The Fairfield Mirror 4/22/26

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Stags Go Green: A Week of Earth Day Action at Fairfield

By ELYSE CUCCARO Contributing Writer

Earth Day is more than just a date on the calendar for Fairfield University students this year. From late-night information sessions with festive treats to hands-on cleanups that leave a visible impact both on and off campus, students are stepping outside of the classroom to support the environment.

These events offer more than just participation or program credit – they create spaces for students to connect while simultaneously learning how their individual actions can contribute to a cleaner, healthier planet.

“As a freshman at Fairfield, I am really proud that I chose a university that is so dedicated to giving back to the environment,” says Jack LaPella, a first-year student at Fairfield University.

Today, Wednesday, April 22, students can take part in two separate Earth Day initiatives. From 3 to 4 p.m., sophomores are invited to join RA Anna Abel for a campus-wide garbage pickup as part of the Sophomores Give Back community service program.

All participants will meet in the lobby of Meditz Hall before heading outside to clean

‘SINGING

up the grounds of Stag Country.

The cleanup is expected to last only about 30 minutes, making it a quick yet effective way for students to give back to the environment. Trash bags and gloves will be provided, and to foster a little bit of friendly competition, a prize will be awarded to the participant who collects the most trash. All participants will also receive an SGB service credit.

This evening, junior students living in either the townhouses or Dolan Hall have the opportunity to take part in the Earth Day Door-to-Door initiative.

FOR A GRADE’:

Glee Club Turns Extracurricular Group Into For-Credit Class

By ABIGAIL SALO Contributing Writer

The Fairfield University Glee Club is closing out the 2025-2026 academic year as a for-credit course. After years as an extracurricular club, Dr. Michael A. Ciavaglia, Director of the Glee Club and Director of Choral Music, decided to make the change.

Students have now been taking Glee Club as a course and receiving one credit per semester for meeting on Mondays and Wednesdays from 5:00-6:30 pm.

They perform a variety of music, from classical to popular, and from opera to musical theater. Members perform in mandatory performances throughout the year, including the Alumni and Family Weekend Concert, the Christmas Concert, the Spring Concert and the Pops Concert.

Failure to attend a performance without a valid reason results in an automatic failure for the course, which students like junior Jenna Walsh say is not an issue.

“I don’t think there’s too much of a change,” said Walsh, who has been a member of the group since her first year at Fairfield. “Attendance is always important for the Glee Club, but now that it’s a course, people care more about it.”

Last weekend, Glee Club performed ‘Big River In Concert,’ which featured a collaboration between the group, Fairfield University Theater Program and professional actors from the greater Fairfield community. The performance was a musical adaptation of Mark Twain’s novel “The Adventures of Hucklebury Finn.”

The Glee Club will be performing in

their annual “Pops” concert on April 29th.

The Y2K-themed concert featured popular music from the 1990s to the early 2000s.

Students audition to perform solos for the Pops concert. “The show is really about students getting to show off their solo singing skills and have the chance for the spotlight to be on them,” said sophomore Margueritte Brady.

“It’s a little GPA booster which I enjoy,” said Brady, who has been part of the Glee Club for the past two years.

Senior Emma Maselli has been a member since the fall of 2022 and has watched the club grow over the past four years. She told The Mirror she wished the club had been a for-credit course when she joined, admitting that the extra credits would have helped her obtain priority registration.

“ It seems like everyone who is there is there to truly have a good time and make beautiful music.”

- Emma Maselli ‘26

Although having a credited class has its benefits, Maselli said members still join for the club’s essence.

“It seems like everyone who is there is there to truly have a good time and make beautiful music,” added Maselli.

Junior Jane Coppola acknowledged the possible negative effects of the club being a course.

The program will focus on sharing environmentally sustainable living tips, as well as distributing wildflower seeds, which students living in either of these two areas can plant to support pollinating insects.

The celebrations kicked off on Monday, April 20, with an Earth Day Extravaganza hosted by RA Ava Grosso from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. in the Regis Ground Floor Lounge.

The event offered students a chance to learn more about issues facing our environment in an interactive setting while enjoying delicious Earth Day-themed desserts.

The Earth-friendly week’s events will conclude with an off-campus service opportunity on Saturday, April 25, from 1 to 3 p.m at Cove Island Park in Stamford, Conn.

In partnership with SoundWaters, a Connecticut-based nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting the Long Island Sound, students will engage in a coastal cleanup.

Volunteers will help to remove debris from the shoreline while reflecting on their responsibility to care for the planet as best as they can.

All participants are encouraged to wear sturdy shoes and clothes that they don’t mind getting dirty.

By the end of the week, the impact of these events will be visible not only in tidied campus spaces or newly planted wildflower seeds, but in the sense of shared purpose amongst students.

As Earth Day festivities conclude and Stags begin returning to their everyday lives, the hope is that these efforts towards sustainability do not fade, but rather continue to shape how Fairfield U students care for not only the campus, but the external world around them.

“Some people in the group might feel obligated to stay if they decide they don’t like Glee, because quitting would mean you receive a W on your transcript,” Coppola said. However, she says it is not a problem for her, as she feels people now see the Glee Club as a more serious organization rather than a passive club.

Glee Club Advisor Michael A. Ciavaglia explains that Glee Club, as a for-credit class, is similar to other musical ensembles that have historically earned one credit per semester, such as Band, Orchestra, and the Jazz Ensemble.

“The Glee Club is educational and enriching, both in the experience of singing music and learning about the music, its composers, and the history surrounding it,” Cavaglia said.

Now that Glee Club has been offered as a for-credit course for the entire academic year, members are recognized for the time and dedication they put into the club. As Coppola put it, “It feels nice to have our organization recognized, as we rehearse for three hours a week and perform throughout the semester.”

BY BRENNA BELASCO Associate News Editor

First-Gen Stags Club Celebrates Senior Reception Ceremony

The Fairfield University First-Gen Stags Senior Reception is Monday, April 27, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., in the Dogwood Room in the Barone Campus Center. Attendees are asked to RSVP, wear business casual attire and honorees may bring a plus one. This will be the second annual reception honoring first-generation college seniors who are graduating this May.

Mishal Qureshi, founder and President of First-Gen Stags and a first-generation senior student, shared the origins of the event.

“Through our experiences and conversations within the First Gen Stags community, we saw the need for something more intentional: a space for students, by students, where their stories, challenges, and successes are truly understood and celebrated,” she said.

After last year’s reception, which received copious positive feedback, Qureshi, along with the other members of the club’s board, decided to continue the event. Additionally, at the Jesuit Student Leadership Awards on Monday, April 20, she received the Contemplatives in Action award for her hard work and dedication to challenging

the status quo.

According to her, the purpose of the event revolves around community. First-gen students and their achievements are often not recognized, and the club aims to change that. The reception creates a space for students to “...feel a true sense of belonging, knowing that their journey matters and that they are part of a larger community that understands and uplifts them,” said Qureshi.

First-gen senior student Janeth Mena echoed Qureshi’s statement regarding community while sharing what the event meant to her. “[It’s] a moment to recognize the strength it took to be first,” she said. “[We’re] celebrating the community, perseverance, and shared journey that shaped us and the legacy we leave behind.”

There’s an immense amount of care and preparation that goes into organizing the reception, one of the key elements is the

guest speakers. The club includes three different voices in its commencement speeches: a faculty member, an alumnus, and a current student will all be speaking at the reception. This year, the faculty member is the Dean of Students, Dean Johnson, and the alumnus is Mekaylia Ingram, a Registered Nurse specializing in child and adolescent psychiatry. Qureshi will be the student speaker.

Additionally, each graduating senior is individually recognized, as well as the FirstGen Stags board. Qureshi said that a major facet of the event is cultivating an overall energy and experience, including emcees, flowers, and personalized merchandise. She said that “Every part of the planning is done with intention, so that when students walk in, they can feel the care, the community, and the purpose behind it.”

Fairfield’s Independent Student Newspaper Since 1977.

Volume 53, No. 19

Editorial Board

Kathleen Morris

Editor-in-Chief

Danny McElroy

Executive Editor

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Managing Editor

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News Editor

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Associate News Editor

Conor Doonan

Opinion Editor

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Associate Opinion Editor

Talia Scarpa

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Sports Editor

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Associate Sports Editor

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We strive for accuracy. If we make a mistake, we correct it on the online version. If you notice an error, email us at 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.

Bridgeport Islanders Relocation Leaves ‘Big Hole’ For Local Sports Internships

By JULIAN NAZARIO Managing Editor

The Bridgeport Islanders hosted their first playoff game Tuesday since 2021, but it could also be the team’s last-ever game in Connecticut before they move to Canada next season.

