FAIRFIELD—Rev. Charles Allen, S.J., has been integral to the life and spirit of the Fairfield University and Fairfield Prep community for more than 40 years. A beloved figure on campus, he has also served as a spiritual mentor and friend to a host of non-profit and civic organizations throughout the Bridgeport and Fairfield area, including his role as chaplain to the Town of Fairfield’s Emergency Services.
Father Allen’s Jesuit service began at the age of 17. He holds a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in philosophy from Boston College, and master’s degrees from Gregorian (Rome), Brown, and Columbia Universities in theology, mathematics, and educational administration. In addition to his work at Fairfield University, he served as headmaster of Fairfield Prep from 1985 to 1998.
Noting that he has only had the privilege of knowing Father Allen since his own arrival at Fairfield University three years ago, President Mark R. Nemec, PhD, said, “We have bonded over many things—our love of Boston, our love of the Red Sox, but most of all, our love of Fairfield. Through his many years of service, Fr. Charles Allen has embodied all that makes Fairfield special: his intelligence, his wit, and his authentic interest in others.”
Although a good-bye celebration is not possible at this time, Father Allen will be recognized, in person, when he returns for the Murphy Center for Ignatian Spirituality’s benefit dinner, which has been postponed until a future date. At the dinner, Father Allen will be honored with the Rev. James M. Bowler, S.J., Award.
“I leave Fairfield University and Fairfield Prep with a tremendous bundle of happy memories,” said Father Charlie Allen, S.J. “May God continue to bless Fairfield University and Fairfield Prep. You will all be in my prayers. I hope to see you again soon.”
Please read Father Allen’s farewell reflection on the University’s ThinkSpace blog.
Fairfield University is a modern, Jesuit Catholic university rooted in one of the world’s oldest intellectual and spiritual traditions. More than 5,000 undergraduate and graduate students from the U.S. and across the globe are pursuing degrees in the University’s five schools. Fairfield embraces a liberal humanistic approach to education, encouraging critical thinking, cultivating free and open inquiry, and fostering ethical and religious values. The University is located on a stunning 200-acre campus on the scenic Connecticut coast just an hour from New York City.
