Ask Joe De laney ’03, MBA’04 about his time at Fairfield University and a smile immediately illuminates his face. Having earned both his bachelor’s degree and master’s degree at Fairfield, he is a perfect fit for his new role as president of the Alumni Association.

Delaney was inspired to get involved as an alumnus through a mentor of his — Deloitte colleague and fellow Stag Maureen (Errity) Bujno ’90. Bujno’s passion and commitment to community service reenergized Delaney’s desire to give back to the University; he’s now spent more than a decade serving the Fairfield County Alumni Chapter, the Alumni Board of Directors, and the University as a whole.

“This is part of a lifelong commitment to service. My parents grounded me in the importance and understanding of helping others and giving back,” said Delaney.

“Fairfield built upon that foundation and elevated my passion for this work.”

An accounting major, Delaney started his career at Deloitte and then continued on to Gen Re, inspired by their commitment to community. Serving in leadership positions in global employee resource groups and designing mentorship opportunities for students are among the ways he has expressed his desire to serve in his professional life.

Delaney attributes his memorable experience in college and since graduation to the support from his family, genuine care from his mentors, and his admiration for his lifelong friends, including those from his youth and his Fairfield University roommates.

“Over the years, getting an opportunity to meet so many unique and genuine people has been fantastic,” he said. “Fairfield always felt like ‘home’ to me because of the positive good that everyone sought to do together. Being able to spend time with my roommates, to learn and grow together, are memories that I will always reflect upon that make me smile and laugh.”

The University’s Fairfield Bellarmine associate’s degree program in Bridgeport will welcome its second class in the fall of 2024. Delaney is excited by what Fairfield Bellarmine graduates will bring to the alumni community. He also looks forward to expanding Fairfield’s global alumni network to the new Austin, Texas campus of the Egan School of Nursing and Health Studies, the Dolan School of Business programs in Shanghai, China and Bengaluru, India, and other new regional alumni communities.

“We will be working on how we can help grow, preserve, and cultivate the experiences of our Fairfield University students on the North Benson campus, as well as welcome our latest future alumni through these expanding satellite programs,” he said. “In addition, supporting the maturation process of the Alumni of Color Network, and the expanding reach of Fairfield’s geographical and academic programs, Fairfield Alumni Association has a great future ahead of itself.”

Delaney has been impressed by the changes and improvements made to Fairfield’s North Benson campus. New spaces and renovations have enhanced the student experience, something he predicts will be directly reflected in the Stag pride shared by current and future alumni.

“Every time I return to campus I am amazed by the look and feel,” he said. “The beauty of the campus catches everyone’s eye, but the sense of community and togetherness that you get from walking on campus is unique to the Fairfield experience.”

He looks forward to continuing the Alumni Association tradition of inspiring the next generation of graduates to get involved. In this era of social media, he said it can be a challenge to build that sense of community, but that is just what he plans to do – by listening to and engaging with alumni from all walks of life, and all experiences.

“When speaking to students on campus, I tell everyone to continue to challenge themselves to learn and explore new opportunities,” Delaney said. “The world of opportunities is out there for all of us to explore. Find what you are passionate about, surround yourself with people who inspire and challenge you, and strive to be the best version of good you can be.”

Born and raised in Staten Island, N.Y., Delaney decided to put down roots in Connecticut following his time at Fairfield and his internship in Stamford. Along with his wife and children, he now calls Fairfield County his home.