2024 was a year of remarkable achievements and growth for ¶¶Òô»ÆƬapp, marked by record-breaking admissions, groundbreaking research, and student success.
From new academic initiatives to community outreach and innovative programs, Fairfield’s commitment to excellence continued to resonate throughout its campus and across the globe. Here's a look at some of the highlights that defined this transformative year.
Class of 2028: Record-Breaking Admissions and Geographic Diversity
¶¶Òô»ÆƬapp’s incoming Class of 2028 not only set new academic records but also enriches the campus community with its geographic diversity. With just over 1,460 students admitted from a record 18,505 applicants, this class marked the most competitive admission cycle in the University’s history with a 33 percent acceptance rate. The Class of 2028 has an impressive average GPA of 3.96, with 128 Magis Scholars in the Honors Program. The class represents 30 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, and 12 countries, with a record 25 percent admitted through Early Decision.
Fairfield Bellarmine
In 2024, Fairfield Bellarmine, the University’s two-year associate’s degree program, continued to expand its impact in the Greater Bridgeport region, welcoming 75 new students into its second cohort (FB Class of 2026). Recently, Fairfield Bellarmine received the Paul S. Timpanelli Leadership Award at the Bridgeport Regional Business Council’s Annual Gala, recognizing its positive influence on the East End neighborhood and commitment to intergenerational prosperity. The program’s focus on student success is reflected in its high retention rate for the Class of 2025, supported by small class sizes, personalized mentoring, and a strong community.
In June, University Trustee Bob Murphy '71 established the Gerald Blaszczak, S.J., Cura Personalis Fund, a $500,000 initiative to support the non-tuition needs of Bellarmine students. The fund honors the legacy and visionary leadership of Fr. Blaszczak — a newly appointed University Trustee and former special assistant to the president and alumni chaplain— for his role in the creation of the Fairfield Bellarmine program.
Center for Climate, Coastal, and Marine Studies
¶¶Òô»ÆƬapp advanced its mission of innovation, social justice, and global scholarship with the launch of the Center for Climate, Coastal, and Marine Studies in September. This new initiative focuses on interdisciplinary research in climate change and the ecosystems of Long Island Sound, with a particular emphasis on biology, physics, economics, and environmental studies. Under the leadership of Robert Nazarian, PhD, the center began a two-year initiative featuring monthly seminars, research stipends, and outreach programs aimed at creating both local and global environmental impact.
¶¶Òô»ÆƬapp in the Global Community
Building on the University’s commitment to community service and social justice, Fairfield faculty, supported by an $82,000 Benina Foundation grant, visited Loyola High School in Tanzania to address environmental and mental health challenges, promoting sustainable development. Additionally, through the Jesuit Universities Humanitarian Action Network (JUHAN), faculty members traveled to the U.S.-Mexico border to engage in critical discussions on migration and asylum.
¶¶Òô»ÆƬapp President Mark R. Nemec, PhD, and Dolan School of Business Dean Zhan Li, DBA, recently visited Shanghai to celebrate the success of the Shanghai MBA and MSBA programs. Over the past five years, Fairfield Dolan has enrolled nine MBA cohorts and two MSBA cohorts, with the third MSBA cohort starting in January 2025. In May 2024, Shanghai MBA graduates traveled to Fairfield's North Benson campus to participate in Commencement Exercises for the first time.
Marion Peckham Egan School of Nursing & Health Studies
The Marion Peckham Egan School of Nursing & Health Studies celebrated several key milestones in 2024, underscoring its commitment to excellence in healthcare education, social justice, and service around the world.
In October, 154 second-year nursing students were inducted into the clinical phase of their education during a ceremony at Fairfield’s Alumni & Family Weekend in which they pledged to uphold the highest standards of compassionate care.
The Egan School also offered a summer study abroad course in Galway, Ireland, where nursing, public health, and social work students compared healthcare delivery models in Ireland and the U.S., focusing on stroke prevention.
Kayla Fox ’25, the inaugural recipient of the Palliative Care Nursing Summer Fellowship, spent six weeks at the Elizabeth Seton Children’s Center, gaining experience in holistic care practices aligned with Jesuit principles of cura personalis.
Fairfield’s Accelerated Second Degree Nursing program saw a rise in male enrollment, with men now making up 20 percent of the students, surpassing the national average. This increase is part of efforts to diversify the nursing profession, supported by the Men in Nursing Club and AAMN chapter.
In August, 25 second-year students in the DNP Nurse Anesthesia program participated in the Egan School’s first Capping Ceremony, marking their transition to clinical practice. The ceremony celebrated their academic achievements in preparation for over 2,800 clinical hours and managing 800 anesthesia cases.
This past summer, students from Fairfield Egan participated in the International Lourdes Pilgrimage, gaining hands-on nursing experience while providing care for individuals seeking physical and spiritual healing.
College of Arts & Sciences
2024 has been a year of achievement and engagement for ¶¶Òô»ÆƬapp's College of Arts & Sciences, marked by engaging events and innovative research.
In September, Fairfield hosted the Lafayette National Symposium to commemorate the 200th anniversary of Marquis de Lafayette’s farewell tour of America. Titled “Lafayette and the Enduring Struggle for Human Rights and Democratic Governments,” the event featured renowned scholars and keynote speakers, exploring Lafayette’s legacy in advocating for democracy and human rights, while linking his impact to modern issues like political polarization. The event was broadcast on CSPAN.
