this act takes it too far. Police have found no evidence or video surveillance of the incident, so there are currently no suspects, but whoever did it turned an iconic and pure moment in history into a social issue. it.

I do not want to downplay how serious a topic sexual harassment is, and how As for the person who decided to vandalize important it is that the #MeToo movement is allowing people to come forward and feel the statue in this manner, I have some things to say comfortable speaking out about the issue. I completely understand that it is an essento them. The sailor in that photo and depicted in the tial issue that people should be talking about, because any form of sexual harassment statue has just passed away, and by vandalizing the is horrible and wrong. However, for the case of the vandalized “Unconditional Surstatue with “#MeToo,” it basically calls him a sexual render” statue, the moment it depicts did not need to become a part of the #MeToo abuser. Speaking from the actions that he took that day movement. on Aug. 14, 1945, he is nothing close to that. He fought Both Mendonsa and Friedman were interviewed about this iconic kiss and how for our country, and he risked his life so that we can be it happened, and from the way they both describe it, what the kiss all comes down to safe and can continue to be free. Mendonsa should be is a celebration that the war had ended. As quoted from CNN, Friedman said that she celebrated as being a great man and veteran after his was suddenly grabbed by a sailor and, “‘He was just holding me tight. I'm not sure about death, not being accused of sexual assault. the kiss...It was just somebody celebrating. It wasn't a romantic event. It was just...‘Thank It really is disrespectful, and I can only hope God, the war is over.’” She also adds that, “It wasn't that much of a kiss. It was more of a that more people realize that not everyone in society is jubilant act that he didn't have to go back.” These quotes alone illustrate that this was a ‘spur looking to take advantage of people in such a disgustof the moment’ action on the part of Mendonsa out of pure excitement and relief that he ing manner. I agree that sexual harassment is a mawouldn’t have to go back and fight another day in the war. It was not a moment where he jor problem, but that doesn’t give any of us the excuse decided to take advantage of Friedman, or harass her in any way, which is mainly what the to accuse anyone of something so horrid, when they #MeToo movement focuses on. were simply displaying strong emotions in the purest From Friedman’s description, she clearly was not affected by the moment in the sense way possible. Police said in a statement that the damthat she felt abused or mistreated in any way. She knew that this was Mendonsa’s age done to the statue cost about $1,000 to repair, way of celebrating such an immense amount of contentment and gratefulness that Pictured: The 'Unconditional Surrender' statue but the beautiful moment that this statue depicts he would not have to experience such a horrifying thing as the war again. Also in Florida is priceless, and it should remain that way. quoted from CNN, Mondonsa shared his recollections of the event as well saying, Creative Commons/Wikimedia Commons

Letter to the Editor

A Wall Doesn't Equal Protection

By Maria DiGregorio Contributing Writer Creative Commons/ Wikimedia Commons

To the Editor: We are writing to respond to Ali Haidar’s letter of last week, in which he defends U.S. Congresswoman Ilhan Omar’s criticismby-tweet of AIPAC, and Israel, and questions those who have found her tweets offensive.

To clarify: the almost universal condemnation of Representative Omar had nothing to do with her criticism of the government of Israel (something that as the only democracy in that region, Israelis themselves do all the time). Her unseemly tweet, “It’s all about the Benjamins baby,” was not a reference to Benjamin Netanyahu. She was talking about the money and in so doing was bringing forward the oldest and most hateful anti-Semitic meme that history has offered us — the myth of Jewish control, especially financial control. It is the myth of the Rothschilds and George Soros manipulating the world from behind the scenes. It is the myth of the The Protocols of the Elders of Zion, the infamous forgery, long discredited that still gets published and disseminated throughout the world These are not just dog whistles – a rather whimsical term for something far more sinister. They have, historically fueled real violence against Jewish men, women, and children. It seems Congresswoman Omar herself has voiced contrition, and pledged to work with her colleagues to listen and learn more about this problem. Pushback against her tweets, was appropriate and necessary.

Mr. Haidar further calls Israel’s policies toward Palestinians "undemocratic" and “apartheid-esque.” I would ask him and others to consider the current Human Rights Right NGO's 149 page report which states: "The Fatah-led Palestinian Authority routinely arrests and tortures peaceful critics and opponents.” The report explains that "Calls by Palestinian officials to safeguard Palestinian rights ring hollow as they crush dissent."

A thorough discussion of these issues, and continued civil discourse, requires a consideration of the full story, without recourse to the age-old anti-Semitic tropes of Omar’s initial tweets.

Mr. Hadar will find us and many on this campus ready and willing to join in such a dialogue.

Rabbi James Prosnit Jewish Chaplain Professor Patricia Behre Department of History Editor’s Note: All opinion articles published in The Mirror solely reflect those of the writer, not the publication itself.

There has been much controversy surrounding President Donald J. Trump’s presidency, from news about his personal life to his aspirations to “build the wall”. It has become clear that Trump is serious about his desire to build a wall along the southern border of the United States to increase border security. Trump is doing this in an effort to decrease the amount of drugs illegally entering the country, as well as human trafficking and illegal immigration. However, Congress denied his request for money to fund the wall. In response to this, Trump declared a national emergency on Feb. 15. In the past, presidents have done this when there was an immediate threat to the national security of the country, like when President Abraham Lincoln suspended habeas corpus during the Civil War. But given the current situation, was this the right move on Trump’s end?

The United States Constitution divided the government into three branches: judicial, legislative and executive. Each of these three branches operate on a system called checks and balances, so one branch cannot override the other two. This is why Trump had to ask Congress, part of the legislative branch, for money to build his wall. When Congress denied his request, Trump had to find another way to acquire the money, so he used his executive privilege to call a national emergency – something which has been very useful in our country's history when there was an actual emergency.

In one of Trump’s

Pictured: Wall along the US and Mexican border Creative Commons/ Wikimedia Commons

public speeches he revealed that he did not actually think that this was a national emergency, he just believed it should be done. This shows that President Trump is willing to do whatever it takes to build his wall, including going against the advice of Congress.

Congress denied his request, not because they had any negative personal feelings towards him, but because this is not the best thing for the country. The wall is going to cost $70 billion to build and $150 million per year to maintain. Trump is correct in wanting to protect our country from criminals who do enter our country through the southern border, but there are much more cost effective ways of fixing this problem than building a wall. Especially as not everyone that crosses the border is a criminal and we do have our law enforcement to protect us from people who do classify as such.

