11/16/11

The

FREE | Take one Week of November 16, 2011 | Vol. 37, Iss 4

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The Independent Student Newspaper of Fairfield University

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9 Down, How Many More Will Go? The Reflection of Fairfield

Who’s Next?

$300,000.00

annual salary annual salary

$214,484.00

“With respect to the budget shortfall and resulting layoffs, I have substantial concerns that at a time in which we would have expected an administrative reorganization that resulted in a leaner structure of highly paid administrators, the administration instead increased the number of high paying vice president positions.

In short, whereas staff are being laid off, we are adding highly paid administrative positions.”

$255,650.00

annual salary annual salary

$193,202.00

-Richard DeWitt, Professor at Fairfield & President of the University’s Faculty Welfare Committee.

Photo Illustration by: Elizabeth Koubek/The Mirror

These numbers were collected from the most recently released 990 forms from the 2009-2010 fiscal year. Depicted are four of the top paid individuals at Fairfield : President Father Von Arx (top left), Vice President of Advancement Stephanie Frost (Top Right), Professor of Fine Arts Orin Grossman (bottom left), and Vice President of Administration and Student Affairs Mark Reed (bottom right).

By Elizabeth Koubek News Editor For a second time, members of Fairfield University’s staff have been given a double dose of bad news: they will lose their job at the University and they are one of the few considered non-essential.

Back in 2009, Fairfield announced they would be making 31 layoffs as a way to reduce the budget by 5 percent. Now in the past week, Fairfield University has decided again to cut a number of different staff members in an

attempt to remedy the $4.3 million budget gap this fiscal year.

“Whenever anybody faces a budget gap… there are two ways of dealing with it: increase your revenues, or try to decrease your expense,” said Fr. Von Arx in the past Mirror article Fairfield Facing $4.3 Million Budget Gap. The University took this advice and decreased their financial expenses through staff positions.

Although no one will confirm the exact number of jobs that were cut, different staff members from the Quick Center for the Arts, the Photography Department and the

Print Shop were affected. Some of the targeted employees have been offered early retirement options and have several weeks to decide.

Pending these decision no official final tally of individuals cut from the University has been announced.

According to Rama Sudhakar, vice president of marketing and communications, “In order to achieve its strategic goals in a fiscally responsible manner, Fairfield University has taken a number of steps to address the financial challenges it faces.”

Sudhakar said that among the different measures taken, Fair-

field will be working on: structural re-organization and budget reductions across all University divisions, the implementation of a voluntary retirement incentive program, the elimination of a number of open positions and a small workforce reduction.

Richard DeWitt, philosophy professor at Fairfield and President of Fairfield University’s Welfare Committee said, “I am deeply committed to Fairfield and to doing what I can to move the University in a better direction. But in the past few years I and other faculty have become deeply concerned about the direction in

which Fairfield is moving.”

DeWitt noted varied concerns, such as staff being laid off so that the University can add highly paid administrative positions. Also, the salaries of the highest paid administrators increased at extraordinary rates while faculty salaries have barely kept up with cost of living.

And lastly, the administration has been losing sight of Fairfield’s mission statement which says, “At the same time it [Fairfield University] seeks to develop a greater sense of community within itself, a sense that

Lay Off| page 3

Think You’re Living on the Beach? Think Again.

By Richard O’Connor Staff Writer

Connecticut Post/Brian A. Pounds

Cooley Returns Home See ‘Stags drop the ball’ | page 20

At last Wednesday’s Off-Campus Boarder Experience Forum, led by Dr. Thomas Pellegrino, Vice President of Student Affairs, with assistance from Karen Donoghue, Dean of Students, and Ophelie Rowe-Allen, Director of Residence Life, students learned that the number of students to be allowed to become off-campus boarders will be substantially lower next year.

Coming down from the current number of 304 off-campus boarders (OCBs), next year’s

Housing | page 5

Photo Illustration: Tom McKiver/The Mirror

One of the current houses up for rent to the seniors of Fairfield on the beach.

The Mirror | Week of November 16, 2011

News

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Photos 1 - 6 taken and contributed by Caitlin Leist ‘12 Photos compiled by Elizabeth Koubek, News Editor Students from Fairfield’s L.E.A.F. traveled down to Washington, D.C to protest the bill that would allow the construction of the Keystone XL Pipeline, which has the potential to cause major ecological damage.

5

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Fairfield Students Protest Keystone XL Pipeline Students from Fairfield’s LEAF travel to Washington to protest a environmentally harmful pipeline

By Caitlin Leist Contributing Writer Almost every Fairfield student has shown his or her support for one club or another as they fight for a cure for cancer, raise money to volunteer abroad, or hold sign-ups for a blood drive.

Only three Fairfield students, however, drove the six hours to the nation’s capital to join in the protest against the Keystone XL tar sands pipeline on Nov. 6.

Seniors Shannon DeMatteo and Kathryn Bimson and freshman Kelly Miraglia, represented the Fairfield University’s environ-

mental club, LEAF, in the rally that was composed of over 12,000 other environmentalists, all showing their opposition to the Keystone XL pipeline. The rally’s aim was to protest President Obama’s potential approval of the “presidential permit” that would allow this pipeline to cross the international border with Canada.

The pipeline would carry tar sands oil, the dirtiest fuel on the planet, some 1,700 miles from Alberta, Canada through the heart of the United States down to the Gulf Coast, risking oil spills that would damage ecosystems, pollute water, and pose serious health risks.

“No demand for oil should be worth the dangers that this pipeline poses to our environment,” said DeMatteo. “Unfortunately, Americans have forgotten the consequences of the massive oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico just a couple years ago, and, if approved, this pipeline threatens the same amount of damage.”

The rally, which took place in Lafayette Square just next door to the White House, began with several speakers including the cofounder and global organizer of the environmental group 350.org, Bill McKibben.

Other speakers included environmental leaders, Nobel

Prize recipient Jody Williams, and even celebrity actor Mark Ruffalo.

“After hearing some of the amazing speakers, I knew what we were doing was right,” stated Miraglia.

“Someone needed to fight to have this project stopped and I am so grateful that I could be a part of that.”

Following these speeches, protesters made their way to the White House in three large groups where they surrounded the White House and linked arms. The protest lasted from 1:30 till 5:30 with closing speeches by McKibben and other activists.

Less than a week later, DeMatteo, Bimson and Miraglia

received news that the protest was successful in helping to delay the construction of the pipeline.

Obama sent the project back to the State Department for a rereview, which McKibben believes, will essentially kill the project.

Hearing this news, DeMatteo expressed, “It’s a great feeling knowing that you were part of something like this that will help keep our environment safer, but the fight is not over yet.”

For more information on this project and other environmental initiatives, go to www.350.org.

LEAF meetings are also held every Thursday night at 7:30 in the BCC Mezzanine.

News

The Mirror | Week of November 16, 2011

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Occupy Protests Have an Uncertain Future

By Danica Ceballos And Richard O’Connor Associate News Editor and Staff Writer

An active library with sections for topics such as philosophy, gender studies, ecology, a meal station serving three hot meals a day, a think-tank serving as a discussion hot spot, a first-aid station offering free flu shots, and a comfort station stocked with amenities like underwear and blankets.

In the one square-block named Zuccotti Park, the protestors had an impressive infrastructure.

However, shortly after 1 a.m. on Tuesday morning, police raided and shutdown the makeshift encampment at Liberty Square.

In addition to police forcing people out of Liberty Square, the Brooklyn Bridge and most subway stops were closed, according to Occupy Wall Street’s official website, www.occupywallst.org.

Mayor Michael Bloomberg sent the police and stated, “Protestors have had two months to occupy the park with tents and sleeping bags. Now they will have to occupy the space with the power of their arguments.”

The press was not allowed to enter the area, either on the ground or in the air. There were also reports of tear gas being used.

The protestors moved towards

Folly Square soon after the police raids began. As of 6 a.m. on Tuesday morning, Liberty Square was cleared.

However, according to the official website, protestors plan to return to their original spot in Liberty Square.

Due to similar shutdowns of “Occupy” movements, such as Oakland and Portland, it is uncertain what will happen with the future of the movement.

The physical chaos of Zuccotti Park before the raids was a good indicator of the disjointedness and diversity that has become part of the “Occupy” movement. The park’s then-permanent inhabitants ranged from classic hippies smoking the tail end of joints, anarchist punks with leather jackets, older, seemingly normal politically active types, and homeless individuals, latching onto the site for safety and free meals.

The issues and goals of each group and the ways each group wants to achieve them varies so greatly that it’s surprising that they align themselves under the same banner of the Occupy Movement.

Ryan Maxwell, a Seattle native in his twenties who’s been a resident of the camp for the past

two weeks, said that although groups in the camp were very diverse, there are things that they can find consensus on.

“Everybody agrees that there needs to be a change,” Max well said.

“There needs to be a cultural change. There needs to be a change in our values. Right now, our values are [expletive], the pyramid is upside down.”

Since the protest began in New York City, similar protests sprung up in over 1,500 cities worldwide.

While there are many people in Fairfield county that commute into New York City, Astrid Quinones/Contributed Photo Connecticut residents The issues of greed and money in the US. were common topics during Occupy Wall Street. participated in their own “Occupy” protests in New Haven get ahead simply by working hard. choose their fields of study more on Oct. 15 and Hartford on Oct. 8, The system seems to be stacked carefully. according to www.liberationnews. against them,” said Dr. Michael Junior Jordan J. Freeman org.

Tucker, professor of Finance. commented on his observaThese protestors continue “Politicians listen to money and tions on Fairfield students’ lack in their respective cities. Many not voters.” of knowledge concerning the flocked to New York City to partici Recent graduates are among protests. pate in the events of Occupy Wall the “Occupy” protestors, accord“It is surprising how many Street. ing to Tucker. He explains that due people are unaware of what is “There are growing numbers to these protests and an unprehappening just an hour away from of people who do not feel they can dictable economy, students may our campus,” Freeman stated.

One Phone Call Can Make A Lot More Then One Dollar

Contributed Photos

By Jay Polansky Contributing Writer With the 4.3 million-dollar budget gap looming over Fairfield, those involved with telephone fundraising see gifts from alumni as a way to ease the University’s financial burdens.

Their goal is to raise $3 million each year, the amount the University budgets for contributions.

“Anything we can do to raise money above and beyond that will help close that gap,” said Kimberly LoPiano ‘04 who supervises the telephone fundraising program known as Phonathon, one of the programs Fairfield uses to reach its fundraising goal.

Proceeds from the Phonathon arrive in The Fairfield Fund, a general fund for donations that are not restricted to a specific program.

Money from the fund is used to fund clubs and offset the cost of tuition for students. The Board of Trustees ultimately decides how the money is distributed, according to LoPiano.

