On April 15, more than 700 members of the Fairfield community came together in New York City and raised a record-setting $2.3 million in support of student scholarships.
The Fairfield Awards Dinner (FAD) is a signature Fairfield University event that began in 1988. Since its launch, the event has raised more than $26 million for scholarships—creating life-changing support that has empowered generations of students and expanded access to a Fairfield education. Each year, the event also recognizes exemplary members of the Fairfield community.
This year, more than 700 guests gathered at Cipriani 42nd Street for an evening of impact, connection, and celebration. Alumni, parents, friends, faculty, staff, and corporate partners came together to open doors to opportunity for the next generation of Stags. Together, attendees and supporters of the 2026 Fairfield Awards Dinner helped raise a record-breaking $2.3 Million for scholarships.
Fairfield alumnus Chris Miles ’03, who works as a host and play-by-play expert for the NBA, returned as event emcee, and ushered guests through the momentous evening. A former scholarship recipient himself, Miles brought a personal connection and passion to the role.
Jared Alicea ’26, a current student, scholarship recipient, and this year’s featured student speaker, shared his Fairfield story and captured the essence of the evening: “In reflecting on my time [at Fairfield], I’ve come to see that formation is not an individual endeavor but something that takes shape in and through community,” he said. “Because of your support, students are not only able to access an exceptional education, they also become part of something larger than themselves.”
2026 Honorees
- Alumni Professional Achievement Award: Gavin G. O’Connor ’88, P’24, Group Chief Operating Officer, Point72 L.P.
- Alumni Service Award: Rudolph (Vic) V. Pino Jr. ’73, P’05,’01, Of Counsel, Wood Smith Henning & Berman LLP
- Distinguished Administrator Award: Nakia N. Létang, Director of Admission, Fairfield Bellarmine
- Parent Leadership Award: Frank J. Nigro III and Melissa H. Nigro, P’27,’25, Co-Chairs, Executive Parents Leadership Council
- Special Recognition: Jay R. DeGioia ’80, District Manager, Aramark
Save the Date for FAD 2027
Please save the date for the 2027 Fairfield Awards Dinner and join us on April 6, 2027, in New York City at our new venue, the Waldorf Astoria!
For more information on the Fairfield Awards Dinner or to make your impact and further this year’s record-breaking support of student scholarships, please visit fairfield.edu/awardsdinner.
