The celebratory luncheon with Fairfield's academic and administrative leadership was held on the eve of the presidential inauguration
The luncheon is a simple but genuine way for the Jesuit community to show its respect and support to President Nemec, our first lay and ninth Ignatian president
— — Rev. Michael F. Tunney, S.J.
Amid the pomp and circumstance surrounding this week’s presidential inauguration, President Mark R. Nemec, PhD, members of his senior leadership team, and University deans were invited to join the ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ÊÓƵÎÞÏÞÖƹۿ´ Jesuit community for a reflective and celebratory luncheon on Thursday afternoon.
The campus’ Jesuit residence buzzed with laughter and light-hearted conversation as guests mingled and greeted each other in the lobby before sitting down to enjoy a beautifully prepared, three-course meal.
“The luncheon is a simple, but genuine way for the Jesuit community to show its respect and support to President Nemec, our first lay and ninth Ignatian president at Fairfield,” said Rev. Michael F. Tunney, S.J., rector of the ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ÊÓƵÎÞÏÞÖƹۿ´ Jesuit Community. “The only items on the agenda are to welcome our guests, pray for one another, and enjoy the occasion.”
Before the meal, Rev. Tunney offered a special prayer for the occasion emphasizing gratitude, collaboration, and joy. He prayed, “O God, we continue to give you thanks in these first months of President Mark Nemec’s leadership. Across these inaugural celebrations, fill him and his family, all of us, and our students with hope, curiosity, and thanksgiving.”
As the lunch concluded, President Nemec thanked the Jesuit Community for their hospitality and for the wonderful meal they had all enjoyed.
Continuing a spiritual journey that began with Ignatius of Loyola over 450 years ago, the Jesuits have been living and serving in Fairfield, Connecticut for more than half a century. To learn more about the University’s Jesuit community, visit fairfield.edu/catholic-and-jesuit .
