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Student Engagement
In our Jesuit tradition, Student Engagement seeks to promote the development of the whole person. We empower students to work together to build community, lead ethically, and value differences in one another. Our collaborative efforts connect students to curricular and co-curricular experiences that encourage civic responsibility, personal growth, and lifelong learning.
Meet the Staff
Meet the staff at the Office of Student Engagement.
![Jeremy Kaler headshot](/files/images/faculty-staff-profiles/student-engagement/kaler-jeremy_2010_8152016.jpg)
Jeremy Kaler
Educational Background
- M.A. in History, Minnesota State University, Mankato
- B.S. in History, Frostburg State University
Areas of Focus
- Student Life & Development
- Student Government & Advocacy
- Student Organizations & Clubs
- Civic Learning & Democratic Engagement
- Deliberative Pedagogy
- Diversity, Inclusion, & Belonging
- Community Engaged Learning
- Leadership Development
- International Student Support & Advocacy
- Policy Development
- Title IX Advisor
- Student Conduct & Community Building
- eGaming/eSports
Teaching
- First Year Experience (FYE), Transfer, Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¹ÒÅÆ, Fall 2020
- Leadership Academy, Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¹ÒÅÆ, Spring 2020
- Club Development Webinar Series, Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¹ÒÅÆ, Spring 2020
- First Year Experience (FYE), Leadership through Service, Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¹ÒÅÆ, Fall 2020
- First Year Experience (FYE), Leadership, Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¹ÒÅÆ, Fall 2019
- Exploring Leadership, Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¹ÒÅÆ, Spring 2019
- COMPASS Leadership Society, Spring 2019 Cohort
- First Year Experience (FYE), Civic Leadership, Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¹ÒÅÆ, Fall 2018
- COMPASS Leadership Society, Spring 2018 Cohort
- Redefining Leadership, Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¹ÒÅÆ, Spring 2018
- First Year Experience (FYE), Civic Engagement, Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¹ÒÅÆ, Fall 2017
- First Year Experience (FYE), Exploration, Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¹ÒÅÆ, Fall 2016
Presentations
- “CliftonStrengths 101” at Council for Advancement & Support of Education: Affiliated Student Advancement Programs (CASE ASAP) District 1 Conference (February 2020)
- “Gen Z: Understanding & Adapting” for Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¹ÒÅÆ Professional Enrichment Society (April 2019)
- “Moral Foundations: Understanding Self & Others” for Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¹ÒÅÆ Student Leadership Conference (August 2019)
- “Challenging Others: Disrupting & Reframing Assumptions to make Positive Change” for Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¹ÒÅÆ Student Leadership Conference (August 2018)
- “Free Speech & Hate Speech at Jesuit Institutions” Roundtable Discussion at Jesuit Association of Student Personnel Administrators (JASPA) Annual Conference, Philadelphia, PA (March 2018)
- “Free Expression & Demonstrations: A Workshop” for The Breakfast Club, Fairfield, CT (December 2017)
- “Male Engagement: A Study” for Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¹ÒÅÆ Professional Development Series, Fairfield, CT (August 2017)
- “Free Expression & Student Affairs” for Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¹ÒÅÆ Professional Development Series, Fairfield, CT (August 2017)
- “Work-Life Balance for Student Affair Professionals” for Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¹ÒÅÆ Professional Development Series, Fairfield, CT (August 2017)
- “#WordsMatter: Free Speech v. Harmful Speech on College Campuses” at Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¹ÒÅÆ Student Leadership Conference, Fairfield, CT (September 2017)
- “Civic Engagement: Make America Civil Again” at Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¹ÒÅÆ Student Leadership Conference, Fairfield, CT (September 2016)
- “The Art of Branding” at National Jesuit Student Leadership Conference at Regis University, Denver, CO (July 2016).
