Connecticut Candidates Comment on Effect of Misinformation on Election
BY SAMANTHA RUSSELL Executive Editor
With state elections nearly one month away, political discussion has reached the Fairfield University campus. Students are expressing their opinions on Connecticut Senator Tony Hwang and potential candidate Robert Blanchard, although a majority of this conversation has taken place anonymously over Fizz and is spreading misinformation.
“I think it’s incredibly important and healthy for students to be engaged and involved in what happens on their campus, in their community and their world as a whole,” Blanchard said. “It’s equally important that they ensure that the information they either share or receive is accurate and factual.”
On September 21, a Fizz user claimed the motives of “liberal bureaucrat Rob Blanchard” to shut down Santacon. The user then endorsed Hwang and his support for student rights on the beach.
Another user pinned “town liberals” as trying to ruin beach parties, encouraging students to vote for Hwang. Contrary to these beliefs, Blanchard clarified that state senators have no influence on the outcome of college beach parties.
“While I have no say or control over the future of any Fairfield University student events or beach parties as a member of the Fairfield Representative Town Meeting (RTM) or if I was elected to the State Senate,” he said, “I support the university and town coming together to find ways to ensure annual events continue in a way that’s fun and safe for students and residents and more organized, just as I did during parties in my college years.”
Connecticut State Representative Jennifer Leeper supports Blanchard and his plans as a state senator, additionally stating her lack of involvement with student life at the beach. She and Blanchard hope Fairfield students will attend their candidate forum at 6:30 p.m. on Oct. 9.
Leeper discouraged the use of anonymous apps to spread political misinformation. “Gaslighting students using anonymous accounts with misinformation, is one of the more cynical things I have seen
in my time as a public servant,” she said. Still, she and Blanchard acknowledge its success in increasing student Election Day Registrations during the last election cycle.
Regarding the information being spread about him on Fizz, Blanchard stated it is “bogus” and a sure sign that Hwang’s campaign has reached a “desperate and frantic low point.”
Continuing this condemnation, he said: “At a time when the town and university ought to be strengthening their relationship, it’s troubling that Senator Hwang would seek to drive a wedge between the two and create political divisiveness through misinformation for his own partisan gain.”
However, Fizz is not the only place where political discussion has entered Fairfield’s campus. In the Class of 2025 GroupMe chat, Off-Campus Student Leader (OCL) Colin Richards sent a flier encouraging students to vote for Alexis Harrison for State Representative. However, Richards did make clear that he is not specifically endorsing the candidate. The flier was provided to Richards by Pete Collins, owner of The Seagrape Cafe.
Associate Dean of Students Allison Berger appointed Richards as OCL during the summer, after sending a notice to all off-campus students in July requesting a letter of intent for those interested in the position.
“Facing uncertainty in the job market and saddled with student loan debt, I sympathize with what they may face upon graduation.”
- Robert Blanchard, Democratic Senate Candidate
“Qualities of students who hold this position have strong communication skills, welcome input and feedback, are open to guidance, are in good
Campus Crime Report Notes Increase in Sexual Offenses
BY KATHLEEN MORRIS Managing Editor
The 2024 Annual Campus Security & Fire Safety Report became available for viewing on Monday, September 30. The report is compiled in adherence with the federal Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act). This report consists of two basic parts: disclosure of the University’s crime statistics for the past three years and information about the University’s current campus security, fire safety and related policies.
The origins of the Clery Act are rooted in tragedy, as it was established following the rape and murder of Jeanne Clery in her college dormitory in 1986. Her parents were unaware of the danger their daughter faced, prompting the pair to lobby for policy changes to initiate open dialogue about campus safety.
For the past two years, the report has been compiled by Sgt. Mike Santos. In a conversation with The Mirror, Santos acknowledged that the process is “strenuous” and can only be completed by an individual who has completed Clery Act Training Seminars (CATS). According to the Clery Center, the seminars “are multi-day, in-depth Clery Act training offered in three modalities: in-person, virtual, and self-paced.” Santos and the entire Department of Public Safety (DPS) are committed to ensuring that “the entire university community stays as free as possible from crime while pursuing their academic endeavors to the fullest,” as indicated on the Fairfield University website.
The Mirror has identified a few standout incidents from 2023.
1.) There was one incident of weapon possession in a student residence.
2.) The number of reported sexual offenses increased from 3 to 8 between 2022 and 2023. Seven of these incidents took place on campus.
3.) There were three reported incidents of “Sexual Assault: Rape.” Two incidents took place in student residences and one occurred in an off-campus facility.
4.) There were four incidents of forcible fondling in student residences.
5.) Five incidents of stalking took place on university property. Three took place in student residences.
DPS was able to provide insight on the weapon possession, stating that a group of students released a “Molotov cocktail” on Grauert Field. Britannica defines the “Molotov cocktail” as “ a crude bomb, typically consisting of a bottle filled with a flammable liquid and a wick that is ignited before throwing.” The students, who created the bomb with experimental intentions, were promptly arrested by the Fairfield Police Department.
The Mirror sought additional insight on these statistics from DPS. They were referred to Vice President of Marketing and Communications, Jennifer Anderson ‘97, MBA ‘02 for comment. Anderson did not reply in time for print. The Mirror will continue to investigate and provide updates once available.
The most current version of the Annual Campus Security & Fire Safety Report can be accessed digitally at fairfield.edu/clery. Paper copies of the Annual Campus Security & Fire Safety Report are available at the Fairfield University Department of Public Safety.
The anonymous app, Fizz, has become an outlet for students’ to express their opinions on candidates running in the upcoming state election. Posts include endorsements, as well as critcism related to false claims about candidates’ ability to interfere with student traditions. The following candidates are featured (from left to right): Robert Blanchard, Tony Hwang, Jennifer Leeper and Alexis Harrison.
Compiled by Kathleen Morris
Information contributed by the Department of Public Safety
9/25
8:05 a.m.
A Meditz student contacted DPS to report that she and another student were stuck in an elevator. It was determined that the buttons inside the elevator were not working. But, DPS was able to use to the outside buttons to rescue the students. The company was called for repair.
9/26
12:10 a.m.
A student vandalized and tore down an exit sign in a hallway in Gonzaga. The footage is under investigation and the student has yet to be identified. DPS reminds students that such acts of criminal mischief are classified as felonies.
9/26
4:20 p.m.
While conducting a Health and Safety check, Residence Life found a bong and paraphanelia in a Regis Hall room. The student in possession of these items was reported to the Dean of Students.
9/27
DPS reports that four students were identified for “alcohol intoxication by a minor” at the Presidential Ball. These students were evaluated and eventually released.
9/28
12 a.m.
The Area Coordinator for Townhouse 12 Block requested assistance with an argumentative male student. When DPS arrived, the student had fled. He was found later and referred to the Dean of Students.
9/30
9:20 a.m.
A mother of a student reported a road rage incident with a unviersity bus driver. The incident included excessive horn beeping and brake-checking. It is under investigation by DPS and FPD.
10/1
9:05 a.m.
A member of grounds crew staff hit a parked car with his tractor, inflicting minor front end bumper damage. No injuries were reported.
Max Limric, Editor-in-Chief
Samantha Russell, Executive Editor
Kathleen Morris, Managing Editor
Jacqueline Rigazio, Copy Editor
Editors
Ashley Devlin, Head News
Erica Schindler, Assistant News
Sophia Cossitt-Levy, Assistant News
Trent Ouellette, Opinion
Caitlin Shea, Head Vine
Fiona Wagner, Assistant Vine
Ryan Marquardt Head Sports
Crystal Arbelo, Assistant Sports
Daniel McElroy, Assistant Sports
Staff Photographer Shea Burns
Business Department
Email: info@fairfieldmirror.com
Natalia Adamski, Chief Financial Officer
Advisor
Karla Barguiarena
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 Fairfield University or its Board of Trustees
FUSA Senate Candidates Anticipate Election Results
BY SOPHIA COSSITT-LEVY Assistant News Editor
Each year, members of the first-year class at Fairfield University have the opportunity to run for Senate in the Fairfield University Student Association, better known as FUSA. This year, five first-years are running for five positions in the Senate. The election closed on Oct. 1 at 5 p.m. As members of the Senate, students listen to the concerns of their peers and work with the administration, staff and faculty to make improvements at the University. They meet frequently, with committee meetings occurring weekly and Senate meetings occurring twice each week.
In preparation for the election, the candidates have had the opportunity to share their platforms and meet the peers who will be voting for them.
Sophia Bellini, a first-year Finance and Economics double major from Long Island, New York, has been part of student government since the third grade, which culminated in her role as student body president her senior year of high school. “I was the voice of all the students,” Bellini says about her previous experience.
