9/30/2009

WEEK OF September

WWW.FAIRFIELDMIRROR.COM

30, 2009

The independent student newspaper of Fairfield University

Vol. 35, Iss. 5 - 20 pages FREE - Take one

by

University responds to Perlitz scandal

Christopher Haliskoe

we take appropriate steps to respond to the situation," von Arx continued in the statement.

One of the steps the University has taken thus far has been addressing the issue during masses this past Sunday. At the opening of his most recent homily, during the 9 p.m. mass geared towards students, Fr. James Bowler began by saying, "I have two homilies for you tonight. A longer one which I will give now, and a shorter one later." The shorter homily Bowler was referring to was an expression of his reaction to the issue that appeared on the front page of The Mirror last week. Bowler expressed his anger and sadness over the situation, and alluded to the hurtful affects the various priest scandals in Boston has had on the Catholic Church.

Bowler urged students to take the issue seriously and to know that the University most certainly is as well.

Fr. Gerald Blaszczak, the University chaplain, invited members of the congregation to gather after the morning mass for prayer and mutual support. He said about 55 or 60 people attended.

Rama Sudhakar, the vice president of

The University community has continued to deal with the repercussions of the allegations against Doug Perlitz '92, who was charged with sexually abusing children attending his Haitian school. The scandal came to light two weeks ago and since then the University has been under some scrutiny.

Not only is Perlitz a Fairfield alum and the 2002 commencement speaker, but the University has also Inside: helped to raise funds Interview with for his organization haitian reporter in the past years.

In a statement to See story on the entire University p. 3 community last week, University President Father Jeffrey von Arx said, "If the allegations against Doug Perlitz are true … then it will be a tragic outcome for the affected group of children in Haiti and the irreparable harm caused them, as well as for the members of the University community who donated their time and support to this cause."

"As a University, it is important that

marketing and communications, said, "In the near future, a campus forum will be organized to reflect on the University's mission and core principles related to helping and serving the poor."

However, the University that once supported Perlitz has found itself wondering about certain issues in the two weeks after the indictment. Among the many questions expected to come up in litigation is how exactly the donated money was used.

The University plans to seek outside council to conduct an internal review of campus support and Mass collections.

Sudhakar confirmed that "the University has retained outside counsel from Day Pitney LLP." Von Arx stated that the institution has no oversight on the two organizations that directly supported Perlitz: the Haiti Fund and Project Pierre Toussaint.

Many University and Fairfield community members are on the board of the Haiti Fund. Because the situation is currently under a grand jury investigation, Sudhakar could not comment on whether any University members were subpeoned.

What happened & when:

Perlitz delivers commencement address at Fairfield May 2002

Perlitz graduates from Fairfield May 1992

Perlitz travels to Haiti on a Fairfield service trip 1991

The Mirror in brief

Commentary:

"Where's our diversity?" — A response to the Princeton Review.

See p. 7.

Entertainment:

"Rufus Wainwright bringing 'popera' to the Klein" — Exclusive interview with musician Wainwright.

See p. 11

Featured Sports story:

"A Princeton Review" See p. 20

In efforts started

by Rev. Paul Carrier, a former director of campus ministry, over $2 million was collected at masses and sent to a bank account in Haiti controlled by Perlitz.

Perlitz Carrier would continue to visit Perlitz, as he was his main contact to the University's benefactors. It remains unclear if Carrier knew at any point the circumstances to the situation.

Perlitz was able to file his funds under 501c3 tax-exempt status, which usually avoids audits. This would in fact make it easier for Perlitz to hide his expenses on alcohol and drugs.

When asked if the Perlitz scandal would have an impact on the University's charitable efforts in the future, Sudhakar responded, "We would hope not."

"We will continue to dedicate ourselves to the mission to develop our students' intellectual potential and prepare them to contribute to the common good, "she continued.

Perlitz receives grant from Order of Malta and founded Project Pierre Toussaint 1997

Indictment and subsequent arrest in Colorado Sept. 2009 Haitian Flag, Photo Illustration by Meghan Schelzi

Princeton Review: Fairfield has least diverse interaction

by

Chris Simmons

Fairfield has received positive accolades in the past few years for its academic rigor, but this year, the University also tops a few ignominious rankings as well.

The Princeton Review named Fairfield as the No. 1 school in the category for Little Race/Class Interaction. It also ranked No. 3 in Lots of Hard Liquor and No. 19 in Town-Gown Relations are Strained.

"The 62 ranking lists are based on surveys of 122,000 students at the 371 schools in the book during the 2008-09 and/or previous two school years," according to a press release by The Princeton Review.

Fairfield did earn the honor of being named a Best Northeastern College, but the topping of the other rankings overshadowed

by

that tribute.

Will Johnson, the assistant dean of students and the director of student diversity programs, disputes that interpretation of Fairfield.

"I certainly do not think this is an accurate reflection of our campus," he said. "To those who are quite familiar with our school, the tremendous strides that we have taken to diversify our student body is well known."

In 2005, when only 9.4 percent of the student enrollment was comprised of blacks, Native Americans, Asians or Pacific Islanders, Hispanics, Native Hawaiians or multi-ethnic people, all of which Fairfield identifies in its Fact Book as ethnically diverse. In 2008, that figure has jumped to 15 percent, the majority of which are Hispanics, comprising 7.6 percent.

"I do realize that these are only statistics but one would have to think that if you almost

What's the status of the Amethyst Initiative?

double the number of students of color in any environment there is naturally the probability of greater interaction amongst different racial and ethnic groups," said Johnson.

In 2006, however, the national average of total minorities at four-year institutions was 28.7 percent according to the 2009 Minorities in Higher Education report by the American Council on Education. Fairfield's freshmen class is comprised of 19.4 percent of AHANA students, Fairfield's designation for ethnically diverse students, standing for African-American, Hispanic, Asian, and Native American.

"The Princeton Review does not publish the exact methodology they use to come up with their ratings, so it is difficult to understand the placements on their lists," said Rama Sud-

See "Fairfield" on p. 3

Meghan Schelzi

Last summer Fairfield became the first Jesuit University to sign onto the Amethyst Initiative. In doing so, it made public its motivation to facilitate discussions on campus about a change in drinking age.

"We are advocating for a discussion, not necessarily a change in the law," explained Tom Pellegrino, the University's dean of students.

Since signing on in July 2008, Fairfield has been joined by fellow Jesuit University Holy Cross, making the total number of signatories 135 at this time.

Despite the University administration's attempt at making moves towards discussion about a possible change in the drinking age, it is not well known that these

See "Drinking" on p. 3

Contributed Photo

Although the University signed the Amethyst Initiative in July 2008, many Fairfield students have been unaware of any of the discussions regarding a lower drinking age on college campuses. Whether the University will take into consideration student standpoint remains to be seen.

2

September 30, 2009

News

PAGE 2

Mirror

... where there's also a chance of showers indoors.

It's not dripping coffee

by

The

Melissa Mann

Pipe leak rains on Jazzman's

The afternoon coffee break came to an abrupt stop Monday afternoon when the waste drain from Barone's kitchen clogged, causing the pipes to leak and overflow with water into Jazzman's Café. Jazzman's was left soggy and ruined, with a hole in the ceiling and water continuing to drip down through the ceiling on the level below it, across from the bookstore.

Junior Alec Duggan was there when it happened, along with six other people standing in line — two adults and four students. He said that two girls were drenched, and one of the women working could only get out by running through the gushing waterfall.

"A huge ball of water just came from the ceiling," Duggan explained.

"Everyone was just shocked. It was the weirdest thing ever."

After the initial downpour of drain water, people started to complain that the water was smelly and discolored. Duggan said that it was clear at first, but then turned "gross."

"It smells worse than it is," Assistant Vice President of Student Affairs Jim Fitzpatrick said of the lingering mess in Jazzman's. "It was Peter Caty/The Mirror from a waste drain, not After the dishwasher in the Barone cafeteria broke down Monday afternoon, the clogged a sanitation drain, which pipes flooded Jazzman's cafe and forced workers to close it down. Caution tape surrounded is much better," he ex- Jazzman's and the Stag then opened early on subsequent days to serve coffee to students. plained.

The waste drain water is the is interning at Jazzman's, said, "we're going to have to throw everything out — it's all wastewater from food and dishwasher going to be contaminated." liquid from the kitchen in the Barone While Jazzman's undergoes the massive cleaning process and attempts to fix the cafeteria, and not actual sewage hole in the ceiling, the Stag will be open at 8 a.m. to accommodate the morning rush water. of students who need caffeine before class.

Pritchard employees were hard David Frassinelli, the assistant vice president and director of Facilities Management, at work immediately following the issued a statement, "The issue was a clogged floor drain that leaked to the floor below. water break, some of them working It was cleaned by Roto Rooter and functional by 8 p.m. Dinner was served as normal. second shifts or overtime, according Cafeteria prep areas and dish washing was fully functional by 8pm." to Fitzpatrick.

"I believe paper products were used for breakfast so they could catch up on dish "Pritchard has been great," washing. We plan to commence the repairs to the drywall ceiling tomorrow and comhe said. Fitzpatrick also acknowl- plete this week. It is up to Sodhexo to determine when they plan to re-open Jazzman's," edged that he would be surprised if Frassinelli added.

Lily Norton/The Mirror Jazzman's opened this week, due to The hole in the ceiling continued to get bigthe amount of cleanup required.

Lily Norton contributed to this report. ger as water came pouring down.

Junior Jessica McGrinder, who

In the know: by

Katie Sillo

News briefs

Fairfield CNN's Campbell Brown speaks at Open Visions The Open Visions forum is to host CNN reporter Campbell Brown Wednesday night.

According to a University press release, Brown will talk about her job as anchor for the program, in a talk called, "Behind the Headlines: In Front of the News."

After her speech, Brown will be joined

by University Professors Philip Eliasoph Brown and James Simon in a discussion with the audience.

Before she worked for CNN, Brown worked for NBC News for 11 years on the Weekend Today show.

Connecticut Connecticut Cigarette Tax Increase Tomorrow, Connecticut's new cigarette tax will go into effect, giving the state the

second highest cigarette tax after Rhode Island. The tax on a pack will be heightened from $2 to $3.

Margaret LaCroix, vice president of marketing and communications at the American Lung Association, told The Connecticut Post, "We know that increasing the tax on cigarettes ends up being good public health policy, because people will quit smoking," she said.

"This increase is going to out price people."

According to LaCroix, 15 percent of all the state's adults and 21 percent of its middle and high school students. Smoking-related diseases kill about 5,400 in Connecticut.

Duhamel remembered in memorial mass

Source: The Connecticut Post

National Palin Finishes Memoir Sarah Palin's first book, "Going Rogue: An American Life," a 400-paged memoir, will be released Nov. 17.

"Governor Palin has been unbelievably conscientious and hands-on at every stage, investing herself deeply and passionately in this project," said Jonathan Burnham, publisher of Harper. "It's her words, her life, and it's all there in full and fascinating detail."

Harper has commissioned a first printing of 1.5 million copies.

Source: The Connecticut Post

Peter Caty/The Mirror

The University held Sunday night's 9 p.m. mass as a two-year memorial for the late Kristen Duhamel '10. Duhamel was a passenger in a car accident on the Merritt Parkway in Greenwich, CT in September 2007. After being ejected from the vehicle, Duhamel, a nursing major, died at the hospital. Fr. James Bowler, pictured, was the presider at the mass.

