IMPACT REPORT
WELCOME a place of
Dear Friends,
At Fairfield University, we believe that higher education is not simply a private enterprise, but a public endeavor
Grounded in our Jesuit Catholic tradition and animated by our mission to form men and women for and with others, we understand that our impact and our obligation extends far beyond our campus borders
This new annual report captures the many ways Fairfield University engages with purpose—broadening pathways to opportunity, strengthening our economy, and preparing students to lead meaningful, purposeful lives
Immersion experiences, local volunteer work, retreats, and Campus Ministry programs help students discover that purpose through service Through community-engaged learning and research, internships, and local volunteer work, our University community applies our knowledge and advances our values.
At Fairfield, our work is our testament reflected each day in how we serve the common good.
Mark R. Nemec, PhD President
5,671
Undergraduate Students
STUDENT ENROLLMENT
1,490
7,161
45,000 hrs
9,041
Local Jobs Created & Supported
$11 million $89 million
2,700
CLASS OF 2025
INCOMING CLASS OF 2029
Students Represent
STATES
29 14,200 13 25% 3.71 974 24,000
ACCEPTANCE RATE AVERAGE WEIGHTED GPA
242
Alumni Remained in Fairfield County
Alumni Remained in Connecticut 403
STUDENT OUTCOMES
98% of the Class of 2024 achieved one of the following:
FULL-TIME PROFESSIONAL EMPLOYMENT
ADMISSION TO GRADUATE DEGREE PROGRAMS
PARTICIPATION IN VOLUNTEER SERVICE PROGRAMS
ALUMNI IN FAIRFIELD
ECONOMIC IMPACT
Fairfield University is the largest private employer in Fairfield, Connecticut.
DIRECT SPENDING
According to the 2025 Connecticut Conference of Independent Colleges report, the University generated: $1.24billion $743.6million 9,041 $500.9million TOTAL ECONOMIC IMPACT
“Fairfield University plays an integral role in the vitality of our local economy and community life. The University attracts students, faculty, and visitors who support local businesses, housing, and services, while also contributing their time and talent through internships, volunteerism, and civic engagement. The impact is felt not only in economic terms, but in the energy, innovation, and community spirit the University brings to Fairfield.”
MARK. S BARNHART DIRECTOR, COMMUNITY & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT TOWN OF FAIRFIELD
fueling local businesses, supporting infrastructure, and bolstering regional household income
JOBS CREATED & SUPPORTED INDUCED SPENDING
CONNECTING TALENT WITH OPPORTUNITY
From classroom to career, Fairfield equips students with the skills and experiences needed for today’s workforce. Fairfield students engage in career readiness programming, mentorship, job shadowing, and full internships.
2024-25 HIGHLIGHTS
Fairfield hosted 6 career fairs across disciplines (nursing, law, education, general) connecting nearly 1,700 students with 292 employers
529 students from the Charles F. Dolan School of Business interned with local, regional, and national companies as part of their studies
Marion Peckham Egan School of Nursing & Health Studies students completed 546 clinical hours and 112 lab hours, partnering with 100+ regional hospitals and clinics (such as Bridgeport Hospital, Stamford Hospital, VA centers) to deliver care while preparing students for immediate workforce entry
Every year, we look forward to meeting new students and their families and being one of their fashion destinations.
The Fairfield University students that we have employed over the last 10+ years have been an important part of our business success and we appreciate their commitment and dedication!”
DIANE HOLTZ APRICOT LANE BOUTIQUE, OWNER
SIGNATURE COMMUNITY & ECONOMIC INITIATIVES:
Through these and other efforts, Fairfield University proudly puts its mission and its dollars behind the belief that a strong local economy enriches us all
Fairfield Foodie Days encourages University faculty, staff, and students to support local restaurants during the winter months. The annual initiative aims to strengthen relationships with local dining establishments and to promote off-campus exploration and economic activity. More than 30 restaurants participated last year.
Newly launched Pop-Up Markets provide an opportunity for small businesses to come on campus to sell merchandise.
