Fairfield Mirror 12/11/19

THE MIRROR Independent student newspaper

Week of December 11, 2019

Vol. 45 Iss. 13

3rd Annual Tree Lights up Campus

By Colleen Vann Assistant News Editor

Fairfield kicked off the holiday season with their Third Annual Christmas Tree Lighting on Tuesday, Dec. 3 at 6:30 p.m.

Students and Fairfield community members arrived near the tree outside the Ignatius Loyola Egan Chapel prior to the actual tree lighting and enjoyed provided cookies, gingerbread and sugar and hot chocolate. Attendees were offered Fairfield University Santa hats as well.

Before the countdown to light the tree, Father Paul Rourke and president Mark Nemec, Ph.D. shared a few words with the community. After the tree was lit, there were festive performances by Fairfield’s acapella groups Sweet Harmony and the Bensonians.

Fr. Rourke addressed those gathered around the tree and offered the event an opening blessing.

He spoke about the hope and joy that comes with Christmas, as well as all holidays during this season. He wished everyone a happy new year before passing the microphone over to President Nemec.

“Fairfield as a modern university is committed to being a community institution,” President Nemec said. “And the fact that all of you have joined us here is a testament to that.”

Nemec continued to speak about the importance of community, and told those in attendance that he hopes they will continue to come together in such a way in the new year.

Jillian Casey ‘22 said, “It was great to see the Fairfield community to come together to

celebrate Christmas before the stress of finals.”

Nemec then started a countdown from ten in which everyone joined, and then a red decorative light switch was pulled and the tree illuminated in colorful lights.

Immediately after the tree was lit, the la group on campus, women’s acapelbegan singing “Deck Sweet Harmony, They sang a couple of the Halls.” other songs,

such as “Santa Tell Me,” by Ariana Grande. Then the men’s group, the Bensonians, sang a medley of “The 12 Days of Christmas,” before the two groups joined together for a final send-off song.

“It was such a great experience being able to sing on stage at the tree lighting with all of my ‘Sweets,’ Sweet Harmony friends, and with my sister, who is in the group,” said Madelyn Dutilly ‘22, a singer in Sweet Harmony. “It has been an honor being a part of the group and I’m so glad that there are going to be opportunities like this here.”

Students that didn’t perform also agreed about this event’s success.

“It was very nice to see the community and Fairfield students come together to start the holiday season and it was a nice break from homework and studying,” said Olivia Alessandro ‘22. “The tree is brighter than last year and I loved the singing!”

It wasn’t just the tree itself that made this event festive and fun for the students, but all of the extra details like the presence of Santa and Lucas the Stag, as well as the holiday treats that were available.

“The cookies were especially good this year, the hot chocolate was good sipping temperature, and everyone got Christmas hats!” Erin Patten ‘22 expressed via electronic message.

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FUSA Senate Bill

Opinion FUSA Senate’s latest bill is not aligned with organization’s goals.

Page 5

Swimming and Diving

Sports Swimming and diving teams make waves at ECAC. Page 8

Theatre Fairfield

Vine Theatre Fairfield performs premiere of “Authenticity.”

Page 16 Colleen Vann/The Mirror

The christmas tree on the Egan Chapel Patio lit up after the countdown

Open VISIONS: War Photographer Lynsey Addario

By Lexi Thimble Editor-in-Chief

Julia Crews/The Mirror

Colleen Vann/The Mirror

Olivia Alessandro ‘22 and Jillian Casey ‘22 put on their Fairfield University Santa hats.

There aren’t many people that can state casually that visiting Afghanistan while it was under the rule of the Taliban was something that made it comfortable to visit after 9/11, but then again, war photojournalist Lynsey Addario isn’t many people.

As part of the Open VISIONS Forum hosted at the Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts on Monday, Dec. 9 and presented

by Bank of America’s “Women and Leadership” series, Addario spoke for over an hour about her decades-long career which has involved covering stories of war and chaos in varying regions of the world. While she Julia Crews/The Mirror did not get her start in these war-torn areas, her time there was bittersweet.

Lynsey Addario backstage.

“For me I guess the big frustration was in the ‘90s I spent three years every single day covering New York City, covering the boroughs of New York and to not be Continue Reading Photographer On Page 2

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Addario’s Photos Stun Quick Center Continued from Page One

there on 9/11 was really painful,” she told The Mirror. “It felt like that had become my story and where I learned how to be a photographer, and then I moved abroad in 2000 and was living in Mexico City when September 11th happened so it was very painful to not be in New York at the time.”

For Addario, what came next seemed like the logical thing to do. “I did what felt natural and that was to go where the story moved to, and that was to Pakistan and Afghanistan.”

Over the years since then, Addario has covered conflict in countries like Iraq, the Republic of Congo and Libya, depicting covering combat zones and the plights of civilians in striking imagery. Addario even found herself the target of this direct conflict when she and three other journalists were captured in Libya in 2011, where they were held for about one week while The New York Times negotiated their release. Needless to say, her life is anything short of dull.

While being in those situations consistently over the years has taken its toll on her, Addario has never thought about stepping away from what she does entirely.

“For whatever reason, I think I have good Editor-in-Chief coping mechanisms. This is a job that, most people who cover war, don’t last many years,” she said. “If you look at war photographers, they do that job for maybe seven years or ten years, and then they get burnt out and do something else. Now it’s been twenty years that I’ve been covering conflict, and I think the important thing for me is to be in tune with where I’m at mentally and if I feel like I need to step back, I do.”

“I have no problem stepping away from covering war or covering really tough subjects,” she continued on to say, “and I have to always listen to my instinct and be in tune with that, and I think for me that’s been something I feel comfortable with.”

Alongside her stories of traveling with American soldiers through Taliban-filled deserts and covering the lives of Sudanese refugees, Addario also highlighted a recent piece released on Sunday, Dec. 8 in the New York Times that is the result of three years of hard work. Following the life of Beligan Paralympian wheelchair racer Marieke Vervoot, Addario spent the last three years of Vervoot’s life covering the time between her last victory in Rio in 2016 to the final day of her life, when she passed away with the aid of physician-assisted suicide, or euthanasia.

The two became close friends over this time period, and Addario openly admitted that it was one of the toughest stories she has ever covered.

Julia Crews/The Mirror

Lexi Thimble with Lynsey Addario after their sit-down interview.

“I would go and sleep at her house because that was the only way to be able to tell her story, of how she’d have seizures in the middle of the night, how she would have to get injections in the middle of the night, so I was always there sleeping on her couch and we would leave long messages to each other when I wasn’t there,” Addario said. She was also there during the moments when Vervoot had her doubts about going forward with the procedure, but also when she became in too much pain to carry on.

Addario said, “And of course, she was a friend so I didn’t want it to happen, but also as a journalist you can’t influence them or say anything, so I was always there in support of whatever decision she made. It was really hard to be there with her in those final days, and it was hard to watch her die because she was a friend.”

Even in comparison to the turbulent scenes of war Addario has covered, Vervoot’s story stands alone. “I’ve covered very sensitive stories for over twenty years, and I’ve rarely met with someone who is so confident and comfortable being photographed in the most vulnerable situations,” she said.

Addario’s new book, “It’s What I Do: A Photographer’s Life of Love and War,” features photographs from throughout her career and is out now.

Julia Crews/The Mirror

Addario presents her photographs on stage.

Stuff a Stag...or a Penguin

By Julia Crews News Editor

Students started lining up outside of the Oak Room starting nearly three hours before the start of annual Stuff a Stag event, which began at 9 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 7. “I got there at 6:15,” said Jessica Cuntrera ‘22. The event is known among students to be crowded and competitive, so lining up at the door hours early was what many students did in order to maximize their chances of getting to stuff the animal of their choice.

Julia Crews/The Mirror

Students wait in line outside of the Oak Room.

“The Stuff a Stag mobile Build a Bear Workshop is back! Come make a fuzzy friend to bring home with you for the holidays!” said the event’s page on Life@Fairfield. The event was organized by Fairfield At Night and the Fairfield University Student Association. “The first round of stuffing will take place at 9:00 p.m., and the second round will begin at 10:30 p.m. in the BCC Oak Room.”

“I’m not rolling up at 8:45 like some chump,” said Bridget Morrissey ‘22 while in line for the first round.

Once the clock struck 9 p.m., the doors opened and the crowd surged.

The rush towards the door resulted in crowding and pushing, with students pressed up against each other. Many at the back of the line left the event to try to return for the 10:30 round.

Julia Crews/The Mirror “It’s a stag or bust. If I get a snow man…it’ll be a sad day,” Morrissey and Stewart stuff penguins in the Dogwoods Room. continued Morrissey. Once the doors program coordinator for the Office of Student Engagement. opened and students began to push, “This year we decided to have the line form inside of the Oak Morrissey, suddenly towards the back of the line despite getRoom rather than outside of it in hopes to alleviate pushing ting there an hour early due to other students pushing ahead and cutting of the line. We also focused on making sure we of her, gave an update. “I’m a little overwhelmed but I want had the same amount of stuffed animals for both stuffing my stag.” times so that it was fair for all students who attended.”

After 175 students were let in in order to stuff animals, “I think this helped control the crowd also because they the doors closed for the first round. Each student was given knew that as long as they got into the Oak Room with one a ticket and the line continued across the Oak Room. The of the 175 tickets, they were getting an animal,” continued actual stuffing took place in the Dogwoods Room. However, though there were 175 animals waiting to be stuffed, not all of Parisi. “The students working the event for Fairfield At Night did a great job of managing all of the moving parts whether them were stags. Once the first choice ran out, students could it was swiping students in, handing out tickets, replenishing choose to stuff a reindeer, polar bear, penguin or snowman.

Morrissey, after waiting in line for two and a half hours, the stuffing, or monitoring the line. I believe that we plan to stuffed a penguin.

“This was my first year running Stuff A Stag and my main focus was controlling the crowd,” wrote Danielle Parisi,

Continue Reading Stuff On Page 4

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The Mirror Reflects on this Week in Social Media

Compiled by Julia Crews Information contributed by the Department of Public Safety.