Editor's Note: In last issue's "Better Know a Stag," the Green Campus Initiative was misrepresented. Alexandra Roem '10 is the director of the Green Campus Intiative; there is no president. Gabby Arens '12 is a project leader of the Food Initiative, which is a branch of the Green Campus Intiative.

News

www.fairfieldmirror.com

Interview with Haitian reporter

by Joe

Carretta and Keri Harrison

When the scandal involving Fairfield alum Doug Perlitz first broke two weeks ago, it came as a bit of a shock to the University community. However, it is an issue that has been evolving for some time and was first broken in Haiti by Haitian reporter Cyrus Sibert, who writes for the newspaper, Reseau Citadelle. Sibert said that he first heard rumors of the story, about Perlitz sexually abusComentary: ing members of the Haitian school he created, in 2007 and then broke the "Fairfield's Relations with story in August 2007 after he spoke to some members involved with the Perlitz" school. After doing some extensive reSee story on search, Sibert claimed that Perlitz was p. 8 guilty, which caused an investigation into the matter to be launched. According to an article by Stanley Lucas, who Sibert noted as a Haitian activist who wrote a response to the situation in order to pressure Haitian authorities, Sibert "brought the necessary public attention to this important issue. Following his article, the U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince launched an immediate investigation into Mr. Perlitz and the issue more broadly."

Sibert recently held a short interview with The Mirror, in which he spoke about his perspective to the story and how it was first handled in Haiti.

Disclaimer: Please disregard the grammatical errors in Sibert's answers (English is his second language) and the graphic nature of the copy.

How did you first learn about this story?

August 2007. But as member of Cap-Haitian city, I heard about that and considered it as rumors. By August 2007, someone from the state told about that. The person, who uses to give gifts to the children when coming in Haiti, told he found street kids who explain the same story and hope to testimony. The kids told him that they cannot accept the situation it’s very hard for them. When Doug drink alcohol, he spent much of time doing sex with them even though it's painful.

Do you know anyone from Fairfield University who has been involved in the case directly? The University has been denying any ties to the organization and to Doug Perlitz.

I don’t know everything about Sibert Fairfield University. I just read the name at CNN report on the situation. I just know that a group of American people prefer support Douglas against the kids. They prefer cancel the funds to pressure kid a push to say that they were lying. A psychologist closed to Doug came recently in Haiti to pressure former staff member bay say that she can read in the eyes. The kids told me about Father Paul, I don’t know if he’s involved in the case.

Fairfield seems is afraid to face the issue.

Has the University been involved in any way since the scandal first broke?

I don’t know.

Have you spoken to any of the victims?

I haven't.

What is the state of Doug's school now? Is it still operational?

Closed. They don’t money to run it. Doug friend prefer support him anyway even investigation confirm allegations.

Now street kids are suffer. Douglas sponsor punish them for saying what’s wrong. I don’t understand that. I usually heard American people are moral and respect children. I start asking if Doug initiative was single or organized.

The federal indictment says he controlled the finances and that's how he was able to keep everything under wraps. Any comments on the validity of that claim?

I think it’s right. Douglas keep his administration out of control. His lawyer in Haiti, use to tell me to make everything well. He always replied, He doesn’t need Haitian administration. He has my money from sponsor, the sponsors believe in me, that’s all. A little investigation on his administration will show that he was managing the project as his house.

Fairfield disputes rankings

Continued from p. 1

hakar, the vice president for marketing and communications. "I believe they survey students once every three years but their annually published guidebooks have not reflected any significant changes in the descriptive profile for Fairfield University in the past several years. Since the arrival of President von Arx, Fairfield has made significant strides in enrolling engaged and diverse students."

She also noted that 18 students have benefited from the Bridgeport tuition plan, which provides free tuition to qualifying Bridgeport high school students, and that Fairfield has raised over $1 million to support multicultural scholarship funds.

Senior Stefanie Robles said, "It doesn't surprise me that we're number one with low diversity, but it also wouldn't surprise me if other schools were worse."

"The University has done a lot in terms of increasing diversity, as in ethnic diversity, on campus," she continued.

Other students agreed.

"That's pretty bad. I could see how we ranked that high though," said Michele Espinosa '11. "But I do see how we are trying to improve."

Some students did not wish to comment for fear of Commentary: saying the wrong thing.

"W here's our Fairfield diversity at?" also ranked high See story on in the amount of p. 7 hard alcohol on

campus, behind only Mississippi and Providence. According to the Dean of Students Tom Pellegrino, alcohol statistics are broken down by usage, not type.

"For college administrators, how alcohol gets used tends to tell the more important story than does type," he said. "We do keep separate statistics for grain alcohol, but usage ranges

The relationship between the town of Fairfield and University students also made the rankings, coming in at No. 19. Fellow Connecticut college Trinity topped the list.

"In terms of town-gown relations, these relations have improved greatly over the past few years, a sentiment that has been echoed by full time residents and by the Fairfield police," said Pellegrino. "It is a collaborative effort that, like any relationship, needs continued attention. But no doubt, the situation has gotten much better each year and continues to improve."

Robles concurred with the Review. "I agree Photo Illustration by Dan Leitao that we have horfrom minimal to not at all from year rible relations with the town." to year."

"I disagree with the Town-Gown There were 1,285 liquor law viola- one though. I think they are at least tions in 2008, a crime rate of 23 percent. trying to make an effort," said Brendan That was a vast increase from 2007 Flaherty '11. "I'm surprised Barone when there were only 900 liquor law wasn't No. 1 in food though. You can't violations, a rate of 15 percent. beat it."

"Based on my experience and on Pellegrino also noted that collegediscussions with colleagues on other guide rankings should be taken with a campuses, I don't believe the behavior grain of salt and are not a substitute for of Fairfield University students is any experience at the University. different than at our competitor institu"While guides are also interesting tions when it comes to alcohol usage," to read, I don't think they should be used said Pellegrino. "We are making impor- as a substitute for internal research and tant strides in key areas, and have gotten experience," said Pellegrino. "That is very good feedback as well as praise for particularly true where, as in the case of our efforts in the areas of education and the Princeton Review, the guide does not collaborative approaches to stemming publish its methodology or allow for feedalcohol abuse." back when there are inconsistencies."

September 30, 2009

Drinking discussion

3

Continued from p. 1

discussions are even happening among students.

"I had no idea they were a part of this initiative," said Brittany Florin '11.

Fellow student Joe D'Amico '13 agrees. "I haven't heard anything about it," said D'Amico.

But Pellegrino said having conversations about a change in drinking age from the student perspective is an issue the University is focused on working on.

"Our reason for signing on was to have inspiring thoughtful conversations. We felt it was our responsibility to have discussions and still do," said Pellegrino.

In terms of starting the discussion, Pellegrino urges students to decide if it's an issue to them and than advocate accordingly.

"Not a day goes by that I don't have conversations with students related to the alcohol issue," said Pellegrino.

"I have yet to meet a student who is not interested in the subject as a topic of discussion," he continued.

"I was unaware of the discussion, but I think it's a great thing that the University is at least trying to discuss the options," said Jenna Goldbach '13.

But Pellegrino noted that it would be naïve to think that in reality a change in drinking age would not solve all the alcohol-related issues that exist on college campuses.

"It's amazing the impact that alcohol has on the undergrad experience," said Pellegrino. "Alcohol has such an effect on the over college experience from how time is spent, to relationships, eating and sleeping habits and socializing, to scheduling."

What does it mean that we have to spend so much time addressing the alcohol question, he asked.

It is not just about changing the drinking age, but rather it's about what's occurring in college.

"It's a balancing of good versus bad. But there is no question that college would change," he said.

According to the Amethyst Initiative web Site, the signatories have signed their names to a public statement that the problem of irresponsible drinking by young people continues despite the minimum legal drinking age of 21, and there is a culture of dangerous binge drinking on many campuses. It is the aim of these signatories to have meaningful conversations about what should be done and if a possible change in law Pellegrino is the best solution.

But the solution to the binge drinking problem on college campuses is not an easy one to make.

"It's impossible to tell what the ramifications would be," said Pellegrino.

Many students feel that a change in law to lower the drinking age should happen for many reasons.

"I think the drinking age should be lowered. If you can go to war and shoot someone you should be able to drink," said Erin McGrath '12.

Other students feel that we should look to other countries as example of what the ramifications would be.

Sophomore Bridget Durnin said, "If the drinking age was lowered I definitely think it would increase drinking for young teens."

"The difference between other countries like England and the U.S. are that here, people drink to get drunk," she added.

Fellow sophomore Kristen Rydber agrees. "Europe has lower drinking age and not nearly as many problems."

In a press release last year, University President Fr. Jeffrey von Arx, said, "binge drinking and clandestine drinking remain persistent problems among our college students, and it's something that I think needs to remain at the forefront of our broader policy discussions. The Amethyst Initiative continues to be a vital means for facilitating this discussion."

"Regardless of a change in law, kids are going to drink underage anyway, and I think if the drinking age were lowered, students would better understand the repercussions," said Jansen Hafen '10.

Check out fairfieldmirror.com for video reaction + Commentary's "Making the drinking age make sense" p. 9

4 September 30, 2009

News

Campus crime beat

The

Smoking washing machines and biking accidents

by

Dan Leitao

Friday, Sept. 25 7:59 a.m. A bicycle accident occurred in the area of Bannow. The student was sent to the health center.

4:15 p.m. A hit-and-run occurred in the Regis parking lot.

8:08 p.m. A power failure occurred in the Barone Campus Center.

The failure only occurred there.

10:10 p.m. A disorderly conduct was given on the Bellarmine lawn after an altercation between two students. They were referred to the Dean of Students.

Saturday, Sept. 26 12:40 a.m. A narcotics violation that occurred in one of the residence halls resulted in an arrest.

10:45 a.m. A vehicle was found leaking gas in the Kelly Center parking lot. The owner was notified.

2:01 p.m. An altercation occurred in the Oak Room involving a non-student and student resulting in an arrest.

Sunday, Sept. 27 12:16 a.m. A suspicious male was stopped by the Fairfield Police Department. A Criminal Trespass Warning was issued.

12:57 a.m. Vandalism was reported in one of the residence halls.

1:41 a.m. A burglary occurred in the townhouses. Public Safety requests that students lock their doors.

4:12 p.m. A student reported that a bag was stolen at the Presidential Ball.

Monday, Sept. 28 5:32 p.m. A washing machine in the Village was smoking. A building evacuation was initiated and the machine is currently out of service.

Tom Cleary EDITOR IN CHIEF Lily Norton EXECUTIVE EDITOR Chris Simmons MANAGING EDITOR

The Print Edition News Department Phone Number (203) 256-6600 Editor in Chief Phone Number (203) 256-6529 EDITORS

NEWS ..............................................................Keri Harrison COMMENTARY.....................................Veronica Florentino ENTERTAINMENT........................................Melissa Mann SPORTS............Keith Connors, Tom Cleary, Chris Simmons MULTIMEDIA...............................................Jon Ollwerther EXECUTIVE PHOTOGRAPHY...........................Peter Caty ASSOCIATE NEWS/FEATURES...................Courtney Kern ASSOCIATE MULTIMEDIA........................Meghan Schelzi ASSISTANT EDITORS

NEWS...........................................................Mikaela Tierney COMMENTARY.......................................Elizabeth Connors ENTERTAINMENT.....................................Gabriella Tutino PHOTOGRAPHY...............................................Ali Foreman STAFF WRITER............................................Meghan Schelzi CARTOONIST................................................Vincent Ferrer CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Rory Bernier, Sean Clores, Dan Leitao, Erin Shea

The Web Edition Michelle Morrison MANAGING EDITOR EDITORS

ONLINE PROJECT MANAGER..........................Joe Cefoli ASST ONLINE CONTENT EDITOR............Traci Dantoni VIDEO EDITOR.............................................Andoni Flores STUDY ABROAD BLOG WRITERS.............Annie Rooney, Christina Tobia

Business Department

Classifieds

Go to www.fairfieldmirror.com to place your ad for as low as $10!