The University actively co-hosts and participates in key community events in downtown Fairfield, including Colony Grill’s Hot Oil 5K, the Fairfield Road Races, Shop & Strolls, and sidewalk sales.
EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING WITH LOCAL IMPACT:
Fairfield University continues to foster strong, hands-on partnerships that directly support the growth and visibility of local businesses
As part of marketing coursework, students worked directly with several local businesses on advertising and social media campaigns, resulting in immediate, real-world benefits for the community’s small-business sector
Through internships at local and regional businesses, organizations, and municipal departments, students are encouraged to apply their skills and contribute to the community’s growth and vitality, while gaining practical experience
Fairfield University is deeply committed to the vitality of our local economy we partner with the Fairfield Chamber of Commerce, participate in the town’s Economic Development Commission and the Downtown Merchant’s Network, and sponsor events that drive traffic and awareness to area businesses.
Fairfield University partners with Fairfield Police, Fire, and other town departments to ensure collaboration and the safety of our shared community.
Over the 2024-25 academic year, the University contributed more than $1.6 million to the town of Fairfield through taxes, fees, sponsorships, and municipal services.
2024-25 HIGHLIGHTS
Local restaurants Romanacci and Chef’s Table worked with students to refine their digital presence and attract new customers using social media.
The local nonprofit Woofgang & Co , which supports adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities through retail employment, received custom marketing and storefront strategies from students, including new eye-catching window display concepts, QR code integration for digital engagement, and recommendations to participate in campus events
GIVING BACK WHERE IT ALL BEGAN
Fairfield University students often fall in love with the area—and many choose to stay, return, and reinvest in the community they first called home as undergraduates (currently 2,700 alumni reside in Fairfield). These alumni not only bring their diverse talents with them, but also help fuel the local economy and enhance Fairfield’s cultural and commercial vitality. Two standout examples from the past year:
After years of searching for the perfect Fairfield location, brothers Steve (Class of ‘80) and Peter (Class of ’81) Ciardiello opened Elicit Brewing Company in town in 2024, featuring a vibrant 100-tap taproom, microbrewery, restaurant, and outdoor patio
In partnership with the University, Elicit launched ‘42 Brew, a Fairfield-themed craft lager, to celebrate its Stag alumni community
Nationally known digital influencer and entrepreneur Liz Joy (Class of ‘06) opened her flagship Marea fashion boutique on Post Road in 2024. The art history major’s passion for style, storytelling, and community led her to create a space that blends fashion, lifestyle, and local connection Joy and her family also call Fairfield home
“
Fairfield University constantly brings shining young adults into town.
That helps my business and offerings stay trendy and exciting. We love feedback from faculty, staff, and students, and offering them different options to explore.”
JI-YOON KIM BLUE & BERRIES, OWNER
These partnerships exemplify Fairfield University’s role as a resource and collaborator for local economic vitality, offering businesses both strategic value and sustained engagement
Fairfield University infuses the town with energy, youth, and long-term vitality making it a magnet for families seeking a vibrant, enduring community and a destination that generates significant revenue for hotels, restaurants, and shops. Fairfield University welcomed more than 100,000 Stag visitors last year.
18,900
CAMPUS VISITORS THIS YEAR FOR STUDENT TOURS
56,335
CAMPUS VISITORS FOR ATHLETIC GAMES
33,220
CAMPUS VISITORS FOR CULTURAL EVENTS
Fairfield University’s presence enhances quality of life, reinforces the University's role as a top economic contributor, and increases neighborhood desirability.
COMMUNITY IMPACT
EXPANDING ACCESS AND OPPORTUNITY
FairfieldBellarmine,our new two-year associate’s degree program located inthe East End ofBridgeport, Conn., represents a bold and innovative response to the challenges of access and affordability in higher education. It puts our Jesuit mission into action by creating meaningful academic and career pathways for underserved populations.
