A native of nearby Stratford, who spent most of her career in Jesuit education, has been named the director of admission at Fairfield University. Karen Pellegrino comes to the Fairfield campus from Fordham University where, since 2001, she managed admission offices at Fordham's three campuses and developed recruitment and admission strategies to boost enrollment.

Prior to joining Fordham, Pellegrino worked at Boston College from 1986 to 2001 as senior assistant director of admission. She began her career as assistant director of admission at the College of Mount Saint Vincent in Riverdale, N.Y., from 1984 to 1986.

Pellegrino said she knows of Fairfield's strong academic reputation through friends and family who attended the University. "Fairfield University's reputation has continued to grow in recent years, and I am honored to be joining the University community at this exciting point in its history," she said.

Pellegrino received a bachelor's degree in psychology and English in 1984 and a master's degree in higher education administration in 1996 from Boston College, where she is presently a doctoral candidate in higher education administration.

Associate Vice President for Enrollment Management Judith Dobai said, "Karen brings a wealth of experience in the field of selective college admission and Jesuit education. She is highly regarded among admission professionals and school counselors for her understanding of the issues and concerns facing families regarding college choice and for her sound judgment and advocacy for students in the process. Fairfield is very fortunate to have someone of her caliber leading our undergraduate admission team."

Pellegrino said she was especially pleased to continue working with a Jesuit university. "I believe very strongly that Jesuit institutions provide a unique opportunity for students to combine a tradition of academic excellence with a community that nurtures an individual's personal and spiritual development."

Posted On: 08-25-2004 10:08 AM

Volume: 37 Number: 37