Last month, the New York Islanders announced their intent to relocate their American Hockey League affiliate team to Hamilton, Ontario. The relocation was later unanimously approved by the AHL’s Board of Governors, leaving Bridgeport without a professional team for the first time since 2001.

The team’s departure, in addition to creating a hockey void in southwestern Connecticut, freezes the internship pipeline for Fairfield University and Sacred Heart students interested in sports media and game-day production.

Students pursuing internships for next semester will now have to look at New York City or Hartford, both of which are at a considerable distance from the town of Fairfield.

“It's going to be detrimental to that because if you do want to work with a professional sports team now, you either have to go to Hartford or you go to New York City,” said sophomore Olivia Filloramo, who works with the Bridgeport Islanders as a game day production intern.

Filloramo, a rugby player and sports business student, emphasized how the location of the Isles, a 10-minute drive to Total Mortgage Arena or a six-minute train ride to the Bridgeport Metro North station, allowed her to maintain her school, sports and extracurricular commitments while also interning with the hockey team.

“I think that's taking a big hole out of the sports industry and wanting to break into it. Like you can get something on campus, but I think it's definitely a little bit more difficult to try and get more experience in that way,”

added Filloramo.

On campus, sports business or sports media students looking to take hands-on opportunities can work with the Stags Sports Network or Fairfield Athletics.

Senior Hailey Toles has worked for the Bridgeport Islanders since the 2024-25 season, when she started as a game day production assistant following an internship experience with the New York Rangers.

A similar experience of wanting to gain experience outside of campus sports motivated her to pursue an internship with the local AHL team.

“After my summer with MSG, I was like ‘I really want to keep this fire,’ I want to keep this going,” said Toles. “I love Fairfield Athletics and it's great, but I want to find something else to do as well with my time.”

Toles credits some of the skills she knows on live game presentation to her two seasons working with the hockey team.

“From the day I started working at Bridgeport and I got trained on the different roles, it was hands-on like no other,” said Toles. “I think they gave me more responsibilities than I expected to have right away, but it has taught me so many things.”

Following her graduation from Fairfield, she will head to Indianapolis to work with the NCAA as part of their post-graduate internship program for graduates pursuing careers in college sports.

“People don’t give enough credit to minor league sports. While it is the smaller version of the major leagues, there is so much value in everything you can learn there and that has been an incredible experience,” said Toles.

Both concurred that the team’s presence in the area has an impact beyond the on-field

competition, one that cannot be measured by goals or internship highlights.

“It really helped me get out of my comfort zone and find what I want to do,” said Filloramo. Next semester, she will lead a new Women in Sports club to help connect female students on campus with sports leaders.

For Toles, the years working with the blue and orange are a reflection of how sports serve as a mechanism to change and impact the lives of others.

“People go to sports to take a breath, to relax, to connect, and I love being a part of that,” she said, adding: “that's probably one of the biggest things I've been able to take away because, while the Bridgeport Islanders are a little tiny, there are people in there that I will never forget being able to impact their days or their experiences.”

Cinefest to Showcase 14 Student Short Films on Friday

By OLIVIA MARCEDA Head News Editor

This Friday, 14 different short films from Fairfield University’s film students will be shown in the annual Cinefest award and ceremony.

Cinefest celebrates the hard work and creative talents of Fairfield’s filmmakers by screening original short films and videos produced by undergraduate students in the Department of Visual and Performing Arts’ Film, Television, Media Arts program.

Junior Shea Burns, the producer of Cinefest, and who worked on five of the 14 short films, has been a part of Cinefest for the past two years as a student.

“These filmmakers’ ability to explore and communicate themes of acceptance, family, tradition, meaning, justification and the landscape of our changing world through the language of film is an incredible opportunity we’ve been given by this school,” said Burns. “We hope audiences leave Cinefest inspired, excited and enthusiastic to discuss the concepts they experience during these films.”

The hosts for this year’s award ceremony are junior Sam Enriquez and sophomore Maidi Severino. Both are film, television and media majors at Fairfield.

“I’m most excited to be hosting

with Sam, a little nervous, but mainly excited,” said Severino. “I really hope that what the audience takes away from this experience is all the hard work these students put into this event. Many students work tired nights turning their ‘what ifs’ into reality and there’s a whole committee working behind the scenes making sure that gets represented.”

“I think that events like Cinefest are immensely important to film students as a majority of us spend the year creating films with the hope in the back of our mind that our projects can be featured up on the big screen,” said Enriquez.

All of the students have been working on these projects for the past year and a half along with the guidance of Meryl O’Connor the Director of the Film, Television and Media Arts program here at Fairfield.

“Cinefest is integral to showing those across campus and the community that this university grows some truly talented artists, especially in film and television related majors,” Enriquez said.

The 14 different short films are all from different student directors and cover a range of different genres such as Horror, Comedy, Drama, Sci-Fi, Action, and more.

Short films like “Evil Murder Pants” directed by sophomore Leonardo Tarascio, and “Temp Check Live

With Ricky Blaze” directed by senior Michael Boudrot share fun and entertaining storylines to the audiences.

According to Burns, one of the biggest challenges was shooting in natural environments.

“We had an extremely long winter which made reshooting scenes shot in the fall of challenge and snow had built up over time,” Burns said.

Another challenge faced was when working on the short film “I’ll Try,” that will also be shown at Cinefest award ceremony was their filming at the beach. Director, senior Alexa Sewell and crew kept experiencing loud events happening nearby, such as parties, music festivals and loud boats when trying to record.

Attendees can also expect to expereince documentaries such as “Street” directed by freshman Simon Perez, and “A Dying Tradition” directed by Grace Danielewicz.

“People should support events like Cinefest because it gives people the chance to come together to enjoy and appreciate the art of cinema and the hard work that was put into these short films,” Burns said.

The screening and awards ceremony is held in the Quick Center for the Arts and open to the public. Admission for all screenings is free and seats are first come, first-served.

Holocaust Remembrance Ceremony: Reflecting on

By ANTHONY MACCHIA Contributing Writer

Six unlit candles sat at the front of the room, placed carefully on a table facing a relatively full audience inside the Kelley Center Presentation Room at Fairfield University. As students, faculty, campus ministry and community members settled into their seats on April 16 at 3pm, the quiet anticipation reflected the weight of what the ceremony would soon honor.

The memory of six million lives lost in the Holocaust.

The Holocaust Remembrance Ceremony centered on reflection, education, and the enduring responsibility of memory, featuring keynote speaker Dr. Shay Pilnik, director of the Emil A. and Jenny Fish Center for Holocaust and Genocide Studies at Yeshiva University.

Dr. Pilnik, a scholar of Holocaust memory and postwar Eastern Europe, grounded his remarks in a central idea that framed the afternoon.

“Memory depends on history, and history depends on memory,” Pilnik said, emphasizing how remembrance is

Memory and Responsibility

essential to preserving the truth.

His talk drew from his recent work on Babyn Yar, the site of one of the largest mass shootings of the Holocaust and explored how its history was suppressed for decades under Soviet rule. Pilnik highlighted the importance of the period known as Khrushchev’s Thaw, when restrictions on public discourse loosened and acknowledgment of atrocities slowly began to surface.

He pointed to 1966 as a significant turning point, marking the creation of one of the first memorials at Babyn Yar, an example of how societies begin to confront and institutionalize memory after long periods of silence.

The ceremony blended historical insight with ritual and reflection. It opened with a prayer led by Fairfield’s Reverend John Savard, inviting attendees to reflect not only on the six million Jewish victims of the Holocaust, but also the millions of others persecuted under Nazi rule.

Moments of silence and prayer were interwoven throughout the program. During the recitation of the Kaddish, the traditional Jewish prayer for the dead, attendees stood together in remembrance. Organizers emphasized that the Kaddish

MIRROR IN A MINUTE

NYC Observation Deck Offers Free Admissions to Seniors

By JULIAN NAZARIO Managing Editor

Top of the Rock Observation Deck will offer graduating seniors free admission to the observatory during the month of May.

The free admission offer is valid through May when students of the Class of 2026 visit wearing their cap and gown or showing proof of graduation, which can be

done with a diploma or student ID verifying the graduation year.

To redeem the offer, students need to reserve tickets in person.

The observation deck is located at the top of Rockefeller Center and offers views of the Empire State Building, One World Trade Center, Central Park and the Chrysler Building.

is not solely a prayer of mourning, but also an affirmation of faith and continuity.