FAIRFIELD BELLARMINE FIRST GRADUATING CLASS: 80%
GRADUATION RATE
Four times Connecticut’s community college average 100% of Class of 2025 graduates plan to continue their studies at four-year institutions, including 31 Fairfield scholarship recipients and one student attending Stanford University
FAIRFIELD BELLARMINE
“At FairfieldBellarmine, we weren’t just given a chance we were believed in. That belief turned into confidence, and that confidence became purpose. We are ready to serve, to lead, and to give back.”
— SCARLLET LOPEZ AS’25,’27
FAIRFIELD BELLARMINE INCOMING CLASS:
Enrollment of 56new studentsfor the upcoming academic year
S U S O CO OR CIT / NS REPRESENTED
11
G G F 96% 3.36
14%
G O S REPRESENTED SCHOOLS DIFFER GUAGES SPOKEN AT HOME FROM JESUIT AND/OR CATHOLIC SCHOOLS 10 68% 10 86%
45,000+ HOURS OF STUDENT COMMUNITY SERVICE & ENGAGEMENT
Community service and engagement are fundamental to Fairfield’s mission. Across numerous programs and initiatives, 1,380 students participated in 16 beach area clean ups on Sundays, picking up trash on Fairfield’s beaches, along Fairfield Beach Road, and up Reef Road. The University also adopted the intersection of Beach and Reef as part of the town of Fairfield’s Adopt a Street program.
CAMPUS MINISTRY
Guided by our Catholic and Jesuit conviction that all people are created in the image and likeness of God, Campus Ministry serves as a home for all students to integrate faith into the whole of their lives both intellectually and spiritually.
Campus Ministry sponsored more than 25,000 community service hours at 49 different nonprofit organizations.
2024-25 HIGHLIGHTS
BEST BUDDIES
50 students served as mentors over the past year, gathering monthly to share friendship and experiences.
FILLING IN THE BLANKS
Student volunteers spent 1,400 hours packing and decorating bags of food for children facing food insecurity at home on weekends
GLAMOUR GALS
Student volunteers at the Sturges Ridge senior living community led chair yoga, painted nails, and played balloon volleyball and Are You Smarter Than a College Student?
PROSPECT HOUSE
Last year alone, nearly 4,200 meals were donated to Bridgeport’s Prospect House It is estimated that over the past 35 years, Fairfield University students, staff, and faculty have served more than 150,000 meals to the residents of Prospect House
“
For 35 years, Fairfield University has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to supporting Prospect House, an emergency shelter operated by Recovery Network of Programs in Bridgeport.
Dedicated Fairfield faculty and students have not only provided hundreds of thousands of nutritious meals over the years but—equally important—have offered hope, connection, and community to residents living in the shelter.”
JENNIFER KOLAKOWSKI CEO, PROSPECT HOUSE
For nine years, Fairfield University has partnered with Bryant School in Bridgeport through the Pencil Pals program—fostering literacy, mentorship, and connection.
Last year, 100 Fairfield students were matched with 100 Bryant students and exchanged handwritten letters throughout the school year. The program concluded with an in-person popsicle party for pen pals to meet and celebrate a year of shared stories, encouragement, and friendship.
Our third graders love the Pencil Pal partnership! Thanks to Fairfield University volunteers, they’re improving writing and communication skills while building meaningful social-emotional connections. Fairfield students have become role models, encouraging our students to work hard and dream big!”
VICTORIA EGRI PRINCIPAL AT BRYANT ELEMENTARY
CENTER FOR SOCIAL IMPACT
Grounded in Fairfield University's Jesuit Catholic mission to share its intellectual resources for the betterment of the community, the Center for Social Impact (CSI) educates students to be socially and morally responsible.
CSI supports 50 community-engaged learning courses annually, partnering with more than 29 organizations—including hospitals, schools, and nonprofits, totaling more than 15,000 hours.
CSI connects community and campus to create high-impact academic opportunities that address local, national, and global challenges, and develop individuals committed to creating a more just and equitable world. CSI’s three core components are community-engaged learning, community-engaged research, and humanitarian action.
