Fairfield University and town plan collaboration

Written by James Passeri
Monday, 06 February 2012 15:21

At the inaugural “breakfast ethics” discussion at the Fairfield University Bookstore, First Selectman Michael Tetreau and  Fairfield Univeristy’s president, the Rev. Jeffrey von Arx SJ, discussed how the school operates within the community, and how both institutions can get more done with greater collaboration.
The Jan. 18 discussion was called “Town and Gown: Mutual Opportunities and Responsibilities,” and was intended to inform guests, as well as invite their opinions, on the ongoing relationship between Fairfield and the university.
Tetreau said he is excited to see the school taking advantage of the downtown scene, and hopes to build a greater partnership between the two institutions.

Von Arx dismissed the idea that Fairfield University has become too private by underscoring its history, mission and ongoing service programs.
“When Fairfield University was established in the 1940s, it was consciously set up to serve the local population,” von Arx said.
The school continues to offer a variety of in-service learning programs in Fairfield and neighboring communities, including in-service learning programs, student teachers at Burr and Jennings elementary schools, a marriage and family therapy center, volunteering in social service agencies and social research projects, and a library open to town residents, von Arx said.
He said the school also offers a great economic value. Even though it occupies a “significant piece of very attractive real estate,” the state repays the town about $1.8 million annual for land leased from the town, he said.
The presence of seniors along the waterfront is also economic benefit to renters, and the school is grateful that there is a safe community for off-campus life, he said.
Fairfield would like to continue seeing the university play a major role downtown,  according to Tetreau, and he hopes to keep the public informed with developments and offerings of both institutions by using the websites for joint postings.
“We see ourselves as a center of cultural enrichment and lifelong learning,” von Arx said.
For more information on Fairfield University and upcoming events, visit fairfield.edu.
The town’s website is fairfieldct.org. For community events and calendar information, call 203-256-3000.