This program broadened the scope of remembrance through selected readings. A passage from German pastor Martin Niemöller, served as a stark warning about the consequences of silence in the face of injustice.

“Then they came for me, and there was no one left to speak out for me,” the reading concluded, reinforcing the moral responsibility to act.

Another key moment came during the “Prayer of Resolve,” written by Rabbi David Katz and read by Fairfield Provost, Dr. Christine Siegel. The prayer urged attendees to carry the lessons of the Holocaust forward in their own lives.

“We pray that the lessons we learn from this darkest hour allow all of humanity to better itself,” Dr. Siegel stated, “and to truly and nobly embody the idea that we are each made in Your image.”

Music added another emotional layer to the ceremony. A performance of “Eli, Eli,” based on the words of Hungarian Jewish resistance fighter Hannah Senesh, expressed a longing for continuity and hope, even in the face of immense loss.

One of the most powerful and

symbolic moments came when the six candles at the front of the room were finally lit. Each flame represented one million Jewish lives lost during the Holocaust. As the candles flickered, a reflection honored not only those who were killed, but the lives they might have lived.

The ceremony emphasized that remembrance extends beyond acknowledging the past; it is also about recognizing the potential that was destroyed and the responsibility to preserve human dignity moving forward.

As the ceremony closed Fairfield’s, Reverend Paul Rourke delivered the final blessing, reinforcing the ceremony’s central message of remembrance and responsibility.

“We pray for shalom—for wholeness and peace—to be in our midst, now and forever,” Rourke said. “Please, bring us a world devoid of hatred, filled instead with peace.”

In bringing together scholarship, prayer, and reflection, the ceremony highlighted a clear message: remembrance is not just about honoring the past, it is about shaping the future.

Misleading Media Coverage of Iran and Lebanon Promotes Ignorance

The New Performative Nature of LinkedIn

end.

The shift isn’t in the platform itself, but in how people feel pressured to use it.

I first created a LinkedIn account four years ago during my freshman year of college after professors strongly encouraged us to join the platform. They framed it as a valuable networking tool that lets recruiters easily find you, learn about your experience and stay connected with you throughout your professional career.

packaged anecdote designed to perform well on LinkedIn.

one scroll through LinkedIn to start feeling discouraged.

a new role or accomplishment. Now, every milestone seems to re-

The platform shifted from a space for connection into one driven by performance. The expectation is no longer just to share updates, but to turn every experience into something that resonates, engages, and circulates.

Publicly shaming prospects has become one of many trends on LinkedIn. It is evident that people now care less about tailoring their profiles and posts to achieve professional success and more about mastering the algorithm.

Instead of inspiration, the feed can quickly turn into a stream of reminders about everything you might be doing wrong in your job search.

engages, and circulates.

As my professional and personal life evolved, so did LinkedIn.

formative the journey was to get there. Scroll through LinkedIn to-

you’ll likely see the structure

a humble beof struggle and a neatly

Somewhere along the way, it stopped being enough to simply update your profile with plishment. Now, every quire a multi-paragraph reflection about how transday, and same repeated: ginning, a story packaged lesson at the

As a marketing student, I under-

hopes of landing a job. In the post, the recruiter went on at length about how creativity

Just a few days ago, I came across a post from a recruiter describing how a senior in college had cold-called him in hopes of landing a job. In the post, the recruiter went on at length about how impressed he was by the student’s creativity and initiative.

As a marketing student, I understand the strategy behind it.

their reach, so their posts and profiles are seen by more people. But as a college senior entering

There are endless posts explaining the “right” way to network, the “right” way to write a resume and the “right” way to approach recruiters. On top of that, I often see recruiters posting job opportunities where the only way to receive the application link is to like or comment on the post first.

The story was framed almost like a career lesson, an example of bold networking paying

The story was framed almost like

Professionals want to increase impressions on their profiles and expand their reach, so their posts and profiles are seen by more people. But as a college senior entering the workforce, the pressure to turn every experience into LinkedIn “clickbait” is

ery experience into LinkedIn “clickbait” is honestly irritating.

While it may seem harmless, it often feels less like an effort to help candidates and more like a push for engagement. Every like and comment boosts the post in LinkedIn’s algorithm, increasing the recruiter’s visibility and reach.

off. But the post ended with a line that stuck him an interview, but it did get my attention.” The whole story felt

stuck with me: “It didn’t get him an interview, but it did get my attention.”

The whole story felt less like a genuine moment of professional connection and more like another carefully

like another carefully

still an incredibly useful tool. It allows students to connect

Don’t get me wrong, LinkedIn is still an incredibly useful tool. It allows students to connect with professionals, discover new opportunities, and learn more about industries they might not have access to.

ties, and learn more about industries they might not have access to. However, when every scroll through

For students genuinely trying to find work, the process can start to feel less like professional networking and more like being part of someone else’s content strategy.

ured out. In reality, most people are still navigating uncertainty, rejection and

However, when every scroll through LinkedIn reveals another polished success story, it’s easy for students to feel like everyone else has their career figured out. In reality, most people are still navigating uncertainty, rejection and trial and error; things that rarely make it into the LinkedIn highlight reel.

As students entering the workforce, we’re constantly told to build our personal brands and turn every experience into a story worth sharing. But networking doesn’t need to be performative to be effective and professional growth doesn’t have to be packaged into a viral post to be real.

Take it from me, a senior trying to land a job after graduation. It only takes

land a job after graduation. It only takes

Sometimes the most meaningful connections come from something much simpler, a genuine interaction, an honest update or the admission that, like many of us just starting out, we’re still figuring it all out.

'Project Hail Mary': Optimistic, Relevant, Rocky

with moments of levity and stunning cinematography by Greig Fraser (“Rogue One,” “Dune,” “The Batman”).

The behind-the-scenes work on this movie puts practical effects and digital artistry into a potent combination, as immersive as it is beautifully realized.

In case this is news to you, Ryan Gosling’s latest science-fiction blockbuster “Project Hail Mary” (2026) is a huge hit. Directors Phil Lord and Chris Miller crafted an emotionally resonant picture, giving audiences an engaging experience that breezes along through a complicated, yet simultaneously simple story.

bination, as immersive as it is beautifully realized. But on the other hand, I think the real reason peo-

But on the other hand, I think the real reason people have clicked so much with “PHM,” and the reason I haven’t stopped thinking about it, is how optimistic and relevant the film feels.

also starring Ryland Grace (Gosling) on a long-shot expedition into the

Based on a novel by Andy Weir (author of “The Martian,” which was also successfully adapted into a film starring Matt Damon), the stars are dying, including our sun, and humanity sends Dr. Ryland Grace (Gosling) on a long-shot expedition into the cosmos in hopes of finding a solution.

highest premium of quality and a refreshingly

Hope, truly, is the word to remember, as this film not only offers a revived box-office reception rarely seen post-COVID, studio production at its highest premium of quality and a refreshingly wholesome tale of friendship.

I’ve held off on writing my review for this film because there are so many ways I could take it.

On the one hand, Lord and Miller are a directing duo I’ve followed since childhood with “The LEGO Movie” (2014) and “Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs” (2009).

They continually deliver entertaining and well-crafted movies that impress with their wit as much as their skilled visual storytelling, often appealing to wide audiences of all ages.

Or I could mention the spectacular score by Daniel Pemberton (Lord and Miller’s “Spider-Verse” films, A24’s “The Drama”), which weaves emotion and suspense expertly

Some say that “2026 is the new 2016,” as internet users have brought back the aesthetics and vibes of 2016. Fans are saying Coachella 2026 brought back the same kind of energy that made Coachella 2016 feel so unforgettable. In uencers, celebrities and content creators have channeled their inner 2016 during this year’s Coachella, wearing boho-chic out ts, ower crowns and even carrying around the iconic Unicorn Frappuccino.

Yet the most important part of 2016’s Coachella was the carefree energy and focus on the music, making it a nostalgic and popular

era to look back on.

In other words, Gosling’s alien pal Rocky is everything.

In other words, Gosling’s alien pal Rocky is everything.

By giving viewers characters who are friendly, kind, intelligent and relatable, Lord & Miller hold an endearing mirror up to our current culture. People, seeking connection in a time where the world feels like it's ending, are widely feeling lonely and hopeless.

People, seeking connection in a time where the world feels like it's ending, are widely feeling lonely paired

The tense modern global climate, paired with rising corporate monetization, makes us feel further isolated to our devices.

