Engagement and Philanthropy

Dear Fellow Fairfield University Parents and Guardians,

As the co-chairs of the Parents Leadership Council and parents of two Stags Frank IV (Q) ’25 and William ’27, we are honored to be members of the parent community at Fairfield University. The moment we stepped onto campus for a visit as a family, we knew we were in a special place. And now, Fairfield continues to surpass our expectations in so many ways.

We feel confident both in the choice our students made to attend Fairfield University, and in the innovative vision of President Mark R. Nemec, PhD and all campus leaders. From the beautiful campus, to the rigorous curriculum and abundant opportunities, to the vivacity and enthusiasm of the people we met, we knew it was the right fit for not only Q, but now for William, too.

As families, we choose Fairfield because we understand the value of higher education steeped in Jesuit traditions. There is so much to appreciate about Fairfield – so many opportunities for academic and spiritual growth to take place, for lifelong friendships to be made, and for life-changing experiences to be had. We thoroughly enjoy our time spent on campus attending events and visiting our sons, especially at the new Leo D. Mahoney Arena. The venue is a fantastic place to come together as a community, and to watch our competitive Stags. Please also consider connecting with the community by joining the Parent Ambassador program, attending events and games on and off campus, or making a philanthropic contribution to help support the experiences of students like yours and mine.

Thank you for being a part of the Fairfield family, and go Stags!

Frank and Melissa Nigro, P’27,’25
Co-Chairs, Parents Leadership Council

Donate & Join Today

Members of the Parents Leadership Council (PLC) receive access to several benefits and automatically qualify for The President’s Circle membership. The President’s Circle giving society is a community comprised of Fairfield’s leaders in philanthropy, including alumni, students, and friends of the University, and local community members. Your member benefits from The President’s Circle with additional exclusive benefits through the PLC include:

• Invitations to several exclusive events and activities.
• Annual update from the University President.
• Opportunity to meet senior leadership at Parents Leadership Council events.
• Strong network of dedicated Fairfield families.
• Annual token of appreciation.
• Frequent and personal communication from the Office of Parent Engagement and Philanthropy.
• Access to 30+ sessions a year and Open Visions Forums at the Quick Center for the Arts.
• Access to the printed and online member Directory.
• Four tickets to any Athletics event OR annual Glee Club concert*.
• Copy of book recommendations curated by University President Mark R. Nemec, PhD or other Fairfield U leadership.
• Discount to the bookstore to be used online or in-store.

Please contact the Office of Parent Engagement and Philanthropy at parents@fairfield.edu with any questions about your member benefits or to reserve your tickets.

*Dependent on request time and availability. Must be requested two weeks prior to the event and may not include specific tournaments.

As Parents Leadership Council members you are our best Parent Ambassadors and can participate in helping our students and the entire community in the following ways:

• Reach out to new Fairfield University families to welcome them and answer questions.
• Invite other parents to support the University with a gift of any size to the Parents Fund.
• Host and/or attend summer student and parent welcome receptions and other events with parents in your area.
• Make calls to thank parent donors for their support of the Parents Fund.
• Serve as ambassadors of the University in your community and in the Fairfield University community.
• Make connections for the Career Development Office and support them with internships and job shadow opportunities for students.

Parent Ambassador & Parents Leadership Council Member

We are blessed our son chose to attend Fairfield University. Fairfield's commitment to academic excellence, coupled with a strong sense of community, aligns perfectly with our values. Supporting the University is our way of giving back and ensuring that future students experience the same environment that has nurtured our son's growth and potential. Fairfield is more than just a school, it’s a place where students thrive, and we are proud to be a part of that legacy.

— John and Jennifer Tapinis P’28, ‘26

As a Parent Ambassador, Jennifer Tapinis P’28, ’26, shares her time as a volunteer throughout the year supporting the Parents & Family Challenge and STAGiving Day. Jennifer contacts fellow parents- encouraging them to get involved and give back. Through her work as a Parent Ambassador, Jennifer has garnered gifts from fellow parents that have an immediate impact on their student’s education through academic support, student life, career services, athletics, financial aid, and more!

Parent Ambassador & Parents Leadership Council Member

Mentoring is such a great way to make an impact. I had a great time with Katharine, and am thankful the school matched us. She expressed interest in DEI, so I also arranged a meeting with a DEI Manager during her office visit and mentoring lunch, which she found very helpful and inspiring as she considers internships and potential careers. Katharine is bright, articulate, and eager to learn. I have no doubt she will be very successful in life.

— Malu Siskind P’27

This winter break, Malu Siskind P’27, Director, Talent Acquisition & Operations at Goodwin Procter LLP (pictured on right), participated in the University’s Job Shadow program as a part of our Parent Ambassador network. She was paired with Katharine Gutkoski ’26, Women, Gender, Sexuality Studies and Communications double major (pictured on left). During their time together, Malu reviewed Katharine’s resume, answered career questions, and introduced Katharine to others within the company. “It was such a fantastic opportunity to meet Malu. I cannot thank her enough, and am so lucky to have her as my mentor,” shared Katharine following the experience.

Parent Leadership Council Members

Society progresses most rapidly when we hold out a hand and help those most in need. That is exactly what the Center for Social Impact at Fairfield University is committed to doing. Our daughter, Jacqueline, gives of her time and talents at Fairfield; however, we believe it is she who benefits most from engaging in these acts of generosity alongside a community of like-minded individuals.

— Stacie & Eric Campbell P’24

See The Full Quote