FAIRFIELD — Timothy Shriver encouraged the Fairfield University Class of 2025 to “see” from the “inside out,” honoring dignity — their own and that of others during the university’s 75th commencement Sunday, May 18.
“If you give your heart a chance to see… you can meet people without an agenda… We can meet just as we are. Just beautiful. All of us. No exceptions,” said Shriver, chair of the Special Olympics International board.
Fairfield University honored nearly 2,000 graduates earning associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs from all five of its academic schools. The three days of ceremonies included a historic milestone: the inaugural Commencement exercises for Fairfield Bellarmine, recognizing the first graduating class of the university’s two-year associate’s degree program.
Drawing from his decades of experience with the Special Olympics, Shriver shared a moving story from the Special Olympics World Winter Games in Torino, Italy, where athletes from 150 countries marched in joyful celebration.
“They carried labels with them like Down syndrome or autism or Fragile X, intellectual disability, developmental disability, and more,” he said. “One police officer witnessing the scene remarked, ‘I just saw the whole world pass before my eyes, and it was beautiful.’”
Shriver challenged graduates to take actions for the good of society.
“If you see injustice, oppose it,” he said. “If you see someone who’s left out and humiliated…bring them in. If you see despair, awaken hope.
“The way you make a difference determines the difference you make. Make your way the way of dignity.”
Joining Shriver on stage was Rev. John F. Baldovin, S.J., a distinguished professor of liturgical theology at Boston College’s Clough School of Theology and Ministry and a longtime former member of Fairfield’s Board of Trustees. Father Baldovin was also honored with an honorary Doctor of Laws degree in recognition of his leadership and contributions to theological education and the Church.
Reflecting the voice of the student body, undergraduate speaker Zachary Christian Maloy captured the spirit of the day and the lasting impact of the Fairfield experience.
“We often hear: College is the best four years of your life. I disagree. College is the four years that teach you how to live the best years of your life. Because what we built here — these relationships, this community, this Fairfield family — it’s not just nostalgia; it’s foundation.”
Graduate Ceremony: May 17 in the Leo D. Mahoney Arena
The graduate commencement address was delivered by Cathy E. Minehan, former president of the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston and a respected leader in finance, higher education, and public service. Minehan received an honorary Doctor of Laws degree.
In her remarks, she reminded graduates of their responsibility to remain actively engaged citizens: “With your new degree comes some responsibilities. A major one is the need to engage in and understand what is going on around you in the larger world.”
An additional honorary degree was awarded during the graduate ceremony to Robin Bennett Kanarek ’96, Fairfield alumna, philanthropist, and former trustee, who was honored for her enduring contributions to health care and education.
Fairfield Bellarmine Ceremony: May 15 at the Regina A. Quick Center
The commencement weekend began with a historic milestone on Thursday, May 15, as Fairfield Bellarmine celebrated the graduation of its inaugural class. Thirty-five students were honored at a ceremony held at the Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts, recognizing their completion of Fairfield University’s new two-year associate degree program offering tracks in business, computer science, health studies, and liberal studies.
Established to serve students from the Greater Bridgeport area, Fairfield Bellarmine is rooted in the Jesuit tradition of social justice and academic excellence. The Class of 2025 set a precedent for academic achievement, leadership, and opportunity, laying the foundation for generations of future scholars to follow.
With an 80% two-year graduation rate, Fairfield Bellarmine significantly outpaces Connecticut’s three-year graduation rate for community colleges, which remains below 20%. Approximately 90% of Fairfield Bellarmine graduates plan to continue their studies toward a bachelor’s degree at Fairfield University.
Student speaker Scarllet Lopez reflected on the strength of the Bellarmine community.
“What we experienced here wasn’t just academic learning,” she said. “The professors and the Bellarmine staff made sure our time here was about more.
“They pushed us to be better. They believed in us even when we didn’t believe in ourselves. They encouraged us when we felt overwhelmed…They reminded us that we were capable of more than we ever imagined.”
Rev. Kevin O’Brien, S.J., Fairfield Bellarmine vice provost and executive director, recalled a formative moment early in the program, when a student asked upon seeing the newly renovated campus, “Is this all for us?”
Father O’Brien answered: “Yes, Fairfield Bellarmine is for you, because you are a child of God, worthy of an education rooted in excellence that forms the mind, heart and spirit.”
