It is no secret that alumni leave Fairfield with a sense of gratitude that makes them want to give to future generations of Stags. For these six alumni, Fairfield remains the cherished home they're committed to supporting.
1. Anif McDonald '16
"I support the Multicultural Scholarship Fund and Friends of Fairfield Rugby because without these amazing opportunities, my time at Fairfield would not have been the same. The amount of doors that were open to me because of generous donations to these funds over time is endless and I am forever grateful for the connections that I made through the Office of Diversity and the Fairfield University Rugby Club."
As a member of the Alumni Chapter Committee, McDonald is excited to see all the amazing additions that continue to happen on campus. He mentions that as the University becomes more competitive (with an acceptance rate of just 33% in 2024), it’s not lost on him how lucky he felt to call Fairfield “home” for four beautiful years.
2. Dante Gizzo '22
Dante Gizzo is most grateful for the supportive staff in Campus Ministry and the Charles F. Dolan School of Business. When asked why, he emphasized his commitment “to help future students succeed and to enrich their college experience.”
3. Gabrielle Angresano '16
Gabrielle Angresano supports Financial Aid & Scholarship to pay it forward to the funds that were granted to her as a young Stag many years ago. The relationships she cultivated and the collective spirit of service to others that was instilled in her have stuck with her in the years post-graduation.
“I am grateful to God and my support system of family & friends for allowing me to receive a beautiful education in such a special place as Fairfield. This opportunity opened many doors to the beautiful relationships and networks I am a part of today!”
4. Tom Siddall '15
"Being a part of the men’s rowing program was a huge piece of my college experience. Not only was it competitive, challenging, and rewarding, but I made some of my best friends—two of which were groomsmen in my wedding! It’s so great to come back to campus for our team alumni events and see so many friends and teammates,” Siddall reflects.
5. Brianna Tancredi '17, MSA '18
"I always try to give back to Fairfield through my time and support because it’s the best way I can say ‘thank you.’ Thank you for a great education which has helped me succeed in my career, a thank you for the most amazing friends in the world that have become family to me, a thank you for the countless mentors and professors who helped me grow, a thank you for all the laughs and memories I hold dear to my heart, and a thank you for being the place where I met the love of my life, my future StagMate.”
Tancredi continues to stay involved and give back in hopes that future students will be given the same opportunities and have the best Fairfield experience possible!
6. Angie Dortenzio '23
Recent alumna, Angie Dortenzio, supports The Fairfield Fund to allow others to have the same experiences that she was able to enjoy throughout her four years on campus. She is grateful for all that Fairfield gave her and is thankful for the experiences and the connections that the Fairfield community has presented to her.
In the wise words of Dortenzio, “Fairfield is the best,” and “Go Stags!!!!”