Committees
- Leadership Development Committee
- Community Engagement Committee
- Committee on Free Expression
- Student Support & Relief Fund Committee
Professional Organizations
- NASPA, Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education
- ACPA, America College Personnel Administrators
- JASPA, Jesuit Association of Student Personnel Administrators
- NAFSA: Association of International Educators
- Campus Compact of Connecticut (CCC)
Service
- JASPA Chair, Member Services (2018-2020)
- JASPA Liaison, Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¹ÒÅÆ (2016-2020)
- Community Associate, First Year Experience program (2016-2020)
- Town of Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¹ÒÅÆElection Day Registration (EDR) Host Organizer (2016 General Election & 2018 Mid-Term Election)
- Voter Registration & Mail-In Ballot Drives (2008-2020)
- American Red Cross Blood Drive Host Organizer (2008-2015)
Hobbies
- Learning
- Reading
- Computers & Technology
- Video Games
- Movies
Favorite TV Shows(s)
- Futurama
- Battlestar Galactica
- Big Bang Theory
Favorite Movie(s)
- 12 Angry Men
Favorite Book(s)
- But What If We’re Wrong? by Chuck Klosterman
Favorite Quote
- “I have striven not to laugh at human actions, not to weep at them, not to hate them, but to understand them.” — Baruch Spinoza, Tractatus Politicus, 1676
Advice for Students
- Challenge everything, but challenge for the right reasons.
![Tom Balestracci headshot](/files/images/faculty-staff-profiles/student-engagement/balestracci-tom_1285381207_01192024.jpeg)
Tom Balestracci
Education
- University of Rhode Island – M.S. College Student Personnel
- Eastern Connecticut State University – B.S. Sport & Leisure Management
Areas of Focus
- FUSA Advisor
- Clam Jam
- Alumni Family Weekend
Profession Organizations
- NACA – National Association for Campus Activities
- NASPA – Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education
Hobbies
- Exercise
- Sports
- Reading
- Family Time
Favorite TV Show(s)
- One Tree Hill
- Friends
Favorite Movie(s)
- Harry Potter films
- Fever Pitch
- Big Daddy
Favorite Book(s)
- Harry Potter series
Favorite Thing Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¹ÒÅÆ Fairfield
- Community – Everyone is so welcoming in Stag Country.
Favorite Quote
- “The most important this is to try and inspire people so that they can be great in whatever they want to do.” — Kobe Bryant
Advice for Students
- Get involved.
- Make mistakes and learn from them.
- Get out of your comfort zone.
- Make new friends.
![Marissa Lischinsky headshot](/files/images/faculty-staff-profiles/student-engagement/lischinsky-marissa_14605_04042019.png)
Marissa Lischinsky
Education
- Master of Education in Student Personnel Administration in Higher Education, Springfield College
- Bachelor of Arts in German and English (majors), Judaic Studies and Women’s Studies (minors), Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¹ÒÅÆ
- Summer Semester at Stuttgart University in Germany
Areas of Focus
- Onboarding & Transition Communications
- Fall Welcome
- First Year Experience
- First Year & Transfer Orientation
- Parent/Guardian Engagement
- Retention Initiatives
Professional Organizations
- National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA)
- Association for Orientation, Transition, and Retention in Higher Education (NODA)
Hobbies
- Hiking
- Reading
- Watching TV
- Walking my dog
- Knitting/crocheting
- Seeing Broadway shows
- Spending time with family and friends
Favorite TV Show(s)
- Schitt’s Creek
- The Good Place
- House M.D.
- Grace and Frankie
- The Golden Girls
Favorite Movie(s)
- Dear Evan Hansen
- Mamma Mia!
- Beauty and the Beast (animated and live-action)
Favorite Book(s)
- The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
- Anxious People by Fredrik Backman
- Under the Whispering Door by T.J. Klune
Favorite Thing Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¹ÒÅÆ Fairfield
- The sense of community—once a stag, always a stag!
Favorite Quote
- “We don’t see things as they are, we see them as we are.” — Anais Nin
Advice for Students
- Transitions and the unknown can be stressful and difficult, but try to stay positive, focus on your strengths, and don’t be afraid to reach out for support!
![Madisyn Longdin headshot](/files/images/faculty-staff-profiles/student-engagement/longdin-madisyn_1286081272_01192024.jpeg)
Madisyn Longdin
Education
- University of Connecticut ’21 – BA (Honors) in Psychological Services
- Minor: Gerontology
- Minor: Human Development & Family Studies
- Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¹ÒÅÆ ’25 – MA in Marriage & Family Therapy
- Certificate in Queer & Trans Mental Health
Areas of Focus
- Graduate & International Student Life
Hobbies
- Hiking
- Traveling
- Baking
- Decorating cookies & cakes
- Volunteering at Everybunny Counts Rabbit Rescue
- Watching anime
- Attending renaissance fairs
- Spending time with friends & family
Favorite TV Show(s)
- One Piece (NOT the live action)
- Hunter x Hunter
- Vox Machina
Favorite Movie(s)
- Anything from The Conjuring cinemaverse
- Godzilla: King of the Monsters
Favorite Book(s)
- Draw the Dark by Ilsa J. Bich
- Faith No More by Phil Zuckerman
Favorite Thing Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¹ÒÅÆ Fairfield
- How warm and welcoming the staff and faculty are. The Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¹ÒÅÆ community is truly like a family :)
Favorite Quote
- “You’re only given a little spark of madness. You mustn’t lose it.” — Robin Williams
Advice for Students
- Be kind to yourself.
