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Student Alumni Association

The Student Alumni Association is the student organization of the Fairfield University Alumni Association. Our mission, through our student leaders, is to establish a life-long bond with current students and their future alma mater through networking, service, and philanthropy. We aim to show that even though you graduate, your ties to Fairfield last a lifetime.

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Our Mission

  • Provide meaningful and beneficial networking opportunities between students and alumni
  • Build traditions and generate Stag Pride
  • Dedicate our time to community service
  • Support a culture of giving back by helping to educate students on the importance of philanthropy
  • Assist the Alumni Office and Division of Advancement with signature alumni events and initiatives
  • Promote leadership experience and professional development

The Award Goes To...

SAA is a 15-time CASE ASAP District 1 Award winner and a 3-time CASE ASAP Network Convention Award Winner. SAA was recognized as the CASE ASAP District 1 Outstanding Organization in 2011, 2016, and 2020 and the CASE ASAP Network Convention Outstanding Organization in 2016 and 2020 (three organizations nationwide receive this award each year).

Fairfield University’s SAA and their adviser have also presented on their programs and initiatives on both the District and National level with presentations at CASE ASAP and Jesuit Advancement Administration conferences.

CASE: ASAP District 1 Awards
(Nominees are comprised of self-nominations from all organizations in District 1. Up to three recipients are chosen per category.)‌

2021: District 1Pivot Award: Stags Run for Stags
2020: Outstanding Organization
2020: Outstanding Student Leader (Marissa Fitzgerald '20)
2019: Outstanding Student Advancement Program: Teddy Bears with Love
2018: Outstanding Student Leader (Patricia Dalton ’18)
2016-2018: CASE ASAP District 1 Representative: Patricia Dalton ’18
2016: Outstanding Organization
2015: Outstanding Adviser
2013: Outstanding Student Leader (Alexandra Tarabour ’13)
2011: Outstanding Organization, “Tried & True” Program (Teddy Bears with Love), Outstanding Adviser
2010: Outstanding External Program (STAG Guide), Outstanding Internal Program (Backpack to Briefcase) & Outstanding Student Leader (Megan Hallissy ’10)
2008: Outstanding External Program (Teddy Bears with Love) & Outstanding Internal Program (Major Decisions)

CASE: ASAP International Network Awards
(Recipients of that year’s District Awards from all 8 districts are compiled are nominated for each category nationally. Three recipients are chosen per category.)

2020: Outstanding Organization
2016: Outstanding Organization
2011: Outstanding Adviser

CASE Circle of Excellence Award
2023: Engagement-Targeted Constituency: Silver Level - "First Year: Letters from Home"
2020: Student-Led Engagement Initiatives: Bronze Level - Teddy Bears with Love

CASE "Best of District 1" Award
2023: "First Year - Letters from Home"

CASE District 1 Communication Award
2010: Honorable Mention – “Your Guide to Going S.T.A.G. (STAG Guide)”

2022-23: COSO Advisor of the Year
2021-22: COSO Advisor of the Year
2020-21: COSO Advisor of the Year
2014: Fairfield University Student Leadership Award - Outstanding Collaboration with Stags Give Back for Stag Pride Day Program
2017: Student Achievement Award – Kayla Valente ‘17 & Kasey McNamara ‘17 (SAA President & Vice-President, 2016-17) for “Dedication to SAA & Student Philanthropy”
2013: Student Achievement Award – Alexandra Tarabour ’13 (SAA President, 2012-2013) for “Dedication to Student Advancement Programs”
2010: Student Achievement Award – Megan Hallissy ’10 (SAA President, 2008-2010) for “Outstanding Contributions to the Student Alumni Association”

2015: (recognized for prior year’s work) 2014 Yale New Haven Auxiliary “Toy Closet Award” for constant/consistent support of the Toy Closet Program (TBWL)

Award-Winning Programs

Silver CASE Awards badge

First Year "Letters from Home"

Through a collaborative partnership between the Student Alumni Association and the Office of Parent Engagement & Philanthropy, parents are given the opportunity to inspire their Stag students with notes of encouragement, words of wisdom, and/or tips and tricks for navigating the academic semester, and achieving success.

Teddy Bears with Love

In December of 1999, the Office of Alumni Relations at Fairfield University kicked-off what would come to be known as the annual “Teddy Bears with Love” Drive. Today, our Student Alumni Association continues to proudly spearhead this effort.

Learn More

Programs and Events

  • Fall Activities/Recruitment
  • "Stags Run for Stags" Virtual Fun Run
  • "Stag Speaker Series" (Alumni Guest Speakers)
  • Member Socials & Morale Events
  • Lucas's Birthday Celebration (Fairfield's Mascot)
  • "Class Cart" (Fairfield, Alumni, and Philanthropy Trivia Program)
  • SAA Alumni Networking Brunch
  • Participation with CASE and fellow Student Advancement Programs
  • Career Planning Center Partnerships:
    • "Stags Spill the Tea" Alumni Panel
    • Career-Focused Guest Speakers
  • Alumni Social Media Spotlights
  • Community Service Events:
    • Blanket Making with Hole in the Wall Gang Camp
    • Participation in various on and off-campus charity walks such as Relay for Life and Out of the Darkness
  • Supporting Fairfield University Alumni Relations Programs:
    • Advent Mass & Reception with Santa
    • Alumni & Family Easter Egg Hunt
    • STAGiving Day (Fairfield's Day of Giving)
    • Reunion Weekend
    • Other University Advancement Special Events

Contact Us

Colleen McGinn
Colleen McGinn
Director, Alumni Engagement | Young Alumni, 50th Reunion, Online Community, Student Relations (Student Alumni Association Adviser)

Get In Touch

  • 1073 North Benson Road
    Fairfield, CT 06824

  • (203) 254-4000

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