Which is why “PHM” is so timely – Gos-

Which is why “PHM” is so timely – Gosling represents the everyman of today, an anxious, niche-obsessed introvert who feels underequipped and lost in their current inescapable circumstances.

capable circumstances.

The solution to his problems, an unexpected friendship with a like-minded foreigner, fulfills the desires of moviegoers because we can trust it.

Much like the Earth today, Grace and Rocky are faced with impossible odds and unimaginable stakes.

Their ability to rely on each other, completely committed to working together, protecting not only their respective planets but one another, is inspiring.

More movies should follow “PHM” in

speaking directly to modern audiences, without malice or condescension, decidedly hopeful, about how we collectively strive to protect who we love.

And with this spring’s Artemis II success at NASA, there is no better time for a movie like this.

Was Coachella Really Giving 2016 This Year?

Fast forward to 2026, and the question practically asked itself: Was this year's Coachella actually channeling 2016 vibes like the internet is declaring, or has it fully transformed into what many are now calling the “In uencer Olympics”?

As I was scrolling through TikTok during the festival, a pattern became fairly obvious. I saw a large surplus of videos revolving around house or “villa” tours bought by a brand, brandsponsored gi ing suites and out t reveals from personalized stylists that most likely cost over a grand. One Reddit user on a chain regarding this year’s Coachella commented, "No one goes for the music – it's a fashion show and Inuencer Olympics.” Harsh, maybe, but not entirely o base.

What’s even more striking is how openly some in uencers have discussed their motivations for attending the festival. Several creators admitted that they weren’t even planning to attend until brands reached out with last-minute invitations.

e shi from wanting to go for the experience to only going because you're being paid ruins the entire energy of the event. It has all become way too transactional and inauthentic. at practically sums up the core issue: Coachella doesn’t just feel di erent; it feels manufactured.

Some in uencers reportedly receive anywhere from $10,000 to $50,000 in brand deals tied to the

festival, covering everything from ights to luxury accommodations. In return, they produce content that promotes those brands. On paper, it’s just marketing. But in practice, it creates this strange, almost dystopian dynamic where every moment is content, every out t is an ad and every experience is ltered through a lens of performance. If phones were banned, I wonder how many of these in uencers would still go.

craving again. Not perfection, but reality. Not a brand activation, but a genuine, real experience. I want to view Coachella through the lens of someone who is actually enjoying their experience.

or

I feel like that statement gets at something deeper than just Coachella. It’s about authenticity – or the lack thereof. Audiences today are hyper-aware. ey can tell when something is staged, overly edited or driven by obligation rather than genuine excitement. As one YouTube critique put it, “You’re not in uencing anyone. Why is everything an ad or a commercial nowadays?” Skepticism is growing, and it’s starting to push back against the very system that created in uencer culture in the rst place.

Tube critique put it, “You’re not in uencing anyone. Why is everything an ad or a comthe

ences more because it feels honest. Overall, it’s

ere’s also a growing distinction between “in uencers” and “creators,” as I myself and many other users have noticed. e latter tend to prioritize documenting their experiences as they happen, with minimal editing, and then return to enjoying the moment. I think that’s the kind of content that resonates with audiences more because it feels honest. Overall, it’s not about selling a lifestyle; it’s about sharing one. It’s important for in uencers nowadays to know their audiences – not everyone resonates with a luxury, all-paid trip to Coachella.

with a luxury, all-paid trip to Coachella. At its best, Coachella was never just about

But in all honesty, placing the blame on

But in all honesty, placing the blame on in uencers is too easy – and not entirely fair. is ecosystem exists because people engage with it. Brands invest in in uencers because it works. Views translate to visibility, and viability to sales. Audiences, whether they love it or hate it, are still watching. In a way, the “In uencer Olympics” isn’t just created by in uencers – it's sustained by everyone participating in the cycle.

to visibility, and viability to sales. Audi–by everyone participating in the cycle. Yet, there are glimpses of something dif-

Yet, there are glimpses of something different. Some creators – and notably, certain brand campaigns – have started leaning into a more authentic approach. Pinterest encouraged its sponsors to live in the moment, use digital cameras instead of phone lming and share content a er the fact about how the experience resonated with them, rather than in real time.

aged its sponsors to live in the moment, use digital cameras instead of phone lming and share content a er the fact about how the

is feels closer to the spirit of 2016 – less pressure and more presence.

is feels closer to the spirit of 2016 – less pressure and more presence. at’s what people seem to be

At its best, Coachella was never just about out ts or exclusivity; it was about the music, community and a shared cultural moment. Whether it can return to that is unclear. But thing is certain: audiences are paying attention, and they’re starting to push back against the overly curated, brand-heavy version of the

one thing is certain: audiences are paying starting to push back against the overly curated, festival.

“What’s Leading the Lead Team?”

BY ADRIANA GIOVINAZZI AND KYRA CHOUMAROV Contributing Writers

As graduation approaches, the senior leaders of Campus Ministry’s Lead Team, a team of students that help run the Campus Ministry programs, are reflecting on a year defined by service, faith and community impact. For Ricky, Abi and Kitty, their involvement has gone far beyond weekly Mass – it has become a defining part of their time here at Fairfield.

Ricky Lawlor’s journey with Campus Ministry started when he was a first-year student when he immersed himself in Liturgical Ministry. Encouraged by peers like Bobby Schattle ‘25, he joined the Lead Team as a sophomore and has remained committed ever since. During his sophomore year, he attended the Kairos 44 retreat, later returned as a leader and eventually directed the retreat during his senior year. His involvement also extended beyond campus, including attending the immersion trip to Belize and leadership as Membership Chair of Alpha Sigma Nu.

For Ricky, the most meaningful part of his experience was being able to walk alongside others in their faith journeys. “Even if you’re not on the Lead Team, you’re still a leader,” he shared, emphasizing that being a leader in Campus Ministry is rooted in example and presence. Whether through conversations at Community Gatherings or unexpected encounters across campus, Ricky has found joy in inspiring others to get involved.

Abi Evans joined the Liturgical Ministry during her freshman year. Not only has she served in Liturgical Ministry all throughout her four years here at Fairfield, she also joined the Lead Team during her junior year, helped lead the Kairos Retreat in the spring of her junior year, and then

took on the title of Program Coordinator this current senior year.

Although it is hard to pinpoint one specific highlight, what Abi finds most fulfilling is seeing the campus community

ing in service. That same year, she went on an immersion trip to Ecuador. After that, she was inspired to go to more Campus Ministry meetings. Eventually, she was convinced to throw her hat in the ring for Lead Team, which she has participated in since her junior year.

shine through. Whether that be seeing people serving at mass, people asking her how they can become involved, or slowly watching underclassmen become more confident and coming into their own while serving at mass.

Our final Lead Team Leader is Kitty Vernon. Kitty has always been strong in her faith, but she took some time to join Campus Ministry. Freshman year she went to mass, but didn’t really get involved until her sophomore year when she led Ignite, a Campus Ministry pre-orientation program designed for incoming students to move in early and build a community while engag-

As for advice for all of the underclassmen wondering whether or not to join Campus Ministry, Kitty says, “Just do it –just get involved.” She notes, “It’s not just for a certain kind of person you don’t have to be Eucharistic Ministering or Lectoring, you can just go down to the basement and chat.”

A shared highlight between Ricky, Abi and Kitty is their love for the INCY retreat experience! When asked to choose between community gatherings and Retreat Weekends, all three immediately chose the INCY, describing how it is one of the most meaningful parts of Campus Ministry.

For Ricky, he enjoys the energy, connection and memories created throughout the weekend. Abi appreciates how being in an overnight setting allows students to build deeper relationships away from the stress of everyday campus for a spiritual reset. Kitty especially values being surrounded by nature, as it creates a peaceful environment to encounter God in an intentional way. Though each senior values different aspects of the retreat, they all agree that the INCY offers a unique experience for faith, friendship and renewal.

As each senior prepares for graduation–all three of them returning to Fairfield for grad school – they acknowledge that faith will look a little different outside of campus. Still, the foundation they have built remains strong, and they will continue to grow in their faith. The message is clear – Campus Ministry is a place for everyone. Whether through leadership, retreats or just showing up, there is a place for everyone.

And for these seniors, that place has made all the difference.

Irish Cultural Club Pushes for Club Sport Status for Gaelic Football

BY MAEVE CARLTON Contributing Writer

This past weekend, the Irish Cultural Club held its third annual Gaelic Showcase event, inviting students to try Gaelic football and hurling in a friendly environment. Though the event has grown into a tradition for the club, members are still fighting to take the next step: making Gaelic football an official club sport.