PROVIDING CLEAN WATER
At the Fifth Annual Humanitarian Action Spring Filter Build held in May, students purchased supplies and built 70 water filters
Over the past five years, the club has raised close to $25,000 to purchase and assemble more than 400 water filtration kits each of which can provide a family with clean water for up to ten years. The program serves victims of U.S. floods and hurricanes, as well as communities in developing countries
CENTER FOR SOCIAL IMPACT
SPECIAL EDUCATION MINOR (SPED)
In several courses throughout the Special Ed minor, students support a myriad of local programs that serve individuals with intellectual and physical disabilities In 2024-2025, 109 students from the School of Education and Human Development’s Special Education program supported special learners and teachers in 30 different local schools, mostly in Fairfield and Westport Public Schools, and 8 community organizations that provide services to youth with special needs. SPED is a community-engaged learning course offered annually
HUMANITARIAN ACTION CLUB
The Fourth Annual Humanitarian Action Club Fall Fest, a fundraiser that takes place each fall semester, has become a tradition on campus. This year, proceeds were donated to the Afghan Female Student Outreach (AFSO) organization and the Connecticut Institute for Refugees and Immigrants Twenty students from the Humanitarian Action Club planned the successful event, raising $1,100 total
BEARDSLEY ZOO
Fairfield University’s RIZE program, in partnership with Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo, earned top honors at the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Conference for student-led research that directly supports animal care and conservation efforts at the zoo Students engaged in 7 different research projects, with the goal of answering the most pressing questions. Several of the student groups were also invited to present their research at the 2025 Association of Zoos and Aquariums conference in Tampa, Florida
SERVICE THROUGH SPORTS
Fairfield University’s Athletics programs play a powerful role in advancing community engagemen Student-athletes from Division I teams to participants in club sports demonstrate leadership, teamwork, and social responsibility by giving back to the local community.
FAIRFIELD’S YOUTH
Fairfield’s summer camps and theatre programs engaged more than 3,000 children in sports, arts, and academic enrichment This includes 1,500 students in the Missoula Children’s Theatre camps and hundreds more in sports camps such as soccer, baseball, softball, field hockey, lacrosse, and basketball, as well as STEM, arts, and literacy programs Scholarships are offered for many of these camps and programs.
A program offered to families interested in athletics, Lil’ Stags Club engages local children and fosters a sense of school spirit through fun events such as visits to local schools from Lucas the Stag and mentorship opportunities with Fairfield studentathletes Lil’ Stags families may also attend campus sporting events at a reduced rate
Building on this community engagement, the annual Kids’ Day Out women’s basketball game draws thousands of local students to Fairfield’s campus each year.
The downtown Fairfield University Store offers local families weekly story time, arts & crafts, and more Last year, 20 community events were offered in the retail venue’s Second Story space
This year, the Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts offered new half-day acting and circus skills summer camps in the Second Story
CIVIC ENGAGEMENT & THE ARTS
Fairfield University has a long history of hosting local and state forums, debates, and roundtables that encourage civic engagement around important public issues and elections.
A hub for civic engagement during the 2024–25 academic year, Fairfield University proudly fostered informed citizenship through its Stags Vote initiative and offered a robust lineup of public affairs programming The semester began with a talk titled “How Will Gen Z Vote?”, featuring Harvard Kennedy School’s John Della Volpe
Throughout election season, Fairfield hosted a dynamic series of events including State Senate and House candidate forums, an expert political analysis with journalist Mark Sudol and faculty member Gayle Alberda, PhD, an Open VISIONS Forum (OVF) with Bari Weiss, and an OVF with Alyssa Farah Griffin and Molly Jong-Fast all designed to elevate the discourse around Election 2024.