Last year the Phonathon raised $460,000 for the Fairfield Fund, and they are on target to

meet this year’s goal, according to LoPiano.

Some of those donations come in over the phone to students in Bellarmine Hall. Each Sunday through Wednesday night, 10 paid student callers pick up the telephone and reach out to alumni.

LoPiano said the Phonathon program has been going “on and off” for many years. Up until three years ago, the University contracted an outside company to call its alumni.

“It wasn’t as effective or productive,” Lo Piano said. “We decided, let’s take a chance and see if we can do it with our students.”

The program is now student run in an office in Bellarmine, complete with high-tech computerized phones.

“Two years ago I was filing hundreds of papers in 3 inch binders, and students were hand dialing in the offices at Bellarmine,” said Elisabeth Downey ‘12, student manager for the program. “Now, the computer system has made our jobs much easier and more efficient. The computers have also helped boost percentages each semester.”

LoPiano said that students

also use the calls as an opportunity to update alumni on class events such as reunions.

Sometimes callers can be quite colorful, according to Barbara Kaplan ‘12.

Students also take note of alums’ complaints or suggestions in the Phonathon’s computer systems.

And after chatting with the alums, students ask for donations, which they often get.

“I think the biggest reason why alumni give back and why I do is that I love Fairfield so much,” LoPiano said.

Megan Protas ’12 shares a similar view on the importance of fundraising. “Without the Fairfield Fund, current and future students would not be able to have the same experiences that I have had during my time at Fairfield.”

Donations also help to raise the University’s reputation.

U.S. News and World Report uses alumni giving as a criterion for their college rankings. The report does not measure the amount of donations, according to LoPiano, but the number of people who donate.

Last year, Fairfield jumped

from #4 to #2 as Best Regional University in the North.

Besides the student Phonation, which targets all alumni, another fundraising program specifically reaches out to athletes.

Current student athletes will call members of past teams and ask them to make donations, according to Greg Chase ’13, who raises money for the cross country team.

However, unlike the Bellarmine callers, the athletes are asked to participate in the program as volunteers.

Reaching out to alums is not always easy. Some with caller ID don’t pick up the phone when Fairfield calls.

Like the University, the entire country including alums have fallen on difficult financial times.

And that’s impacted donations.

“The economy definitely has an impact on everybody,” said LoPiano. “I think we have to work a little bit harder. Some people are giving lesser amounts but those that can are keeping their gifts consistent and some are increasing.

I’m definitely optimistic.”

The Phonathon program is always looking to recruit student callers.

Continued from page 1

9 Cut from U.

all of its members belong to and are involved in the University.” Now, instead of a growing community, highly paid administrative positions are being added at the cost of laying off staff, those who have been members of the community for years.

Mark Guglielmoni, head of human resources, said, “Those affected were treated with great respect and were provided with a quality severance package that included outplacement assistance and counseling.”

This fall, Fairfield’s enrollment was down 3.7 percent and there was a 2.7 percent increase in tuition, room and board reaching a total of $52,790. Also, Fairfield created two new dorms this summer, completely renovated another one and added an offcampus bookstore in town.

Neither Vice President for Finance and Treasury, Julie Dolan, nor Associate Vice President of Finance, Michael Maccarone, would not comment on the issue.

Gary Wood, director of the Quick Center for the Arts, lost four members of his staff. He said, “Layoffs are difficult. No doubt financially challenging times force us to make very difficult choices, he noted.

“Such decisions impact good people and my heart goes out in deepest thanks for their excellent work here at the Quick Center. But the strong dedication to the arts and education at the University goes on, and we must come out of this challenging time rethinking how we do business and position ourselves for a strong, healthy future.”

Administration set out to make cuts that would least impact the Fairfield University student experience, but the long-term effects of these cuts have yet to be determined.

The Mirror | Week of November 16, 2011

News

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Campus Crime Beat

Tuesday, 11/8 1:59 p.m.- A suspicious person was reported to be walking through the BCC. The person was identified and allowed to leave.

Afteroon- A Sodexo box truck collided with a parked vehicle in the area of Southwell Hall.

10:51 p.m.- DPS observed a group of individuals vandalizing cars in the Quick Center parking lot. One suspect, a guest of a student, was detained and took full responsibility for the incident. The affected car owners accepted restitution and opted to not press charges.

The guest was given a trespass warning.

Sunday, 11/13 1:31 a.m.- A student admitted to tampering with fire equipment in the lobby of a building in the Village.

Friday, 11/11 11:53 p.m.- “Several” of the urinals in a Gonzaga Hall men’s room were vandalized to the point where Campus Maintenance had to be called.

Monday, 11/14 1:04 a.m.- Bathroom fixtures in the library were vandalized.

Saturday, 11/12 12:18 a.m.- The Carpentry Department was called in response to another window smashed at a townhouse.

6:45 a.m.- Graffiti was discovered on the exterior doors of Dolan Hall.

Maintenance was notified for clean up.

2:24 a.m.- A DPS vehicle was struck with an egg while responding to a call. The officer driving was forced to stop in the area of Mailands Road to wipe off the egg.

7:08 p.m.- A small grease fire occurred in an apartment in 47 Mahan Road. No injuries or damage was reported.

11:00 p.m.- A student reported bottles of alcohol taken from their room.

Classifieds

Mirror Picks of the Week!

Wednesday November 17 – Mirror meeting 7 p.m. in the office in the LL BCC! Thursday November 18 Morning Edition with Philip Eliasoph: Jewish Art, Culture & Ideas 7:30 a.m. at the Fairfield bookstore on Post Road.

Friday November 19 – Come to the Quick Center for the Arts at 6 p.m.- Marine Colonel Matthew Bogdanos will be talking about his book “Thieves of Baghdad.”

Saturday November 20 Come to the Levee at 9 p.m. as Ralph Tetta and fellow Fairfield students showcase their comical skill on stage for On The Spot Improv.

Sunday November 21Men’s Basketball vs. Holy Cross at 10 a.m. in Alumni Hall.

Mirror Meeting- 7:00 p.m.

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The Mirror | Week of November 16, 2011

News

Don’t Get Too Excited for the Beach Seniors of class of ‘13 will only have 200 students on the beach

Continued from page 1 number will be approximately 200 students. With an estimated 400 students seeking OCB status for next year, this means that half of students applying, for what has come to be seen as a quintessential senior year experience, will be denied.

Dr. Pellegrino cited the poor economy and lower enrollment as reasons for the reduction in the number of OCBs next year. Dr. Pellegrino stated that the way they calculate the number is ”based primarily on enrollment, how many beds we have on campus, how many students we have enrolling, how many students we have on campus.”

In addressing student concerns that the recent renovation of Dolan Hall and the addition of new residence halls at 70 McCormick and 51 McInnes was a plot designed by the University to get rid of beach living, Dr. Pellegrino contended that the University’s intention was much less sinister.

He explained that the purpose of new residence options was to end forced triples for freshmen and to ease the strain on crowded townhouses, previously housing five to seven people when they were designed for four to six.

“Both for mathematical

reasons, we can’t do away with the beach or off-campus living in general, it’s a release valve. We need to have the ability to have some portion of our students off-campus... assuming our enrollment is where we want it to be,” Dr. Pellegrino offered.

Nonetheless, there is still a fair amount of student outrage at the announcement of the number

“We can’t do away with the beach, or off-campus living in general, it’s a release valve.”

-Dr. Pellegrino of next year’s OCBs. Junior Gabe Garcia expressed his discontent with the possibility that his senior experience could be in jeopardy: “No beach, no Fairfield.”

In recent years, students denied OCB status but still wishing to live off-campus have applied for commuter status instead in an effort to cut corners.

Commuter status is available for those students who live within a thirty-five mile radius of Fairfield and want to live at home instead of on-campus.

Some students, after be-

ing awarded commuter status choose to lie about where they are actually residing and live on the beach anyway. Donoghue explained that while this is not only frowned upon by the University, it takes away a spot for students looking to be released through the lottery, and any student caught living off-campus at the beach under commuter status will be charged room and board by the school.

In an effort to ease the anxiety of juniors applying for OCB status next year, Residence Life is offering a way to advance in the lottery.

Residence Life is now accepting applications from groups of juniors to fill three to five spots for BuildA-House programs. Those groups accepted will receive priority in the lottery for OCB status.

However, this process will only guarantee OCB status for a limited amount of individuals and will no doubt be highly competitive. With the number of students living at the beach reaching low levels, the fate of a Fairfield University tradition is uncertain.

Chris D’Agostino ’13 gave his thoughts: “A hope of living on the beach senior year is an attraction that draws many students to Fairfield University.

Now it just seems like false advertisement.”

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Guilty! Wait...But Not Actually

By Drusilla Ollennu Contributing Writer

Picture this: For 25 years you’ve been waking up to the dull walls of a maximum security penitentiary and separated from your loved ones because you murdered your spouse.

One more thing: you didn’t actually commit the crime.

Last month, Michael Morton was released after being imprisoned for 25 years for the murder of his wife. With the efforts of The Innocence Project and DNA evidence, Morton was found innocent.

Attorney Barry Scheck, the creator of The Innocence Project, came to Fairfield on Monday night to discuss Morton’s case and other such efforts at the Open Visions Forum.

The Innocence Project, developed in 1992, is an organization that uses forensic DNA testing as evidence to reverse false convictions. This organization has been successful with finding the wrongfully imprisoned, including highly publicized cases involving inmates John Kogut, Reade Seligmann and John Restivo.

So what is causing these wrong convictions? According to Scheck, witness misidentification accounts for 75 percent of wrong convictions. Other causes include invalidated forensic science, false confessions and incentivized informants.

The Innocence Project has accomplished approximately 275 post-conviction DNA exonerations within 44 states, and this number can rise by about 10 in just a few weeks, said Scheck. 17 of these individuals were sentenced to death.

In 123 of these cases, the real perpetrator was eventually identified. Scheck’s involvement in the legal system has raised awareness to these statistical problems within the criminal justice system.

Scheck continues to raise awareness, teaching legal ethics and directing the Criminal Education at Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law in New York City where he served for over 27 years.

Scheck is also the commissioner on New York’s Forensic Science Review Board, helping to regulate crime and forensic DNA laboratories within the state Scheck’s discussion at the Open Visions Forum left audiences with varying opinions. Monique Pabon, a sophomore student, says she was expecting more excitement rather than typical statistical data: “I did not really enjoy the presentation; a video clip would’ve been nice.”

Other students were awed by Scheck’s accomplishments with challenging the legal system and working to improve it.

“We’re always quick to believe that everyone in prison rightfully belongs there,” Ashley Dessources ‘13 said. “It makes us think about who’s really in jail for the right reasons.”