TEN.SEVEN.OH.NINE BE A MIRROR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE. The Advertising Director of The Mirror is seeking undergraduate students to grow and service the Mirror's advertising clientele. Responsibilities include site visits and phone correspondence for ad sales. Work on your own schedule. Paid position, commission of sales. Freshmen and sophomores preferred. Contact Christopher Haliskoe at chaliskoe.gmail.com.

PHOTOGRAPHERS WANTED. The Photography Editors are looking for students interested in taking pictures. Minimal experience required.

Contact one of the Photography Editors for more information at mirrorphotos@gmail.com WRITERS WANTED. Section editors are looking for students to write on a weekly basis. E-mail Executive Editor Lily Norton at lilymnorton@gmail.com FOR RENT Newer Beach House 2009-2010 School Year 3 Bedroom Great Waterviews 203-464-1516

DANCE INSTRUCTOR WANTED! For Fairfield Studio 2009-2010 Season - Sept. to May To teach intermediate/semi-advanced jazz and tap class Thursday evenings Please call: 203-255-2775 or 203-256-8666 Christine Lynn's Dance Studio

Hey Juniors! Beach House hunting yet?

Beach House Available Fairfield Beach Road 2010-2011 Academic Year 917.733.8577 Call TODAY!

Off-Campus House Available in Fairfield University Campus Area TODAY!!!

Four Bedrooms, Two full baths Available immediately Within walking distance to campus Contract: 917.733.8577

Phone Number: (203) 256-6594 Fax Number: (203) 254-4162 Keith Connors GENERAL MANAGER Christopher Haliskoe MANAGING DIRECTOR ADVISER

Fran Silverman TO CONTACT US:

MAIL: 1073 North Benson Road, Box AA, Fairfield University, Fairfield, CT 06824 OFFICE: Barone Campus Center Room 104 MEETINGS: Thursday, 6:30 p.m., Mirror Office E-MAIL: General: TheMirror.feedback@gmail.com Advertising: fairfieldmirrorads@gmail.com

Correction: In the Sept. 23 issue, Gabby Arens '12 was misidentified in Better know a Stag as the president of the Green Campus Initiative. She is not the president, but is the project leader of the Food Initiative. Alex Roem '10 is the director of GCI. The Mirror strives to report accurately in all its stories.

If you encounter any errors, please contact Editor in Chief Tom Cleary at (203) 256-6529.

Affiliated with:

ASSOCIATED COLLEGIATE PRESS

www.fairfieldmirror.com

News

September 30, 2009

Your professors may become your neighbors

by

5

University looks into establishing living and learning lodging for your profs

Alexandria Hein

Fairfield has taken steps to aid faculty members who live over 30 minutes away and still want to feel as though they are a part of the Jesuit community. It has implemented a program called Living and Lodging for Faculty.

The program, initiated in 2008, comes after a growing concern about evening activities that faculty members were unable to participate in, due to a strenuous commute. David Gudelunas, a professor of communication, who commutes from New York City, approached the Office of Residence Life with a plan.

According to Jason Downer, the associate director of Residence Life, Gudelunas was concerned about faculty missing an opportunity for night advising, or participating in University activities held during evening hours. Residence Life responded with a program that offers a studio apartment, or a suite, to faculty for up to seven nights per semester.

The studio apartment is located in the townhouse complex next to the laundry room on block two, while the suite is located in Loyola Hall. Currently, there are eight faculty members participating in the program, an increase from the five who participated when the program was introduced in 2008.

Columbia University is among a number of campuses that offers full-time housing to tenured professors, which is not an option for Fairfield at this point.

"If we build a new residence hall we can build a permanent place for faculty to live on campus," said Downer. "We just don't have the space right now."

A University press release states that a main focus of this program is to fulfill "the need for more meaningful interactions between faculty and students outside of classroom hours."

Edrik Lopez, professor of Spanish, has taken advantage of this program both last semester and also this current one. Lopez states one of the main reasons for this program is for students to "see their professors as real people outside of the classroom or office setting."

Lopez, who sought a home close to New York City for personal reasons, finds this program ideal for professors looking for a campus close to the city with options for the commute.

"I went to a Socrates CafĂŠ last year, and hosted film screenings at night," added Lopez, all things he wouldn't have been able to do if he had his long commute home ahead of him.

Fairfield and the faculty are working close together to achieve what Lopez calls, "seeing the man behind the Wizard of Oz." He was able to communicate with the RA's last year, which gave him the opportunity to "just hang out with the students in a comfortable environment."

Not all see this as an advantageous program for students. Todd Rutledge '11 doesn't

Dan Leitao/The Mirror

There is a suite on townhouse block 2 that is currently used as a temporary home for professors who find themselves needing to be on campus at night.

think a program like this should even exist. "If you choose to work 30 minutes away that's your choice and you should be able to commute. I don't think a University should have to house their staff," said Rutledge. He added that he would rather them focus on the housing situation for students.

Taylor Callahan '12 also has reservations about this kind of program, which before being asked to comment, was unaware it existed.

"I think it's good if they want to be here for night activities, but at the same time I think it's a little weird," she said.

Callahan suggested that a different location would enhance the program as well.

"I think it would be better if Fairfield maybe looked into an off-campus location for an apartment instead of putting them in the middle of the townhouse area. It sort of takes away from the student experience."

Faculty was encouraged to meet on Sept. 15 to learn more about the program. The program is of no cost to faculty who are obliged only to fill out an evaluation form upon leaving their assigned apartment.

eptember 30, 2009 6 SFeature

News

The

Mirror

Why bail on the Presidential Ball? by

Gabriella Tutino

Excitement builds as you walk the long road to Bellarmine Hall. You're going through a mental checklist in your head; camera, key, Stagcard, ticket, money, etc. Loud music is pulsating from the majestic building ahead of you, and the screams and giggles of other students surround you.

Picture with Father von Arx taken, you walk into the giant white tent and are attacked by friends and strobe-lights. It's time to party!

The Presidential Ball is always a night to remember, unless you drank too much and completely blacked out. (I personally view that as a con, but I suppose it depends on each individual.) Whatever shenanigans were engaged in, there's at least one moment where you had fun, whether it be the actual dance, taking pictures, pre-gaming or partying hard at the townhouses, beach, or dorms.

What's good about Prez Ball? For starters, it's cheap.

This year, tickets were $15 instead of $25; any college student would be rejoicing over the money saved. The dress code is also semi-formal which means fancy ball-gowns are not necessary and guys do not have to wear suits, tuxedos or jackets. Hurray!

The actual President Ball can go either way. Dancing is usually the standard thing to do, and it is lots of fun — especially when you're on an overcrowded stage trying to maintain balance — unless you don't like to dance or you're incapable of dancing. There's always the option of giving your attention to an intoxicated member of the opposite sex and seeing how the night goes. Pre-gaming beforehand might be fun if: a) you don't get written up. b) you actually make it to Prez Ball. c) you don't get sick.

I heard rumors about a girl who passed out in her own vomit in the bathroom. She didn't even make it to Bellarmine. Good time?

Finally, there's the after-party. The beach or townhouses were good places to be; UMOJA dance at the Oak Room, not so much.

There are few cons at Prez Ball — the crowd, the bathrooms, and the lack of tables and food. This year, 1,500 tickets were sold for the night. Whether that many people attended is doubtful, but the dance floor was so overpacked people had to dance on the grass, which is not good for heels.

Because there were so many bodies squished against each other — I could barely flail my arms gracefully without whacking someone else — it was ridiculously hot and sweaty. I stepped outside at least 20 times just to cool off. I lost many of the people I showed up with because the mob just sucked people in. I've also never been a fan of Porta-potties. Doesn't Bellarmine have a bathroom?

While the food, and by food, I mean dessert, is good, it's all gone if you show up late, so hopefully you ate before you left for the ball.

The music this year wasn't that good either; I didn't recognize any of the songs. And does every dance have to end with that mediocre, overplayed Journey song?

Unless the night ended on a sour note, the Presidential Ball is enjoyed by most of the attendees. It's an eventful night that students go to year after year because frankly, they love it

Photo Illustration by Dan Leitao

and have fun. The pros win over the cons, and what better way to spend a night with your friends than the Presidential Ball? So if you missed out, go next year. You'll see what I'm talking about.

Commentary

Editorial

Editor: Veronica Florentino

Editorial Board Tom Cleary - Editor in Chief Lily Norton - Executive Editor Chris Simmons - Managing Editor Veronica Florentino - Commentary Editor Peter Caty - Executive Photo Editor

September 30, 2009

7

www.fairfieldmirror.com

Which Stag is not like the others?

A long road ahead

When University President Fr. Jeffrey von Arx revealed his strategic plan for the University in 2005, he included an important statement about diversity. He created multiple programs to encourage diversity across campus and emphasized that diversity was more than just about race, but also about financial situations. With the addition of the Bridgeport Tuition Plan, Fairfield moved closer to its goal of becoming more diverse.

But Fairfield still has a long way to go and it is clear that both inside and outside of the University the appearance that diversity has not grown remains strong.

The Princeton Review ranked Fairfield as No. 1 in its category for Little Race/Class Interaction, a distinction that the University will clearly not be promoting on its Web site.

While diversity has increased, many students who come from diverse backgrounds, both of low-income or non-Caucasian nature, seem to remain segregated from the remainder of the community. The creation of socalled diverse dorms in 2008, created a controversy as some who joined the dorm realized they were only with those considered to be diverse, in essence Hispanic or black, instead of a dorm including all students sharing their diverse backgrounds.

What few people realize is that everyone is diverse.

All Fairfield students come from a background that is not completely alike to another students. While the majority of students are white, Catholic and upper middle class, everyone has something about them that they can share with others. The University must invite those students to share their diverse pasts with each other, and not worry so much about making sure that those diverse people that bring up the University’s statistics stick together.

It is also up to the students of the University to spend time working with each other to improve the relations between races on campus. A recent Facebook group was created by a sophomore student, Kenni Nwajagu, called “The Fight Against Racism at Fairfield.” Nwajagu writes in the group that he was inspired to start it after hearing a story about a black student who was told by a white student to go drink at a “colored fountain,” that is “in the back.”

While the story may or may not be true, it shows that racist feelings are still felt on campus. With a black president in the White House and years after the Civil Rights Movement, it is astonishing that the very rumor of the story occurring exists.

Fairfield is a school that has earned praise for its Bridgeport Tuition Program and one that has surely made strives to improve diversity as a whole on campus. But there is still a long road ahead.

In reference to "Princeton Review: Fairfield has least diverse interaction," by Chris Simmons on p. 1 and "Where's our diversity?" by Meghan Healy below. Have an opinion? Send it to mirrror.comment@gmail.com.

by

Where's our diversity?

Meghan Healy

Take a look around campus at the different types of people you interact with on a daily basis.

Would you classify them as diverse or not a part of the 85 percent Caucasian population here at Fairfield?