Senior Nolan Heffelfinger, president of the Irish Cultural Club, said, “It’s great to build some Irish community from these games.”

This drive to build community goes farther than the ICC Showcase. Junior Madison Donohoe has led the push to get Gaelic football officially recognized as a club sport, going through all the motions from completing club documents and creating a club constitution, to petitioning for student interest.

“We could have gotten even more, to be honest,” Donohoe said. Getting signatures wasn’t enough, though. After all her organising, she was told that the school caps club sports at 25 teams. Her proposal was rejected on these grounds.

Despite the setback, Donohoe isn’t giving up. She has already received support from the head of the National Collegiate Gaelic Athletic Association, and aims to use this to keep trying to create a team next

year. “[The head of the NCGAA] was really trying to help me this year,” Donohoe said. Her efforts this year put her on the waitlist for creating a club sport at Fairfield, though she acknowledges that she is unsure of what this means going forward.

Donohoe also believes that official status would do a lot to grow interest in the sport on campus. The team she intends to create would be co-recreational, allowing female and male students to play and compete on the same team. For the sport to qualify, however, there has to be a certain number of female players on the pitch at a time. “There’s definitely interest there,” she said. “Even among the girls.”

Heffelfinger is just as optimistic.

After founding the Irish Cultural Club during his sophomore year, he has built the showcase into a recurring event that draws the UConn Gaelic football team and the Hartford Gaelic Athletic Association to Grauert Field. With graduation soon approaching, he hopes the tradition and push for club sport status will continue on without him. “I've been trying to instill this kind of tradition for the last three years,” he said. “I'd love to keep it going. Hartford and UConn love to come down here every year, and keeping it going helps them,

too.”

He was also quick to point out that Gaelic sports aren’t just for Irish students. “We have a lot of kids in our club who aren't Irish at all,” Heffelfinger said. “A lot of them come out here today to learn Gaelic football and they end up having a ton of fun with it.” He added that the Gaelic football community in the area is already strong, and Fairfield’s involvement would only allow for more competitive opportunities for all teams.

For those who haven’t tried the sport, there is not much of a learning curve. Freshman Jake VanDermark played Gaelic football for the first time during Sunday’s showcase. “I picked it up easy enough,” he said, attributing some of that to his soccer background. He added that he would “100% join” if it became a club sport next year.

Donohoe agrees that the sport’s accessibility is one of its selling points. “It’s easy to pick up,” she says, “and it’s a fun time.” Whether Fairfield will make room for club Gaelic football remains to be seen. For now, the club aims to make sure that the sport is able to stay visible on campus. They will still continue to make a case for it to gain club sport status, though. “I think Fairfield would love it,” Heffelfinger said.

Senior Style Guide for Graduation & Senior Week

BY JULIANA TORELLO Staff Writer

Senior year is filled with milestone memories where everyone wants to look and feel their best. Finding the perfect graduation dress and planning outfits for every senior week event is the time to celebrate your personal style while staying comfortable and confident.

Where to Find the Perfect Graduation Dress

Finding a graduation dress can feel overwhelming, but knowing where to look makes all the difference. Online shopping has become a go-to for many seniors thanks to its convenience and variety. Sites like Princess Polly are especially popular for their wide selection of trendy styles, frequent discounts and fast shipping which is perfect if you’re making a last-minute decision. Revolve is another great option, offering a massive range of dresses at different price points, whether you’re splurging or sticking to a budget. If you’re looking for something simple yet high-quality, Showpo is known for flattering fits and timeless designs.

Interestingly, many seniors are also turning to resale platforms like Depop. Shopping secondhand is not only budgetfriendly but also a sustainable way to find unique pieces. It’s a great option if you want something that stands out while still being affordable.

For those who prefer trying clothes on in person, local boutiques can be a hidden gem. Smaller shops often provide a more relaxed and personalized shopping experience compared to crowded malls. Stores like Apricot Lane or Ciao Bella typically

carry curated selections of white dresses, making the process less overwhelming. If you’re up for a bigger shopping trip, malls like Trumbull offer a variety of options, including Zara, Windsor, H&M and Altar’d State, where you can browse different styles all in one place.

Trending Graduation Dress Styles

When it comes to choosing your dress, style and functionality are first on the list. Off-the-shoulder cuts remain a favorite for their elegant yet modern look. A-line silhouettes are universally flattering and comfortable, making them ideal for long ceremonies. Structured white minis are perfect if you’re aiming for a polished, put-together vibe, while bubble hems add a playful and trendy touch. Mid-length dresses are also gain-

ing popularity for their balance between formality and practicality. No matter the style, make sure your dress allows for easy movement since you’ll be walking, sitting and taking lots of pictures.

Senior

Week Outfit Lookbook

Senior week is packed with events, each with its own vibe, so planning ahead can save you stress.

For the Commencement Ball, think formal and elevated. A long, silky dress creates an elegant look that feels special for such a big night. You can’t go wrong with classic colors or soft pastels.

The day before graduation, often filled with meaningful moments like a mass or family gatherings, calls for something comfortable yet pretty. A flowy mini or maxi dress is perfect because it is breathable but still feels put-together.

Created by Juliana Torello

For brunch, keep it casual. A simple, comfortable, casual, everyday dress paired with comfortable shoes is ideal. You’ll want something easy to move around in while still looking cute for photos.

The mock wedding is your chance to lean into a romantic, summery aesthetic. A long sundress with light, airy fabric fits the vibe perfectly and gives that “summer wedding guest” feel.

Senior fashion is all about balance, style, comfort and confidence. Whether you’re shopping online, browsing local boutiques or styling outfits for each event, the key is choosing pieces that make you feel like your best self. These are moments you’ll remember forever, and your outfits should reflect that excitement. So have fun with it, try new styles and don’t stress too much. Sometimes the best looks are the ones you already have in your closet.

5 Benefits of Learning Another Language

BY LIZZIE FREEMAN Associate Vine Editor

As the semester wraps up, Stags who have been abroad are preparing to return home, and Stags who are going abroad in the fall are gearing up to go away. For many, they will be traveling to and from destinations where English is not the native language, meaning they will be immersed not only in a completely different culture but also a completely different language. While this may seem daunting, many find they come home knowing at least a little more of their second language than they did before. After all, it’s hard not to learn a language when you’re surrounded by it. Even for those students who are not going abroad, learning a language is an incredible opportunity that shouldn’t be passed up. It’s not impossible to learn a language without being immersed in it;

while the time and effort language learning requires often turns prospective polyglots away, the benefits of speaking another language are well worth it.

Language provides access to culture. Within the United States, there are countless communities who speak languages other than English. Language is a key part of one’s identity and culture. By speaking another language, you are better able to understand the little nuances that differentiate cultures; furthermore, being able to speak more than one language allows you to communicate with people you may not have otherwise connected with. There’s nothing like the look of recognition that someone gives you when you speak their native language. When you speak to someone in their first language, you not only make them more comfortable, but you

show them that you care enough to try.

Language learning is great exercise for the brain. Just like the rest of the body, the brain needs exercise, too. Learning a language requires pattern recognition, memorization, and concentration. According to Carley Spence’s article “How learning a new language changes your brain” from cambridge.org, language learning leads to advantages such as better academic performance, stronger communication skills and greater creativity, to name a few. There are even some studies that claim language learning can help delay the onset of dementia. Unsurprisingly, language learning strengthens the brain.

It opens up opportunities for travel. Why go to France if you can’t order a pain au chocolat? Why go to Spain without knowing how to ask for directions to el mercado? Traveling to new destinations is so much easier when you know at least a few crucial phrases, and it’s even more fulfilling when you can understand and even participate in the conversations around you.

It looks great on a resume. As college students, we all have our minds on the future. We’re always looking to build our resume to secure the job we want. The ability to speak another language sets you apart from other candidates, showing employers that you not only have the skills to communicate with a wider array of people, but also that you have the dedication and work ethic to take on a challenge. Speaking another language is useful for nearly every career in the world; for example, nurses can care for more patients, teachers can communicate with more students and businesspeople can work with more clients. In any context, being able to communicate with a wider variety of people and interpret for those who can’t is an invaluable skill.

It builds confidence. Making progress in a language is so rewarding. The feeling of finally being able to understand a conversation, movie or song in your target language for the first time is unmatched. No matter how quickly or slowly you progress, it’s reassuring to know that every single word, phrase or expression you learn brings you one step closer to fluency. Tackling a challenge like this proves that you can do things you never thought possible. Additionally, learning a language forces you to step outside your comfort zone; speaking to another person in a second language requires improvisation and courage. You will inevitably make mistakes, forget words or say something completely different from what you meant; all of those moments will help you learn and make you more confident for next time.