According to former FBI agent Clint Watts, most of the country’s threats to border security come from the northern border, not the southern. That is not to say that people illegally entering our country from the southern border is not a problem, it just does not meet the criteria to be called a national emergency. If Trump continues to call events national emergencies that do not constitute as such, he will lose the trust of the American people. In the best interest of the nation and the people, Trump should listen to the congressional members we voted for and change his plans for border security.

arts, entertainment, features Editor Gracianne Eldrenkamp gracianne.eldrenkamp@student.fairfield.edu

The Vine Powerful Monologue Perfomance Stuns Quick Center

Photos Taken by Paula Court

CreativeCommons/OpenClipArt

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Radicals in Miniature is a Moving Performance

By Molly Lamendola Contributing Writer

It’s a running joke of the mainstream, the inability for Starbucks employees to correctly spell and write out a name across one of their coffee cups. Especially, as actor, director and writer Ain Gordon tells, for a man named Ain. It was during one of his regular coffee stops that he discovered an opportunity to remember the names that have been lost. His performance, “Radicals in Miniature,” which was performed at the Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts on Feb. 24 with partners Josh Quillen and Ed Fitzgerald, was all about telling the stories of the dead, telling us an alternate running titles was, “People I Know Who Died.” But, in that coffee shop, Gordon told the barista to call him Sam. Sam, the name of his long dead Grandfather. Then, not only was Ain able to easily walk off with a nice cup of coffee without any confusion, but a name that hadn’t been heard in years was read out by a Starbucks Barista. In more practical terms, this opening story allowed all of us in the audience to finally know why there were so many empty coffee cups strewn around the stage.

It wasn’t only coffee cups. The Lawrence A. Wien Experimental Black Box Theatre, small and dark and only able to seat a classroom size of people, was decorated with 14 various sized computer monitors that projected a seemingly ran- Ain Gordon performing Radicals in Miniature. dom assortment of images. As we sat and waited, the lights dimmed and Gordon, a later middle aged man with greying hair speckled throughout his curled black hair, began and successfully completed a mission of remembering the insignificant, and of all the miniscule details of those who have died.

Those who, on paper at least, mean less to Ain than his Grandfather. He first introduced us to John Sex. All Gordon could remember about his first and only encounter with John Sex was his jump off a stage at the Mud Club, a hot spot for the youth of New York City in the 1970’s, and Sex’s hand grabbing Gordon’s butt. That’s it. Any of the other information shared or shown to the audience through the computer monitors, was, as Gordon’s partner Josh Quillen whispered through the microphone, “Googled.” Gordon, who was 16 at the time of

his meeting, didn’t remember what everyone else knew about Sex: his erect hair, eccentric cabaret routines often performed with his pet snake Delilah or his untimely death from AIDS at the age of 34. All he remembered was his electric personality and that launch from the stage.

The story continues on as the audience is introduced to character after character in Gordon’s life. We hear about Lou Plotnick, who Gordon only remembers through his all weather three button suit, as Gordon wears said three button jacket to reveal more information about Plotnick. All the substantial information, the fact that Plotnick and his wife Maud separated at some point and exactly which house they lived in just outside the NYC, all that information was “Googled.”

Quillen also supplied his own stories of remembrance. One of which was that his mother grew up with a man named, Brad Dinolfo, who was best known for his ability to sneak into Ohio State games dressed as one of the Marching Band members and simply join in with the rest of the band though he, at the time, could’ve been the father to many of the band’s members. Dinolfo, who lived in an era that was Photo Contributed by Paula Court unsupportive of homosexuality - as Quillen’s mother recalls, “We just didn’t talk about it,” was known to order Elizabeth Arden makeup in town. Even though Quillen’s mother kept quiet about the whole ordeal, Dinolf was still murdered and castrated in his bar by a kid Quillen grew up with.

It feels magical, that just as Gordon, Quillen and their third partner Ed Fitzgerald, created this show to solidify the names of those not often remembered. I too am writing their names out and archiving them forever in the Mirror. This story will play just a small part in continuing on the memories of those forgotten, those not easily remembered by the masses. Even if all we’re doing is reading out their names from Starbucks cups and discussing the seemingly insignificant details from the massive span of time that is life.

We are remembering.

'Alita: Battle Angel' is surprisingly captivating ByTyler Zikias Contributing Writer

“Alita: Battle Angel” is directed by Robert Rodriguez and follows a young cyborg named Alita (Rosa Salazar) after she’s found in a junkyard by Dr. Dyson Ido (Christoph Waltz). While discovering her past, Alita builds relationships with the people around her as she learns more about the lower class world she awakens in. This movie was in development by legendary director, James Cameron, for nearly 27 years. Cameron, who now only has a writing credit on the film as he is too busy with “Avatar” movies until about 2021, handed the project over to Robert Rodriguez, who has a knack for visual storytelling. A project being in development for that long can either spell a masterpiece or a disaster.

While the film can feel extremely congested at times with several storylines weaving in and out of each other, “Alita: Battle Angel” is a visual pleasure from minute one.

This film looks spectacular. Almost the entire finished product is rendered with layers upon layers of CGI. Most films struggle with this tactic, creating a glossy and fake looking feel, but “Alita” embraced this feeling, harkening back to the Anime that inspired it. Just about every villain in the film has CGI appendages and weaponry that never feels out of place. The world that Rodriguez has created on screen feels dense and lived in. Every frame is packed to the brim with compelling visuals, breathing life into what could otherwise be a hollow environment. The action sequences are dynamically filmed and smartly choreographed.

Alita is a powerful warrior and the scenes where she showcases her abilities are satisfying and visually impressive. There is one sequence towards the end of the film that features the world’s fictional game, Motorball, that is fast paced and features a sprawling, large scale chase that had my jaw on the floor. I have to recommend this film in 3D because it might be some of the best use of the technology I have ever seen.

It may be tough to realize with every character being caked in CGI, but this film has a pretty stellar cast who all showcase great performances. Rosa Salazar is incredible as Alita.

Acting through motion capture can be challenging with a large camera in front of the actors face, hindering their ability to truly interact with others. However, Salazar shines and takes the entire film by the reins by creating a likable lead who can kick ass when it’s necessary. Academy Award winner, Christoph Waltz is charming and effective, as he always is. He plays a compassionate, and slightly overprotective, father figure to Alita even after his past may not have put him under the best circumstances to do so. Another Academy Award winner, Mahershala Ali, who plays Vector, may be the one sore thumb in the cast that really sticks out. He is by no means bad in this movie, but is character is rather bland and forgettable, serving as a pawn for the real villain. I would have liked to see Ali with a more prominent and menacing role in the film.

My biggest problem with “Alita” is absolutely its script. I feel like there is enough content here to be split into two films. I can think of about 5 or 6 story threads that are played out in this movie, all feeling rather unsatisfying upon their conclusion. The film rarely gives you a moment to breathe because it’s always on the move trying to show you something

new. This could have been a solid approach for a sequel, but since we just met all these new characters, there is really only an emotional attachment

alitamovie/Instagram

to Alita. I wish it had spared an action sequence or two to develop more of the side characters around Alita. It would have fleshed out the world more and made this film a more seamless watch. It’s hard to even recall some of the things that happen because there is so many things occurring regarding Alita’s past, Motorball tournaments, getting off the lower class world and taking down the big bad guy named Nova. This many threads make it difficult to see where the film is actually going, and when it goes in just about every direction it can, it feels jarring and a bit nauseating.