12/2 2:15 p.m A student vandalized the front door of Alumni Hall and the glass door was shattered. The incident is under investigation.

12/7 3:09 a.m.

A motor vehicle accident occurred on the corner of North Benson Road and Barlow Road which resulted in damage to University grounds. No injuries were reported.

11:41 a.m.

A student reported that her 6 foot tall inflatable Santa Claus was stolen from her residence in the Townhouses.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Department of Public Safety.

12/8 12:28 a.m.

The elevator got stuck in Langguth Hall. DPS responded and was unable to open the doors. OTIS Elevator responded and freed the 9 trapped students.

2:11 a.m.

A non-student was found driving under the influence at the checkpoint. Fairfield Police was notified and towed the vehicle. The driver was transported to a local hospital.

10:40 p.m.

A burglary occurred in Campion Hall. A student reported her wallet stolen from her room. The incident is under investigation. DPS reminds students to lock their doors even if they are away for a short period of time.

THE MIRROR Incorporated 1977

Lexi Thimble, Editor-in-Chief Katherine Klima, Executive Editor Julia Monteleone, Managing Editor Editors Sheila McCombs, Chief Copy Julia Crews, News Colleen Vann, Assistant News Catherine Santangelo, Opinion Gracianne Eldrenkamp, Vine Molly Lamendola, Abroad Columnist Julia Lanzillotta, Sports Tobenna Ugwu, Coffee Break Business Department Email: info@fairfieldmirror.com Michael Hoffman, Director of Finance Advisor Dr. Tommy Xie Contact Information Fairfield University 1073 North Benson Road, BCC 104 Box AA, Fairfield, CT 06824 General email: info@fairfieldmirror.com

The Mirror is the recognized student newspaper of Fairfield University. Opinions and ideas expressed herein are those of the individual student authors, and not those of the Fairfield University or its Board of Trustees

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Students Swarm to Stuff a Stag Continued from Page two

Julia Crews/The Mirror

Students who were last in line stuff penguins, polar bears and penguins.

manage this event the same way in the future.”

Opinions among students were mixed. “The event at first was stressful because the line was long and I [hadn’t] been to the one last year so I had higher expectations,” said Kathryn Stewart ‘22, part of Morrissey’s group. “I thought the event itself or the idea was good but maybe they should have better planning.”

“If the situation with the lines did not happen, looking solely at the context of the event I like it a lot and would recommend getting a momento like a hand stuffed animal,” wrote Eleanor Sgaramella ‘20. “Once in the room the line was organized and calm, but externally it was pretty wild.”

Organizer Victoria Lagace ‘21, South Side manager at Fairfield at Night agreed. “I was very happy with the overall outcome of this year’s Stuff a Stag!” wrote Victoria via electronic message. “With the stress of finals looming upon us all, Stuff a Stag is a great holiday event to allow students to unwind and spend time with friends.” However, Victoria continued, “A large crowd developed outside rather early this year, and when it became time to begin to swipe people into the event, it quickly became chaotic and many students attempted to cut the line.”

On her experience, Sgaramella wrote, “I waited in line for about an hour and because people cut the line and sort of mobbed the door, ended up being one of the last to get in line to enter the room. Because of this basically all of the animal choices had run out, like the stags, and with it being my last year to attend the event as I’m a senior, I was disappointed by that.”

Sgaramella continued, “I understand the difficulties when hosting an event as such but I wish the line organization had been more concrete, especially for the people who got there early [who got] pushed back as it happened.” She also thought that the selection of animals could be limited to stags, which was why most students were there. “Maybe in the future, as the stags are the main publicized stuffed animals for the event, there could be more available so this kind of issue would be less likely to occur.”

New Midnight Breakfast Dances Off Stress Faber Hall becomes a dreamy breakfast wonderland to minimize stress and bring fun to finals

By Colleen Vann Assistant News Editor

On Sunday, Dec. 8, the Faber Hall Dining Commons was set for a Midnight Breakfast event offered to residents of 47 Mahan Rd., Meditz Hall, Kostka Hall and the Barnyard Manor to kick off the start of finals.

For many years there has been a tradition at Fairfield of a midnight breakfast the night before finals began, but due to issues with behavior and alcohol consumption, the event was done away with last year, as previously reported on by The Mirror.

An email from Domenick Laperuta ‘20, the Senior Resident Assistant of 47 Mahan Rd., Meditz Hall, Kostka Hall, Faber Hall and The Barnyard Manor, was sent out to students living in his area, reading that, “After a year without Midnight Breakfast gave us the Christmas Blues, the staff... are working overtime as Santa’s helpers to make sure we all can get in the Christmas Spirit, with the return of Midnight Breakfast.”

Due to the large number of students living in that area, the seating was limited in the Faber Dining Commons so the email with the RSVP link was sent out to all seniors living in the area first before the spots were opened up to underclassmen.

Students were happy to learn about this Midnight Breakfast event, but Senior Area Coordinator Niquita Dietrich clarified via email that, “this event is not a resurrection of a previous event.”

“There were other ‘midnight breakfasts’ in the past, others may also be doing them this year, and I do not want anyone to be under the misapprehension that this event is any more significant than the other residential or campus programs being offered,” Dietrich said. “The only real difference is that due to the size of the area, we require more advanced planning and logistics,” she continued.

“I didn’t mind that it was in Faber because the room was wicked nice and decorated,” said Grace Coulliard ‘22 via electronic message. “And it was so big, so I think that it was definitely the best place to have it.”

The event worked in 3 shifts in order to allow the highest number of students possible to attend. The shifts were 30 minutes long and began at 10 p.m. with a ten minute buffer time for cleaning and setting up.

Upon signing in students received a place card for a specific table based on the number of guests in their party.

After finding their seat, they were directly served plates of pancakes, scrambled eggs, sausage, bacon and tater tots by the RAs from the area who were working the event. There was also a hot chocolate bar available for students to serve themselves, as well as orange juice and water.

Aside from the festive decorations, there was Christmas music loudly playing from the speakers in the room,

and the RAs danced and sang after serving the food and thought the Midnight Breakfast was a great way to have tried to get the guests into the spirit and to join them. time to just destress with finals coming up. The people “The Midnight Breakfast was a great and relaxing working it had so much energy, which really allowed me study break! The RAs were extremely enthusiastic about and my friends to forget about all of our upcoming work making sure all of us enjoyed the event,” said Matthew for a little bit,” said Caroline Murray ‘22.

Gerbo ‘22.

The initial email from Laperuta contained some rules and expectations for the event based upon some of the issues that arose in the past.

“Will you be able to stand on a table? No, that’s dirty. Will you be able to stand on a chair?

Yes! As long as you’re safe,” were the two rules that stuck out most to students.

As it turned out, it was not only permitted to dance on chairs but encouraged. The RAs were urging students to get up and dance on the chairs, as they walked around joining the individual tables and handing out Dunkin’ Donuts gift cards to those students that displayed the Colleen Vann/The Mirror most energy.

Students dance on chairs in Faber Hall during the Midnight Breakfast event.

“I

Opinion

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THE MIRROR | Week of December 11, 2019

pinion

Editor Catherine Santangelo» catherine.santangelo@student.fairfield.edu

FUSA Senate Should Return to its Roots

By Lexi Thimble Editor-in-Chief

As an average member of Fairfield’s student body, I don’t claim to know everything there is to know about the Fairfield University Students Association. I don’t know the inner workings of how bills are proposed or how much power FUSA actually has. I do, however, have a basic working understanding of what the purpose of the FUSA Senate is, and that is to advocate on behalf of the students, to voice concerns that the students they represent have and to have their concerns in mind each time they vote.

This is why I find their Bill S56-002: A Bill to Establish the Senate’s Subpoena Authority, passed on Dec. 4, worrying when it comes to these objectives of serving the students.

I have several issues with this bill, but the main one has to do with the targeting of the Executive Branch by the Senate for what seems to be an imaginary reason. While the bill gives subpoena power over all three branches, I am most concerned with the impact on the Executive Branch. Living in the time we do, with actual articles of impeachment being brought against the president of the United States, as reported by the New York Times, obviously issues of transparency between branches and holding each other accountable seems timely. But it’s important to also have some perspective on the matter, and to “zoom out” per say. And when I say “zoom out,” I mean gain some understanding about the world beyond Fairfield. While these issues are obviously pressing in our country today, the severity of the damage that could be done by the Executive Branch to just Fairfield University is not so astronomical as to require access to “documents, records, correspondences, or testimony”, as quoted in the text of the bill.

There are already measures in place to bring about our own articles of impeachment should members of the Executive Branch be found to be obstructing justice or acting in an unethical manner. The language of the bill, however, treats this subpoena power as though this corruption is already something pervasive within the Executive Branch, which if there were, constitutional amendments and other measures that are in place would be able to address.

The measure seems to me to be punishment for crimes that have not yet been committed, and seems off base of

what the Senate is meant to do. FUSA is “for the students, by the students,” and while this measure may be intentioned for the future protection of the students from their government, I can’t think of a single situation dire enough that I would hope my FUSA president’s emails or other written communications would have to be forcibly turned over.

The bill is also vague as to what sort of “correspondences” this specifically refers to, and mentions several times the power to “legally” compel these documents to be produced. How is this supposed to be enforced? The bill also allows for “a minimum of three (3) academic days to comply” from the time the subpoena is issued. How would the subpoena even be delivered? Is it ethical for it to be emailed, and if so, can a student be held accountable for missing a single email in their inbox on any given day?

Logistically, this bill does not seem to account for much of the realities of such a situation.

FUSA Senate should be focused on immediate policy issues that directly impact the students instead of this directionless internal issue that is taking up time they could be using to spend on other things. It is not the Senate’s job to be the watchdog of the Executive or any other branches, and I have faith in FUSA as a whole that if

such a serious issue arose, the checks and balances in place would deal with it accordingly. FUSA Senate needs to go back to its roots and understand its main purpose, which is to serve the students and not target the other branches of its association.