St. Anthony’s High School, where Bellini attended, is a large school, with about 2,500 students. While there, she planned events and worked with students on a variety of issues. “In a big school, you often feel like you don’t have anything to say or you feel like no one’s listening to you, but I was able to bring their voice to [administration],” Bellini says.
“In a big school, you often feel like you don’t have anything to say or you feel like no one’s listening to you, but I was able to bring their voice to administration””.
-Sophia Bellini ‘28, FUSA Senate Candidate
At Fairfield, Bellini wants to be able to achieve similar things. She wants to plan events on campus and continue to be “that go-to person” for her peers. And, it seems Bellini has already made lots of connections with fellow first-year students. She’s met many other students by joining clubs, such as Women in Business, and she also plans on running for the Inter-Residential Hall Association (IRHA).
Evan Molé is a first-year Politics major from Carmel, New York. “Who better to represent you than a Politics major?” he jokes. He plans to enter the Senate as a “blank slate,” focusing on what his fellow students want to see happen around campus.
To best maintain this “blank slate,” Molé says, “I’ll have people be able to send their requests to me, either anonymously, or they could attach their name to it if they
want.” Additionally, it’s important to Molé that his peers are aware of everything he does as their representative, so he plans on maintaining transparency with them via an outlet he’s working on. This will also be where students can submit their feedback or concerns.
Molé hopes to gain experience as a representative for a future in politics during his time in the Senate. “It’s something I care about … I want to hear what the people want, and I want to give them what they want,” he says.
James Stiehl is a first-year Accounting and Finance double major from Westchester, New York with prior experience in student government. He was active in his high school’s student government, where he was the Senior Class President.
Stiehl also had many other leadership roles, as president of the technology club, treasurer of the English Honor Society, and founder of the debate club.
“I’ve always had [an] interest in connecting with my fellow peers and advocating for what they care about,” Stiehl says.
Christopher Nuzzolo is a first-year student from Freehold, New Jersey, majoring in Integrated Business Engineering. “I am here to talk to and immerse myself with my peers and the student body to further our common interests and beliefs,” Nuzzolo says. It’s important to him that his fellow students reach out and share what they want to see happen around campus. If elected, he plans to send surveys to students as a way to hear their ideas.
“I believe that you need somebody who is honest, who is truthful and who is willing to put in the hard work and dedication to be able to get things done,” Nuzzolo says.
Nuzzolo has already started getting involved and connecting with other students on campus, thanks to what he describes as a great first month at Fairfield. So far, he has participated in various service opportunities and joined the Italian club.
Kyla Santulli is a first-year Politics major from Woodbridge, Connecticut. “I love finding new ways to get involved in my community… I’ve always been interested in politics, as that is my major. I see this as a learning opportunity and a way to make a difference on campus,” Santulli says.
She also has prior experience, as she was part of her school’s student council. Recently, Santulli completed an internship at a law firm, and via FUSA’s Instagram, she says, “I plan to utilize what I learned at my internship to actively get involved on campus.”
The results were announced on Oct. 1 at 6 p.m. at an election party held in the Lower Level BCC for the winners. The results were not released in time for the print publication of this article, but they will be published in the online edition.
Sophia Bellini, Christopher Nuzzle, Evan Molé, James Stiehl and Kyla Santulli. are the first-year candidates for FUSA senate (from top left to bottom right). Voting ended on Oct. 1 and students await results.
Photo Courtesy of FUSA47 Instagram
Election Cartoonist Sheds Light on Political Apathy at Fairfield University
BY ERICA SCHINDLER Assisstant News Editor
Fairfield University is often described as a politically apathetic campus. In recent coverage of the 2024 presidential election, some students expressed that they stay away from politics due to the stress it causes them. Several other students who were reached out to for comment explained their hesitancy to speak out for fear of judgment. A lack of interest in national politics on campus is nothing new, either. A 2007 article featured in The Mirror argued that political apathy is abundant at Fairfield.
A recent on-campus event centered around politics was met with a large number of attendees, although many students were there as part of a class obligation. Unlike the library’s debate watch party last month, last week’s presentation by political cartoonist and illustrator Sean Kelly was highly attended.
With the 2024 presidential election just over one month away, Fairfield University is hosting an array of events focused on politics. Last Wednesday’s event, titled “Serious
Anonymity on Fizz Amplifies Election Misinformation
standing, are well-respected by their peers and have the time to commit to the position,” she said, also stating that upon hearing of the responsibilities, most applying students decide not to accept.
Although he has no say in the verdict of future beach parties, Blanchard made clear his sympathies and support for college students post-graduation.
“Facing uncertainty in the job market and saddled with student loan debt, I sympathize with what they may face upon graduation,” he voiced. “That’s why I am focused on ensuring we build an economy that retains and attracts employers who will allow us to build a jobs pipeline from colleges and universities, like Fairfield University, to prospective employers, so that they can have more employment opportunities after graduating.”
Leeper added that there are regular Stakeholder Meetings between students,
neighbors, police, university and town where issues like beach parties and their solutions are discussed.
Student involvement in democracy is something that Blanchard deems critical.
“Their voices ought to be heard,” he said.
Because he is the youngest running candidate in Fairfield, he has tried to engage with voters in more innovative approaches such as through social media and in the press. Moreover, he thinks for voters sharing their opinions, it is important to stand by what one believes:
“It’s important to publicly stand behind your claims or opinions if you believe them rather than hide behind anonymity.”
Head News Editor Ashley Devlin is an intern working for Jennifer Leeper and thus did not read, edit or have any part in the creation of this article before publication.
Elections, Funny Pictures: How Humorous Images Have Influenced Political History,” was hosted by the Fairfield University Art Museum.
Students, faculty and others filled the seats of the DiMenna Nyselius Library auditorium for the lecture, which began at 12:00 p.m. and lasted for just over an hour. Attendees included students from Philip Eliasoph’s class on propaganda and Prof. Karla Barguiarena’s Broadcast Communications course.
Kelly was met with engagement from students during his presentation on the history of political cartooning, perhaps a sign of increased interest in politics from students—or at least those enrolled in related courses.
While weaving in references to current politics throughout his humorous slideshow, Kelly also touched on the changing landscape of cartoons.
“Video, I think, is the new editorial cartoon,” Kelly said while showing the audience several clips of political parodies from Saturday Night Live, which started its 50th season last Saturday.
Long before SNL and TikTok, editorial cartoons in newspapers were platforms for political satire. Kelly walked viewers through some of The United State’s most notorious political cartoons, from the origins of the donkey and elephant to Uncle Sam.
Kelly’s presentation garnered lots of laughs from the audience, which may come as no surprise considering his resumé. Published in 2017, Kelly illustrated comedian Stephen Colbert’s book “Midnight Confessions.” However, the cartoonist made sure to note the seriousness of some political illustrations, including Bill Mauldin’s cartoon depicting the Lincoln Memorial crying after the assassination of John F. Kennedy.
The slideshow presented by Kelly also made reference to the recent layoffs of some political cartoonists. Kelly explained the weakening of editorial boards due to backlash and threats, including the attack on employees at the French magazine Charlie Hebdo.
“In France, in January of 2015 a number of cartoonists were shot dead by terrorists,” Kelly said. “It was a real tragic thing for France, for the world and for the world of cartooning.”
At the conclusion of his lecture, Kelly took a couple of questions from the audience— yet few students raised their hands. Looking forward, Kelly warned of the potential threat of AI and the dangers of misinformation, defining the latter as “both false and harmful.” While the future of political cartoons may be unclear, there’s at least a semblance of an audience for them at Fairfield, evident by the seats taken at Kelly’s event.
It remains to be seen how upcoming events, including the Quick Center’s Open VISIONS Forum featuring political commentators Alyssa Farah Griffin and Molly Jong-Fast, will be received by the student body. As the election inches closer, time will tell whether Stags will become more politically involved.
Election 2024 Update: Vice Presidential Debate
BY ERICA SCHINDLER Assisstant News Editor
Last night, Ohio senator J.D. Vance and Minnesota governor Tim Walz faced off in the first and only vice presidential debate of the 2024 election. Republican Vance and Democrat Walz sparred on the issues during the live debate, which was moderated by Norah O’Donnell and Margaret Brennan of CBS News. Fairfield University students had the opportunity to watch the debate at the DiMenna-Nyselius Library’s watch party, part of the university’s ongoing Stags Vote! initiative. The library hosted a similar event for last month’s presidential debate and was met
with low student turnout. Ahead of last night’s event, research and outreach librarian Jennifer Mottolese expressed her hope for this debate.
