Curley Science Center Unveiled at Bellarmine Campus During Fall Festival

On Friday, Sept. 12, Fairfield Bellarmine welcomed students, faculty, and members of the University community to its annual Fall Festival. Bellarmine Campus was filled with music, a food truck, and opportunities for gathering and conversation. For the third cohort of students just beginning their academic journey, the festival was a warm introduction to life at Bellarmine.

This year’s celebration held special significance as attendees came together to witness the unveiling of the Curley Science Center, a modern facility made possible by the generous gift of William and Amy Curley '83. 

"Just three years ago, this structure was a dilapidated three-car garage," said Rev. Kevin O'Brien, S.J., vice provost and executive director of Fairfield Bellarmine, as he stood before the newly named Curley Science Center. "Thanks to the ingenuity of architects, the dedication of the construction team, the careful planning of our biology professors, and the generosity of our donors, the building now features a state-of-the-art lab and teaching space."

"The [Curley] Science Center thus affirms the dignity of the students who learn there," Fr. O'Brien concluded, "for they deserve such an exceptional space to realize their promise as researchers and practitioners."

During the Curley Science Center unveiling ceremony, Na'ila Dacres-Sam AS'26, president of the Bellarmine Student Association, reflected on how her courses, particularly in philosophy, had unexpectedly broadened her perspective and shaped the way she thinks. Her experience illustrates the kind of intellectual growth the new science center is designed to support.

Bill Curley spoke on behalf of the Curley family and shared what inspired them to make their gift. During a prior visit to Fairfield Bellarmine, he said he and his wife Amy had the opportunity to speak with many students and one in particular left a lasting impression with her words: "We love being here. This is our sanctuary," she told the Curleys. "This is the place where we take care of each other. Nobody slips through the cracks here at Bellarmine."

The student captured exactly what the Curleys were seeking—a place where their support would have immediate impact. Bill emphasized that the family’s philanthropy focuses on "lifting young people up through education."

Bill and Amy Curleys’ connection to Fairfield runs deep. They met as students, became StagMates, and built their life within the community. Bill’s business partnership with alumnus Larry Rafferty '64 exemplifies the networking he encourages students to embrace and his ongoing service on the Dolan School of Business advisory board demonstrates his continued commitment to student success. Amy, an active volunteer in her community, will soon join the advisory board at Fairfield Bellarmine, to further support students and the Bellarmine Campus community.

Provost Christine Siegel described the Curley Science Center’s impact. "Students, when they study and they work in this building, are solving problems, enabling informed decisions, fostering critical thinking, replacing superstition, and improving our quality of life," she said.

University President Mark R. Nemec, PhD, emphasized that the science center exemplifies Fairfield at its best, ensuring that "all who could benefit from higher education have a pathway to see themselves fully flourish" while embracing both text and science in a modern liberal arts education.

For Bill, the moment was personal. He encouraged students to embrace opportunities. "You've already walked through the hardest door. You're here," he told them. "So, take advantage of all the opportunities that are in front of you, because you are now a part of the great community, not only at Fairfield, but the Jesuit community."

As the Curley Science Center sign was unveiled, Bill said, "Amy and I hope the Curley Science Center will provide enrichment and inspiration, not only to Bellarmine students that are here today, but hopefully to their friends, neighbors, and family generations for years to come."

As the Fall Festival wrapped up and students headed to class, they carried with them more than the enjoyment of the day; they carried a sense of possibility for the future. Pejay Lucky, assistant dean for student success, shared that the Fall Festival—now in its third year—is a fitting tradition to begin each fall semester at Fairfield Bellarmine. He noted that the event continues to “reflect the true heart of Bellarmine: community, support, and excitement for the amazing year we will share together.”

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