At Fairfield University, the Jesuit tradition of service and social justice isn’t just a philosophy, it’s a way of life embraced by both students and alumni.
This April, the Fairfield University Alumni Association took part in a new initiative to encourage greater participation in service activities nationwide during National Jesuit Service Month. Through collaborative efforts with seven alumni chapters throughout the country, as well as the Alumni of Color Network (AOCN) and Fairfield Bellarmine, Stags from Fairfield to San Francisco showcased their commitment to the core Jesuit values of compassion, empathy, and social responsibility by volunteering in their local communities during the month of April.
Throughout the month, the Alumni Association worked with the leaders of Fairfield’s regional alumni chapters to orchestrate a series of projects based on the needs of each community and the causes that alumni found near and dear to their hearts. These events and activities were diverse in nature and included offering support to local nonprofits dedicated to alleviating childhood hunger, caring for our nation’s veterans, serving at local food banks, and volunteering at animal shelters.
Fairfield's Washington, D.C., alumni chapter partnered with Honor Flight, a program that honors veterans by coordinating trips to visit memorials in the nation's capital. Fairfield alumni, while touring the monuments alongside veterans, had the privilege of expressing gratitude and listening to their inspiring stories. This experience allowed the alumni to not only show their appreciation, but also deepen their understanding of service and sacrifice.
Closer to home, in Bridgeport, Conn., Fairfield University staff members and the Alumni Board joined forces to volunteer with Connecticut Foodshare, a non-profit dedicated to fighting hunger through collaboration with community partners. During the service event, alumni volunteers sorted and packaged thousands of pounds of food destined for food pantries, soup kitchens, and other organizations serving those in need throughout the state. Alumni board member Tony Mixcus ’75, who participated in the project, was impressed by the turnout. "We had our largest number of participants ever, after the announcement about National Jesuit Service Month," he shared.
Reflecting on the significance of Jesuit Service Month, Kelly Falcone '10, president of the Fairfield University Alumni Association Board of Directors, emphasized the tradition of service she’d experienced throughout her life as part of the Fairfield community. “When I was a student, we always participated in service activities in April as part of National Jesuit Service Month. I love that the tradition carries on in our role as alumni. It shows the greater community that service and being people for others are key Jesuit values that we truly live even after our time on campus.”
