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Student Engagement
In our Jesuit tradition, Student Engagement seeks to promote the development of the whole person. We empower students to work together to build community, lead ethically, and value differences in one another. Our collaborative efforts connect students to curricular and co-curricular experiences that encourage civic responsibility, personal growth, and lifelong learning.
New Students
The Office of Student Engagement introduces both first-year and transfer undergraduate students to the developmental resources, unique opportunities, and engaging experiences afforded them while attending Fairfield University. Through a comprehensive and collaborative effort, we welcome you to a community of active and service-oriented learners who are eager to assist you in the understanding and appreciation of the unique experience Fairfield University offers as a Catholic university in the Jesuit tradition.
Programs & Events
The Office of Student Engagement offers a number of programs and events throughout the year. Some of our programs and events are rooted in religion and reflection while others give us a chance to celebrate our accomplishments. And many are just plain fun!
International Student Life
The Office of Student Engagement (OSE) works with student organizations, faculty, and other University offices to further integrate diversity into developmental and social programs for students. As a result, the office establishes meaningful relationships with students in order to effectively address their needs, interests, and concerns. We Discover and join the hundreds of student clubs, events, and programs that Fairfield has to offer!
Clubs & Organizations
At Fairfield, we have over 100 student-led clubs and organizations—ranging from honor societies to academic-focused clubs to political and cultural clubs—where students gain first-hand experience in leadership, organizational development and management, decision-making, diversity, and event planning.
FUSA
The Fairfield University Student Association (FUSA) is the official governing association for undergraduate students of Fairfield University. FUSA is charged with advocating student issues, needs and concerns; promoting an array of programs and initiatives; aiding in the development of student clubs and organizations, and more.
Life@Fairfield
Life@Fairfield is Fairfield University’s online community where students can find out about upcoming events, search for and join clubs and organizations, take surveys, apply for leadership positions and scholarships, sign up for a service opportunities, track involvement, and get personalized news updates.
Lucy Katz Dialogue & Resolution Program
Lucy Katz, JD, former professor of business law and former holder of The Robert C. Wright Professorship in Business Law, Ethics and Dispute Resolution, left an indelible imprint on the Fairfield community. Her creation, along with Dr. Thomas Pelligrino, of the student peer mediation program provides mediation training and certification for students who go on to serve their peers and the University.
Meet the Staff
Meet the staff at the Office of Student Engagement.
Jeremy Kaler
Educational Background
- M.A. in History, Minnesota State University, Mankato
- B.S. in History, Frostburg State University
Areas of Focus
- Student Life & Development
- Student Government & Advocacy
- Student Organizations & Clubs
- Civic Learning & Democratic Engagement
- Deliberative Pedagogy
- Diversity, Inclusion, & Belonging
- Community Engaged Learning
- Leadership Development
- International Student Support & Advocacy
- Policy Development
- Title IX Advisor
- Student Conduct & Community Building
- eGaming/eSports
Teaching
- First Year Experience (FYE), Transfer, Fairfield University, Fall 2020
- Leadership Academy, Fairfield University, Spring 2020
- Club Development Webinar Series, Fairfield University, Spring 2020
- First Year Experience (FYE), Leadership through Service, Fairfield University, Fall 2020
- First Year Experience (FYE), Leadership, Fairfield University, Fall 2019
- Exploring Leadership, Fairfield University, Spring 2019
- COMPASS Leadership Society, Spring 2019 Cohort
