Bellarmine Campus Location Announced

Bellarmine Campus Location Announced

An exterior image of the new Bellarmine Campus provided by Newman Architects

Bellarmine Campus, image courtesy of Newman Architects.

In partnership with the Diocese of Bridgeport, Fairfield University has announced the location of Bellarmine Campus, where a new associate’s degree program will serve students from the Bridgeport region, making Jesuit Catholic higher education more accessible for all.

“Animated by a fundamental mission to accompany our youth on a hope-filled future, Fairfield University is committed to advancing access to our values-based, student-centric, outcomes-focused education in ever more modern ways,”

— President Mark R. Nemec, PhD

Fairfield University and the Diocese of Bridgeport are pleased to announce that Fairfield Bellarmine, a new academic initiative that will offer a two-year associate’s degree program, will open in fall of 2023 at the site of the former St. Ambrose School on Boston Avenue in Bridgeport, Conn. The new campus will initially occupy the St. Ambrose rectory and convent.

Fairfield Bellarmine will prepare students for transition to a bachelor’s degree program at Fairfield or another four-year institution, or for meaningful employment. The creation of this two-year associate’s degree program, designed to serve students in the Bridgeport community, is part of the University’s strategic partnership with the Diocese of Bridgeport, “Pathways to Higher Learning.”

“Animated by a fundamental mission to accompany our youth on a hope-filled future, Fairfield University is committed to advancing access to our values-based, student-centric, outcomes-focused education in ever more modern ways,” said Fairfield University President Mark R. Nemec, PhD. “As educators we believe in the dignifying and transformative power of education. We are grateful to be working with the Diocese of Bridgeport, as the Bellarmine initiative is another innovative partnership providing greater opportunities and pathways to achievement for students of promise.”

“This is a moment we’ve all looked forward to, and I believe one that will have lasting implications for the educational and personal success of our young people. By creating a pathway to higher education, we’re also creating a pathway to hope and to achievement for students with untapped promise and potential. I’m grateful to Fairfield University for their leadership and commitment to this effort, which will transform lives and strengthen our community,” said the Most Rev. Frank J. Caggiano, Bishop of Bridgeport.

Renovation plans for the facilities and a site plan for the campus are underway. Several buildings will house instructional, student life, community engagement, and administrative spaces. Small class sizes and cohorts will ensure one-on-one attention, dedicated faculty, and strong support services. 

The University’s Writing Center and Math Center staff will have a presence at Bellarmine Campus, and Fairfield Bellarmine students will benefit from mentoring, including peer tutors. Students will also be actively engaged in forming a student government and planning clubs, athletic and social activities, and faith-related events. Students enrolled at Fairfield Bellarmine will also have the opportunity to participate in University clubs, activities, and intramural and club sports, with full undergraduate student access to facilities on Fairfield’s main campus.

Fairfield University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), and the Bellarmine program is currently under accreditation review by NECHE. NECHE is an institutional accreditor and promotes educational excellence and quality assurance to its member institutions. The Commission is recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education as a reliable authority on the quality of education for the institutions it accredits. 

Introducing Fairfield Bellarmine

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