While the film has some major structural issues and an overloaded script, I can’t help but recommend “Alita: Battle Angel.” It is a total blast of pure adrenaline at times with a heroine that steals the show. Even the ending, which sets up for a sequel, got me really excited. I would have stayed to watch “Alita 2” if it had started right after this one ended. I really hope small box office returns doesn’t prevent this film from starting a franchise that it can really spread its wings into. If you’ve seen the trailers and this film doesn’t seem like your cup of tea, I would say check it out anyways because I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this one, even with rock bottom expectations. It isn’t changing the game in anyway, but it’s a pretty fun watch if you have 2 hours to kill.

Grade: B-

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The 91st Academy Awards Spark Controversy

By Gracianne Eldrenkamp Vine Editor The 91st Academy Awards had a significant amount of backlash long before the show actually premiered on Sunday, Feb. 24. The controversies started when prospective 2019 host, Kevin Hart’s past homophobic tweets resurfaced and continued more recently with the Ac a d e m y ’s

decision to hand out certain awards like Best Cinematography and Best Editing during the commercial breaks. Since those controversies, the abcnetwork/Instagram Academy has since decided to cut the idea of a host completely and gave airtime back to the cut awards. Needless to say, it seems, lately, the Oscars just can’t go a year without sparking some sort of major controversy.

Rami Malek won big.

The actual program itself was just as entertaining as it was any other year. The lack of a host was not missed in the slightest because the presenters of the show brought more than enough energy to the show. Presenters like Melissa McCarthy and Brian Tyree Henry, John Mulaney and Awkwafina, and Tina Fey, Amy Poehler and Maya Rudolph added some much needed hu-

mor between the seriousness of the awards. though the awards for Best Director and Best Picture are Musical performances of this year’s Oscars included often joined at the hip, this year they diverged from that songs from “Mary Poppins Returns,” “The Ballad of Buster trend. Best Director went to Alfonso Cuaron for “Roma” Scruggs,” “Bohemian Rhapsody” and “RBG.” The most an- and Best Picture went to “Green Book.” ticipated performance was Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga’s The Best Picture winner was possibly the most surperformance of Shallow from “A Star is Born.” It was filmed prising of the night, and it caused a lot of backlash. Almuch more cinematically than the other performances though the Oscars seemed to have done well by choosing with beautiful closeups of the two actors singing together the true story of Dr. Shirley, a black man fighting racial around a piano. However, Lady Gaga’s singing prowess stereotypes, the depiction of Dr. Shirley in “Green Book” far surpassed Bradley Cooper as he attempted, and in comparison to real person is far removed from the truth. failed, to hit several of the key notes which made Some people believe the film shows him as as a secondary the performance lose a lot of its charm. character and was more focused on the heroics of the white “Roma” took a good portion of the big wins, man in the film. Shirley’s living family members even dislike Best Cinematography, Best Director and Best approved of the depiction of their Foreign language film. “Bohemian Rhapsody” also loved one. For those reasons, did remarkably well with Rami Malek winning Best many people, including Spike Actor, and the film taking other awards like Best Lee, agreed “Green Book”’s win Editing, Best Sound Editing, and Best Sound Mixwas a bad move for the Academy ing. “Black Panther” took multiple awards home as to make. well for Production Design, Costume Design and Overall, the 91st Academy Best Score. “BlacKKKlansman” was awarded a disAwards were only average, and if appointing singular award in Best Adapted Screenthey don’t make major changes play despite its seven nominations, although it was soon to avoid controversy, Spike Lee’s first nomination and win. it’ll probably stay As for speeches, some of the best were from that way in the Olivia Colman, Best Actress winner with future. her comedic thank you, Spike Lee, Best Adapted Screenplay winner, with his inspiring political speech, and Alfonso Cuaron, winner of three different awards, with heartwarming stories of his childhood in Mexico.

Interestingly, there weren’t many records broken this year. Hannah Beachler was the first African American to win Best Production Design, and Peter Ramsay was the first African American to win Best Animated Feature.

Also, both the winners for best theoscarsworld/Instagram actor, Rami Malek, and best actress, Olivia Colman were first-time nominees. AlLady Gaga with her first Academy Award.

Offset Releases His Debut Solo Album

By Andrew Murphy Contributing Writer Rapper Offset, aka one-third of the hip-hop supergroup Migos, dropped his own longawaited debut album titled “Father of 4” on Friday, Feb. 22. Even though his name has flooded celebrity gossip for the past year, the rapper has lacked a true introduction to the public. Much of his popularity has resulted from his well-documented relationship with recently-emerged megastar Cardi B. Offset also made headlines after suffering a near-fatal car crash in May 2018. However, since the Migos’ arrival to music prominence in 2013, Offset’s legal troubles have provided the majority of the attention that he has received outside of the group. With “Father of Four”, Offset finally seizes the opportunity to make his longoverdue introduction to the public.

This album throws a lot at you. First, there’s the plethora of high-profile features.

Everyone from Gucci Mane to J. Cole contributes a verse, and the album even has a song featuring both Travis Scott and 21 Savage (“Legacy”). The producers on this project may actually steal most of the spotlight. Metro Boomin, the young legend himself, crafts the instrumentals for the majority of the album’s songs. Even when a track lacks Metro’s presence, the production remains outstanding. Thanks to these high-quality beats, Offset has more than enough room to work his magic.

A man known for his way of riding beats, Offset does just that on this album. He throws his signature ad-libs all over the jiggy and bouncy “Lick” and shows his effortless speed-changing abilities on the hypnotically sinister “Wild Wild West”. While he manages to sound vulnerable and introspective on some songs (“Red Room”, “North Star”), other songs (“Legacy”, “On Fleek”) present the unapologetic and boastful Offset which have sculpted his reputation as an artist. The more heartfelt songs contain a variety of messages which Offset declares both to his loved ones and himself. The album’s introductory title track finds the rapper openly speaking to all four of his kids. On “Don’t Lose Me”, Offset shares his wrongdoings towards Cardi B and attempts to heal their marriage. The most hauntingly moment on the album comes when Offset confesses that his personal trauma has caused him to need lean in order to sleep (“North Star”).

“Father of 4” is not a guide for young men on how to raise four children. Offset has not written the hip-hop edition of “How to Parent For Dummies”, nor was this his intent.

Instead, “Father of 4” serves as Offset’s claiming of his identity and an all-encompassing guide to his life. While he places this strong emphasis on fatherhood, Offset’s rhymes cover a wide array of content. His ability to narrate his tough, violent past before switching to lux-

urious party raps accurately depict the many dimensions of Offset. His focus on these more superficial themes may appear repetitive at times, and the fact that the album stretches to 16 songs may not have properly fit his approach for this project.

