FAIRFIELD –In the latest expansion efforts by Fairfield’s two private colleges, it was Fairfield University’s turn last week.
The Jesuit school added to its downtown presence Sept. 12 when it cut the ribbon on its newest facility, Fairfield Post, at 1720 Post Road. It will house staff members of the university’s Center for Social Impact, the Center for Arts & Minds, Marketing & Communications and Advancement teams.
Fairfield University President Mark R. Nemec, PhD, Provost Christine Siegel, and Vice President of Mission and Ministry Rev. Paul Rourke, S.J., offered remarks, along with Town of Fairfield First Selectman Bill Gerber, and Director of Community & Economic Development Mark Barnhart. In attendance were town officials, state Sen. Tony Hwang, administrators, faculty and staff.
“It is the town that leads the vibrancy of our republic, and leads the vibrancy of our world,” said Fairfield University President Mark R. Nemec, PhD, in a reference to French philosopher de Tocqueville. “…One of the things that we see as essential, is that we contribute not just to the greater good as our values underscore, but as an American university to the vibrancy of this town.”
The ceremony began with an official welcome from Barnhart, who emphasized the significance of the building as a symbol of the ongoing collaboration between the university and the town. Rev. Paul Rourke, S.J., vice president of mission and ministry at Fairfield University, led a prayer and blessing of the new facility.
Provost Christine Siegel, PhD, spoke about the university’s dedication to driving innovation, cultural growth, and community involvement, pointing out that the college brings an estimated $1 billion to the town and state economy, according to a study by the Connecticut Conference of Independent Colleges.
“Our students play a vital role in the local economy, working at businesses, shopping, dining, and volunteering with nonprofits,” she said. “We are committed to fostering positive community relations and being a responsible, engaged neighbor.”
Siegel also shared that “over 20,000 of our alumni live in Connecticut, including over 10,000 in Fairfield County, and more than 3,000 in Fairfield. The University is also the largest private employer in town.”
At the ribbon cutting, Gerber highlighted the university’s contributions and impact on Fairfield, and its role in shaping the town into a dynamic college community.
The opening of Fairfield Post is just the latest of the university’s expansion in downtown Fairfield and on the campus itself over the past five years. It renovated the Fairfield University Bookstore down the street from Fairfield Post last year as it celebrated 13 years in that location. In 2022, it opened Leo D. Mahoney Arena, an 85,000-square foot, 3,500-seat multi-use space at the heart of the Fairfield University campus. It is the home of Fairfield basketball and volleyball teams in addition to serving as a venue for events, and concerts. The $51 million project, which was 100 percent donor-funded, replaced Alumni Hall.
Sacred Heart University has also been busy expanding downtown and on and near its campus on Park Avenue over the past few years. This summer it announced that it had acquired nearby Notre Dame High School, which it will rename Sacred Heart Prep. And in 2021, it unveiled the renovated Sacred Heart Community Theatre on Post Road downtown after two years of renovations.