These are just a few, but there are innumerable reasons to pick up a new language. Now that classes are finishing up and summer is on the horizon, you may use the free time to take up language learning as your newest hobby.

Created by Lizzie Freeman

‘Euphoria?’ More like the come down.

I started watching ‘Euphoria’ my junior year of high school, when everything about it felt unreal in the best way. The colors and lighting were aesthetic, the music stayed with you, and even the worst moments had a strange allure to them. It didn’t ignore how ugly addiction was, but it showed how easy it is to get pulled into it. So now, being in my junior year of college, I went into this new season expecting at least some version of that same feeling. Not the same story, but the same vibes–however, the first episode just does not have it.

Instead, it feels stripped down in a way that is almost uncomfortable to sit through. Not because it's powerfully raw, but because it feels like it's trying to make everything a little too bleak and it forgot how to be engaging. The show used to balance beauty with Rue’s (and other characters’) destruction; now it just sits in that destruction.

The opening car scene is where you start to feel that shift. It drags on way too long, stretching a moment that could have been funny and even tense into something just exhausting. You stop feeling anything and start thinking about how long it's been going. Then the fentanyl smuggling scene takes that even further. It was hard to watch, but not in a way that felt mean-

BY CLAUDIA PETTINATO Staff Writer BY REEM KHARBOUCH Staff Writer

ingful. It feels overly detailed, almost like walking you through it step by step. Instead of trusting the audience, it overdoes it and ends up feeling more uncomfortable

him in jail feels empty, and wrong considering the circumstances of Cloud’s death. It felt as though the writers went with the easiest option instead of the right one.

than impactful.

The writer’s choices with the characters felt even more off. What they did with Fez’s character did not sit right with me at all. After losing Angus Cloud, it feels like there was a real chance to give his character a storyline that could maybe educate users on drug use in a better way. Instead, putting

Even more confusing is the fact that the only character who felt somewhat reasonable this episode was Nate Jacobs. That shouldn’t happen. He’s been one of the most toxic characters from the beginning, so the fact that he feels like the most grounded one now says a lot about the rest of the show. Cassie's storyline is another

problem. It feels random and extremely pointless, like it just appeared without any real buildup. There's no emotional weight behind it. No real plot, either. The only character that I felt stayed the same was Maddy. She is confident and actually feels like a real person in the middle of this episode. She's a baddie, and she's one of the only characters keeping the episode from feeling completely flat.

Then there is the music. The absence of Labrinth is almost impossible to ignore. His soundtrack used to be such a huge part of what made ‘Euphoria’ feel the way it did. It filled every scene with emotion and most of his music I still listen to today. Without it, everything feels quieter, and empty.

Watching this episode now, compared to when I first started the show in high school, it feels like something is missing. Back then it felt like you were being pulled into the show, and you could actually sit through an entire episode without taking multiple breaks. Now it just feels like you are being held in it against your will.

This premiere feels like a come down that never really recovers. It’s trying so hard to de-romanticize everything that it loses what made the show a hit in the first place. It's not that it shouldn't change, but right now, it just does not feel like ‘Euphoria.’

A Pop Princess and an Alt Rockstar: The New Release Radar

New albums and songs are coming out left and right especially as spring becomes summer! Music is such a staple for the summer from late night drives and road trips to traveling and hanging out; it always makes things more fun. The two new releases mentioned below are Olivia Rodrigo’s new song “Drop Dead,” and Sombr’s new release “Potential”. Both artists create pop music and have amassed a great following of fans worldwide, so it is safe to say people were thrilled to hear their new releases that dropped last weekend.

Rodrigo’s album “you seem pretty sad for a girl so in love,” is set to release on June 12, which is coming up soon. Waiting for the album to drop, she released a single called “Drop Dead,” likely about her boyfriend, Louis

Partridge, an English actor. The song has an amazing upbeat feel and such a catchy chorus. Her lyrics often blend so beautifully together and this song exemplifies that.

“Drop Dead” is definitely set to be a crowd favorite and a great tune to scream-sing!

With the release came a music video. This video was so creative; it had an old 90’s music video feel to it with the color scheme, outfits and production. As she dances around Versailles with headphones on, she portrays a childlike feeling of being in love for the first time. The coloring and filter on the video is interesting and nostalgic. Overall, the video was wacky and fun to watch!

Sombr’s new release, “Potential”, has his usual dance feel with more of a meaning behind it. After teasing it on the

stage of Coachella this past weekend with a few ballerinas beside him, he grasped viewers’ attention with the catchy melody and great lyrics that we expect from him. Along with the song he released more dates for his current You Are the Reason Tour, which is coming to North America this fall. The song illustrates the emotional grief of a relationship that could have been. The lyrics have a sentimental feel to them as Sombr opens up about a past relationship.

The music video stars not only the singer but also Gavin Casalegno, best known for his role as Jeremiah in the hit TV show The Summer I Turned Pretty, and English influencer Madeline Argy. As the video highlights all three of them and cuts to scenes of ballerinas dancing, it has a very high-class feel. It illustrates the three

characters to be partners in crime as they perform various heists throughout the video. At the end, Sombr is the one getting arrested as Casalegno and Argy are seen getting away. It was a fun dynamic between the three stars, and it was interesting to see what they brought to the storyline of the song in the video.

Overall, both Olivia Rodrigo and Sombr delivered exciting and memorable releases that fit perfectly into the start of summer. Rodrigo’s “Drop Dead” brings a fun, carefree energy that fans can easily connect to, while Sombr’s “Potential” offers a more emotional and artistic take on relationships. With standout visuals and high production value, both artists show their creativity beyond just the music. These releases set the tone for an exciting summer soundtrack, leaving fans eager for what’s next.

Protecting Your Mother Earth Starts with Your College Campus

BY TALIA SCARPA Head Vine Editor

From the small steps of picking up a plastic water bottle on the ground to volunteering at a local clean up, environmental sustainability is important in protecting public health and combating climate change. With Earth Day being April 22, maintaining biodiversity is vital.

Fairfield University prides itself in its standing as a green campus. In 2010, Fairfield was awarded an “Energy Star Combined Heat and Power Award” by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and was recognized by Sierra Magazine, a national publication for the nonprofit, environmentally engaged “Sierra Club,” fo cusing on sustainability projects.

This ‘clean school’ initiative has con tinued since, and in 2019, Fairfield Uni versity began the art of composting. In partnership with Blue Earth Compost, food waste on campus has been reduced by 30,000 pounds.

According to a Fairfield University statement, “In Con necticut alone, more than 650,000 tons of compostable material is incinerated every year.”

Leading Connecticut to an eco-friendly future is not just a school sanctioned responsibility, but also the role of Fairfield students in pursuit of a greener fate. To reach the hopes of environmental stewardship, here is a list of ways students can contribute to positively helping the greater community.

Eat Locally

to-table establishment in town is The Sinclair, a classic American cuisine restaurant located at 1229 Post Rd, Fairfield, CT 06824. The local focus draws diners

in Westport, CT, values the overall dining experience. From seasonally changed menus to the cafe’s greenhouse ambience, Terrain immerses itself with plant nurser-

fuels burned. In eliminating greenhouse gas emissions, Fairfield students can walk to town and back or take public transportation such as the Stag Bus to lower air

On the weekends, a common activity among students is going off campus to eat at restaurants with their friends. To support our ecosystems, eat locally at farm-to-table restaurants. A classic farm-

are the seasonal vegetables, braised meats, and fresh seafood, which is all locally sourced.

For an elevated experience, Terrain Cafe located at 561 Post Road East

tions to support local agriculture.

Drive Less

Easy to say for on-campus college students, driving less reduces the fossil

Dryers are one of the most used energy appliances. With most students living in a dorm, energy consumption is always at high use. Switching to natural alternatives such as a drying rack or natural sunlight will not only save time fighting people in the laundry room, but also reduce microplastic pollution and preserve fabrics for a greater amount of time.

Bye to Red Solo Cups

Fairfield is known for its darties such as SantaCon and Sham Jam. It is inevitable that partakers are going to litter, however, there are ways to reduce this waste. Through saying bye to the traditional red solo cups, students should seek out reusable water bottles such as Owalas, Stanleys, and Hydroflasks. This prevents the use of plastic in the environment. Biodegradable cups made of bamboo and other highly reusable materials can also be a good alternative.