Whether you consider this to be important or not, diversity is a serious topic that Fairfield has been trying to improve for quite some time.

Though it may not reflect Fairfield's goal, trying to improve and further diversify the school, the Princeton Review Web site's latest poll ranked Fairfield as the number one college in the United States with the least amount of race and class interaction, beating out similar schools such as Trinity College in Hartford at number two and Providence at number five.

It shows that we are not the only college trying to deal with this and although we are ranked number one, it is not an accurate representation of what the campus is actually like.

"I certainly do not think this is an accurate reflection of our campus," said William Johnson, the assistant dean of students and director of the student diversity program here at Fairfield. "To those who are quite familiar with our school, the tremendous strides that we have taken to diversify our student body is well known."

"We have gone from a school that was 8 to 9 percent students of color to one that is now 15 percent.

We have more first generation students enrolled at our University than probably since very early in Fairfield's existence," he added.

It's obvious that we're trying to improve this issue, and Johnson sums it up perfectly when he says, "The race, class, and economic differences that are present on our campus, or any campus, did not just happen to

land here and have been part of our society for generations. Getting students from diverse backgrounds to enroll is one thing, mostly because it is a subjective decision. Getting students from different backgrounds to interact with one another is an entirely different challenge."

When informed of the poll's results, students weren't shocked that Fairfield made the list, but were surprised to hear that it is actually ranked number one.

"I wouldn't expect Fairfield to be ranked that high, let alone be the number one school with the least amount of diversity," said sophomore diversity program member Jaclyn Lionetta.

Whether you agree or disagree, being known as the school with the least amount of diversity is definitely not a compliment. Students come from all different backgrounds and feelings on levels of diversity vary from person to person.

"I feel it is more diverse than my high school and the freshman class is the most diverse group of students ever at Fairfield," added Lionetta.

Whatever your take on this issue is, you can bet Fairfield will be doing all it can to make its campus have the diversity of a city and not a sea of clones.

Let's face it: this issue is not going to disappear overnight. Fairfield has made great improvements in diversifying the campus, and the diversity will only continue to improve.

As Johnson puts it, "Making this a reality requires a collective effort from all units across campus."

Maybe someday Fairfield will be the number one school with the most diversity, but for now Fairfield will continue to do all it can in keeping the campus diversified.

The editorial represents the opinion of the majority of The Mirror editorial board.

What is your opinion? Write to us: mirrormanagement@gmail.com

THE FAIRFIELD MIRROR The Mirror welcomes the opinions and contributions of its readers:

Letters to the editor must be timely and submitted by disk, e-mailed to mirrorstories@gmail.com or submitted through our Web site: www.fairfieldmirror.com.

Once received, all letters become property of The Mirror.

There are no guarantees of publication and all submissions must be signed.

The Mirror reserves the right to edit letters and articles for content, length and grammatical error. Letters should be free of obscenities and personal attacks, and should contain correct and factual information.

Please keep letters to under 350 words.

Include a daytime phone number at which the author can be reached.

The Mirror is in room 104 of Barone Campus Center

Ever feel like you're seeing the same thing?

Photo illustration by Peter Caty and Andoni Flores/The Mirror

8 September 30, 2009

Commentary

Mirror

Discussing Doug Perlitz

Fairfield's relations with Perlitz

by Joe

Carretta

Of the 11,000 allegations reported by bishops in the John Jay study, 3,300 were not investigated because the allegations were made after the accused priest had died. 6,700 allegations were substantiated, leaving 1,000 that could not be substantiated.

Aside from the obvious magnitude of Perlitz's actions, Fairfield has emerged with some dirty hands in the matter.

According to the previous reports in The Mirror, the indictment alleges that from 2002 to 2008, $2 million was transferred from the Haiti Fund, an account established to control the millions of dollars raised for Perlitz's work with the boys, which is a registered Connecticut charity, to a separate account in Haiti that Perlitz had control over. Many of those donations came from members of the Fairfield community, including former director of campus ministry, Fr.

The case of Doug Perlitz '92 is disgusting in so many ways.

The 2002 commencement speaker has been indicted by a federal grand jury on seven counts of traveling outside the U.S. for the purpose of engaging in sex with minors, and three counts of engaging in sexual conduct in foreign places with minors.

The charges came a full year after The Mirror began receiving e-mails from a man named Paul Kendrick, a 1972 graduate of Fairfield, alleging that a former Fairfield graduate, Doug Perlitz, had been abusing young boys at his charity in Haiti. Kendrick had donated money to the charity school, Project Pierre Toussaint, along with making a visit to Haiti and Perlitz. His e-mails also alluded to a cover-up by Fairfield University and the Jesuits. Kendrick's goal was for the University "Do these actions and logic points reflect to remove positive in- that of a Fairfield graduate, groomed formation about Perlitz under the code of "Cura Personalis?" from the Web site.

The Mirror then Or do they reflect that of a sick villain, reached out to the Vice using a guise of charity to cover up his President of Administrative and Student Affairs personal playground of underprivileged at the time, Mark Reed. youths who had nowhere else to turn?"

Reed requested that everything be discussed off the record, and after attempts to Paul Carrier. contact the FBI and Project Pierre TousConveniently for the University, saint board members failed, The Mirror spokesperson Rama Sudhakar said that could not report the story with only the the organization was not directly tied to say so of Kendrick. the Haiti Fund.

The American justice system re"Fairfield University did not have quires us to view an individual innocent any role in their management or board until proven guilty. There have already oversight," she told The Mirror. "Many been outcries on The Mirror Web site University members contributed funds that we are not giving Perlitz a fair shot and time independently." at clearing his name. My response to Fairfield is distancing themselves those criticisms: Do you know what they from Perlitz as if he has the swine flu. This do to people like him in jail? is an individual who received an honorary The acts Perlitz is being accused of degree, spoke during the 2002 commenceare horrific. A man who was celebrated ment, and had multiple individuals with for dedicating his work to bettering powerful Fairfield and Jesuit ties serving the lives of Haitian boys is now being on his board of directors. indicted for sexually abusing them. The The ever-so-diligent Fairfield Unifederal report alleges that Perlitz was versity, who can ticket cars, bust unable to keep his twisted scheme under derclassmen with a beer, and maintain wraps by controlling the financial as- a Stalinist grip on the student body of pect of his mission, and leveraging that Fairfield is going to look a student in the against anyone who threatened to speak eye and say they didn't know what was out against him. going on. I don't buy it.

Do these actions and logic points While the University may not reflect that a Fairfield graduate, groomed have understood the magnitude of under the code of "Cura Personalis?" Perlitz's sick operation, they should Or do they reflect that of a sick villain, have launched a full investigation after using a guise of charity to cover up his the first rumblings came through from personal playground of underprivileged Mr. Kendrick. Instead of putting his youths who had nowhere else to turn? tail between his legs and denying the The Catholic Church has been allegations on lack of concrete proof, plagued for some time by accusations of Reed should have notified those in the sexual molestation, with boys being the Bellarmine mansion about what was primary target. In June 2002 the United coming down the grapevine.

States Conference of Catholic Bishops No matter the outcome of the case, met in Dallas and approved the Charter Fairfield will continue to deny involvefor the Protection of Children and Young ment, and skirt around the hard quesPeople. The Charter created a National tions the same way they did with the Review Board, which was assigned the loan scandal that occurred two years responsibility to commission a descrip- ago — by sidestepping the question, and tive study, with the full cooperation of subsequently denying knowledge of any the dioceses and eparchies, of the nature possible wrong doing. and scope of the problem of sexual abuse Fairfield University Administraof minors by clergy. tion: Best in the business at answering Known as the John Jay report, it the question without answering the indicated that some 11,000 allegations question. Let's hope the federal govhad been made against 4,392 priests ernment doesn't drop the ball with this in the USA. This number constituted case, and holds all parties accountable approximately 4 percent of the 110,000 for their actions in this despicable case priests who had served during the period of abuse of power for sinister personal covered by the survey (1950-2002). motivations.

Letter to the Editor

To the Editor:

This editorial [Sept. 23 issue of The Mirror] hit the nail on the head. As an FYI, the remaining members of the Haiti Fund Board of Directors and in particular the current Board Chairperson, Michael McCooey, have been working overtime in their attempts to keep the street clinic and boarding school operational.

Sadly, McCooey and his fellow board members have been up against extraordinary odds in the face of opposition by former board members (Carrier & Co.) who not only disagreed with the decision to fire Perlitz, but went so far as to send a disgruntled letter to donors that eventually caused funds to dry up. The Project was forced to close.

McCooey has been seeking the help of other organizations to take over the management of the school, but nothing firm has been established. McCooey is a one man army. He and the other current Board members are decent, honorable people who have made the safety and welfare of the Haitian

children their first priority. According to the former Haiti Fund Web site, the three major sponsors of the Project were Fairfield University, the Order of Malta and the New England Society of Jesus. As the Editors seem to suggest, these three organizations and its members should embark on a $1 million fundraising campaign to provide the Project's Board with two to three years of operating revenue so that it can soon reopen and get back on its feet. By the way, kids in Haiti have access to the internet. They can read what we are saying about them. Those who were abused and others affected by the school's closing need our care, compassion and yes, our financial support.

The present Board members need help — and they need it now. Fairfield University President, Jeffrey von Arx, please lead the campaign.

Sincerely, Paul Kendrick '72

What do you think about the Perlitz allegations?

FairfieldMirror.com online poll

Graph by Dan Leitao/The Mirror

Words from the Web

It is too easy to rush to judgment and get caught up in the salacious details of the allegations. As part of the Fairfield community, can we instead stop and honestly pray for Doug and the children of Haiti? If he is indeed guilty, let us pray for healing of whatever instigated these atrocious acts.

Let us pray for healing for the children of Pierre Toussaint who have been abused. And, let us not forget the rest of the children of Pierre Toussaint who now have no home to go to.

-'Kathy FU alum' responding to Sept. 23 article "Fairfield alum indicted for child abuse: Former commencement speaker Doug Perlitz '92 led mission in Haiti" by Meghan Schelzi.

When asked by The Mirror to clarify her remarks, Sudhakar said, "Prior to the arrest of Mr. Perlitz, the University was not aware of a criminal investigation. Fairfield officials learned about a year ago that the Project's Board of Directors had removed Mr. Perlitz as the Project's Director following their investigation."

Translation: we knew about allegations, we just didn't know the police knew. . .

-David Clohessy, National Director, SNAP (Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests) responding to Sept. 23 article "Did the University try to cover up Perlitz allegations?" by Chris Simmons.

Fairfield should come clean regarding Father Carrier. From too much painful past experience of others, they should realize that a cover-up is an act of cowardice serving only to corrupt the reputation of Jesuits who really are committed to social justice and the protection of the innocent.

I hope that they haven't hidden Father Carrier in the same cave as Cardinal Law. No, I'm not going to apologize for being sarcastic. With sarcasm you are getting off easy...

-'Frannie Derm' responding to Sept. 23 article, "Who's who in the Perlitz scandal" by Chris Simmons.

Commentary

www.fairfieldmirror.com

Preventive care or Universal Health Care?

by

Erin Shea

Health insurance. It's on everyone's mind. Especially seniors who are only months away from graduating and getting kicked off of their parents' health insurance plans. So, what to do?

Of course, there has been lots of talk about Obama's proposed plan for Universal Health Care.

In fact, Harvard has recently released research claiming that lack of health insurance is associated with 45,000 deaths per year. While this comes as no surprise to many, it is possible that the study was released with ulterior motives, let's say ‌ politics?

