Fairfield University
Fairfield, CT
Quick Facts
“Per Fidem ad Plenam Veritatem”(Through Faith to the Fullness of Truth)
Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education
About Fairfield University
Fairfield University: Jesuit tradition meets academic innovation and dynamic growth.
Fairfield University, a distinguished private Jesuit institution founded in 1942, embodies its motto "Per Fidem ad Plenam Veritatem" (Through Faith to Full Truth) through a steadfast commitment to academic rigor, service, and the holistic development of its 6,864 students. From its roots as the 26th Jesuit college in the U.S., Fairfield has evolved into a comprehensive university, known for fostering a vibrant learning environment that prepares students for meaningful lives and impactful careers.
The university's history is marked by significant milestones, including its transition to co-education in 1970, which coincided with the formation of its School of Nursing – now the Marion Peckham Egan School of Nursing and Health Studies. A landmark Supreme Court decision in 1971, Tilton vs. Richardson, played a crucial role by securing federal construction grants, which facilitated the development of key campus facilities like the Nyselius Library and Bannow Science Center, underscoring Fairfield's capacity for growth and adaptation.
Fairfield University boasts strong academic programs housed within its specialized schools. The Dolan School of Business, established independently in 1978, offers a Master of Science in Financial Management alongside its undergraduate degrees. Further enhancing its academic breadth, the School of Engineering was formed in 1994, providing diverse undergraduate and graduate opportunities. The university experienced remarkable expansion during the 25-year tenure of President Aloysius P. Kelley, S.J., during which the institution's endowment grew dramatically and its physical campus blossomed.
Today, with a robust $0.5 billion endowment and under the forward-thinking leadership of Mark R. Nemec, its first lay president, Fairfield University continues to build on its legacy. Prospective students and families will find a dynamic and supportive community dedicated to academic excellence, innovative programs, and a deep-rooted Jesuit tradition that shapes leaders for a complex world.
Key Highlights
- ✦A distinguished private Jesuit university founded in 1942, guided by the motto "Per Fidem ad Plenam Veritatem."
- ✦Educates 6,864 students, supported by a substantial $0.5 billion endowment.
- ✦Transitioned to a co-educational institution in 1970, simultaneously establishing its School of Nursing.
- ✦Successfully upheld its eligibility for federal construction grants through the landmark 1971 Supreme Court case Tilton vs. Richardson.
- ✦Experienced unprecedented growth under President Aloysius P. Kelley, S.J., during whose 25-year tenure the endowment grew from under $2 million to $131 million.
- ✦Recognized for academic excellence with its acceptance into Phi Beta Kappa in 1995.
- ✦Led by its first lay president, Mark R. Nemec, since 2017, signifying an evolving leadership structure.
Timeline
Schools & Colleges
3 notable schools within Fairfield University
Marion Peckham Egan School of Nursing and Health Studies
Formed in 1970 as the School of Nursing, it offers four-year undergraduate programs and is now part of the broader health studies division.
Dolan School of Business
Established in 1978 as a separate school, it offers both undergraduate and graduate degree programs, including a Master of Science in Financial Management.
School of Engineering
Formed in 1994 after the acquisition of Bridgeport Engineering Institute, it offers both undergraduate and graduate degree programs in engineering.
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