When Bob and Deb Kilroy, P’24 began looking at colleges with their daughter Julia ’24, they embarked on the customary East Coast college tour, exploring a range of schools. Julia had a keen interest in engineering but wanted the flexibility to explore other options. She also sought a well-rounded experience with liberal arts courses and vibrant sports programs. Julia repeatedly found herself drawn to Fairfield University. Ultimately, Fairfield became her top choice, and she applied early decision. The Kilroys were impressed with Fairfield’s faith-based foundation and the opportunity to experience an education focused on wellrounded development — mind, body, and spirit.

Julia was part of the fall 2020 cohort that started early in the pandemic. The Kilroys were moved by the University’s exceptional support of new students and parents during that challenging time. “Fairfield,” they said, “just did everything in their power to help that first-year class settle in during the midst of Covid-19 and still get as much of the college experience as possible.”

As parents, Bob and Deb were warmly welcomed to remote social events with fellow parents, and they attended an informative presentation by the dean of the School of Engineering and Computing, Andres L. Carrano, PhD. They found the Office of Parent Engagement and Philanthropy to be especially supportive, noting, “They are wonderful about reaching out, going the extra mile to make sure that your student is adapting well to college life, and they are great at connecting you to various folks for internship and job opportunities.”

Julia has thrived at Fairfield. She found her fit in the Biomedical Engineering program, the school’s robust social community, and in the Rugby Club. She’s held leadership roles in Tau Beta Pi (the Engineering Honor Society), the Biomedical Engineering Society, and the Women’s Rugby Club. She has participated in several facultymentored biomedical engineering research projects on campus, and earned an internship at Olympus Corporation of the Americas. She’s looking forward to senior year “on the beach.”

Bob and Deb initially got involved to support their daughter. “We wanted to be involved with Julia’s education, to have a greater connection,” they said. “We’re not near campus, but we wanted to have some insight as to what goes on around campus and what was available to her.” The couple has remained involved to support Fairfield’s investment in all students, joining the Parents Leadership Council (PLC) and providing philanthropic support.

The Kilroys live in Upton, Mass. Bob is a partner in a law firm and Deb is taking time to care for her young grandsons. They have long been involved in their church, and in fundraising and board leadership at their community hospital.

At Fairfield, they support the Parents Fund and the Rugby program, and have made a fiveyear commitment to the Vincent Masi Fund for the School of Engineering and Computing, to support scholarships for engineering students.

In addition to charitable giving, they have participated enthusiastically in University activities on and off campus. They visit a few times a year for Julia’s athletic competitions, and attend any games closer to their home. They also enjoy Alumni & Family Weekend, many PLC events, and President’s receptions both on campus and in Boston, for parents of current and newly admitted students.

Reflecting on their engagement with the Fairfield community, they said, “If you have the ability to get involved, we would definitely recommend it. You get more back than you give, is what we have seen.”

“On the student front,” they added, “our advice would be to get involved early on and try new things. Although, as parents we might not have chosen a daunting sport like rugby for our daughter, it’s been great for her in terms of connections with other friends and students, and it’s also kept her focused on health and fitness. We value Fairfield’s holistic focus on mind, body, and spirit, which isn’t found at every institution.”