Fairfield University alumni realize a 20-year dream with opening of Alumni House | Press Releases

Image: The Brennans

Alyson and Robert J. Brennan Jr. '65 at the entrance to the banquet room, named in his honor, at Fairfield University's new Alumni House

Fairfield University alumni, who number over 30,000 worldwide, have achieved a dream that began 20 years ago when the need for an Alumni House on campus was first discussed. That dream has been realized and the new Alumni House will hold its first official function on Saturday, June 10, when members of the classes from 1955, 1960 and 1965 return to campus to celebrate their reunion dinner in the new building.

Situated just inside the main entrance of the university, the building is cut into a hillside just north of Xavier and Berchman's Hall and south of McAuliffe, buildings where many of the early graduates studied.

It will be an especially meaningful reunion for Robert J. Brennan, Jr., class of 1965, who will be visiting with his classmates in the main hall of the building which has been named in his honor. The Robert J. Brennan, Jr. '65 Room recognizes the many years of unselfish dedication and commitment Bob has devoted to the Alumni Association.

Image: Alumni house The building, which was designed to harmonize with the French Chateau architectural style of McAuliffe Hall, gains a unique position in the university's history as the first building on campus to be designed in house. Michael Cusato, a graduate of the New York Institute of Technology and senior design assistant at Fairfield University, had helped design several renovation projects on campus. The new Alumni House was his architectural design.

The 9,600 square foot building will accommodate the offices of the alumni relations staff while providing the Alumni Association and the University community with meeting and event venues.

Adding to the charm and ambience of the structure is the well-planned interior design that was created by Kathi Gernat, allied member A.S.I.D., who through her 13-year career in interior designing has created interiors in New York City, Fairfield and Westchester Counties. Her furniture choices embellish the traditional and elegant style of the Alumni House.

The facility was made possible through the generous support of the Alumni Association in partnership with the University.