Why did you choose to attend Fairfield University?   
I chose to attend Fairfield because of the strong academics, beautiful campus, proximity to home (Queens NY at the time) and the softball program.  Coach Brezinski and the girls on the team were all very welcoming and I could really see myself fitting in with their program.  On my recruiting trip, you could see their passion for the game but also their passion for being great teammates and I wanted to be a part of that.   

How are you involved with the University now? 
Outside of being a Monarch member, my biggest involvement is as a fan of not just the softball team but of the other teams as well.  I regularly attend softball games in the spring and try to attend a couple volleyball games and women’s basketball games every season.  On a beautiful spring day, there is nothing better than sitting out in the outfield and taking in a MAAC doubleheader.  I keep in close contact with Coach B and have been attending Friends of Softball events since graduation — my favorite event being the Alumni homerun derby event last year.  I also recently completed my term on the Hall of Fame Committee.  This was a great opportunity to get to know the athletic administrators as well as meet other alumni who truly value the importance of athletics.   

What inspires you to stay involved with the University? 
When I look back at my time at Fairfield U, what I value most was the friendships made.  Coach B was a mentor then and now she is a friend.  The girls on the team are lifelong friends.  When you spend so much time together, you learn so much about each other and even though it was 20 years ago, it still feels like yesterday.  I’m inspired by those friendships and all the amazing memories and I don’t want to take any of that for granted.  Staying involved reminds me of all those great times and giving back is just a small way of saying thank you for an amazing experience.

How do you hope your support will impact the future of Fairfield University? 
I hope my support will help the softball team stay competitive in the ever-changing world of college sports.  I hope the stability of my Monarch gift allows them to plan for a successful season year after year.  Across the country, women’s sports are on the rise.  Female athletes are stronger than ever and having strong women’s programs at Fairfield U is a reflection on the University as a whole.  I love that my daughter has access to watch strong female athletes that are working hard in and outside of the classroom and I hope my support will continue to push the softball program forward.

Any advice for fellow Fairfield Athletics alumni and friends about how to stay involved?
My advice would be that there are many ways to get involved.  It’s not just about giving financially. Watch a game.  If you are not local, keep an eye out to see if any of the teams are playing in your area and attend a game (don’t forget to wear red).  Stay in touch on social media.  Attend Friends events.  If you have an idea to help current students, whether it is through fundraising or networking for post-graduation, don’t hesitate to reach out to the University.  

About Ellen Kiernan and Family
I’ve been working for the last 14 years at Cambridge International Securities, LLC, a fixed income broker-dealer in Westport, CT as the Head of Operations.  In 2014, I moved back to Fairfield with my husband, Ryan Kiernan.  We have two kids, Morgan (11) and Clay (8) who have grown up watching games on campus.