Photo Courtesy of @fusa47 Instagram

It 'Snow' Secret that the First Snowfall is Beautiful

By Kerre Lanttanzio Contributing Writer

Ah, the first snow of winter; a time of thrilling excitement for some and of overbearing dread to others. Extremes? Never. There’s truly nothing better than witnessing this clash of emotions play out among friends and family during this season. However, love it or hate it, I stand by my views. I enjoy snow, and the first snow of winter is romantic. Call me a dreamy and hopeless romantic, but you won’t change my mind about it.

For starters, let’s go down memory lane and jump back into our childhood days. Oh, what fun!

It’s the night before a snow storm when the sky is clear, the air is crisp, the smell of hot chocolate lingers throughout the household, your favorite fuzzy socks are on and excitement is at an all-time high due to the thought of a potential school delay or - wait for this one - a snow day! Then you grow up, become “mature” and this pre-snow storm routine immediately fades away. Why? Because you’re too old and too cool for that now, right?

Wrong. My apologies for leading you astray like that, but I’m glad you’re finally catching on to me. Alright, maybe I don’t put a spoon under my pillow, and maybe I stopped wearing my pajamas inside out years ago. But as I get older, the underlying feeling of giddy hope and child-like anticipation is still very much there.

Editorial Board "Join Some Clubs, People" Katherine Klima Executive Editor

How come, you ask? Because as we students already know, it’s beginning to look a lot like finals season, or what I like to call “crank time!” The last weeks of the semester after Thanksgiving are always madness, and even the most organized or “just chill out, man” type of individual cannot avoid it. The number of assignments is rising, the days are winding down and the stress of students is only building up.

Of course, there are also the downfalls of snow - the exhausting shoveling, the slick road conditions and the sound of the plow rudely interrupting your slumber in the middle of the night. I mean, I didn’t say the remaining days after the first snow were very pleasant!

Snow is the only occurrence during the winter season that provides a handful of brief moments of harmony among the chaos. The clusters of individual snowflakes combine to form a uniform layer that covers the frenzy of activity found in our lives - and just for an instant, the mayhem is masked with a peaceful white blanket. And as with any potential new love interest, the charming and tranquil presence of the first snow flusters feelings, flutters the wings of the butterflies within those who experience it and disguises any hints of negativity, incompatibility and doubt. It’s rarity cannot be matched by any other characteristic found in the winter season.

And geez - look at you now, you’re already dreaming about it - that’s what makes the first snow so romantic.

Creative Commons/FreeStockPhotos.biz

Hey– what’s up with the lack of club attendance, Fairfield U? One of the things I’ve noticed this year in particular is the lack of people joining clubs. Since I first came here four years ago, I’ve watched clubs decrease in popularity. Don’t get me wrong, there are still many clubs that are thriving, but at the same time, so many are losing the attendance they once had.

A myriad of different clubs have expired. Did you know that we used to have a history club? Or a ballroom dancing club? Or a Harry Potter club? Or Your Mom Does Improv? The list goes on and on.

Granted, I totally understand that clubs will come and go, but since being here at Fairfield, I can’t help but notice how many have had to come to a sad end because of a lack of attendance.

It’s really upsetting to see. When I first came to Fairfield University, one of the first things I did right away was join clubs. I wanted friends, especially people who were like-minded and enjoyed the same things I did, so that’s why I went crazy at the activities fair my first year. I think I joined six clubs before happily settling on the ones I truly enjoyed.

Clubs are so great to be a part of, and I don’t think many students understand the positives in joining a club.

To begin, clubs are where I met a lot of my friends. I didn’t know anyone coming here. Joining clubs allowed me to meet people I could hang out with and rely on. It’s also how I got to know more people around campus, and it’s how I got more involved in activities around Fairfield.

Joining clubs isn’t just socially beneficial. Joining clubs also gives you skills that will be so helpful for you

later in life. These skills can include careful planning, organization, confidence and management. These are skills you can definitely apply to a job in the future. Not only that, but you can totally put clubs on your resume. If you have a leadership role at a club, especially one that pertains to your job, you can use that to show future employers that you are someone they can count on.

I can’t stress this enough but clubs are really important to not only your benefit at Fairfield University, but in life in general. Clubs teach you so many skills that you can definitely apply later in life. You’ll gain so much from being in clubs and that’s exactly why you should join one.

So, with that in mind, if you’re not already in a club, try one out next semester. You never know what you might get out of it.

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there is already a shortage to begin with? While definitely a minor issue in stature, this event still demonstrates how resident students of the South Townhouses have been placed on the backburner in terms of parking. If parking was such a large concern, then why wasn’t a larger parking lot designed near the South Townhouses to begin with? After months of operation, why suddenly do the specs of who parks where, begin to change? Something didn’t seem right about the decision, and that is what pushed me to address the matter.

On another note, there is an even larger lot in front of the South Townhouses facing the new Charles F. Dolan School of Business. This lot, however, is completely dedicated to non-resident parking. It seems very ironic to not allow people who live 10 feet from those spots to park in them. On the weekends, the lot is almost completely empty as a result of not housing

resident-student cars.

Overall, a lack of access to parking for resident students has become a frustrating aspect of living here. It seems as if the division of parking has not been done in the correct manner. Honestly, let nonresidents park in the old DSB parking lot, and let people who live in the townhouses park in front of their houses. That makes the most logical sense to me.

Parking for Fairfield U Students Needs to be Held to a Higher Concern

By Brendan McCarthy Contributing Writer The South Townhouses, first being inhabited by the Fairfield University students back in late August, have had many challenges during their first couple months of operation. As the Fall 2019 semester progressed, problems such as power outages, terrible water temperature, chipped and dented walls and other issues have been experienced by myself and my roommates, as well as other individuals in the townhouses. Although these issues have been attempted to be fixed, one such issue has progressed in the wrong direction, and that is the parking aspect surrounding the area.

When the lot next to the Fairfield University Early Learning Center daycare became habitable for resident-student vehicles, it was a welcomed sight. For someone who lived in Meditz last year, where my car was parked across campus in the Jogues lot, it was refreshing to not have to walk such a distance to my vehicle this year.

Especially in the rain, snow and other unfavorable walking elements, traveling such a distance was not exactly a highlight of the day. Having my car close to where I reside now was a welcomed change of pace; almost a reward for being an upperclassman. It’s like a testament to how far we have all come throughout our journey at Fairfield University.

When I came back from Thanksgiving Break, a new sign had made its way into that lot, one signifying that a large portion of those spots were now reserved for facilities vehicles.

This is not exactly how I pictured the lot to be when I got back, and that same attitude was shared by many people I have spoken with.

Around 15 or so spots are now reserved for the facilities vehicles to park in. My only question for that action is, why?

I do not see the logistics of making such a decision. Sure, the spots are close to where their office building is, but there is a faculty lot across the street from there that is rarely ever filled. Why can’t facilities vehicles be parked there, maybe 100 yards from the building? Why take parking away from resident-students, when

Pictured: The Barnyard Manor Photo taken from @fairfieldu Instagram

Starbucks Incident Does Not Define the Brand

By Gabby Arlotta Contributing Writer A Starbucks in Glenpool, Oklahoma announced that one of their baristas who printed the word “PIG” on an Oklahoma police officer’s drink order label was fired.

The officer involved, who is a member of the Kiefer

Pictured: The Starbucks drink label with the name "PIG" on it Photo Courtesy of @HLNTV Twitter

Police Department, was picking up five drinks that he ordered for his fellow 911 dispatchers to say thank you for working during the Thanksgiving holiday, according to NBC News.

On the flipside however, there is speculation about this incident involving a handful of ideas. For one, a Twitter user with the handle @argumentwinner claims that Starbucks has a filter which prohibits any profanity or questionable words to be written on our beloved cup of joe. With this theory, the Twitter user further claims the police staged this as a sob story.

Another Twitter post shared by the same user showed a direct message they received which claimed the police officer actually told the barista to put “PIG” as the name for his order, as it was a running joke between him and his fellow officers.

Following the initial story stated by NBC News, which says that the barista did this on their own in an attempt to criticize the officer, it’s hard to believe these other theories considering the Kiefer Police Chief Johnny O'Mara was contacted by the policeman involved as soon as the incident happened. It was also stated that O’Mara called the store and spoke to a manager on the topic according to NBC News.

Further debunking the Twitter speculations, according to NBC News, the officer involved also told ABC affiliate KTUL TV that the barista contacted him, apologized and said it was meant as a joke.

Standing by NBC News’ report, it seems Starbucks did what they had to do in firing the employee.

If it was a joke on the barista’s part, it is unfortunate that

they had to lose their job. However, when working for a widely popular chain, one must be aware that doing such things can very well go viral and your actions do have consequences.

This isn't the first time however that Starbucks has dealt with conflict involving police officers and discrimination towards customers. According to NBC News, in July of 2019, Starbucks had to apologize because a barista asked six officers to leave one of the company’s stores in Arizona after a customer reported feeling unsafe due to their presence. The company had to apologize again earlier in May of 2018 when 8,000 Starbucks locations were closed for an afternoon to hold anti-bias training for employees after two black men were arrested by Philadelphia Police for sitting in a Starbucks without ordering, according to NBC News.

These incidents, however, do not say much about the coffee shop as a whole. They seem to be unfortunate situations that pile up under the Starbucks name. With each incident, Starbucks has always done the right thing and attempted to shed light during troubling times.

In a statement by Starbucks that was shared by NBC News in reference to the “PIG” drink label, the company stated, “This language is offensive to all law enforcement and is not representative of the deep appreciation we have for police officers who work tirelessly to keep our communities safe.” With this, it’s important to recognize with these situations that in life, failures do in fact define you; it is just about how you let them. It seems Starbucks refuses to let these times turn their future coffee bitter.

