More than 700 alumni, parents, students, and friends of Fairfield gathered at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City and raised over $1.4 million to support student scholarships while honoring exceptional members of the University community.
Since 1988, the Fairfield Awards Dinner has been a true celebration of Fairfield and has raised more than $22 million for the Alumni Multicultural Scholarship Fund and other endowed scholarships, to help students realize their potentials through a Fairfield education, regardless of economic or social barriers.
On April 3, more than 700 alumni, parents, students, and friends of Fairfield gathered at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City and raised over $1.4 million to support student scholarships while honoring exceptional members of the Fairfield community, making this the most successful Fairfield Awards Dinner in the last ten years!
NBA TV host Chris Miles ’03 opened the program and spoke about the importance of scholarships for students. He said, “Many of you were fortunate enough to study at Fairfield, some of you have been brought into the Fairfield family by friends or colleagues. What we all share, everyone in this room tonight, is the belief that education is the key to opening the doors of opportunity. You have the continued chance to do that at your fingertips tonight.”
(L-R): Jason Beckwith and Alexis Dunbar Beckwith, P’23; Nancy Clegg Altobello ’80; President Mark R. Nemec, PhD; Janet A. Canepa ’82; Timothy E. Lane ’85 P’24,’16; and Chris Miles '03.
Student speaker and scholarship recipient Aliyah Seenauth ’24 thanked the Fairfield community, and she described her journey as one of self-discovery and resilience. “It's a testament to the transformative power of education and the strength found in community, one that I truly believe I wouldn’t have been able to find at a different school. As I reflect on the challenges I've overcome, I'm reminded of the countless individuals who have supported me along the way.”
This year’s honorees were Nancy Clegg Altobello ’80, corporate board member and retired global vice chair of talent at Ernst & Young; Timothy E. Lane ’85, P’24,’16, president and CEO Emeriti Retirement Health; Janet A. Canepa ’82, assistant vice president for Alumni Relations at Fairfield University, Jason Beckwith and Alexis Dunbar Beckwith, P’23, managing director, wealth management advisor with Merrill Lynch and independent construction, renovation, and design consultant; and a special recognition to Varian Mackey Fry, co-founder of the World War II Emergency Rescue Committee and former graduate student, School of Education and Human Development.
“The best thing about this event is that we’re raising funds for multicultural scholarships. To provide opportunities for more students to experience the great Fairfield education that meant so much to me. To change their lives and to help them make their impact on the world. I can’t think of a better match to what I truly care about,” said Altobello in her speech.
In its 35th year, the Fairfield Awards Dinner continues to be a celebration of service, leadership, scholarship, and providing access to a Fairfield education.
Learn more, see photos, or show your support at fairfield.edu/awardsdinner. There is still time to show your support here.
