THE MIRROR Independent student newspaper
Week of November 2, 2022
Vol. 49 Iss. 7
Fairfield Community ‘Meets the Stags’ By Samantha Russell Contributing Writer
Photos Contributed by Payton Matthews
Over 50 Fairfiield students met at Lantern Point to come together and clean Penfield Beach, on Sunday, Oct. 30. Every Sunday students have the oppurtunity to help keep the beach clean by collecting broken glass, cups and other litter.
S t a g s u p ! Fe l l ow community and campus Stags joined for a night of festivities at the University’s Meet the Stags event, held on the Sherman Town Green on Oct. 27. From 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., Fairfield University offered children and their parents the opportunity to meet and greet with members of the men’s and women's basketball teams, the cheer and dance teams, as well as the pep band. Wit h ant i c ip at i on continuing to grow for the new Leo D. Mahoney Arena and the return of Red Sea Madness, this event only seemed necessary.
L.E.A.F. Students Give Back “ Through Weekly Beach Clean-up By Brooke Lathe Copy Editor, Head Vine Editor
After one of the most celebrated weekends in college took place, also known as “Halloweekend,” the Leaders for Environmental Action at Fairfield (LEAF) Club and Public Health club sponsored a beach clean-up on the morning of Sunday, Oct. 30. While most clean-up’s are usually sponsored by Service Fairfield where about 30 or so students are in attendance, according to Olivia Beaudoin ‘23, president of LEAF, over 50 Fairfield University students arrived at Lantern Point at 11 a.m. sharp on Sunday. In addition to the LEAF club and Public Health club, members from campus ministry, club volleyball and the University’s tennis team also grabbed a trash bag and a pair of gloves. The group started their morning outside of That’s the Spirit
Shoppe and moved their way onto The Point, picking up empty cans, broken glass, plastic cups and other litter spread throughout the area. After an hour had passed, the entirety of the beach was clear of trash and nearly 50 trash bags were filled with the collected litter. Beaudoin explained how “we originally wanted to host these events after seeing how much litter is created from our own peers and to keep our local waters free from debris. We have been doing beach clean-ups for the past couple of years and have been featured in local newspapers such as the CT Insider.” “We hope to take responsibility as Fairfield students for any litter from the past weekend’s activities,” Beaudoin added. “We also hope to aid the community with keeping our oceans, wetlands and neighborhoods free from potentially harmful material. Getting as many volunteers as
possible allows us to accomplish as much as possible, so lots of promotion goes into each clean-up.” In 2021, LEAF club held two to three beach clean-ups per semester, weather permitting. In the 2022-2023 academic school year, Public Health and LEAF club have already sponsored two clean-ups. “ This year, with more clubs and organizations involved, we hope to have more events per semester with more people for as long as we can,” Beaudoin shared. S enior Payton Matthews, president of the Public Health Club, shares that the volunteer work felt really great. “I really like to give back to the community. I’m also a senior, so I know what happens on the beach [and] I want to make sure I clean up after myself and my peers,” Matthews said. CONTINUED ON PAGE 2
Fairf ield-themed canopies and competitive games decorated the Sherman Green. Tw o b a s k e t b a l l shoot-off competitions were set up by the front of the lawn, and a life-size Connect Four sat near the gazebo. Teams and guests were encouraged to have their picture taken inside the gazebo, many of which included a celebrity appearance from Lucas the Stag. A “Meet the Stags” banner and purple string lights dressed the gazebo’s white exterior, and a Fairfield University backdrop rested against its interior.
It’s a nice community tie. We really wanted the community to feel the teams’ presence.” - Sarah Ratchford, Director of
Marketing and Fan Experience These well-awaited kick-offs come in light of Fairfield University’s upcoming basketball season, a leading source of spirit around campus. Sarah Ratchford, the director of marketing and fan experience at Fairfield, executed a game plan ensuring the night’s success. She stressed the event’s focus on connecting the Fairfield community with its adjacent university. “It's a nice community tie,” she said. “We really wanted the community to feel the teams’ presence.” R atchford added the further desire to welcome the community like a member of their teams. B allo on b ouquets,
The enormous, inflatable Lucas the Stag surely did not match the energ y provided by Lucas himself. Whether it was high-fives, hugs or an inviting interaction, Lucas created an unforgettable experience for his Lil’ Stags. Fan-favorite music also managed to lift attendees from the sidelines in an undeniably enthused environment. Children eagerly followed the lead of the Dance Team in showing off their unique moves, always to be applauded and celebrated by watching eyes. Children and parents were not the only ones charmed by the Dance Team, however. CONTINUED ON PAGE 4
University Offers Free COVID-19 Tests By Madeline West Editor- in- Chief
The student health center sent an email out to students on Oct. 28 that there will be free COVID-19 self-tests available at various locations across campus. Test kit distribution locations include the Tully Info Desk, the Rec Plex, first floor lounges in the Residence Halls and many more—distribution boxes are clearly marked. The student health center related to students “three Reasons to do a COVID-19 Self-Test.” The first way is if a student is experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms, test immediately. Secondly, if a student was exposed to COVID-19 and does not have symptoms, wait at least 5 full days after your exposure before testing. Finally, students should consider testing before contact with someone at higher risk for severe COVID19. Think about testing before gathering with grandparents for the fall/winter holidays. If you test positive, call the Student Health Center: 203-254-4000, Ext. 2241.
INSIDE
Julian Nazario/ The Mirror
News
Opinion
Vine
Sports
DiMenna-Nyselius Library set to host “Stags Share Stories.”
Advice for perfectionists in the classroom.
All the need-to-knows about HA’s Fall Fest!
Should Fairfield U bring back football?
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