“While [we] did not have a huge turnout for the presidential debate viewing in September, it is possible that students chose to watch the debate elsewhere,” Mottolese said. “Our hope is that by promoting this upcoming debate and hosting it at the Library, students will be aware of it, no matter where they chose to watch it.”
For more information on upcoming Stags Vote! events, students can visit Life@Fairfield or fairfield.edu/library. Stay tuned for ongoing election coverage from The Mirror!
Ohio Senator J.D. Vance sparred onstage against Minn. Governor Tim Walz during The Vice Presidential Debate was held Tuesday Night on CBS
Illustrator Sean Kelley spoke to Fairfield faculty and students about the history of political cartoons. Even though the event boasted a packed auditorium, many students did not attend the event by choice, instead were there with a class.
Erica Schindler/The Mirror
The Zyncident: “Real Men Do Nicotine”
By Max Limric Editor-in-Chief
The “Zyncident” title isn’t originally mine. Instead, the Zyncident has its origins in a somewhat smaller Catholic High School in Connecticut. There, a student popped a few Zyns and threw up all over his first-period class. What does this story have to do with Fairfield University? Well, after listening to that stereotypically high school moment when a sophomore threw up because of nicotine, I can’t stop seeing Zyns everywhere on campus. Whereas high school is a little bit more of an acceptable time to join all the drug fads and not care about the ramifications, once college begins, such behavior is embarrassing. From Zyns coating first-year residence hall stairwells to caked into men’s urinals, Zyns are a biohazard and just outright gross. It’s like when someone spits on the sidewalk, but this time, that spit is in the form of a non-biodegradable nicotine pouch.
Zyns are also an environmental disaster when they’re left on sidewalks and strewn across the campus grounds for animals to ingest and potentially die from. For the negative human health effects, I’m not even going to get into them because I’m not a medical professional, but I’m pretty sure it’s common knowledge that Zyn’s—just like all the fads before it—are not good for the human body.
What draws all the Fairfield students, primarily male students, to Zyns? Well, I doubt that it’s because they’re chain smokers looking to find a better alternative to their harmful smoking habits, which Zyn’s are marketed for. In my opinion, it’s a lust for hypermasculinity—to be viewed as “more of a man,” whatever that means. But it makes sense. Just like many of our fathers dipped and chewed tobacco in college, the generation of today has turned to popping in “an upper decky lip pillow.”
As the male youth of today become more and more conservative and tune into right-wing influencers like Tucker Carlson who asserts that “real men do nicotine,” young men feed into Zyn’s advertising campaign directed to exploit their desire to appear masculine. Tucker Carlson also claims that “Zyn is not a sin,” and is in fact a work enhancer, as well as another type of enhancer, probably not appropriate to include in a university newspaper; both of the claims have been debunked, however.
But I’m no expert on hypermasculinity and if you want to use Zyns, by all means, please
do. Your body, your money, your choice. I’m not even going to pretend that it matters if you’re 21 or not. No one bats an eye at other substances with age restrictions, and given the frequency they’re found on the floors of first-year dorm halls, it seems to be the same case. However, when your choices infringe upon others and the environment, it might be time to grow up and put down the “Zynyneutron.”
Architecture on Campus is a Mixed Bag
By Conor Doonan Contributing Writer
With enrollment skyrocketing, Fairfield University has been building housing at an unprecedented rate. Soon enough, they may even have to build more classrooms. But how have their recent projects affected the feel of the campus? From McAuliffe Hall to the new student residences, the campus has a wide range of architectural styles. Some of these styles work, others do not. I, dear readers, am here to share my two cents on the matter.
In this writer’s opinion, there are a few buildings that comprise the gold standard Fairfield should be aiming for. Dolan Hall, with the attached Dolan House, and Bellarmine Hall are obvious standouts, but the Barone Campus Center and the Dolan School of Business are also great designs. Why do these work? The first two are stately and impressive. Distinguished stonework and windows that offer some of the campus’ most stunning views. They practically scream higher education. The latter two are sleek and modern, but still timeless, welcoming students and guests alike to a 21st-century campus. They represent the two paths the University should be taking when building. Either stick to the classics, or, if going the modern route, do it right.
Have they achieved this?
Yes and no.
The most recent residence halls are a perfect example. Dulles Hall is the better of the two. At the very least, it matches neighboring Faber Hall, which, for those who haven’t seen it, is one of the few residence halls that does not have brick siding. There’s a theme. Consistency. As far as residence halls go, it works. Although, living inside the building is a little less desirable, as one of our other writers has noted. That's the good. Bowman Hall, attached to the Quad, is the bad, or perhaps the ugly. Luckily, most people never have to see it, as it is almost entirely hidden behind Regis. But for those unfortunate residents
of Jogues, such as myself, it is something of an eyesore. The pattern of bricks is reminiscent of house wrap. It feels unfinished. Bland. Corporate. Rather than a complex pattern of bricks, like Gonzaga or Regis, they went with a handful of dark bricks within a sea of beige walls. Unlike the other residence halls, there isn’t anything to break up the shape of the building, either. It’s a beige cube with windows. The only good thing that can be said about it is that it makes Loyola look less terrible, so long as you forget the lack of air conditioning inside the place.
As new buildings go, the best of them is by far the Leo D. Mahoney Arena. It’s impressive, which, with a price tag to the tune of $51 million dollars, is somewhat expected. Note the sweeping steel ceiling beams in Stag red. Note the colossal air ducts that are somewhat reminiscent of a spaceship. Note the massive half-arch at the front of the building. Note that, unlike Bowman Hall, the brick pattern is complex and interesting, which breaks up the huge walls and prevents them from becoming an eyesore. Perhaps my only complaint is that, with 3500 seats, the building can’t seat the whole student body, but with space a consideration, even that is a trivial matter. It is a genuine pleasure to watch games within the Mahoney Arena, and it is a worthy addition to the campus.
What I can say is this: many students, particularly in their early years on campus, see very little of Fairfield. It’s easy to fall into a routine, walking the same paths every day from your dorm to your classes and back again. So much of the campus is out of the way, that it is not hard to miss things. When you have the time, give yourself a tour. Eat lunch on the porch of Bellarmine Hall. Walk through the zen garden hidden between the trees. Check out the Dolan House. There are some exceptionally beautiful spots on campus. You just have to look for them.
Editor: Trent Ouellette
The opening of Dulles Hall this year has reopened the conversation on the University's architectural style. Over the last decade, Fairfield has adopted a glass heavy, modern style that many feel lacks continuity with many of the older buildings on campus.
Photo Courtesy of Max Limric
Photo Courtesy of @ffld_reslife
The use of Zyns and other nicotine products have been more noticeable amongst Fairfield students. Zyns littered the floor of the 2024 Presidential Ball, as well as residence halls.
Tropical Paradise Theme Saves PresBall
By Jacqueline Rigazio Copy Editor
Fairfield University’s annual Presidential Ball this past Friday night was full of bright colors, Hawaiian leis and quirky sunglasses. With the theme of “tropical paradise,” Bellarmine Lawn was accordingly transformed into the beach vacation of our dreams. As a senior who has attended PresBall for all four years of college, I definitely think that this year’s PresBall theme was the best one I have experienced.
Typically, I feel that the PresBall theme is poorly executed and underwhelming. Whenever the theme is announced I usually pay no mind, as it never influences my time at the dance in any way. In years past, themes like “The Great Gatsby” and “2000s throwback” were fun ideas, sure, but they were not well executed in the actual event. I would never have known that PresBall was themed if I had not read the email advertisements. I had always been very underwhelmed by the PresBall themes and never saw a need for this event to be themed in the first place.
This year’s PresBall changed my mind, however, as I was pleasantly surprised at how well the tropical paradise theme was incorporated into the event. Right when I first walked into the huge tent on Bellarmine lawn, members of FUSA were happily handing out colorful leis and fun sunglasses in the shapes of pineapples, flamingos and all things tropical. I grabbed a blue and white lei for myself and a pair of pineapple sunglasses and was ready to boogie on the dance floor.
In addition to the beachy accessories, the beverage table was also adorned with themed decorations. Tropical fruit punch was served and the table was decorated with flowers, big leaves and fake grass which gave the beverage table a unique Tiki look. There were also colorful straws to make the drinks even more fun.
While the music on the dance floor was not luau-themed, inflated beach balls were being thrown around the dance floor. This created a fun beach party vibe while everyone danced around with their friends. Although I did get hit in the head by multiple beach balls while dancing, I definitely appreciated how the theme was still prevalent while on the dance floor. It was also really cute to see everyone on the dance floor wearing their FUSA-provided leis and sunglasses.
