This April, the Fairfield University Alumni Association took part in a new initiative to encourage greater participation in service activities nationwide during National Jesuit Service Month. Through collaborative efforts with seven alumni chapters throughout the country, as well as the Alumni of Color Network (AOCN) and Fairfield Bellarmine, Stags from Fairfield to San Francisco showcased their commitment to the core Jesuit values of compassion, empathy, and social responsibility by volunteering in their local communities during the month of April.

Throughout the month, the Alumni Association worked with the leaders of Fairfield’s regional alumni chapters to orchestrate a series of projects based on the needs of each community and the causes that alumni found near and dear to their hearts. These events and activities were diverse in nature and included offering support to local nonprofits dedicated to alleviating childhood hunger, caring for our nation’s veterans, serving at local food banks, and volunteering at animal shelters.

Fairfield's Washington, D.C., alumni chapter partnered with Honor Flight, a program that honors veterans by coordinating trips to visit memorials in the nation's capital. Fairfield alumni, while touring the monuments alongside veterans, had the privilege of expressing gratitude and listening to their inspiring stories. This experience allowed the alumni to not only show their appreciation, but also deepen their understanding of service and sacrifice.

Closer to home, in Bridgeport, Conn., Fairfield University staff members and the Alumni Board joined forces to volunteer with Connecticut Foodshare, a non-profit dedicated to fighting hunger through collaboration with community partners. During the service event, alumni volunteers sorted and packaged thousands of pounds of food destined for food pantries, soup kitchens, and other organizations serving those in need throughout the state. Alumni board member Tony Mixcus ’75, who participated in the project, was impressed by the turnout. "We had our largest number of participants ever, after the announcement about National Jesuit Service Month," he shared. 

Reflecting on the significance of Jesuit Service Month, Kelly Falcone '10, president of the Fairfield University Alumni Association Board of Directors, emphasized the tradition of service she’d experienced throughout her life as part of the Fairfield community. “When I was a student, we always participated in service activities in April as part of National Jesuit Service Month. I love that the tradition carries on in our role as alumni. It shows the greater community that service and being people for others are key Jesuit values that we truly live even after our time on campus.”

Falcone's sentiment resonates with many alumni who participated in National Jesuit Service Month events and activities. For them, the initiative served as a reminder of the transformative power of service and the importance of giving back to the community. From packing food boxes at local pantries to honoring veterans at memorials, Fairfield alumni continue to be committed to making a positive impact in the world.

This year’s kick-off of the National Jesuit Service Month initiative was a tremendous success and Fairfield is eager to build upon this momentum in the years ahead. The Fairfield University Alumni Association remains dedicated to cultivating a vibrant culture of service, volunteerism, and connection among its alumni family. With ongoing initiatives and opportunities for engagement, alumni are encouraged to continue making a difference through their local communities and beyond.

For more information on how to get involved with your local Fairfield University alumni chapter contact the Office of Alumni Relations at (203) 254-4280 or alumni@fairfield.edu 

If you are a Fairfield alumna/alumnus who served in your community this April, we’d love to hear more about how you made an impact, share your service.