News

The Mirror | Week of November 16, 2011

Taste the Flavors of Asia

By Loan Le Vine Director

Despite technical difficulties, Fairfield University’s fourth annual Flavors of Asia Festival, a multicultural celebration of Asian countries, managed to garner a satisfied crowd with its host of food, performances and fashion.

Asian Student Association and South Asian Student Association combined efforts to host the festival, which took place in the Oak Room on Nov. 9.

The beginning of the event started off with a buffet of food. With tickets costing $5 beforehand and $7 at the door, attendees were able to sit down at tables or line up for food, served by members of ASA and SASA. Traditional Chinese food like lo mein and egg rolls, along with Indian bread called ‘naan’ and curry were available. People appeared to enjoy this food, despite having to wait.

Technical difficulties prevented a smooth run of the festivities.

MCs Anthony Lau ‘13 and Omar Munshi ‘13 introduced the represented Asian countries through a PowerPoint, but it lacked volume in the beginning. During some cultural dance performances, the music was unexpectedly cut off.

However, apart from those

difficulties, the festival was well received.

The first performance was by MC Anthony Lau’13 and Luoshen Wang’13 who sang a Mandarin song.

Glee club member Kathy Alonzo’13, accompanied by guitarist John Soldano’13, sang a Filipino

song.

Many performers came from outside of the University. Performers included children from Fairfield Chinese Dance Academy who performed ribbon dances, recited Chinese poems and sang traditional Chinese music.

Also part of the list of performances were the University of Connecticut’s Husky Bhangra and ThundeRaas. With their highenergy choreography and vibrant, colorful costumes, the Indian folk

dance groups had garnered applause and whispers of awe from crowd members.

In between acts, the clubs hosted raffles with prizes ranging from sets of calligraphy items to gift cards for the Asian restaurant Hunan Pavilion.

The festival finished off with a fashion show where 22 ASA and SASA club members showed off traditional clothing like the Vietnamese áo dài and the Pakistani shalwar kameez.

Around 250 attended the festival, according to ASA member Jamaimah Omictin’13.

ASA President Nancy Nguyen said of the event: “Of course, this event could not have been such a success without the help and support of faculty, staff, student performers and our very own members. I’m very happy with Flavors’ turnout and I am glad so many people came to support us.”

Umar Munshi ‘13 echoed Nguyen’s sentiments. “All of the performers did a fabulous jjob,” he said. “I must say, I was particularly excited and definitely amaazed to see the UC ThundeRaas and Husky Bhangra perform. [They] brought exciement to the event, they displayed the energetic South Asian culture and they were undoubtedly outstanding.”

By FUSA Columnist

FUSA Senate has been working on several initiatives during the past two weeks.

Two major initiatives are the renovation of the RecPlex and the opening of the Stag Spirit Shoppe, which will take the place of the old bookstore.

RecPlex Renovation planning meetings will start this week and FUSA representation will be handled by Senator Michael Johnson ‘13. Senate plans to form a focus group of students to brainstorm ideas for the renovations.

As many of you know, the University has successfully opened a bookstore in town on Post Road. But what you may not know is that the on-campus bookstore will be transformed into a CVS-type convenience store – our “Stag Spirit Shoppe.” Senators in the student life committee had the opportunity to construct a list of products that they

Page 6

would like to see in the new convenience store.

The student community seems to have responded well to FUSA’s marketing of Late Night at the Stag in past editions of the Mirror, as many more students have been present at the late-night dining option on Thursday and Friday nights. We hope that the number of students in attendance keeps growing, as this may lead the administration to favorable thinking toward third party food vendors.

On the Programming side of FUSA, we’re halfway through our annual Stags Unleashed week, and we’ve had huge student support for all our pep rallies and tailgates, as well as at the basketball games. The next big game is against Holy Cross this Sunday, and it’s the only game of the year to be held at our very own Alumni Hall!

FUSA is throwing a huge post-game party at the Levee, and the Fairfield coaches and basketball players will be in attendance. So come on out to support our Stags!

Also, our yearly Campus Heroes Project is underway.

If you have a nominee in mind, go to our website to fill out the nomination form.

Have a safe, fun weekend, and let’s go Stags!

Your Fairfield University Student Association

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The Mirror | Week of November 16, 2011

Opinion

Online

Send your thoughts to opinion@fairfieldmirror.com.

editorial Mikaela Tierney |Editor-in-Chief Gabriella Tutino |Executive Editor Charlotte Adinolfi| Managing Editor Martin O'Sullivan|Opinion Editor

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Page 7

Opinion | 7

Editor Martin O'Sullivan opinion@fairfieldmirror.com

The Stress of Registration

Budget Battles

In its unwillingness to release the official number of people laid off from the University last week, the administration is not making the University community any happier in an already negative situation. Maybe we would rather not know just how large that unnecessary number of cuts is.

With four members of the Regina A. Quick Center laid off alone, what other areas of the University took a large hit? We all are well aware of the large amount of debt we have to be rid of by the end of the year as a University, but what constitutes these people as not important to the “student experience”, the main area of the University the administration says they will avoid as much as possible in budget cuts?

We know that our opinion as the student body may not be totally credible to the University. We understand that we do not have the same level of experience and do not all have business degrees already, but we believe that actually asking the student body what they consider crucial to their student experience would have been beneficial to the decision-making process.

If we were to make some suggestions, the amount of Residential Colleges is proving to be unnecessary. While they have only all been functioning together for a year and a half now, the feedback has been less than stellar. We commend the University for trying to improve the student experience for sophomores but to put it bluntly, many of the sophomores could care less. To make things worse, the new Residential Colleges are causing the original—the Ignatian Residential College—to suffer and in the long run possibly bring it to its demise.

Now, we are not saying that this is the only area that could have received cuts to solve the debt issue. We want to remind the administration that if they are going to claim they are saving crucial elements to the student experience, maybe they should survey the students on what exactly those crucial elements are.

Assuming is never a good idea.

The Mirror welcomes the opinions and contributions of its readers: Letters to the editor must be timely and submitted by email at info@fairfieldmirror.com or Box AA All letters to the editor that are appropriate will be published either in print or online.

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 not exceeding 500 words.

Thumbs Up/Thumbs Down

• Brendan Fraiser was on campus for John Malkovich's performance.

• People Magazine's Sexiest Man of the Year is being announced today.

Stop the Bop Forever

By Schuyler Smith Contributing Writer

Although you probably have numerous complaints about Barone, I bet extortion isn't one of them.

Until “MMMBop” starts playing, that is.

Normally in the past when something affects my overall living conditions, I find myself doing my best to ignore it. However, this becomes difficult when I am forced to listen to Hanson on repeat.

While the practice of disparagement against another's individual musical inclinations is in bad taste, it is not okay to have a single song played on repeat at

intended to receive the money needed from the student body.

This is a group who has just either spent their own money, their parents money or loaned money as an investment toward their own future - a future which will not pay dividends until they graduate and no longer plan to eat at the cafeteria.

“Stop the Bop” would have been better served by trying to obtain money from any of the hedge funds in Greenwich, international banks in Stamford or insurance firms in Hartford. Any of these present a better option for supplying the money. This is for two reasons: they have the capital to divest in the cause; they

the place where I eat. When I inquired as to why this was happening with a random sample of my fellow student body, I discovered that it was a form of extortion.

As I understand it, the song was being played in order to induce members of the student body to pay $1,500 towards a LEAF service trip to New Orleans to help rebuild houses. While I agree that it is a worthy trip, I do not believe this particular means of acquiring this money is okay.

My first problem is that they

would also be more willing as they have all found themselves objects of public scorn and would rather be ‘occupied’ by photos of successful 'service trips.'

Secondly, this is a methodology which makes two very ugly assumptions about our student body. The first is that we are somehow uncharitable or disin-

• Men's Basketball lost to Providence, Coach Cooley's new team.

• Rebecca Black has a new single. Who paid for this?!

• Occupy Wall Street has reclaimed Liberty Square (for the time being).

• A section of the road next to Fairfield Prep burst open... Kthulu rises!

• Chipotle and Five Guys will be opening soon in town.

• Degree evaluations were not accessible during registration on Monday

• Attendance at the basketball game was overwhelming. Keep up the support!

Vincent Ferrer/The Mirror

Did you find yourself leaving registration planning until the last minute due to the end-of-semester work load?

Have an opinion? Send it to opinion@fairfieldmirror.com.

• The Mirror office candy supply is dwindling... What's John T. to do?

terested in the plights of others.

The next assumption is that we lack the dignity and self-respect of resisting extortion.

As I understand it, the Jesuit tradition highlights charity towards others, especially those in need. I do not believe that charity in response to extortion is in fact charity, but is rather merely extortion. It would be futile to highlight the needs of charity through a means that negates it.

Finally, this is a college campus. While this may for some invite thoughts of drinking and partying, I believe that our focus should be placed upon education in the interests of all. The only reason why I should have donated money was to ‘Stop the Bop.’ In my opinion, there was not sufficient information I saw as to what else the money would be for.

If people were instead enlightened to the suffering which happens elsewhere in the world and how much can be done for relatively small amounts of money, I'm sure that students would be more willing to engage in the concept of charity.

I'm afraid that people will be no more interested in this suffering if the means by which they are taught is something which gathers attention by attempting to annoy those who pass by.

For now, let's just be thankful that the bop finally stopped.

Let's hope it's permanent.

Illustration by Vincent Ferrer

Opinion

The Mirror | Week of November 16, 2011

No Reason to Play the Blame Game

By Eric Bernsen Sports Editor

In a scandal as disturbing as what occurred at Penn State University, there is certainly no quick fix. Long time assistant football coach Jerry Sandusky has been charged with 40 counts of sexually abusing children, while two Penn State officials have been charged with failing to report the abuse and misleading investigators.

While college sports have recently suffered a series of scandals (mostly involving recruiting violations), nothing quite reaches the heinous level of what occurred at Penn State.

Everyone can agree in this regard that it doesn’t get much worse than child molestation, and as a result the university has deservedly received a thrashing by the national media.

Joe Paterno, who was the head coach of the Penn State Nittany Lions and a guiding leader for 46 years, was fired as a result of the scandal. His failure to notify authorities concerning the allegations, which were brought forth against Sandusky by a Penn State graduate assistant back in 2002, left the university no choice but to dismiss the legendary figure.

Multiple questions are left unanswered in this unfortunate

case. Who is to blame? Should Paterno have been fired? How did these charges not come into the public sphere sooner?

As Paterno reflected on his firing, he admitted, “This is a tragedy. It is one of the great sorrows of my life. With the benefit of hindsight, I wish I had done a lot more.”

We all wish you had done more, Joe. The fact that Paterno and other high-level members of the athletic administration failed to act decisively not only hurt the university, but more importantly the young men who have been scarred by the inhumane actions of Sandusky.

There is no question that Joe Paterno’s legacy will be tarnished by this scandal. However unfortunate this may be, the only people we should really be sorry for are the children involved.