I definitely think that this year’s FUSA theme was the best one I have ever seen. I’m really glad that my senior year PresBall went out with a bang, and I will always remember this one as my favorite PresBall. When I was initially planning on writing this article, I was ready to speak about how PresBall shouldn't even have a theme, but Friday’s tropical paradise theme really changed my mind. Going forward, I think FUSA should use the 2024 Presidential Ball as the precedent for how a theme should be executed.
Director of FUSA Programming Emily Aschenbrenner ‘25 shared, “Generally, we do a theme just as something fun for decor and giveaways—the same reason you would do a theme with any party!” She continues that a PresBall theme is “just a fun way to attract
people to the event rather than just calling it a dance.”
When asked why FUSA specifically chose the theme of tropical paradise, Aschenbrenner shared, “This theme in particular we picked because it’s one we haven’t done in a little while, and it's always a classic event theme that people enjoy. Especially for a school like Fairfield, which is on the beach, the tropical theme is always a fun one to celebrate.”
I think FUSA’s pick of tropical paradise was the perfect theme for this year’s PresBall. When I look back on my four PresBall experiences, this one will always stand out in my mind as my favorite.
Hockey Should Have A Home At Fairfield
Is abella DiAngelo Contributing Writer
A prevalent debate at Fairfield University is whether we should have a D1 hockey team. Many people fail to recognize that Fairfield does not have a Varsity team, rather Fairfield has a very good, and well-formed club hockey team. There was an anonymous survey put out asking the question, “Would you want to see D1 hockey at Fairfield?” and 400 members of the student population voiced their opinions on whether or not Fairfield should step up to the plate and create a team. In an overwhelming response to this question, 95.8% of students said that Fairfield University should have a D1 Hockey team, while 4.2% of students said that they should not.
Why do students believe we should have a hockey team?
“We’re in the northeast and so many people come from playing hockey as a kid or watching hockey from big colleges around them or pro teams and [Fairfield] would feel
more like home for people that come from those backgrounds,” one response from the survey indicated, mentioning the school's location in relation to its hockey background hub.
Fairfield is located in the center of five major hockey powerhouses: The Boston Bruins, New York Rangers, New York Islanders, New Jersey Devils and the Pittsburgh Penguins. The majority of students at Fairfield come from Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania where there are major teams that students grew up watching.
Another anonymous student response noted the school's location. “I have always loved to watch hockey, and have seen the community that it builds and attracts. I know for a fact that a lot of people would apply to Fairfield if they could come to see hockey games, as they are a big thing at many Northeastern schools.”
Schools in the northeast dominate the hockey scene. Half of the top 20 NCAA schools are from the North East area. Coming in second and third, was Boston College, and Boston University. In sixth, came Fairfield’s neighbor, Quinnipiac, and in ninth, Cornell. Others in the top 20 were the University of Maine, the University of Massachusetts Amherst, Providence, RIT and the University of New Hampshire. 94.6% of students polled believed that Fairfield would be able to compete with other universities, both in sports and drawing in more applicants for new undergraduate students.
Another big question about getting D1 hockey at Fairfield is if people would want to go to the games. What would the community be like? Students, without hesitation, commented on the community that they believe would be seen at Fairfield University hockey games.
“I don’t think attending sporting events is a lot of students' priority right now because of lack of interest, but I think a lot of students would love to support a hockey team. Hockey game environments are very fun for students and it would be a good way to form relationships and build the community,” a survey respondent asserted.
Another student response said that it is an “Exciting environment and brings together the school community.”
Many students believe that having more school spirit around hockey in college in New England is one of the better ways to get students involved with sports, as hockey is a fan favorite in New England.
Other students mentioned that the school would see a spike in people attending other sporting events, as students begin to create a community that is centered around hockey. Many even said, in a 93.5% to 6.5% vote, that they would go to an off-campus site to watch hockey games if transportation was provided by the school.
So, will students at Fairfield see their desired hockey team in the near future? Or will Fairfield University remain one of the very few Division One Northeastern schools that do not have a Varsity hockey team? As students said in the survey, “If SHU has it, why don’t we?”
A table full of leis met Fairfield students as they entered PresBall on Friday night. The tropical paradise theme, unlike prior years, added something unique to the Presball experience.
Photo Courtesy of Fairfield University
Photo Courtesy of Erin Resnick Fairfield boasts a club hockey team that competes against other colleges throughout the Fall and Spring semesters. If Fairfield ever took the step up to NCAA D1 there would certainly be a core fanbase of students willing to support the team.
BY LIZZIE FREEMAN Contributing Writer
This past Friday, Fairfield students of all class years had the opportunity to dress up and attend the 21st annual Presidential Ball. Of all the events hosted in the first month of school, this is one of the most well-known and widely discussed. For first-years, it was the first school dance of their college experience, and many were unsure what to expect. Nevertheless, the well-loved tradition was a highlight for all students, first-years and upperclassmen alike.
Hosted by the Fairfield University Student Association, the event took place on Bellarmine Lawn under a large tent. The tradition began in 2003 and has occurred almost every year since then, each year prompting a new theme including “The Great Gatsby,” “Hollywood Walk of Fame” and this year’s “Tropical Paradise.”
For most first-years, the night began with getting dressed up, hanging out with friends and taking pictures in dorm hallways or under the lights in the quad. When they were ready to take the walk up to Bellarmine Lawn, they were met with smiling volunteers ready to offer them a festive lei or sunglasses after greeting the President and his wife for
pictures. As students filed in and a crowd began to form, many stopped by the table of delicious finger foods and drinks.
By the time the lights turned down and the music turned up, the dance floor was packed, and the students were ready for hours of dancing and hanging out with friends.
The ball’s exciting atmosphere was amplified by the pounding music, the sparkling lights and the billowing steam that emanated from the DJ’s platform. It was clear from the students jumping up and down to their favorite songs or lifting one another on their shoulders that guests were having a great time.
When asked about her experience, Grace Gunning ‘28 answered, “There was fun music and dancing and food, and I enjoyed talking with my friends and just roaming around and dancing.”
Pres Ball wasn’t just a fun night for firstyears, though. New Student Leader Rebecca Mattei-Brown ‘27 commented, “I had a great time! It was so nice to have a fun occasion to
get dressed up with friends!”
In addition to the excitement, the night was made even better by the perfect weather.
Last year, it rained for much of the day before the ball, and although the muddy ground couldn’t stop students from showing up and having fun, the weather this year was certainly an improvement. The clear skies and pleasant temperature made it possible to wear almost any outfit without feeling too hot or too cold.
It’s safe to say that the ball was all that first-years hoped it would be. Gunning agreed, “Pres Ball lived up to my expectations and exceeded it.”
The event kicked off the school year with a bang, and it’s sure to remain a positive memory for Fairfield students, no matter their grade.
Mattei-Brown says, “Overall it’s one of my favorite Fairfield memories!”
The 21st annual Presidential Ball was a stunning success! So many stags showed out and brought their moves to the dance floor!
The DJ electrified the stage, playing banging hits that everyone knew and loved. Students now look forward to next year’s event!
Photo Contributed by Fiona Wagner
Stags of all ages hit the dance floor for this years tropical themed Pres Ball.
Photos Contributed
Mirror
BY CAITLIN
The hustle and bustle of the Barone Campus Center quickly diminished as the night came to a close, yet students and professors alike found themselves festering with excitement in the Dogwood Room, books in hand.
Book Award-winning author Phil Klay, Kilroy spoke about her newest novel “Soldier Sailor”.
Recognized as the “London Times” novel of the year, “Soldier Sailor” delves into
On Sep. 23 Fairfield University hosted the 2004 Rooney Prize for Irish Literature winner Claire Kilroy in an “Open VISIONS Forum: Espresso” event. In a discussion led by Fairfield English Professor and National
the complexities of motherhood in an already isolated world.
Having written five novels, Kilroy’s poignant prose is influential to the study of 21st-century Irish literature and provides
commentary on the fragmented identity of Ireland in the modern world.
With an 11-year gap between her most recent works, the Irish novelist discussed her relationship with creativity after giving birth to her child.
Sitting down and staring at a blank screen, Kilroy no longer wished for her identity to be that of solely a mother, yet found difficulty in writing about other topics.
“All I had was all I was, a woman talking to her child,” Kilroy explained.
And so she wrote.
Having grown up being told that motherhood was easy and lesser than having a paid job, the Irish writer’s younger self sought no fulfillment in having children. The idea is that, in order to be a good writer, one must not have children, standing strong.