While the study's conclusion that "uninsurance is associated with mortality," I disagree with the undertones of such a statement.

Let's get back to basics. The word "association" is synonymous with "correlation," which by definition, does not prove cause and effect. So please, do not confuse the two words. Therefore, let's explore the many other reasons why uninsurance and mortality are correlated.

Let's start with the top cause of death in the country, heart disease. The biggest risk factors for heart disease are tobacco smoke, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, physical inactivity and obesity. Go figure that all of these risk factors can be adequately controlled with diet and exercise. Go figure that Americans' lifestyle choices are really what's killing them. In essence, apathy and laziness are equally as fatal as cancer and strokes.

What really bothers me are the finances behind health care. While I've never taken a business class, I still find it appalling that 75 percent of the 2.1 trillion dollars spent on health care was spent on patient care of preventable disease and illness. Can you imagine what a change it would make to spend that money on early health screenings, physicals and other preventative measures? Why is it that doctors can write prescriptions for medication, but not for a gym membership? I bet you the gym membership would be of greater benefit in the long-term, and certainly much more cost-effective.

Don't get me wrong. As a nursing major, I'm automatically a huge advocate for health care reform, but only if done the proper way. It's morally and ethically irresponsible for 46 million Americans to go another day without health care. If it were up to me, preventative health care practices would be a huge priority. In addition, the causes of disease would be addressed, rather than simply always doing damage control once a problem arises. Therefore, lifestyle choices must be addressed at doctor visits.

To further prove this claim, a recent study found that "not smoking, exercising 3.5 hours a week, eating a healthy diet, and keeping a healthy weight" would prevent 93 percent of diabetes, 81 percent of heart attacks, 50 percent of strokes and 36 percent of all cancers. Yes, health care is expensive. Yes, everyone deserves to be insured. Yes, there is a correlation between uninsurance and death. However, there is a much stronger correlation between preventive care and a healthy life.

September 18, 2008

traffic fatality problem, but a cultural one.

To r e v e r s e t h e binge-drinking epidemic, our government needs to adopt a new approach; one of proper education and trust. With a little bit of both, our government might be able to reverse an epidemic that has adversely affected the culture of modern American youth. If we respect the current generation enough to reduce the legal drinking age, we just might be able to educate them about how to safely enjoy alcohol.

Any psychology class will tell you that to deny one something they desire will only make them want it more. It also doesn't help that if you are a college-aged adult or a member of the armed services, you might feel that you've earned the occasional cold one. So to deny the American youth the right to partake responsibly and during the beginning of their rightful adulthood might just cause a backlash. Today's result is a grim one.

Students, if returned the right to drink, would be able to socialize openly with a responsible pace Photo illustration by Peter Caty/The Mirror and plans for designated drivers. Instead, changed in 1984, total fatalities dropped 18-year-olds fill water bottles with vodka down to around 4,500 a year. Fast for- and try to "down" as much as possible ward to 2006 and the total annual traffic before even reaching their destination fatalities have fallen to 2,121 deaths. for the night. Denying the right to drink From these bare numbers one might alcohol at 18 has created a culture of want to support the original change in the alcohol abuse that could be rectified if drinking age. But there is a catch. students were allowed to drink responWhile overall traffic fatalities have sibly on their college campus. dropped due to the drinking age change, College presidents and deans have alcohol related deaths and abuses on backed the Amethyst Initiative because college campuses have exponentially they recognize their students will drink increased. These unfortunate trends alcohol no matter the drink age. That's spawned a movement known as the Am- why many colleges have taken steps to ethyst Initiative in July of 2008. ensure that their students will be safe, The Amethyst Initiative served as and not driving. The issue of student a call to action for our government to drinking has caused schools like numreconsider the drinking age. It was a ber one nationally ranked party school, movement largely backed by college University of Colorado at Boulder, to presidents and deans. The government implement a free campus shuttle — changed the drinking age to address dras- known there as "night ride" — to deter tically high traffic fatalities. Twenty-five driving under the influence. If college years later, the government must now administrations could encourage a culaddress the negative effects of denying ture of safe drinking, then both alcohol Americans who are, by many standards related accidents and the binge drinking adults, the right to drink alcohol. epidemic might be reversed.

According to the Amethyst InitiaA young adult should be educated tive's website, "1,700 college students on the responsibility that comes with between the ages of 18 and 24 die each alcohol consumption. The government year from alcohol-related uninten- needs to trust that our current college tional injuries, including motor vehicle generation can be mature enough to crashes." respond positively to such a drastic The figures get worse, unfortunate- change. ly, as "599,000 students between the ages At Fairfield, our President, Fr. Jefof 18 and 24 are unintentionally injured frey von Arx, has signed the Amethyst under the influence of alcohol, more initiative. We should be proud that our than 696,000 students are assaulted by school's president has put his signature another student who has been drinking, on such a progressive and controversial more than 97,000 students are victims movement. However, college students of alcohol-related sexual assault or date across the country must wait for a day rape, 400,000 students had unprotected when our government addresses such an sex, and more than 100,000 students re- explosive issue. port having been too intoxicated to know For now, it would be nice to see if they consented to having sex." more programs like the one at University These shocking numbers clearly of Colorado at Boulder, both at Fairfield show that America is facing not simply a and at other schools across the country.

Making the drinking age make sense by

Philip J. Mortenson

A Marine walks into a bar, pulls up a chair and asks for a beer. There's just one problem; he's only 18. The bartender looks around for a moment, then pours the soldier a beer.

He can fight for our country but he can't have a drink; that just doesn't make sense.

A freshman in college arrives for her first weekend of school. The first night, everyone seemed to go crazy. However, this particular freshman keeps a cool head on her shoulders; she knows how to drink and she knows her limits. She starts off her college career helping her new roommate who drank herself straight to the toilet; she never "got away" with drinking in high school.

Not a lot makes sense about our nation's current drinking policies. Students across the country arrive at their respective colleges and immediately join the binge drinking culture of our generation.

It's interesting to note that those who "got away" with drinking before college are affected far less by the binge-drinking epidemic. This is simply because the problem lies in a lack of education and even a lack of trust.

At 18, a person legally becomes an adult capable of serving in the military or simply learning independence while on one's own at school. Yet our government felt the need to take away the right to drink alcohol at 18.

At the time the legal alcohol age was changed, drunk driving fatalities were through the roof. According to the Web site by activist group Mothers Against Drunk Driving, both drunk driving and non-alcohol related traffic fatalities totaled up to 5,224 in Contributed photo 1982. When the drinking age was

9

Entertainment

Editor: Melissa Mann

September 23, 2009

11

www.fairfieldmirror.com

Rufus Wainwright bringing 'popera' to the Klein Secondly, Albert Maysles was going to film it, a great filmmaker. And if you’re gonna work with a great filmmaker you have to do it, if you can. Thirdly, I just love that theater, the Pabst Theater in Milwaukee, one of America’s great treasures. All good things come in threes, so that’s what happened.

placing me in the industry. But on the other hand the industry itself has been so doomed and treacherous and falling apart for such a long time that it in a strange way, not being able to know what I do has kind of saved my career. If anything, I would love to be a great American songwriter at one point, and also a great composer. I’m kind of going for what Gershwin did, whatever that was.

TM: You also just debuted your first opera, "Prima Donna," in Manchester, England.

What was that like?

RW: It was pretty intense. The thing that’s great and horrifying about classical music is that it’s all about the music. And that can be fantastic in throwing yourself wholeheartedly into the spirituality about what music is and not worrying about videos and publicity and record sales. It’s really just all about the work.

But then on the other hand you have an army of Contributed Photo critics and fans who are ready to just annihalte Rufus Wainwright will be playing in Fairfield as one of only two anything they don’t feel is up to par. It’s a very stops in the Northeast on his current tour. intense world and a very intense shift but in the end I think it makes a better musician, so

by Melissa Mann I’m happy I did it.

TM: What are your plans for the future? Are you planning on continuing with opera or going back to recording music?

RW: I’d like to try another opera, and I’d love to write another musical that I can sing in, 'cause I can’t sing opera really. I’d also love to work on my waistline, like all other 36-year-old men.

Rufus Wainwright is a singer/songwriter whose style of music is hard to describe. It's been called anything from "baroque opera" or "popera," and "alternative rock," depending on how you choose to interpret the various musical elements.

Opera has still remained a constant, however, and he recently wrote his first opera, "Prima Donna."

Currently Wainwright is performing on a small U.S. tour, and The Mirror had a chance to speak with him by phone about his current and future music endeavors, as well as his transition back and forth from music recording to opera.

TM: What was your inspiration for writing an opera?

RW: This opera, Prima Donna, was basically a vision.

One day I was watching this documentary about Maria Callas and all of a sudden it occurred to me there’s no real opera about a day in the life of an opera singer. That doesn’t really exist. So I just went with that and this whole story just kind of arrived in my lap the second I thought about it, beginning, middle and end. Which I think is important for any theatrical endeavor. I think it has to come fast and furious and have a life of its own immediately, and that’s sort of what this project had.

Rufus Wainwright will be performing at The Fairfield Theater Company at the Klein in Bridgeport on Saturday Oct. 8. Tickets start at $32 and are available online through fairfieldtheater.org

The Mirror: You recently released "Milwaukee at Last" What was it about that night in Milwaukee that prompted your recording of it to disc?

Rufus Wainwright: Three different elements converged, First, my band had never been better. I had proper backing finally of horns and a great drummer and a great guitar player.

Plus my voice was good, I finally knew what I was doing.

TM: Your music has always had this opera influence, which has been described as anything from "baroque pop" to "rock." How would you yourself describe your musical style?

RW: One of the issues with my career is that nobody has ever been totally able to properly identify what I do, and that certainly has some difficulty in terms of marketing and

by Ana

soon in November or December and it will be the first such thing of a break that we have had in about four years. I think the longest tour we have ever been on took a little less than two months at

TM: You grew up as the son of talented folk musicians, how has that contributed to you now, as a musician?

RW: I’m part of one of the great families of musicians around today, whether it’s Martha, my sister, or Lucy, my other sister, or my mother Kate or my father Loudin. It’s just a whole army of us who are equally brilliant as the next. I’m very honored and privileged to be part of this phenomenon so I’m blessed to have such a wonderful family.

Contributed Photo

Fairfield grad band connected to its 'routes'

Ziegler

A homegrown Fairfield band is returning to its roots this week at the Fairfield Theater Company. The Alternate Routes, who got their start while at the University, are performing in town on Wednesday. The Mirror spoke with lead singer Tim Warren, who co-founded the band while a student here, who talked about Fairfield, being on tour, and his inspirations.

like anything else; some of it is learned, some of it is practiced and some of it is just God given. I think if you are in it for the right reasons, it makes sense. And I think we just provide a good thing for people, a positive bunch of music that people can enjoy and we enjoy playing.

TM: If you could pick any location in the world, where would you like to play?

TW: We have not toured in Europe yet but I’ve always had a thing for Wembley Stadium. I think in the States there are a few places that always come to mind. And everybody wants to play Madison Square Garden, I don’t think that has ever changed.

The Mirror: You and one of your band members actually went to Fairfield University. What does it mean to you to play here at Fairfield. Is it something special to you?

Tim Warren: Well, I was lucky to meet Eric (DonTM: Did you ever go to a store or online to buy your nelly) in general and we started the band together, so there own CD? is all the meeting in school and living in Fairfield and TW: (laughing) No, I haven’t.

