Fairfield University President Retiring In 2004

FAIRFIELD — Aloysius P. Kelley, SJ, seventh and longest-serving president in Fairfield University’s history, recently announced his intention to retire June 30, 2004, the end of the current academic year.

Father Kelley has presided over Fairfield University for 25 years.

“This is truly the end of an era — and one that will become known as an extraordinarily successful one,” noted Board of Trustees Chair Paul Huston, ’82. “Under Father Kelley’s leadership, Fairfield University has experienced dramatic growth institutionwide.” This growth, Mr Huston continued, included “an increasingly qualified student body, major facility enhancement, large gains in the endowment, and sound financial health.”

“I believe it is the ideal time for a transition to new leadership, as the university is poised and ready to be taken to new heights,” said Father Kelley.

Fairfield University has grown intellectually over the past two decades. The University has membership in Phi Beta Kappa, the oldest and most respected academic honor society in the United States. The esteemed Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) accredited the Charles F. Dolan School of Business. The Office of Jesuit and Catholic Mission and Identity was created, as was the Ignatius Residential College. Several endowed chairs were also established.

“These successes have come about through the dedication and support of the board; the collaboration of faculty, administrators, and staff, and the devotion of so many generous alumni and friends,” said Father Kelley. “For that partnership, I am most grateful.”

On the financial side, the institution’s endowment has increased from under $2 million in 1979 to $131 million currently. In 2000, Our Promise: The Campaign for Fairfield University was launched publicly. The goal was to raise $100 million for facilities, endowment, and operations. In May 2002, based on the campaign’s initial success, the Board of Trustees increased the goal to $125 million. As of September 2003, $122 million has been raised. The campaign will close on June 30, 2004.

“Fairfield University has achieved remarkable success — enhanced academic reputation, program development, facilities expansion, and endowment growth,” noted Father Kelley. “When I depart in June 2004, I will do so with profound gratitude for the blessings that have helped shape the Fairfield University that we know today, and for the privilege of having served this great institution for so many years.”