Media Contact: Robby Piazzaroli, rpiazzaroli@fairfield.edu, 203-254-4000 x2597

Fairfield University takes pride in producing not just academically accomplished graduates but also individuals who contribute significantly to society. Nicholas Kapoor MBA, MS'18, MS, an alumnus of the graduate program in mathematics, stands out as a shining example of this commitment. Recently appointed as the chair of the Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities (CHRO) by Governor Ned Lamont, Kapoor is not only making waves in the realm of human rights but is also bringing his passion for inclusivity into the classroom and the wider campus community. 

Kapoor also serves as an instructor of the practice in the Mathematics Department at Fairfield University, where he imparts not only mathematical knowledge but also a broader perspective on the importance of diversity and inclusion.

In addition to his role in the Mathematics Department, Kapoor holds the position of Associate Director of the Center for Academic Excellence (CAE) at Fairfield. In this capacity, he plays a crucial role in fostering an inclusive learning environment, working with faculty to envision classrooms that embrace diversity, and encouraging educators to "see the bigger picture." His commitment to creating a supportive and inclusive academic community extends beyond the CAE; Kapoor is also the co-chair of the faculty of color affinity group and a member of the LGBTQ+ affinity group on campus.

Kapoor's recent appointment as the chair of the Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities is a testament to his dedication to human rights advocacy. The CHRO, one of the oldest human rights commissions in the country, is responsible for safeguarding the rights of citizens falling under its 37 protected classes. Kapoor's role involves working closely with the Commission to promote and guide their initiatives through education and outreach.

When asked about his views on civic engagement, Kapoor emphasized its pivotal role in fostering a diverse community life. He believes that active participation in civic affairs is key to creating a society that values and respects the rights of all its members. Kapoor shared, "Civic engagement is not just a duty; it's an opportunity to shape the kind of community we want to live in. It's about understanding and appreciating the richness that diversity brings to our lives."

Bringing this ethos into his role at Fairfield University, Kapoor ensures that his students are exposed to more than just academic theories. He strives to create an inclusive environment within the classroom where diverse perspectives are not only welcomed but celebrated. Kapoor believes that education goes beyond textbooks and mathematical formulas; it is about preparing students to navigate a world as it is today.

Kapoor's journey from a Fairfield University graduate to an influential advocate for human rights exemplifies the institution's commitment to producing graduates who positively impact their communities and the world at large. As he continues to shape the discourse on human rights in Connecticut, Kapoor's dedication to inclusivity and civic engagement will undoubtedly leave a lasting legacy at Fairfield University and beyond.

Posted On: December 20, 2023

Volume: 55 Number: 48

Fairfield University is the modern Jesuit University, rooted in one of the world’s oldest intellectual and spiritual traditions. More than 6,000 undergraduate and graduate students from 36 states, 47 foreign countries, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico are enrolled in the University’s five schools.  In the spirit of rigorous and sympathetic inquiry into all dimensions of human experience, Fairfield welcomes students from diverse backgrounds to share ideas and engage in open conversations. The University is located in the heart of a region where the future takes shape, on a stunning campus on the Connecticut coast just an hour from New York City.