Bridgeport, so I mean in that regard it's big. I mean it is Contributed Photo easily the most important relationship I have had musiTM: Do you want to add anything else?

The Alternate Routes are coming back to where they started cally so I am grateful that we both picked the same school TW: I guess the only thing that I would add is that we or the same school picked us. So it's been great. make our living, and I think most musicians make their livone time, but it usually takes six to seven weeks to tour the entire ing, on the road playing live music so I just think it is really TM: How do you come up with new ideas for any songs, country because it is so big. So our trips are anywhere from one important to support live music. It is sort of the last thing what is it that inspires you to write? week long to six to seven weeks, depending. that touring musicians have to keep them afloat so I am a big TW: It takes a long time, we sort of drew on our own advocate for going to see live music. personal experiences. I think we have been getting into thinkTM: Do you miss home while being on the road? ing about the big picture these days. I think I started writing TW: Yeah, but the road is a little like home after a while.

The Alternate Routes are performing at the Fairfield Theas some sort of personal outlet, but the longer that I work in It is definitely personal relationships that can be harder to man- ater Company on Stage One in Fairfield on Wednesday Sept. music and work with the guys in the band, I think we have a age while you are travelling but the people that you are closest 30. Tickets are available online at fairfieldtheater.org collective consciousness, if you will, and we kind of all draw with, I think they really understand that. You can stay in touch on that while we are writing. Everybody in the band writes so and they support the decision and it really does make the time To get the full interviews of both Rufus we can share ideas and sort of grow as a group that way. that you are home a lot more special, if you can relax.

TM: You are on tour right now. How long have you been on tour and how long are you going to be on tour?

TW: We haven't had much time at home in the last four years and we are going to take a couple months off here pretty

TM: What made you become a musician?

TW: I don’t know. Nothing really makes me feel the way music does and I have found guys that have worked as hard or harder than I have, enjoying it. I mean it is an ability, just

Wainwright and The Alternate Routes, visit fairfieldmirror.com

12 September 30, 2009

The Right Bite

Entertainment

The

Mirror

'Life Starts Now' for Three Days Grace

a review of restaurants in and around Fairfield

Contributed Photo

Three Days Grace hasn't lost their unique touch by

Chris Simmons/The Mirror

Wild Rice is a restaurant that appeals to everyone's tastes.

Wild Rice at 1612 Post Road

by

Mikaela Tierney

Located only minutes from campus, Wild Rice is a great spot for a weekend bite with friends. With seating outside along Post Road in addition to a sushi bar and regular tables inside, there's plenty of space to accommodate the crowd that usually fills the restaurant.

As Erika Gjesteby '12 described, "almost all of the tables were full, and people were still coming in to eat — it was definitely busy" for a weekend night.

The interior of Wild Rice is also very contemporary and appealing.

"The atmosphere is very modern and chic," said Nicole Fogliano '12.

Wild Rice offers a wealth of variety to diners — as a restaurant featuring PanAsian cuisine, it not only has Chinese dishes, but also Thai and Japanese meals, including sushi. There is a dish that will appeal to everyone's taste buds, making it a great spot to go with a diverse group of friends. The pad thai was authentic and balanced all of the different flavors of the dish well. The sesame chicken was light and appetizing, and not at all overly-fried and unappealing like what usually arrives at your dorm door from the usual Chinese food takeout.

"It's delicious!" Bridgette Sliva '12 exclaimed.

There are also plenty of vegetarian options as well, including the healthy broccoli with soy-ginger sauce dish, the edamame appetizer, and the mixed vegetable dish with a variety of sauce choices, including ginger glaze, thai coconut curry sauce, or fresh mango spiced sauce.

Finally, the sushi bar prepares more than fifty different kinds of rolls, each unique and fresh. The variety ranges from basic cucumber rolls (for those too timid to try raw seafood) to "Tex Mex," a spicy tuna roll with scallions and Mexican seasoning or the more outrageous "Carribbean," with shrimp tempura and fried banana, topped with spicy tuna, crushed peanut, and coconut flakes.

The prices at Wild Rice range depending on the dish, but are generally in the $3-4 range for sushi, $6 dollar range for appetizers, and $13-16 range for entrées.

"You get what you pay for," Fogliano said. "It's slightly more expensive than most [local restaurants], but it's really high quality, and it all tastes amazing."

"It's a little more expensive, but it's definitely worth it, and we'll definitely be going back," Gjesteby agreed.

Entrée portions are the perfect size for sharing between two people, which can help cut down on the total cost of a meal. Most dishes come with a serving of rice, a side salad or soup, which means you usually don't have to pay for sides that you would normally pay more for to accompany your meal.

One secret to a cheaper meal: go at lunchtime. Instead of dinner out, consider going out to lunch on a day you don't have mid-morning classes.

The prices are lower, and the crowd is smaller — it's your best bet for a great meal at Wild Rice.

Despite all of the great qualities of Wild Rice, one problem still lingers.

"It's really good food," said Rebecca Patrick '12, "But I would appreciate if they would deliver it." While dining in the restaurant is fun, some students would rather get a quick bite to eat without sitting down. Though take-out is available, students still need cars to drive into town or to time their take-out with the evening town shuttle schedule in order to pick up their food.

Overall, Wild Rice is a great place to go out to a nice meal with a group of friends. It's not overly dressy, but not a boring run-of-themill college restaurant either. With affordable and appetizing food, it's a great place to have so close to campus, and Chris Simmons/The Mirror would definitely be recommended.

Deanna Mitchell

I fell in love with the sound of Three Days Grace after hearing the quirky guitar riffs and lead-singer Adam Gontier's vocal style on the band's single "I Hate Everything About You." Because of this, I was excited to get a chance to see what it brought to the table with its latest album "Life Starts Now." What I can tell you is that if you are a fan of alternative rock, you will enjoy what you hear.

Loyal fans will be surprised to hear that the band took its music to another level with this album.

The guitar riffs are pleasing to the ears even though the rifts are not distinctively impressive, and Adam Gontier utilizes his voice to intensify what some would consider facile lyrics. This combination still holds the band's signature style, but takes a few steps away from its previous projects.

The album opens with what I would consider a default guitar riff in the song "Bitter Taste," one that I've heard on other albums by classic rockers.

Gontier makes this song with his mellow-turnedharsh voice along with the guitar solo. The same goes with the single they released called "Break."

The production isn't anything special, but the lyrics are a surge of energy that listeners can't ignore.

The one thing that doesn't seem to fit is the drum pattern that drummer Neil Sanderson plays during the guitar solo. The song is a fast-paced call to the rebels of the world, and slowing it down takes away from it. "World So Cold" may remind fans of the band's earlier works with its dark chords

and subject matter. The band lightens the mood a bit with my personal favorite, "Lost in You." Adam does a good job in making his listeners think of that special someone by keeping his voice more tranquil than raspy, even though traces of it can still be heard.

My second favorite is the following track, "The Good Life." This is a head-banger's dream with a steady rhythm and intense riffs along with lyrics that ring out to partying college students across the nation. "No More" is not as riveting, and ends abruptly, but the echoing guitar and the harmonizing of Gontier and Sanderson keeps the ears entertained.

The next track, "Last to Know," is a rock ballad that is a good song to play after a bad break-up, but too slow and sad any other time. One track that is anomalous to the rest is "Bully." Adam addresses how people are quick to point fingers when a child commits a heinous act. The guitar break is impressive, beginning with a choppy, staccato style followed by an energetic flow that has yet to be heard anywhere else on the album. The finale is the album's title song, "Life Starts Now." The band ends the album strong with depth-defying lyrics that touch the spirit, and a production that calls forth attention yet eases the mind.

Three Days Grace have taken its music in a new direction without losing its sense of style completely. It follows the formula for an alternative rock group, and their music is great to listen to when one is feeling a bit rebellious, or under the weather. For those listening to the group for the first time, this album is a great one. Fans of the band's previous sound, however, may be a little disappointed, or even feel cheated by the work, but will have to admit that the band has not lost its touch over the years.

A 'Brand New' musical endeavor Dana Jennings

voice of Lacey, or any other band member for that matter. It is the eerie voice of a woman singing "On A band known for reinventing themselves Life's Highway," an old-timey gospel ballad that after every unfavored hiatus has definitely done leaves first-time listeners pleasantly puzzled. That just that … again. With its fourth studio album is until the track is cut by the raucous, screaming Daisy, they are undeniably, "Brand New." proclamation, "We need vices," by Lacey himself.

"People seem to be reacting to it kind of These three words unleash the raw and unabashed in polar states," vocalist Jesse Lacey said in an sound that the band claims is a digression to the interview with Drowned in musical influences it had as Sound after the new album in teens. its entirety was leaked on the The album concludes with band's Myspace page. the beautifully written, "Noro," The band has acknowlwhere the gospel ballad from edged that Daisy has not rethe entrance is reintroduced. ceived entirely positive feedLacey bellows, "I'm on my way back, and they are surprisout," which to some skeptic ingly very pleased. A record fans may be a subtle reference that was merely "mediocre" to rumors of the band's retireand "lukewarm" would not ment. have been as fulfilling as Other tracks worthy of one that solicits extreme particular mention include the Contributed Photo album's first single, "At the responses, said Lacey.

"Daisy" is a new twist from Brand Bottom," and the brilliantly inThe alternative rock senNew. sation that met its origins in a teresting "Be Gone." This track Merrick, NY basement in 2000, has gained a rather first summons the uncontrollable toe tap, and then large following greatly due to their disinterest in leads you to check if your CD is actually skipping. creating one particular sound. If listened to in one That is if you actually purchased the CD, but with sitting, the band's four albums could have a listener the album advertised for $6.99 at shockhound. engulfed in acoustics, then shaken by a catchy riff com by the boys themselves, I may be the only and soul-dissecting lyricism. one who splurged for the album art and a free With the uninhibited pressure of living up to patch and sticker. their acclaimed 2006 album, "The Devil and God This album has proved it is not for the flighty are Raging Inside Me," "Brand New" has shown Brand New fans, reminiscent of the days of their fans that the days of songs like "Soco Amaretto power-punk era. Though for those looking for an Lime" turning into everyone's high school anthem undeniably fresh take on the alternative genre, are dead. The band has grown, and fans are either Daisy's unique, gritty honesty is definitely deservbailing out or staying along for the ride. ing of a listen. Though don't get too attached, I The first sound projected from the often mis- give them three years before we're praising another matched but free-flowing tracks of Daisy is not the curveball that is "Brand New." by

Entertainment

www.fairfieldmirror.com

iPick

by Joe

September 30, 2009 13

Cefoli

Song: Black Hearts (On Fire) Artist: Jet

Anyone remember Jet? This song just reminds me of their old work way back when "Are You Gonna Be My Girl" was popular. It has a catchy bass line, typical Jet-like guitar solo and is good driving music.

Song: Check My Brain Artist: Alice in Chains On Tuesday, Alice and Chains released its first album in fourteen years with a new lead singer William DuVall, who is replacing the late Layne Staley. Check My Brain is the second single off the album "Black Gives Way to Blue." This song includes AIC's typical morbid lyrics, haunting vocal harmonies and catchy guitar riffs.

Song: Echoes Artist: Pink Floyd

Leave it up to me to pick lesser known songs, but I’m trying to expand your horizon. Instead of wearing out "Money" and "Comfortably Numb," try something different. This song is peaceful and uses a clever combination of guitar and synthesizers. Don’t be alarmed by the random, bizarre sound effects in the middle of the song. Allow yourself some time to listen — it's over 20 minutes long.

