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Inside This Issue:
The
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Mirror
The Reflection of Fairfield
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By Martin O’Sullivan Editor-in-Chief
SlĂĄinte! Although the utterings of a drinking toast may be widespread on any college campus, those heard at Fairfield University on Father’s Day weekend had a bit of a brogue to them. Fairfield hosted its 24th annual Fairfield County Irish festival from June 15th to June 17th. The show of Irish pride was held on Lessing Field, which was filled with a variety of local food and clothing vendors, concert tents, and even a Guinness beer truck. And although many in attendance were assumedly Irish, those of other ethnic backgrounds also participated in the festivities. “The Irish festival was a lot of fun,â€? said Gaby Rodriguez ‘13, a student of Cuban descent. “You just saw a lot of families getting together and bonding over their nationality... It was a great way to be introduced into the culture - a culture which I’ve never really known too much about.â€? As the festival was both a celebration of traditional Irish culture as well as its evolution into modern America, not every display of culture was strictly traditional. The Highland Rovers was one of these. On Friday night, the Irish fusion band headlined the main tent, playing a range of traditional
and modern music. For example, the Rovers covered Johnny Cash’s “Folsom Prison Blues,� complete with it’s own slap bass solo. In a different kind of fusion, the timing of the festival seemed to only accentuate the happy vibes floating throughout Lessing Field, with many wishes of “Happy Fathers Day� mixing in with discussions of Irish culture. Highland Rovers mandolin player Jim Cyr reminded festival goers of this fact when he brought his son Ryan up on stage for the last song of the night. Jim explained to the audience how Ryan had turned 16 the day before, and that he had “spent all day waiting in line with him to get his permit,� showing audiences the true reason for the holiday. In addition to the Highland Rovers, other performers included famed accordionist John Whelan, traditional Irish band Jameson’s Revenge, and dancers from the Lenihan School of
Irish Dance. Performances were scheduled throughout four different stages throughout the entirety of the festival. But the Irish aren’t only known for their music. Food vendors throughout the weekend included a collection of local businesses, including Vazzy’s, the Field and Marty’s Pizza truck. Also present was the Fairfieldbased Gaelic-American club, selling corned beef sandwiches on a complete volunteer basis. And although the workers might not have gotten paid, they still brought in the cash. According to GAC vice president Pat O’Connel, the vendor had sold through approxi-
mately “1,000 pounds of corned beef last year.� But just as quick as it was set up, the festival was nothing more than a memory by Monday morning. However, a great memory is invaluable: “It was the most fun I’ve had in a while,� said Rodriguez.
Nick DiFazio/The Mirror
The Highland Rovers Band headlined Friday night.
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Important people and where to find them By Martin O’Sullivan Editor-in-Chief
Martin O’Sullivan/The Mirror
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Remember being told that first impressions are everything? Over the next few weeks, you’ll find that rule may not necessarily be true among your new groups of friends. But what about administrators and teachers? Considering the volume of those entering Fairfield as new students, it is understandable that you may slip through the cracks of someone’s memory for a brief period of time. But don’t let this discourage you! On the alternate side of things, it’s important that you are familiar with the people who control the inner workings of your next few years here at Fairfield. To make it easier for you, The Mirror has come up with a simple list of people you should know.
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Fr. Jeffrey von Arx, S.J. University President Location: President’s Office, Bellarmine Hall 123, ext. 2217 Contact: president@fairfield.edu Fr. von Arx has been president of the school since 2004, when he succeeded Rev. Aloysius P. Kelley, S.J. to become Fairfield’s 8th president. As a board member, von Arx has served with Boston College, Canisius College, Loyola Marymount University and Xavier University.
Fr. Charles Allen, S.J. Executive Assistant Location: President’s Office, Bellarmine Hall 123, ext. 2256 Contact: executive@fairfield.edu A former Fairfield Prep headmaster, Fr. Allen has served as assistant to the president since 1994. He plays an important role in the activities of the President’s office and also serves as the secretary of the Board of Trustees and the Fairfield University Corporation.
WHO TO KNOW| PAGE 4
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