Vol. 19 No.1 Fairfield University, Fairfield, Connecticut September 19, 1967
Welcome, Class 01 1971
Fred Heissenbuttel, Orientation Chairman, prepares to welcome another Freshman
and his parents, while Philip Keane (left) makes the introduction.
Fairfield Seeks Women's
Today's activities will bring
to a close the week of orientation
for the largest class in
Fairfield's history. Boasting an
enrollment of 500, the class has
been dubbed the best prepared
by Fr. Henry Murphy, S.J.,
Dean 'of Admissions.
The Class of '71, which represents'
217 high schools, has
drawn members from throughout
the United States,' as well
as Italy, Japan, Mexico and
the West Indies. The freshmen
also increase the total undergraduate
enrollment to a new
high of 1,625.
Organized by the Junior
Class, the week's activities included
mixers, the traditional
field day with Manhattanville
College, the annual retreat,
and seminars on swrimer reading
lists. Classes will begin tomorrow
for all students.
Larg·est
Class In
History
voted against coeducation according
to the official Student
Government poll. The significance
of this latter poll was
expressed by Fr. McInnes 'in
an interview: "The student vote
counts a great deal. It is one
of the major determining factors.
It helped to crystalize
opinions and I was very impressed
by it."
The president, however, withheld
support for either side,
saying: "I am ready to go
either way. We will try to do
what is best for the largest
number of people - faculty,
students, and administration."
Besides the polls a great deal
of discussion had gone on at
various forums and interviews
about the prospect of coeducation,
soliciting the opinions of
faculty, students, and representatives
from other schools.
Coeducation at Fairfield was
ardently favored by the faculty,
as shown by the unanimous
support of the University Chapter
of the American Association
of Univer:,,;ty Professors.
Others Speak
In a Student Government
open forum participants included
representatives from St.
Peter's College, Fordham University,
and Sacred Heart University.
The speaker from St.
Peter's considered the introduc-
Continued on page 4
College
group of Juniors and approximately
seventy.,five responded
favorably. These Juniors were
picked on the basis of their excellent
adjustment to a balanced
college life, both academic
and extra-curricular.
After each Junior has been
assigned approximately seven
freshmen an initial meeting will
be arranged. Informal get togethers
at appropriate times
will 'be arranged rather than
regular meetings.
Cooperation
Aiming tow a r d s informal
counseling, both in academics
and other phases of college life,
the program should do more
than advise. It is hoped that
closer cooperation will corne
about on both sides.
Serious consideration of the
subject began in February when
THE STAG conducted a poll of
the student body with a 560/044%
margin favoring the University
"undertaking so m e
form of undergraduate education
for women." But the results
of this poll were reversed
in April when an overwhelming
two to one majority of students
Junior Advisor Plan
To Benefit Frosh
By BENOIT POISSON
The junior advisor program
is "an effort by the class of
1969 to give the Freshmen the
benefit of our experience in college,"
said William O'Malley,
assistant ch.airm'an of the orientation
week In a recent interview
concerning the new
plan.
The idea was conceived by
Dominic Cuisimono and William
O'Malley of the junior class.
Each having a military background
they saw the need for
cooperation and a way to bring
the Freshmen and Juniors together
in a useful but informal
manner.
Selected Group
Early this summer a questionnaire
was sent out to a selded
administration but would share
faculties and facilities.
Coed Controversy
Campus controversy on the
coed question started in October
1966 when the Very Rev. William
C. McInnes, S.J., President,
in a letter to the Student
Government, sought the consensus
of the student body on
the question.
The annonncement of this
action, a first for a Cathollc institution,
was made known by
the Trustees in a statement endorsing
the principle that "joint
education of men and women
at the collegiate 1Jevel Is academically,
culturally, and socially
desirable in our present
age."
EDITOR'S NOTE: The following
article is a summary
of last year's coeducational
question and the wliversity's
official decision regarding it.
Fairfield is seeking an existent
women's college to share
the University's campus as a
result of an official decision
made by the Board of Trustees
last May. The statement climaxed
a year of student-faculty-
administration discussion and
debate on the subject of coeducation.
To implement the plan, the
University will give the selected
women's institution a 30-acre
tract of its campus worth approximately
a half million dollars.
