Fairfield University’s Center for Catholic Studies will host Tania Tetlow, JD, president of Fordham University, as the featured speaker for the 2026 Bellarmine Lecture on January 28, 7 p.m. at the Dolan School of Business Event Hall.
The lecture, titled “A University for a Challenging Time: Jesuit Education,” is open to the public, with both in-person and livestream attendance options available. Advance registration is required.
Event Summary
- Speaker: Tania Tetlow, JD, President of Fordham University
- Event: 2026 Bellarmine Lecture
- Lecture Title: “A University for a Challenging Time: Jesuit Education”
- Date & Time: January 28, 7 p.m.
- Location: Dolan School of Business Event Hall, Fairfield University and via livestream
- RSVP: Required for in-person or livestream viewing at fairfield.edu/cs
Lecture Topic: Jesuit Education in a Challenging Time
In her lecture, “A University for a Challenging Time: Jesuit Education,” Tetlow will explore the history and mission and contemporary relevance of Jesuit Catholic education as a model for transformative learning.
Her remarks will examine how Jesuit colleges and universities have historically responded to shifts in society, culture, and the Catholic Church, and how Jesuit institutions today are addressing complex challenges in higher education and public life, including leadership, ethics, and civic engagement.
Tania Tetlow, JD, President of Fordham University
Tania Tetlow, JD, has served as president of Fordham University since 2022, becoming the first layperson and first woman to hold the position since the university’s founding in 1841. During her presidency, she has focused on strengthening the student experience and advancing institutional growth, including overseeing the completion of Fordham’s $350 million Cura Personalis campaign in 2024, which enhanced academic programs, facilities, and student support.
Prior to Fordham, Tetlow served as the 17th president of Loyola University New Orleans, where she was also the first woman and the first layperson to lead the institution.
A legal scholar and former assistant U.S. attorney, Tetlow is widely recognized for her commitment to Jesuit and Catholic higher education leadership. In 2024, she received Commonweal Magazine’s inaugural Centennial Award, and since July 2025, she has served as vice chair of the board of the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities (NAICU), reflecting her national influence in higher education policy and governance.
The Bellarmine Lecture
The Bellarmine Lecture is an annual event hosted by Fairfield University’s Center for Catholic Studies that brings nationally recognized leaders in Catholic intellectual and public life to campus. The lecture series explores the intersection of faith, education, and ethics in contemporary society.
