Projects benefiting from major contributions by Mr. Meditz include recent $10 million gift for expansion and modernization of Leslie C. Quick Jr. Recreation Complex

In recognition of the steadfast generosity and support it has received from one of its alumni and a trustee, John C. Meditz '70, of Weehawken, N.J., Fairfield University has named and dedicated a recently constructed residence hall as Meditz Hall. The naming and dedication ceremonies took place October 2, 2014, in front of an audience that included Fairfield University students, faculty, staff, Trustees, and invited guests. Appearing and offering remarks at the dedication were Mr. Meditz, the Rev. Jeffrey von Arx S.J., president of Fairfield University, and Alexander Cucchi '15, president of Fairfield University Student Association.

"It is not simply that I have provided financial assistance because Fairfield was the granter of my undergraduate degree, or because I have served on its board for any number of years, rather it is to enhance what I consider to be a superior educational experience for students in the 21st century," said John Meditz, at the dedication ceremony. "Father von Arx has articulated a vision for Fairfield that in his expectation will make Fairfield the most outstanding Jesuit university of the twenty-eight in our country. At the heart of this goal is the integrating of the educational, spiritual, and physical. A sound mind and a sound body, in Jesuit 'speak.' This is the vision that I am supporting."

"I believe that John's most enduring gift to Fairfield is the example that he has shown over the years," said Rev. Jeffrey von Arx, S.J., at the event. "We often talk about the importance of 'giving back,' and of 'service to our fellow men and women' when we talk about the unique emphasis of a Jesuit education. For John, these are values he has taken to heart. They are integral to his way of life, and of his vision of his place in his community - whether that be the Fairfield community, or the community of Weehawken New Jersey, which he has also served tirelessly for so many years. It is his example, his leadership and his genuine humility for which we are most grateful."

Most recently, Mr. Meditz has gifted $10 million to the University for one of its current strategic priorities - the transformative expansion and modernization of the Leslie C. Quick Jr. Recreation Complex. The gift adds to other major contributions that Mr. Meditz has made in recent years, including gifts that enabled the University to construct and establish the Bellarmine Museum of Art, to endow the Directorship of the museum, and to create additional endowed student scholarships.

Meditz Hall is an apartment-style residence hall that houses nearly 200 juniors and seniors. It is part of Fairfield University's Village residential area, which also includes Kostka Hall, Claver Hall, 47 Mahan Road, and Faber Hall. It includes multiple common gathering spaces and 4, 6, and 8 person apartments with double bedrooms, living room, kitchen and dining area, and 1-2 bathrooms.  Meditz Hall had been temporarily known as 51 McInnes Road since its opening in 2011.

"It is only fitting that one of the most modern and picturesque residence halls on campus is named after such a generous alumnus," said Alex Cucchi '15, FUSA Student Body President, speaking at the dedication ceremony. "This extremely generous gift will not only benefit the current student body, but will also have a major impact on students for generations to come."

Posted On: 10-09-2014 03:10 PM

Volume: 47 Number: 80