Creative Commons/Needpix.com

Creative Commons/Needpix.com

Unity is the Answer to Dark Times

By Stephen Blinder Contributing Writer

I recently rewatched President Barack Obama’s keynote address at the 2004 Democratic National Convention, a moment that would lift the then-State Senator from Illinois to a landslide victory to become a United State Senator and most notably, to President of the United States. The line that struck me the most was President Obama’s firm belief that, “…there is not a liberal America and a conservative America — there is the United States of America. There is not a black America and a white America and Latino America and Asian America — there's the United States of America.” In the dark times we face today, where rhetoric of hate and division are heard across this country, President Obama’s resounding cry of unity somehow seems more relevant than ever before. For if Americans and, especially young Americans, choose not to help stem the tides or even worse, choose to take part in these negative displays, either as an aggressor or in response, we paint a picture of our country that is damning not just for us, but for our children and their children. We paint a picture of our country nothing like what our founders had hoped for nor what countless leaders across many generations have fought to secure. For while I may be a Democrat on paper, I respect the concerns of farmers in the Midwest, the gun owners

in the South and the environmental activists in the West. Their concerns affect me and while we may not agree on everything, we all share the same sense of urgency to resolve issues. But above all else, we honor the same flag, we all call America home and we all, despite what we hear, aim to make our country a better place. From California to Delaware, Florida to Maine, I know there are people who still hear President Obama’s call to action and I know that fundamentally, when we come together as Americans, no problem is unsolvable, no task impossible and no conviction to ingrained.

After all, we must remember a great Republican, President Ronald Reagan, who once said, “The struggle now going on for the world will never be decided by bombs or rockets, by armies or military might. The real crisis we face today is a spiritual one; at root, it is a test of moral will and faith.” Yet President Reagan believed we would make it through during times that seemed more riddled with conflict than ever and I know he’d think the same today. We cannot succumb to the obstacles facing us, we must rise together as Americans as we’ve always done. It is this fundamental sense of American idealism, of American optimism and of shared American identity that is passed down from strength to strength and keeps me going today, during the best and worst of times.

The Vine

arts, entertainment, features

Editor Gracianne Eldrenkamp gracianne.eldrenkamp@student.fairfield.edu

Theatre Fairfield

Gives 'Authentic' Performance Photos Contributed by Maya Kapur Photo Courtesy of @theatrefaairfield Instagram CreativeCommons/Pixabay

THE MIRROR | Week of December 11, 2019

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'Authenticity' Awes Audiences

By Gracianne Eldrenkamp Vine Editor

been to a staged reading before, and, although it somewhat detracted from my immersion into the play, it also gave the play an intimate, personal quality to it.

From the beginning of the show to the end, TheJust because it was a staged reading did not mean atre Fairfield’s performance of “Authenticity,” written the quality of acting was sacrificed. Three cast memby John Morogiello and directed by Jackob Hofmann, bers, Bronwyn Cullen, Jack Esposito and Paul Bova, had the audience completely invested, gripping the were new cast members to the Theatre Fairfield team. edge of their seats. The intricate blending of past and The back and forth between Cullen and Ramsay as present, exciting sword-fighting sequences, realistic mother and daughter was raw and realistic. Their reparent-daughter relationships and some clever referlationship beautifully paired with Bjork and Lytle’s ences to literature gave the play a breath of life. It was onstage complex father-daughter relationship. Bova performed on December 5 at 8 p.m. and Dec. 7 and 8 at played an excitingly evil Shakespeare which mirrored 2 p.m at the Lawrence A. Wien Experimental Theatre.

Quigley’s subtle malice. Even Lytle’s George Peele, who The story follows two different plots interwowas often comic relief, was done with such complexity ven together. It starts in present day Suffolk, England that I found myself both rooting for and against him. where disgraced Shakespeare historian Kristen WebBy the end of the play, I felt emotionally connected to ber (Bronwyn Cullen ‘23) and her estranged 18-yearthe characters, especially Bjork as Alice Peele. old daughter Maggie Griffiths (Emily Ramsey ‘20) The sword fighting was done in a super interesting are commissioned by mysterious Englishmen, John way. Instead of having the actors fight each other, both Henslowe (Declan Quigley ‘22), to prove the authenparticipants faced the audience. It took a bit of time to ticity of a journal found in his ancestral manor. The get used to it, but it allowed the audience to appreciate journal is key to if William Shakespeare (Paul Bova the choreography and musicality of sword fighting.

‘20) actually wrote his first tragedy “Titus AndroniSome of my favorite parts of the play were the cus.” The play proceeds to go back and forth between small moments: the way both Ramsay looked at Culthe present and London in the 1600s, where playlen with misguided resentment, and the way she looked wright George Peele (Park Lytle ‘21) is struggling to back with guilt and regret. I loved how Quigley’s charmake ends meet with his daughter, Alice Peele (Kieracter, John Henslowe, shifted from likable character to sten Bjork ‘21). Since George’s health is failing, Alice one that felt uncomfortable and predatory. Seeing the takes it upon herself to write his next play so the Peeles way Lytle shifted from a goofy character that was a nuican make money from Elizabethan theatrical entrepresance to his daughter to a person losing himself as his neur, Philip Henslowe (Jack Esposito ‘21). However, daughter tried to pick up the pieces was heartbreaking.

Photo Contributed by Maya Kapur when a young Will Shakespeare discovers that Alice Watching Bjork as Alice Peele see her life fall apart as is illegally writing for George, things between the two Lytle and Esposito rehearsing lines. her father, Philip Henslowe and Shakespeare destroy it grow heated. for her, and then seeing her succeed in the end made the audience feel victorious.

What was interesting about this performance was that it was a staged reading. Actors All in all, “Authenticity” was an absolute joy to watch. It mixed mystery with suspense, had their scripts in front of them, and Martha Hegley ‘20 read stage directions. I had never humor and revenge in a fantastically compelling way.

'Tis the Season' for a Glee Concert

Glee Club performs their annual holiday concert.

By Michael Riggi Contributing Writer On Friday, Dec. 6 and Saturday, Dec. 7, students of Fairfield University’s Glee Club kicked off the holiday season with the annual “‘Tis the Season” concert at the Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts. Including everything from full-ensemble pieces, solo performances and even an appearance from Santa himself, both concerts showcased the wide array of talent on campus and reigned in as a successful celebration of the holiday season.

Headed by conductor Dr. Carole Ann Maxwell and instrumental accompanist Beth Palmer, “‘Tis the Season” continued the annual Glee Club tradition of spreading holiday cheer to families in the Fairfield community. Marking the 73rd season of Glee Club at Fairfield, the 100+ students in the club sang newer holiday tunes and paid homage to Fairfield’s past with more traditional songs.

After kicking off the show with traditional tunes such as “A Carol Fantasy” and more, the all-female a capella singing group Sweet Harmony, led by directors Ashley Kasperavich ‘20 and Christina Hennessy ‘20, took to the stage with sophomore soloist Maddie Dutilly for

a rendition of “Santa Tell Me.” Accompanied with beaming background vocals and a lively beatboxing-esque tune, the group’s energetic performance rocked the Quick Center and showed that Sweet Harmony is a force to be reckoned with.

Students in the Chamber Singers group then performed renditions of “Gaudete,” “Christmas Day” and “Baby, Please Come Home” before Glee Club returned to sing “Night of Silence” and “A Choral Fantasy.” Adhering to tradition, Fairfield Golden Stags were welcomed back to stage to sing with students for a heartwarming performance of “Night of Silence,” which is a classic spin on the song “Silent Night.” Glee Club students and audience members even joined together to sing a verse of “Silent Night” during the performance, making for a moving moment from both shows.

Following a brief intermission, students abandoned their traditional concert apparel and returned to the stage in full festive attire with holiday themed shirts, sweaters, and Santa hats to sing “Merry Christmas, Merry Christmas” with one another. Guest violinist Darwin Shen later took to the stage to continue the holiday spirit with an emotional rendition of “White Christmas” that left audience members in awe.

The concert was then followed with a handful of spinechilling solo performances from students Kim Fried ‘20 (“I’ve Got My Love to Keep Me Warm”), Maura McFalls ‘22 (“Grown Up Christmas List”), Clarissa Rotonto ‘22 and Noah DeFeo ‘22 (“Baby, It’s Cold Outside”), Isabella LeGrego ‘23 (“Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas”), Jessica Cuntrera ‘22 (“Christmas in the Sand”) and Julia FarMichael Riggi/ The Mirror rell ‘20 (“Run, Run Rudolph). Engaging the audience from their first notes to their last, all of the skilled soloists put forth commendable and powerful performances at both concert outings.

The Bensonians, Fairfield’s all-male a capella group, led by directors Noah DeFeo and Ryan Hopkins ‘20, followed up the soloists with a memorable rendition of classic Christmas tunes at the lead of none other than Santa Clause. Mixing together songs such as “The 12 Days of Christmas,” “Dreidel, Dreidel, Dreidel,” and even “Africa” by Toto, the group delivered an entertaining and hilarious performance that had audience members rolling in their seats.

Before closing the curtain for good, students and instrumental accompanists came together on stage one last time to perform “Joy to the World” for all in attendance. The performance marked not only the successful conclusion to both concerts, but also ushered in feelings of excitement and gratitude for the rest of the celebrative season ahead.

The culmination of Fairfield students, on-stage performers, alumni and family members at “Tis the Season” proved to make for emotional, memorable and triumphant performances. Looking towards the future, Glee Club students are excited for the holidays and are thrilled to perform seasonal tunes once again at St. Mark’s Catholic Church in Stratford on Sunday, Dec. 15.

THE MIRROR | Week of December 11, 2019

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Best Films for the End of 2019

By Tyler Zikias Film Columnist

coached a young Shia (in this film he’s named Otis, played by Noah Jupe and Lucas Hedges) through his early years in show business with abuse and insults. LaBeouf is the best he’s ever been. He has class A chemistry with his young co-star, Noah Jupe, who also delivers a career best. Watching these two share the screen in a way that isn’t necessarily enjoyable because of how brutal LaBeouf ’s character, James, is, but feels special because this is coming from LaBeouf ’s childhood experience. It poses a lot of important questions regarding what role parents play in their children’s lives and how a child can deal with smothering abuse. It feels a bit too long for its mere 94 minute runtime, and I can’t see myself revisiting it anytime soon because of a few difficult scenes in terms of content, but I would certainly recommend you see “Honey Boy.” Grade: B+

It seems like there hasn’t been a year this great for movies in such a long time. Quality film after quality film continues to be released in theaters and there’s still several highly-anticipated movies to be released this December. Over the past three weeks, I have seen four films that without a doubt will be among my favorite of 2019, all of which I would highly recommend you see as soon as you can.

