Frank J. Nigro III and Melissa H. Nigro, P’27,’25
Family Leadership Award
Frank J. Nigro III and Melissa H. Nigro raised their two sons in their hometown of Albany, N.Y. When their oldest son, Frank IV ’25, known familiarly as Q, began his college search, his counselor encouraged him to consider Fairfield University. Frank, Melissa, and their second son, William ’27, joined Q for a road trip to campus, and the visit immediately sparked excitement about what lay ahead.
“As soon as we arrived, we thought it was a great place with a true sense of community,” Melissa shared. “We loved the focus on Jesuit Catholic values, and it felt like the right place for Q.” That first look at Fairfield shaped both sons’ paths: Q enrolled as a member of the Class of 2025, followed by William in the Class of 2027. Today, the Nigros are proud to be a Stag family.
In 2021, during Q’s first year at Fairfield, Frank and Melissa attended the Parents Leadership Council (PLC) Welcome Breakfast, where they connected with fellow parents and University leadership. That introduction quickly grew into sustained involvement. They became active participants in parent events, supported parent-focused philanthropic initiatives, and within a year and a half assumed leadership roles as co-chairs of the PLC. In their roles, they helped broaden awareness of the difference parents can make in advancing University initiatives and encouraged others to engage in ways aligned with their own interests.
Today, Frank and Melissa serve as the inaugural co-chairs of the Executive Parents Leadership Council, a newly established entity recognizing parents who demonstrate sustained leadership and exceptional commitment to the University community.
The years during which Q and Will overlapped as students at Fairfield hold special significance for the Nigro family. Visiting both sons on campus, sharing Alumni & Family Weekend, and experiencing Fairfield together deepened their connection to the University and strengthened their shared Stag spirit. Beyond campus, the Nigros have hosted regional gatherings in Lake George for Fairfield families in upstate New York, extending a sense of community that transcends physical distance. They have also continued to support and participate in University events, including the Fairfield Awards Dinner.
Reflecting on Fairfield’s evolution since their first visit, the Nigros have been inspired by the University’s momentum. “Fairfield’s acceleration is incredible,” Frank said. “From its growing national recognition to the development of Fairfield Bellarmine, there are so many excellent things happening.”
Ellen Dooley, director of the Office of Parent Engagement and Philanthropy, credits the Nigros with helping to drive that progress. “Frank and Melissa have been instrumental in expanding parent engagement and philanthropy over the years,” she said. “They lead by example, encourage and inspire others to get involved, and have supported the University in ways that will continue to impact the community for years to come. The Nigros fell in love with Fairfield on their first visit—and have helped make it an even better place ever since.”