Peter Caty/The Mirror

Song: Rock Lobster Artist: B-52's

This one's a joke, but I had to mention it. If you were at the Grape last Friday, you’ll know why. I also recommend Peter Griffin's version of it on Family Guy.

Song: Force of Nature Artist: Pearl Jam This song is one of the better ones featured on the recently released album Backspacer. It's not the main single, but I like it just as much as "The Fixer."

Advertisement

September FUSA presents coming events

Upcoming Events

Free Extreme Bowling! - Thurs., October 1

Buses Leave from Alumni Hall @ 9pm Fairfield Fridays/Late Night at the Stag - Fri., October 2 @ 10:30pm

Giveaways, Make your own pizza, Pie Eating Contest Make your own Sundaes and Milkshakes - BCC Lower Level @ 8pm

Huge Twister Board, Rockband, and Wii!

Leadership Conference

Leadership Conference - Sat., Oct. 3

Breakfast served at 9am, Conference starts at 10am Keynote Speaker: Fairfield Grad Michael Miller This year's Theme: 'Leadership: Achieved, not Received' Registration is FREE! Log onto FUSA's Home Page Today

Tickets on Sale

Jersey Boys! tickets on sale for the tony-award winning broadway hit!

Tickets go on sale Wed., Sept. 30 - BCC info Desk Show is on Thurs., Oct. 8 - Buses Leave Alumni Hall at 4:30pm

FUSA Welcomes!

Congratulations!

FUSA Congratulates the elected officials of the 2013 Class and thanks everyone that turned out to vote last week!

Show is on Thurs., Oct. 8 - Buses Leave Alumni Hall at 4:30pm

FUSA: THE OFFICIAL STUDENT GOVERNMENT OF FAIRFIELD UNIVERSITY

BY THE STUDENTS, FOR THE STUDENTS Introducing the New Faces of FUSA Class of 2013 Election Shanee Griffith Matthew Morrissey Dan Swimm Grace Neubauer Kristen Alexy Taylor McGuinness Justin Nowicki Mike Elwell -2013 Class Council: President - Jordan Freeman Vice President - Danielle Young Secretary/Treasurer - Deirdre Forrest

Become our fan on Facebook!

TO PURCHASE TICKETS FOR EVENTS: Visit the BCC Info Desk For more information: Visit the FUSA OFFICE at the lower level BCC OR LOG ONTO FAIRFIELD.EDU/FUSA

15

Coffee Break

Editor: Tom Cleary

September 30, 2009

www.fairfieldmirror.com

HE said / SHE said The walk of shame

Chris Surette So after flirting with a young swan at a party, you invite her back to your place and she accepts. The road to pleasure town begins and as Johnny Drama would say, VICTORY! Congrats boys, not only did you get laid, but you have a great story for the rest of your life.

Not only is it a story for you and your boys, but others will soon realize what happened when they see your victim walking back to the dorms in her dress from last night, with a disgraceful look on her face as if she was robbed of her dignity.

But girls, even though many may consider you a slut after witnessing your glorious Walk of Shame, just realize that you have given this lucky guy a story he can share with others at the Grape for the rest of the year. We ought to thank you for that. And hopefully you got something out of this to ... actually, we don’t really care.

But in order to achieve success, we need to understand a few tips of advice to become a champ. First and foremost, right when you wake up, get out of there.

There is nothing worse than the awkward wake up next to a girl, who is not as hot as you thought she was when you were 12 deep the night before. Not only that, it is kind of embarrassing when you smile at her and call her Julie, when her name is actually Ashley. Plus you don’t want to find

out she’s a stage five clinger because that pounding you gave her last night will turn into a pounding headache for you for the next couple of weeks.

Second, even though you might feel like the man for doing it, make sure you don’t raw dog it.

Let's be real, we are too young to have a little mini-me running around. I would rather enjoy my college years drinking my face off and having to clean my own vomit, than cleaning the vomit of 16 month infant. Also, if you can’t remember her name, there is a very good chance you don’t know much about the broad. Trust me, you don’t want that hood rat giving you a venereal disease. Not because half are not curable, but the next time you try to bang and that little cutie sees that rash around your genitals, she’s going to be running for the fences. Listen guys, gonorrhea is a serious disease. So don’t be a fool and wrap your tool.

Now if you follow these tips, the next time you do work, you’ll have a tale to tell your buds for years. Remember to be ruthless and have no shame.

We are relying on each other for an entertaining story that is both hilarious and humiliating. Just remember one thing; her walk of shame is an induction into your hall of fame.

One night stands (ONS) can be great or a complete nightmare; and the worst part is you probably won’t know which of these it is before it's too late.

Between the experiences of my friends and myself, I’ve been able to come up with some pretty good ways to decide if going home with Mr. Wonderful is a good decision or not. If your friends are not around to give you the thumbs up or thumbs down, perform the following checks.

If you answer the following questions with “Yes,” you should probably go your separate ways for the evening. Is his collar popped? Does he have any broken limbs?

Does he have a twin brother you could have possibly confused him with? Would the walk to his place take more than three minutes? Is his hair perpendicular to the floor? Did he introduce himself with the tool bag nickname his friends gave him? Is he drinking a pink mixed drink?

If you answered “no” to all those questions, it should help you avoid any REALLY bad experiences, but I can’t make any promises. If you still can’t decide, you can ask me.

You’ll thank me for the “would the walk to his place take more than three minutes?” evaluation. When you wake up in your party dress with your make-up streaked down your face and horrified with what is next to you, the walk will be over shortly and hopefully before

Dear “He Said,” First of all, I’d like to state that as of right now, your column is better than the one Waldo would put out last year. In truth, that is not saying much because better writers have come out of kindergarten, but I digress to my original intent of this letter.

Mr. Surette. As the “He Said” columnist, you have the ability to reach the minds of the Fairfield community every week fro the entire year. Unfortunately for the rest of The Mirror, you’re a pointless, humorless and grammatically flawed projectile of information that is the skid mark of an otherwise noteworthy collegiate publication. The only reason He Said is even read is because it takes the attention span of a fly to read and understand.

After the year of Dan Stanczyk '08 (who will go down as one of the best He Said’s ever), it was a downhill spiral for that section of the paper. I mean, drunk texting and dialing? Yeah, that sounds like a real original topic. I’m glad to see you two are working hard to keep the page fresh week by week. In your defense, your line about the freshman girls being welcome at the beach was great, but you actually told me face-to-face that your roommate told you to throw it in at the end, so unfortunately I have nothing positive to say about your column.

Another perk about being the He Said guy is you can take some sharp jabs at different people around campus. Calling out Chris Simmons for being frail and white

(he did have the balls to wear a Speedo to The Point, so he's alright in my book), taking shots at some friends for their late night actions and throwing in a witty line at the end directed at the guy who sells T-shirts …

Great stuff man.

Well, here’s something you might not have known. That guy who tells T-shirts has been on the front page of this newspaper before you got the name Captain Intensity.

Who do you think you are, asking for a commission off my product? I’m sorry to break it to you guy, but in real life, people just don’t walk up to you with envelopes of money for thinking of funny phrases. While you were busy writing your “He Said” application letter, I was designing, marketing, and preparing a sales plan for my T-shirts (which are all sold out so don’t go buying them from freshman selling them marked up). This is the same “my sh*t don’t stink attitude” that allows Fairfield dudes to leave their weights in the Rec Plex, throw their garbage around their res halls and forget to buy sleeves with shirts.

I have an idea for a compromise, though. I'll use some of the money I made to send you guys a nice box of tissues while you cry over the fact that you have Thirsty Scholar written on your beer pong table.

Moral of the story Surette. Be careful who you decide to call out in your silly little column. I don’t want to see you embarrassed again.

--- The T-shirt Guy

anyone can see you. If you ignored the consequences of that question, I have no sympathy and I’ll probably laugh at you when I see you walking. If you’re planning on staying at the beach, make sure you have some money for a cab. You may get lucky and find a nice gentleman that will drive you home in the morning, but prepare for the worst.

Before your next one night stand, remember one thing — Fairfield is a pretty small school. When there are less than 4,000 students, you are bound to run into your hook-up pretty much everywhere you go.

You may not have ever seen them before, but I can promise you they will be all over the place after the rendez-vous.

And of course, you will only run into them when you are not looking your best — like on the way back from the gym, stuffing your face in Barone, or panting as you’re walking up the Dolan Hill.

When running into a one-night stand around campus, it’s probably going to be really awkward. Just accept it.

By the time you’ve gaped at him long enough to affirm that it’s really him, he’ll have noticed that you’re staring. At that point you might as well say hi and hope for the best. If you can’t remember his name or he is walking with another one of your ONS — you might want to reevaluate your life.

So I wish you good luck. And I hope that your beer goggles never allow you to make any truly terrible decisions.

FML

Letter to the Editor T-shirt guy: Don't mess with me, He Said

Allyson Wuensch

I just read my

texts from last night Where The Mirror showcases Fairfield's nightly shenanigans every week

by Jessica Pierce Are we really into four weeks of college already? Yikes. Senior year is flying by and soon I will be a Fairfield alum trying to get into The Grape to relive my college years. Or a super-senior. With exams coming up, let’s make the few nights out that we aren’t studying that much more precious. By precious I mean blackout central and raunchy so I have something to write about. So go ahead, be ridiculous, you have my permission. Blame it on the fact that I need material for my column. I wish I had a better excuse when I was a freshman … or a sophomore ... or junior.

Fairfield FML: 1. Last night I got so drunk by 11 p.m. I kicked everyone out of my room so I could throw up in peace and never made it out of the dorms. FML. That’s better than throwing up on everyone. Not like I would know from experience or anything.

2. I was so blackout that I don't remember anything except that I woke up at the townhouses next to a half naked girl. She snuck into my bed because she thought I was her boyfriend. I am a girl. FML. Maybe you really just had a threesome and the guy didn’t feel like cuddling with either of

you. I hate cuddling. Hi boys ; ) Fairfield Texts from Last Night: (1) Why aren't you in front of me?

(2) Why aren't you behind me?

I can’t express in words how perfect this relationship is.

(1)Hi honey, just wanted to say I love you and I hope you finally made some friends. It makes me so sad to think I could be out and you aren’t.

(2)Love you too mom.

Your mom isn’t that bad. My mom would have told me to put down the “Gotta Have It” size from Coldstone and use this alone time to up my G.P.A. (1) Wanna come over later?

(2) I’m hooking up with someone else.

Please stop texting me.

Wow ... well at least this person is honest.

Send YOUR FMLs and Texts from Last Night to

mirrorfml@yahoo.com

16 September 30, 2009

Coffee Break

The

Mirror

www.fairfieldmirror.com

Sports September 30, 2009 Stags Photo of the Week

17

Cross Country

Making strides: The men's and women's cross country teams continued a strong start to the season in the Fr. Victor J. Leeber, S.J. Invitational at home in the 33rd running of the race. The women finished in second place, with the men taking home a third place finish.

Junior Benjamin Heslin for the men and freshman Kerry Hamilton for the women were the top two finishers, both placing in seventh.

Hamilton was one of five Stags to place in the top-15 in the 5K with a time of 19:39. Sophomore Kristen Golen finished one place back (19:50) and freshman Nikki Livesey finished in 10th place (19:54).

On the men's side, Heslin finished with a time of 25:49 in the 8K race, with Jon Juleus '12 placing in 10th (25:24) and Steve Flanagan 11th (25:56).

