Preview
Date
1959
Description
Rev. James E. FitzGerald, S.J. was born in Providence, R.I., in 1958 and entered the Society of Jesus in 1923. After studies in philosophy at Weston College, he taught at Boston College from 1930 to 1932, returning to Weston College to study theology from 1932 to 1936. Ordained to the priesthood in 1935, he pursued ascetical studies at St. Robert’s Hall in Pomfret, Connecticut in 1936-37, and then received a master’s degree in education from St. Louis University in 1938. From 1938 to 1940 he taught education at the College of the Holy Cross, and from 1948 to 1958, he served as Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. In 1958, he was appointed Rector of Fairfield University.
Accomplishments during his tenure at Fairfield include the establishment of a Graduate School of Education; the construction of Campion Hall and the Alumni Hall gymnasium; and the establishment of the Development Office. Other events worth noting include the New York Giants using Fairfield for summer training for several years starting in 1960; an impromptu student boycott at dinner of cafeteria food (resolved peacefully) in 1962; Fairfield's win over Clemson and two other universities on national television competing in the General Electric College Bowl in 1963; and lastly, the celebration of Shakespeare's 400th anniversary with a special festival held during commencement in 1964.
In 1964, Fr. FitzGerald became Prefect of Studies for the New England Jesuit Province, a position he held until his death in 1969. Fr. James FitzGerald was the younger brother of Rev. W. Edmund FitzGerald, S.J. (acting Rector of Fairfield in 1950).
Publisher
Fairfield University
Collection
Image Archive
Original Format
Yearbook photograph from 1959 Manor, p.13
Digitization Date
2007
Repository
Fairfield University Archives and Special Collections
Copyright
© Fairfield University. This resource may be used for educational or non-commercial purposes. Please direct any questions to digital@fairfield.edu.
Repository Citation
"Rev. James E. FitzGerald, S.J. – 4th President of Fairfield University (1958-1964)." 1959. Image Archive. Fairfield University Archives and Special Collections. https://digitalcommons.fairfield.edu/image-archive/178.