Lights On, Lights Off With the hassle of running back and forth from your room to classes, lights often get left on for a long duration of time, even when people are not in their residences. It is important to remember to turn off the lights in your dorm room or suite while going in and out. The same goes to TVs and appliances.

This Earth Day is the time to reflect on unsustainable habits and practices. With simple changes in day-to-day life, Fairfield students can protect the environment and go green.

Editor: Matthew Robles

Horse

By Sean Murphy Sudoku

SPORTS

Brandon Benjamin Commits to Boston College

First-Year standout

Brandon Benjamin has found a new home after entering the transfer portal.

The 6-8 forward is going to Boston College, after averaging 14.2 points per game, 10.4 rebounds per game and being second in the MAAC in blocks per game having a total of 51 this season.

Erik Johnson Takes Head Coaching Job at Denver

By Danny McElroy Executive Editor

Women’s basketball assistant coach Erik Johnson has agreed to take a head coaching job at the University of Denver, the school announced Monday.

Johnson arrived at Fairfield alongside head coach Carly Thibault-DuDonis ahead of the 2022-23 season. In his four-year tenure with the Stags, he has helped guide the team to a 102-27 overall record that includes three consecutive conference championships and subsequent

Women's Golf at MAAC Championship Lake Buena Vista, Fla.

@9:30 a.m.

Women's Golf at MAAC Championship Lake Buena Vista, Fla.

@9:30 a.m.

NCAA Tournament appearances.

Prior to joining the Stags, Johnson served as the head coach at Boston College from 2012 to 2018. The move to Denver is a return to the first head coaching position of Johnson’s career, where he led the Pioneers to a 72-52 record across four seasons from 2008 to 2012.

The departure makes Johnson the first member of Thibault-DuDonis’s original staff to leave Fairfield, which has stayed together for four seasons despite significant success and attention on the national stage. Associate head coach Erika Brown, assistant coach Blake DuDonis and director of basketball operations Alex McKinnon still remain from the 2022-23 season.

“There are not enough words to express my gratitude and joy for this amazing human being,” Thibault-DuDonis said of Johnson in an Instagram story. “Thank you for helping build this family, believing in me and giving your all to our women every day. You will be so missed, but know you are going to do some amazing things.”

Johnson will look to rebuild a Pioneers program that has just two winning seasons in the 14 years since his original tenure, where he guided them to four-straight.

Women's Tennis at MAAC Championship Princeton, N.J. All Day

Basebll vs Iona University Fairfield, Conn.

@3:00 p.m.

>> crystal.arbelo@student.fairfield.edu

THIS WEEK IN SPORTS

MEN'S LACROSSE

Men's Lacrosse Readies For Crucial Game Against Monmouth.

Page 14

Women's and Men's Tennis at MAAC Championship Princeton, N.J. All Day

Men's Lacrosse at Monmouth University West Long Branch, N.J.

@11:00 a.m.

Softball vs Rider University Fairfield, Conn.

@12:00 & 2:30 p.m.

Baseball vs Iona University Fairfield, Conn.

@1:00 p.m.

Softball Looks to Stay Hot Against Rider University

Page 15

Prepares for MAAC Championships

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“There are not enough words to express my gratitiude and joy for this amazing human being! Thank you for helping build this family, believing in me, and giving your all to our women every day. You will be so missed, but know you are going to do some amazing things. ” - Carly Thibault-DuDonis, Head Women's Basketball Coach via Instagram

Women's Tennis at MAAC Championship Princeton, N.J. All Day

Men's Tennis at MAAC Championship Princeton, N.J. All Day

Softball vs Rider University Fairfield, Conn. @12:00 p.m.

Baseball vs Iona University Fairfield, Conn.

@1:00 p.m.

No games scheduled.

Men's Golf at 2026 MAAC Championship

Lake Buena Vista, FL.

Softball vs Stony Brook University

Fairfield, Conn.

@3:00 p.m.

Baseball vs Stony Brook University

Fairfield, Conn.

@3:30 p.m.

Men's Lacrosse Readies For Crucial Game Against Monmouth University

By Giovanni Delva-Darden Contributing Writer

The Stags men's lacrosse team will continue their road trip on April 25, heading to West Long Branch, N.J. to meet the Monmouth Hawks men's lacrosse team for an 11:00 a.m. Coastal Athletic Association matchup.

Late April is when the postseason picture starts to become clearer as the conference schedule heats up, determining the standings and how teams will finish overall. Fairfield comes into this game after a 12-5 loss against Towson, another example of its struggles against top teams. But the Stags have also had moments of stellar offensive play and solid defensive play throughout the season, and prior results suggest that they can control tempo well when executing half-court offensive sets and in transition.

Monmouth has proven throughout the 2025 season to be a competitive opponent in the CAA, particularly at home in Kessler Stadium. The Hawks are not to be underestimated on the road, either, as a highlight of their schedule is a 13-12 victory over Hofstra in Hempstead. A game at home could be a difference maker, especially since conference games with homefield advantages are impactful.

Recent history between the two schools is in favor of Fairfield, as the Stags have won the last three meetings, including a 14-8 victory in the 2025 regular season finale. Fairfield's offense was efficient, balanced and multifaceted in that game. Averaging more than 13 goals scored per game against Monmouth across those three meetings, the Stags have had success exploiting the Hawks’ defense.

Defensively, the Hawks will look to limit the ball movement of the Stags and force them into lower quality shots, particularly in transition. Monmouth could try to slow the

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pace and make each possession last longer to disrupt Fairfield's offensive rhythm.

Fairfield will need to get its offense back in sync and tighten its defense after the Towson loss. The Stags will need to control the ball, win faceoffs and clear effectively. Conference games can be tight, so the Stags must take advantage of extra possessions through offensive rebounds or limiting turnovers.

Midfield play may also be important in this game, as both teams look to use their midfields to create offensive chances and generate ball control. Winning the ground ball battle and controlling possession could be a key to the contest, as could special teams play.

Another important storyline is momentum, as the final stretch of the regular season is coming to a close. In addition to looking to finish the head-to-head series history, this matchup could be used to help strengthen Fairfield's position in the CAA standings. Monmouth will be hoping to get a statement win against a team that has beaten them in recent memory.

All of this leads to a road test, and a Monmouth team trying to stand up for its home turf.

If Fairfield can repeat what has worked in the past, most recently in the past two games in the series, particularly on offense, the Stags could come away with another road victory. If Monmouth is able to be patient and win its share of possessions at the right times, the Hawks can reverse their fortunes.

Considering the implications for the postseason and with the two programs already building a rivalry for other reasons, the April 25 matchup is likely to be a key game.

“That Should Be Me” would be at the top of the list, followed by “Drummer Boy.”

Is Billy McGuire available?

I’m joining in the love for the MAAC Championship. I had a blast emceeing the tournament.

All I need is a Beauty and a Beat

I think Liv would spread lots of needed whimsy and joy on my island

I had a great time in Atlantic City for the basketball conference tournament

I have faith in the powers of Francisco Lindor. Probably not, New York sports are an endless pit of darkness and despair

The world shifted on March 19, 2010 when JB released Somebody to Love.

I’d drag around Mii Danny as I do with real Danny

Having the Mirror staff at RUMBA Y MAMBOOOOOO

My brother asked me how many losses it would take for me to abandon ship. 0-162.

Baby…"for you I would’ve done whatever” I got into a car accident with “Love Me” playing, so… anything but that?

I’ll give our readers a chance to nominate someone I already spend every waking minute with Lizzie, so throw her in there, too

Atlantic City and going to Ohio was so peak. Getting to post my internship on LinkedIn. War is over.

Maybe let’s keep Mamdani away from the Knicks IYKYK

Well, yes! #hopecore

Softball Looks to Stay Hot Against Rider University

By Aoife Birdy Contributing Writer

The Fairfield University softball team will return to the Alumni Softball field on April 25 as they host Rider University in Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference play. The weekend will showcase a three-game series, with the first game of Saturday's doubleheader scheduled for noon and the second game's first pitch set for 2:30 p.m.

The Stags currently sit in second place in the MAAC with a 13-5 conference record and a winning percentage of .722. Trailing only Marist (18-3) and moving above Siena with their series win from this past weekend, the Stags have showcased a strong dominance over most of the will look to add stack of wins move closer to securing a MAAC Championship spot for the postseason tournament.

sweep over Siena, and moving up to second in the MAAC rankings, the team is feeling really good going into the rest of our conference play. The whole senior class is especially motivated, due to our rankings, because we have never been able to host the MAAC tournament here at home. Our team as a

whole, is hoping to keep our mindset positive and leave no doubt on the field,” said senior captain Cara Kochakian on the emotions going into the final stretch of the regular season and the MAAC tournament on the horizon.