The dec6;on empowers the
University administration to
actively seek a women's college
to invite to Fairfield and establish
itself as a coordinate
college. Under this arrangement,
each institution would
retain its own identity and
To the members of the Class
of '69 I would like to say that
you all should have a feeling
of pride in the support you've
given one another and the fine
job you've done for the Class
of '71.
One final point for the Class
of '71. This week you've entered
a new phase of your life. What
you get out of it will largely
depend on how much you put
into it. Fairfield, taken in the
right attitude can be one of
the most rewarding experiences
of your life. I sincerely hope
this will be the case for all of
you. Once again my thanks to
all.
I remain,
Sincerely,
Fred Heissenbuttel
Chairman, Freshman
Orientation
Chairma,n
Expresses
Gratitude
To Mr. Bianchi, his assistants,
Mr. Madonia and Mr. Leary, I
would like to extend my appreciation.
They along with Mr.
Griffin and his secretary, Mrs.
Olsen were of invaluable assistance.
To the Editor:
In the first issue of the STAG
I would like to express my sincere
thanks to all those who
in one way or another, made
po:.-sible the successful Orientation
that we have had.
I would like to mention especially
Fr. Donald Lynch, S.J.,
without whose help this week
would never have been possible.
Fr. Lynch, Moderator of Orientation,
willingly sacrificed his
free time to assist us in all
phases of the week. Fr. Lynch
along with Fr. Henry Murphy,
Dean of Adm.issions have long
been the guiding lights behind
the successful system of Orientation
here at Fairfield. They
have pioneered the non-hazing
friendly set-up which prevails.
I would also like to thank
my assistant chairman, Bill
O'Malley, and the chairmen of
all the various committees. Don
Fields, who handled Thursday
arrivals, along with Tom Josefiak,
our class President, deserve
special recognition for the
fine jobs they did.
Page Two THE STAG September 19, 1967
It's Your University
editorial policy of the newspaper.
Last year, three of the five board
members were sophomores.
For those who do not feel they
would like to write, there are jobs
in advertising, circulation, cartooning,
photography, and layout.
There is much to be gained by
working in these fields: knowledge
and experience that can be
of value later in life.
Everyone in the Fairfield University
community is encouraged
to write letters to the editor. In
past years the editorial page has
seen some meaningful debate on
campus and off-campus issues.
Everyone's opinion, whether
freshman or administration official,
is welcomed.
Members of the class of 1971
are invited to sign up for the student
newspaper at THE STAG
booth during the Activities Display.
It is, we stress, a student
newspaper. It can only be as good
as the support that students give
it. It will require time and energy;
you will be rewarded with a
wealth of experience and the
knowledge that you are doinK
something for your school. THE
STAC is your paper.
The College Dilemma
Either, Neither, or In-Between
THE STAG
Wants You!
This afternoon in the Campus
Center Oak Room there will be
an Activities Display. This will
be basically comprised of booths
sponsored by the various clubs
and organizations of the University.
The idea is to acquaint the
new students with extra-curricular
activities that can broaden
the scope of their education and,
at the same time, give them a
chance to do something for the
good of their school.
THE STAG would like to use
this opportunity to interest freshmen
in college journalism. The
official student newspaper, THE
STAG is published every week
and reports the campus news and
sports and contains, as well, features,
columns, and editorial
opinion.
For those interested in writing
there will be positions open
for reporters and feature writers
in both sports and news. There
is excellent opportunity for advancement
for the interested and
talented. A student can be a regular
columnist, a department editor,
or a member of the editorial
board. The editorial board is responsible
for the operation and
hibits and successful social functions,
and angry words and soft
pleas. Faculty, administration,
and student body have sat down
and attempted to communicate
better. Some of the issues have
been simple, some complex, but
most were lively.
Each class ~at comes to Fairfield
will see new buildings rise.
But each class must work to expand
the dynamism of Fairfield.
The tone of your Orientation has
not been one of hazing and indoctrination.
Instead, the atmosphere
has been friendly and helpful.
In the next few weeks and
ultimately the next four years we
sincerely hope that you, the class
of 1971, will distinguish yourself,
grow academically, socially, and
spiritually, become an integral
part of the Fairfield community,
and enjoy college life.
In the past some real achievements
have been made by group
involvement and individuals giving
freely of their time and energy.