Noah Baumbach’s “Marriage Story” is the most raw and realistic movie experience I’ve had all year. You’re placed into the shoes of to-be-divorced couple of Charlie (Adam Driver) and Nicole (Scarlett Johansson) and feel the impact of their split from minute one. This is a heart-breaking film filled with intense emotional moments and conflicts that never felt outside of the realm of possibility. Noah Baumbach has always excelled as a writer of dialogue-heavy scripts that feel grounded in reality, but this may be his best directorial effort to date. He gets career-best performances from Adam Driver and Scarlett Johansson, for both of whom I would be shocked if they weren’t both nominated for Academy Awards.

This is definitely a film you need to be prepared for because of the emotional toll it takes on its viewer. “Marriage Story” is a must watch and is streaming on Netflix right now.

Grade: A I have been a huge fan of Rian Johnson throughout his entire career, even with “Star Wars: The Last Jedi.” But “Knives Out” might be his best film to date. Everything about this film screams passion for murder mysteries of the past. From the lavish mansion setting, to the incredibly thorough production design, and a few over-the-top performances, this film is simply a blast to watch. The entire cast is fantastic, with Daniel Craig as a southern master sleuth, Benoit Blanc and Ana de Armas’s humble nurse, Marta, as the standouts.

Every character feels fleshed out despite the story being primarily focused on Marta and her side of the story. With its effortless watchability, “Knives Out” is truly is a whodunit like I have never seen before. Grade: A “Waves” totally blew my socks off. I saw this film without seeing any trailers and having no idea what the plot was or who was in it. All I knew was that this was Trey Edward Shultz’s follow-up to his brilliant horror/thriller “It Comes At Night,” and that I was pumped to see it. This movie is a blend of a frenetic, edge-of-your-seat thriller and a cathartic, reflective drama. Both aspects of this movie are close to flawlessly executed. After such a tension-filled first half, the change of pace can seem a bit jarring at first, but you instantly adjust to the direction the story is going. I want to be very cautious of spoilers because of how pleasantly surprised I was when viewing this movie. It recently expanded Photo Courtesy of @marriagestory Instagram to more theaters this past weekend, and I highly recommend you see it. Grade: A Shia LaBeouf ’s return to the silver screen with his autobiography, “Honey Boy,” Scarlett Johansson and Adam Driver portray a troubled couple in "Marriage Story." which he co-wrote, is a staggering cinematic tale. He plays a version of his own father who

The Mirror Abroad: Just a Moment with Molly

By Molly Lamendola Abroad Columnist Dear Future Study Abroad Student, By the time you’ll be reading this, all of my things will be all packed away and I’ll be flying home. I haven’t started packing yet, but I’ll probably need one of my roommates to sit on my suitcase. Preferably not the one that doesn’t even reach five feet tall, but we’ll figure it out!

I’ve spent the last 110 days in Europe. I didn’t count the days for any personal reasons, the government wants to know these things. You’ll eventually know this too after filling out your VISA application.

It hasn’t felt like 110 days.

Honestly, it didn’t really feel like time was moving at all until everyone started posting Instagram stories of, “Countdown Until Home,” or a photo of the Duomo with a caption stating: “It’s not a goodbye, more of a see you later!” Which is fine, maybe one day I’ll too visit Florence again. Maybe when I’m closer to 30 than 20.

Then, I’ll be working full time, but somehow be able to escape from that life for a couple of days to go back and relive my European Sojourn.

I’ll walk around, gelato in hand or maybe a coffee, and show a friend around the city. They’ll ask questions or make queries about stories and I’ll have no other option than to spill all of the absolutely moronic things my friends and I got up to at age 19.

Firstly, I’ll remember how the Duomo looked all lit up at night. During the day the streets are filled with tourists, cute couples posing in wedding dresses or elderly women taking photos with their massive iPads. The locals will tell you that the streets are quieter in November when all the tourists leave, but this becomes untrue on the weekends. You just have to have some patience or know how to use a couple of good elbows to edge your way across the street on your way to wherever you’re going.

I don’t stop to look at the Duomo anymore.

But, I know it more intimately than the tourists.

The bright beacon that led me home late on a Saturday night. My feet would be aching, blisters across the bottoms and heels that throb from too-tight shoes. Stumbling across the cobblestones, I’d slam into one of my friends and we’d fall over into one big heap.

We’d laugh and ignore the concept of how dirty the streets probably are, even though we’ve both almost Lamendola relaxes at a restaurant. been hit by the street sweep-

er and dangerous bicyclists at least a hundred times. My friend would smile, and call me some awful name, and I’ll throw one back because we’re young and being mean to each other is what we count as affection.

I do hope I remember little things like this at 30.

I’ll certainly remember the bigger things. The things I crossed off my bucket list, like seeing London, Amsterdam and Rome. Or my near death experience, falling off the bed during my 12-hour sleeping car trip to Sicily. Or thinking it was a good idea to go to a club that was called Beach Club two nights in a row. Or accidentally stumbling out into a climate strike in Milan, and saying out loud, “Why are all these kids out, shouldn’t they be in school?”

Basically, anything I’ve talked about in this column, I know I’ll remember. But, I’m worried about losing the littlest of memories.

The late nights working on essays with my roommates, a bottle of wine between us because, “Hey, it’s Italy!”

The coffee dates with new friends where we had to Google Translate the word for milk because God forbid any of us actually know Italian. Even I’d throw a “freaking Americans!” our way and joke about tourists as if we were Italian born and raised.

The picnic on the top of Piazza Michelangelo where we had to rip the bread apart with our bare hands because who remembers to bring a knife to a picnic?

And a Friendsgiving Meal that would probably make Ina Garten gasp. But when you're in your early 20’s with limited cooking skills, all you can do is burgers and some side dishes!

Or the birthday dinner at an “Unlimited Wine Bar” where the waitress remembers your face. “Oh yes, last time I was here I dropped three wine bottles. I promise I wasn’t drunk, I’m just an absolute klutz.”

I’m telling you now, and it’s my only real bit of advice, to try and remember these memories. The seemingly insignificant ones. As though everyone will spend your semester posting photo after photo of them in front of different European monuments, it’s the span of time between the postings that make your study abroad experience really special.

So find some good friends and make some good memories.

Your Foreign Correspondent signing off for the Molly Lamendola/The Mirror last time, Molly Catherine Lamendola

THE MIRROR | Week of December 11, 2019

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'A Christmas Prince' Is Perfect for Holiday Cheer

By Katherine Klima Executive Editor In recent years Netflix’s been going a little stir crazy with their original holiday films, but regardless, they’ve definitely provided a myriad of unique material. Netflix’s Christmas trilogy “A Christmas Prince” is a popular choice and has gained a cult following. Since 2017, Netflix has been gracing users’ screens with these films every Christmas season.

On Dec. 5, Netflix released the third and latest addition to the “A Christmas Prince” series. “A Christmas Prince: The Royal Baby” is a romantic comedy that continues the story of journalist turned Queen, Amber Moore (Rose McIver) as she and her husband, King Richard (Ben Lamb), plan for the birth of their firstborn. As they prepare for the arrival of their baby, the royal couple must prepare their fictional country, Aldovia, for its centennial treaty signing with their main ally, Pengila (another fictional bordering country). However, before they can do that the treaty is stolen and it’s now up to Amber to figure out who did it before midnight on Christmas Eve or else they risk a curse to be bestowed on their firstborn.

There is so much about this Netflix original film that brings me indescribable joy due to its heightened holiday fluff and pure ridiculousness. If you like that Hallmark kind of cheesiness, you’ll love this movie for sure. It’s got the stamp of approval from both of my grandmothers.

As someone who’s been following the series since it came out, I will give it props; it was a nice continuation from the first two. It’s great to see the development of these characters and also have some sort of feel-good movie to look forward to during finals season. As someone who also loves Christmas, it’s a film all about Christmas. I mean it seems like Aldovia is constantly celebrating this holiday. I think the only thing this country ever looks forward to is Christmas, despite them clearly having issues. For example, in the previous “A Christmas Prince: The Royal Wedding,” they had a pretty bad recession. Maybe Aldovia should be focusing on some different issues for a change; just saying.

This film spends most of its time following Amber and Richard as they try to step into their new role of parenthood. Throughout the film they’re seen trying to do things any first time parents would be doing such as building a crib and thinking about names. There’s even a scene which focuses on Amber’s baby shower, which is a bit unnecessary, but thrown in there regardless. Amber and Richard are also seen trying to bond with King Tai (Kevin Shen) and Queen Ming (Momo Yeung) of Pengila as a way to update the treaty into the 21st century by having the queens be the first to sign the treaty.

However, before they can sign the treaty, Amber and Richard must figure out who took the treaty in the first place. While they’re trying to solve the mystery, Amber is also seen growing more anxious as she learns that a curse may take place upon her baby if it’s not signed before midnight on Christmas Eve. While the supernatural aspect of the film getting thrown in there is a little unexpected and tacky, it definitely causes the castle to go into a frenzy.

Spoiler alert, the culprit ends up being none other than the Butler (it’s always the Butler), Mr. Little

(Richard Ashton). One of the most neutral characters throughout the series, Mr. Little confesses that he had stolen the treaty due to a sacred blood oath his family had made centuries ago. While it was definitely a curveball, it was rather odd and predictable by the end. It’s heavily hinted at throughout the film that Mr. Little is the thief due to the brief comments he makes. However, the fact that they chose to pick a character that has done absolutely nothing wrong throughout the series, and make him evil just because of some random blood oath, is poor writing.

