Alumni & Family Weekend 2013: The Tradition Continues
It was a gorgeous fall weekend for showing Stag Pride, as more than 900 parents, families, and alumni came to campus for a variety of activities and events showcasing Fairfield.
Families enjoyed all kinds of food at the Taste of Connecticut and Stagfest, featuring local restaurants and vendors and entertainment for children. From story-telling and author meet-and-greet sessions at Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¹ÒÅÆ Bookstore downtown, there really was something fun for every age over the weekend.
Alumni had plenty of opportunities to connect, from a young alumni reception Friday night at The Seagrape, to a well-attended alumni career panel on “Successfully Managing Your Career” with experts in the field on Saturday. Former student leaders also met with current student leaders to share experiences in a special networking reception.
More than 100 parents had breakfast with University President Jeffrey P. von Arx, S.J., who later led a panel conversation with Dean of Students Karen Donoghue ’03 and Vice President of Student Affairs Tom Pellegrino ’90 on “Renewing the Tradition, Embracing Change.”
Members of the Classes of 1953 and 1958 celebrated their 55th and 60th Reunions over the weekend, coming from as far away as California, and enjoyed a special luncheon with Fr. von Arx.
Athletics events were held throughout the weekend, from Men’s Basketball Red-White Scrimmage and Women's Basketball Alumnae Game and Open Practice, to volleyball (the team defeated Quinnipiac University, 3-0), and soccer later in the day.
Friends of Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¹ÒÅÆBasketball sponsored the official dedication of the state-of-the-art basketball locker rooms to Mark Beckwith, who supported the project. A reception including both teams, coaches, and cheerleaders followed the dedication.
Later in the evening, just before Men’s Soccer faced off against Rider University, Lessing Field was officially rededicated with a new entryway. Steve Lessing ’76 and his family were in attendance.
On Sunday, University Chaplain Rev. Charles Allen, S.J., celebrated a special Mass in memory of Carmen Donnarumma, a beloved founding faculty member and honorary alumnus who passed away earlier this year. The Glee Club performed their traditional concert in the afternoon, followed by the Alpha Sigma Nu Induction ceremony. A total of 51 students—both undergraduate and graduate—who ranked in the top 15 percent of their class were received into the prestigious Jesuit Honor Society, and four honorary members.