The album as a whole is no masterpiece. Offset could have expanded his sound a little bit more and tried to implement some of his different flows on certain songs, but there are enough stand-out moments anyways to make “Father of 4” memorable. My favorite track is the project’s outro “Came A Long Way”. I feel like this song properly closes out an album that provides an extensive and lengthy insight into the life of Offset, both the man and the rapper. All things considered, I give this album a 4 out of 5.

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Sabrina's Final Thoughts

By Sabrina Musto Fashion Columnist

As I sit at my laptop to write my last fashion article at Fairfield University, I find myself reflecting on everything I have written so far. What trends are in? How should blue-eyed versus brown-eyed people do their makeup? Lists of the best bags and shoes and the hottest items. Writing it, I’ve thought: “I have given great advice on fashion.”

But, as I sit here, it is clear that none of that is true. Nothing I have said has mattered much. You might ask yourself what I’m talking about, why I’m basically saying that my articles have been pointless. And I guess it is because at the end of the day, I can advise on style all day long, but everyone’s style is different. Everyone has an individualistic style that is completely separate from mine, so what is most important to know about fashion and style is this: it’s totally subjective.

See, it is very easy to look in someone’s closet and see what kind of style they have, and truth be told, I think it is truly great that everyone’s style is different. It means that fashion is a method of expression that no one can take away, but it also means that every magazine we read or column we look at don’t mean anything to us unless it is what we want to hear. I can turn around and write that leather leggings are the hottest new item and everyone should buy a pair to wear to class, but at the end of the day, there are always going to be individuals that will never wear leather leggings.

I have mentioned my crocs before. That is exactly what I mean. Every time I wear my crocs I am reminded by someone how hideously out of fashion they are (and always have been), but it will never matter to me how out of fashion they are, because I love them and how comfortable they are. Those who share my sense of style will love them, and maybe take something away from them, but those who do not will move along and continue to style themselves the way they always have.

This is my favorite thing about fashion. It can really be whatever you want. Two people can watch the Oscars together and disagree on every single look being “hot or not”, and that is just the nature of fashion. To be controversial, to be exciting, to be glamorous, to make people argue on whether or not it is fashion. There is a reason people do not walk around all wearing the same clothes, because in this life we are free to choose how we want to portray our beauty to the world. We decide how to display what we view as our best assets and cover up our worst, how to conceal a bad hair day, or rock a bad one. The best thing about fashion is that it really does not exist, because it is whatever I say it is, and it is whatever you say it is, and whatever your best friend

says it is. We take popular culture examples and call it fashion because it is easier to have standards of fashion, but in reality, go crazy and wear whatever you want because everyone else is just as unsure of what fashion truly is as you are.

So that’s it, my final thoughts. Just be yourself, style yourself the way you want to, because no one can tell you it isn’t fashion.

SabrinaMusto/TheMirror

Musto modeling in a white romper.

The Mirror Abroad: Kickin' It with Kat

By Katherine Klima Abroad Columnist

Here in Galway we’re in the middle of our midterm season. What I’ve come to learn, midterms are no fun in any country. So, logically and naturally, despite all the papers due and upcoming tests – it was time to book a trip to two cities instead of just one. On Feb. 21, I embarked on a journey to Budapest, Hungary and Prague, Czech Republic.

Our first stop was Budapest. I wasn’t sure what to expect. I knew about that one song “Budapest” by George Ezra, but other than that I just heard it’s a really cool city. And, truly, it is a really awesome city. Though, our prime destinations in Budapest were the infamous thermal baths located all over the city.

Budapest is widely known for its thermal baths or spas. It’s one of the city’s biggest tourist attractions that derives from the time of the Roman Empire. The water comes from a natural spring which keeps it heated all year round. So, after a long two flights and practically no sleep, we visited the baths and it was just what I needed after sitting next to two annoying people on an airplane.

Despite a few old men in the occasional speedo, the baths were unreal. To be honest, it reminded me a bit of an Atlantis Beach resort commercial. But, they were so cool to witness first hand. When I went to Budapest it was about 40 , you could see the steam from the bath’s emerging. It was super cool to watch and even better once you got in and chilled. They even had a whirlpool in the center people can enter and leave if they really want to be spun around really fast. Overall, the thermal baths in Budapest are a must do. It was so relaxing.

It was so relaxing that, the rest of the day, my lack of sleep finally caught up with me. For the rest of Budapest we walked around and tried some Hungarian food. To be honest, a lot of this trip was spent trying new foods.

I had a dish called chicken paprikash which was honestly super amazing. We also then tried to buy “chimney cakes.” Chimney, known as a trdlo in Prague, is a spit cake. It’s of Hungarian origin and essentially rolled up dough that you can put ice cream or nutella in. They tend to get really creative with the recipes being that there’s such a variety of what you can get.

However, we didn’t get to buy a chimney cake due to a wild goose chase for an ATM. Despite that, we were so tired. I’ve never been so tired in my life. I thought my friends were saying “Jimmy Choos” instead of “Chimney Cake” and I ended up falling asleep in a post office and a Starbucks. To add the cherry on top, we would also be taking a night bus to Prague.

After our mini getaway to Budapest, we arrived in Klima posing in Prague.

Prague on Friday, Feb. 23. Prague was a must see for me. It is a city that’s been on my list for as long as I’ve known.

There is so much to do in Prague. Our first day was spent walking around the city and checking out some of the landmarks like the Prague Astronomical Clock – which is a must. The next day we hit all the landmarks like the Prague Castle and the Lennon Wall.

The Prague Castle is one of the biggest landmarks next to the clock. It’s rich with history and has St. Vitus Cathedral – a cathedral with intricate stained glass windows and breathtaking detail.

Most of our time was spent exploring the castle because it’s huge. There is so much to do in the castle area itself. One of the more notable parts for me was “Golden Lane” which is a street on the Castle grounds filled with shops. They had a lot of really cool things to buy, and despite the doorways and buildings themselves being made for people under 5’11”, it was really cool.

We also checked out the St. Charles’ bridge and the Lennon Wall – which is in dedication to the deceased Beatles lead singer, John Lennon. It’s covered in graffiti and you’re allowed to write your own message on the wall if you please. Of course I wrote on it, I mean legal graffiti and a member of the Beatles. Sounds like fun.

Then we had the food. It was time to check out some traditional Czech food. Some hits for us were goulash, beef in candel sauce, sausage and pork knuckle. Yeah, I ate pork knuckle in Prague and it honestly was one of the best things I’ve ever eaten. We would also finally try two different “chimney cakes” or trdlo. A chimney cake is a must try.

