Fairfield Dolan’s 30 Under 30 Program Supports the Whole Person

Directly supporting the notion of “cura personalis”, translated as “care of the whole person,” Fairfield Dolan recognizes students in their 30 under 30 program through a commitment to both academics and community service.

Fairfield Dolan’s 30 Under 30 program recognizes exceptional undergraduate and graduate business students demonstrating “whole person” achievements that reflect the University’s Jesuit tradition of education the mind, body and spirit. Students must demonstrate success across the following three categories: societal impact, academics, and professional development. 

2024 30 under 30 awardee, Nikki Farmer ’25, demonstrates the importance of societal impact through her involvement on campus. Farmer is currently a senior fellow for the Office of Undergraduate Admissions, a member of the Alpha Sigma Nu Honor Society, Dolan Student Advisory Board, and a participant in the Liturgical Ministry. During Farmer's earlier years at Fairfield, she was a tour ambassador, new student leader, and Ignatian Residential College mentor amongst her varying involvement during her time at Fairfield Dolan.

"Community service is about embodying the spirit of a servant leader, selflessly dedicating your time, skills, and energy to give back to the community," Farmer said. 

Upon learning about the 30 under 30 program, Farmer was recommended by her peers to apply. "Being driven in the classroom and in an extracurricular setting where I serve the community are both values I strive to uphold every day," Farmer said. "It was inspiring to see my peers receive this award, and I am proud of each member of Dolan’s 30 Under 30 program."

To be eligible for this award, Dolan students must demonstrate excellence in societal impact (40%), academics (30%), and professional development (30%). Societal impact, which carries the highest weighting, emphasizes community engagement, social responsibility, and positively impacting society through activities such as volunteering, fundraising, mentoring, or working with community service organizations. This requirement highlights the importance of a commitment to community service as a core value for award recipients.

Student awardees such as Farmer will continue to be recognized each year as part of the Dolan Awards Ceremony celebration. As Farmer embarks on her post-graduate career in the technology industry, she reflects on her experience at Fairfield Dolan and her culminating 30 under 30 recognition.

"I wanted to have an authentic, holistic education, and Fairfield has provided numerous resources to help me transform in “body, mind, and spirit," Farmer said. 

For more information on eligibility, please visit the 30 under 30 page.

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