The NASA Connecticut Space Grant Consortium awarded grants to faculty and students from the College. Key projects included: the research of Karl Schmidt, PhD, assistant professor of psychology, and the research of John Miecznikowski, PhD, professor of chemistry. Xiaoli Yang, PhD, professor and chair of computer science, and Djedjiga Belfadel, PhD, associate professor of electrical and biomedical engineering from the School of Engineering and Computing were also awarded research grants. Madeleine Biardi ‘27, Ethan Chow-White ’27, Brody Matijevic ’27, and John Chiodo '24 received grants for research in climate change, snowfall projections, and aerospace engineering.
In May, Fairfield made an impact at the Organization for the Study of Sex Differences Conference in Norway, where Shannon Harding, PhD, and student Madeline Kitlas '24 presented their research on social isolation and anxiety-like behaviors.
The MFA in Creative Writing Program hosted the 2024 Writers Colloquium in February, “Writing Soul Into a Broken World,” featuring authors Shane McCrae, Colum McCann, and Phil Klay. The colloquium explored the writer’s role in addressing societal challenges, such as climate change, modern warfare, and partisanship.
School of Engineering & Computing
This past year was one of exciting advancements and lasting legacies for the School of Engineering & Computing (SEC) at ¶¶Òô»ÆƬapp. From innovative research grants to the dedication of a department in honor of a legendary professor, the school has continued to push boundaries and cultivate an innovative, academic environment.
The SEC received a $400,000 grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) for disaster resilience research in collaboration with the University of Mississippi. Led by Sidike Paheding, PhD, the project uses artificial intelligence (AI) to analyze remote sensing data and assess the failure risk of mine tailings exposed to extreme weather events. This AI model aims to predict infrastructure risks and help communities mitigate the effects of disasters.
The School of Engineering and Computing also received prestigious NASA Connecticut Space Grant Consortium (CTSGC) awards for groundbreaking research. Dr. Paheding’s project on Martian surface mapping and Naser Haghbin, PhD's work on autonomous robotics are among the funded initiatives. These projects aim to enhance space exploration capabilities, advancing NASA’s mission goals and reinforcing Fairfield’s role in space research.
SEC secured a $470,000 National Science Foundation grant for a project introducing high school students to the semiconductor industry. Led by Xiaoli Yang, PhD, the initiative incorporates AI, game-based learning, and hands-on experiences, aiming to spark interest in STEM fields and semiconductor technology.
In November 2024, the Department of Mechanical Engineering was named in honor of Michael P. Zabinski, PhD, a professor since 1969, in recognition of his 55-year legacy and contributions to engineering education. This marks Fairfield’s first named department in honor of a faculty member.
School of Education and Human Development
In 2024, the School of Education and Human Development (SEHD) experienced a year of growth, innovation, and community engagement. SEHD continues to lead in addressing educational challenges, driving innovation, and preparing compassionate educators to meet the needs of diverse communities.
A key development was the launch of its first-ever undergraduate major in Curriculum and Instruction, designed to address the national teacher shortage. The program offers certification in elementary or special education, combining rigorous coursework with practical experience to prepare students for success in the classroom. SEHD also restructured its secondary education pathway, enabling students to earn certification in just four years.
SEHD also launched the inaugural Dean’s Dialogue Series, tackling critical societal issues. The first event, "Combating the Loneliness Epidemic: Science, Connection, Healing," focused on the public health crisis of loneliness, particularly among youth. The event featured a diverse panel of educators, mental health professionals, and community leaders who shared strategies for fostering connection in schools and communities.
In November, SEHD hosted an Educational Technology Forum, gathering more than 60 educators and experts to explore the role of digital tools in education. Presentations from Apple Education and the State of Connecticut highlighted the potential of AI-powered tools and collaborative teaching strategies.
The year also saw community engagement through service learning. In a visit to Marvin Elementary School, 26 undergraduate students in the "Philosophy of Education" course mentored third-graders, learning valuable strategies for inclusive education in multilingual environments.
Charles F. Dolan School of Business
The Charles F. Dolan School of Business has continued to shine in 2024, with several remarkable accomplishments by faculty, students, and alumni — from national recognition for outstanding professors, to top-tier student achievements in global competitions.
Joan Lee, PhD, professor of accounting, was named one of Poets & Quants’ 50 Best Undergraduate Professors. Recognized for her innovative teaching and research in accounting education and ethics, Dr. Lee has been a faculty member at Fairfield since 1997.
The Dolan School expanded its reach by partnering with Jesuit universities in Spain and Uruguay, offering new 4+1 and 1+1 degree programs with Comillas Pontifical University and Uruguay Catholic University. These collaborations aim to enhance students’ academic journeys and career prospects. The school also grew its study abroad options, particularly in Latin America and Europe.
In August, John Belden became the first graduate of Fairfield’s MSN/MBA dual-degree program. A collaboration between the Egan School of Nursing and the Dolan School of Business, the program integrates advanced nursing education with business skills, preparing professionals for leadership roles in healthcare.
In February, a team of Fairfield Dolan students placed in the top five at the prestigious Rotman International Trading Competition in Toronto, Canada, cementing Fairfield Dolan's strong reputation in finance education.
Archana Tedone, PhD, assistant professor of Management, is consulting with the U.S. Army to improve its officer assignment process. Her research focuses on enhancing work-life balance and career satisfaction, benefiting the Army’s talent management system.
Dr. Tedone’s work with the U.S. Army is just one example of the ways ¶¶Òô»ÆƬapp faculty and students are making meaningful contributions to real-world challenges. As a leader in Jesuit education, ¶¶Òô»ÆƬapp is poised for continued success and growth in the year ahead, and will continue to honor its Jesuit mission, nurture students who are inspired to lead and serve with purpose, and make a lasting impact on the world.
