Parents Make the Difference

PARENTS M A K E

T H E

DIFFERENCE

Dear Fellow Fairfield University Parents and Guardians, As co-chairs of the Parents Leadership Council (PLC) and parents of Sofia ’27, we are truly delighted to be members of the Fairfield University family.

From the moment we arrived at Admitted Students Weekend, we felt embraced by this special community, and time has only deepened that sense. We expect that each of you will soon share the same feeling.

It was inspirational for us to hear President Mark R. Nemec, PhD, describe his vision for a values-based, student-centric, and outcomes-focused education.

Over the past two years, we have been continually impressed to see evidence of this vision play out. Fairfield maintains its commitment to Jesuit educational values with a bold focus on innovation and collaboration, preparing students with the skills and values they need to achieve success in today’s world.

Fairfield University’s well-earned national recognition and outstanding admission statistics for the Class of 2029 reflect its strong and growing reputation. It is exciting to receive inquiries from friends far and wide with children seeking information about our experience — and we are proud to wholeheartedly endorse a Fairfield education!

As Fairfield parents, we are united by our shared membership in the University’s vibrant and unique community. We encourage you to seize every opportunity to share in this journey with your student(s) — from move-in to move-out, and all the fun and exciting visits in between. We have enjoyed attending events and games, volunteering through the Parent Ambassador program, participating in the PLC, and contributing philanthropically to support Fairfield University. We invite you to do the same.

Thank you for being part of the Fairfield family. Go Stags!

Jim and Michelle Mollica, P’27 Co-Chairs of the Parents Leadership Council

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

#45

Best Undergraduate Teaching in America — U.S. News & World Report 2025 Best Colleges

TOP

116

Best Colleges in the U.S. — Wall Street Journal 2025 Best Colleges in the U.S.

TOP

1%

For Long-term Return on Investment (ROI)

#5

Most Selective Catholic University

— Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce (2022)

25% Admit Rate (Class of 2029)

YOUR INVOLVEMENT & SUPPORT

MAKES THE DIFFERENCE

PARENT AMBASSADOR PROGRAM Looking for ways to get involved at Fairfield?

Parent Ambassadors represent Fairfield and our parent community in meaningful ways both on and off campus, enriching the overall student experience and supporting the work of the University.

These volunteer opportunities include: Hosting events for incoming students, fellow parents, and alumni.

Offering career-related opportunities for 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 & Family Challenge (fall) and on STAGiving Day (spring).

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

FAMILY SPOTLIGHT

“

Watching our daughter, Jaya Kelly '28, grow, learn, and begin to find her place at Fairfield has been a joy — and it’s made us even more proud to be part of the Stag community. One thing we’ve come to truly appreciate is how important parent and family involvement is at Fairfield — we jumped in right away and truly felt the impact. From attending events like the Parent Leadership Council (PLC) Experience to supporting University initiatives through the Fairfield Awards Dinner and our PLC membership, we’ve seen how every act of engagement enriches the experience for students and strengthens the Fairfield community.

— Vidhya and Rob Kelly, P'28

THE PARENTS FUND Parent giving is essential to the enrichment of our Fairfield community. Your support ensures rigorous and comprehensive academic programs, student life services and activities, financial aid, and more — all rooted in Jesuit values.

Philanthropy at Fairfield expands opportunities, while enhancing the University’s national profile. Although your philanthropy is needed all year round, please consider supporting the Parents Fund during the following initiatives: Parent & Family Challenge (Fall 2025) — A multi-day challenge for parents and families to support campus needs by reaching donor goals and unlocking additional funding.

STAGiving Day (Spring 2026) — One day when the Stag community comes together as One Fairfield for a day of giving to support important needs across campus.

Senior Tribute Gift — Parents of seniors have special opportunities to honor their soonto-be graduates: Honor Your Graduate Gift — A Fairfield tradition of supporting the Parents Fund while recognizing your student’s achievements.

Capstone Scholarship Gift — A leadership gift that supports scholarships 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 giving societies are available to parents: Parents Leadership Council — A network of parents dedicated to enhancing University initiatives by raising support for the Parents Fund, scholarships, athletics, and more. Members enjoy exclusive benefits, including meetings with senior leadership and invitations to mission-driven events. Gifts at the PLC level begin at $5,000 annually.

Executive Parents Leadership Council — Fairfield recently introduced the Executive PLC to honor parents who commit $25,000 annually to help shape the future of the University. Members are welcomed as partners in progress, with unique opportunities to engage with leadership, offer input on special projects, attend an exclusive annual event with the President, and receive additional recognition and benefits.

Frank and Missy Nigro, P'25,'27 Co-Chairs of the Executive Parents Leadership Council

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 include alumni, faculty and staff, parents, students, and friends who are all dedicated to raising support for University needs.

IMPORTANT DATES 2025 Move-in Weekend Class of '29 | Friday, August 29 Class of '28 | Sunday, August 31 Class of '27 & '26 | Monday, September 1 fairfield.edu/fallwelcome

Alumni and Family Weekend 2025 | October 24-26 2026 | October 23-25 fairfield.edu/afw

Career Fair 2025 | Wednesday, October 8 fairfield.edu/careerfair

Fairfield Awards Dinner 2026 | Wednesday, April 15 fairfield.edu/awardsdinner

Fairfield StartUp 2026 | April fairfield.edu/startup

Innovative Research Symposium 2026 | April fairfield.edu/symposium

Commencement 2026 | Sunday, May 17 fairfield.edu/commencement

ACADEMIC CALENDAR

fairfield.edu/academiccalendar

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!

FAMILY SPOTLIGHT

“

We are so happy to be a part of the Fairfield community and have enjoyed our time on the Parents Leadership Council. Through programming and meeting with faculty, students, and other parents, we've seen firsthand how committed Fairfield is to its mission. Fairfield University has been a wonderful place of growth for our son.

We are honored to continue to support University initiatives and we encourage all Stag parents to make the most of their child's time as a student.”

— Amy and Mark D'Andrea, P'25

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.

@FairfieldU /FairfieldUniversity

Parent Programs

Parent Campus Referral Guide

@FairfieldU /gostags @FairfieldU school/fairfield-university

PARENT ENGAGEMENT & PHILANTHROPY

Fairfield University 1073 North Benson Road Fairfield, CT 06824-5195

parents@fairfield.edu 203-254-4000 ext. 3276