- First Year Experience (FYE), Civic Leadership, Fairfield University, Fall 2018
- COMPASS Leadership Society, Spring 2018 Cohort
- Redefining Leadership, Fairfield University, Spring 2018
- First Year Experience (FYE), Civic Engagement, Fairfield University, Fall 2017
- First Year Experience (FYE), Exploration, Fairfield University, Fall 2016
Presentations
- “CliftonStrengths 101” at Council for Advancement & Support of Education: Affiliated Student Advancement Programs (CASE ASAP) District 1 Conference (February 2020)
- “Gen Z: Understanding & Adapting” for Fairfield University Professional Enrichment Society (April 2019)
- “Moral Foundations: Understanding Self & Others” for Fairfield University Student Leadership Conference (August 2019)
- “Challenging Others: Disrupting & Reframing Assumptions to make Positive Change” for Fairfield University Student Leadership Conference (August 2018)
- “Free Speech & Hate Speech at Jesuit Institutions” Roundtable Discussion at Jesuit Association of Student Personnel Administrators (JASPA) Annual Conference, Philadelphia, PA (March 2018)
- “Free Expression & Demonstrations: A Workshop” for The Breakfast Club, Fairfield, CT (December 2017)
- “Male Engagement: A Study” for Fairfield University Professional Development Series, Fairfield, CT (August 2017)
- “Free Expression & Student Affairs” for Fairfield University Professional Development Series, Fairfield, CT (August 2017)
- “Work-Life Balance for Student Affair Professionals” for Fairfield University Professional Development Series, Fairfield, CT (August 2017)
- “#WordsMatter: Free Speech v. Harmful Speech on College Campuses” at Fairfield University Student Leadership Conference, Fairfield, CT (September 2017)
- “Civic Engagement: Make America Civil Again” at Fairfield University Student Leadership Conference, Fairfield, CT (September 2016)
- “The Art of Branding” at National Jesuit Student Leadership Conference at Regis University, Denver, CO (July 2016).
Committees
- Leadership Development Committee
- Community Engagement Committee
- Committee on Free Expression
- Student Support & Relief Fund Committee
Professional Organizations
- NASPA, Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education
- ACPA, America College Personnel Administrators
- JASPA, Jesuit Association of Student Personnel Administrators
- NAFSA: Association of International Educators
- Campus Compact of Connecticut (CCC)
Service
- JASPA Chair, Member Services (2018-2020)
- JASPA Liaison, Fairfield University (2016-2020)
- Community Associate, First Year Experience program (2016-2020)
- Town of Fairfield Election Day Registration (EDR) Host Organizer (2016 General Election & 2018 Mid-Term Election)
- Voter Registration & Mail-In Ballot Drives (2008-2020)
- American Red Cross Blood Drive Host Organizer (2008-2015)
Hobbies
- Learning
- Reading
- Computers & Technology
- Video Games
- Movies
Favorite TV Shows(s)
- Futurama
- Battlestar Galactica
- Big Bang Theory
Favorite Movie(s)
- 12 Angry Men
Favorite Book(s)
- But What If We’re Wrong? by Chuck Klosterman
Favorite Quote
- “I have striven not to laugh at human actions, not to weep at them, not to hate them, but to understand them.” — Baruch Spinoza, Tractatus Politicus, 1676
Advice for Students
- Challenge everything, but challenge for the right reasons.
Tom Balestracci
Education
- University of Rhode Island – M.S. College Student Personnel
- Eastern Connecticut State University – B.S. Sport & Leisure Management
Areas of Focus
- FUSA Advisor
- Clam Jam
- Alumni Family Weekend
Profession Organizations
- NACA – National Association for Campus Activities
- NASPA – Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education
Hobbies
- Exercise
- Sports
- Reading
- Family Time
Favorite TV Show(s)
- One Tree Hill
- Friends
Favorite Movie(s)
- Harry Potter films
- Fever Pitch
- Big Daddy
Favorite Book(s)
- Harry Potter series
Favorite Thing About Fairfield
- Community – Everyone is so welcoming in Stag Country.
Favorite Quote
- “The most important this is to try and inspire people so that they can be great in whatever they want to do.” — Kobe Bryant
Advice for Students
- Get involved.
- Make mistakes and learn from them.
- Get out of your comfort zone.
- Make new friends.
