Fairfield University To Open New College In Former Bridgeport School

FAIRFIELD, CT — Fairfield University, in partnership with the Diocese of Bridgeport, will launch a new two-year program on the site of a former Catholic school in Bridgeport, the two institutions announced Wednesday.

Fairfield Bellarmine is scheduled to open in the fall of 2023 in the former St. Ambrose School on Boston Avenue in Bridgeport, initially occupying the St. Ambrose rectory and convent. The university calls Fairfield Bellarmine "a new academic unit that will offer a two-year associate's degree program."

It will prepare students for transition to a bachelor's degree program at a variety of four-year institutions, or for meaningful employment.

"Animated by a fundamental mission to accompany our youth on a hope-filled future, Fairfield University is committed to advancing access to our values-based, student-centric, outcomes-focused education in ever more modern ways,” said Fairfield University President Mark R. Nemec, PhD, in a statement. "As educators we believe in the dignifying and transformative power of education. We are grateful to be working with the Diocese of Bridgeport, as the Bellarmine initiative is another innovative partnership providing greater opportunities and pathways to achievement for students of promise."

Added the Most Rev. Frank J. Caggiano, Bishop of Bridgeport, "This is a moment we've all looked forward to, and I believe one that will have lasting implications for the educational and personal success of our young people. By creating a pathway to higher education, we're also creating a pathway to hope and to achievement for students with untapped promise and potential. I’m grateful to Fairfield University for their leadership and commitment to this effort, which will transform lives and strengthen our community."

The two-year associate's degree program is designed to serve students in the Bridgeport community, and it is part of the university’s strategic partnership with the diocese's "Pathways to Higher Learning."

From the Fairfield University/Diocese of Bridgeport announcement:

Renovation plans for the facilities and a site plan for the campus are underway. Several buildings will house instructional, student life, community engagement, and administrative spaces. Small class sizes and cohorts will ensure one-on-one attention, dedicated faculty, and strong support services.

Students will benefit from mentoring, including peer tutors. The University’s writing and math center staff will have a presence on the Bellarmine campus, and students will be actively engaged in planning and forming a student government, clubs, athletic activities, and social and faith-related events at the Bellarmine campus. Students will have the opportunity to participate in University clubs, activities and intramural and club sports, as well as have access to facilities on
Fairfield’s main campus.

Fairfield University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), and the Bellarmine program is currently under accreditation review by NECHE. NECHE is an institutional accreditor and promotes educational excellence and quality assurance to its member institutions. The Commission is recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education as a reliable authority on the quality of education for the institutions it accredits.