Avery Dulles, S.J. Hall offers state-of-the-art living and learning spaces on campus and Fairfield Post enhances community engagement in a downtown location
Over the past few years, Fairfield University has seen significant growth with new academic and administrative buildings, athletics facilities, and residence halls. The University is celebrating two significant milestones this fall in its ongoing expansion efforts: the grand opening of Fairfield Post, a new office building located in downtown Fairfield, and the official unveiling of Avery Dulles, S.J. Hall on campus.
On Sept. 6, the University community gathered for the blessing of Dulles Hall, a 28,000-square-foot modern residence that newly houses more than 100 sophomores. Designed to foster academic and social engagement, Dulles Hall features modern accommodations, study rooms, a recreation area, and a rooftop terrace.
In her welcome remarks, Meredith Smith, assistant vice president and director of residence life, noted the "brightness and light" of Dulles Hall, from its “beautiful physical spaces, windows, and lounges,” to the students' joy at reuniting with friends.
Named after Cardinal Avery Dulles, S.J., the hall honors his legacy of theological scholarship and social justice. Rev. Paul Rourke, S.J., vice president for mission and identity — who knew Cardinal Dulles during his early formation as a Jesuit scholastic at Fordham — shared personal reflections of the cardinal as "a model of balance and precision" and an “exemplar of humble service to the gospel who was a wise, gentle and holy man.”
Provost Christine Siegel, PhD, praised David Frasinelli M'92, vice president of facilities, campus and auxiliary services; Katie Hurley, assistant vice president and director of facilities; Curt Krushinsky, director of campus planning & design, and their colleagues for leading design and construction teams Newman Architects and Consigli Construction Co. to complete the project in just 14 months.
Resident assistant and Dolan School graduate student Paul Migliaccio ’24 encouraged students to build a community in the spirit of Cardinal Dulles.
The grand opening and ribbon cutting of Fairfield Post — the University’s newest facility in downtown Fairfield — took place on Sept. 12. Located at 1720 Post Road, the building houses staff from the Center for Social Impact, Center for Arts & Minds, Marketing & Communications, and Advancement teams, and symbolizes the University's commitment to community engagement and economic growth.
Fairfield University President Mark R. Nemec, PhD, Provost Christine Siegel, PhD, and Rev. Paul Rourke, S.J., were joined by local officials, including Town of Fairfield First Selectman William Gerber, Director of Community & Economic Development Mark Barnhart, and State Senator Tony Hwang, to mark the occasion.
In his remarks, Fairfield University President Mark R. Nemec, PhD referenced French philosopher de Tocqueville and his thoughts on the American republic. “It is the town that leads the vibrancy of our republic, and leads the vibrancy of our world,” said President Nemec. “...One of the things that we see as essential, is that we contribute not just to the greater good as our values underscore, but as an American university to the vibrancy of this town.”
Provost Siegel emphasized Fairfield University’s $1 billion economic impact on the town and state, and its commitment to innovation, cultural growth, and community involvement. She noted that the University is the town's largest private employer and that students contribute significantly to the fabric of the community by working, shopping, dining, and volunteering locally. More than 20,000 alumni Stags live in Connecticut, including over 3,000 in Fairfield alone.
First Selectman Gerber underscored the University’s contributions and impact on Fairfield, and its role in shaping the town into a dynamic college community. The doors to Fairfield Post were officially opened after the ribbon was cut, and guests were invited to tour the new facility and learn more about the programs and services it houses.