Finally, Prague has a lot of themed restaurants and bars. One of the coolest bars I’ve been to so far in Europe was “The AnonymouS Bar.” Also kind of known as the “V for Vendetta Bar”, the waitresses and waiters wear a Guy Fawkes mask. However, what makes it is the secret specialty drinks. Definitely worth the wait, there’s a secret menu within the menu that you have to find and it was so much fun. Besides that, the cocktails were delicious.

My amazing trip to Budapest and Prague was one hundred percent worth it, even though I’m currently writing this through sleep deprivation as I also desperately try to understand the Irish government for an environmental science class (Someone please tell me why I did this to myself). Overall, getting to see two amazing KatherineKlima/TheMirror cities in one weekend was so worth it and I’m so glad I was able to get a few more off the abroad checklist.

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The Vine

Fairfield at Night Shows More Flicks in Spring 2019

G r ie v a n c es & Co.

Inkwell Spotlight

By Alyssa Vigorito Co-Editor at the Inkwell All of my friends have new dead matter And I have I. an apt. with crumbs & staphylococcus aureus on the floor, cabinets stained by red subtle drops, dishes I foster / an apt. without table space to write II. the knowledge to never wish another person lonely III. Trader Joe’s cauliflower gnocchi & reusable shopping bags IV. a man, his sweatshirts, our fondness V. 30 sentences by Klinkenborg, here’s one: “[a cliché] causes gangrene in the prose around it…” (Klinkenborg 45).

VI. stories whose characters succumb to gangrene; they’re lagging & fall away like dust, pretty little things, prognosis: remove their extremities; build them new prose to bask in, write them an ethereal rebirth VII. mild lactose intolerance VIII. upstairs neighbors who rearrange their furniture daily, compete in NSFW activities on Tuesday nights, & walk only in heels, the cadence of the click-clack clatter on the same beat as the pulsing headache it gives me IX. a list of 6 nemeses & counting—message me if you want to be added X. an anti-bond with you, we untether slowly, well, I started this XI. an unmapped space in my brain / I hang up post-it notes on the walls / alongside all my brittle grievances & their company / they’re strung together like eggshell fragments, thanks be to the albumen / & they’re hidden so you can’t see / a volume, a tear, a warmth / of delicacy in me

By Sheila McCombs Contributing Writer The auditorium in the basement of Gonzaga Auditorium undergoes a transformation on Friday nights. It turns into a true movie theater, but one where all of the snacks, drinks and tickets are free instead of $15 each. In case you didn’t know, this is done by Fairfield at Night, who runs a program called Fairfield Flicks where they usually show just out of theater movies for free. Last semester, however, only five movies were shown over the course of the entire semester.

Colleen Wilson, the assistant director at the office of student engagement, and Sarah Dippelhofer ‘19, the Fairfield Flicks manager for Fairfield at Night, both cited the cost of having new movies every Friday to be the main reason behind the change in the frequency, “ “[We] had decreased showings this fall to save costs,” said Dippelhofer.

They continued to say that, for a fresh out of theater rental, it costs Fairfield at Night about $1,000 and the movie nights themselves didn’t attract enough student attention to show a new film every week. Reducing the amount of films seemed like a good way to attract student attention through other events.

However, many students protested the lack of movies last semester. Pia Saurbier ‘22 said, “The weekly movies are something to look forward to at the end of the week.”.

So, Fairfield at Night worked out another solution to the problem, which was implemented starting January 2019, the start of spring semester. By choosing to make half of the movies in the semester throwback movies, it would cut the cost and allow them to show movies nearly every Friday once again. To select the films, Fairfield Flicks managers Dippelhofer and Theresa Bravo ‘19 selected 15 new movies and 15 throwbacks, and let the students pick from those selections through a poll sent out to the student body. The final lineup was chosen based off of the responses of about 200 students.

The schedule for this semester is a mix of new movies like “A Star is Born” and “Mary Poppins Returns” and throwbacks like “Parent Trap” and

“Mean Girls”. Every student interviewed about the new movies were excited to see some of their old favorites.

“I think a lot of people can enjoy the throwbacks and it brings people back to childhood,” said Pia Saurbier ‘22.

This is especially true of first year students, who have not gotten a full experience with the Fairfield Flicks program because of the limited selection and showings last semester. When talking to Dippelhofer, she also mentioned an exciting idea of matching snacks to the movie that it being shown, like peanut butter oreos for “Parent Trap”, to make movies even more fun.

Photo Contributed by Fairfield at Night

F i v e ' B e a u t y ' F o o d s t o K e e p R i g h t i n Yo u r D o r m R o o m

By Sabrina Trueheart Copy Editor I have always kept a collection of cookbooks, but never had any use for them until I got an apartment and started cooking on my own. My small collection consists of vegan cookbooks, American Girl cookbooks and, of course, my inspo Ree Drummond’s cookbooks. Recently, I bought a new cookbook that was a bit different from the others I have. “Beauty Food”

by Maria Ahlgren has not left my side since winter break. With my love of nutrition and skincare in mind, this groundbreaking cookbook brings together both of my favorite things.

Aside from recipes, it is jam-packed with information about “beauty” food; food that keeps skin from CreativeCommons/OpenClipArt breaking down and hair from losing its strength and volume. The cookbook itself is an aesthetic; the pretty pastel colors and deliciouslooking foods make the book fun to look at and hard to put down. From this new cookbook, I have gathered so much information about how different foods keep the skin and hair looking healthy. According to Ahlgren, an incredibly knowledgeable beauty editor, here are five foods for healthy, youthful skin that you can keep right in your dorm room.

Almonds Almonds contain a high amount of magnesium and vitamin E, which protect cell membranes in the skin. As a first-year, Blue Diamond almonds were my afternoon snack.

They come in 100-calorie pouches, which are easy to take on-the-go. Nowadays, I enjoy almond milk with my favorite protein powder mixed in. Whichever way you enjoy your almonds will benefit your hair and skin in the long run!

Avocados Not to be dramatic, but avocados are the world’s greatest treasure. They count as a healthy fat, while also being filled with fiber, antioxidants and vitamin E. These protect

the skin from sun damage and moisturize the skin from within. You now have even more reasons to spend $5 on a bag of avocados every week.

Bananas Not everybody enjoys the taste or texture of bananas. But, the truth is bananas have endless health benefits. Besides being filled with vitamins, bananas are known for their potassium levels, and potassium controls the body’s fluid balance. With a controlled fluid balance, you are less likely to see those dreaded bags under your eyes!

Oats Ahlgren makes the point in “Beauty Food” that oats do absolute wonders for the hair.

Oats contain vitamin B, iron, magnesium and zinc. Each of these vitamins and minerals are typically found in biotin and other hair growth supplements, meaning eating oats regularly is like medicine for the hair!