The University served as the town of Fairfield’s first Early Voting location, open to all residents
Fairfield also affirmed its role as a center for public dialogue by hosting major regional leaders and elected officials at the following events:
The Governor’s Economic Breakfast, in partnership with the Fairfield Chamber of Commerce and the Bridgeport Regional Business Council;
The 1 Annual Women in Business event with the Fairfield Chamber of Commerce st
Campus visits and meetings with Governor Ned Lamont, Congressman Jim Himes, and state legislators;
And the annual legislative breakfast, bringing together state representatives and campus leadership for policy conversation and collaboration.
CONNECTING CAMPUS TO COMMUNITY
Campus Connect:
A New Downtown Speaker Series on Hot Topics
Launched in fall 2024, Fairfield University’s Campus Connect series invites the local community into conversation with University and civic experts on timely topics ranging from technology and wellness to politics and youth development.
Held monthly in the newly renovated Second Story gathering space of the Fairfield University Store in downtown Fairfield, Campus Connect events are free and open to the public.
HIGHLIGHTED TOPICS OF THE INAUGURAL CAMPUS CONNECT SEASON:
“College Recruitment & Athletics” “Election 2024: Power & Politics” “Mindfulness & Mental Health During the Holidays” “Youth, Cell Phones, and Mental Health” “Cybersecurity in Daily Life”
Through Campus Connect, Fairfield University affirms its mission to serve as a convener of ideas, a resource to the region, and a partner in dialogue welcoming neighbors to engage in the issues that shape our shared lives.
A CULTURAL RESOURCE FOR THE REGION
Through the Fairfield University Art Museum and the Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts, we offer rich cultural and artistic experiences for the public. This year ’ s exhibitions and performances attracted more than 33,000 local residents and school groups.
The Philip E Eliasoph Open VISIONS Forum and theatre programming stimulate dialogue, creativity, and reflection hallmarks of the Jesuit education shared generously with our neighbors.
In 2025, the town of Fairfield was granted a Cultural District Designation by the State of Connecticut Fairfield University is a key component of the designation, contributing four arts and culture locations on the state certified map.
REGINA A. QUICK CENTER FOR THE ARTS
The Quick Center offered 68 free events, each one open to the community.
They hosted 11 local nonprofits and community businesses, waiving almost $25,000 in usage fees to support their missions
The Arts for All program provided 13 free workshops, hands-on learning experiences, and panel discussions at local schools and juvenile detention centers
Pilobolus “Connecting With Balance” classes were held at Black Rock Senior Center to help seniors improve balance
1,500 free tickets to Quick Center performances were donated to Bridgeport students and families
The Fairfield University Glee Club performed downtown at the Fairfield University Store during the holiday Shop & Stroll and at the Juvenile Detention Center in Bridgeport
FAIRFIELD UNIVERSITY ART MUSEUM
The Fairfield University Art Museum offers a variety of free programs and events, including exhibitions, lectures, and workshops for adults and families, both in person and virtually.
2024-25 HIGHLIGHTS
The museum held 88 free public events and programs, bringing in nearly 3,500 visitors and engaging 10,000 viewers in total.
A free ice cream social, in alignment with Peter Anton’s Just Desserts exhibition, drew nearly 1,000 community visitors to campus
In fall 2024, the Fairfield University Art Museum launched a new arts program that offers neurodivergent adults a welcoming space for creativity, connection, and selfexpression The initiative reflects Fairfield’s mission to make art accessible to all, while filling a critical gap in adult programming Participants engage in hands-on art projects and gallery visits that foster confidence, communication, and community.
SPIRITUAL, HEALTH, & HUMAN SERVICES
At Fairfield University, our mission calls us to form individuals who not only find personal fulfillment but who also contribute meaningfully to the wellbeing of others and the world around them. Whether through counseling services that ensure no one is turned away, opportunities for reflection and faith development that nurture the spirit, or bold initiatives in sustainability that protect our shared environment, Fairfield continues to live out its Jesuit values in service to both our community and the greater good.
