Fairfield University wants “to give voice” to those reentering society
Before joining Fairfield University, I worked extensively with incarcerated individuals and those reentering society. As I deepened my understanding of Fairfield's Jesuit Catholic mission, Catholic social teaching, and Ignatian pedagogy, it became clear that this work aligned seamlessly with the university's values.
For the past several years, I have served on the board of EMERGE Connecticut, a nonprofit social enterprise that supports men and women who have served time in prison. This work extends beyond job training and professional development; we emphasize personal and spiritual growth, recognizing that a job alone does not prevent recidivism. We help individuals address mental health concerns, substance use, parenting skills, and other critical needs to foster long-term stability.
In addition to this work, I teach sociology courses at a state prison in Connecticut. I aimed to continue this work personally and integrate it into my work at Fairfield. I met with Father Kevin O'Brien and discussed the possibility of connecting to the Jesuit Prison Education Network. Recognizing Fairfield's potential role, we began discussions with our president and provost, representatives from the governor's office, and nonprofit organizations supporting justice-impacted individuals in the area.
While my prison teaching will continue as an individual effort, we identified reentry support as an area where Fairfield could make the most impact. Two years ago, Fairfield opened a campus in Bridgeport, CT, to offer a new associate's degree program and address the challenges of access and affordability in Jesuit higher education. Our Bellarmine campus is not typically used at night and on weekends, but it presents a unique opportunity to host educational programs for formerly incarcerated individuals. Through partnerships with EMERGE Connecticut and other reentry organizations, we aim to provide classes for those prepared to take this step—whether working toward an associate's degree, earning certifications, or micro-credentials.
On the evening of February 25, 2025, we made our first public university-wide step on this journey by partnering with EMERGE Connecticut to host a screening of the documentary As We EMERGE: Monologues of the Formerly Incarcerated and a panel discussion with the men in the film. The project is a powerful intersection of art and social impact. Originally conceived as a stage production by me in 2018, this project was never about mere entertainment. It was about hearing the raw, personal stories of formerly incarcerated individuals, understanding their struggles with reentry, and asking ourselves: What can we do about this?
We are in the early stages of designing our prison/reentry initiative and are hopeful for the future. As a Jesuit Catholic institution, Fairfield is uniquely positioned to use its resources to serve those who are often marginalized. Our commitment to justice and education calls us to support individuals on their journey of transformation. By engaging in this work, we are fulfilling our mission and affirming the dignity and worth of every person, particularly those impacted by the criminal justice system.
Would you like to donate to JPEN?
Visit the Jesuits of Central & Southern Province support page to learn more about how you can contribute.
To designate your gift to the Jesuit Prison Education Network, scroll down the webpage to "Donation information" to select a gift amount. Then scroll down to the "Designation" box, click on it, and select JPEN from the drop-down menu.
Don C. Sawyer III, Ph.D., Vice President for Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging, Associate Professor of Sociology, Fairfield University.
Fr. Kevin O’Brien, S.J., Vice Provost and Executive Director, Fairfield Bellarmine.