Ireland native pursuing his dream with help from Fairfield University's Rev. John M. Conlisk Irish Scholarship

Ireland native pursuing his dream with help from Fairfield University's Rev. John M. Conlisk Irish Scholarship

Image: Howard Caulfield Thanks to Fairfield University's $50,000 Rev. John M. Conlisk Scholarship, Ireland native Howard Caulfield is pursuing his dream. Two weeks ago, he moved to the United States to study for a master's degree in finance at Fairfield's Charles F. Dolan School of Business - and he couldn't be happier.

"When I found out that I had been awarded the scholarship, I was over the moon," said Caulfield, 22. "I have spent time in the United States travelling and working at Disney World and I love the country, so to have the opportunity to study in Fairfield was a dream come true."

For Caulfield, of Derryfadda, Clonlara in County Clare, it seemed like a wise time to go to graduate school. Caulfield's studies will mean that he will be at Fairfield through 2010. "There are limited opportunities in Ireland as opposed to the U.S. in the world of finance," said Caulfield, a graduate of the University of Limerick. "Ireland's current economic struggles emphasized that further education would be the wiser choice to job hunting."

The scholarship pays full tuition, room, and board as well as medical insurance expenses for the time it takes to complete the degree, usually three semesters. It is named after the late Fr. Conlisk, a 1954 Fairfield Prep graduate who served the Diocese of Bridgeport, as pastor of St. Patrick's Church in Redding, Sacred Heart Church in Georgetown, and St. Jerome Church in Norwalk.

The 17th recipient of the scholarship, Caulfield is the son of an accountant and a nurse and is the youngest of five children. "I did consider getting a job in Ireland but I feel the financial capitals of the world are New York, London and Boston," Caulfield said. "When I looked at what was offered through the scholarship - the master's degree program and the high caliber of the Dolan School - I knew this was what I wanted to do after finishing college. I believe experience here would be of great value if and when I search for a job in Ireland."

Posted On: 09-22-2009 10:09 AM

Volume: 42 Number: 60