Fun Facts & Tips for First Year Stags!

When you begin your Fairfield journey, you instantly become a part of Fairfield’s rich history. The next four years promise to be some of the best of your life, filled with friendships and memories that last a lifetime. To help you make the most of your time on campus, we’ve gathered some fun facts and tips from the Stags who came before you. The Fairfield community looks forward to welcoming you!

Fairfield Club Swim members smiling for a photo at the annual Activities Fair.

1. Clubs/Organizations: Built by Generations, Waiting for You

Fairfield University has a long history of fostering community involvement. Since its founding in 1942, students have been building lasting connections through academic and cultural clubs. By joining any of Fairfield’s 100+ student organizations, you’re continuing this tradition of engagement.

Fun Fact: The first student clubs—like the Mendel Club and the Microphone Players—shaped campus life, and today’s clubs follow in their footsteps.

Current Fairfield student networking with an alumna at a career fair.

2. Alumni Network: Here for You from Day One

Fairfield’s alumni network is one of the most valuable resources you’ll have during your time at Fairfield. With more than 58,000 alumni across industries and countries, you’ll have opportunities to connect with graduates who are eager to share advice, mentorship, and career opportunities.

Pro Tip: Attend student-alumni networking events in your first year to start building relationships that will support you for years to come.

Crowd shot of a sold-out arena during Fairfield's annual Red Sea Madness, marking the beginning of the basketball season.

3. Stag Spirit: It’s Part of Our DNA

From the first men’s basketball game in 1948 to today’s Red Sea Madness, Fairfield students have always shown their pride. Whether it’s cheering on the Stags at a basketball game or supporting any of the University’s other athletic teams, being a part of the Fairfield community means showing up for each other.

Pro Tip: Get involved with the Red Sea to make the most of your Stag spirit!

Class shot of all the student atendees to an annual President's Ball, held on Bellarmine Lawn.

4. Traditions: Where Beloved Memories are Made

Campus traditions like the President’s Ball (since 2004) create lasting memories and connections for students.

Pro Tip: Your first President’s Ball will be one to remember—mark your calendar for this September tradition!

Fun Fact: President Jeffrey P. von Arx, S.J., hosted the University’s first President’s Ball in 2004.

Fairfield's mascot, Lucas the Stag, pointing at the camera as he hypes the crowd up at the first men's basketball game of the season.

5. STAGiving Day: One Day, One Fairfield

A Fairfield University tradition, STAGiving Day is One Day when the Stag community comes together as One Fairfield to support student scholarships, innovative research, athletics, spirituality, and other important University initiatives. Watch what we can do when Stags come together!

Pro Tip: Participate in matches and challenges to maximize the impact of your STAGiving Day gift.

Fun Fact: With your STAGiving Day gift, you can receive limited edition Fairfield items as a thank you for your generosity! Every year, the items are different!

Three generations of Stags attending a legacy association brunch event to mingle with other legacy association members.

6. Fairfield Legacy Association: Stags Across Generations

The Fairfield Legacy Association is comprised of students and alumni whose family members — including children, grandchildren, parents, grandparents, or siblings — attended or currently attend Fairfield. An essential and unique part of the fabric of our community, FLA members bring not only a priceless chain of memories across time and context but the continuity of multi-generational contribution and involvement.

Fun Fact: There is a strong legacy tradition at Fairfield, with just over 20% of students and alumni having membership in the FLA.

Members of the Student Alumni Association (SAA) smiling and posing with the alumni relations coordinator.

7. Student Alumni Association: Connect, Grow, Excel

The Student Alumni Association (SAA) connects students with alumni through leadership, service, and tradition. You’ll have the chance to participate in events, meet alumni mentors, and create your own Fairfield traditions.

Pro Tip: Join SAA in your first semester to get the most out of your Fairfield experience, develop leadership skills, and make valuable connections.

Students (future StagMates/alumni couples? Only time will tell!) touring Fairfield's campus.

8. StagMates: Schoolmates to StagMates

Did you know that 10% of Fairfield's alumni are married to fellow Stags? We call these lucky couples ‘StagMates’!

Pro Tip: Keep your door open the first few weeks of your first year — maybe your future StagMate lives down the hall!

Women's cross country student-athletes posing and smiling as a group at a campus sports fair.

9. A Proud History of Excellence

Cross country was the first athletic program established at Fairfield. The sound of a starter’s pistol on a bright, fall day in 1948 not only started a race but marked the beginning of Fairfield Athletics. Today, athletics and recreation programs continue to grow and excel.

Fun Fact: From 1961 to 1969, and again in 1974, the New York Giants held their summer training camp on campus.

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