Fairfield University welcomes Class of 2010

Fairfield University welcomes Class of 2010

Fairfield University welcomed over Labor Day weekend a freshman class of 906 students, drawn from a record 8,063 applicants. The students hail from 26 states and Puerto Rico and are generally ranked in the top 20 percent of their high school classes. In its recruiting efforts, the University aims for a target class of 850 students.

Particularly significant with this incoming class is the growth in diversity from past years. More than 18 percent of the class are AHANA students (African-American, Hispanic, Asian and Native-American), doubling the number that were admitted in last year's class. This increase is the direct result of the strategic vision developed under Fr. Jeffrey von Arx, S.J., university president, that includes an "institution-wide commitment to greater racial and socioeconomic diversity."

The increase in diversity was the work of people from across the campus, including members of the newly established Diversity Council, said Karen Pellegrino, director of undergraduate admission. Fr. von Arx said, "I am pleased to see people from across the university working together to ensure that qualified students have access to a Fairfield education." The gifts and talents of these students, he said, "will only enhance the quality of the education we have to offer." The Admission Office received 30 percent more applications from AHANA students this year than it did the previous year.

The computer age again played a role in how business was done this year, with over 50 percent of applicants applying electronically. Five years ago, only two percent applied electronically.

The members of the Class of 2010 include 155 students who were awarded academic scholarships and 10 Community Partner Scholars. They have been involved in a wide range of different extra curricular activities with more than 70 students serving as their class or student government president or vice president. Twenty-eight were editors of their school newspapers or yearbooks; 16 were representatives at Boys' or Girls' State; 14 were recipients of the Boy Scout Eagle Award; and 6 received the Girl Scout Gold Award. Sixty-five percent of the enrolled students participated in some sort of service activity while in high school.

Family ties are strong at Fairfield with 118 students having alumni ties, including 59 who are the children or grandchildren of alumni. Jesuit high schools are represented by 68 students with Fairfield Prep having the largest number of any single high school with 13 students enrolled.

While many students arrive at Fairfield as "undeclared" majors, the greatest areas of interest in the College of Arts and Sciences are biology, communication, psychology and English. In the Charles F. Dolan School of Business the greatest interest is in finance, management and marketing.

Posted On: 09-05-2006 10:09 AM

Volume: 39 Number: 21