The Bellarmine Society

Over the years Fairfield has been blessed by thoughtful individuals who have sought to perpetuate the ideals of St. Robert Bellarmine by making gifts for the purpose of advancing the University to new and higher levels of achievement.

To ensure that Fairfield will have the needed financial resources to provide excellent educational opportunities for future generations, the University has established The Bellarmine Society to recognize those who have made a commitment to its long-range advancement through their estate plans.

The Bellarmine Society honors those benefactors who have thoughtfully informed the University that they have remembered Fairfield with a gift that will take effect after their lifetime (e.g., a bequest in a will) to continue the support they have given to Fairfield during their lifetime.

The Society takes its name from that of the patron of Fairfield University, Saint Robert Bellarmine. Born in 1542, Saint Robert Bellarmine, S.J., was a Cardinal and Doctor of the Universal Church. He was one of the most learned men of his time and his books were a powerful vindication of the Church.

A very popular orator, he had the ability to simplify the great truths of theology and put them within range of ordinary people. Pope Clement VIII made him a Cardinal "because he was without equal for learning in the church of God."

His concern for education was apparent from the letters he wrote urging careful training of mathematics teachers. Galileo invited Bellarmine to see the newfound wonders of the sky in his telescope and later Bellarmine turned to Jesuit scientists to confirm Galileo's findings.

In the words of Fairfield mathematics professor and author Rev. Joseph C. MacDonnell, S.J., "It is hard to imagine anyone with better qualifications to be the patron of Fairfield University, not only because of his brilliant scholarship offered freely in the service of others, but also his commitment to intellectual integrity."

You may join The Bellarmine Society by filling out this form .

For further information about The Bellarmine Society, please contact: 

Lynnette Sodha
Development Office
Fairfield University
1073 North Benson Road
Fairfield, CT 06824
(203) 254-4000 ext. 2024