Continuing the tradition of recognizing professional excellence, outstanding leadership, and volunteer commitment to Fairfield University, this year’s Fairfield Awards Dinner will honor John Thompson III and Monica Moore Thompson, P’23, for their exemplary parent leadership and commitment to our students on April 12 at Cipriani 42nd Street.
Fairfield University will honor John Thompson III and Monica Moore Thompson, P’23, with the Parent Leadership Award during this year’s Fairfield Awards Dinner on Wednesday, April 12 at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City. Mr. Thompson is vice president of player development and engagement for Monumental Basketball’s Washington Wizards, Washington Mystics, Capital City Go-Go, and Wizards District Gaming; Mrs. Thompson is co-founder and executive director of the John Thompson III Foundation.
The Thompsons have been active members of the Fairfield community since their son, John ‘23, enrolled four years ago. Since joining the Fairfield family, they have generously supported and led the Parents Leadership Council (PLC) — for the past two years, as co-chairs — while also being actively involved in the rugby club. Each fall and spring, they make an effort to come to campus to personally welcome new parents and meet with fellow PLC members.
“Monica has that special combination of warmth and drive which makes for an effective leader,” said Ellen Dooley ’85, P’23, director of the Office of Parent Engagement and Philanthropy. “She leads by example and encourages our Fairfield parents, every step of the way, to be engaged with the University and enhance the student experience with their support.”
Mrs. Thompson devotes her time to non-profit board service in the areas of education and healthcare at organizations such as Teach for America, the Washington Jesuit Academy, and as the vice chair of the Alumni Council at Princeton — the Thompsons' alma mater. Her passion in addressing health inequity and DC’s high fatality rates for breast cancer among black women inspired the Thompsons to establish the John Thompson III Foundation in 2007.
Mr. Thompson also has a passion for higher education. Before serving in his current role, he was Georgetown University’s head basketball coach for 13 years and coached basketball at Princeton University for a total of 13 years, including four years as head coach. He was given the Guardians of the Game Award for Service in 2019 by the National Association of Basketball Coaches.
Read more about the Thompsons' parent leadership achievements and commitment to Fairfield University.
Since 1988, the annual Fairfield Awards Dinner has raised more than $20 million for the Alumni Multicultural Scholarship Fund and other scholarships, while celebrating the accomplishments and volunteer service of distinguished members of the Fairfield community.
For more information about Awards Dinner sponsorships, tickets, or journal ads, please contact event director Jen Kane at 203-254-4000 ext. 2464 or jkane1@fairfield.edu.