Just ask former NHL player Theo Fleury, who was sexually molested by his youth hockey coach as a child. It led to him blowing much of the $50 million he made in the NHL on drugs and alcohol in an attempt to forget what had happened to him, as he admitted in an ESPN interview.

“I no longer had faith in myself or my judgement,” said Fleury.

There are too many similar cases in which molested children grow up to live with fear, hatred and unwarranted regret for being taken advantage of by abusers.

The public should be focused on this reality as opposed to who is coaching their football team, regardless of how significant that person was to thier school.

Thankfully, an alumni-led effort has raised $370,000 for abuse victims in less than a week, according to a Twitter message.

But these kids will need more than money to recover from being abused; moral and emotional support from everyone

involved is crucial.

Not surprisingly, Sandusky and his lawyers have advocated for his innocence. There is sure to be a long legal process in deciding the ultimate punishment.

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If all the allegations are as true as they seem to be, Sandusky will be heading to prison for quite some time. And as the case is in most prisons, sexual molesters of young children are not treated with a warm welcome.

Whatever ends up happening to Sandusky, the most important thing is taking care of the abuse victims that suffered these atrocities in the hope they can move forward to live normal lives.

Help the cause!

You can donate by visiting: http://www.rainn.org/ProudPSUforRAINN

Vincent Ferrer/The Mirror

Perry's Public Speaking: Oops, He Did It Again

By Martin O'Sullivan Opinion Editor If you think you can change the world, remembering how you plan to do it is probably a good idea.

If not, there's always the option of brushing off your amnesia with an "oops."

Republican presidential candidate Rick Perry chose this method of diversion during last Wednesday's GOP debate, uttering the informality after he attempted to list the three agencies of government he intends to cut if elected. Perry seemed to forget the third agency, despite the fact that he referenced his notes and attempted multiple times to complete his list.

This instance brings to mind an important topic of argument concerning voting, which is the voter's dependence on scrutiny toward the personal characteristics of a candidate as opposed to only a critical analysis of the person's political platforms.

This argument has been highly prevalent in the political sphere as of late and has included many aspects of private life. And those affected aren't just presidential candidates.

Do Mitt Romney's Mormon beliefs tell us anything about his ability as a leader? Do Herman Cain's tobacco friendly advertising methods take away

from his capacity as a politician?

Should Anthony Weiner's sex life have been a factor in considering his trustworthiness as an elected official?

In relation to Perry, the

question is simple: can we trust a guy to run our country who can't even remember how he plans on doing so?

The arguments are varied.

Anyone who has taken Argument and Advocacy or has

done any form of public speaking knows that when you trip up in front of a crowd, time seems to move much faster than your brain's ability to get back on track. And once this happens,

anything to relieve the awkward tension seems appropriate. To some, this includes saying "oops."

Perry seemed to think his mistake was excusable. In a response to the incident, he voiced the idea that voters should be concerned with the ideas of politicians rather than their mannerisms.

Although eloquence may not be one his strengths, Perry summed the idea pretty well when he said, "We need more substance than style." So can we forgive him for this error?

Granted, everyone makes mistakes from time to time, especially when burdened by the pressures of public speaking.

However, context is key. Perry's "oops" might have been an acceptable response to accidentally letting out a curse word or even forgetting the specific details of a foreign political issue.

But the specific ways in which he plans to fix a country in economic turmoil? When Perry said we needed "more substance than style," he seemed to overlook the fact that his style was ridiculed only because he forgot his substance.

As an isolated incident, this instance might have not garnered the

Vincent Ferrer/The Mirror

amount of attention it did; however, Perry has become known for his debate mishaps. This includes his recent eccentric recitation of his high school motto to a New Hampshire audience, creating speculation that he may have been drunk.

So should we separate Rick Perry's personal quirks from his ability to lead? The separation of personal from political ideals is important in deciding who to vote for, but only insofar as these ideals are separated prior to scrutiny.

For example, being religious is perfectly acceptable in itself; offering a "prayer day" as the solution to a statewide drought is not. Imbibing as a form of relaxation is no grounds for negative judgement; appearing to be intoxicated at a campaign speech is. And forgetfulness is a forgivable fault, but not when it is centered in a politician's platform.

So Rick Perry, hopefully we can follow your lead and forget that you were ever a serious candidate for president. On the off chance you actually do get voted in, I'm sure it won't be long before you are joined by many in saying "oops".

Dying to see if Perry fumbles his words yet again?

Be sure to watch the next GOP debate on CNN on Nov. 22 at 8 p.m.

{The Vine}

The Vine

dy:

rial Killer a Se

n f I e rnal e h T Com e

s of on ssi nfe Co

My name. Jack. You might ask whatÂŤs so special about being named Jack? Jack, as you may know is Johannes or Hans in German, Juan and Giovanni in Spanish and Italian.

And of course, John. John may seem a common name. Just John. But if you wear this name, women will love you or hate you - call you a liar or pervert - but they will never leave you alone. Like it or not, that is the truth... So you see, I never was able to tell the truth... Now, finally, the time for confessions has come.

Since every novel needs a certain amount of truthfulness, this evening could finally reveal my real qualities as a writer for the very first time. Not too mention my qualities as a performer. . . while I will have to clear my throat . . .It makes me physically stressed...

For the meanwhile I would like to remind you some things about myself, because flipping through the pages of my book it suddenly occurred to me that 15 years have passed since I passed away. . . She simply ran away, as soon as possible . . .Women! They can really make me lose my mind!

And why is that? Because they represent everything I care for, good and bad, right and wrong, heaven and hell. . . Forgive me, but I have the impression, that many of you live a life without making love at all. . . And I must confess, that after such a loveless life, I was tempted to take advantage on them. Whenever I had a problem, there was a woman, to take care of it. . . And you ask me for the truth...

Do you finally see, why I cannot tell you the truth? . . .

I cannot produce any true word. I am a failure... and so is my book. . .

Can I ask you a very personal question?

P age 10 And I must confess, that after such a loveless life, I was tempted to take advantage on them. How long ago did you enjoy making love? I already killed myself once, and I can tell you this is no experience I want to repeat. Trust me on that one.

Text from musikkonzept; illustration by: Loan Le MORE INSIDE . . .

MUSIC:

TELEVISION:

FOOD:

Read the preview on an up and coming country singer/songwriter Malea McGuinness. She's heading to the Fairfield Theatre as part of her tour this Saturday.

A Stag gives her two cents on one of the most talked about Fox shows for the fall season: "American Horror Story." The show stars Dylan McDermott.

One Stag writer gives a "frank" review of a little known dive in Norwalk. Check out and see what food your mouth has been missing.

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The Mirror | Week of November 16. 2011

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Malkovich Mesmerizes Audience as Comedic Killer Contributed by Adrienne Bryant/Assistant Director of Quick Center

Above: John Malkovich, who plays killer Jack Unterweger in "The Infernal Comedy," performs a scene in another production.

By Mikaela Tierney Editor-In-Chief

S

erial killers matched with Italian operas?

Not a normal mix.

Neither was “The Infernal Comedy: Confessions of a Serial Killer," a creative and unique combination of opera, drama, and light and dark comedy presented at the Quick Center yesterday evening.

The funny The show opened with a simply set stage; an orchestra of about 30 instrumentalists filled most of the space while a single table and swivel chair were set on the front of the stage.

To start the show, the orchestra played an introductory piece, filling the atmosphere of the Quick Center with an ominous, dramatic, and suspenseful feeling.

Martin Haselböck, the conductor of the Orchester Wiener Akademie, appeared so at ease leading his musicians that it was almost like watching a dance being performed before the actions of the play had even begun. The music continued as a backdrop throughout much of the performance.

Dressed in a striking white suit complete with white shoes and a black and white polkadotted shirt, Malkovich emerged onstage following the musical introduction, speaking in a thick Austrian accent.

Fully immersed in his character of Jack Unterweger, a real-life serial killer known for murdering at least eleven women, he skillfully plays along the boundaries of humor and fear.

It was a play to the extremes; Unterweger’s funny moments

were fully entertaining, bringing the audience to full laughter on more than one occasion, while the haunting moments pushed the limits of dark comedic theatre.

The play had an element of spontaneity and improvisation to it, notable when Unterweger threw in comments about recent events or upcoming performances.

Unterweger mentioned that he was glad that “so many of you were able to tear yourselves away from Occupy Wall Street” to attend the show, and continued to crack jokes to create a light, entertaining mood at the beginning of the show.

The funny mood did not last long.

The twisted While humor permeated a great deal of his narrative, the performance took a sharp twisted turn and dove into the darker elements of Unterweger’s criminal mind.

Descriptions of his past serial killings and methods of eluding consequences were punctuated with clever quips and stark Italian operas.

Much of the opera was performed stunningly by two soprano singers, Marie Arnet and Kirsten Blaise. The operas reinforced the storyline through emotional musical portrayals of a variety of characters and were translated from Italian to English through subtitles provided on a screen hanging above the stage.

“My life… how to start?” Unterweger asks the audience to introduce his narrative. His first lesson as a child was to learn how to smile, but as he tells the audience, that was a lie.

In reality, he explains, his first lesson was how to lie or to actually be “economical with the

truth. Even from a young age, he has been troublesome.

“Everything bad worked out so perfectly,” Unterweger explains, causing him to continue his dark behavior throughout his life.

Throughout the work, Unterweger struggles to discern between truth and falsities.

Consistently, he talks about the importance of being truthful and avoiding lies, warning that they come back to haunt the liar in the end.

To conclude his work, he gave a truthful explanation to his madness, after he consults “the land where the truth comes from…and that land, of course…Wikipedia.”

The site tells him – and the audience – the truth of his murders; he was originally convicted of the first series of killings, imprisoned for fifteen years, and then let out of prison only to kill more innocent women.

In the end, he explains, he was discovered by the FBI but took his own life before a verdict to his case could be reached.

A posthumous deliberation is reached: he is innocent, because of a technicality in Austrian law that outlines that due to his death prior to an appeal of his verdict, the court’s decision of his guilt no longer applies.

Therefore, the character who has appeared onstage is speaking posthumously, demonstrating another aspects of the performance’s clever interpretation of perspective.

The reactions About 750 people filled the seats of the Quick Center for the event that sold out weeks before the production.

Tickets were almost impossible to come by, with many interested parties stuck waiting to hear

if their names would be taken off the call list, granting them tickets and access to the production.

Audience members milled around after the conclusion of the performance, abuzz with excitement and commentary about the show.

Many attended a small function held in the Walsh Art Gallery; Malkovich greeted those who had stayed after his performance, thanking them for attending.

Malkovich, a renowned and respected actor recognized for a variety of cinematic works, has also produced and directed films.

