Greetings, Class of 2012! I hope that you are all enjoying the remaining, and quickly fleeting, weeks of summer. I’m only about 1/2 way through Mortenson and Relin’s book, Three Cups of Tea….It’s an incredibly powerful book. How exciting that Greg Mortenson will be joining us for your Freshmen Convocation in September!

I’m always awestruck by individuals with the fortitude and conviction to impact the world, like Mortenson. I believe it’s our responsibility to look outside of our selves, our needs, and our wants, and consider how we can impact the lives of others. Some of us, like Mortenson, will have a substantial influence on many hundreds of people….on the other side of the world, no less! I think it’s important to remember, though, that reaching out and positively touching the lives of just one or two people can also make an impact. There are so many activities on a smaller, local level that can make a difference: volunteering your time to a worthy cause, becoming a tutor in a subject in which you excel, even smiling at and saying hi to someone you don’t know….all of these things can have an impact, in ways you may never fully realize.

As you commence your career as a college student — an exciting time of personal, academic, and spiritual growth, I invite you to consider how you might be of service to many others….or perhaps just one other person…..in the weeks and months ahead. “To whom much is given, much is expected…..”

Welcome to Fairfield!

Dawn M. Quintiliani, M.S.W.
Assistant Dean of Freshmen
Fairfield University
(203) 254-4000, extension 2222
dquintiliani@mail.fairfield.edu