You are now a part of Fairfield
University and its dynamism.
You are welcomed, wished the
best of luck, and expected to
grow and foster Fairfield's pride
in itself.
NEWS EDITOR: Jay Doolan. SPORTS EDITOR: Edward Williams. FEATURES
EDITOR: Ralph Kister. LAYOUT EDITOR: Philip Keane.
PHOTOGRAPHY EDITOR: Thomas Quackenbush. ADVERTISING:
Barry Smolko. CmcULATION: Stephen Hackett. ART: Peter De Lisa.
OOPY: Fred Heissenbuttel.
The opinions e;xpressed by columnLsts and reviewers are their own and in no way reflect the
E<lltor1al Post.l1on of THE STAG.
STAFF
FACULTY MODERATOR, Albert F. Reddy. S.J.
EDITORIAL BOARD
Editor-in-Chief Paul Hughes
Managing Editor Michael Lynch
Editorial Manager Michael Mullin
Associate Editorial Manager Laurence Prud'homme
Business Manager Paul Callahap
Secretary Robert Kohler
NEWS: Drew Draves, Edward Castiglione, Daniel Richardson, Benoit
Poisson, William Rabbett, Gerald Sabo, Michael Collins. SPORTS: William
D'Alessandro, Robert Sillery, James Magnuson, Richard Benashki.
FEATURES: John Reidy, Peter Hearn, Richard Otto, Richard Elliot, Vincent
Curcio, Paul Kemezis, John McKenna, James Gatto. PHOTOGRAPHY:
Mark Borserine, Richard Makse. CIRCULATION: Gene Tully. LAYOUT:
Thomas Boudreau.
Established 1949
As THE STAG welcomes the
class of 1971 the majority of
freshmen are already forming
their first impressions and opinions.
We are confident that most
of these will be favorable.
We feel that this year's Orientation
Committee has done a fine
job in helping you make the adjustment
to college life. A new
Junior Advisor system will try to
further this adjustment as the
year progresses.
It is easy to see that Fairfield
University is growing physically,
as evidenced by the new dormitory
and library under construction.
Just as important is the new
dynamic atmosphere that has
been forming in the past few
years. It is not only "school
spirit" and enthusiasm for the
athletic teams. It is also a combination
of community interest,
student involvement, and academic
initiative.
This dynamism has had its
form in student discussion groups,
faculty forums, and in well-functioning
and purposeful clubs and
organizations. Last year the entire
University was involved in
the co-education controversy. In
addition, there have been art ex-
Small Colleges "Going Out of Business"?
Saying that the future of
higher education lies in the
"abolishment of isolation and
the !birth of cooperative programs,"
a Fairfield University
official recently warned that
small colleges, during the next
ten years, must choose to "con.
front the increasing demands
being placed on them" or "arrange
for the orderly process
of going out of !business."
Mr. Thomas J. Donohue, di·
rector of university relations at
Fairfield, told the participants
at the national meeting of the
American Alumni Council convening
in San Francisco that
"small colleges look to the
years ahead with little endowment
and, in many cases, antiquated
systems of business
operation and little or no formal
funding prograJJ4"
"In light of this," he continued,
"it will be difficult for
small colleges to remain indepeBdent
and yet meet the chal-lenges
of the next ten years
which will include increasing
faculty salaries, rising tuitions,
expanding physical plants, and
growing academic programs."
The Fairfield University director,
noting that these problems
of continued existence apply
"particularly to small, private
women's colleges," stressed
that the small college "must
survive but will not merely because
its friends or advocates
wish it to do so."
In planning for this survival,
claimed Mr. Donohue, small
colleges, and education in general,
would profit by the "formation
of coordinate arrangements
among institutions of
higher education."
Explaining that the Fairfield
University Trustees have recently
determined that it is
"educationally adviseable" to
seek a women's college to move
to the Fairfield campus on a
coordinate basis, Mr. Donohue
said that "we believe the coordinate
system allows institutions
to retain their identity,
personnel, and mission while
it offers an opportunity for the
sharing of the burdens developed
by the demands of a growing
educational society."
"We are firmly convinced,"
he concluded, "that the future
of higher education and the future
of the small, private college
will lie in consolidation
rather than proliferation."
