Members of Fairfield Bellarmine’s inaugural Class of 2025 were officially welcomed as newly minted Stags during Orientation Weekend, held July 8-9, on the University’s North Benson campus in Fairfield, Conn.

Fairfield Bellarmine offers two-year associate’s degrees to students from the Greater Bridgeport region, as a bridge to a continuation of their studies towards a bachelors degree at Fairfield or another four-year institution, or as a pathway to enter the workforce. Building upon Fairfield’s rigorous liberal arts tradition, students study toward a degree in their chosen academic track of liberal arts, business, computer science, or health studies.

Associate Dean for Academics Pamela Rivers, EdD, offered an introduction to academics at Fairfield Bellarmine. She spoke about navigating the higher education landscape, exploring career options, and what to expect as a first-year college student. Students then broke into groups by academic track and met with faculty representatives to review their schedules and discuss program expectations.

Fairfield University Student Association (FUSA) President Aliya Seenauth ’24 shared her perspective on starting college and offered guidance on how to make the most of the first year at Fairfield Bellarmine.

Assistant Dean for Student Success PeJay Lucky and Director of Student Well-Being Wendy Mendes offered information about student life and opportunities Fairfield Bellarmine students can take advantage of outside of the classroom, including studendt organizations, clubs, recreational activities, special events and community leadership opportunities. They also covered health and wellness services, career and internship counseling, and meal plans.

A community resource panel led by Debbie Sims of East End NRZ Market, and Dr. Monette Ferguson of the Alliance for Community Empowerment, introduced students and families to essential resources, and shared local and regional volunteer opportunities.

Tours of the North Benson Road campus ended the first day of Orientation.

The following afternoon, iPads were distributed at a technology orientation and students learned how to access online course materials. A Mass for the Fairfield Bellarmine community was celebrated at Egan Chapel and included a homily by Director of Campus Ministry and University Chaplain Rev. Keith Maczkiewicz, S.J.

A true spirit of community rippled through the Orientation weekend’s closing dinner attended by students, families, faculty, staff, and residents of Bridgeport’s East End.

Fairfield Bellarmine students are currently attending summer courses in history and the arts on the North Benson campus. Renovations to the new Bellarmine Campus, located on Boston Ave. in Bridgeport, will be completed in time for fall classes to begin there on Sept. 5.

Fairfield Bellarmine Vice Provost and Executive Director Rev. Kevin O’Brien, S.J. reflected, “After three years of planning, the Bellarmine team was excited to officially launch the program and meet students and families, whom we have long imagined serving.”