He is most known for his work in "The Glass Menagerie," "Of Mice and Men," "Dangerous Liaisons," and "Being John Malkovich."

As a result, he has accrued a number of Academy Award and Golden Globe nominations.

Malkovich was not the only celebrity present at Tuesday night’s performance; Brendan Fraser, well-known star of The Mummy film series, was also at the Quick Center performance.

He was clearly impressed by Malkovich’s performance, classifying it as a very unique work.

“It was opera, it was drama, it was theatre, it was comedy, it was tragedy…[it was] compelling to watch," Fraser said.

He went on to note that the spontaneity of the show was one of its strongest points.

“I don’t know if [Malkovitch] knows what he’s going to do from moment to moment …it’s deliberate, and yet it’s never happened before…or has it?” he questioned.

“You need only watch the orchestra…you can see they’re watching, [you can] see their fascination” with Malkovitch’s varying behavior onstage.

Dr. Philip Eliasoph, profes-

sor of Visual and Performing Arts, noted, “Tonight’s performance was a tour de force of the seasoned actor of stage and screen, giving Fairfield his gifts" through his performance.

Dr. Jocelyn Boryczka, director of the Peace & Justice Studies Department, said, “I thought that the female characters were extremely interesting; they reminded me of women who are trapped between danger and love, [similar to a work] by Kathleen Jones.”

Students also felt that the performance was an intriguing work.

Casey Grambo ’12 said, “I think it was really beautiful and terrifying, and also just so funny!

It’s a piece of art."

She also added that the comedy used in conjunction with descriptions of the murder’s violent past “puts a screen over what he’s doing.”

The performance was partially funded by the Fairfield University Humanities Institute of the College of Arts and Sciences.

Contributed Photo Jack Unterweger, the serial killer, inspired "The Infernal Comedy: Confessions of a Serial Killer," written and directed by Michael Sturminger.

The Mirror | Week of November 16, 2011

The Vine

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Illustration by Loan Le

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?

Through conversation, Jane Doe No More seeks to help sexual assault victims claim the power and dignity that were stolen from them.

By Meghan Gallucci Contributing Writer

“

We’re at capacity.”

Kamala Kiem, director of New Student Programs, strides through the Kelley Center.

“We have to start turning people away," she says.

Kiem is concerned about the number of students who have packed into the Kelley Center presentation room. Inside, students resort to sitting on the floor, their backs lining the walls.

"Jane Doe No More, Breaking the Stigmas and Silence: A Conversation About Sexual Assault" is the event garnering such attention. The goal is exactly that – to stir conversation concerning sexual assault with the hope of increasing awareness and decreasing suffering of victims.

On the night that Donna Palomba, founder of Jane Doe No More, was attacked, she was supposed to be in Colorado with her husband.

Palomba was held at gunpoint, sexually assaulted and threatened in her home in Connecticut. Through the next decade, Palomba would face numerous hurdles from law enforcement to have her case recognized.

“For seven years, they tried to stop me at every turn,” Palomba said. “I hope it gives courage to other women that if you’re a victim of rape, you did nothing wrong. I am here to create change.”

Kristen Baumer, a sexual assault survivor and guest speaker for Jane Doe No More, had just completed her freshman year at the University of Delaware when she was kidnapped and sexually assaulted.

Palomba and Baumer’s stories reveal that sexual assault does and can happen to the most unsuspecting people: a mother, a student, and, as Detective Kerry Dalling of Fairfield Police was quick to emphasize, “men are also victims of sexual violence.”

The Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network reports that every two minutes, a person in the United States is sexually assaulted. Two-thirds of these attacks are committed by someone who

the victim knows.

This is a statistic with which Palomba and Baumer are too familiar – Palomba’s attacker was a childhood friend of her husband and Baumer was assaulted by someone she would later recognize as a coworker’s boyfriend.

According to Baumer, 95 percent of rapes on college campuses go unreported and many could have been prevented. Palomba believes sexual assault is “the most misunderstood and underreported crime in the world.”

Fairfield is not invulnerable.

Judith Kaechele, director of Fairfield’s Student Health Center, suggests that if students are ever unsure of where to turn, the Health and Counseling Centers are ready to help and can keep a confidential record.

“We put your needs first. We want to be part of the solution,” Kaechele said.

Director of Public Safety Todd

Pelazza and Fairfield Police Chief Gary MacNamara insist that a deeper communication between students and law enforcement can help to improve the conversation of sexual assault.

MacNamara expresses an interest in starting as early as Freshman Orientation to begin to foster the relationship between law enforcement and students.

As for Pelazza, he emphasizes exactly what the University is doing to help. This includes Rape Aggression Defense classes.

To ask for help “takes courage,” he said. “You have options …we want to empower you.”

Palomba agrees with Pelazza.

“Sexual assault is about power and control over someone else, so I try to take back that power and control through Jane Doe No More,” she said.

Reflecting upon the large size of the gathering, Marissa Tota ’12, remarked, “Four years ago, when I

came on this campus, there would have been no way this room would have been full.”

Now, she said about the current environment at Fairfield, “step by step, things are getting better. I’m going to graduate, but I want the progress to keep going.”

Tota, a Sociology major, has dedicated much of her time to her Women’s Studies minor, as well as the new Gender, Sex and Sexuality Center, which co-sponsored the event.

She also initiated the on-campus women’s mentoring group, which is called Sisters Inspiring Sisters. It was created to fill the lack of a “network of women as a support system,” Tota says.

Tota’s motives are very similar to Palomba, who hopes conversation will make Jane Doe No More’s motto a reality. No more blame. No more shame. No more fear.

?

Jane Doe No More: Giving a Voice to the Anonymous

Meghan Gallucci/The Mirror

Donna Palumbo, founder of the organization Jane Doe No More.

Meghan Gallucci/The Mirror

The panelists at the Jane Doe No More Presentation listen as Marissa Tota' 12 talks to the crowd in the Kelley Center last Thursday.

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O

ne word that describes singer-songwriter Malea McGuinness is 'gifted'.

McGuinness is flexible and versatile with her music, able to play at large music festivals and small, off-the-map clubs. She can switch from a soft ballad to a highspirited anthem song without the music feeling false. Her music is simplicity working at its finest.

Mostly off the mainstreamradar, McGuinness has been highly successful, having released her third album "Sweet" this past September. McGuinness has shared and toured the stage with musical acts B.B King, John Mayer and Kenny Loggins.

McGuinness got her start with the musical world when she was involved in a Broadway revival of "The King and I." "It was a dream come true ... at the same time I was a nervous wreck," McGuinness reflected.

"You have no other life. It was a bit of a long and winding road to becoming a singer-songwriter."

McGuinness' sound is unique in that she can smoothly and effectively cross over genres. McGuinness has been pegged as a country-pop-rock singer, evident in her singing style. There's a polished Janis Joplin vibe to her vocals and a warm country-twang feel to her music. Said McGuinness about her sound, "I like all kinds of music and I think it all seep[ed] in somehow."

The Mirror | Week of November 16, 2011 The Los Angeles-based artist's lyrics touch upon deep qualities of humanity: self-discovery, the value of life and of course, love. Since her first album "True Believer," McGuinness has evolved as a storyteller, relying on the personal to share her insight.

"I hope [my fans] know that when they are down they are not alone, when they feel crazy they are not alone," McGuinness said about her messages in her music. She wants listeners to know that everything will be all right.

If that isn't enough to see McGuinness live, she is also an artist who cares.

McGuinness uses her fall tour to promote animal rights. Her "Save a Life, Adopt a Pet Tour" is meant to raise awareness about salvation efforts for pets.

According to her website, McGuinness, who got involved with animal rescue charities in L.A., donates a portion of profits from CD sales to animal charities and The Humane Society.

"I really loved working with the animals and learned firsthand a lot of the issues they are dealing with," she said.

Malea McGuinness will be playing at StageOne of the Fairfield Theater Company. Tickets are $22, doors open at 7 p.m. and the show starts at 7:30 p.m.

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Malea Brings "Sweet" Music to Fairfield

By Gabriella Tutino Executive Editor

Photo contributed by Lauren Applebaum/ Director of The MuseBox Media & Business Development

“Immortals” Won’t Be Living on Like its Predecessors

By Annemarie Veira Staff Writer

H

eading out this weekend, I was looking forward to the build-up of the “Immortals” film. From the trailer, and the various interviews of the cast members, the interest in the film seemed justified.

In the film, peasant Theseus (Henry Cavill) is destined to lead the war against King Hyperion (Mickey Rourke) who is on a quest to find Epirus Bow, which can be used to free the Titans from their cage and destroy the human race.

When Hyperion’s march comes to Theseus’ village, Theseus must endure watching the king slaughter his mother and is forced to do hard labor.

While at a rest stop, Theseus meets the Oracle (Freida Pinto) who devises a plan to escape. After escaping successfully, Theseus and the Oracle, along with thief Stavros (Stephen Dorff ), embark on a journey to find the Epirus Bow. Meanwhile, we see the gods on Mount Olympus debating on interfering on the humans' behalf. Zeus makes a decree that no god should interfere with mortal affairs.

The film has done many things right in regards to the genre of an action film and I will agree with Cavill when he says that director Tarsem Singh “makes this movie.

This is a classic genre movie and Tarsem has elevated it to be something unique in its genre and a visual masterpiece at the same time.”

That I fully agree with. The use of shots, and choices within the action sequences, have very large

attention to detail that is visually stunning.

Singh’s choice in his casting for the gods was definitely a brilliant mood. Having all of the gods in younger physical forms but still possessing wisdom was a great choice.

All of the gods feel utterly torn that they can’t help the mortals.

Zeus’ point by the law is to show that humans also need to have faith within themselves to achieve things.

Throughout the entire saga, Theseus is constantly dealing with this idea of faith, and what that tru-

ly encompasses. At the beginning of the film he, unlike his mother, doesn’t have any faith in the gods.

Throughout his journey he does develop a faith in the gods but he develops a deeper faith in himself, especially after losing his mother.

I do have a few gripes with this film, especially in regards to executing this thematic element.

The script, with lines like “Being a warrior does not mean striking an opponent. It means to find a good reason to draw one’s sword," and "It is not living that is important, but living right" merely get a glaze-over in the grand scheme of

an action film.

They didn’t really need to be there since Theseus in his final battle openly expresses something that he has always carried with him: that it's not what you do, or who you were, but what you stand for that makes a person immortal - another theme element that got lost in the action.

The story’s origins were also loosely based around the myth of “Theseus and the Minotaur” and although we do get to see Theseus kill the minotaur, most of the plot was completely fictionalized and was not backed by any form of my-

thology.

I think that if the film’s plot were better developed from actual mythology, the script wouldn’t have been much of an issue.

The film did well its opening weekend with an estimation of $32 million, which means that it might break even on its budget if it pulls that in next week.

