Students aren’t the only ones with big plans for spring break; faculty members are also taking advantage of this time off.
For example, Father von Arx and a group of faculty members will be embarking on a trip to Cuba.
Other professors will be making the week week as productive as possible at home. Marcy Mangels, adjunct professor teaching newspaper editing and design will be using the time to put things in order.
“Lounging around is not on the list for me, but wallpapering my house and grading papers is,” said Mangels.
While many professors will be at home grading papers and catching up on their work, several are keeping themselves busy by doing work outside of the classroom.
With music education growing at Fairfield, Dr. Laura Nash will be committing herself to the bettering of the University. Nash will be hosting a reception for the National Music Educators Conference.
Winston Tellis and Chris Huntley, professors in the business school, will be working with students on a project in Bridgeport.
“We will be building an information computer system for Bridgeport Community Health Center,” said Huntley. “We plan on collecting data to find a cause for childhood asthma.”
Alejandro Martinez, the coordinator for international students, will be working and going to a New York training conference to keep up with immigration regulations for international students.
Greg Joseph, faculty support coordinator, said he will be “studying, doing research, making sure IT is working, making updates on computers, labs, printers and hopefully relaxing when I have a chance.”
Continuing the Jesuit tradition of serving others, Campus Ministry has several programs where students and faculty will be traveling together across the United States. Their goals of helping those in need will lead students to New Orleans with Father Mark Scalese; Portland, Maine, with Associate Director of Public Safety Frank Ficko; Glen Mary Farms, Ky. with Campus Minister Chris Bowen; Flat Gap, Ky. with Jim Fitzpatrick and graduate student Megan Zimmer and Greene County, Penn. with Residence Life Director Dr. Deb Cady and graduate student Joe Ginese. While there, they plan to build houses, help with farming, work in retired homes and perform mission work.
“I look forward to connecting with new people in a new place, and interacting with students outside of the realm of my job,” said Ficko. “Most importantly I hope to have an impact on the lives of people in need.”
For some faculty, spring break will be a time to get better. Professor of Sociology and Anthropology, and Black Studies Co-Director Dr. Renee T. White, will be in recovery.
“In addition to grading papers and lounging, I’m having knee surgery to repair torn cartilage,” said White. “I also plan to give a call to Public Safety for a handicap sticker.”
Whatever plans students have over break, know that the faculty are busy back at school making the University a better place.
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