PROMOTING WELLNESS & DIGNITY
MENTAL HEALTH
The Koslow Center for Marriage and Family Therapy provides affordable, high-quality mental healthcare to individuals, couples, and families throughout the region. Services are offered in person as well as via telehealth, led by advanced graduate students from the School of Education and Human Development’s nationally accredited Marriage and Family Therapy program Sessions are conducted under the close supervision of licensed faculty clinicians and at significantly reduced cost. No one is turned away based on ability to pay, reinforcing the University’s mission of inclusive care
Over the course of the 2024-25 school year, therapy was provided to 55 individuals, couples, and families across Connecticut, both in person and virtually.
SPIRITUAL GUIDANCE
Fairfield University is committed to nurturing the whole person mind, body, and spirit not only on campus but throughout the region. Through the Murphy Center for Ignatian Spirituality and the Egan Chapel of St. Ignatius of Loyola, the University extends a warm invitation to the wider community to explore, reflect, and grow in faith
The Murphy Center offers in-person and virtual retreats and programs that welcome community members of all faith backgrounds In partnership with the Diocese of Bridgeport, the Center offers Parish Ignatian Pilgrimages and other spiritual outreach.
THE MURPHY CENTER FOR IGNATIAN SPIRITUALITY’S IMPACT
626 410 16
Residents from across Connecticut and the tri-state area participated in Murphy Center programs in the past year . Individuals received one-on-one spiritual direction monthly, discovering personalized, contemplative guidance in their lives.
Community members are enrolled in Murphy Center’s two-year spiritual director formation certificate program, preparing to serve others on their spiritual journeys.
Fairfield Jesuits regularly serve at St. Anthony of Padua Church in Fairfield, deepening their connection to local parish life while also welcoming all to daily and weekend Masses at the Egan Chapel of St. Ignatius of Loyola.
ENVIRONMENTAL LEADERSHIP/ STEWARDSHIP
Embracing sustainable practices isn’t merely a choice; it’s a commitment to the longevity of our environment, our community, and our ideals. Fairfield University has adopted the goals and direction set forth by Pope Francis in his 2015 encyclical letter Laudato Si’: On Care for Our Common Home. Each new campus project encompasses significant efforts towards sustainability.
NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED UNIVERSITY WITH A LOCAL HEART
In 2024, Fairfield University launched the Center for Climate, Coastal, and Marine Studies, a bold expression of our Jesuit mission and our commitment to environmental justice The Center represents Fairfield’s first dedicated research center focused on supporting faculty and student scholarship in climate-related fields. It aims to address both global and local environmental challenges particularly those impacting our region and the Long Island Sound
This new center complements the volunteer efforts of students and faculty members, as well as the broader campus-wide initiatives led by the University
2024-25 HIGHLIGHTS
A NEW RESIDENCE HALL RECEIVED ONE OF THE HIGHEST CERTIFICATIONS FROM THE U.S. GREEN BUILDING COUNCIL
LEED Gold for its energy efficiency, air quality, and waste reduction
STAGS HOSPITALITY COMPOSTED 149,160 POUNDS OF POST-CONSUMER WASTE,
mitigating CO2 emissions Since August 2019, Fairfield University has diverted all food waste from its dining services and catering operations
In 2025, the Sustainable Stags initiative collected and donated three van loads of salvaged furniture and household goods, delivering them directly to community members in need Now in its seventh year, the program led by the Center for Social Impact in partnership with the Office of Residence Life and two Sustainable Stag fellows reclaims and recycles gently used items during spring move-out Over the years, this effort has
DIVERTED NUMEROUS PODS-WORTH OF MATERIALS FROM LANDFILLS WHILE SUPPORTING LOCAL FAMILIES AND NONPROFIT PARTNERS
BEST LIFETIME RETURN ON INVESTMENT
15% COLLEGES IN THE NATION FOR STUDENT ENGAGEMENT
98% REPORTED PLACEMENT RATE FOR THE CLASS OF 2024 1%
COLLEGES IN
U.S.
IN TOP COLLEGES FOR CAREER SUCCESS – LinkedIn Rankings
