Lyons-Lademan Athletic Fund

Championing the value of athletics

A family gift: (l-r) Thomas J. Walsh, III '78, Rosellen Walsh Schnurr '74, Thomas J. Walsh, Jr. and Marianne Walsh Saladino '88.

At the dedication of the Thomas J. Walsh, Jr., Athletic Center, Rosellen Schnurr said, "As a family, we recognize the important role athletics can play in the overall formation of individuals ... and the Jesuit tradition of education that encourages a sound mind in a sound body."

The Walsh family gift of $5 million came as Fairfield was implementing a multi-phase plan to upgrade its athletic facilities. The Walshes' contribution was devoted to the Athletic Center, a 52,000 sq. ft. facility that provides athletic and academic facilities for Fairfield's 500 student-athletes and office space for coaches, administrators, and staff.

The late Thomas J. Walsh, Jr., former chairman and president of Colonial Wire and Cable Company, was a trustee and a long-time benefactor of the University. Three of his children, Rosellen Walsh Schnurr '74, Thomas J., III '78, and Marianne Walsh Saladino '88, are alumni, as is his son-in-law, Dr. Robert C. Schnurr '74. Rosellen has been a University trustee since 1995.

Photo by Susan Warner