Field Hockey

Gearing up: With a 2-1 win over Brown, the women's field hockey team finished its early season non-conference schedule as the Stags prepare for their second season in the America East Conference.

Brown was out shot 15-3 in the first half, but scored the lone goal as Fairfield was held scoreless. But in the second half, junior Melanie Leo set up two goals to lead the Stags to the comeback victory. Just two minutes into the second half, Leo made a pass to senior Molly Byrnes, who finally connected on the goal. Leo then sent a pass to senior Jill Piacquadio and she scored the game-winning goal.

Stags goalkeeper Megan Ambrose entered the game in the second half and stopped all six shots she faced. Caitlin O'Donnell played the first half, stopping two shots and allowing the lone Brown goal.

Fairfield starts the America East portion of the schedule with a road game against the University of Albany on Saturday, Oct. 3.

Peter Caty/The Mirror

Men's cross country runner Ben Heslin at the Leeber Invitational (see side and below).

Male Stag-lete of the Week ATHLETE: Benjamin Heslin '12 SPORT: Men's Cross Country ACHIEVEMENT: Heslin was named the MAAC Men's Cross Country Runner of the Week after his performance in the Fr. Victor J. Leeber, S.J. Invitational at Fairfield this weekend. Heslin finished with a time of 25:49 to finish in seventh place, the highest position of any Stags runner. It is the second runner of the week for Fairfield this season, with Steve Flanagan earning the honor on Sept. 14.

Female Stag-lete of the Week ATHLETE: Melanie Leo '11 SPORT: Field Hockey ACHIEVEMENT: A defender, Leo showed her offensive prowess by setting up two goals to tie and give the Stags the lead against Brown on Sept. 29. Leo provided passes to seniors Molly Byrnes and Jill Piacquadio and they were able to convert on both. Leo has started all 10 games this year and has a team-high six assists to go along with two goals.

18 September 30, 2009

Sports

Mirror Sports

Tom Cleary

3x5

The

Mirror

Keith Connors

Editor in Chief

Chris Simmons

General Manager

Managing Editor

NFL Football Edition

New England. When it comes to the time that matters, the Pats are the best.

Usually. Damn Giants.

Everything's bigger in Texas, but let's face facts: two first place teams play in Jersey.

Colts and the Ravens? But still, I can't say Bmore. Florida is stacked.

Ray-Ray and the U would agree.

2. The best team in New York The Broadway Blueshirts. Almost hockey season ... is ...

Wearing 'stripes. And, no, not you, Plaxico.

Buffalo. I'm pretty sure they're the only NFL team actually in N.Y.

3. The best player on my favorite team is ...

Toss-up: Randy Moss or Tom Brady. Both are freaks of nature.

Madison Hedgecock. And I've got the jersey to prove it.

Haloti Ngata. I've considered pulling a Dan Kagdis and Facebook friending him.

4. Who is your sleeper team to win the Super Bowl?

The Saints. If Drew Brees and their dynamic offense can get hot in the playoffs, they will be tough to beat.

A killer defense and a team that has scored 34 points per game? See below.

I'd say the Ravens, but they aren't a sleeper for me. I'll go with SF or NYJ. Both led by former Ravens.

5. Sunday AFC Showdown Toss- Pats. Can't bet against Tom Brady and the boys. Randy Moss needs Up: Ravens or Pats?

Wacco for Flacco. Plus I hear we have some similarities with a helmet on ...

Never surprise a girl with tickets to a game too far in advance. She may dump you. Ravens.

1. Football Hub: New England, New York, or elsewhere?

to step up.

1_week

Sports

www.fairfieldmirror.com

by

A strong skipper

Sean Clores

A lot has changed in Fairfield's Athletic Department over the past 13 years. Some coaches have left while others have arrived. Teams have battled through to have some great seasons while other teams have fallen short.

With all the constant change that surrounds the world of college sports, one thing has remained the same at Fairfield. That is Coach Carl Rees leading the men's soccer team to continued success.

His resume speaks for itself.

Rees Since arriving at Fairfield, Rees has produced 10 winning seasons, 3 MAAC titles, and 1 NCAA tournament win. His program has allowed many athletes to succeed on and off the field, but Rees credits much of his success to the University.

"The University itself is the biggest reason we have had success. The academic reputation, the support for our athletic programs here make Fairfield a very attractive option for top soccer recruits," Rees said.

Recruiting has been one of Rees' biggest accomplishments. The Stags' success has received national recognition multiple times. In 2001, the Stags reached an all-time high, ranking 12th in the nation while ranking 15th twice

Men's soccer head coach Carl Rees has been a stable presence

(2000 and 2007) and 17th in 2007. The continued attention has helped make Fairfield an attractive place for athletes domestic and foreign. This year's roster features players from all over the world including England, New Zealand, and Ontario.

International recruiting is something Rees realizes has become extremely important around the league.

The competition in leagues like the MAAC isn't getting any easier and this is one way to get an advantage.

Rees said, "All the Universities are recruiting internationally these days. We like the diversity in our dressing room and I feel we all benefit from the eclectic nature of our group."

Coming to America as an international player is something Coach Rees can relate to. It wasn't too long ago that he was making the same transition.

Originally from Bebington, England, Rees decide to make the leap to Oneonta, New York, where he played four years for Hartwick College.

During his time at Hartwick, Rees played three years as a defender before switching to forward in his senior year.

He was the team caption in his junior and senior years and graduated on the Dean's list in 1988. Rees was inducted in the Hartwick Hall of Fame in 2007.

From his various playing experiences, it is easy to see why Coach Rees has brought success to Fairfield but along with his playing years, Rees found no greater influence to than his former Coach, Jim Lennox.

Lennox coached for 26 years at

Hartwick, piling up 318 wins with only 163 losses. He was also inducted into the Hartwick Hall of fame and led the team to two Div 1 final fours during Rees' time there. 21 years later, the two remain close.

"My time at Hartwick was one of the happiest times of my life. I was very fortunate to play for Jim Lennox who was a great mentor. We are still very close and if I become half the coach he is I will be satisfied," he said.

With over 115 victories and a growing program, Rees is well on is way to becoming that good.

Stags earn back to back shutouts

by

Tom Cleary

The men's soccer team moved to 3-4 on the season with a second straight shutout on Saturday. The Stags defeated St. Francis (NY) 1-0.

Junior Matt Ernst scored his second goal of the season off a corner from Matthew Uy '11 just 10 minutes into the game. The Stags then held the Terriers scoreless for the remainder of the game, with freshman goalkeeper Michael O'Keeffe leading the way.

The Stags had previously defeated Northeastern on Tuesday.

Fairfield returns to action with a home game against New Hampshire at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 30.

September 30, 2008

19

Four score for Volleyball in MAAC play by

Keith Connors

October 10. Fairfield against Siena. A rivalry, a Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) Championship rematch, and the obvious choice for the first game that most on the women's volleyball team likely circled when the schedules were released months ago.

And while the biggest game on the conference schedule still awaits, volleyball looks as if it is treating every MAAC game like it is a shot at the Saints and a chance for redemption.

The Stags' most recent victory, a 3-1 win over Rider this past Saturday in Lawrenceville, N.J., not only marked a sweep of the team's weekend matches, but also stretched the team's season-high win streak Mann to four.

"I really think anything can happen in the MAAC schedule this year," head coach Alija Pittenger said of the team's newfound approach. "I think you've seen a lot of upsets so far this year that you probably wouldn't have seen in the past."

"We've got to be ready for every single game," she added.

As expected, senior middle blocker Katie Mann led the way offensively for the Stags. After tallying 25 hits, a personal best, against Marist, the MAAC Player of the Week added 19 kills for an encore in the Stags' win over the Broncs.

Mann's senior presence has been especially vital this season due to a starting lineup laden with freshman, including outside hitter Brianna Dixion and libero Kara Reis.

Following a brief respite, the Stags return to action at Alumni Hall against Manhattan this Friday evening. As for their next game beyond that; they'll be more than ready.

Sports

Editor: Tom Cleary, Keith Connors, Chris Simmons

September 30, 2009

www.fairfieldmirror.com

Peter Caty/The Mirror

Freshman Kasey Schulz chases down fellow freshman Jen Hoy of Princeton in the Stags game against the Tigers on Tuesday night. Fairfield fell to Princeton 1-0 for its second straight loss, following a five-game win streak. The Stags now have two key MAAC games against Marist and Siena this weekend in Fairfield.

by

A Princeton Review

Chris Simmons

After five straight wins, the women's soccer team has lost two games in a row, the first to Army and the second to Princeton. The two losses drop the Stags to 6-5 overall on the year.

The Stags lost both games by a narrow margin, falling to the Cadets 2-1 and 1-0 to the Tigers with the only goal scored on a penalty kick.

"In the first half I thought we were good at times," said head coach Jim O'Brien following the Princeton game.

"But defensively I thought we weren't sure of ourselves. Except for the penalty kick when I thought we were overly aggressive."

O'Brien said the Army game was the same as the Stags made a few mistakes that the opponents were able to capitalize on.

"Defensively, we have some holes in

the back," said O'Brien. "We have some inexperienced players. Alyssa Decker is very talented, but remember, she's only a sophomore. (Sophomore) Jackie Taylor is learning the position. That leaves (senior) Adrienne Boyer as the only experienced back and she played midfield last season.

It's a hodgepodge back there."

The penalty kick against the Tigers came with about 28 minutes left in the first half. A Princeton player was going to have sophomore goalie Kelly Boudreau one-onone before Decker pulled her down.

"I thought we dominated play in the first half," said Boudreau. "But then a goal like that happens and it's heartbreaking.

There's nothing you can do about it. When it happens for you, it's awesome, but it didn't for us today."

Fairfield is also hurting up front as Lauren Reilly when down in the Princeton game. The Stags are already missing senior

Stags pounced on by Tigers in 1-0 loss, drop second straight game Casey Frobey, who O'Brien is optimistic will be able to return soon. Reilly was being evaluated after the game.

The women's soccer team won its conference opener last Friday, shutting out Iona 2-0.

The Stags' fifth straight win at the time came on goals by senior Chrissie Sidie and sophomore Jasmin Corniel. Boudreau also added her third shutout of the season.

But, Fairfield's winning streak was snapped on Sunday as the Stags fell 2-1 to Army. Corniel scored her team-leading sixth goal of the year in the game, but it wasn't enough to mount a comeback.

The Stags have played a tough slate this season with the maximum 20 games allowed and good opponents.

"Jim (O'Brien) tries to schedule tough games for us," said Boudreau. "Even though we lost today, it will help us. We get to see a fast pace and that will help in the

conference. Tonight helped us a lot after beating Iona and losing to Army."

This week is the second week that Fairfield has played Friday, Sunday and Tuesday games. The Stags will have played eight games from Sept. 25 to Oct. 11.

"It's hardest on the Sunday games," said Boudreau. "But we have a lot of depth and we are in really good shape."

Fairfield returns to action this weekend with home conference games against Marist on Friday night at 7 p.m. and against Siena on Sunday at 1 p.m. Both Marist and Siena are currently 2-0 in the conference while the Stags are 1-0. Siena also has only one loss on the year overall.

"It's a little different this year since every team will play in the conference championship in Disney," said O'Brien.

"But we're competitive and we want to get a good seed and put ourselves in good position."

insideSPORTS: This Week in Sports p. 17; Mirror Sports 3 x 5 p. 18; Women's soccer p. 19; Volleyball p. 19