Yet in having her own child many years later, she discovered that it’s “So demanding it’s like being in the U.N.”
Phil Klay, having served in the U.S. Marine Corps made a similar comparison in his conversation with Kilroy.
“Boot camp was not preparation for war, it was preparation for a baby,” the renowned author often jokes.
The new mother then took her own experiences, and transformed them into pic-
turesque prose, despite what the world had preached to her about her role as a mother.
Kilroy discussed the stereotype that you are either a boring mother or a childless cat lady. Challenging these ideas, the author explained that in experiencing childbirth, a mother is laying down their life for someone else without question.
“It’s a relationship that endures till death,” she explains, “You remember your loved ones, what else is there than love?”
Kilroy further touched upon the expectations of others when it comes to being an author.
“There is no path for writing,” she assured.
Further asserting that writing is one of the core endeavors of being in the world and a task that is deeply rooted in her own heritage.
Comparing the art of writing to that of raising a child, in her final statement, Kilroy called out to those who write themselves, “Count the text’s fingers and toes before you say goodbye.”
A harrowing glimpse into the extreme isolation and loss of sense of self that comes along with becoming a mother in the modern day, Claire Kilroy’s “Soldier Sailor” is a must-read.
As fall brings beautiful weather and vibrant foliage, there is no better time to connect with nature. Hiking offers the perfect way to do just that.
For many students, especially those not native to the area, figuring out where to go or what level of experience is needed can feel overwhelming.
Take Dean Hartl ‘25, for example. While eager to get outside and enjoy the stunning landscapes, he does not know how or where to begin.
“I’d love it if Farifeld looked into connecting people who want to hike and making those areas accessible to us,” Hartl shared. His thoughts highlight a common issue for students on campus who are interested in hiking but unsure where to start.
Fortunately, the Outdoors Club, a group dedicated to promoting outdoor activities and helping students take advantage of the surrounding areas, offers a solution.
One of the club’s presidents, Lara Primakov ‘25, revealed plans for multiple hiking trips this semester to the popular Sleep-
ing Giant State Park. Students interested in joining in on these hikes or learning more about the club and their trips can connect with the Outdoors Club via life@fairifeld. edu.
Sleeping Giant State Park is just a forty-minute drive from campus and is one of Connecticut's most beautiful parks. With thirty-two miles of trails and a range of difficulty levels, it is perfect for all types of hikers. The park gets its name from its unique mountain formations, casting a silhouette of a sleeping man.
If you’re looking for hikes close to campus, there are multiple options for local trails. Just eight minutes from campus, the Lake Mohegan Loop offers a 2.2-mile trail that takes approximately 44 minutes to complete. According to AllTrails.com, a source for hiking information, the Lake Mohegan Loop requires little to no hiking experience, making it an ideal choice for beginners.
Connecticut Audubon Society County Lane Trail is nine minutes from campus and offers an easy 1.9-mile hike. Reviews found on AllTrails.com suggest that in addition to the trail being beautiful, the pathway is wellmarked and maintained. The trail also offers information along the trails to give hikers opportunities to learn about nature and local wildlife.
If you are craving a more coastal experience, Farifleds beaches offer two scenic beach walking routes. The first is Jennings
recently went on a morning hike at
approximately an hour to complete. It is considered a moderate route.
The second is Sasco Hill Beach Walk, a quick and easy twenty-minute stroll along the shore. With these trails, it is important to keep in mind the tide to ensure an easy pathway.
It is important to keep in mind that these are considered more of a walk than a hike, but both are great options to take full advantage of Fairfield beaches and see picturesque views along the Long Island Sound. Some students have already taken ad-
“It was the perfect way to start my day,” she said about the forty-five-minute hike.
Its proximity to campus, a ten-minute drive, makes this another perfect spot for students looking for a refreshing escape. Whether you’re an experienced hiker or just looking for a fun way to enjoy the outdoors, Fairifeld's location provides ample opportunities to explore. Don’t miss out on the chance to enjoy the season and discover nature just beyond campus!
Beach To Pine Creek Point Trail which takes
vantage of the nearby hiking options. Kacey
McGorry ‘27
Grace Richardson Conservation Area.
An onlooker takes in the beauty of Sleeping Giant State Park in Hamden Connecticut, just a 40 minute drive from campus.
ALEXANDRA FITZPATRICK Contributing Writer
SHEA Head Vine Editor
Irish Author Claire Kilroy is the author of five novels and the 2004 winner of "Rooney Prize for Irish Literature".
Photo Courtesy of The Times
Photo Courtesy of CT Museum Quest
BY FIONA WAGNER Assistant Vine Editor
As summer fades and the air turns crisp, fall arrives splashing the world with warm colors, chilly nights and pumpkinflavored sweets. One of the best parts about fall is all the wonderful TV shows and movies that carry in the cozy spirit. Here are some of my and fellow stags’ recommendations for the best TV shows and movies to put you in the autumn mood!
TV SHOWS
“Scream”
“Scream” the TV show, takes the iconic slasher franchise and gives it a fresh twist, blending mystery, humor and horror. The series follows a group of teens in high school who come face to face with the “Lakewood Slasher” aka Ghostface. Personally, this is one of my favorite horror TV series and I love to rewatch it every Halloween season. I am a big fan of the original “Scream” franchise and I think this TV spinoff does a great job of encapsulating jaw-dropping twists, clever humor and teenage drama that the original has.
“American Horror Story”
Sophomore Emily Lamoureux thinks that “American Horror Story” is one of the
best horror shows out there. This twelveseason show aired back in 2011 and each season follows a completely different storyline. AHS is known for its very dark and twisted plotlines, with each season getting wilder than the last. Lamoureux praises season three (Coven) and says that “it really encapsulates that witchy, spooky vibe that I’m looking for in the fall.” “Coven” dives deep into the world of young witches in New Orleans, which Lamoureux thinks is really interesting. She also comments that “this season features Stevie Nicks, who I love!”
“Gilmore Girls”
While horror and gore can be exciting, Paige Thompson ‘27 loves the simplicity and comfort of “Gilmore Girls.” This beloved TV show aired back in 2000 and is set in a charming small Connecticut town, Stars Hollow. This story centers around mother and daughter duo, Lorelai and Rory Gilmore as they navigate family, friendships and love. Thompson thinks “Gilmore Girls” is “the perfect fall watch because of its cozy atmosphere and pretty autumn colors.”
MOVIES
“Practical Magic”
One of my top contenders for the perfect fall watch, “Practical Magic” is a whimsical tale that blends romance, family and sisterhood with a dash of witchcraft and wizardry. This movie, released in 1998, follows the Owen sisters, Gillian and Sally, as they learn to deal with their witchy powers. Set in a picturesque New England town, this movie is filled with vibrant fall colors, cozy houses and enchanting spells. If you have never watched “Practical Magic” I highly recommend it this season!
“It’s a Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” Lamoureux likes to stick to the classics
when it comes to fall movies. Her personal favorite is “It’s a Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown.” This animated special captures the spirit of Halloween with the charm of the Peanuts gang! With heartwarming friendships, silly plotlines and childhood fun, this movie is a classic. Lamoureux loves how nostalgic it feels as she comments “I always used to watch this movie with my family when I was little, it’s a comfort watch for me.”
“Hocus Pocus”
Another iconic Halloween movie that everyone knows and loves is “Hocus Pocus” and this is Thompson’s favorite! This 1993 film centers around a new kid in town, Max and his adorable little sister, Dani. They accidentally raise the Sanderson Sisters from the dead and they cause havoc in the town of Salem Massachusetts. Thompson explains that “this movie just feels like Halloween to me.” She loves to watch “Hocus Pocus” every year to ring in the spooky season!
With the leaves changing and the air getting crisp, it’s a perfect time to curl up on the couch for a fun flick! Whether you are looking for a comfortable, cozy watch or a thrilling scare, I hope this list finds you well.
BY ISABELLA SAGARESE Contributing Writer
When the leaves turn brown and the air becomes crisp, the fashion world embraces a new array of seasonal trends for fall 2024. This season promises an earthy color palette, wool textures and the revival of new styles, allowing you to express your unique personality.
Key Trends
When asked about her favorite fall trend, Elizabeth Holland ‘27 said just two simple words, “sweater weather.”
You can channel your inner bookworm with the iconic Rory Gilmore sweater. The soft knit feeling and preppy design is perfect for layering over a jean skirt or pants. On an exceptionally cold day, you can pair it with a brown or black leather jacket.
Jeans are versatile and comfortable and can be styled in countless ways, making them perfect for almost any event. The straight-leg cut is a timeless vibe or you can opt for a bootcut pair. Jean skirts also provide a playful alternative to traditional jeans. Whether you choose a mini or midi length, you can pair it with tights and boots for a super cute fall look.
