The 2024–25 academic year marked a period of remarkable momentum for Fairfield University, highlighted by expanded access to Jesuit education, historic philanthropy, and national recognition across academics, athletics, and community engagement.
Fairfield Bellarmine Celebrates its First Graduating Class
Fairfield Bellarmine reached a historic milestone as it celebrated its first graduating class during Fairfield University’s 75th Commencement Exercises. On May 15, the inaugural Fairfield Bellarmine Class of 2025 received associate’s degrees in a ceremony at the Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts—affirming Fairfield’s mission to broaden access to Jesuit Catholic higher education.
The 35 graduates completed Bellarmine’s rigorous two-year program, launched in 2023 in partnership with the Diocese of Bridgeport to serve underrepresented students in the Greater Bridgeport area.
Bellarmine’s outcomes are already exceptional: the program boasts an 80 percent two-year graduation rate, far surpassing Connecticut’s community college three-year graduation rate of under 20 percent. Nearly 90 percent of graduates are continuing studies toward a bachelor’s degree at Fairfield University, underscoring the program’s success in creating meaningful educational pathways.
A Growing Campus and a New Science Center at Bellarmine
Fairfield Bellarmine’s momentum continued in September with its annual Fall Festival, which welcomed the third cohort of students with music, community gathering, and celebration. The event also marked the unveiling of the Curley Science Center, a new facility made possible by the generosity of William and Amy Curley ’83. Once a dilapidated three-car garage, the building now houses a state-of-the-art laboratory and teaching spaces.
John Charles Meditz College of Arts & Sciences
On March 17, 2025—the 83rd anniversary of Fairfield’s founding—President Mark R. Nemec, PhD, announced a historic $50 million gift from John Charles Meditz ’70, the largest individual donation in University history.
In recognition of his extraordinary generosity, Fairfield’s College of Arts & Sciences was renamed the John Charles Meditz College of Arts & Sciences, effective July 1.
Meditz’s lifetime giving now exceeds $75 million, supporting initiatives across academics, the arts, athletics, scholarships, and facilities. “The naming of the College in honor of John Charles Meditz speaks to his enduring legacy of leadership, service, and commitment to academic excellence,” said Dean Richard Greenwald of the College of Arts & Sciences. “Fairfield will forever be grateful for his recognition of the importance of the arts and sciences, and the foundation by which we provide our students with the critical skills they need to succeed in today’s world, while grounding them in the Jesuit tradition of academic rigor and personal reflection.”
Academic Milestones & National Recognition
- Doctorate in Educational Leadership (EdD): The School of Education and Human Development celebrated its first-ever EdD graduates, with 14 students defending dissertations. The program was recognized among Forbes Advisor’s Best Online EdD Programs of 2024.
- Public Health Leadership: Fairfield’s Egan School of Nursing & Health Studies conferred degrees upon the inaugural Master of Public Health (MPH) cohort and launched Connecticut’s first Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) program, expanding leadership pathways in public health.
- The School of Engineering & Computing has been awarded a three-year AI grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) as the lead institution, with the project led by an associate professor in Engineering serving as principal investigator, in partnership with a professor from the Charles F. Dolan School of Business.
- Business School Excellence: The Charles F. Dolan School of Business earned top global and national ROI rankings from QS, with multiple master’s programs ranked among the best in value worldwide and the Poets&Quants rankings for undergrad and graduate programs rose to #17 nationally. Dolan also launched its AI & Tech Institute, the AI4U Podcast, and a minor in AI, marking a major step into the future of education and innovation-with more to come.
Leadership Appointments
Patricia Simino Boyce, PhD, RN, was appointed dean of the Marion Peckham Egan School of Nursing & Health Studies, effective July 1. Dr. Boyce most recently served as university dean for Health and Human Services at the City University of New York (CUNY), overseeing more than 350 undergraduate and graduate programs across 25 campuses. As Egan's dean, she is focused on expanding graduate programs, supporting research, and building new clinical and interprofessional partnerships to enhance the Egan School’s national reputation.
Athletics Excellence
Fairfield Athletics claimed the MAAC Commissioner’s Cup for the second straight year and the sixth time in program history—achieving 7 team MAAC championships.
Fairfield Athletics ranked among the Top 10 in I-AAA in the final Learfield Director's Cup Standings for the 2024-2025 season. The Stags were also 10th among Division I Jesuit Institutions and ranked as the top MAAC program on the final ledger, more than doubling-up second-place Quinnipiac.
Outside of competition, Fairfield student-athletes earned a record 3.57 department GPA and they completed more than 4,000 hours of community service.
Advancing Community Engagement & Economic Impact
This year, Fairfield University released its first-ever Community & Economic Impact Report, offering a comprehensive look at how the University contributes to the vitality of the region it calls home. The report documents an estimated $1.24 billion in annual economic impact, underscoring Fairfield’s role as a major employer, partner, and anchor institution in Connecticut.
Beyond economic measures, the report highlights Fairfield’s deep commitment to service and civic engagement. For the 2024-2025 academic year, students, faculty, and staff contributed more than 45,000 hours of community service and engagement, partnering with 95 local nonprofit organizations, schools, and community groups. From mentoring youth and supporting local small businesses to community-engaged learning and volunteer service, the report reflects Fairfield’s Jesuit mission of forming men and women for and with others—translating values into meaningful action.
Igniting Dialogue Through the Open VISIONS Forum
The Philip I. Eliasoph Open VISIONS Forum—recently renamed in honor of its founder—continued its long-standing tradition of cultivating intellectual curiosity, civil discourse, and lifelong learning. For nearly three decades, the lecture series has brought eminent thought leaders, artists, historians, humanitarians, and public figures to Fairfield’s campus, offering the community access to diverse perspectives on issues of cultural, social, and global significance.
Inspired by New England’s tradition of public “town hall” gatherings, the Eliasoph OVF remains a cornerstone of Fairfield’s commitment to dialogue—encouraging thoughtful exchange, critical reflection, and engagement across differences. This year’s programming once again affirmed the University’s role as a convener of ideas and a space where meaningful conversations can flourish.
A Historic Evening of Reflection with Cardinal Timothy Dolan
In September, Fairfield University welcomed His Eminence Timothy Cardinal Dolan for a sold-out evening of reflection titled “Reflections on the Conclave and the New American Pope: Leo XIV.” Hosted by the Office of Mission and Ministry at the Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts, the event drew an enthusiastic audience from across campus and the wider community.
With insight, humor, and historical perspective, Cardinal Dolan offered a rare and engaging look inside the papal conclave and reflected on the election of Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope.
Fairfield Named a LinkedIn Top College for Career Success
Fairfield University was named one of LinkedIn’s Top Colleges 2025, placing among the top 30 institutions nationwide in the inaugural ranking recognizing universities that best prepare graduates for long-term career success. Fairfield ranked as the second-highest institution in Connecticut, behind only Yale University.
The recognition reflects Fairfield’s commitment to delivering a transformative, outcomes-focused education supported by strong alumni networks, career preparation, and experiential learning opportunities. Ranked in the top one percent of U.S. universities for return on investment, Fairfield continues to demonstrate long-term value beyond graduation.
Reflecting on a year of growth and commitment to our Jesuit mission, President Mark R. Nemec, PhD, shared in an end-of-year letter to the Fairfield community: "As we look toward the year ahead, let us do so with gratitude, confidence, and hope—grateful for what has been achieved, confident in the promise of what is to come, and hopeful for all that we will continue to build together.”
