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James E. FitzGerald

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James E. FitzGerald
4th President of Fairfield University
In office
1958–1964
Preceded byJoseph D. FitzGerald
Succeeded byWilliam C. McInnes
Personal details
Born(1906-07-23)July 23, 1906
Providence, Rhode Island, U.S.
DiedJanuary 25, 1969(1969-01-25) (aged 62)
Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
EducationLa Salle Academy
Alma materWeston College
Saint Louis University

James Edgar FitzGerald, S.J. (July 23, 1906 – January 25, 1969) was an American Jesuit and academic. He served as the fourth president of Fairfield University located in Fairfield, Connecticut, from 1958 to 1964.[1]

Biography

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FitzGerald was born in Providence, Rhode Island, in 1906.[2] He graduated from La Salle Academy in his hometown, began his Society of Jesus studies in 1923, and studied philosophy at Weston College in Massachusetts during 1927–1930.[3] He taught at Boston College during 1930–1932, then in 1932 returned to Weston College to study theology.[3]

FitzGerald was ordained in 1935, and received a Master of Education degree from Saint Louis University in Missouri in 1938.[3] He then taught at College of Holy Cross in Worcester, Massachusetts, during 1938–1940, and served as the college's prefect during 1948–1958.[3]

During 1958–1964, FitzGerald served as president of Fairfield University.[3][4] During his tenure, Alumni Hall was opened in 1959, the Graduate Department of Education became the Graduate School of Education in 1963, and Campion Hall was opened in 1964.[4] After his time at Fairfield, FitzGerald took a role in Boston as prefect of studies for Jesuits in the New England area.[3]

FitzGerald died in Boston in 1969, aged 62.[5] He was survived by two brothers, both also priests, and two sisters, one a nun.[3]

References

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  1. ^ "Our History". fairfield.edu. Retrieved March 9, 2024.
  2. ^ "Draft Registration Card". Selective Service System. October 1940. Retrieved March 9, 2024 – via fold3.com.
  3. ^ a b c d e f g "Fr. FitzGerald Was Jesuit Educator; at 62". The Boston Globe. January 26, 1969. p. 95. Retrieved March 9, 2024 – via newspapers.com.
  4. ^ a b "Rev. James E. Fitzgerald, S.J. Profile". fairfield.edu. Archived from the original on May 19, 2009 – via archive.org.
  5. ^ "Very Rev. James E. FitzGerald". The Bridgeport Post. Bridgeport, Connecticut. January 28, 1969. p. 33. Retrieved March 9, 2024 – via newspapers.com.
Preceded by Fairfield University President
1958–1964
Succeeded by