For Fairfield Dolan students, the 2026 Silicon Valley Immersion (SVI) offered more than a behind-the-scenes look at cutting-edge technology, the trip provided a deeper understanding of the people and ideas influencing how businesses and technology evolve today.
Over the course of the trip, students connected with founders, executives, and alumni across some of Silicon Valley’s most influential companies, gaining insight into industries often only studied in the classroom. Students explored the full spectrum of innovation, from early-stage startup ideas to global-scale execution. They engaged in conversations with leaders connected to companies like Uber, Salesforce Meta Google, KPMG, Stockbridge Capital, Applied Materials, and more.
The week-long program was made possible in large part through the leadership of Packy Kelly ’90, an audit partner at KPMG, who played a key role in organizing the experience. As well as Joe Bronson’70 and Stephen Pilch’83, who each hosted the students and connected them with key professionals in the startup and semi conductor sphere.
As the week ended, the conversation on advanced technologies continued.
“The program combined exposure to advanced technologies, including cloud services, peer economy platform transactions, quantum computing and manufacturing of microelectronics, with training on soft skills, such as executive presence, building a personal brand and effective communications,” Packy said. “The importance of the humanistic elements of Jesuit education was a recurring subtext in the conversations about the transformative effects of advanced technologies on business, careers and society.”
Where Technology Meets Humanity
While discussions often centered on artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and advanced manufacturing, according to students, one theme consistently stood out.
“While we learned a lot about AI and innovation on the trip, one of my biggest takeaways was the importance of human intelligence and connection,” Stephanie Pratt ‘27 shared. “The ability to build relationships and tell meaningful stories is what truly makes an impact.”
That idea became clear early on. During a conversation about Uber’s early days, questions were answered not with statistics, but with stories demonstrating how narratives shape strategy, culture, and decision-making in the workplace. Across each visit, students saw that even in the most technical industries, success depends on the ability to communicate ideas, inspire teams, and connect with others.
Candid Insights from Industry Leaders
Another defining aspect of the trip was the openness of the professionals’ students met along the way. Executives and founders spoke candidly about the realities of building companies in highly visible, fast-paced environments, offering perspectives rarely shared outside of boardrooms.
“The growth experienced by the students during the week is truly impressive as they build skills, confidence, contacts and experience at the famous fast pace of Silicon Valley,” Kelly added.
Learning Beyond the Agenda
There were many meaningful moments that happened outside of formal visits. On the final night in Napa Valley, students gathered to reflect on their experiences, sharing takeaways not only from industry leaders, but from one another.
“It was meaningful to reflect not only on how much we learned from business leaders, CFOs, and CEOs, but also how much we learned from each other. Being surrounded by such a smart and driven group of students was incredibly inspiring, and I have no doubt they will all go on to do amazing things,” Pratt said.
These conversations highlighted a defining aspect of the immersion: learning happens just as much through peer connection as it does through professional exposure.
Now in its fourth year, the Silicon Valley Immersion has become a cornerstone of experiential learning at Fairfield University, powered by the strength of its alumni network. What began as a single opportunity has grown into a high-impact, repeatable program, supported by strong leadership and an expanding community of alumni and industry partners.