The entire mystery subplot was written horribly. While the writers mostly focused on the fluff and the baby aspect of the plot, the mystery subplot was thrown under a bus and then run over by four different trucks. Ironically, my favorite part of this plot was the fact the characters took way too long trying to figure out the mystery. When Amber finally goes into labor, conveniently before midnight on Christmas Eve, they have ten minutes to figure out the mystery but take their sweet time. Did I mention she’s in labor? This woman is about to push a baby out yet in those ten minutes they manage to solve a mystery, sign a treaty, and also have a surprise proposal.

I also want to reflect on the fact that a centuries old document managed to be stolen way too easPhoto Courtesy of @instalambgram Instagram ily. Even if it was the butler, the fact that the castle of Aldovia has no high tech security whatsoever is mind boggling. There’s even one scene where the Dowager Queen Helena (Alice Krige) and Princess Emily (Honor Kneafsey) plan to do some sleuthing in the castle’s medieval dungeon and get locked down there. What were two of the most important monarchs in Aldovia doing down there without any guards or some sort of security? Maybe because there’s like 20 people living in this country– case in point when the same 20 background actors show up for every public gathering. Regardless, the writers definitely should’ve taken just a smidge more time to create possibly a more realistic mystery subplot.

There is also no doubt in mind that this film, and the series in general, is just one big Meghan Markle and Prince Harry fanfiction. Besides the fact these films so happen to follow a very similar timeline of their relationship, anyone who is a fan of the royals can easily spot the references made throughout the film. According to Cosmopolitan, some easter eggs include little things such Amber receiving an “I love New York” onesie while Meghan received one from the New York Yankees when she’d been pregnant.

Ultimately, it’s a film you cannot take seriously, in any sort of way. Even actors McIver and Lamb understand how ridiculous it is, with McIver stating in an interview with CNN that: “these films feel almost like a million holiday films you’ve seen before and that’s comforting. But rest assured, we have a very weird streak that sets us apart, see Amber’s supernatural crime solving in the delivery room for reference.”

Even if this film is bonkers at times, it’s a feel-good movie. It’s a film that will get you in the Christmas spirit and just feel a sense of positivity afterwards. Trust me, there is so much they need to work on content wise, but nonetheless, it’s a chill film to flip on the television when you need some cheering up this holiday season.

DIY Spa Ideas to De-stress

Plus, you’ll feel more confident, clean and gorgeous in the end! Here’s five ways to give yourself a spa treatment during finals: Invest in different face masks Different face masks have different benefits. For example, the three-pack of face masks available right at Trader Joe’s has a clay mask, a toning mask and an exfoliating mask.

Choose the face mask that your skin needs – if you need to detox, choose clay. If you need to get rid of dead skin, use an exfoliating mask. Although you are only supposed to use face masks once or twice a week, it doesn’t mean you can’t have multiple spa days during finals!

Invest in other masks Face masks are great, but during a spa day, it’s not the only kind of mask you should invest in! Hair masks, eye masks, lip masks and feet masks are also available and can be bought at Sephora or Ulta Beauty. If you want a true spa day experience, buy all five masks and feel like a god or goddess at the end of the day!

Use Orbeez Orbeez are sensory water beads that can be used for decoration or to soak your feet or hands in! They’re available on Amazon or at most toy stores for under $20. Let the beads soak in a large bowl, then place your feet or hands in for a relaxing, sensory experience!

CreativeCommons/WikimediaCommons Make some treats On TV, people at spas have cucumbers on their eyes, Colorful Orbeez fill a container. avocado facials, you name it. This also happens in real life –

By Sabrina Trueheart and you can make them yourself !

Create your own face or hair masks and/or make some Fashion Columnist tasty treats to enjoy during your spa day. A great snack for spa day is chips and guacamole!

Everybody needs a bit of pampering, especially during your most stressful times.

Invite your friends Finals are right around the corner, and they can be the definition of stressful. Fairfield Your roommates and friends probably want to get in on the action (or relaxation, if University offers many stress-relievers during finals week, such as meditation in Bellarmine you will) as well! Invite them over so you can spread some anti-stress around and let your Hall or therapy dogs in the library. However, one of the greatest ways to relieve stress is to friends relax as well. Tip: They might even bring some treats for the spa party! give yourself a few hours (or an entire day) to pamper yourself with a DIY spa treatment.

THE MIRROR | Week of December 11, 2019

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Inkwell Spotlight A Semester's End

By Connor O'Rourke Marketing Manager at The Inkwell

CreativeCommons/Pixabay

Stress, oh how you know me best, Yet you never let me rest.

We’ve been tight nearly every school night, I’m starting to think maybe you’re right.

Maybe I need to stress about that 30 page research paper, Or even that group project with all the fakers.

I thought we had gone our separate ways once and for all, Yet this semester it’s an all-out brawl.

When it’s 3am and you feel your eyes are burning, Stress is there and yearning.

Yearning for you to procrastinate, Until you finally stagnate.

However stress I’ll show you, All I’ll do is bid you adieu.

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'A Celtic Family Christmas' Brings The Holidays to Campus

By Mimi Loughlin Contributing Writer As with many great joys of life, Natalie MacMaster & Donnell Leahy’s “A Celtic Family Christmas” performance began with a child singing.

On Thursday, Dec. 5, Julia MacMaster Leahy, dressed in gold, regaled the audience at the Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts with a bright, clear, Christmas carol.

There were many families gathered to see the show, and the feeling of the holidays, the warmth and happiness of spending time with loved ones, was present in the air.

Soon, Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy, fiddle players from Cape Breton, Canada, took the stage, both husband and wife dressed in matching plaid outfits. The Cape Breton fiddling style is a method of Scottish-style violin-playing. MacMaster had excellent stage presence and musicianship. She was energetic and effervescent, strong and striking in her ability to make everyone feel at home in the audience.

Leahy was a technically profound musician, with precise movements and a modern staccato sound. The whole audience began clapping along with the music within the first few minutes of their performance.

The show was mixed between classical Celtic tunes and familiar Christmas songs. The music transitioned seamlessly between songs, moving from happy to sad, evoking memories of childhood. In between the songs, MacMaster and Leahy told stories of their childhood, showing home videos on the projection screen. Leahy grew up on a farm in a family of fiddlers, with an Irish father from Ontario and a Scottish mother from Cape Breton. His father was a fiddle-player and his mom was a step-dancer. MacMaster, who is from Cape Breton, has been playing the fiddle since the age of nine, and her mom was a singer, a step-dancer and a fiddle-player.

MacMaster and Leahy were accompanied by guitarists

Elmer Ferrer from Cuba and Remí Arsenault from Prince Edward Island, and pianist Mac Morin from Cape Breton, Canada.

Throughout the performance, he would get up from behind the piano and perform a stepdance in the Scottish highland tradition.

Mary Frances, Michael, Claire, Julia and Alex, five of MacMaster and Leahy’s seven children, performed throughout the show, playing the fiddle and step-dancing, showing a wide range of skills. Michael, their oldest son, played the accordion with an alacrity surprising in one so young, and it was touching to see his father looking at him with pride as he played, perhaps seeing an image and a reflection of his younger self.

Mary Frances, their oldest daughter, is a very skilled and lively fiddler and a technically excellent piano player. Claire, their middle daughter, was an athletic and powerful dancer, with strong, precise, movements, and she had a lovely, crystalline soprano voice. Julia, their second youngest daughter, was a graceful and elegant dancer, and had a strong stage presence and singing voice. Alex, their second youngest son, was adorable and funny, and when he performed with his older brother, his dancing and his fiddle-playing became faster and more precise.

Sarah MacAllister, Natalie MacMaster’s first cousin once removed, delivered a transcendent soprano on several of the songs, performing in both Gaelic and English. MacAllister, who is fluent in Gaelic, was a college student majoring in biology, and she is taking time off from school to perform on tour with her family.

During one of the breaks in between the songs, Natalie MacMaster told the audience why she liked performing Christmas shows. Christmas, like any holiday, changes with the times.

“It doesn’t need to be what it was when you were a kid.

It’s about sharing traditions and cherishing [time with] your family,” MacMaster said.

Holiday Cookie Tips to Wow Your Guests

By Gracianne Eldrenkamp Vine Editor The holidays are the perfect time to stuff your face with all sorts of sweets, but arguably the most integral to the holiday season is cookies. I’m sure even if you don’t participate in cookie swaps, you know someone who’s baking more than two types of cookies this year.

With all the different holiday cookies going around, it seems like there’s no way your cookies will stand out on the dessert table, but don’t worry. Here’s a few ways to assert yourself as the master baker in your house for the holidays.

Say Goodbye to Sugar Cookies.

Everyone makes gingerbread and butter cookies for the holidays, and honestly, I know they’re classic, but there’s so many good holiday flavors. It just doesn’t make sense to eat tons of the same type of cookie when there’s so many options available. Try making a batch of chocolate orange cookies or cooling peppermint cookies to switch things up. Usually I’m not a big fan of biscotti, but having homemade cranberry almond biscotti at the dessert table might just change my mind. Get your tastebuds excited for some new things to try, and don’t be afraid to try something new this holiday season.

Decorations are Key. Look, I get it. You have a gingerbread cookie recipe that’s been in your family for generations, and there’s no way it’ll be the holiday season without it.

But that doesn’t mean you have to keep the classic shape and icing decorations you’ve done since your great grandmother was making them. Change it up! Buy ay b ixa a new set of cookie cutters–maybe try out Star Wars ones to celebrate “The Rise /P s on of the Skywalker” coming out or show your love for Baby Yoda from “The Manmm o C dalorian” by making a tray of deliciously adorable cookies using a custom cookie ve i t ea cutter. Of course, you don’t have to make your holiday Star Wars themed, but why not?

Cr Icing and toppings can also make your cookies stand out on a tray. Don’t just stick to plain white glaze when you can toss a few drops of food coloring in and really make a statement. You can stick to classic holiday colors to keep it simple, or you can go really out of the box. Try something super creative like tie-dye cookies and get some younger family members involved.