![Casey Murray headshot](/files/images/faculty-staff-profiles/murray-casey_970035994_09272022.jpg)
Casey Murray
Education
- Master in Education in Higher Education with Student Affairs concentration from Merrimack College 2018
- Bachelor of Arts in Sociology with Crime and Society concentration from Western New England University 2017
Areas of Focus
- First Year Experience Program
- Transition & Retention
- New Student Leader team
Hobbies
- Reading
- Watching TV
- Yoga
- Working out
Favorite TV Show(s)
- Merlin
- 911
- 911: Lone-Star
- NCIS
- Chicago Universe
- The Bachelor/Bachelorette
Favorite Book(s)
- Twilight Series by Stephenie Meyer
Favorite Movie(s)
- Tangled
- Beauty and the Beast
Favorite Thing Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¹ÒÅÆ Fairfield
- The people!
Favorite Quote
- “Laughter is timeless, imagination has no age and dreams are forever.” — Walt Disney
Advice for Students
- Embrace every moment. College is a time for self-discovery and you never know what you will discover until you take each moment in.
![Danielle Parisi headshot](/files/images/faculty-staff-profiles/student-engagement/parisi-danielle_948780323_08232022.jpg)
Danielle Parisi
Education
- M.Ed in Higher Education and Student Affairs, Merrimack College, 2018
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Anna Maria College, 2016
Areas of Focus
- Fairfield@Night Late Night Programming
- Senior Week
- FUSA Advisor
- Student Life Financial Assistance
Profession Organizations
- National Association of Student Affairs Personnel Administrators (NASPA)
Hobbies
- Playing the drums
- Trying new restaurants
- Spending time with family and friends
- Going on walks
Favorite TV Show(s)
- The Bachelor/Bachelorette
- Chicago Fire
- Schitt’s Creek
- Mostly all reality TV shows
Favorite Movie(s)
- Fever Pitch
Favorite Book(s)
- Who Moved My Cheese? By Spencer Johnson, M.D.
Favorite Thing Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¹ÒÅÆ Fairfield
- The community – it immediately feels like home.
Favorite Quote
- “The only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work, and the only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking, and don’t settle.” — Steve Jobs
Advice for Students
- Don’t worry about what everyone else is doing, this is your time to create your own journey.
![Zachary Quinones headshot](/files/images/faculty-staff-profiles/student-engagement/quinones-zach_16315_09272019.jpg)
Zachary Quinones
Educational Background
- Bachelor of the Arts, Political Science, Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¹ÒÅÆ, 2018
Areas of Focus
- Civic Engagement
- Leadership Development
- Graduate Student Life
Presentations/Programs
- “The Leadership Paradox” Student Leadership Conference
- Leadership Academy
- Club Development Webinar Series
- COMPASS Leadership Seminar
- Strengths 101 Learning Strengths
- Strengths Basements and Balconies
Committees
- University Programming Committee
- Student Leadership Conference Planning Committee
Hobbies
- Reading
- Pretending to not be a foodie
- Playing video games
- Watching TV
Favorite TV Show(s)
- The Office
- VEEP
- The Sopranos
- Trailer Park Boys
- Avatar: the Last Airbender
- Naruto
- Watchmen
- Scandal
Favorite Movie(s)
- The Princess Bride
Favorite Book(s)
- The Trouble with Being Born by E.M. Cioran
Favorite Thing Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¹ÒÅÆ Fairfield
- Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¹ÒÅÆ has the best collegiate swag.
Favorite Quote
- “We learn from history that we do not learn from history.” — Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel
Advice for Students
- Get to know yourself before you get to know others.