Overall, it was a great action film and beautifully rendered, but with a lack of a story I don’t see it how we’ll remember it in the years to come. Leave your own comments online at fairfieldmirror. com!

The film has all of the elements of a successful action-adventure feature, but falls short on its execution and plotline.

Contributed Photo

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The Mirror | Week of November 16. 2011

"American Horror Story" Slowly Unravels Pleasant, right?

Prior to us meeting the family, and at the beginning of every episode of the show, we get a flashback to a former occupant’s murder.

In the pilot, we see a set of neighborhood twin boys get murdered in the basement, after they Contributed Photo are warned by the house’s next-door

By Annemarie Veira neighbor to stay away.

Staff Writer So from the jump, we know that the house isn’t exactly kosher.

However, even with the he show “American Horror house’s history, the family moves Story” is about the Har- in and tries to restart their lives. mon family, who moves Ben begins his practice out from Boston to Los Angeles after of the house where he meets Tate, psychiatrist husband Ben (Dylan a teenage boy who sounds like a McDermott) has an affair with his budding sociopath, who ends up student and his wife Vivian (Con- gaining an interest in Ben’s daughnie Britton) has a horrible miscar- ter Violet. This gives us some inriage. teresting trades between Tate and With their daughter Violet, Ben. they move into a classic Los AngeWe also get to meet Conles Victorian that has a pretty bad stance, the next-door neighbor, history. What history, you ask? and her daughter Adelaide, who Oh, just that all of the owners or both aren’t exactly right in their occupants of the house usually die. heads.

According to the real estate The pilot itself was a bit slow, agent, the last couple died from a and the use of non-linear plot murder suicide in the basement. makes the show at times not only

T

difficult to follow in course of action, but also hard to understand in terms of how events connect with one another.

The second episode explains more in depth why exactly the house is haunted with various spirits, because we are seeing more deaths in the house.

I find the entire thing actually to be like a noir with twists of horror in it.

Personally, I didn’t find myself too scared of anything that happens. I enjoyed being wrapped up in the storyline of how all of the characters that aren’t in the family are connected in some way.

It will be interesting to see how the story unfolds.

In respects to understanding how Ryan Murphy could create this show, well he did bring us “Nip/Tuck” which was also on FX for six years.

“Nip/Tuck” had a similar feel to it, where on top of their personal lives, like the Harmon family, characters Christian and Sean had other external problems to deal with, including a rapist/serial killer.

It would make sense that “American Horror Story” would run along in that same fashion.

We’ll have to see how the show goes. Have you seen the show?

What are your thoughts? Let us know at fairfieldmirror.com.

Page 14

This Week in Entertainment History

By Jennifer Fiorillo Contributing Writer

November 10, 1973: Elton John’s album “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road” went to No. 1 on the Billboard charts.

The seventh album released by the singer stayed at No. 1 for eight weeks. Withstanding the test of time as one of the singer’s best pieces of work, it includes the hit song “Bennie and the Jets”, which recently had a resurgence of popularity when it was featured in the romantic comedy film “27 Dresses.”

Back in 1974, John was initially hesitant to release the song as a single, but chose to take a risk that was met with rave reviews and a No. 1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100.

The album also features the song “Candle in the Wind,” written by John in memory of Marilyn Monroe.

November 12, 1982: Actress Anne Hathaway was born.

Hathaway became a household name at age 19 when she appeared as ordinary teenager turned princess, Mia Thermopolis in the Disney film “The Princess Diaries”.

In 2005, in her first mainstream adult film role, she starred in the Oscar nominated film “Brokeback Mountain.”

She went on to receive roles in popular films such as “The Devil Wears Prada” and “Get Smart” before finding critical success in the 2008 film “Rachel Getting Married.”

Hathaway made it to the Oscar stage as co-host with actor James Franco in 2011.

November 13, 1991: The Walt Disney film “Beauty and the Beast” was released into theaters.

“Beauty and the Beast” has been loved and admired by its viewers of all ages since it was first released 20 years ago.

This all-time classic Disney film tells the story of a young woman named Belle who, in an attempt to rescue her father, ends up becoming prisoner to a Beast. Belle comes to love the Beast and unbeknownst to her, she breaks the spell that has been plaguing him and his castle for 10 years.

At the 64th annual Academy Awards, “Beauty and the Beast” became the first ever animated film to be nominated for Best Picture.

The Mirror | Week of November 16, 2011

The Vine

Ingredients: 1 cup uncooked penne 1 tablespoons olive oil 2 cups thinly sliced mushrooms 1 ½ cups chopped union 2 garlic cloves minced 1 tsp. chicken bullion 1 tsp. sage 2/3 cup skim milk 2 tsp. cornstarch OR 1 ½ Tbs. of flour 1 Tbs. cold water 1/3 cup crumbled

Gorgonzola cheese ½ cup canned pumpkin 1/8 tsp. nutmeg or cinnamon salt and pepper Parmesan cheese

Directions: Cook the pasta and keep warm.

Heat the oil over medium heat in a deep medium-sized saucepan. Add the mushrooms, onions, garlic and chicken bullion and cover cooking for about 3 minutes. Uncover and cook until the vegetables are soft.

In another saucepan bring the milk and sage to a boil reducing to a simmer. Whisk the cornstarch and water together and add to the milk along with the cheese. Cook until thickened stirring constantly (about 2 minutes). Remove from the heat and stir in the nutmeg and pumpkin.

Toss the vegetables into the pasta. Then carefully dress the pasta with the sauce. The amount of sauce used is preferential so make sure to add it slowly to your desired amount (I dressed mine a bit too much!). Top with Parmesan cheese and enjoy. TIP: Use the extra pumpkin to stir into your oatmeal tomorrow morning!

+ Food Frenzy

Make something out of that pumpkin: Pumpkin Penne

(Serves about 3)

By Margot da Cunha and Adrianna Montano Vine Columnists

W

hen the leaves begin falling off the trees and Stop & Shop becomes engulfed in a field of orange I become elated - it’s pumpkin season!

Pumpkins are one of my favorite things to cook with. They are healthy, colorful and smell delicious! I often wish they were not just seasonal. Pumpkins can be used in a large scope of recipes.

Canned pumpkin is also cheap and easy to work with.

Back in the days when I was forced to get creative in Barone, I

can clearly recall the pumpkin tortellini they randomly served my freshmen year. It was so delicious that I found myself leaving the cafeteria feeling uncomfortably full, but so incredibly satisfied.

Lately I’ve had a desire to re-create this recipe, but due to a lapse of time I decided to make a similar dish preparing this pumpkin penne.

And then there’s Gorgonzola cheese, which I recently decided is one my favorite cheeses. It’s comparable to blue or goat cheese; this seems to freak some people out, but give it a try in this recipe.

The sauce tones it down and it gracefully compliments pumpkin.

This dish is simple and will satisfy your pumpkin craving.

Adrianna Montano and Margot Da Cunha/The Mirror

Page 15

Don't Let "Swanky" Fool You

Contributed Photo

By Richard O'Connor Staff Writer

F

rom Swanky Frank's unassuming exterior, located at 182 Connecticut Ave., just off I-95 exit 14 in Norwalk, you would never guess that this little dive is home to some of the best hot dogs in the Fairfield County area.

While most people would pass by a place like this, writing it off as a future bellyache, a person like me sees a foodie gold mine. That's why I had to step in to see what Swanky Frank's has to offer.

With Swanky Frank's classic trailer-turned-diner feel, you can tell not much has changed here since its opening over 35 years ago.

The emphasis here is on the food -- not the decor -- as Frank's has minimal seating options besides sitting at the bar, which, by the way, is the best seat in the house. Through this particular vantage point you gain a view into the work in the kitchen where Frank's churns out outstanding deep-fried hot dogs and other American comfort foods.

The hot dogs are all deep-fried to perfection; however, for those looking to save on the grease, they have an option to split the dogs and grill them for twenty-five cents ex-

tra.

If you're anything like me and like some spice with your meal, they have Swanky's Red Hot, their spiced up hot dog. Pair that up with some cheese and homemade chili and you get a fiery concoction guaranteed to be the right kind of spicy that makes you sweat a bit.

Also on the menu is an amazing -- never thought I'd say this -grilled cheese sandwich. With buttered toast and gooey cheese, this sandwich throws you into a nostalgic trip back to your elementary school cafeteria.

Other menu items include hamburgers, meatloaf sandwich, seafood items such as clam strips and lobster rolls, and of course fries and onion rings.

Conveniently located and not too far from Costco and Wal-Mart, no shopping trip can be satisfactory without a stop at Swanky Frank's.

With a hot dog, grilled cheese, and fries coming up to about nine dollars there's no excuse to not jump in and enjoy some of Swanky Frank's tasty goods. All you need to do is get past Frank's gritty appearance and let them do the rest of the work. One of the few shops in the area I designate as a must-have, I give Swanky Frank's four out of five stars.

See what's happening on and off campus this week...

A Garden Variety Solution to Deforestation and Poverty

Villanova U School of Law Information Session

Maria Taylor in Concert

Nov. 17 @ 7 p.m.

Nov. 18 @ 11 a.m.

Fairfield Theatre Company

Florence Reed, President and founder of Sustainable Harvest International, will talk about her organization in hopes to bring attention to the problems facing Central America as well as other parts of the world. Through Reed’s dedication, she set up a thriving, unique organization that is competent in simultaneously lessening poverty and caring for the earth. She will propose a number of solutions to the issues of slash and burn agriculture.

It’s never too early to think about life after Fairfield University. Alyssa Limberakis, an admissions recruiter, will provide an information session on Villanova’s Law Program. Even if you are not interested in Villanova, you can still gain insightful tips about the application process.

Gonzaga Auditorium

Career Planning Center

Comedy Night

Contraptions A to Z

Nov. 19 @ 9 p.m. to 12 a.m.

Nov. 19 to Dec. 19, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Levee

Why not take a break from the typical Saturday night on campus or at the beach? Head over to the Levee for some great food, while watching Ralph Tetta and fellow Fairfield students showcase their comical skill on stage.

Nov. 18 @ 10 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Discovery Museum, 4450 Park Ave., Bridgeport, CT

If you like guitarists Sheryl Crowe and Sarah McLaughlin, you’re destined to love Maria Taylor. She has an indie rock attitude and the skills for writing great pop songs. She plays piano, guitar and drums. She has done work with popular musical figures such as Bright Eyes and Moby, and also had some pop songs on TV shows such as Bones, Scrubs and Grey’s Anatomy. For only $12-$15 you can here Taylor’s breathtaking music at StageOne in Fairfield, Connecticut.

Aquila Theatre Company: Oscar Wilde's "The Importance of Being Earnest" Nov. 20 @ 8 p.m.