THE STAG Page Three
jUjl
lhe
leg-inning-
Orientation
Weel{
'67
September 19, 1967
Photos by Tom Quackenbush
Page Four THE STAG September 19, 1967
Stags Near Athletic Maturity
By BILL D'ALESSANDRO
Simultaneously with the closing
of each sports schedule last
year, the success of the '67-'68
season was being plotted by
student fans. The feeling that
Fairfield is on the brink of inter-
Collegiate fame may be
emotional but it is grounded
on factual evidence prOVided in
Stag contests last year.
Oddly enough, the compiled
records of each team, varsity
or otherwise, seldom indicate
the actual strength of the
squad. This is true especially
in the case of Fairfield's basketball
team.
12-9 record
The Stag Five's won-lost record
was 12 and 9. The season
had as many ups and downs as
the figure implies. An opening
loss to Niagara, followed by a
come - from - behind victory by
Boston College, caught the
Stags on the chin. With the
spectre of the National Invitational
Tournament looming over
every game, each loss became
increasingly more difficult to
swallow. However, the team
came .back continually with big
wins, like the defeat over St.
Joe's on their home court, the
,first in 33 years, and over L0yola
of New Orleans, who was,
at the time, unbeaten. Hope for
the year was finally shattered
in Madison Square Garden when
St. Bonaventure slipped off with
a two point win on a bucket at
the buzzer.
The overpowering game that
the Stags sometimes displayed
could not go unnoticed. Most of
the power will still be there this
year, despite some key losses
due to graduation and failure.
Captain Bill Jones must lead
the team to the goal the Stags
have been aiming for the past
three years, while the answers
to any weaknesses lie with the
performance of several highly
talented sophomores. There is
absolutely no fault to be found
with the schedule Coach George
Bisacca has lined up. With the
signing of nationally ranked
Houston and Dayton, the Stags
playas tough a schedule as any
basketball team in the East.
Rugby Club
On the club level, Fairfield
has always succeeded in enjoying
itself, whether or not the
games result in victory. The
Rugby Club has a large turnout
last fall and fielded three teams,
A, B, and C. The big day came
against Fordham when the Ruggers
swept all three contests
including a harrowing 3-0 victory
for the A's. Injuries began
taking their toll. In frustrating
matches, marred by key penalties,
the A's slowly lost their
sharp edge. Then in the spring,
Fairfield traveled to Penn State
and bolstered their ego by holding
the huge opponents to a
scoreless deadlock.
In post-season activity, the
Ruggers showed their strength
with a spectacular performance
in tournament .play against the
best competition available.
Soccer Promising
In other varsity sports a
promising season is also expected.
The soccer team, 5 and
6 last year, has shown steady
improvement every season. Under
the direction of Coach Jim
Kuhlman, the team has already
completed a week's practice
with double sessions. With the
return of Larry Elinskas, Tom
Moylan, and goalie Tom Wilmott,
they have hopes of making
a post-season tourney this
year.
Most impressive is this year's
tennis team. Back from a good
year, including a third .place
finish in the annual Rider Invitation
Tournament, are most
of Fairfield's top ranked players.
On the other hand, the
golf team, winners of the
Metropolitan Tournament and
E.C.A.C. golf champions, will
have a desperate battle to retain
their title with a squad
depleted by graduation. The
track team, at a loss for top
rate talent, boasts at least one
star, basketball player J. C.
Dennis, who provides excitement
in field events.
Baseball Ma.kes Progress
The most revamped sport in
the school last year was baseball.
Each year the diamondmen
floundered through the
spring in what was often an
agonizing display of ineptitude.
But in '67 Coach' Don Cook put
his squad through six weeks of
grueling practice before bringing
his men on the field in the
·first regular season game. It
resulted in a 21 to 4 victory
and from then on the baseball
team was for real. They sped
through the early part of their
schedule with a team batting
average over .300 while blanking
opponents over 21 consecutive
innings. As the long season
progressed the won-lost record
evened out, but the team was
no less impressive. In the
spring, Fairfield expects to pick
up where it left off, a solid
threat on the diamond.
Football Second Year
The Football Club starts its
second season in just a few
weeks. Last year, the students
discovered the excitement that
the fall sport brings to a campus.
This year may bring an
additional surprise, the team
just may win some games. A
year of competition together
has brought better execution
and more confidence.
