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2026 Fairfield Awards Dinner Honorees Announced

A nighttime view of the Brooklyn Bridge, illuminated against a dark sky, showcasing its iconic architecture and cables.

Jan 16, 2026 By Mikaylah Grant

Fairfield University has announced the 2026 Fairfield Awards Dinner honorees. Event registration and sponsorship opportunities are now open for the April 15 scholarship benefit event in New York City.

The Fairfield Awards Dinner, now in its 37th year, is a signature event that serves as the University’s primary scholarship fundraiser. Since its start, the dinner has raised more than $24 million for scholarships, helping first-generation students and students with the greatest need achieve their educational dreams, regardless of socioeconomic barriers.

The 2026 Fairfield Awards Dinner will take place on Wednesday, April 15, at the iconic Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City. The evening will feature a cocktail hour, dinner, and a program honoring this year’s distinguished award recipients. As it does each year, the University will recognize outstanding alumni, parents, administrators, faculty, and community members with awards for Alumni Professional Achievement, Alumni Service, Distinguished Faculty/Administrator, Parent Leadership, and Special Recognition.

Together with the Awards Dinner Committee, Fairfield University is proud to announce this year’s 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

Frank J. Nigro III and Melissa H. Nigro, P’27, ’25 headshots

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

All are invited to register today for the 2026 Fairfield Awards Dinner and take part in one of Fairfield’s most cherished traditions. Attendees will have the opportunity to connect with fellow members of the Fairfield community, celebrate this year’s scholarship students and honorees, and directly support the St. Ignatius Scholarship Fund.

Trish Comey Preston ’80 and Matthew C. Kramer ’96, P’28, will return as co-chairs of the 2026 Awards Dinner.

For additional information about the Fairfield Awards Dinner, including registration and other ways to support student scholarships, please visit fairfield.edu/awardsdinner or contact Carolyn Garibaldi by phone at 203-254-4000, ext. 2174, or by email at cgaribaldi@fairfield.edu.