James E. FitzGerald

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]

James E. FitzGerald S.J.
4th President of Fairfield University
In office 1958–1964
Preceded by	Joseph D. FitzGerald
Succeeded by	William C. McInnes
Personal details
Born	(1906-07-23)July 23, 1906 Providence, Rhode Island, U.S.
Died	January 25, 1969(1969-01-25) (aged 62) Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
Education	La Salle Academy
Alma mater	Weston College Saint Louis University

Biography

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

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. "Fr. FitzGerald Was Jesuit Educator; at 62". The Boston Globe. January 26, 1969. p. 95. Retrieved March 9, 2024 – via newspapers.com.
4. "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 Joseph D. FitzGerald, S.J.	Fairfield University President 1958–1964	Succeeded by William C. McInnes, S.J.