Quick Center for the Arts This quirky art exhibit will literally show “contraptions A to Z” and will teach science while combining art, history, science, music, literature, and language. 26 interactive mechanical devices will be displayed including: antique Apple Peelers, the Berserko Ball Bouncer, Cuckoo Cuckoo Clock, the Drum Machine and many more.

Aquila Theater Company presents a fabulous production of Oscar Wilde's "The Importance of Being Earnest".

The comedic play is about two men who bend the truth in order to add excitement to their lives, however their white lies eventually become a problem and have the potential of ruining their romantic pursuits.

The Mirror | Week of November 16, 2011

Online

Send your thoughts to info@fairfieldmirror.com.

fairfieldmirror.com

Coffee Break | 16

Editor Gabriella Tutino» info@fairfieldmirror.com

His iPhone / Her BlackBerry College Learning

Joe McConville

As that dreaded thing known as class registration begins to sneak up, students all over campus have begun to try to put together an effective schedule to satisfy the rigorous demands of the Fairfield University Core.

When the time comes for registration, I will pull up my trusty website companion and find my classes based on reviews of professors. The ethical problem of actually learning the material or just taking an easy class is one that many students struggle with when going to college.

In order to get a job students need the best possible resume and GPA. It becomes not an idea of having the greatest amount of learning but strictly the letter grade. It is not so much the school’s fault but society’s demands on students. This is a mind-blowing thought.

For this reason I hate the hundred and some-odd credits that make up the dreaded core. Dealing with the core is a huge pain.

The core teachers teach their classes zealously like they are teaching it to students in their major. No offense but I really don’t care that much about Philosophy in the long run. Nothing kills my GPA more than taking a 4 credit Spanish class when, after 6 years of Spanish I can barely ask “Where is the bathroom?” That’s some of my parent’s good money gone to waste right there.

If I ran the school, I would make the Core classes pass/fail. Then no Bio major, strug-

gling to pull a B in their required courses, would be stressed to pull a C in their Etruscan & Roman Art & Archaeology classes. Before you ask, I’m not picking on the class or teacher I just thought it sounded the funniest out of all the offered Art History classes.

I know I myself, have been guilty of seeking a teacher who is easier rather than one who is difficult strictly on how well I can potentially do in his/her class. The temptation to take a class that just consists of showing up and writing your name on a piece of paper is so appealing compared to one where you actually have to work hard in.

On the other hand, you could get stuck in a class with a professor whose arrogance knows no bounds and shoots down any sort of alternative thoughts or argument that comes up in the class and makes showing up a chore. This doesn’t make learning any fun either.

I will admit there are many professors at Fairfield that take teaching to heart and seek to actually make the students LEARN something from the class, even if it has nothing to do with the material. For all those other teachers out there, if you spend your class on a 75 minute rant to a class that looks like they’re in a vegetative state, you might want to rethink your teaching strategy.

- Sent from my iPhone

Sitting in Club DiMenna for six hours on a Sunday night is typical of most Fairfield Students.

Ever think that you’re just studying all of these words and terms, but not actually learning the information? Join the club.

I remember when I was taking Psychology, and just studying terms and words that were foreign to me. Seriously, they could have been written in Swahili, and I would never know the difference. Want to know why? I purely memorized the words, remembered them for the test, and then lost any recollection of ever knowing them. Disappointing right?

This applies to any kind of class. Since I take a lot of English classes, it’s not really about learning terms and vocabulary. It’s more about reading a book, and regurgitating the information in an eight to ten page paper. Satisfying? Complete opposite. Reading a 300 page book, thinking you know what it’s all about, spilling your heart into a paper to try and prove to the professor you know what you’re talking about, and then getting that paper back with a C in red ink. It’s like seeing an animal that’s going to get hit by a car- they try so hard to avoid a bad outcome, but just get squashed in the end.

Like everyone else, I’m terrified of finals. I think it’s the worst assessment of how well you did in a class. We spend all this time in the class, taking notes, doing the homework, writing the papers, and it comes down to multiple-choice questions.

God, I hate multiple-choice questions. Break-

Megan Forbes

ing out into hives just thinking about them. You may think you know the answer, but choice B looks just as good as choice A…and there’s no option that lets you pick both as the answer…ah whatever, I’ll just pick choice C. And then you get the test back, and the answer was D. That’s a slap in the face.

In college, it’s all about getting a good grade to bring up that GPA. No professor is going to sit there and say, “Well, she tried really hard...I’ll give her an A just because I feel bad.” I mean if that happened, I’d have a 4.0. But nope, we never get that lucky. You wind up with a D and the dreaded phrase, “Come see me during my office hours” written on your test. And that’s sure to put a damper on your day.

I think there’s nothing that we students can do but complain. Complain about the mound of homework we have to do by Monday morning.

Complain about the projects that are due the day before Thanksgiving when all you want to do is go home and eat your turkey. And then complain some more about how we put so much effort in, but it all just comes down the final grade in the class.

Now that I got all of that complaining off my chest, I feel so much better. As I’m about to go to work on my Chemistry and Italian homework simultaneously, wish me luck, not for the information that I’m going to learn, but just for the grade that I’m going to wind up with. Hey, that’s all that counts, right?

- Sent from my Blackberry

Sports

The Mirror | Week of November 16, 2011

Page 17

This Week in Sports The week that was in Fairfield Athletics

What To Watch For

Sports Shorts

Wednesday- Women's basketball at Vermont, 7 p.m.

Volleyball: The Stags won their seventh straight game and improved to 16-2 in the MAAC with a convincing 3-0 win vs. Iona. Junior Kara Reis had 26 digs and was named the MAAC defensive player of the week, while freshman Caitlin Stapleton had 11 kills.

The Stags head into the MAAC tournament as the number 2 seed, and will face Siena.

Men's Cross Country: Connor Kelly and Howie Rosas led the Stags to a 25th place finish at the 2011 Northeast Regional Cross Country Championships in Buffalo. Syracuse took the overall team title in the event.

Women's Cross Country: Maureen Crimmins, Sam Goodnow and Kristen Golen paced the Stags to a 27th place finish at the 2011 Northeast Regional Cross Country Championships in Buffalo. Syracuse took the overall team title.

Men's Soccer: The Men’s Soccer team heads to Providence, Rhode Island to take on Ivy League foe Brown. The Stags are currently on a 13 game winning streak and have not lost since Semptember 20th. Brown is 10-4-3 and received an at large bid out of the Ivy League.

Thursday - Men's basketball at Minnesota, 7 p.m. (EST) Friday- No games.

Saturday- Women's volleyball vs. Siena, 2 p.m.

Sunday - Men's basketball vs. Holy Cross, 1 p.m.

Monday - No games.

Tuesday- No games.

By The Numbers

1,000

Desiree Pina This is the third time in six years reached the 1000 point club that the men's soccer team for the womens basketball team has reached the NCAA against Pacific Tournament. on Sunday.

-said Coach Cooley following Providence's 80-72 victory over the Stags this past Monday.

Sports 3x5

Ivey Speight Contributing Writer

J ohn Tessitore Assistant Sports Editor

Volleyball is the No. 2 seed going into the MAAC Championship this weekend.

“It was an emotional day for me. We played an outstanding basketball team and I’m proud of both communities who came out to support."

Make sure to check out our new Sports Blog with online-only coverage at sports.fairfieldmirror.com

Eric Bernsen Sports Editor

2

Quote of the Week

New Sports Blog

Because they like to talk... Sports.

3

Your 2011-2012 3x5 Columnists: Eric Bernsen, Ivey Speight and John Tessitore.

Highlight of Ivey's first trip to a casino in his life?

No issue next week.

Plans for Thanksgiving break?

Predictions for men's soccer NCAA Tournament match-up against Brown?

NBA season looks very doubtful. What are you going to do in your spare time?

Who is the mightiest Trojan on Fairfield's campus?

Between Nibbles and Bits and showing everyone his cards at the poker table...we'd need to have a whole 3X5 dedicated to Mr. Speight.

HUHU who knows where I'll be. But a white Thanksgiving in Dobbs would be legendary, maybe the keg will make a surprise visit.

Fairfield refuses to lose against two Rhode Island teams in the same week.

Stags win 2-0, Mate comes through huge in the NCAA's.

Live, eat and breathe Fairfield Stag basketball.

And I'll be watching 'Cool Hands' LoPresti knock down some mid-range jumpers.

NANANA you'll see him outside the apartments any given night with the legend from the BX....

Dakota the mighty Trojan.

Losing 250 bucks because I tried to go to every table to get those free Sprite and Vodkas. Fell right into the trap :(

Eat lots of turkey and cranberry sauce and then get sauced and dream of 'white' Thanksgiving in Dobbs.

Too bad Emma Watson doesn't go there anymore. It was my plan for us to meet and her to fall in love with my broadcasting.

Doing more fun things than an overrated NBA season - like reading the dictionary .

You go to North Carolina and I'll go to the Dakotas.

LMAO! SMH! Kid is such a legend. Where the Sprite and Vodka was at, you can find the swagged out 5 foot legend, rockin' that fresh suit.

Gonna be in the town where dreams are born and legends are made, Dobbs Ferry. Gonna be the wildest five days of the year starting in NYC and ending in 'Cuse!

The Mate, looks Emma Watson's Bears in the Eye, and PWNS them with 8 saves, Stags 1 Brownies 0.

It's all about college hoops. Stags gonna make a legendary run to the Final 4, you heard it hear first, can't wait to watch one shining moment!

THE BLINNNNND BROOK SWAGGGGED OUT TROJAN, hittin' threes from the parking lot Dakota "elite ratchet" Fontanello.

The Mirror | Week of November 16, 2011

Sports

Page 18

Freshman Phenomenon Making a Splash Conley and Rest of Team Working Hard for Success

By John Tessitore Assistant Sports Editor

With the swimming and diving season in full swing, the Stags are starting to learn their identity as a team.

One of the key pieces thus far has been the phenomenal performances turned in by the freshman from Red Bank, New Jersey, Tyler Conley.

“I'm loving it so far, I would have to say,” said Conley.

“I am making a lot of friends. It is a tight team, really good camaraderie.”

Conley has been a huge addition to the men's team, and it did not take long for him to make a splash.

In Conley's first collegiate meet against Holy Cross, Tyler set two program records. In the 50 meter freestyle, Conley clocked in at 24.02 seconds, breaking current Stag Paul Bimmler's previous record of 24.16 set last season.

Later in the meet, the freshman turned in another record setting performance, clocking in at 53.64 seconds in the 100 meter freestyle.

“That was cool. It was pretty surreal,” said Conley.

Although Conley produced a brilliant first performance, he still had a classic case of the freshman jitters.

“I was pretty scared [at] my first meet, I am not going to lie,” Conley said with a smile. “It was intimidating going into a D1 college and everything. I've been working pretty hard over the summer, and pretty hard in practice and I guess it showed off. I am pretty excited about that.”