Pumpkin Seeds Pumpkin seeds are typically enjoyed around Halloween, but they are sold year-round and contain high amounts of zinc and amino acid tryptophan. These allow hair to maintain its strength and color, as well as preventing breakouts!

CreativeCommons/OpenClipArt

THE MIRROR | Week of February 27, 2019

Coffee Break

Page 12

Coffee Break Editor: Julia Crews julia.crews@student.fairfield.edu

Seniors Say Goodbye

Alicia Phaneuf, Editor-in-Chief

I don’t know Fairfield without The Mirror. This office has been a comfort zone for me throughout the past four years, and I’m not sure I’m ready to let it go. But one thing that makes leaving a little easier is knowing that I am leaving it in such capable hands. Thanks for a great ride, and now I guess it’s on to my next story. (Read Alicia’s full goodbye here: http://fairfieldmirror.com/coffee-break/senior-spotlight-alicia-phaneuf/)

Cara Lee , Executive Editor My time with The Mirror has not been perfect. There have been days when I can’t wait to get into that office, and others when the pure amount of Mirror work I have on top of class and regular, college-job work is so astounding that sleep becomes a distant memory. But none of that has stopped the Mirror from becoming the closest thing to home I have at Fairfield. (Read Cara’s full goodbye here: http://fairfieldmirror.com/coffee-break/senior-spotlight-cara-lee/)

Deanna Carbone, Managing Editor I want to thank the current staff for their continuous, incredible work, their patience and the late nights we’ve spent together swapping stories. I have nothing but faith that they will continue to improve the paper and foster the comedic environment of the office. There’s nothing you can’t do! When things go wrong just follow my advice and “shake it off, get the next one.”

Thanks for a wild ride and giving me peace in the early morning hours. I wouldn’t have wanted to do it with anyone else!

(Read Deanna’s full goodbye here: http://fairfieldmirror.com/coffee-break/senior-spotlight-deanna-carbone/)

Sabina Dirienzo, Chief Copy Editor I never meant to work for this newspaper, but now I can’t imagine what my life on campus would be like without it. The staff are people I have dance parties with, the people who hear my ‘you’ll never believe this’ stories, the only people who call me ‘Sabine!’ I’m so glad I didn’t quit, and two years ago I wouldn’t have expected to write this sentence. (Read the rest here: http:// fairfieldmirror.com/coffee-break/senior-spotlight-sabina-dirienzo/)

Patrick Getz, Co-Sports Editor Rising through the ranks becoming Assistant Sports Editor, working next to Fredo... the Mirror has turned me into the Fairfield Stags Fanatic that I am today and introduced me to Mike’s Pizza in the process. When I was handed the co-reins of the Sports section when Dan and Chris returned from their Florence adventures, I can surely say this Sports section, with all three of us at the helm, has been the best to date and will not be matched! Best of luck to the Sports section and writers thereafter. But as Fredo used to say, and now I get to say, “I’m out!!” (Read the rest here: http://fairfieldmirror.com/coffee-break/senior-spotlight-patrick-getz/)

Lexi Thimble/The Mirror

From left to right: Chris LaZazzera, Daniel Montgomery, Patrick Getz, Cara Lee, Alicia Phaneuf, Deanna Carbone, Sabina Dirienzo

Daniel Montgomery, Co-Sports Editor Honestly, the work done in that newsroom truly inspired me every week. Everyone was so talented and dedicated to their work, it was an incredible experience to watch people do what they love. The greatest trio to ever grace the sports section can never be duplicated, good luck to all that try. The Mirror was my Lady Gaga. Farewell Fairfield. (Read the rest here: http://fairfieldmirror.com/coffee-break/senior-spotlight-daniel-montgomery/)

Chris LaZazzera, Assistant Sports Editor I am lucky to have made some amazing friends because of the Mirror. Receiving many many emails about not turning in my stories on time from former Editor-in-chief Jesse Erickson made me realize the importance of deadlines and I thank her for that. I will never forget the days spent in the office with Getz and Dan. If you ever walked by, you probably spotted us through those glass walls doing some stupid stuff. I wish the next wave of sports writers goodluck and I hope they make the 4x5 questions as interesting as we did. Ciao ciao Mirror! (Read the rest here: http://fairfieldmirror.com/coffee-break/senior-spotlight-chris-lazazzera/)

Alle Scanlon, Assistant Vine Editor All the time put into writing articles and publishing them has been completely worth it. I couldn’t have asked to be part of a more passionate, talented, devoted staff. Every week, a group of funny, quirky, outspoken college kids met in a tiny office to independently run and publish a newspaper for everyone to read, and we always got it done. (Read the rest here: http://fairfieldmirror.com/coffee-break/senior-spotlight-alle-scanlon/)

Sports

SPORTS

THE MIRROR | Week of February 27, 2019

This Week in Sports:

Sports Editors: Dan Montgomery and Patrick Getz »daniel.montgomery@student.fairfield.edu

Page 13

Weekend Update

In Case You Missed It: Wednesday, February 20th -Women's Lacrosse defeated Columbia, 14-12 Friday, February 22nd -Women's Basketball defeated Saint Peter's, 69-61 Saturday, February 23rd -Women's Lacrosse lost to Hofstra,

Photo Contributed by Sports Information Desk

20-11 -Men's Lacrosse defeated Sacred Heart, 12-11 Sunday, February 24th -Women's Basketball defeated Iona,

On Feb. 25, Women’s Lacrosse midfielder Brooke Gallagher ‘18 received Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Player of the Week honors for her efforts against Columbia University and Hofstra University. She recorded 14 points in those two contests as she caused many problems for opposing defenses. Also, she scored or assisted on more than half of Fairfield’s scores as the Stags went 1-1 last week. Leading the team with 15 points so far in 2019, Gallagher leads the MAAC with 5.0 points and 2.67 assists per game. The Stags travel to Boston, Mass. to take on Boston University on Wednesday, Feb. 27 at 5 p.m. Then, they return home this weekend to face New Hampshire on Sunday, March 3 at noon at Rafferty Stadium.

67-56 -Men's Basketball defeated Manhattan, 72-59

Upcoming This Week:

Wednesday, February 27th

-Women's Lacrosse at Boston University, 4 p.m.

Photo Contributed by Sports Information Desk

On Feb. 25, first-year goalkeeper James Corasaniti received a Colonial Athletic Association Rookie of the Week nod for his 18 saves as well as him picking up his first collegiate win in the cage. Of those 18 saves, four of them came in the final period as the Fairfield Men’s Lacrosse team turned a two-goal deficit into a victor y against in-town rival Sacred Heart University, winning 12-11. Corasaniti recorded the most saves by a Stags first-year goalkeeper in 15 years. On the season, he has played 99:35 in the cage as he owns a .522 save percentage with 24 saves and 22 goals allowed. This Saturday, on March 2, Fairfield takes on Rutgers University at Rafferty Stadium for a 1 p.m. contest.

