Fairfield University | Parent Engagement Resources

PARENTS MAKE THE

DIFFERENCE

Dear Fellow Fairfield University Parents and Guardians,

As the co-chairs of the Parents Leadership Council and parents of two Stags Frank IV (Q) ’25 and William ’27, we are honored to be members of the parent community at Fairfield University. The moment we stepped onto campus for a visit as a family, we knew we were in a special place. And now, Fairfield continues to surpass our expectations in so many ways.

We feel confident both in the choice our students made to attend Fairfield University, and in the innovative vision of President Mark R. Nemec, PhD and all campus leaders. From the beautiful campus, to the rigorous curriculum and abundant opportunities, to the vivacity and enthusiasm of the people we met, we knew it was the right fit for not only Q, but now for William, too.

As families, we choose Fairfield because we understand the value of higher education steeped in Jesuit traditions. There is so much to appreciate about Fairfield – so many opportunities for academic and spiritual growth to take place, for lifelong friendships to be made, and for life-changing experiences to be had. We thoroughly enjoy our time spent on campus attending events and visiting our sons, especially at the new Leo D. Mahoney Arena. The venue is a fantastic place to come together as a community, and to watch our competitive Stags. Please also consider connecting with the community by joining the Parent Ambassador program, attending events and games on and off campus, or making a philanthropic contribution to help

STAG COUNTRY STATS

Fairfield is embarking on a transformational era like no other, and parents like you are making so much possible.

#14

IN THE COUNTRY

FOR BEST ALUMNI NETWORK AND BEST SCHOOLS FOR INTERNSHIPS

— The Princeton Review

#13

BEST CATHOLIC COLLEGES

— Niche’s Best Colleges Ranking

#115

OF BEST NATIONAL UNIVERSITIES

— U.S. News & World Report, Best National Universities Ranking for 2023

#23

BEST-RUN COLLEGE IN U.S.

— The Princeton Review

TOP 5%

NATIONWIDE

College Factual, Best Quality Rankings

90%

OF FACULTY HOLD THE HIGHEST DEGREE IN THEIR FIELD

TOP 20%

NATIONWIDE FOR BEST COLLEGES FOR YOUR MONEY

College Factual, Best Quality Rankings

20

NCAA DIVISION I ATHLETICS TEAMS

College Factual, Best Quality Rankings

12:1

STUDENT-TO-FACULTY RATIO

$141,000

AVERAGE ALUMNI EARNING POTENTIAL 10 YEARS AFTER GRADUATION

— Georgetown University’s Center on Education and the Workforce

YOUR INVOLVEMENT & SUPPORT

MAKES THE DIFFERENCE

PARENT AMBASSADOR PROGRAM

Are you looking for ways to get involved at Fairfield? Consider joining our Parent Ambassador Program. The University’s success depends on each individual in our community, and there are many meaningful opportunities for parents like you to get involved.

A Parent Ambassador represents the University and the Fairfield parent community in meaningful ways on and off campus, enriching the overall student experience through their involvement.

These volunteer opportunities include:

– Hosting events for incoming students, fellow parents, and alumni.

– Offering career-related networking opportunities for our students through internships, mentoring, the Job Shadow program, and more.

– Attending regional chapter events, including career, networking, spiritual enrichment, and social receptions.

– Assisting with welcome calls to the incoming class.

– Contacting fellow parents via social media, phone, text, or email to join you in making a gift during the Parent Leadership Challenge (fall) and on STAGiving Day (spring).

For more information, contact us at parents@fairfield.edu

We have been blessed to be part of the Fairfield community. The University offers students the opportunity to thrive in so many ways, be it academic, social, athletic, or spiritual. It was clear to us only a few months into his first year that our son Colin ’26 had made the right choice in attending Fairfield. The Parents Leadership Council plays an important role in helping expand opportunities for students to attend Fairfield now and in the future. It is a privilege to be part of the PLC and the greater Fairfield family.”

- Michelle & Josh Brady, P’26

THE PARENTS FUND

Parent giving ensures rigorous and comprehensive academic programming, student life activities, financial aid, and a wide range of health and wellness services, all rooted in Jesuit values. Your support expands opportunities for students like yours while enhancing the University’s national profile. Signature moments where our parent community comes together in the spirit of philanthropy include:

Parent Leadership Challenge — A multi-day challenge in the fall where the parent community generously comes together to reach donor goals and unlock challenge dollars that are invested to support students’ needs.

STAGiving Day — One day in the spring when the Stag community comes together as one Fairfield to support student scholarships, innovative research, athletics, and other important University initiatives.

Senior Tribute Gift — Parents of seniors have special opportunities to honor their soon-to-be graduating students:

– Honor Your Graduate Gift — A Fairfield tradition to recognize your student’s achievements and honor their experiences.

– Capstone Scholarship Gift A leadership gift that supports scholarship for future generations of Stags.

GIVING SOCIETIES

The University’s giving societies consist of community members who share similar philanthropic values, interests, or affinities. The following are giving societies available to our parent community:

– Parents Leadership Council — A network of parents committed to supporting and enhancing the University, student life, and academic endeavors by raising funds for the Parents Fund, scholarships, athletics, and more. Members enjoy exclusive signature events throughout the year, including meeting with senior leadership and attending mission-driven events for parents and alumni. Gifts at the Parents Leadership Council level begin at $5,000 annually, with additional benefits offered at higher leadership gift levels.

– The President’s Circle — Parents qualify for membership in The President’s Circle by making a gift of $1,000 or more each fiscal year. Members play a significant role in shaping all aspects of our University as we provide a top-quality education for our students in mind, body, and spirit.

IMPORTANT DATES

2023 Move-in Weekend

Class of ’27 | Friday, September 1

Class of ’26 | Sunday, September 3

Class of ’25 & ’24 | Monday, September 4

fairfield.edu/fallwelcome

Alumni and Family Weekend

2023 | October 20-22

fairfield.edu/afw

Career Fairs

2023 | Wednesday, September 27 2024 | Wednesday, February 14 fairfield.edu/careerfair

Fairfield Awards Dinner

2024

April 3 fairfield.edu/awardsdinner

Fairfield StartUp

We are beyond proud to say our son Jack ’25 attends Fairfield University. Since the moment we first toured campus we knew this was a special place, and Jack knew it was his number one choice. Fairfield’s strong Jesuit traditions, academicallyengaged community, family-like atmosphere, and extensive resources and opportunities create a well-rounded education that allows students to excel. We are thrilled to be part of the Parents Leadership Council, and to make an impact on the student experience through our support.”

- Lynn and Daniel Slote, P’25

MEET THE OFFICE OF PARENT ENGAGEMENT & PHILANTHROPY

The Office of Parent Engagement & Philanthropy is here to help our parent and family community to connect, stay informed, and get involved. We look forward to meeting you!

Ellen Dooley ’85, MBA, P’23, Director - edooley@fairfield.edu

Jenna McClain, Associate Director - jmcclain@fairfield.edu

Lindsey Hanley ’15, MPA ’22, Assistant Director - lindsey.hanley@fairfield.edu

STAY CONNECTED

Scan these QR codes and follow these accounts to access essential resources that help parents make the most of their and their students’ Fairfield experience.