Marissa Lischinsky
Education
- Master of Education in Student Personnel Administration in Higher Education, Springfield College
- Bachelor of Arts in German and English (majors), Judaic Studies and Women’s Studies (minors), Fairfield University
- Summer Semester at Stuttgart University in Germany
Areas of Focus
- Onboarding & Transition Communications
- Fall Welcome
- First Year Experience
- First Year & Transfer Orientation
- Parent/Guardian Engagement
- Retention Initiatives
Professional Organizations
- National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA)
- Association for Orientation, Transition, and Retention in Higher Education (NODA)
Hobbies
- Hiking
- Reading
- Watching TV
- Walking my dog
- Knitting/crocheting
- Seeing Broadway shows
- Spending time with family and friends
Favorite TV Show(s)
- Schitt’s Creek
- The Good Place
- House M.D.
- Grace and Frankie
- The Golden Girls
Favorite Movie(s)
- Dear Evan Hansen
- Mamma Mia!
- Beauty and the Beast (animated and live-action)
Favorite Book(s)
- The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
- Anxious People by Fredrik Backman
- Under the Whispering Door by T.J. Klune
Favorite Thing About Fairfield
- The sense of community—once a stag, always a stag!
Favorite Quote
- “We don’t see things as they are, we see them as we are.” — Anais Nin
Advice for Students
- Transitions and the unknown can be stressful and difficult, but try to stay positive, focus on your strengths, and don’t be afraid to reach out for support!
Casey Murray
Education
- Master in Education in Higher Education with Student Affairs concentration from Merrimack College 2018
- Bachelor of Arts in Sociology with Crime and Society concentration from Western New England University 2017
Areas of Focus
- First Year Experience Program
- Transition & Retention
- New Student Leader team
Hobbies
- Reading
- Watching TV
- Yoga
- Working out
Favorite TV Show(s)
- Merlin
- 911
- 911: Lone-Star
- NCIS
- Chicago Universe
- The Bachelor/Bachelorette
Favorite Book(s)
- Twilight Series by Stephenie Meyer
Favorite Movie(s)
- Tangled
- Beauty and the Beast
Favorite Thing About Fairfield
- The people!
Favorite Quote
- “Laughter is timeless, imagination has no age and dreams are forever.” — Walt Disney
Advice for Students
- Embrace every moment. College is a time for self-discovery and you never know what you will discover until you take each moment in.
Danielle Parisi
Education
- M.Ed in Higher Education and Student Affairs, Merrimack College, 2018
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Anna Maria College, 2016
Areas of Focus
- Fairfield@Night Late Night Programming
- Senior Week
- FUSA Advisor
- Student Life Financial Assistance
Profession Organizations
- National Association of Student Affairs Personnel Administrators (NASPA)
Hobbies
- Playing the drums
- Trying new restaurants
- Spending time with family and friends
- Going on walks
Favorite TV Show(s)
- The Bachelor/Bachelorette
- Chicago Fire
- Schitt’s Creek
- Mostly all reality TV shows
Favorite Movie(s)
- Fever Pitch
Favorite Book(s)
- Who Moved My Cheese? By Spencer Johnson, M.D.
Favorite Thing About Fairfield
- The community – it immediately feels like home.
Favorite Quote
- “The only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work, and the only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking, and don’t settle.” — Steve Jobs
Advice for Students
- Don’t worry about what everyone else is doing, this is your time to create your own journey.
Zachary Quinones
Educational Background
- Bachelor of the Arts, Political Science, Fairfield University, 2018
Areas of Focus
- Civic Engagement
- Leadership Development
- Graduate Student Life
Presentations/Programs
- “The Leadership Paradox” Student Leadership Conference
- Leadership Academy
- Club Development Webinar Series
- COMPASS Leadership Seminar
- Strengths 101 Learning Strengths
- Strengths Basements and Balconies
Committees
- University Programming Committee
- Student Leadership Conference Planning Committee
Hobbies
- Reading
- Pretending to not be a foodie
- Playing video games
- Watching TV
Favorite TV Show(s)
- The Office
- VEEP
- The Sopranos
- Trailer Park Boys
- Avatar: the Last Airbender
- Naruto
- Watchmen
- Scandal
Favorite Movie(s)
- The Princess Bride
Favorite Book(s)
- The Trouble with Being Born by E.M. Cioran
Favorite Thing About Fairfield
- Fairfield University has the best collegiate swag.