Friday, March 1st -Men's Basketball vs. Marist, 7 p.m.

Saturday, March 2nd -Men's Lacrosse vs. Rutgers, 1 p.m.

-Women's Basketball vs. Rider, 2 p.m.

Sunday, March 3rd -Women's Lacrosse vs. New Hampshire, 12 p.m.

-Men's Basketball at St. Peter's, 1 p.m.

In this week's issue...

- Stout Defense Leads Fairfield Over Manhattan, 72-59 (Page 14)

- Men's Lax Takes Down Rival Sacred Heart For First Win (Page15)

- Work Is Undefeated: Sitting Down With Coach Bruno (Page 15)

- Diouf Dominates as Stags Vaniquish Iona, 67-56 (Page 16)

Sports

Page 14

THE MIRROR | Week of February 27, 2019

Stout Defense Leads Fairfield Over Manhattan, 72-59

Photo taken from Sports Information Desk First-year Neftali Alvarez recorded seven points, four assists and three rebounds while going two-for-two from the free throw line in 39 minutes of action. He was one of eight Stags to score a basket on Sunday.

By Caroline Mahar Contributing Writer After experiencing four consecutive losses this season, the Fairfield University Men’s Basketball team stuck it to Manhattan College at Alumni Hall on Sunday, Feb. 24 – putting an end to their losing streak. Fairfield now stands at 5 – 11 in Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference play and 8 – 20 overall.

With a score of 72 to 59 the Stags gained redemption after previously falling to Manhattan on Jan. 31. The team was able to study their past faults and come back stronger. One of their main goals was to build up their defense, and this game marked that as a success. Coach Sydney Johnson said that this game effectively displayed how the team learned from their previous mistakes.

Johnson said that strategically the team focused on limiting their turnovers, finishing with 11 today as opposed to 17 their last game. When it came down to it, simply having possession of the ball was a key factor to their success.

“Not turning the ball over too much gave us the opportunity to score. I thought defensively we were so much better today, which was a big reason why we won the game,” said Johnson.

Weekly 4x5

The Stags started off strong and were able to pull ahead quickly in the first half, keeping a consistent lead throughout the entire game. By the second half, they lead by 14 with the score being 36-22. Landon Taliaferro ‘20, dominated in terms of 3 pointers, shooting 8 for 18 at a 44 percent clip.

Matija Milin was strong inside with 5 on 8 field goal attempts.

Taj Benning ‘22, Neftali Alvarez ’22 and Jonathan Kasibabu ‘19 helped support the team with five, four and four assists respectively.

Overall, the whole team played strong, regardless of obvious injuries that appeared to be bothering both Kasibabu and Milin.

“The guys were just a lot more focused as a group you know, in we were prepared, we did what was in the handbook, we did what we prepared for,” said Kasibabu.

Towards the end of the game, Kasibabu retired to the sidelines briefly because of what appeared to be an ankle injury. “I hurt my ankle landing when I fell,” said Kasibabu. He plans to take care of it so he can be sure he’s ready for the next game.

On Friday, March 1, Fairfield will welcome Marist College to Alumni Hall for their second matchup of the season. The Stags topped the Red Foxes 57-52 in their early February tilt in Poughkeepsie. Marist is 7-9 in MAAC play and 12-16 overall on the year.

Your 2018-2019 4x5 Columnists:

Dan Montgomery, Patrick Getz, Chris LaZazzera and Deanna Carbone

Thoughts on last weeks UNC-Duke game?

How does your last week with The Mirror feel?

What was your worst moment as a Mirror writer?

Plans for next Tuesday night? If you could thank one person for your Mirror success who would it be?

Luke Maye is Jesus reincarnated.

Bittersweet, I started writing for The Mirror before I had my first mustache.

Double printing an article for B section in 2017.

Responsibily enjoying it out at the Grape.

My guy Fredooooo.

Lost out on $10 to Danny all becuase Zion blew through his shoe Patrick Getz Co-Sports Editor and injured himself 30 seconds into the game.

A bit bittersweet but also a little crazy to think it all started sophomore year to see how far all of us have come.

Having to do Sports layout four times as every single computer crashed in the office last Spring.

$2 $2 $2!

Fredooooo. He enlightened me to Mike's Pizza as well! so he has taught me many things!

Mahan 310 was very rowdy for Chris LaZazzera this game. What a performance Assistant Sports UNC's Coby White put on!

Very sad. I'm going to miss watching Gertzy eat Pizza in the office.

Having Dan and Gertzy bark orders at me because they're technically my bosses. I thought they were my friends!

Consuming a few adult beverages at the Seagrape Cafe.

Fredooooo. He kept it 100 always.

So weird I remember when we (sports and I) were all lil sophomores in the office just yesterday now we're washed up.

A Mirror Tuesday turned into a You know where to find me!

Mirror Wednesday and I walked Shots on me (but only if you read home as the sun rose and the birds this). were chirping. A jawn needs her beauty sleep.

Because we have witty things to say ...

Dan Montgomery Co-Sports Editor

Editor

Don't care it's my last 4x5. Wish it

Deanna Carbone was Deanna themed :( Managing Editor

Not one but two HUGE shoutouts to Ally and Jesse! They showed me the way and always held it down with a Four Loko when I needed it the most.

Sports

THE MIRROR | Week of February 27, 2019

Page 15

Men's Lax Takes Down Rival Sacred Heart for First Win

Photo taken from Sports Information Desk Midfielder Travis Ford '20 recorded three points, coming off of two goals and one assist, as he attempted eight of Fairfield's 41 shots. As a team, the Stags had 26 shots on goal and they won 21 faceoffs .

By Julia Lanzillotta Contributing Writer The Fairfield University Men’s Lacrosse team are 1-1 this season after their local matchup at Sacred Heart University (1-3) on Saturday, Feb. 23 resulted in a 1 point victory for the Stags.

In the cage, first-year goalkeeper No. 13 James Corasaniti ‘22 made his first career start and put on a riveting defensive show. The rookie tallied 18 saves, 4 of which were made in the final 15 minutes of play.

Corasaniti, who allowed 11 of the 29 shots against him, had a .621 save percentage for the afternoon game.

Another young dynamo on the field was Fairfield’s No. 4 Patrick Drake ’22. A week prior, he made his collegiate lacrosse debut memorable with two goals.

He lead his team in goals scored this Saturday, wracking up 4, and tacked on an assist to his stellar game.

First-year No. 30 Brian Reda doled out a hat trick, and was a powerful offensive force on the field.

Reda was instrumental in Sacred Heart’s defeat along with teammate Travis Ford ’20. The two each claimed a pair in the fourth quarter of play.

No. 22 Dylan Beckwith ’20 provided Fairfield with the upperclassmen leadership that they needed to take home the win. The Junior attacker reached a career high of 5 assists this weekend.

