Six Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¹ÒÅÆ graduate students have been recognized for leadership and outstanding achievements.
Each year, Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¹ÒÅÆ recognizes one graduate student within each academic school and the Graduate Student Life office who has made an impact during his or her time at Fairfield. The students are recognized for their exceptional dedication to, and enhancement of, a specific program, activity, organization, or project within Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¹ÒÅÆ and the greater community. Each of the awardees listed below has maximized opportunities for emotional, social, and intellectual growth throughout the duration of their program, and best exemplifies the true spirit of a Jesuit education.
College of Arts & Sciences: Kristen Dalli, Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing
“Kristen worked tirelessly on supporting our programs with professionalism, creativity, reliability, and commitment. No matter what we needed, she rose to the occasion, rarely taking time off…We've been able to specifically support students who tend to be underserved in this community with her extra support...” – Associate Director of International Studies, Anita Deeg-Carlin
Charles F. Dolan School of Business: Alec Melotto '19, Master of Science in Accounting
“Alec Melotto was a former student of mine during his undergraduate education. When Alec was an undergraduate student, he was a member of the University swim team. He donates a significant amount of time serving Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¹ÒÅÆAthletics and in particular, the swim team… going away to swim meets, running practices, and providing mentorship and tutoring to the athletes… Alec is also an exceptional student academically.” – Paul Caster, CPA, professor of Accounting
Graduate School of Education and Allied Professions, Elizabeth Semple, Master of Arts in TESOL
“Elizabeth has brought so much leadership and direction to the undergraduate students. Her contributions to the Youth Mentoring Program with the Connecticut Institue for Refugees and Immigrants exemplify what it means for our University to do meaningful and impactful work in our local community, in alignment with both the academic goals and the Jesuit Catholic mission of the institution.” – Associate Director for Community-Engaged Learning in the Center for Social Impact, Andrea Canuel
School of Engineering: Maverick Ruiz '19, Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering
“He is a Co-PI on the grant proposal for an Efficient Solar Charger that can be used in developing countries, a Service Learning Associate, and mentor for children at the Wakeman's Boys and Girls Club. He is both an exceptional student and a dedicated individual.” – Chair and Associate Professor Electrical Engineering and Bioengineering, Uma Balaji, PhD
Marion Peckham Egan School of Nursing & Health Studies: Juan Farfan DNP’20, BSN, RN, CCRN, Doctorate in Nursing Practice, Nurse Anesthesia
“This year, Juan served as the program's AANA Foundation Student Advocate, a charitable organization devoted to anesthesia research, education, and development. Specifically, he advocated for student involvement in the AANA foundation in order to enhance efforts to improve patient outcomes.” – Program Director and Assistant Professor of Nurse Anesthesia, Nancy Moriber, PhD, CRNA, APRN
Graduate Student Life, Office of Student Engagement: Kevin Fiallos '19, Masters of Science in Mathematics
“An essential member of the First-Year Experience Team in the Fall 2019 semester… Kevin's passion for supporting new students through their transition to college and helping returning students develop their leadership skills was evident in his willingness to teach two sections of FYE, have developmental conversations with New Student Leaders, and overall positive energy.” – Associate Director of Student Engagement (Transition & Retention), Marissa Lischinsky '12