Not only is Conley one of the Stags' best swimmers, he also undergoes the rigors of being an engineering major, a field that makes sure Tyler is busy when he is not practicing two times a day.

“I usually wake up from morning practice, go to breakfast, and then I will be up and ready to start my homework,” said Conley. “Then I will go to class, go to practice, and then redo my homework.”

As a freshman, adjusting to the rigors and challenges

that the courses at Fairfield University provide is rarely easy. Doing it as a swimmer and an engineer is even more impressive.

“School work itself is a very big adjustment from my high school, but the practices are just about up to the caliber we were working at my high school, except not twice a day, so I am used to that,” said Conley.

The Stags are off to a 2-3 start, defeating Holy Cross and Southern Connecticut State, while dropping meets to Central Connecticut State, Fordham, and conference foe, Manhattan.

Fairfield still has five more meets left on the schedule, as well as an early January training trip to Hawaii before they embark on the MAAC Championships.

“Coach Farley is mainly just worried about MAACs” said Conley. “We are working hard everyday and training for MAACs. That’s the one big race.”

“He's of course worried about our record, but mainly MAACs,” added Conley.

Last season, Fairfield's men's swimming and diving took 8th place up in Buffalo. The Stags only lost three seniors from last year's squad and brought in eight freshman that add to an already stacked roster.

“I hope we do well. I would love to get second place at MAACs as a team that would be great.,” said Conley. “I think we can absolutely do it too, with the freshman class, we're a pretty strong freshman class, not to mention all the others.”

With all the talent returning, and new pieces in place for Fairfield including Conley, there is no reason to think that the time is not now for the Stags to Contributed by Athletic Communications be an upper echelon team in the MAAC. Tyler Conley has excelled so far as a freshman on the men's swimming team.

Sports

The Mirror | Week of November 16, 2011

Pina Moves Past 1000

Page 19

Milestone Day for Senior as Stags Start off the Season 2-0

By Ivey Speight Contributing Writer

Ask Desiree Pina how thrilled she is after becoming only the 24th player in the 37 year history of the Fairfield University women’s basketball program to reach 1000 points and she’ll respond with a team-oriented answer: “I’m probably more excited about the win.”

And that is one of the characteristics that defines her.

She doesn’t want to lose.

It’s that same competitive nature that has driven the senior to become an important contributor for the Stags since she stepped foot on campus four years ago.

It's definitely something that fifth year Head Coach Joe Frager noticed when he was first recruiting her.

“I just loved her spirit,” said Frager. “As much as her physical skills [help], I think her spirit is really what makes her a player.”

Pina showed that ambition for athletics as she was a part of four different sports during her years at Plainville High, CT. Basketball was a given, but she also played soccer, softball and ran a little track.

But when it came to making a final decision, she Tom McKiver/The Mirror knew that her love was with her primary sport.

Senior guard Desiree Pina running by her defender as the team went on to beat Pacific 56-47 this past Sunday at Alumni Hall.

“I love it,” said Pina. “I’ve been playing [basketball] my whole life, it’s the sport I’ve been playing most. I just Now four years later, both Frager and Pina’s decisions With a team that starts a freshman and sophomore, enjoy it so much.” are paying off. Since coming to Fairfield, Pina has started Pina’s leadership becomes important as a stabilizing force College coaches, including Frager, became impressed in all but one game and has been named to three all conon the squad. with the competitiveness and skill sets that Pina encomference teams.

“She’s pretty much the glue to this team,” said senior passed coming out of high school.

“I always thought she was going to be a very good forward Taryn Johnson. “She’s been starting since she was She was gaining attention from out of state schools player,” said Frager. “We’re just thrilled with the career she a freshman so she brings a lot of experience.” and even some MAAC programs, but they were hesitant to has had for us.”

Now her fiery competitiveness has given Pina even offer her a scholarship.

In her senior year, her game has become even more more success. She will be forever immortalized in the Frager wasn’t. vital for the team’s success.

1000 point club.

“We stepped up to the plate and offered,” he said.

“We ask her to kind of be a jack of all trades,” Frager But if you would tell her that her name would be “She knew we wanted her and she wanted us too.” said. “She plays a little point, plays a little two guard, at forever stitched on the banner in Alumni Hall she would Pina would become the first women’s basketball 5’6’’ we even have her play a little bit of small forward for say, “I also want to see one of our banners for winning player in the history of Plainville High to sign for a Divius. We try and get her to wear a lot of hats for us and she’s something as a team.” sion 1 scholarship. done a very good job so far.”

Just a Tad Short: Men's Rugby Caps Off Impressive Fall Season

By Thomas Shea Contributing Writer

After a thrilling 43-35 victory over top seeded Vassar in the semi-finals, which featured four lead changes and comeback after comeback by the Red Ruggers, Fairfield lost in the finals of the Met NY/NYS National Qualifier to Colgate 45-20 on Sunday afternoon.

Fifth seeded Fairfield avenged an earlier season 19-13 loss to Vassar on Saturday, as the teams engaged in an unexpected offensive shootout on a brisk and sunny fall day in front of the large crowd in Poughkeepsie, NY. Vassar started out hot by jumping out to an early 10-0 lead, and extended it to 20-5 before Fairfield scored a converted try right before halftime to keep them in the game at 20-12.

Coming out of the break, Fairfield cut the lead to three at 20-17, but Vassar answered with two quick scores of their own to put them on top by 13. The game appeared to be out of reach for the Red Ruggers, who were being outplayed by their opponents overall.

However, Fairfield turned the tides of the game with the help of a scoring drive that covered the length of the field following a Vassar miscue near the Fairfield goal line.

Despite the switch in momentum, Vassar rallied back and answered with a score of their own, to reclaim the 35-31 lead.

With about twelve minutes remaining , Vassar just had to hold onto the ball and they would win the game.

But Fairfield took advantage of their superior explosiveness and speed, and they were able to score on two breakaway tries late off Vassar handling errors, as they put the game away for the 8 point victory.

Dan Leitao/The Mirror It was a very well-played, clean game for both sides, Senior Mike Whitley making a run during the teams victory over 43-35 Vassar last Sunday, but fell short to Colgate the following day. as the penalty count for both sides barely got into the double digits, and any gains were hard-fought on the ground.

Colgate soon found their stride, and the third seeded semi-finals," said McLoughlin. "Despite coming up a little It was a different story on Sunday, however, as Fairfield Still Reds would go on to win going away, 45-20, to claim short against Colgate, I could not have been prouder of our hoped the momentum from Saturday’s game would carry the title. team and the effort we put forth this season." on into the final against Colgate. In the opening minutes, it Overall, senior captain Gareth McLoughlin was This was the first time since 2008 that Fairfield comappeared that Fairfield was going to continue their excelpleased with the way the team performed. peted in the finals in the Rugby Union Playoffs. Fairfield lent play from the day before, as they maintained most of "It was a wild weekend of rugby for us. We played near won the tournament three years ago, and would advance to the territory and possession through the first 20 minutes. perfect rugby in the last 15 minutes against Vassar in the the Northeast Rugby Football Union semifinals.

Online New and improved sports blog.

Online only coverage.

Week of November 16, 2011

Sports | 20

Sports Editor: Eric Bernsen » info@fairfieldmirror.com

Stags Drop the Ball fairfieldmirror.com

Cooley's Council Delivers the Verdict, Friars Defeat the Stags

Aisha Faulkner/The Mirror

Derek Needham and the Stags couldn't quite hold off their old coach and the Providence Friars as the team lost 80-72 on Monday. The team returns to action on the road versus Minnesota on Thursday.

By Eric Bernsen Sports Editor When former Coach Cooley was asked about his feelings coming back to Fairfield to play the Stags, he made his response clear: “I’ll always love the kids I coached at Fairfield as well as the community, but I am going down there to get a win.”

Coach Cooley certainly kept his word as the Friars defeated Fairfield 80-72 in a roller coaster game played in front of 6,375 fans, a regular season record for the Men’s Basketball program.

“It was an emotional day for me. We played an outstanding basketball team and I’m proud of both communities who came out to support," said Cooley. "I’m so happy this day is over, our team won on a lot of different levels as we continue to grow as a program."

This was a contest that featured six lead changes and the game was evenly tied five times. However, the guard play by the Friars was a key advantage as they combined for 67 of teams’ 80 total points, sinking most of their open shots.

Leading scorer Vincent Council proved to be a leader for the Friars with his 26 points and seven assists, providing the spark that led the team.

“Council definitely displayed leadership tonight as we had some advantages in length and physicality at the guard position. I thought we grew up as a team the past

two days,” said Cooley.

Despite the fact that the Stags came back from doubledigit deficits two times in the second half, there were some key factors that led to the loss.

Fairfield shot a collective 8-26 from the three point range and only got to the free throw line seven times, with most of those attempts occurring late in the game. While the Friars received great contributions off the bench, mainly the 17 points scored by sophomore guard Gerard Coleman, the Stags had zero bench points.

Coach Johnson credited Coach Cooley for the win and took personal responsibility for the outcome of the contest.

“All credit due to Coach Cooley. He outcoached me tonight and I feel like I let down a lot of people," Johnson said. "We scored enough points to win, but it came down to heart and passion, and that’s all on me."

Senior forward Rakim Sanders continued his display of dominance on the floor with his 25 points and nine rebounds, despite being hampered by foul trouble.

Sanders presence on the floor seems to be crucial in order for the Stags to be at their best.

“We didn’t play well enough to win. We’re going to move forward and improve upon what we didn’t do tonight,” said Sanders.

Coach Cooley, who has a close relationship on and off the court with Sanders, marveled at the performance put forth by the senior forward.

“He looks like a linebacker on skates out there. Cer-

tainly a physical presence and I’m proud of him as well as the whole team. And Coach Johnson is the right person to lead them going forward,” said Cooley.

Ryan Olander had a solid game posting 17 points and six rebounds, while determined sophomore Maurice Barrow contributed 15 points.

Although the Stags offense had a 21-10 advantage in assists, defensively the squad seemed to be outmatched against their Big East conference opponent. The Friars, marked as 7.5 underdogs, seemed extra motivated to win this game for their new coach.

“A big win for us in a big test. Of course we wanted to get the win for Coach,” said Council.

“I told my guys about being the underdog, no secrets there. They [Fairfield] deserved to be the favorites because of their experience, but that’s why we play the games,” responded Coach Cooley.

Looking forward, the Stags will have an opportunity to redeem themselves quickly as they go on the road to take on University of Minnesota (a Big Ten school) on Thursday.

And if Coach Johnson has anything to say it about, the Stags will arrive in Minnesota with a winning mentality.

“We’re playing some good teams, but I need to make some adjustments," Johnson said. "There was a lack of intensity on my part and I promise next time that will change."