Rider sits a few places behind in sixth overall with a 12-9 record in the MAAC. The Broncs will see this upcoming weekend series as a must-win in order to improve their winning percentage of .571 and keep up with the top half of the table. Fairfield is in a better position, and the opportunity is theirs to grab and Rider's to spoil. The No. 1 seed hosts the championship tournament, and a sweep for Fairfield could propel them into talks for that

Senior Anna Paravati is third for the Stags for batting average at .301 and has the most RBIs at 25. Directly behind her on RBIs is first-year Sammie Dougherty with 24. Both have been equally strong and reliable run-scoring producers for the team so far. Senior Delaney Whieldon has gotten on base with almost half of her attempts and leads the starters with a .466 on-base percentage. Sophomore Ava Armuth has helped set the stage for Fairfield's offense, ranking second in batting average at .309 and scoring 31 runs. She has also been a major threat on the basepaths with 16 successful steals on 17 attempts, third in the conference. Armuth will be one of the key players to focus on putting the heavy-hitting pressure on Rider during the weekend. On the defensive side,

Women's Golf Prepares For MAAC Championship

By Richard Larcheveque Contributing Writer

The Fairfield University women’s golf team heads down to the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Championship on April 21-23 at Disney’s Magnolia Golf Course in Lake Buena Vista, Fla.

The three-day, 54-hole event includes Fairfield, UAlbany and nine other conference opponents.

Fairfield enters with steady form. The Stags have one win and five top-three finishes this season, along with a 69-25-1 record. Their scoring average sits at 313.8 across 21 rounds. Recent results show consistency.

Fairfield placed second at the St. John’s Invitational earlier this month. The team followed that with a win in a tri-match against Siena and Quinnipiac on April 13. First-year Addie Chang led that event at even par. Senior Katelynn Waclawski finished third at +2.

Those results reflect a trend. Fairfield has finished in the top four in four straight events entering the championship.

“As a team we’ve beat our rival Quinnipiac two tournaments in a row, which has given us great momentum going into MAACs,” Waclawski said.

Waclawski has been one of the team’s key contributors this spring. She recently won the St. John’s Invitational and has added multiple top finishes.

“I’m feeling good heading into the MAAC

senior Alyssa Weinberg has been dominant in holding down the fort in the circle for the Stags. She leads the pitching staff with 143 strikeouts over 122 innings this season. She holds opponents to a .216 batting average.

“With so many games this season, our staff has been prioritizing rest, recovery and taking care of our arms,” Weinberg said.

Junior Peyton Shields has been a reliable second arm for the Stags and will be needed to maintain stamina over the course of Saturday's double header and the third game on Sunday.

“My relationship with Peyton Shields has been an important part of our success. Having trust in each other on the field and being close friends off the field has made the game a lot easier… I think as pitchers we balance each other well to keep hitters off balance,” Weinberg said.

Rider's aggressive offense is led by Maddie Luedtke with 10 home runs and 32 RBIs. Luedtke also leads the entire conference with a .705 slugging percentage. Rider's leading hitter Aspen Wheeler holds a .360 batting average and stands fourth in the MAAC for hits at 50. Kendall RedaFehsal leads the team in RBIs at 37 and Abby Cruz is just behind Luedtke at 31.

In the circle, Gabi Rodriguez leads Rider's pitching staff with a 3.33 ERA. Fallyn Stoeckel has pitched a team high 125.2 innings and has earned 11 wins, half of their 22, and has also contributed to the offensive side of Rider's performances with 21 hits and 10 RBIs. Despite having a strong offense, the Broncs will need to fight the Stags defense that holds a .968 fielding percentage, among one of the strongest defensive numbers in the conference.

With the MAAC Championship in the near future, the three-game series this

upcoming weekend provides an opportunity for Fairfield to improve its record in the MAAC and ensure they maintain a position in one of the tournament spots, as well as bring themselves closer to being in contention for home-field advantage. A win in the championship would mean bringing the trophy home for the first time since

Championship both individually and as a team,” Waclawski said. “I’ve had a good spring so far with a win at St. John’s this month and the rest being top finishes.”

Fairfield’s lineup also includes Grace Windfelder, Sofia Nogalo and Chulathida Seema, who have all contributed scoring rounds this season.

The group has focused on preparation in the final stretch.

“Some things I’ve been focusing on is taking care of my body and taking days off to give my swing a rest,” Waclawski said. “I’m keeping up with practicing and playing but more importantly enjoying my last bit of college golf.”

The MAAC Championship returns to the same Florida course for the 15th straight year, a setting familiar to the conference field.

Weather and course conditions in Florida can also play a role over three rounds, especially with changing winds and firm greens across the Magnolia layout. Players will need consistency each day to stay near the top of the leaderboard.

For Fairfield, the focus is on continuing its recent form.

The Stags have shown balance in their lineup and consistency across events. That has kept them near the top of the leaderboards throughout the spring.

“We have a strong team and we are more than capable of winning MAACs next week,” Waclawski said.

Now, the postseason begins.

Week of April 22, 2026

valorant team to compete in national tournament

By Crystal Arbelo Head Sports Editor

After a promising season of competition in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference, the Fairfield University Club Esports team is gearing up for a program debut on the national stage. Starting on May 2, the Valorant team will be competing in the Collegiate Esports Commissioners Cup, a three-day Local Area Network event in Waco, Texas aimed at crowning the best team in the nation. Other games of the event include Overwatch 2, Rocket League and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.

Fairfield’s Valorant team is comprised of a six-man roster, co-captained by senior Mitchell Zaliznyak and sophomore Sion Yap. Rounding out the team are first-years Christopher Gallegra and Lukai Dada, sophomore Louis Messano and graduate student Patrick McCloat.

To reach the national level, the Stags had to overcome the loss of the gaming PC area in the Leslie C. Quick Jr. Recreation Complex and adapt to playing matches at home or in their dormitories, a circumstance that can easily make or break a match depending on internet quality.

Because the RexPlex removed the PC’s, "we just play from our rooms. Sion takes his laptop back to his room, and I play from mine,” Gallegra said.

Another challenge for the Stags this season has been the team’s external commitments, which have led to scheduling conflicts.

“We have a grad student who works a full-time job. We have another kid who has five classes two times a week and an internship,” Yap said.

Despite these challenges, the Valorant squad has flexed its prowess over the rest of the MAAC. Overall, the Stags went 9-4 and 8-3 within the conference, and finished the regular season with a five-game win streak.

“I think [the MAAC] has taught us a decent amount of how to handle disciplined teams, how we handle our own discipline, how

we handle a lack of momentum or gaining momentum and not losing it,” Yap noted. “It’s gonna be cool to go up against competition that’s gonna look for any flaw that we might ever have and try to exploit it as best as they can.”

No matter the outcome, the Stags will be taking every possible chance to sharpen their game and take lessons out of their weekend in Texas. “Considering this is the biggest stage in collegiate esports, it will be the most challenging test our team has faced thus far,”

McCloat said.

Gallegra also expressed his excitement for the team’s trip to Texas.

“Nationals will all be top 10,000 players on every single team, which I’m looking forward to being able to play against.”

Not only is the competition going to be at the highest level, but the schedule is almost going to be just as grueling. “It’s just going to be a test of how well we can learn, how well we can endure the way the schedule is. We’re going to be playing basically all day of each day for that weekend,” Yap said.

Riding the high of their recent successes, the Stags are hopeful about making a statement during nationals.

“We are a really strong core that has regularly punched above its weight in other Valorant competitions,” Zaliznyak said. “We are all extremely committed to giving it our all. The last two LAN wins have really boosted our confidence and passion for the game.”

During the regular season, the Stags prepare for matches by watching film as a team and strategizing gameplay, map routes and different playstyles of opponents. Last weekend, the Valorant team participated in a tournament at Sacred Heart University and emerged victorious. A point of emphasis in preparation for that tournament was the University of Connecticut, which beat the Stags earlier this year.

“This week we were talking about UConn because they have a team that beat us, three or four weeks ago,” Yap said. “We were worried about them and talked about what they did and comps that we want to adjust or stick to.”

Over the next week, the Valorant team will be busy scouting and practicing as much as possible before their biggest competition to date. Head Coach Liam Carr made it clear that the Stags control their own destiny, “It mostly comes down to how bad these guys want to win.”

“Even though these players just won backto-back, they all seem like they are starved.”