The campus was buzzing with activity last weekend as students, alumni, and parents celebrated Alumni & Family Weekend.
This year’s Alumni & Family Weekend (AFW) event schedule brought an engaging assortment of academic sessions focused on Fairfield's Jesuit mission, as well as a multitude of opportunities for guests to experience the athletic, artistic, and fun sides of Fairfield. Events included Coffee and Conversations with the Deans, Java with the Jesuits, StagFest, RugbyFest, the Stags Pep Rally, various athletic games, a Glee Club Concert, the annual White Coat Ceremony, and more.
"Our goal for this year's AFW was to expand the schedule and bring a renewed sense of creativity and excitement to our annual events. The President's Welcome Address, our increased faculty participation during Coffee & Conversations, the addition of three new food trucks, and the introduction of a free Family Night and Soccer Game — these were just some of this year's highlights,” stated assistant director of Student Engagement Colleen Wilson ’11.
Established in 1963, the 天美传媒视频无限制观看 Rugby Team, also known as “The Red Ruggers”, celebrated their 55th anniversary this past weekend at RugbyFest. There was no shortage of festivities for the ruggers and their fans, who enjoyed lively rugby games, a cocktail and dinner reception, and a hall of honor induction ceremony. Saturday afternoon’s picturesque New England fall weather graced the Lt. Hans Grauert Memorial Field, where five matches were played throughout the day. The noon match between the Fairfield Red Rugger Alumni and the Fairfield Yankees featured one recognizable face in particular: that of President Mark R. Nemec, PhD, playing on the Alumni team in jersey #10. From the alumni players bonding and reminiscing on the field to the throngs of sideline spectators excitedly chatting with one another while cheering on their teams, a spirited sense of comraderie was encountered all around.
This year’s StagFest, hosted at Rafferty Stadium, presented an impressive blend of food and entertainment fit to satisfy all alumni, students, and families in attendance. From live music performed by fellow Fairfield alumni band, The Adults, to an outdoor petting zoo in the Lil’ Stags Zone, there were plenty of activities suitable for all ages. The wine and beer garden as well as the food truck vendors were a massive success with attendees, attracting large crowds of people. Vendors from local favorites included: Caseus Cheese Truck, Colony Grill, Flipside Burgers & Bar, Garden Catering, Micalizzi’s Italian Ice, Milford Soft Serve, Old Post Tavern, Popcentric, Rita’s Pitas, Source Coffeebus, Sugar Bakery, Super Duper Weenie, Taco Loco, The Belgian Bus, and Wing It On.
During StagFest, the University community joined members of varsity athletic teams, coaches, and administrators for the Stags Pep Rally, which served to officially kick off the 2018-19 athletic season. Special performances included routines by our cheer and dance teams, a stellar appearance by Lucas the Stag, as well as remarks delivered by Coach Sydney Johnson and student athletes.
The annual Alumni Family Weekend is always a highly anticipated event for students, families, and alumni as it is a distinctive way for the Fairfield community to honor proud traditions, embody Stag pride, and celebrate the positive transformations taking place at the University. Wilson shared, “As a Stag alumna myself, I take pride in having the opportunity to put a smile on the faces of families, students, staff, and alumni as they take the opportunity to come back to campus and re-experience the magic that is Stag Country! Each year AFW has continued to grow and expand, and I can't wait to see what the weekend has in store for all of us in 2019."
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