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Mission
Members of the newsUniversity community are committed to respecting and valuing one another, finding the common good rooted in us all, and working collaboratively to achieve our potential as a modern Jesuit Catholic institution. We aspire to be an inclusive, welcoming community that is representative of an ever-changing and diverse global populace. The Jesuit tradition of cura personalis – care for the whole person – animates our mission. We educate men and women who serve for and with others within the rich tapestry of cultures that comprise our contemporary world.
By encouraging dialogue, communication, community partnerships, and a culture of understanding, we foster in our students, faculty, and staff the capacity and desire to build a better world through productive citizenship and societal stewardship.
Diversity and Inclusive Excellence Narrative![813725664_about_diveristy-inclusive-excellence_mission-2_02112022.png](/files/images/about-fairfield/mission-values-history/diversity-and-inclusive-excellence/813725664_about_diveristy-inclusive-excellence_mission-2_02112022.png)
How We Advance Diversity and Inclusive Excellence
Through radical hospitality, we welcome and invite all into our learning community. We are committed to pursuing shared standards of excellence. In these ways, newsUniversity strives for the magis (“the more”) in a way that defines modern Jesuit Catholic education.
Employee Demographics
History
As a modern Jesuit Catholic University, newswas built on the principles of outreach and social justice and a 500-year tradition dedicated to the life-transforming power of education. Following a call and mission to serve, Jesuits often established academic institutions in under-served communities that were otherwise ostracized and denied access to education.
In 1942, ¾«¶«´«Ã½’s founding allowed the Jesuits to serve the often marginalized local Catholic population of Bridgeport, Conn. and the surrounding areas, providing new educational opportunities for many first generation immigrants and returning WWII veterans. The same founding principles have guided our community over time as we continue to work towards a more inclusive and diverse campus.
![813725664_about_diveristy-inclusive-excellence_history-banner-image_02112022.png](/files/images/about-fairfield/mission-values-history/diversity-and-inclusive-excellence/813725664_about_diveristy-inclusive-excellence_history-banner-image_02112022.png)
Pictured Above: A. Rev. William C. McInnes, S.J., President of newsUniversity, congratulates a graduate of the F.U.R.S.T. program in 1968. B. UMOJA in 1982. C. Barlow Road entrance, 1942. D. University Faculty, 1947.
Admission
Academic Initiatives
Stag Spotlight
![Loan Le ’14, MFA’17 headshot](/files/images/about-fairfield/mission-values-history/diversity-and-inclusive-excellence/908695808_mc_alumni-profile-loan-le-14_06212022.jpg)
Loan Le ’14, MFA’17
![John Thompson III and Monica Moore Thompson, P’23 headshot](/files/images/about-fairfield/mission-values-history/diversity-and-inclusive-excellence/908695808_mc_donor-profile-john-thompson_06212022.jpg)
John Thompson III and Monica Moore Thompson, P’23
![Jodi Sommers '97 headshot](/files/images/about-fairfield/mission-values-history/diversity-and-inclusive-excellence/908695808_mc_alumni-profile-jodi-sommers-97_06212022.jpg)
Jodi Sommers '97
![Prince Addo ‘22 headshot](/files/images/about-fairfield/mission-values-history/diversity-and-inclusive-excellence/908695808_mc_student-profile-prince-addo-22_06212022.jpg)
Prince Addo ‘22
Prince Addo ‘22 | Make the Most
![Lily Fenton ‘22 headshot](/files/images/about-fairfield/mission-values-history/diversity-and-inclusive-excellence/908695808_mc_student-profile-lily-fenton-22_06212022.jpg)
Lily Fenton ‘22
Lily Fenton ‘22 | Make the Most
![Vincent Gadioma ‘22 headshot](/files/images/about-fairfield/mission-values-history/diversity-and-inclusive-excellence/908695808_mc_student-profile-vincent-gadioma-22_06212022.jpg)
Vincent Gadioma ‘22
Vincent Gadioma ‘22 | Make the Most
![Luckario Alcide ‘21 headshot](/files/images/undergraduate/academics/centers/center-for-social-impact/alcide-luckario_620329759_01112021.jpeg)
Luckario Alcide ‘21
Luckario Alcide ‘21 | Make the Most
![Xavier Cole '20 headshot](/files/images/about-fairfield/mission-values-history/diversity-and-inclusive-excellence/908695808_mc_student-profile-xavier-cole-20_06212022.jpg)
Xavier Cole '20
Xavier Cole '20
Student Life
newsempowers students to work together to build community, lead ethically, and value differences in one another. Whether on or off campus, we always strive to integrate intellect with action for justice.
Students are encouraged to learn and celebrate the wide-variety of cultural, ethnic, and identity diversity present at ¾«¶«´«Ã½. The Office of Student Diversity and Multicultural Affairs supports a wide variety of diverse and affinity clubs that allow students to be engaged outside of the classroom.
Rooted in our Ignatian identity, Campus Ministry welcomes students from all faith traditions and at all points on their spiritual journey. Office of Campus Ministry staff include a Jewish, Muslim, and Protestant chaplain.