Coffee Break

THE MIRROR | Week of December 11, 2019

Page 12

Coffee Break Editor: Tobenna Ugwu tobenna.ugwu@student.fairfield.edu

Jams to Cram To With the Finals Bells ringing at an extremely high pitch and deadlines for essays breathing down students’ necks, the Coffee Break Team decided to create a calm and soothing playlist to weather the storm that is finals! GOOD LUCK!!!

Mary, Did You Know? -Pentatonix O Holy Night -Lea Michele Santa Tell Me -Ariana Grande Santa Clause is Coming to Town -Bruce Springsteen Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays -NSYNC Christmas Tree Farm -Taylor Swift Do They Know It’s Christmas?

-Band Aid Step Into Christmas -Elton John Fairytale of New York -The Pogues The Christmas Song -Nat King Cole That’s Christmas to Me -Pentatonix Christmas Wrapping -The Waitresses White Christmas -Frank Sinatra Shake Up Christmas -Coldplay I’ll be Home for Christmas -Frank Sinatra

The entire Mirror Staff is sad to announce that or News Editor Julia Crews will be leaving The Mirror after this semester. Here is her goodbye message: Writing this, I can’t believe that this is my last issue working at the Mirror. Next semester, I’ll be attending the College of William & Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia. My three semesters here have been a whirlwind and an absolute gift.

When I was a first-year and started out as the Coffee Break Editor last fall, I couldn’t have predicted that the Mirror would end up making my year and a half at Fairfield so incredibly challenging, enjoyable and life-altering. Thank you to everyone on staff for being the best people in the world to stay up late on Tuesday nights with. I will miss you and this publication dearly.

-Julia Crews, News Editor (JCrew)

Mysterious Bandit Replaces All Whiteboard Markers with Sharpies

By Nathan Schmidt Stagnation Editor-In-Chief

Our first warning sign was when Professor Joely Kale tried to erase the whiteboard after her 8:00 AM session of English 11. The eraser succeeded only in slightly smudging her analysis of the human condition in popular culture.

All evidence shows that the nameless troublemaker known only as the Poacher has preyed upon the proverbial stags of Fairfield once again. This time, the unknown individual replaced every last dry erase marker on campus with permanent Sharpie markers. Morning class material, student meeting notes and political slogans in the DSB hallways have all been forever enshrined on the whiteboards of the university.

Efforts to catch the enigmatic vagabond have all been fruitless, and a task force is soon expected to be formed for the express purpose of catching this dastardly prankster once and for all. However, hopes are low across campus, because the situation has only gotten worse since the improbable rascal’s big move.

Since the Poacher’s second confirmed strike, anarchy has swept through Fairfield U. Some enterprising students have taken this opportunity to use the new permanent markers to draw on the walls instead, since in their words, “It’s staying up anyway.” Worse still, some copycats are drawing on the infamous rogue’s example. Already at press time, several students have been caught trying to replace whiteboard cleaner with cologne, or trying to replace the Dunkin’ menu items with food.

When asked for comment, Professor Kale replied, “On the bright side, the Sharpies actually have ink in them.”

All of the affected whiteboards are expected to be replaced by next week, but campus officials have confirmed that the Sharpies will simply be thrown out without new dry-erase markers being provided.

Photo contributed by the Stagnation Staff

Read More at: http://myfairfieldstagnation.wordpress.com/

Sports

SPORTS Sports Editor: Julia Lanzillotta julia.lanzillotta@student.fairďŹ eld.edu

Page 13

THE MIRROR | Week of December 11, 2019

This Week in Sports: What You Missed

In Case You Missed It: Sunday, November 24th -Volleyball won against Quinnipiac, 2019 MAAC Championship, 3-1 -Men's XC NCAA Northeast Regional Championship, 34th Place Sunday, December 1st -Women's Basketball lost at Rhode Island, 74-41 Wednesday, December 4th -Women's Volleyball won against

Photo Contributed by Sports Information Desk

Sophomore Luzi Persiehl, who was honored as the Northeast Conference Player of the Year in November, was named to the Longstreth/National Field hockey Coaches Association All-America Second Team following a record-breaking season with the Stags which was ended in the opening round of the National Collegiate Athletic Association tournament. The team finished the season with an overal record of 19-3, securing the Northeast Conference regular season and tournament championship titles.

The defender was a multi-faceted player who made a solid effort on all ends of the field. She contributed to Fairfield's strong defensive front, which allowed only 26 goals in 22 messages. Uniquely, she also tallied 23 total points in the 2019 season as the second most scoring player on the roster, and lead her team in assists as she contributed 11.

Navy, 66-52 Friday, December 6th -Volleyball lost at Minnesota, NCAA Championship 3-0 -Men's Basketball lost to Loyola Maryland, 84-75

Photo Contributed by Sports Information Desk

Upcoming This Month: Friday, December 20th -Women's Basketball at St. John's, 1:00 p.m.

Saturday, December 21st -Men's Basketball at Oakland, 2:00 p.m.

Manuela Nicolini finished up her final campaign as a Stag on a high note, as the volleyball team secured their 11th Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference championship title. This fall, she was named the MAAC Player and Setter of the Year, and was the first plaer in MAAC histor to garner both awards.

During this year alone, she passed out 1,178 assists contributing to a career total of 3,052 which puts her in fourth place in program history for overall assists. Her successes continue across the board, as she also has tallied up 709 digs, averaged 2.94 digs per set, collected 18 double-doubles and 227 career blocks which puts her in third place among Fairfield setters.

In this week's issue...

- Volleyball Finishes Remarkable Run in Minnesota (Pg. 14) - Women's Basketball Brings Heat at Home (Pg. 15) - Men's Basketball Struggles This Season (Pg.15)

- Stags Make a Splash at ECAC Championship Meet (Pg. 16)

Sports

Page 14

THE MIRROR | Week of December 11, 2019

Volleyball Finishes Remarkable Run in Minnesota

Photo Courtesy of Sports Information Desk

The Stags' NCAA post-season tournament appearance was their fourth in the last five seasons and their 11th in program history, setting a new Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference record.

By Kevin Stush Contributing Writer The Fairfield University women’s volleyball team saw their 2019 season come to an end this past Friday, Nov. 23. The Stags fell short in three consecutive sets of the first round in the National Collegiate Athletic Association championship against the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis, Minn. Failing to score more than 14 points in any of the sets, the Stags have been knocked out of the tournament.

Initially, Fairfield seemed to match Minnesota as they scored five consecutive points to take the lead in the first set, 5-2. However, Minnesota was not going to accept early defeat and quickly tied the set by a score of 7-7. After this point, Fairfield would not regain the lead for the rest of the set as Minnesota would go on to win the set, 25-13.

In the second set, Fairfield appeared as fierce competition yet again. In the beginning of the set, Fairfield and Minnesota passed the lead back and forth to each other to a point where Fairfield was winning 10-8. Similarly to the first set, this was Fairfield’s last point of control in the set. Minnesota went on

Weekly 4x5 Because we have witty things to say ...

Julia Lanzillotta Sports Editor

Lexi Thimble Editor-in-Chief

to score eight consecutive points and gaining the lead 15-10 and would go on to win the set 25-14.

The third set demonstrated slightly less promise for the Stags as their 2019 season began to dwindle to an end. Minnesota gained a lead early in the game that continued to grow as play progressed.

In fact, Fairfield was never able to gain control of the lead throughout the entire third set. Minnesota would win the set 25-11 securing their win to move on in the tournament.

Leading the match offensively for Fairfield was senior Mayda Garci,a who had seven kills, while Julia Kallen ‘22 helped out with four kills. Defensively, Fairfield was led by first-year Morgan Doll who had 14 digs and senior Sonja Radulovic who had 10. Minnesota was led by Adanna Rollins who had 14 kills and five digs, Alexis Hart who had nine kills and Kylie Miller who had 11 digs.

As the season comes to a close, Fairfield says goodbye to seniors Manuela Nicolini, Jamie Calandro, Garcia and Radulovic. Overall, the Stags went 24-6 throughout the season and were crowned Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Champions, which would be the program’s 11th conference title.

Fairfield’s appearance in the NCAA tournament this year is the team's third showing in the past four years.

Your 2019-2020 4x5 Columnists:

Julia Lanzillotta, Lexi Thimble, Katherine Klima and Julia Monteleone

What's one studying Are you doing anything technique that you swear by? exciting over break?

Favorite holiday movie?

Describe finals week using one word:

What's your favorite winter sport?

Rewriting notes! It seems redundent but it helps me so much to retain information.

I hope to catch up on a semester's worth of lost sleep!

It's a Wonderful Life, hands down.

Chaos!

Hockeyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy!

I swear the only way I can study anymore is by making Quizlets so I can repeat my notes over and over again. At this point in my life I can make a mean Quizlet.

Probably looking for a job because second semester senior year is scary (!!) but hopefully also getting to spend time with family and friends and getting to watch all the shows I haven't had time for this semester.

I love the classic animated Rudolph movie; my mom quotes certain parts of it all the time.

Craziness.

Uhhhh oh wait ice skating! It's a sport and I'll fight anyone who says otherwise!!

I actually really enjoy Home Alone 2. Although, check page 10 in Vine for my review of the new Christmas Prince film– my guilty pleasures.

Feral.

Sledding? Does that count?

How the Grinch Stole Christmas.

The older I get the more I understand why he wanted to live alone with his dog on a mountain.

Crying.

Definitely hockey!

I rewrite things down until I get it. Seeing my friends and family, Katherine Klima The only thing that works for me. meeting my puppy, and possibly going to Canada– so I'm hyped Executive Editor for break.

I don't have any. I swear every

Julia Monteleone time I study I forget what I did Managing Editor previous times.

Drinking red wine and watching movies with my mom, AKA my best friend.

Sports

THE MIRROR | Week of December 11, 2019

Page 15

Women's Basketball Brings Heat at Home

Photo Courtesy of Sports Information Desk

Following two losses, the women's basketball team bounced back when they returned home to Alumni Hall, claiming big wins against the United States Naval Academy and Hofstra University.

