Celebrating Fairfield’s 75th Anniversary A Proud Past, An Amazing Future
2017
Celebrating Fairfield’s 75th Anniversary 1941 The Jesuits buy the Mailands 76-acre estate from Oliver Gould Jennings for approximately $42,000 to establish their new school. Early in 1942, they purchase the 105-acre Lashar Estate, which includes Hearthstone Hall (now Bellarmine) for $68,500. 1942 Rev. John J. McEleney, S.J., is given a new assignment: Head of a soon-to-beestablished Jesuit educational institution in Fairfield, Conn. MARCH 17, 1942 Rev. John J. McEleney, S.J., and his Jesuit brothers create Articles of Association and By-Laws for an institutional entity for both high school and college-level education: The Fairfield College of St. Robert Bellarmine. This is the beginning of both Fairfield College Preparatory School and Fairfield University. 1947 First class of 303 male students admitted to the College of Arts and Sciences.
1970 Women are admitted to all undergraduate programs at Fairfield University. 1971 Bannow Science Center is constructed. 1977 The School of Nursing is completed.
1979 The School of Continuing Education is established. The Leslie C. Quick Jr. Recreation Complex is completed.
1990 The Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts is completed.
1990 The Egan Chapel of St. Ignatius Loyola is completed.
1947 Berchmans Hall and Xavier Hall are opened. The Glee Club performs its first concert. Rev. Victor Leeber, S.J., founds the cross country team, the first team sport at Fairfield.
1995 The Thomas J. Walsh Athletic Center is constructed.
1950 The first graduate school classes are held on a coeducational basis.
1999 The School of Engineering is established as its own school.
1951 Fairfield University celebrates its first commencement, with 210 graduates receiving diplomas and 4,000 guests in attendance.
2000 The School of Business is named to honor Cablevision founder, Charles F. Dolan.
1955 Loyola Hall is constructed as a muchneeded residence hall for the growing student population. 1963 The Fairfield Rugby Team becomes the first club sport team. 1968 Nyselius Library is built. It is renovated and renamed DiMennaNyselius Library in 2001.
2009 Fairfield’s mascot is officially named “Lucas” in honor of long-serving financial administrator William B. Lucas, and a large bronze statue of a stag is erected in his honor in the quad. 2010 The Bellarmine Museum of Art opens its doors; it was recently renamed the Fairfield University Museum of Art. 2015 Rafferty Stadium construction is completed. 2016 Groundbreaking ceremony held for the Center for Nursing and Health Studies, home to the Marion Peckham Egan School of Nursing and Health Studies. Grand opening of the fully-renovated RecPlex.
FAIRFIELD PRESIDENTS
1942
Rev. James H. Dolan, S.J., formerly the provincial, becomes the second rector and president of the college.
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Rev. William C. McInnes, S.J., becomes the fifth president of Fairfield University.
Rev. Thomas R. Fitzgerald, S.J., becomes the sixth president of Fairfield University.
1979
1944
Rev. Joseph D. Fitzgerald, S.J., becomes the third president of Fairfield University.
Rev. James E. Fitzgerald, S.J., is appointed the fourth president of Fairfield University.
Alumni House is completed.
2006 The Aloysius P. Kelley, S.J. Center is completed, a state-of-the-art administration building and welcoming center.
Rev. John J. McEleney, S.J., is appointed as the first president of Fairfield University.
1973
Rev. Aloysius P. Kelley, S.J., is installed as the seventh president of Fairfield University.
Rev. Jeffrey P. von Arx, S.J., is installed as the eighth president of Fairfield University.
2004
January
The first college administration and faculty in 1947 was comprised of 11 Jesuits and four lay associates. Fairfield’s Jesuit priests and faculty continue to play an integral role in the lives of current students and alumni. S U N DAY New Year’s Day Solemnity of Mary
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M O N DAY
T U E S DAY
W E D N E S DAY
T H U R S DAY
Job Shadow Month begins
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Epiphany
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Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
Classes Resume Alumni Webinar – The YOU Factor: Self Awareness as a Career Transition Tool
Early Decision II Application Deadline
15 16 17 18 19 20 21 Biology Lecture Series, IMO Dr. Donald J. Ross, Sr.
Student-Athlete Talent Show
Mock Interview Day
Chinese New Year
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From the Streets of the Bronx to the Courts of the US Open, The James Blake Homecoming
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Your gift every year makes a difference every day fairfield.edu/give
The Bellarmine Society Many individuals have created a lasting legacy assuring the future of Fairfield and its Jesuit mission by including the University in their estate plans. They are recognized as members of the Bellarmine Society.
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The Queen of the Prom is announced at the 1957 Junior Prom, which later became the Dogwood Dance. Since 2003, the President’s Ball, a main event of the fall semester, has been held under a big tent behind Bellarmine Hall. S U N DAY
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President’s Day
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Career and Internship Fair
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Stag Pride Day In February, the Student Alumni Association hosts Fairfield’s annual “Stag Pride Day!” This day gives students the opportunity to express their school spirit – from signing a “Once A Stag, Always A Stag” banner, to taking a photo with Lucas, or by giving back through monetary donations – it’s all about showing why they’re proud to be a Stag!