Donor Profile: Emily (Powell ’95) and Matt Kramer ’96, P’28

When StagMates Emily (Powell ’95) and Matt Kramer ’96, P’28, look back on their time as students at Fairfield, they appreciate all of the enriching experiences, valuable connections, treasured memories, and deep friendships that it brought them. As StagMates, the most meaningful product of this chapter in their lives is the bond they created with each other.

Today, the Kramers live in Malverne, N.Y. and have two children, Lila ’28 and Conrad. Matt is the president & CEO of Ascot U.S. Insurance and Emily is dedicated to philanthropic work for their family’s parish, their children’s schools, and their local community.

While the Kramers have remained closely involved with the University over the years, this year holds special significance because their daughter Lila has started her Fairfield experience as a first-year student. Matt and Emily have enjoyed visiting Lila on campus this year and making new Fairfield memories with their children.

The Kramers’ pride as Fairfield alumni, excitement as new Fairfield parents, and their commitment to giving back all intertwine and enhance their enthusiasm for their connections to Fairfield.

Matt has engaged at the University through collaboration with the Charles F. Dolan School of Business to help expose more students to career possibilities in insurance. “The insurance industry plays an important role in global economics and it is often overlooked by those entering the workforce,” said Matt. “For me, it’s important to provide insights and perspective about the industry and that’s why I am collaborating with Dolan.” He also takes opportunities to hire Stags, as he has seen a promising trend in the caliber of candidates from Fairfield. “These students’ ability to ask questions, seek different perspectives, think broadly, and write and speak intelligently gives them a distinct advantage over other candidates.”

Matt and Emily also attend and support the Fairfield Awards Dinner (FAD). Matt’s father, William Kramer ’60, P’96,’85,’83, was once Chairman of Fairfield’s Board of Trustees and he was a big proponent of the scholarship Emily (Powell ’95) and Matt Kramer ’96, P’28 Donor PROFILE dinners when they first originated. Knowing this, Matt felt a pull to get involved in FAD and has served on the FAD Committee for nearly a decade. This year, he has taken on the role of co-chair for the 2025 Fairfield Awards Dinner.

Supporting FAD has been a tradition of the Kramers for nearly two decades. “As life got busier, attending the dinner became even more important — to connect with new alumni and reconnect with classmates and friends, but also to learn more about the recipients of these scholarship funds and the profound impact on their lives,” Matt said. Both he and Emily recognize FAD as a way to uplift the University and to provide prospective students with the opportunity to enjoy the Fairfield experience that meant so much to them. “We feel it’s important to contribute in a small way to the evolution of Fairfield, especially by enabling and investing in scholarships.”

With their new beginning as Fairfield parents and their long association with the University as alumni, the Kramers have a unique perspective on Fairfield’s transformation and trajectory. “We remain very proud of the continuing investments in infrastructure, facilities, faculty, scholarships, and the steadily advancing caliber of applicants and attendees,” Matt said, noting their excitement about the impressive progress that the University has made in a relatively short time. “When you support Fairfield, you can see the impact of your contributions right away; it is tangible and meaningful. With continued investments and support from the University community, we cannot wait to see where Fairfield will be in the years to come.

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