![Jane Aquino headshot](/files/images/faculty-staff-profiles/student-engagement/aquino-jane_1286079901_01192024.jpeg)
Jane Aquino
Education
- Connecticut Business Institute
- Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¹ÒÅÆ, Real Estate Paralegal Certificate
- Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¹ÒÅÆ, Real Estate Principles/Practices
- IETS F-1 SEVIS Essentials-Level II and Level III
- NAFSA – Spring Immigration Workshop
Areas of Focus
- Graduate and International Student Onboarding
- Orientation
Professional Organizations
- NAFSA: Association of International Educators (related to former immigration advising)
Hobbies
- Spending time with family and friends (especially my granddaughter)
- Baking and cooking
- Shopping
- Traveling
Favorite TV Show(s)
- Hallmark Channel movies
- Magnolia Table
- Food Network/Cooking Channel
- HGTV
Favorite Movie(s)
- It's a toss up between The Wizard of Oz, Dirty Dancing and Mamma Mia! - all are great!
Favorite Book(s)
- Any books by Elin Hilderbrand
Favorite Thing Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¹ÒÅÆ Fairfield
- The amazing level of support that both staff and faculty provide for students.
Favorite Quote
- “The only person you are destined to become is the person you decide to be.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson
Advice for Students
- You never know what battles people are fighting. Always be kind.
![Sarah McGough headshot](/files/images/faculty-staff-profiles/student-engagement/mcgough-sarah_1286206781_01222024.jpeg)
Sarah McGough
Education
- Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¹ÒÅÆ – Bachelor’s in Nursing
- Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¹ÒÅÆ – Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (in progress)
Areas of Focus
- Transition & Retention
Professional Organizations
- American Counseling Association
- American Nursing Association
- Chi Sigma Iota
Hobbies
- Reading
- Traveling
- Running
- Watching TV
Favorite TV Show(s)
- Gilmore Girls
- Superstore
- Night Shift
- Chicago Fire
- Parenthood
- New Girl
- Derry Girls
Favorite Book(s)
- Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
Favorite Movie(s)
- Legally Blonde
Favorite Thing Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¹ÒÅÆ Fairfield
- The community.
Favorite Quote
- “You are allowed to be both a masterpiece and a work in progress simultaneously.” — Sophia Bush
Advice for Students
- Holding the door or a smile can go a long way!
![Rosalinda Rodriguez headshot](/files/images/faculty-staff-profiles/student-engagement/rodriguez-rosalinda_1286206781_01222024.jpeg)
Rosalinda Rodriguez
Education
- Institute of Culinary Education – Pastry & Baking certificate
- Housatonic Community College – AA in Fine Art
- Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¹ÒÅÆ – BA in Art History
- Minor: Anthropology
Areas of Focus
- Office support
- Student services
Hobbies
- Baking
- Nature walks
- Crafty projects
- Being a foodie
Favorite TV Show(s)
- Doctor Who
- Great British Baking Show
- Frasier (original series)
- Mandalorian
- Schitt’s Creek
Favorite Movie(s)
- Airplane!
Favorite Thing Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¹ÒÅÆ Fairfield
- The strong sense of community, especially within Student Life.
Favorite Quote
- “It’s not so much what we have in this life that matters. It’s what we do with what we have.” — Mister Rogers
Advice for Students
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help!
![Stephanie Rodgers headshot](/files/images/faculty-staff-profiles/student-engagement/rodgers-stephanie_1286206781_01222024.jpeg)
Stephanie Rodgers
Education
- Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering (2023)
- Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¹ÒÅÆ – Master’s in Business Administration (in progress)
Areas of Focus
- Undergraduate student programming
- Office social media
- The Weekender
- Senior Year Experience advisor
Hobbies
- Reading
- Travel
- Hanging out with family and friends
- Adding items to my cart then not buying anything
Favorite TV Show(s)
- Gilmore Girls
- One Tree Hill
- Schitt’s Creek
- Ted Lasso
Favorite Book(s)
- The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver
Favorite Movie(s)
- Thelma & Louise
Favorite Thing Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¹ÒÅÆ Fairfield
- The people I’ve met – and keep meeting! – along the way.
Favorite Quote
- “She saw the world not always as it was, but as it could be, with perhaps a little bit of magic.” — Cinderella
Advice for Students
- Embrace all the opportunities available to you. You never know where they will lead, so follow your heart and you’ll end up where you should be.
Contact Us
![](/files/images/faculty-staff-profiles/sacrt/headshot_placeholder.jpg)
Office of Student Engagement
Barone Campus Center Lower Level
Suite 96
(203) 254-4053