For Josh and Michelle Brady, P’26, visits to Fairfield are nostalgic. While they now reside in Chevy Chase, Maryland, they fondly recall their time living in Norwalk, Connecticut, where they often visited Fairfield University for Sunday Mass, followed by lunch at the Firehouse Deli. Although their proximity to Fairfield has changed, they still have a strong motivation to visit because their son Colin (Class of ’26), currently attends the University.

Colin, in his junior year, finds himself at a pivotal stage in his college journey as he transitions from underclassman to upper classman. His parents enjoyed visiting him in the earlier years and eagerly look forward to embracing the opportunities that still await them in Stag Country.

“During Colin’s first year, I came up about three weeks in, to visit him. I got to meet some of his Fairfield Rugby teammates and coaches, and the student I saw there was not the same kid I had dropped off just a month be fore,” Josh recounted. Since then, the Bradys have enjoyed watching Colin continue to flourish and make the most of his time at Fairfield. “You want your child to find a place where they’re happy and comfortable while they’re a student. And it’s just great to see that he’s also planning his future at the same time,” Michelle said.

As parents, the Bradys have wholeheartedly embraced every opportunity to deepen their connection with the University. They serve as active members of the Parents Leadership Council, a network of parents committed to supporting and enhancing the Stag community and University mission. They’ve attended a variety of events including the Fairfield Awards Dinner, the Rugby Hall of Honor Reception, and a regional President’s Reception in D.C. Additionally, they support the University by donating to the Parents Fund, the Multicultural Scholarship Fund, and the Fairfield Men’s Rugby Program. In 2023, they proudly sponsored the Parents & Family Challenge, which encouraged fellow parents to become engaged and demonstrate a commitment to Fairfield’s success.

When asked about their deep involvement, the Bradys expressed being moved by Fairfield’s commitment to embodying Jesuit values, its genuine care for students and alumni, and its concern for the University’s broader impact. “You can see that the University really wants to remain a valuable part of the larger community,” said Josh.

Josh and Michelle have deep connections to Jesuit education, stemming from their time at Gonzaga College High School and Georgetown University. When they first met Fairfield University President Mark R. Nemec, PhD, at Alumni Family Weekend in 2022, they bonded over their shared interest in rugby. More significantly, they were impressed by his vision for the University, admired his dedication to the Jesuit mission, and were energized by his enthusiasm for the launch of Fairfield Bellarmine. The Bradys are further encouraged by the visible impact of their contributions. “You see the University growing and advancing constantly, every day,” Josh observed.

Through their experience with Fairfield, they hope to motivate other Stag parents and families to seize opportunities to get involved and contribute to the University in any way they can. The Bradys themselves were greatly influenced by John and Monica Thompson, P’23, who were former co-chairs of the Parents Leadership Council. “They had an impact on us. If we could inspire another couple, we would love to do that,” said Michelle.

Josh and Michelle are proud to give back as actively engaged parents within this community they feel closely tied to. “We are involved in showing support, not just for Colin, but for the school he chose. The whole family is part of this experience. I think when he looks back on his experience, our participation will be just another part of what makes him remember his time at Fairfield so fondly and feel proud.”