Remembering the Life and Legacy of Charles F. Dolan P’86, ’85, GP’16

Charles F. Dolan P’86, ’85, GP’16, Trustee Emeritus of Fairfield University and visionary benefactor, passed away on Dec. 28, 2024 at the age of 98. He leaves behind a legacy as an innovator and leader. 

Through his 25 years of dedicated service on Fairfield University’s Board of Trustees and his pioneering leadership in the telecommunications industry, Charles Dolan’s enduring impact will continue to inspire and empower future generations.

Fairfield University's Charles F. Dolan School of Business was officially named in 2000 and stands as a testament to Dolan's extraordinary generosity and vision. His philanthropic contributions propelled the school to national prominence, with Fairfield Dolan consistently earning accolades for its undergraduate and graduate programs.

Recognized for its strong focus on student outcomes, the Dolan School of Business has established itself as a leader in preparing graduates for success. This is reflected in an impressive 99 percent of undergraduate students securing employment or attending graduate school upon graduation, and in the Dolan School's rise to the top 12 percent for salary impact (2024 Wall Street Journal/College Pulse).

“[Charles Dolan’s] generosity and vision elevated the school to national prominence, establishing it as one of the best business schools in the country. Charles’ enduring legacy is not only evident in the excellence of our business programs, but also in the many scholarships that have made a Fairfield education accessible to students from around the world,” University President Mark R. Nemec, PhD said.

Dolan’s commitment to Fairfield University remained steadfast throughout his life. After serving on the Board of Trustees from 1981 to 2006, he was named a Trustee Emeritus by the Board and remained deeply involved with Fairfield University. In 2016, he was awarded an honorary Doctor of Laws degree in recognition of his exceptional contributions to both the telecommunications industry and to Fairfield University.

The 80,500-square-foot Dolan School of Business, situated in the heart of campus, has become a business and technology hub, garnering national business school rankings, an academically impressive student body, and prestigious faculty, all made possible through Dolan’s generosity. Additionally, the 1989 acquisition and renovation of the Sisters of Notre  Dame de Namur property were made possible through Dolan and his family's support, further cementing their transformative impact on the University.

“We have all witnessed the transformative impact of Chuck Dolan's inspiring vision and enduring generosity on Fairfield Dolan and beyond,” said Zhan Li, DBA, dean of the Dolan School of Business.

Dolan, the founder of Cablevision and HBO, is remembered as a transformative leader in the telecommunications space. He was not only as a businessman, but someone who consistently gave back to the business community. His philanthropy cultivated opportunities for business students, established a platform for the nationally ranked business school’s programs to flourish, and helped Fairfield Dolan’s robust alumni network to continue its growth. Dolan’s legacy continues through his children and grandchildren, who remain deeply connected to the Fairfield University community.

Marianne Dolan Weber P’16, daughter of Charles Dolan, served on Fairfield's Board of Trustees from 2012 to 2018 and was appointed Trustee Emerita by the Board in 2018. Her daughter, Marianne Rose Driscoll ’16, a graduate of the Dolan School of Business, remains actively engaged in the University community.

In the words of Dean Zhan Li, “The current and future generations of Fairfield Dolan's students, faculty, staff, and alumni will forever be indebted to Chuck Dolan and the Dolan family.”

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