Giovanna Kalin ’26 says her favorite fall trends are “mock necks, bomber jackets and cargo pants.”
In addition, she mentioned vests, which
are a great pairing to add texture to your ensemble. They are also perfect for the transition between the summer and fall weather.
Embrace the comfort of hoodies this season. My personal favorite is the Aritzia Cozy Fleece Mega Raglan Hoodie. Neutral tones and oversized fits offer a warm option and a laid-back style.
Color Palette
This fall, earthy tones are the dominant trend. Shades of dark red, olive green and chestnut brown are making a resurgence in popularity. Paired with emerald, navy sapphire and cloudy blue, these color combinations make a statement. More options include grays, black, pumpkin oranges, eggplant purple and sangria red.
Catherine Fleming ’27 states she loves, “denim on denim, boots, deep reds and cardigans.”
A good way to incorporate the deep reds is with your choice of boots, a purse, or a lip color!
All of these fall colors evoke the natural world’s beauty and add warmth and elegance to any outfit.
Prints and Fabric
The classic corduroy fabric is making a comeback! It is perfect for skirts, jackets
and accessories. It adds visual interest to your outfit. Oversized sweaters, scarves and skirts made of wool are essential for layering in the fall. “Red leather and cheetah print” are Sofia Venanzi’s ’27 two favorite fall prints. Leather remains a staple, so expect to see it this fall! Chunky knitwear provides both warmth and texture.
Accessories and Shoes
No fall outfit is complete without accessories! This season, leather bags, colorful scarves, narrow sunglasses and headphones or ear muffs are the perfect pairings for your outfit. Chunky hoops draw attention to your hair and neckline. Claw clips are a practical choice for keeping your hair back in windy weather. Colorful baseball caps are another versatile accessory option.
My go-to fall footwear includes Adidas Sambas, UGGs and Frye boots. Sambas pair nicely with the layered look of jeans. The mini UGG boots help keep your feet warm during the colder months. Frye boots are a popular trend this season, though they can be on the more expensive side. If they are out of your budget, consider finding a dupe!
Fall 2024 is on track to be a dynamic season filled with rich textures, fun pat-
terns, beautiful colors and new trends. Go into the changing season by letting your own style shine this autumn!
Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman star as the Owens sisters in "Practical Magic".
Photo Courtesy of Vouge Australia
BY TALIA SCRARPA
Contributing Writer
As the summer starts to slowly slip away, the fall leaves are beginning to change. The season is filled with hot cider, warm sweaters and pumpkin spice. Around the town of Fairfield, there are many fun activities and places to visit to get into the fall spirit in New England!
Ciao Bella and Apricot Lane with friends. After some time filled with shopping, stop at the Firehouse Deli to eat one of their amazing house-made sandwiches which includes Billy Boy, Mr. Prez and even the Fairfield U Chicken Panini – to name a few! Before you go, live out your Rory Gilmore fantasies and take a picture at the gazebo for those Gilmore
Anyone can take the Stag Bus that runs on the hour into town! Spend a day walking around town and shopping at boutiques like
Every Sunday up until October 13, there
is a farmer’s market in town on 1451 Post Road. With over 25 vendors, this farmer’s market is a good way to support local businesses and buy freshly produced foods from farms in the Fairfield County area.
Their vendor list can be found online. Some of the businesses featured at the market are Nancy’s Pickles, handcrafted from Milford, CT; New Petal Flower Farms, naturally grown from Monroe, CT; and D’s Kitchen, glutenfree and allergy-friendly pancakes and foods from our very own Fairfield, CT.
Take a trip 15 minutes from Fairfield to Westport (and bring your credit card)! Westport has a variety of well-known stores such as Brandy Melville, Madewell, and even a threestory Anthropologie! There are also many delicious restaurants. Terrain is a plant nursery and garden cafe. In the fall, Terrain is decorated with pumpkins and sells everything from candles to home decor that reminds you of the season. The garden cafe is a sustainable farmto-table filled with earth tones and greenery.
Silverman’s Farm is a family-run business in Easton, CT. You can pick up homemade food products, go apple picking and feed animals. “Fall Fest” is a fond tradition at Silverman’s. There are 20-minute tractor rides that take you through colorful New England scen-
ery. Don’t forget to go through the pumpkin patch before you leave!
There are always things happening in the local area. Get your friends and explore! Whether you enjoy shopping, eating at restaurants or going to farms it’s as simple as pumpkin pie to find something that gets you in the fall season!
BY CAITLIN SHEA Head Vine Editor
As Sept. turns its leaf and Oct. rolls around, a new play-list is a must. Whether it’s walking around campus, studying in the library or just relaxing during a crisp autumn weekend, these songs make up the best fall playlist.
“There She Goes” - The La’s
This ‘90s classic brings all the Rory Gilmore vibes, as it is featured in the show “Gilmore Girls.” Whenever this song comes on my playlist, I’m instantly transformed into a world of pumpkin spice, sweater weather and cozy books.
“Cherry Wine” - Hozier
Hoizer is a staple for fall with his poetic lyrics and poignant story telling. Released in 2014, “Cherry Wine” has a folky fairytale feel, while also portraying the complexities of an abusive relationship.
“Two Ghosts” - Harry Styles
Some of his older work, Harry Styles’ “Two Ghosts” isn’t just a good Oct. listen because of the presence of ghosts. This folk rock song combines old school rock with a funky folk feel, comentating on the isolation felt during the parallels of a rocky relationship.
“Roslyn” - Bon Iver, St. Vincent
For those “Twilight” fans, this is a classic. “Rosyln” is a melancholy tune about falling out of love with a partner. This song gives the ultimate “sad girl autumn” vibes with its slow melody and longing lyrics.
“Kiss Me” - Sixpence None The Richer
With fall in the air, who doesn’t love a little love? Released in 1997, “Kiss Me” follows the enchanted feelings of a blossoming relationship. The indie song is sure to get stuck in your head with its smitten lyrics and catchy melody.
“Flicker” - Niall Horan
With one member of One Direction on this list, why not add another? Niall Horan encapsulates autumn, as he is always seen in a cozy sweater. His songs follow that same vibe and “Flicker” is no different. Off his studio album, this song is about love flying too high in the sky. The beautiful lyrics and peaceful tune brings
comfort and peacefulness.
“Linger” - The Cranberries
Another Irish classic, “Linger” by The Cranberries is the perfect autumn song. Describing the lingering desire of an unrequited love, this indie song is a hit with its melancholy yet upbeat sound.
“Gypsy” - Fleetwood Mac
Who doesn’t love Fleetwood Mac? “Gypsy,” released in 1982, is a song about early adulthood and reminiscing on past life. This ‘80s classic has a whimsical and magical melody which brings witchy energy into the mix.
“right where you left me” - Taylor Swift What would a playlist recommendation be without a song by the beloved Taylor Swift? “right where you left me” is from her 2020 album “Evermore” and it’s actually a bonus track! This is a song about a young woman trapped in the feelings of a long-lost relationship. “Evermore” as a whole is a very autumn themed playlist but this song is a really good one that I highly recommend.
“Cinnamon Girl” - Lana Del Rey People normally associate Lana Del
but
a
“Cinnamon Girl” is one of those, for its yearning lyrics and slow melody is pure comfort. This is such an addicting song that is perfect for an ultimate fall playlist!
What better time to break out a new playlist than the start of a new season! Whether these are songs you are already familiar with, or new ones you are hearing for the first time, I hope you enjoy them!
Happy listening!
Girls vibes.
Rey with “old money” summer energy
she has
couple songs that bring in the fall, cozy energy.
Photo Courtesy of newpetalflowerfarm.com
Photo Courtesy of Visit Connecticut
New Petal Flower Farm in Monroe, CT, offers a wide range of beautiful fall flowers.
Silverman's Farm found in Easton, CT offers a wide variety of fun fall activities for families to enjoy.
Sports
Head Sports Editor: Ryan Marquardt >>
ryan.marquardt@student.fairfield.edu
Volleyball Dominates Offensively to Open Conference Play
By Daniel McElroy Assistant Sports Editor
Fairfield volleyball went on the road to New York this past weekend, taking down both Iona and Manhattan to start 2-0 in conference play.
Matched up first with Iona on Saturday afternoon, the Stags found themselves in a game of runs, as both teams traded leads throughout the first set, and continued to rip off long stretches of points throughout the rest of the match. After seven total lead changes in the opening frame, it was a late four point burst from the Stags that proved decisive, ignited by kills from outside hitter Mikayla Haut ‘25 and middle blocker Emma Beretich ‘27.
