Name: Anne Meleney
From: ameleney1@optonline.net
Phone Number: 203-550-6013
Address: 60 Lindbergh Street Fairfield, CT 06824
Subject: Resident/Alumni Opinion
Body: First and foremost I would like to give the staff at the Mirror at pat on the back- this publication has seen nothing but improvement over the past five years and, it also continues to discuss topics that are often criticized yet still very important. I know (probably better than most) that it is not always easy to discuss shunned topics in the Jesuit circle.
Secondly, I would like to introduce myself- I graduated from Fairfield University in 2001 and am currently a grad student in Fairfield’s MBA program. I am originally from Chicago and, after graduating I stayed in the town of Fairfield where I met my fiancé (who is from Fairfield). We both have strong ties to the town and we have recently purchased a house right off of South Pine Creek Road.
For some, leaving Fairfield University and the town this May will be easy- a mindless next step in their plan for success. However, for some students leaving this town will be emotionally trying and thought provoking. This is just one of the many things that separates Fairfield University from other colleges- leaving college is a given step that all will have to make but, not all schools have the added stress of leaving a town that has given and taught so much.
Finally, I must address the issues at the beach and the embittered relationship between Fairfield University students and the town. Over the past five years I have continually told myself that it is no longer my place to say anything to FU students- this is something they must learn how to deal with themselves. The resourcefulness, brainstorming, teamwork and, problem solving that myself and other students had to put into planning beach events and maintaining tradition was an invaluable and unique leaning experience that simply could not have been obtained at any other university.
Yes, believe it or not, planning Clam-Jam, the Luau and, other events was a learning experience that has actually helped me tremendously in my career in marketing and advertising and, more importantly it helped build confidence. And, for these reasons along with some others, I would like to remind students at Fairfield University that they do have rights, they can say something back and, most of the time, they are not at fault in what they are doing or saying. As I run my errands in town, I continually hear people complain about University students and I find myself disgusted, irritated, and hurt. These adults are saying things that they should be ashamed of- for their own children are no better behaved nor are they any more accomplished, in fact, many would argue that they are much worse.
Their high- school and college-aged kids are often found throwing things at people out of car windows, obnoxiously loitering in the town, hanging out in respectable places of business with very little respect for other patrons and even less concern for general manners. Their college-aged kids come home for Thanksgiving and drink so profusely in Fairfield bars that they are often found passed out or vomiting in the parking lot. Do these people really think that their own kids are not drinking at college? Do these people really believe that disciplining Fairfield University students is more important than teaching their own children to say please and thank you or, more importantly instilling the values of respect, integrity, and honesty in their own children?
Additionally, I would encourage these people to remember that Fairfield University has contributed immensely to this town’s economy and it’s overall education. Fairfield University is focused on service, giving and, charitable causes, it has an excellent Continuing Education program and, its alumni often continue to contribute to the town following graduation by staying within the geographic area or moving back later on. Even further, I would like to remind residents who see a great opportunity and investment in building new, oversized mansions in the beach area that Fairfield University students have been there for quite some time, they are not going anywhere, and further, that Fairfield is a quaint New England town- these oversized displays of wealth (and the personalities that occupy them) tend to fit in much better in places like Greenwich, Connecticut.
As I read the articles in the Mirror Thursday, October 12th I was proud that students at Fairfield are continuing to voice their opinions about the town’s policy but, at the same time, I was also somewhat disappointed that there has not been more action on behalf of students and faculty. I agree- this policy is targeting students; it might even be argued that this policy is discriminatory. In fact, I think that most policies implemented from 2002 forward have been put in place specifically to target students. I seriously question whether a college student home for the Thanksgiving Holiday would be met with the same consequences for drinking underage as a Fairfield University student.
I feel that over the past 5 years Fairfield University has made overwhelming efforts to cooperate with the town, they have taken more aggressive disciplinary action against students in violation of policies at the beach, and they have taken a more serious, yet realistic approach to addressing underage drinking. When I am waiting in line at the dry cleaners and I hear a woman say to another man in line, “They just should not allow those kids to have kegs down there- that is all there is to it”, I realize that I am standing next to an ignorant and uneducated woman (who probably does not live anywhere near the beach given the location of the drycleaner) but worse, I realize that Fairfield is giving into the demands of ignorant people who somehow believe that they stand above the law.
With all of this being said, I would encourage students to take a more aggressive, yet intelligent approach to combating these issues- apply what you have been taught and utilize faculty, staff, alumni, and parents who want to help you! There are backdoors/alternate problem solves to everything in life- you just need to look at the problem from a different perspective. We don’t live in a Hobesian society, we live in a democratic one and it is time for Piggy to pass the conch! There is intelligent argument to most complaints from the town and I would encourage students to take the upper hand in their argument rather than the vulgar one, demonstrate class amongst those who have none.
As mentioned above, the traditional events such as Clam Jam had a valuable learning component to them and should be re-evaluated to meet the needs and concerns of today’s standards. No, the town will probably not allow an all out booze fest however they would be remiss to pass up a University day that supported a major charitable cause. For example, there is nothing to say that you can’t book a band, hold some carnival-like events, and of course have a beer or two on the beach to support Bridgeport schools, breast cancer, or Greenpeace.
I would also remind you that while liquor stores can probably not lend direct sponsorship, they would greatly benefit from the reinstitution of some of these events- think about how much money they lost when Clam Jam was banned! Way back in the day (and I am dating myself here I know) we used to hold “The Running of the Calzone”- running from campus to the beach to kick-off an event. Perhaps a local pizza place would like to sponsor an event like this and receive some media attention?
I am not suggesting that Fairfield University enter into a mud-slinging combative war zone with the town. What I am insinuating is that some things cannot be taught in the classroom and these things often give the confidence, work- ethic, and competitive edge that breed success; Fairfield University should not abandon these beneficial opportunities so easily. There are alternate means to an end and compromise must be allowed, otherwise things are no longer fair. I am saying that the behavior and comments of certain Fairfield residents has proven that Fairfield University students have more tact, grace, and overall intelligence.
And, finally I am saying that they should remember that there are people who understand their argument and situation. There are professors at Fairfield who will treat responding to town policies as a learning experience and there are people like myself who will say something back to the woman at the drycleaners.
Sincerely, Anne Meleney, ’01 P.S. I feel that the article “Disgraceful Discrimination” in last week’s Mirror was extremely well-written and I would strongly suggest forwarding this to the Fairfield Police Department along with a note alerting them to the fact that there will be town residents (such as myself and others) who will be keeping a watchful eye this year in order to ensure that Fairfield town residents, whether they be high- school or college-aged are faced with the same consequences as Fairfield University students.
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