At least Fairfield University has a fight song thanks to music professor Brian Torff: “Come catch the spirit, Fairfield U. For all to hear it, Fairfield U. Red and White will always conquer, Go for winner ’till the end, and so we’ll Fight! Fight! Fight! Fight for Fairfield U., Each day and night our hearts will be true, And all across the land we’ll always stand by Fairfield U. And all across the land we’ll always stand by Fairfield U!”
But when it comes to school spirit, Fairfield is lacking, according to many who say students are more enthusiastic at other schools such as Wesleyan University and New York University.
“Our school has school spirit but I think it is defined in other ways, such as participating in activities that don’t really build spirit as a whole,” said senior Nadya Encarnacion.
Other students feel that school spirit exists at Fairfield University, but it can improve. Some students like junior Valerie Montinat feel that the hustle of college life takes away from the interest in school spirit.
“I think our school does have school spirit but it is not always a priority because college life is hectic and at the end of the day, school spirit is the last thing on a student’s mind,” said Montinat. “For me, I know that is the case.”
Many students don’t even want to talk about the subject. Out of the 30 students asked about school spirit via e-mail, two-thirds didn’t bother to respond.
Some believe, though, that things are improving.
“The school spirit has increased tremendously this year,” said FUSA president Paul Duffy ’05. ” New clubs keep developing and relations with various parts of the university are improving. The arrival of Father von Arx has also excited and they look forward to seeing what his vision entails for the community of Fairfield. The turn out just alone at the basketball games is overwhelming.”
Students agree that Fairfield University’s athletic program, concerts, clubs and friends contribute to the school’s spirit. However, according to Mark Reed, dean of students, student attendance for men’s basketball games when classes are in session is way up, with an average of 500-plus students.
“That includes games the night before final exams began last semester and two games where it was snowing outside. In terms of spirit around athletics, that’s a clear cut indication of student interest, enthusiasm, and spirit,” said Reed.
“The new GAME TODAY signs have been quite beneficial. This type of marketing should be used for other activities,” said Duffy.
Reed also said that alumni support is strong, both financially and in terms of attendance at alumni functions, which indicates strong ties and loyalty to Fairfield University.
“Our men’s and women’s team are exciting. I’ve been watching Fairfield basketball for over 40 years and our current teams are fun to watch,” said James Fitzpatrick, Fairfield University’s basketball game announcer.
Students elsewhere, such as Wesleyan University, seem to feel differently than Fairfield University students. According to students, there is a lot of pride at Wesleyan and an interest in campus and world affairs.
Jose Marantes, a junior at Wesleyan said, “We are more aligned with what students are doing on campus and around the world. For example the war brought us together. We have excitement for issues and we rally for things. The school spirit comes from the student body. Our spirit is on point.”
At Wesleyan, students say the louder students who take a stand and take leadership excite school spirit. Their school spirit comes from their feelings and what they have to say.
“We are not big on football games and sports. We have a different spirit,” Marantes said.
“Campus spirit is unconventional and unique at Wesleyan.” said Nicole Melwood, a Wesleyan senior. “We care about our school. We don’t have cheerleaders, but our school spirit is made up of the issues that present themselves on and off campus.”
The question for Fairfield University students is how can we excite more school spirit? Is it in more paraphernalia: clothes, pens, planners, bears, bobble heads? According to New York University students, there is a new school-sponsored bobcat bobble head. The degree to which it has helped school spirit is unknown to students.
“Everyone comes into NYU with a positive outlook and are generally proud of the school,” said New York University junior, Jeanette Caceres. “I think that school spirit is relative to the individuals that make up the school’s larger community. There definitely is school spirit at NYU.”
The solution to school spirit at Fairfield University may rest with the students. The answers may lay in what excites students at their core.
“When people get their friends involved or talk up activities, people tend to get excited and want to become a part of it,” said Duffy. “Since I have come to the school, the spirit has continued to grow and will as each incoming class and upper classes help to add a spark to the dynamic of the university.”
Some students criticize overemphasis on certain negative aspects of the school.
“I think that events that sponsor alcohol functions can be fun for upperclassmen, but it doesn’t really emphasize or represent what the true college experience could be,” said Encarnacion.
“School spirit is not to the degree we had in the 70s and 80s, but we are coming back to that level. It’s all about the pride with our students and with our athletes,” said Fitzpatrick. “I can sense it on campus that it’s on the upswing.”
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