The momentum from the 25-22 win was carried over into the second set for the Stags, who used a dominant stretch taking 10 of 11 points in the middle of the period to coast to a 25-14 advantage. The Gaels would fight back in a hotly contested third set, putting down 18 kills and limiting the Stags to just .163 hitting en
route to their lone point of the match.
Ultimately, Fairfield would claim the match in the fourth set thanks to a 17 kill frame, their best of the match.
Four players for the Stags notched a double-double in the contest, led by Haut’s team high 12 kills and 16 digs.
Outside hitter Allie Elliott ‘26 added 10 kills and 10 digs of her own, and Blakely Montgomery ‘25 and Abby Jandro ‘26 each contributed over 20 assists and 10 digs from the setter position.
Then on Sunday, the Stags arrived in Manhattan and put together an historic offensive performance on their way to a 3-0 sweep. The team’s .412 hitting percentage was its highest in a game since 2021, and the best of any MAAC squad since Rider in the 2022 Conference Tournament.
Haut again paced the team with 12 kills, followed by graduate outside hitter Janna Schlageter who had 10 kills on .625 hitting. Right side hitter Mamie Krubally ‘27 also reached double digits with 10 kills of her own.
The Stags led the Jaspers in every
In this week's issue...
- New Pickleball Classes Are The Rage (Page 14)
- Field Hockey Splits During Weekend (Page 15)
- Men's Soccer Defeats First MAAC Foe (Page 16)
major category on the stat sheet, developing considerable margins in kills (51-29), assists (50-28), and service aces (9-3).
After being battle tested in the non conference portion of their schedule, the weekend sweep was a very encouraging sign for the Stags as they look to defend
their title in the MAAC this fall.
Fairfield returns home for three games this week, beginning with a Wednesday night date with crosstown rivals and MAAC rookies Sacred Heart. First serve is set for 7 P.M. in Leo D. Mahoney Arena.
Right side hitter Mamie Krubally '27 (middle) leads the Stags with 115 kills on the year..
Photo Contributed by the Sports Information Desk
Get In The Game: New Pickleball Lessons Offered At RecPlex
By Ava Shiff Contributing Writer
With the recent explosion of popularity in the past year, the either highly competitive or nonchalant hobby of pickleball has grabbed the attention of thousands of people both nationally and internationally.
Even in our very own Fairfield University community, pickleball has begun to establish itself as an exciting activity to enjoy with friends on campus.
An indoor or outdoor sport ordinarily played with two teams of one to two players, pickleball is a racket sport that concludes when a team reaches 11 points.
Similar gameplay to tennis and badminton, pickleball involves a serve, volley between the teams and points given if a ball cannot be returned or is hit out of bounds.
Recently, the Fairfield University RecPlex has started offering free lessons with the knowledgeable, resident instructor, Lloyd Dennis ‘25. Dennis is studying finance and management on campus, while continuing his passion for sports by coaching weekly pickleball lessons.
Classes range in ability from the true beginner class, to advanced beginner, to intermediate, and even a faculty/staff class.
Dennis affirms that pickleball does not discriminate: “all ages,” are welcome to join,
regardless of previous experience in pickleball or other racket sports. Some students may be concerned about the time commitment when beginning a new sport or activity on campus while balancing
encapsulates the Mirror's essence.
Tease your article for this issue as if it was a Spongebob episode.
Who are you root- ing for during this MLB Postseason? If you were an object of significance what musuem would you be in and what would you be?
Why can I only think of "Takin' Care of Business" and I don't even know the band.
I wasn't allowed to watch Spongebob. Freakbob maybe?
The Fairfield Museum... Cause I'm going for class and might just stay forever.
school assignments, but Dennis assures lessons are, “quick and active.” Dennis also says, “lessons are [good] cardio sessions,” that, “only last one hour.”
Cardio and coordination are important aspects to
pickleball and Dennis utilizes beneficial and creative drills that keep students constantly moving on the court. Dennis suggests that dedicated students who are looking for a scheduled workout should attend at least one session per
I'm going to copy Jacqui and say the Gilmore Girls theme song. Where you lead, I will follow...
The one where Spongebob is trying to write his boating essay but keeps procrastinating.
Wow, 5x4 is hard this week. I'll go with the Met because I love NYC.
Please don't make me admit the Red Sox aren't good anymore.
"We're All in This Together" from High School Musical (a cinematic masterpiece that Max has never watched. Unbelievable, I know.
Season 1, Episode 16 is called "The Paper," which is almost too fitting.
The Art Institute of Chicago, in the picnic of “A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte.”
week, yet he also says, “life happens, but if you want to take it to the next level, take two classes if you are feeling ambitious.”
Dennis currently resides in Florida and says, “in my community in Naples, there is an 87 year old that still plays pickleball.” If an 87 year old can play this high-energy and community building racket sport, so can you!
If you are interested in signing up for pickleball lessons with Lloyd Dennis at the RecPlex this fall semester, navigate to the IMLeagues website and select the, “pickleball lessons,” tab in the right hand corner of the screen. Eight time slots are available per week and each lesson can accommodate up to eight students.
Pickleball instructor Lloyd Dennis says that the lessons held at the RecPlex have, “added value to what we offer to student’s lives,” and have been an extremely, “successful program and launch.”
According to Dennis, pickleball is currently the fastest growing sport in America and this growth does not seem to be slowing down anytime soon. Pickleball is a social game and is a beneficial way to meet new people and form long lasting relationships. No matter your previous experience with pickleball, begin or continue your fitness journey with the new pickleball lessons being offered at the RecPlex this fall semester!
The Sex and The City theme song. Carrie Bradshaw energy always.
I also wasn't allowed to watch Spongebob. Sad.
Get me in the Egyptian exhibit at The MET. I'll be a mummy. I love that exhibit.
The Overload by Yard Act. There is a constant burden to make sense.
Much like my relationship with the show, my article is nonexistent this week.
The very fun, and free, British Museum. I will say a map since I can name every country of the world.
The only baseball team I will root for is myself in Wii Sports.
The San Diego Padres. While not a Jesuit, their mascot is a Friar. Very cool. No. Why always a sports question. No. The Mets for my girl Crystal.
The Red Sox, always. But, since they're out, I'll let Crystal ghostwrite this one for me... The Mets!
Kathleen
Jacqui Rigazio
Trent Ouellette Head Opninon Editor
Pictured above is Lloyd Dennis who is teaching pickleball lessons at the RecPlex for students and staff alike.
Photo Courtesy @fairfieldurecreation Instagram
Field Hockey Splits Weekend Contests
By Ryan Marquardt Head Sports Editor
The Stags started off their weekend with a trip to Lawrenceville, NJ to take on Rider University for their first Northeast Conference game of the young season.
The game started off slowly with no offense breaking through for either team through the first 11 minutes of play until Rider converted a penalty corner to take the one nothing lead. The early goal would be the only of the match as the Stags were unable to put an equalizer past Broncs goalie Jade Regnart who had a shutout in net.
The Stags showed a relatively dominant performance on the stat sheet outshooting the Broncs 14-6 and having eight shots on goal to Rider’s five.
The Stags’ strongest quarter came out of the half as they came out firing in the third quarter. Rider saw the Stags put up eight shots in the 15 minute span including a two minute stretch where the Stags saw four penalty corners and four shots on net all turned away by Regnart and she capped off the stand by turning away a Stags penalty stroke.
The fourth quarter saw Rider turn back on the offense as they threatened the Stags multiple times but fifth year goalie Emily Streib stood tall in
net not allowing Rider to take a two goal lead.
The Stags saw one final opportunity to score in the final seconds of the game with Madison Milhous ‘25 putting one past Regnart but it flew just wide of the net.
Fairfield returned home to host the University of Maine on Sunday, September 29th. The Stags were outshot 12-9 and saw Maine put more shots on goal with nine to their seven. However Streib played a strong game in net with a season high eight saves compared to the Black Bears’ five.
The Stags came out hot allowing just three shots in the first half and scoring a goal of their own to take the lead 1-0. The Fairfield goal came 20 minutes into the game off a Fairfield penalty corner where the Stags garnered two shots from Agustina Casteluchi ‘25 and Rylee LaLoup ‘26 which led to a scramble and another Stag penalty corner.
The Stags were able to convert on this one with Alice Pifferi ‘26 dropping a pass perfectly for Pilar Mengotti ‘26 to hit a one-timer and blow it by the Black Bears defense.