Additionally, 2 minutes and 38 seconds into play, he put the Stags on the board first. This was the first of 2 goals he scored against the Pioneers. Three of his five helpers facilitated Fairfield’s last, and arguably most important, 3 goals of the match.

Fairfield went into halftime down by two, but was able to catch up to their rivals with 8 minutes and 48 seconds left of play in the period. Sacred Heart an-

swered back and claimed another two point lead by the time 45 minutes was up.

The Stags answered back and claimed 5 of the 7 goals scored in the fourth quarter. A last ditch effort was made with just one minute remaining by Sacred Heart’s Reed Avveduti who fired a shot past Fairfield’s defense and goalie.

Avveduti’s efforts created a 1 point deficit, but the score remained stagnant at 12-11 after his goal.

Fairfield’s fourth quarter surge evened their record and put them in a healthy state of mind going into their next competition.

Fairfield Men’s Lacrosse will make their way back home this weekend on March 2 to challenge Rutgers University (2-2). They will face-off at 1:00 p.m. on Conway Field at Rafferty Stadium.

Work is Undefeated: Sitting Down With Coach Bruno

By Patrick Getz Co-Sports Editor Fairfield University Swimming & Diving Head Coach Anthony Bruno sat down to talk about winning his second straight Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference title in just as many years. He also preached about what it means to work hard every day, being the “best version of yourself.”

Q: How does it feel to lead your team to second straight MAAC title?

A: Awesome. It was really cool and a lot of fun to see how everything evolved over the past two years. For the first year, we thought we could win, but it was still like ‘we haven’t done it’ so we were just working, working, working.

And then we did it. Then, to come back and do it again, we kept reminding everyone that the second one will always be the hardest one. It does not matter if you win 20 of them, the second one will always be the hardest because you have to deal with success and keep it going.

Q: What are some things you implemented that helped turn this swimming program around so quickly?

A: Just more accountability. Our training program is unique here because we ask our student-athletes to work out twice a day every day from Monday through Friday, whether it is swim and lift, swim and swim. Everything requires a lot of discipline because if you are disciplined, you can be good at anything. We think that the discipline, accountability and training structure really lends itself to success. Also, 40 percent of the team is on the Dean’s List, which is not an accident.

Q: What have you been most proud about from your team, remaining hungry to win that second MAAC title in a row?

Photo taken from Sports Information Desk

A: This year was such a different vibe because last year we were chasing, chasing, chasing but this year we came in Head coach Anthony Bruno now has lead his Women's as the favorites. We are never going to apologize for saying we want to win. It was an adjustment to now being in the Swimming & Diving to two straight MAAC titles. He has made front. The team did a good job, making adjustments supporting each other. The expectations and intensity here have an immediate imapct ever since he arrived to Fairfield. grown so much so the competitiveness is through the roof. So that will either create a divide or bring people together and I thought everyone here did a great job at embracing the challenges.

Q: A lot of your contributors over the weekend were underclassmen. How excited does that make you that your team is doing so well and still so young?

A: It helps to have a young team. But every year, every team is different. We are going to miss our seniors. We are going to miss Kelly Cordes [‘19] and [Emily] Vlass [‘19] and Donna [Lam ‘19] and [Alec] Melotto [‘19] for the men. Having a young team, I want them to embrace the challenges.

Q: What do you look forward to most for next season?

A: I want to be the best ‘us.’ I want to walk out, feeling that the 2020 team was the best version of 2020, men and women. We got a lot of talent and I want to make sure we maximize it.

@MirrorSports Fairfield Mirror Sports

Week of February 27, 2019

fairfieldmirror.com

SPORTS 16

Sports Editor: Dan Montgomery and Patrick Getz » daniel.montgomery@student.fairfield.edu

Diouf Dominates as Stags Vanquish Iona, 67-56

Contributed by Sports Information Desk Senior Diouf grabbed 20 boards, of which 13 were defensive rebounds to lead the Stags to a pivotal win over the Iona Gaels. She also led the Stags with 19 points along with a blocked shot.

By Nicholas Rucco Contributing Writer Following a back-and-forth first half, the Fairfield University Women’s Basketball team pulled away in the third quarter, defeating Iona University 67-56 on Sunday, Feb. 24 at Alumni Hall to notch their second consecutive victory.

The Stags came out firing from behind the 3-point arc, sinking four of their first six attempts while answering every shot made by Iona guard Morgan Rachu, who racked up 11 points in the first quarter.

Despite the Stags’ early success, Iona guard Shyan Mwai hit a floater as time expired in the first quarter to tie the game at 18. Fairfield proceeded to miss all five of their 3-point attempts and made just 4-of-17 shots in the second quarter, allowing Iona to open up a 31-27 lead going into the half.

However, Fairfield guard Casey Foley ‘19 took over in the third quarter, scoring 10 points and knocking down all three of her shots, including two from the 3-point range. Fairfield ended the quarter on an 11-4 run, securing the only lead change of the third quarter after a first half that featured ten lead changes and establishing a 49-42 lead.

“We all have the same physical energy, so finding the mental energy is what it was all about,” Foley said, “I give it my all because I trust that my teammates will give it their all.”

Fairfield senior center Khadidiatou Diouf made sure the Stags wouldn’t relinquish that lead, dominating the fourth quarter with six points and seven boards. Diouf scored 19 points while pulling down 20 rebounds, marking the

second time this season in which she has tallied at least 20 rebounds.

“I didn’t think [Diouf ] got off to a very good start on the offensive end, I thought she was a little jittery,” Fairfield coach Joe Frager said, “To bounce back in that way and to be as solid as she was…she really came up big.”

Rachu finished with 19 points on 6-of-8 shooting and 5 rebounds to lead an Iona team that had hit its stride prior to today’s game but failed to keep up with Fairfield’s high-scoring second-half display.

Fairfield forward Katie Armstrong ‘20 contributed 11 points, but it was Foley who stuffed the stat sheet, scoring 16 points while collecting seven rebounds, six assists, three steals, and a block.

“I just try to do as many things as possible,” Foley said, “At the end of the day, if we win, it doesn’t really matter what the stats are.”

Frager praised his team for the resiliency they showed in fighting back from an early deficit but noted that Fairfield had defensive issues which need to be ironed out sooner rather than later.

“We can’t play defense like we did in the first half,” Frager said, “Once we get into the MAAC tournament, we need to be ready from the get-go.”

Fairfield looks to close out the regular season on a high note and ride this momentum into the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference tournament as the team awaits Rider University on Saturday, March 2 for Senior Night.

Contributed by Sports Information Desk Head coach Joe Frager (left) picked up his 400th career win over the weekend against Saint Peter's as he notched another win on Sunday. Senior Casey Foley (right) was second on the team with 16 points.