SEHD Sparks Critical Conversations with New Dean’s Dialogue Series Event

Fairfield University’s School of Education and Human Development introduced a new Dean’s Dialogue Series, with the inaugural lecture on the loneliness epidemic, which brought together over 200 attendees.

Fairfield University’s School of Education and Human Development (SEHD) hosted a panel discussion on September 23, “Combating the Loneliness Epidemic: Science. Connection. Healing.” Students, faculty, staff, and community members alike joined together to hear this panel discussion, led by Evelyn Bilias Lolis, PhD, dean of the School of Education and Human Development.

A recent report from the U.S. Surgeon General highlights a growing public health crisis in America: loneliness, isolation, and a lack of connection are pervasive issues affecting millions. These feelings of disconnection can profoundly impact both physical and mental well-being, contributing to the alarming statistic that more than one in five adults, and over one in three young adults in the U.S., are living with a mental illness.

"As we launch the inaugural Dean's Dialogue series, we confront a critical issue facing our society: the loneliness epidemic. This series reflects our School’s unwavering commitment to serving our communities and building meaningful connections,” Dr. Lolis said. "Through dialogue, collaboration, and interdisciplinary expertise, we aim to foster understanding, compassion, and solutions that truly connect and uplift our shared humanity."

In response to this urgent need, the School of Education and Human Development addressed this important conversation alongside expert panelists.

Attendees were able to gain strategies to cope with loneliness, as well as further learn about the impact. According to SEHD student, Kyleigh Clark, these strategies remain tangible.

“Some of the different strategies shared by various administrators, psychologists, and mental health experts on the panel were so impactful that I have found myself using them in my everyday life, whether working as a substitute teacher or applying them to my studies as a school psychology student,” Clark said.

Panelists

Michael Pisseri, MA’00, principal of Davenport Elementary School, Stamford Public Schools.
Samantha Miller, portfolio director, Connecticut Opportunity Project; Dalio Education.
Paula Gill Lopez, PhD, chair and program director of School Psychology at Fairfield University, and co-founder of the Connecticut Center for School Safety and Crisis Preparation.
Clinesha Johnson, PsyD, licensed psychologist and assistant dean of students at Fairfield University.
Wendy Mendes, MS, NCC, LPC, professional counselor, and director of student well-being at Fairfield Bellarmine.

Prior to the panel discussion, attendees also had the opportunity to learn about helpful resources that support and connect students from members of Fairfield University’s Campus Ministry, the Center for Social Impact, Counseling and Psychological Services and the Koslow Center for Marriage and Family Therapy. 

SEHD will continue to foster these critical topics through meaningful conversations at its signature events, including the Dean’s Dialogue Series. By sharing practical strategies and engaging in collective problem-solving of pressing societal issues, SEHD aims to empower and inspire and engage students, faculty, staff, and the broader education and mental health community.

For more information on the 2024 Dean’s Dialogue Series event, individuals are encouraged to check out The Loneliness Epidemic: Understanding the Crisis and Creating Meaningful Connections. 

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