Fairfield University’s partnership with Bank of America continues to support the expansion of career development initiatives at Fairfield Bellarmine with a new two-year associate’s degree program offering professional preparation and enhanced academic support to lower income and first-generation students in Bridgeport and surrounding Connecticut communities.
Last fall, Bank of America awarded a $1 million grant to support the new Fairfield Bellarmine academic division in Bridgeport. Additionally, as lead philanthropic partner, Bank of America’s commitment to the program continues through a series of innovative programs aimed at equipping students with essential skills and experiences necessary for career readiness. These initiatives include mock interviews, career fairs and immersive visits to Bank of America and Merrill Wealth Management financial centers and offices, where students engage with industry professionals and Fairfield alumni to gain insights into a range of career paths and personal finance resources.
“We are immensely grateful to Bank of America for their generous support of our Fairfield Bellarmine program,” said Mark R. Nemec, Ph.D., president of Fairfield University. “This partnership exemplifies our shared commitment to empowering students with the knowledge, skills and mentorship needed to excel in their professional endeavors.”
Throughout the spring 2024 semester, Fairfield Bellarmine students participated in mock interviews conducted by Bank of America executives, including Bill Tommins, president, Bank of America Southern Connecticut, and Daniel Lopez (Class of 2017), vice president of Middle Market Banking. These sessions provided invaluable opportunities for students to receive constructive feedback and refine their interview skills.
“Over the past academic year, Fairfield Bellarmine’s inaugural class has built crucial career and lifelong skills that will support their long-term success and help our local workforce and communities thrive,” Tommins said. “Career training and creating workforce pathways is imperative for empowering the next generation of leaders and talent. We look forward to our continued partnership with Fairfield Bellarmine and welcoming a new cohort of students.”
Bellarmine also hosted a successful career fair attended by representatives not only from Bank of America but from BDO, Avangrid, Gault, Apple, Travelers, the city of Bridgeport and Fairfield University’s Center for Social Impact. This event facilitated networking and exploration of career opportunities across diverse industries.
Further enhancing their learning experience, Fairfield Bellarmine students visited a Bank of America financial center and a Merrill Wealth Management private office in downtown Fairfield. During these visits, students engaged in discussions with executives and Fairfield alumni, including Adam Stevko (Class of 2008) and Rob Tuzza (Class of 2009), both financial advisers at Merrill who began their careers through internships secured as undergraduates at Fairfield.
Bellarmine students took summer session classes during July and August, and many worked in paid internships. Fall classes began on Tuesday, Sept. 3, at Bellarmine Campus, and Bank of America plans to continue efforts in workforce development during the upcoming semester.
