Advance
Advance volunteerism, pride, and philanthropy
On This Page
Overview
The Fairfield University Alumni of Color Network is an official affiliate group of the Office of Alumni Relations that serves to create a community and gateway to support Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) Stags during and after their time at Fairfield.
The network will host a variety of educational, professional, and social programs that cultivate personal and professional connections and opportunities to support the University while demonstrating the strength and success that exists within the BIPOC community.
Visit fairfield.edu/diversity to stay informed about University diversity and inclusion initiatives, as well as to access the Diversity In Action podcast hosted by The Office Student Diversity and Multicultural Affairs.
Goals
Connect/Network with other alumni, current students, and the University community
Build Community
Build community through partnerships
Mentor students and alumni of color
Recruit alumni to join and actively participate in activities of the network
To get involved with the Alumni of Color Network, please fill out our Volunteer Interest Form.
Committee Members
If you are interested in the joining the Alumni of Color Network Committee, please contact alumni@fairfield.edu.
Kaadiana Barnes-Padilla
Class of 2017
Co-Founder
"As the former co-president of a Fairfield U club that was my "home," I was saddened to hear that there has been a decrease in student participation. That inspired me to take action and use my skills to support our student community. For many years, there has been a disconnect between BIPOC students and alumni, and the Fairfield University Alumni of Color Network will help bridge the gap and provide critical resources that unite and strengthen our BIPOC alumni and student communities."
— Kaadiana Barnes-Padilla, Class of 2017
Sarah Gedeon
Class of 2019
Co-Founder
"As a recent Fairfield alumna of 2019, it was bittersweet to see many alumni come together in solidarity of Fairfield’s BIPOC community because of the ripple effect caused by the death of George Floyd and the protests that followed. However, I also saw how it’s been years since alumni of color came together in such solidarity, and we wanted to bring that community back together again. The Alumni of Color Network will call the community to action — from alumni to current Stags — to provide the necessary resources and guidance to uplift the BIPOC students of Fairfield, enhance their college experiences, and propel them toward successful futures."
— Sarah Gedeon, Class of '19
Matthew Waldemar
Class of 2020
Co-Founder
"I joined the Alumni of Color Network to continue the work of creating spaces which support and uplift Fairfield's BIPOC students through a professional setting. Joining this network means you're getting connected to great alumni and resources that Fairfield has fostered."
— Matthew Waldemar, Class of '20