Designed to provide incoming first-year students from underrepresented populations an opportunity to become acclimated and succeed at the University, the Cura Personalis Mentoring Program provides students with mentoring and personal and academic resources.
By encouraging dialogue, communication, community partnerships, and a culture of understanding around diversity, equity and inclusion, the Diversity in Action Podcast was created to foster in each student, faculty, and staff member the capacity and desire to build a better world.
newsis committed to providing a safe, affirming, and inclusive community for students
The Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Committee invites the newscommunity to honor activists in our communities and to reflect on the lessons and legacies of Dr. King. The week-long celebration is a series of events that seek to engage students, staff, faculty, and our local communities in a dialogue about justice and the recognition of all human dignity.
The Center offers spiritual direction to students, faculty and staff, the Diocese of Bridgeport, and community members of all faiths.
newsUniversity is committed to providing accommodations to students with disabilities in order to ensure equal access to its programs, services, and activities.
Serving the University community by providing support and activities for students that enhance their overall experience and knowledge in respect to the rich diversity and culture that exists at ¾«¶«´«Ã½.
newsUniversity community members share a commitment to inquiry and discernment, and a determination to serve as global citizens — supporting the dignity and essential human rights of all persons.
Learn more about our Racial and Social Justice Resources, the Office of Student Diversity and Multicultural Affairs, Diversity in Action, Services & Initiatives for students and more!
Community
Presidential Working Group
Made up of more than 15 faculty and staff members representing multiple campus departments, the Presidential Working Group was founded by University President Mark R. Nemec, PhD, to support and provide radical hospitality to diverse populations through teaching, learning, scholarship, and service.
Presidential Working Group Members
![Mark R. Nemec, PhD headshot](/files/images/faculty-staff-profiles/nemec-mark_8618_10062017.jpg)
Mark R. Nemec, PhD
newsUniversity President
Professor of Politics
![Jennifer Anderson ’97, MBA ’02 headshot](/files/images/faculty-staff-profiles/anderson-jenn_2_630119265_01252021.jpg)
Jennifer Anderson ’97, MBA ’02
Vice President of Marketing and Communications
ext. 3476
janderson@fairfield.edu
![Karen Donoghue '03, EdD headshot](/files/images/faculty-staff-profiles/sacrt/donoghue-karen_12572_10172018.jpg)
Karen Donoghue '03, EdD
Vice President
Student Life
![Mousumi Bose Godbole headshot](/files/images/faculty-staff-profiles/dsb-faculty/bosegodbole-mousumi_0000_06062017.jpg)
Mousumi Bose Godbole
![](/files/images/faculty-staff-profiles/sacrt/headshot_placeholder.jpg)
Ruben Goodwin
Director of Diversity & Academic Support Services at newsCollege Preparatory School
![Richard Greenwald headshot](/files/images/faculty-staff-profiles/greenwald-richard_1198670713_09072023.jpg)
Richard Greenwald
Dean, College of Arts and Sciences
Professor of History
x2246
![Wally Halas headshot](/news/images/2014/May/walter-halas.jpg)
Wally Halas
Vice President for University Advancement
![Olivia Harriott headshot](/files/images/faculty-staff-profiles/harriott-olivia_0000_06062017.jpg)
Olivia Harriott
Associate Dean, College of Arts and Sciences
Associate Professor
Biology
x2227
![Nakia Letang headshot](/files/images/faculty-staff-profiles/admission-counselors/letang-nakia_11992_09132018.jpg)
Nakia Letang
![Pejay Lucky headshot](/files/images/faculty-staff-profiles/lucky-pejay_06082020.jpg)
Pejay Lucky
Director of Student Diversity and Multicultural Affairs
BCC 100
(203) 254-4101
![Rev. Kevin O'Brien, S.J. headshot](/files/images/faculty-staff-profiles/obrien-kevin_937125630_07262022.jpg)
Rev. Kevin O'Brien, S.J.
Dean and Executive Director
Bellarmine Campus of newsUniversity
Professor
Department of Religious Studies
![Rev. Paul Rourke, S.J. headshot](/files/images/about-fairfield/leadership-offices/jesuit-community/paul-rourke.jpg)
Rev. Paul Rourke, S.J.
Vice President
Mission & Ministry
![Don C. Sawyer III, PhD headshot](/files/images/faculty-staff-profiles/student-diversity/sawyer-don_1167294392_07262023.jpg)
Don C. Sawyer III, PhD
Vice President of Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging
Associate Professor
Department of Sociology and Anthropology
![Paul Schlickmann headshot](/files/images/faculty-staff-profiles/student-diversity/schlickmann-paul_14230_03092019.png)
Paul Schlickmann
Vice President
Athletics
![](/files/images/faculty-staff-profiles/sacrt/headshot_placeholder.jpg)
Aliyah Seenauth
Class of ’24
FUSA President
![Corry Unis headshot](/files/images/faculty-staff-profiles/student-diversity/unis-corry_14230_03092019.png)