Scholarships

Investing in People: The Richard Marfurt '68 Scholarship

by Meredith Guiness

Cristina Pires '08 and Jim Mara '68 are connected by Jim's 40-year memory of a beloved roommate.

As a talented chemistry major and executive director of programming for the Fairfield University Student Association (FUSA), Cristina Pires '08 is fully engaged in the Fairfield experience. Her academic schedule includes five courses and a lab, and her FUSA job makes her responsible for booking and organizing most of the organization's events.

The eldest of three siblings, this Monroe, Conn. student was thrilled to learn that she would be the first-ever recipient of the Richard A. Marfurt '68 Memorial Scholarship, which provides $5,000 toward her 2006-07 educational expenses. Pires said, "I was shocked when I got this. It's such a relief for me and my family and a big help in curbing my student debt."

Established in 2003, the endowed scholarship honors the memory of another hard-working student who cherished his Fairfield education. Part of a large family, Dick Marfurt '68 took his studies seriously, according to his college roommate, Jim Mara '68. Marfurt taught Mara how to study and succeed academically, providing a strong, steady influence that helped both roommates get into law school. Tragically, Marfurt was drafted and died in a plane crash in Vietnam. Recently, Mara decided to honor Marfurt's friendship, energy, and influence by helping other students realize their dreams. Inspired by Our Promise: The Campaign for Fairfield University, he pledged $100,000 to establish the scholarship, which this year earned enough endowment income to award its first recipient.

Earlier this fall, Pires had an opportunity to meet Mara and listen first-hand to his memories of Marfurt and Fairfield. "Mr. Mara told me not to worry too much about what I'm going to do with my particular degree," says Pires, "and instead just to work hard and enjoy my Fairfield education. He assured me it would all turn out alright in the end."