From Tuesday, Oct. 11 to Tuesday, Oct. 25, Fairfield University’s Office of Parent Engagement and Philanthropy hosted the 5^th annual Parent Leadership Challenge—a Fairfield tradition when parents come together to support the student experience in the areas of academics, student life, career development and networking opportunities, spiritual and service activities, and athletics. This year, more than 600 Fairfield parents made gifts to surpass the 555 parent-donor goal to unlock $100,000 in challenge funds sponsored by the Parents Leadership Council and raised a total of $270,000 for Fairfield students.

“We are so grateful to the Fairfield parent community for their generosity,” said Ellen Dooley ’85, P’23, Director of Parent Engagement and Philanthropy. “Fairfield parents are truly one-of-a-kind and are committed to the mission of our University and to helping Fairfield students succeed in their college careers and after. Their impact is felt by each student and helps shape every aspect of the Fairfield experience to help them fulfill their potential.”

A special congratulations and thank you to the parents of the Class of 2026 for earning the highest number of parent donors. Over 150 Class of ’26 parents made contributions to win their students' complimentary soft-serve from the Mister Softee ice cream truck, which they were treated to on Wednesday, Nov. 2.

Year after year, parents continue to come together to display a generosity that allows Fairfield to flourish. This support is felt every day and elevates each student’s Fairfield experience. 

To view the results of the Parent Leadership Challenge, visit fairfield.edu/plchallenge.