Fairfield Celebrates Historic $50M Gift From John Charles Meditz ’70

Announced on March 17, 2025 – the 83^rd anniversary of the founding of Fairfield University – Meditz’s gift represents the largest single donation by an individual in the history of the University.

In recognition of his remarkable impact and enduring support, President Mark R. Nemec, PhD, announced that Fairfield University’s College of Arts & Sciences will be renamed the John Charles Meditz College of Arts & Sciences, effective July 1.

“Fairfield has always been and continues to be an institution that is guided by and embraces the liberal arts as the cornerstones of life-long intellectual engagement and discovery,” said Meditz. “My gift is a reflection of my deep personal belief in the power of a liberal arts education to inspire and equip students with the tools and experiences they need to become thoughtful, engaged citizens of our world.”

His gift also endorses the significance of empowering students with a broad, comprehensive understanding of the world through Fairfield’s Magis Core Curriculum, the importance of interdisciplinary learning for personal and professional development, and the vital role of the sciences and humanities in shaping the next generation of leaders, innovators, and changemakers.

“Meditz College will continue to serve as a vital foundation of our dedication to be stewards of our more than 500-year-old Jesuit Catholic educational tradition, forming men and women for and with others in service of the greater good,” said President Nemec. “Announcing the gift on March 17 was especially meaningful as it commemorated the 83^rd anniversary of Fairfield’s founding in 1942, further celebrating John’s extraordinary impact as Fairfield is called to do more for our students.”

A graduate of Fairfield’s College of Arts and Sciences, where he earned a bachelor of arts degree in economics, and of Rutgers University, where he earned an MBA in finance, Meditz has spent decades building a legacy of service and leadership. He co-founded Horizon Kinetics, LLC (now Horizon Kinetics Holding Corp.) in 1994 and currently serves as managing director and senior portfolio manager.

His connection to Fairfield has been profound and far-reaching; for nearly 30 years, Meditz has been a member of the University’s Board of Trustees, actively engaging in various leadership capacities, including serving as the honorary chair of the Fairfield Rising Campaign steering committee. His long history of support includes both financial contributions and service on key committees such as the Fairfield Awards Dinner and Our Promise Capital Campaign. In recognition of his dedication, Meditz was awarded an honorary doctoral degree in 2015 and received the Alumni Service Award in 2011.

With his generous $50 million gift, Meditz’s total lifetime giving to the University now exceeds $75 million. This includes his landmark donation in 2008, which laid the foundation for the Fairfield University Art Museum, along with an additional gift endowing the Frank and Clara Meditz Executive Director Chair, named in honor of his parents. His continued commitment to the arts has helped fund important initiatives such as the Arthur Szyk and Gesù exhibitions. Additionally, his support has extended to various campus priorities, including the Leslie C. Quick Jr. Recreation Complex, the John C. Meditz ’70 Scholarship established in 1989, and the Fairfield Awards Dinner’s scholarship fund.

“The naming of the College in honor of John Charles Meditz speaks to his enduring legacy of leadership, service, and commitment to academic excellence,” said Dean Richard Greenwald of the College of Arts & Sciences. “Fairfield will forever be grateful for his recognition of the importance of the arts and sciences, and the foundation by which we provide our students with the critical skills they need to succeed in today’s world, while grounding them in the Jesuit tradition of academic rigor and personal reflection. I am honored to be a part of this historic moment in the University’s history, and to serve as the dean of Meditz College.”

John Charles Meditz recently reflected on the importance of giving back and the value of a liberal arts education. Watch the video on Vimeo.

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