Fairfield University Names New Vice President for Mission and Identity

Jesuit Father Gerald Blaszczak, currently chaplain at Fairfield University, has been appointed to the newly created position of vice president for mission and identity at the university.

University President Jesuit Father Jeffrey P. von Arx said the position is essential to the identity of Jesuit institutions like Fairfield University, and in his new role, Fr. Blaszczak will spearhead efforts to strengthen and forward the mission as a Catholic and Jesuit institution. He will also be responsible for communicating to all constituents the history and traditions of a Jesuit education.

Blaszczak said, “Thanks to the efforts of so many for so long, the Jesuit, Catholic identity of Fairfield is woven into the fabric of our institution. I am glad to have the chance to collaborate with people from every area of the university to continue to see how we can draw inspiration and take direction from our rich Jesuit heritage.”

Blaszczak succeeds Jesuit Father James Bowler, who served as the university’s facilitator for Catholic and Jesuit mission and identity for 11 years.

A graduate of Harvard University, Blaszczak earned his doctorate degree in New Testament and early church history, with a secondary field of Islamic studies. Previous to his service at Fairfield, he taught at Le Moyne College and Fordham University. [Fairfield University]