Last spring, Claire Fitzgibbon was finishing up her shift as a barista in Limerick, Ireland during what she thought was an average workday when she read an email that would completely change her world. She ran to greet her father, who was picking her up, and immediately told him the exciting news: she had been selected as the next Fairfield University Rev. John M. Conlisk Irish Scholar.

The oldest of seven, Claire is a graduate of the University of Limerick where she studied economics and finance. “I like the opportunities that these studies bring,” said Claire. “I just love the ever-changing possibilities that can arise.”

Claire has enjoyed following the news and currents events since she was a teenager; she began her undergraduate studies with economics and eventually picked up finance because she believes economics and finance go hand-in-hand. Now, she plans to complete her MBA in finance in the United States. 

The Rev. John M Conlisk Irish Scholarship was founded by Kevin Conlisk ’66, a former member of the Fairfield University Board of Trustees. It is named in honor of the late Rev. John M. Conlisk, Kevin Conlisk’s brother who served the diocese of Bridgeport. The scholarship began with a group of Irish Americans led by Mr. Conlisk who wanted to enhance the job opportunities of young people from Ireland by inviting them to continue their education and grow their business network in the United States. Conlisk Scholars are announced annually and the scholarship includes all tuition, housing, and medical insurance expenses for a student earning a master’s degree from the Charles F. Dolan School of Business.

Over the next 15 months, as Claire pursues her master's at Fairfield University, she is excited that her studies will take place in the new academic facility that opened earlier this month. And she is beyond ecstatic to be in the States. “I love the U.S.,” said Claire, “I’ve never been here before, so I can’t wait to travel and visit places like D.C., Chicago, and Philadelphia.” 

So far, Claire is enjoying her classes and is having a great time outside of the classroom as well. She has fulfilled her dream of visiting New York City, and she hopes to join the finance and private equity clubs here on campus. Claire is also eager to pursue internship opportunities in NYC for next summer.