The teams went into the half with the Stags up 1-0. The third quarter saw Maine generate a lot of offensive opportunities but they were unable to convert on any with
Streib having five of her eight saves in this quarter. The Stags scored their second goal early in the fourth quarter again off a penalty corner with Pifferi passing it to Casteluchi who then sent it on to Konni Hofmann ‘26 who put one past the Black Bears giving the Stags a 2-0 advantage. However the Fairfield lead did not stay at two for long as less than a minute later the Black Bears earned a penalty corner and set up a quick pass
and shot to get within one on the Stags.
For the rest of the quarter
Fairfield was able to control possession with a passive strategy forcing Maine to chase them around the field. It worked for the most part but Maine still got four penalty corners and three shots off their chances with the final scare coming with just nine seconds left in the game. Streib was able to stop any chances Maine had of tying it up and
the Stags ran out the clock to secure a much needed victory.
The game put Streib’s goals against on average down to 1.42 after she has had 20 saves in her last three starts. The win moved the Stags to 3-5 and Maine to 7-4.
Fairfield will host NEC foe Wagner College at home on Friday, October 4th and Mercyhurst College on Sunday. For more information visit fairfieldstags.com.
Stags field hockey won one of their two games this weekend and are seen above celebrating a goal in their win vs Maine.
Lily Malinowski (pictured) took part in the West Point Invitational with the women's tennis team, pairing with Meave Cassidy for a doubles win.
Devin Zachry (pictured) earned his second MAAC Men's Soccer Rookie Of The Week award for a stellar performance against UConn and Marist College. Zachry scored a goal in the 25th minute against Marist this past Saturday (see page 16 for more)
Photo Contributed by The Sports Information Desk
Goalkeeper Emily Streib (pictured) was recently named Northeast Conference Defensive Player of the Week after helping the Fairfield University field hockey team win 2-1 against the Univeristy of New Hampshire. Streib strung together a season-high eight saves after facing 13 shots in a 60 minute duration.
Photo Contributed by The Sports Information Desk
Photo Contributed by The Sports Information Desk
Photo Contributed by The Sports Information Desk
Week of September 25, 2024
Men's Soccer Outshines Marist
By Crystal arbelo Assistant Sports Editor
On a chilly Saturday night matchup against its first Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) opponent, the Fairfield University men’s soccer team defeated Marist College in an impressive fashion, extending their unbeaten streak to three games.
Leading up to the Saturday night faceoff, the Stags were within the top five standings for MAAC goals scored with 11 goals in their last eight games.
Commenting on the game, Head Coach Krystian Witkowski praised his team's performance, stating in the official press release, “These boys have put together three performances and are showing the consistency that we talked about all season.” He continued, “Their potential is starting to show, so I’m really happy with that effort. Everyone contributed tonight against a really tough opponent.”
Tough indeed, opening up the scoring was Marist; a Red Fox midfielder tucked one in the top right corner of the net within the first 12 minutes of the game.
The Stags did not take long to answer, though. Expertly taking advantage of the field opening up for a scoring pass, forward Devin Zachary ‘28 sent one right to midfielder William Pierce ‘26 who finished it off with a tap to the bottom left corner of the post, leaving the Red
Fox goalie lying after a failed block attempt.
After the shot Pierce celebrated in fashion with a knee-slide to the corner, bringing much-needed energy to an already electric matchup.
Roughly 15 minutes after their first strike, Fairfield struck again with a throw-in turned goal that was accompanied by a yellow card to either side for a too-close-forcomfort shuffle between a Red Fox and defender Jordan Blunschi ‘26 once the ball reached the swarm of players in the box. The official scoring for the goal credited graduate student and midfielder Alex Oliveira and Zachary with assisting Blunschi. Marist’s coach picked up his own yellow during the following play.
Totaling with 15 fouls each, both teams were evidently passionate about this contention. Four of the fouls occurred between the first and second Fairfield goal. Three yellow cards were flashed in the first half of play.
The second half of the game was filled with action everywhere but the score. With nothing but the field lights looming 2-1 in bright red over the field, Marist scrambled to keep more possession in the box and apply pressure. Some close chances spooked the crowd of almost 600 spectators, one of which came in a sequence sparked by contact in the box from defender Juan Pablo Leano ‘25 that awarded Marist with a penalty shot. Goalkeeper Viktor Nikolov ‘26 faced the penalty and read the
shot perfectly to send the ball vertical, allowing the Stags to coax an out of bounds bicycle kick from Marist for a goal kick.
Nikolov was not left alone after the penalty save, and picked up credit for another two. In total, the goalkeeper made five saves and faced 13 shots.
After roughly 73 minutes of play, yellow cards were still being dealt to Fairfield and will have lasting effects on the team. As Iona University, defending regular season MAAC champions, await the Stags’
arrival for their upcoming match, defender Stephen Perno ‘25 will be unable to play due to picking up his fifth yellow card of the season in this match.
Another few fouls, a couple shots and one last yellow capped out the night for the 22 on Lessing Field. Awaiting the last sequence of the match, play was halted as the referees held an impromptu meeting with two men from either team to subdue any more bad blood. Fairfield then wasted the last four seconds to secure their first three points on the
MAAC table.
Witkowski emphasized the effort displayed by Fairfield, saying, "We gave a gritty performance, and I loved their effort in the first half." He added, "The team showcased not just a resiliency but a competitive spirit that we are going to continue to harness for the weeks to come. This is a big result for us, but it's just the start."
Fairfield men’s soccer returns to action on Saturday, October 5th against the aforementioned Iona Gaels with a 2 p.m. kickoff to a roadtrip of away games.
Women's Soccer Draw Against Sienna
By Brendan Moriarty
Writer
In a September 28th matchup against the St. Bernards of Sienna College the Fairfield women’s soccer team tied 1-1. This makes the squad 8-1-1 overall and one of three unbeaten teams in the competitive MAAC conference. The team has racked up impressive non-conference wins against Princeton and Holy Cross and its only loss came against a non-conference game against the Texas A&M Aggies. At the time the Aggies were ranked 24th in the nation and a loss to such a highly-touted opponent
surely didn’t dampen the Stags spirit.
In Saturday’s matchup against Sienna, forward graduate student Elle Scott got the team off to a hot start by scoring a goal within the first three minutes of play. Sienna’s Catherine Rodgers ‘28 responded later in the first half with a goal in the 38th minute. In the second half the Stags took 13 shots yet formidable goalie play by Sienna’s Cate Burns ‘28 yielded no points. Overall Fairfield dominated the game by outshooting the St. Bernards 22-9, and were disappointed when their performance only granted them one point in the league standings.
Caroline Kelly, a graduate student and midfielder attributes the team’s early success due to the combination of experience from older players and the mentoring of the younger ones. She points out “Having 6 graduate students, four of which played their undergraduate career at Fairfield along with a strong senior class, there is a lot of older experience and mentoring for younger teammates. This combination creates a competitive atmosphere different from other years which is our biggest strength.” As a graduate student, Kelly acknowledges that the team’s past failures are also used as motivation, she described the 2023
season as “disappointing” and that the 2024 team is “determined” to not make history repeat itself.
The Stags are squarely through the first half of their schedule and have had the best start to their season since 1998. Currently the only two other unbeatens in the MAAC are Canisius and Quinnipiac who they respectively play on October 26th and 30th, both of which are home at Lessing Field. However, with such a talented team there isn’t a specific goliath the team has to conquer. When asked what the biggest challenge ahead was, Coach Barrett appropriately remarked “We need to stay focused and learn to adjust to teams when they don’t allow us to do what we’d prefer to do on the field.”
This Wednesday, October 2nd the Stags battle the St. Peter's Peacocks. The Peacocks have been struggling with an 0-4 record in conference yet their wins and losses do not tell the full story. This season St. Peters has tallied up 16 goals in total in comparison to their opponents 20 which prove that they should not be an overlooked opponent. Coach Barrett warns “St Peter’s is a tough, physical opponent. They play really hard and make it very challenging to play against them.” On another note he says “the team really appreciates the support we get at home games, and we have at least four games at Lessing before the playoffs so hopefully we’ll continue our winning ways at Lessing!”
Right now the women's soccer team is undefeated at Lessing Field. To keep the streak going it is necessary for fellow Stags to do their part. At of the time of writing the weather is looking great for the 7pm matchup against St. Peters so come on down to support one of the best teams Fairfield has had in recent history!
Junior midfielder William Pierce has five goals and one assist in nine games played this season with 11 shots on goal
Photo Contributed by the Sports Information Desk
Contributing
Fairfield's women's soccer team drew Sienna College 1-1 to move their in-conference record to 3-0-1 and their overall record to 8-1-1.
Photo Contributed by The Sports Information Desk