For the past several seasons
coaches, players, and students
have been shaping Fairfield
sports to fit into the national
collegiate scene. When that
happened, they reasoned, bigtime
class would come too. This
year may be the culmination of
that noble effort.
February test.
The morning session of the
Law School Admission Test
measures the ability to use
language and to think logically.
The afternoon session includes
measures of writing ability and
general background. A Bulletin
of Information including sample
questions and registration information,
and a registration
form should be obtained seven
weeks in advance of a testing
date from Law School Admission
Test, Box 944, Educational
Testing Service, Princeton, N.J.
08540. Registration forms and
fees must reach ETS at least
three weeks before the desired
test administration date.
Registration forms may be
obtained locally at office of
Professor Stephen J. O'Brien,
Pre-Law Advisor, Xavier Room
123-5. (Availa!ble on or after
Monday, September 25).
Freshmen and Juniors sprint down the 100 yard dash o~
Field Day.
The Law School Admission
Test, required of candidates for
admission to most American
Law Schools, will be given at
more than 250 centers throughout
the nation on November
11, 1967, February 10, 1968,
April 6, 1968, and August 3,
1968. The test, which is administered
by the Educational Testing
Service, was taken last year
hy over 47,000 candidates whose
scores were sent ~o over 160
law schools.
ETS advises candidates to
make separate application to
each law school of their choice,
and to ascertain from each
whether it requires the Law
School Admission Test. Since
many law schools select their
freshmen classes in the spring
preceding entrance, candidates
for admission to next year's
classes are advised to take
either the November or the
Law School Test
Dates Announced
Away 8:00 p.m.
Away 7:00 p.m.
Away 2:00 p.m.
Away 1:30 p.m.
Home 2:00 p.m.
Home 2:00 p.m.
had difficulty putting everything
together. Brian Burke,
offensive leader and quarterback,
had to cope with an inexperienced
line when attempting
to sustain a passing attack.
The overri~ing problem on
offense was lack of time practicing
together.
On defense, Tony Labesky
emerged as field leader. Having
had a hand in organizing the
Club, Tony carried much of
this spirit with him on the
field. The defense spent a great
deal of time on the field and
often performed exceptionally.
Their greatest problem resulted
in the secondary pass coverage.
This year both Burke and
Labesky return, along with
many players who have profited
from the initial campaign.
Changes in the staff appear to
'be for the good. Without considering
the help which may
come from new members, the
prospects for this season are
encouraging.
Schedule
Iona
St. Pet~rs
Marist
Fordham
St. John's
Providence
October 6
October 15
October 21
October 28
November 4
November 11
Friday
Sunday
Saturday
Saturday
Saturday
Saturday
Foothall
dent, established the club out
of the growing interest for football
on campus. Recruiting from
all four yean" the coaches
gradually molded a workable
squad. In a short time the Stags
were able to join the rising tide
of gridiron fever in the northeast.
It was a season of a special
brand of football, without
brassy bands in enormous arenas.
Club Football is played
without the machine precision
developed by varsity teams.
There is no battery of coaches
pacing the sideline, hordes of
substitutes lining the bench, or
electrical equipment feeding information
into the game plan.
This, the student fan discovered,
did not lessen the fever of the
contest. Instead it heightened
the single advantage of Club
Football: the added fun of
watching interscholastic sport
without administrative control
and financial incentives.
As for performance, the team
Basketball
Season Tickets
Women's College
Fighting nearly insurmountable
difficulties and obstacles,
Mr. Paul Barnes, then a stu-
Go on Sale
Tomorrow
1967 was the first year of
football at Fairfield. The .Football
Club's success was not to
be found in the 0-5-1 record it
compiled, but in the very fal t
of its existence.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Its Success Was Its Existence
Football's First Year
Continued from page 1
tion of coeducation there a
failure. The speaker from Fordham
gave a more favorable
view saying "Morale is up!"
The two representatives from
SHU also gave a favorable view
of it there, but cautioned that
their university was established
with coeducation in mind.
The Editorial Board of THE
STAG urged the rejection of
coeducation as it has been proposed,
feeling it "should not be
considered until improvements
which can be effected more
easily within the present structure
are achieved and solidified.
The question of coeducation at
Fairfield is premature:'