Favorite Quote
- “We learn from history that we do not learn from history.” — Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel
Advice for Students
- Get to know yourself before you get to know others.
Jane Aquino
Education
- Connecticut Business Institute
- Fairfield University, Real Estate Paralegal Certificate
- Fairfield University, Real Estate Principles/Practices
- IETS F-1 SEVIS Essentials-Level II and Level III
- NAFSA – Spring Immigration Workshop
Areas of Focus
- Graduate and International Student Onboarding
- Orientation
Professional Organizations
- NAFSA: Association of International Educators (related to former immigration advising)
Hobbies
- Spending time with family and friends (especially my granddaughter)
- Spending time with and walking my dog
- Baking and cooking
- Shopping
- Traveling
Favorite TV Show(s)
- Hallmark Channel movies
- Magnolia Table
- Food Network/Cooking Channel
- HGTV
Favorite Movie(s)
- It's a toss up between The Wizard of Oz, Dirty Dancing and Mamma Mia! - all are great!
Favorite Book(s)
- Any books by Elin Hilderbrand
Favorite Thing About Fairfield
- The amazing level of support that both staff and faculty provide for students.
Favorite Quote
- “The only person you are destined to become is the person you decide to be.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson
Advice for Students
- You never know what battles people are fighting. Always be kind.
Tania Livingston
Education
- Associate Degree Business Office Administration – Sanford Brown
- Associate Degree General Studies Gateway Community College
Areas of Focus
- Operations
- Office Administration
Profession Organizations
- CARE Organization
- BAR Team
Hobbies
- Road trips
- Hiking
- Reading & writing poetry
- Spending time with family and friends
Favorite TV Show(s)
- Seinfeld
- King of Queens
- The Office
- Game of Thrones
Favorite Movie(s)
- Meet the Parents
Favorite Book(s)
- Red River by Lalita Tademy
Favorite Quote
- “Nothing is impossible!”
Favorite Thing About Fairfield
- The welcoming and friendly community.
Advice for Students
- Be kind and be the change you want to see.
Sarah McGough
Education
- Fairfield University Egan School of Nursing and Health Studies BSN
Areas of Focus
- Transition & Retention
Hobbies
- Reading
- Running
- Watching TV
Favorite TV Show(s)
- One Tree Hill
- Grey's Anatomy
- The Resident, New Girl
Favorite Book(s)
- Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
Favorite Movie(s)
- Princess Diaries
- The Proposal
Favorite Thing About Fairfield
- My favorite thing about Fairfield is the community and how supportive everyone is across campus.
Favorite Quote
- “You are allowed to be both a masterpiece and a work in progress simultaneously.” — Sophia Bush
Advice for Students
- Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone.
Tobenna Ugwu
Education
- B.S Biomedical Engineering
- M.S Management of Technology (May 2023)
Areas of Focus
- International Student Support and Advocacy
- Orientation, Graduate and International Student Onboarding
Hobbies
- Reading
- Cooking
- Watching TV
- Singing
Favorite TV Show(s)
- VEEP
- Big Bang Theory
- House MD
- Good Doctor
- Ozark
- How to Get Away with Murder
Favorite Movie(s)
- Up
- Star Wars: Episode VI
Favorite Book(s)
- Purple Hibiscus by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Favorite Thing About Fairfield
- The atmosphere and the people, the swag is great as well.
Favorite Quote
- “The winner is the dreamer who never gives up.” — Nelson Mandela
Contact Us
Office of Student Engagement
Barone Campus Center Lower Level
Suite 96
(203) 254-4053