The Parents Fund for Student Life & Career Services
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A Message From Fairfield’s Parents Leadership Council Chairs
Dear Fellow Fairfield University Parents and Guardians,
As we all anticipate our children’s arrival at Fairfield this fall, we are so proud of this community of students, parents, alumni, faculty, and staff for maintaining a commitment to our shared values and the promising outcomes we know are made possible through education.
We acknowledge that the pandemic has been difficult on all students. They’ve faced ups and downs as they adjusted to new routines, social interactions, quarantine, and acclimation to various learning modalities. But they have prevailed and there is tremendous anticipation for the return to in-person learning this fall. Again, we feel so proud that throughout the pandemic, Fairfield has focused on what it does best, providing every student with an exceptional learning experience.
Pride in overcoming challenges is also a precursor for the hope we share for the future. Fairfield continues to move forward with its dedicated faculty, new academic programs, focus on student life, and exciting projects like the new Arena & Convocation Center that will open next year. Personally, we cannot wait to be back on campus to watch our son JT on the rugby pitch, to visit the museum, and enjoy the energy the campus has to offer. While these are just a few examples, we know every step we take is possible because of the active participation of all members of this community.
This year, we invite you to become involved in every aspect of your student’s University experience. Please consider serving as Parent Ambassadors, attending events, cheering at games, dining at the Tully, and considering a philanthropic contribution that will improve the Fairfield experience for everyone, grow our pride, and enable continued innovation.
Thank you for being part of the Fairfield University family and participating as a proud
Stag parent.
Sincerely,
Monica & John Thompson III P’23
Co-Chairs, Parents Leadership Council
Membership & Involvement
Parents Leadership Council Membership
By joining the Parents Leadership Council, your annual gift minimum of $5,000 to the Parents Fund provides you with many opportunities to be involved throughout your student’s four years at Fairfield University. Many current and former parents have become leadership donors, providing millions of dollars in support of our vibrant University.
Special Opportunities for Members
Benefits of joining the Parents Leadership Council include:
- Invitations to special events hosted by University leadership throughout the year
- Exclusive access to the Quick Center’s premier line-up of virtual events
- Special communications and updates from the Office of Parent Engagement and Philanthropy
- Meet senior leadership at Parents Leadership Council events occurring in the fall and spring
- Recognition in the Fairfield University Honor Roll of Donors
Four for Fairfield
Consider supporting your student and their class each year of their Fairfield journey. An annual Four for Fairfield commitment, fulfilled over a period of four years, will impact the following transformational areas of need:
The Parents Fund for Your Student’s School
The Parents Fund for the Areas of Greatest Need
The Parents Fund Honor Your Graduate Capstone Gift for Financial Aid
Your Benefits
As a PLC Four for Fairfield supporter, your multi-year gift will follow and benefit a class of students throughout their four-year education and provide you with many benefits including:
- An annual report with highlights of the students in your sponsored class
- Recognition as a member of the Parents Leadership Council giving society
- Exclusive invitations to special donor events
- Special communications from the President and opportunities to network with University leaders
- No cost access to virtual programming at the Quick Center for the Arts
Annual Gift 1 | Annual Gift 2 | Annual Gift 3 | Annual Gift 4 | Total Amount Pledge |
---|---|---|---|---|
$5,000 | $5,000 | $5,000 | $10,000 | $25,000 |
The Parents Fund for Student Life & Career Services | The Parents Fund for Your Student’s School | The Parents Fund for the Areas of Greatest Need | The Parents Fund Honor Your Graduate Capstone Gift for Financial Aid |
Many giving options are available and include gifts of securities that may provide tax advantages and recurring monthly gifts.
Contact us for more information.
Ellen Dooley ’85, MBA, P’23
Assoc. Director, Parent Engagement & Philanthropy
edooley@fairfield.edu | (203) 254-4000 x3276
Ways to Get Involved
As Parents Leadership Council members you are our best Parent Ambassadors and can participate in helping our students and the entire community in the following ways:
- Reach out to new Fairfield University families to welcome them and answer questions
- Invite other parents to support the University with a gift of any size to the Parents Fund
- Host and/or attend summer student and parent welcome receptions and other events with parents in your area
- Make calls to thank parent donors for their support of the Parents Fund
- Serve as ambassadors of the University in your community and in the Fairfield University community
- Make connections for the Career Development Office and support them with internships and job shadow opportunities for students
Recent Events
Parent Leadership Council Welcome Breakfast
October 16, 2021
Parents Leadership Council Spring Experience
March 26, 2022
Contact Us
For more information, please contact:

Ellen Dooley
’85, P'23
Associate Director
Parent Engagement & Philanthropy
x3276