By Julia Lanzillotta Sports Editor The Fairfield University women’s basketball team’s two-game win streak shows promise during an otherwise questionable season. The women are 3-4 overall on the season, but a pair of wins could mark a momentum shift that they need to forge on with this season in a stronger manner. On Sunday, Dec. 1 the Stags took on the University of Rhode Island (4-2) and were crushed 74-41. They then headed back home to Alumni Hall, where the gears shifted. On Wednesday, Dec. 4 they took down the United States Naval Academy (5-4) by a 12-point margin, 66-52. Later that week, they finished a two-game homestand on a high note when they hosted Hofstra University (2-6) and edged them in overtime, 73-64.

At Rhode Island, the Stags showed weakness early on. In the first ten minutes of play, the Rams netted 29 points, destroying any morale Fairfield had and incapacitating them for the rest of the game. In the second quarter, the Stags managed to hold off the home team for the first four minutes. During that time, redshirt senior Katie Armstrong posted two points and Lou LopezSenechal ‘22 pitched in another three. Nonetheless, URI responded with a staggering nine-point surge over seven minutes leaving Fairfield in the dust, with a deficit that they would not recover from. In the third, the Stags scored 16 points, but they needed to be more consistent than that to have any hopes of winning. In the end, they failed to do so and the Stags disappointingly added

another tally to the loss column.

The first quarter against Navy was dangerously similar to the game prior, as Fairfield was down 11-5 in the first quarter. A fast response in the form of a 9-0 run was just what they needed, and with one minute and thirty seconds left in the period, the Stags had the upper hand 14-11. This continued into the second period, and the Stags went into halftime in the lead, 39-25. Of LopezSenechal’s 17 total points to the game, 15 of those were in the first half. In addition, in the first 20 minutes she had an impressive 6-for-8 shooting clip and lead her team as the premiere points scorer that evening. Redshirt Junior Callie Cavanaugh trailed shortly behind in total points scored with 15, however all of these were recorded in the first half. Together, the forwards held the team together were instrumental in leading the squad to victory, 66-52.

The Stags looked to finish up the week strong, but Hofstra would not make that easy for them. The northeast teams battled it out for forty long minutes, but regulation time ran out and they were left at a stalemate, 57-57. This forced a five-minute overtime period, where Armstrong carried thrusted her team to victory. Armstrong’s straight points in overtime, which contributed to her game total of 24, established a new career high for her. Her efforts secured the win for the Stags, 73-64.

They look to continue their success as they leave home to face St. John’s University (6-3) in Queens, NY on Friday, Dec. 20 at 1:00 p.m.

Men's Basketball Struggles This Season

By Michael Hoffman Chief Financial Officer

The beginning of the 2019-20 college basketball season has not been kind to the Fairfield University Stags Men’s Basketball team (2-7, 0-0). As per tradition, the Stags traveled to another pre-conference play early season tournament. This time, they traveled to Orlando, Fla. They started off the Orlando Invitational against the University of Southern California Trojans (8-2) on Thursday, Nov. 28, losing a close matchup with a final score of 54-47.

Fairfield guard Landon Taliaferro ‘20 led the Stags with 16 points on 5-10 shooting.

Fairfield struggled offensively, only shooting 27 percent from the floor a 35 percent from three.

In the second game of the Orlando Invitational, Fairfield fell to the Davidson University Wildcats (4-5, 0-0), 67-56. The Fairfield offense continued its early season struggles, only getting up to 19 points at halftime, opening a 16 point halftime shortfall.

The offense started to catch fire in the second half, erasing that once large deficit down to a single possession basketball game with three minutes and 45 seconds left in the second half.

Only Taliaferro and Jesus Cruz ‘21 were able to crack double-digit point totals, leading the team with 10 points each.

Coach Young commended his team’s resiliency after the Davidson loss. "We fought and played hard tonight. They are a high level offensive team and you have to be on your toes defensively against them. I thought we covered a lot of what they wanted to do so I was happy about that. But there are no moral victories so we need to get ready to play a tough Texas A&M team on Sunday."

Fairfield than rounded out the Orlando Invitational with an upset 67-62 win over the Texas A&M Aggies (3-5, 0-0), of the Southeastern Conference. The Stags were led by a career game from Taliaferro, setting the school record with 10 made threes, as he poured in a career high 34 points.

Landon focused his praise onto the group of guys, stating, “Coach came into film yesterday and said that we were not leaving Florida without a win. So we just came together and everyone played their role to the best of their ability and we came away with a win.”

In Fairfield’s first game back from sunny Orlando, Fla., they fell in another close game to the William and Mary University Tribe (7-3, 0-0).

Graduate student Vincent Eze led the scoring for the Stags with 13 points. Coach Young heaped praise on the William and Mary duo of Nathan Knight and Andy Van Vilet.

He said, “We were trying to contain their front court but we didn't do that tonight for sure because they (Nathan Knight and Andy Van Vliet) scored 41 of their 62 points.

We had a few chances down the stretch but our offensive possessions were not good enough when we needed points. Give credit to William & Mary because their two big guys who have done it all year did it again."

Fairfield has lost seven of its first nine games, but in six of those losses, Fairfield has

not lost by a margin larger than 11.

Fairfield’s next game will be on the road against the Oakland University Grizzlies (5-5, 0-0) on Saturday, Dec. 2.

Fairfield will start conference play soon after the new year, heading up to western New York to take on the Niagara University Purple Eagles (2-5, 0-0) on Friday, Jan. 3, and than the Canisius University Golden Griffiths (4-4, 0-0) on Sunday, Jan. 5.

Photo Courtesy of Sports Information Desk

Graduate student Vincent Eze picked up 13 points against The College of William and Mary.

@MirrorSports Fairfield Mirror Sports

Week of December 11, 2019

fairfieldmirror.com

SPORTS 16

Sports Editor: Julia Lanzillotta » julia.lanzillotta@student.fairfield.edu

Stags Make A Splash At ECAC Championship Meet

Photo Courtesy of Sports Information Desk

The women's team won five events at the Eastern College Athletic Conference championship meet, and won the first-place trophy for the second year in a row tabbing 1,835 points on the weekend.

By Julia Lanzillotta Sports Editor The Fairfield University men’s and women’s swim and dive teams took to East Meadow, NY on Friday, Dec. 6 to compete in the weekend long Eastern College Athletic Conference championship tournament. The women’s team put on an incredible performance, taking home their second ECAC championship title in two years, while the men’s team finished in second place.

On the women’s side, the team stood tall on the podium with a winning total of 1,835 points. They successfully fended off Long Island University who trailed behind in second with 1,454 points. The third place finishers were Monmouth University who amassed 1,094 points and St. Francis College managed to put themselves on the board with 1,067 points.

The Fairfield women’s first win of the meet was in the 200 Yard Medley Relay comprised of Alexandra Miko-Rydzag ‘23, Colleen Young ‘20, Morgan Hansen ‘21 and Maria Nitti ‘21 who finished with a time of 2:05.14. Nitti put on a stellar individual performance in the 50 Yard Freestyle, setting a new program record time of 23.49. She also excelled in the 100 Yard Freestyle (51.43) and 200 Yard Freestyle (1:52.91), finishing in second place and third place respectively. Hansen claimed second in both the 100 Yard Butterfly (55.48) and the 200 Yard Butterfly (2:05.20). Sara Ostensen ‘21 took home a victory in the 200 Yard Butterfly (2:05.14), finished in second place in the 500 Yard Freestyle with a finishing time of 5:01.38 and came in third in the 1650 Yard Freestyle, stopping the clock at 17:15.97.

The Stags showed strength in numbers when Samantha D’Alessandro ‘22, Emily Holman ‘20, Ostensen and Nitti won the 200 Yard Freestyle Relay in 1:36.26. Additionally, they set a new ECAC record in the 400 Yard Medley Relay when Miko-Rydzaj, Victoria Krivitsky ‘21, Hansen and Nitti recorded a time of 3:50.19. Second place accolades were earned by

Rachel Landry ‘21, Nitti, Hansen and Ostensen in the 800 Yard Freestyle Relay (7:37.33) as well as in the 400 Yard Freestyle Relay (3:30.18) made up of D’Alessandro, Hansen, Ostensen and Nitti.

Over on the diving platform, Caitlin Campbell ‘22 earned 196 points in fifth place for the 1 Meter Diving while her teammate Erin Wind ‘22 proceeded in fifth place with a score of 190.95 in the 3 Meter Diving Category.

The men were edged by The New Jersey Institute of Technology when they earned their second straight ECAC title with 2,038.50 points which blew Fairfield’s 1,802 out of the water.

On the Stags’ coattails was Monmouth University who collected 1,614 points, and finally St. Francis College who clinched the fourth spot with 1,110 points tallied.

Sophomore Evan Fair was unstoppable in the pool, with a pair of first-place finishes in the 200 Yard Individual Medley (1:54.14) and again in the 400 Yard Individual medley (4:02.80). Fair’s performance was instrumental in the relays, as he swam with Benjamin Kebbell ‘21, Jordan Rahurahu ‘20 and Peter Gori ‘22 in the 800 Yard Freestyle Relay (6:53.09) to finish in third and then once more with Erik Hren ‘23, Kebbell and Gori in the 400 Yard Freestyle Relay (3:27.08) where they placed fourth, establishing a new school record. Rookie Will Robinson finished in third place in the 100 Yard Backstroke with a time of 51.47. Rahurahu shone on his own in the 100 Yard Butterfly (50.70) and then in the 500 Yard Freestyle (4:41.10), where he placed third and fourth in that order.

Fairfield Men’s Diving received recognition by the ECAC. First year Samuel Tonole was named the Men’s Diver of the Meet ensuing a winning final score of 234.55 in the 1 Meter Diving category. He also secured second place in the 3 Meter Diving, registering 209.35 points. Head diving coach Devon O’Nalty, who is new to Stag Country this season, earned praise as the Men;s Diving Coach of the Meet.

Competition is slated to continue at the Recplex Pool on Friday, Jan. 3 against St. Peter’s University.

Photo Courtesy of Sports Information Desk

The men's swimming and diving team took home second place at the ECAC championships to NJIT, finishing with 1,802 points. This would conclude the fall segment of their 2019-20 schedule.