Everyday, as students, faculty and visitors pass through the front entrance of Fairfield University, they are met with a simple yet familiar sight: a warm wave from the security booth. While these greetings may seem small, the individuals behind the glass play an essential role in campus life, ensuring smooth arrivals and departures while contributing to the welcoming atmosphere that defines our university. One of these dedicated individuals is Ralph DeMasi, a Fairfield University security ambassador. DeMasi, along with his colleagues, ensures that everyone who enters campus is met with a welcoming presence.
“We get to know your faces as you go by,” DeMasi shared. “It’s not just about security, it’s about being a friendly face that people can rely on.”
The security booth staff quickly become familiar with the routine commuters, recognizing students and faculty by sight, even if they never formally meet.
“We see them every day, so we remember their faces,” DeMasi explained.
That recognition brings a sense of comfort; an acknowledgement that someone is always looking out for you.
Beyond offering a warm welcome, the security booth plays a crucial navigational role. Many visitors, whether attending an event, a meeting or an admissions tour, arrive with only a general campus address. The security ambassadors step in to make sure they get where they need to go, providing directions and ensuring deliveries reach their proper destinations.
For prospective students and families on admissions tours, the security booth is often their first introduction to Fairfield’s campus. Tour groups receive passes for their visit, but the booth staff frequently help direct them, ensuring they find their way to their scheduled meetings and tours. Their assistance helps ease the stress of arriving at a new place, making Fairfield feel just a little more like home.
Many students appreciate the small but meaningful gestures from the security team. “He waves to me every time I drive into campus! It honestly brightens my day,” said off campus student Kaitlyn Conroy ‘25.
Their shifts span six hours, with three different teams covering the day. Even overnight, a security presence remains at the front gate, ensuring that anyone arriving late is monitored. Though they do not have the authority to stop vehicles unless it is for a critical safety reason, they serve as vigilant eyes on campus, calling the Department of Public Safety (DPS) if anything appears unusual.
“If something doesn’t look right, we report it. That’s our job, to keep an eye on things and make sure everyone stays safe,” DeMasi said.
If an accident occurs at the busy intersections near the entrance, they are often the first to witness it and provide crucial information to responders.
In addition to their daily interactions, security ambassadors work with DPS to monitor for specific alerts. If the department is looking for a particular individual or vehicle, they are given a notice sheet with a picture, allowing them to be an extra layer of vigilance at the front gate. Their ability to recognize patterns and anomalies helps uphold campus safety, even in situations that may go unnoticed by the average passerby.
Despite their significant presence, many students and faculty may not know the names or stories of those who staff the booth. Yet, these individuals are more than just silent observers; they are an integral part of the Fairifled community. Their daily waves may seem like a small gesture, but they symbolize a much larger commitment to campus hospitality and safety. “We’re here to help,” DeMasi emphasized. “If someone needs something, we want them to know they can always ask. That’s what we’re here for.”
So the next time you drive through the university’s main entrance, take a moment to return that friendly wave. Behind that simple gesture is a team of dedicated individuals who genuinely care about making Fairfield a more welcoming and secure place for everyone.
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