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Meditz is a university trustee and a resident of Weehawken, N.J.
The naming and dedication ceremonies took place Oct. 2 in front of Fairfield University students, faculty, staff, trustees, and guests. Meditz, the Rev. Jeffrey von Arx S.J., president of Fairfield University, and Alexander Cucchi president of Fairfield University Student Association took part in the ceremony.
“It is not simply that I have provided financial assistance because Fairfield was the granter of my undergraduate degree, or because I have served on its board for any number of years, rather it is to enhance what I consider to be a superior educational experience for students in the 21st century,” Meditz said at the dedication ceremony. “Father von Arx has articulated a vision for Fairfield that in his expectation will make Fairfield the most outstanding Jesuit university of the 28 in our country. At the heart of this goal is the integrating of the educational, spiritual, and physical. A sound mind and a sound body, in Jesuit ‘speak.’ This is the vision that I am supporting.”
Most recently, Meditz has gifted $10 million to the university for the expansion and modernization of the Leslie C. Quick Jr. Recreation Complex. The gift adds to other major contributions that Meditz has made, including gifts that enabled the university to construct and establish the Bellarmine Museum of Art, to endow the directorship of the museum, and to create additional endowed student scholarships.
“I believe that John’s most enduring gift to Fairfield is the example that he has shown over the years,” said von Arx. “We often talk about the importance of ‘giving back,’ and of ‘service to our fellow men and women’ when we talk about the unique emphasis of a Jesuit education. For John, these are values he has taken to heart. ... It is his example, his leadership and his genuine humility for which we are most grateful.”
Meditz Hall is an apartment-style residence hall that houses nearly 200 juniors and seniors. It had been temporarily known as 51 McInnes Road since its opening in 2011.
“It is only fitting that one of the most modern and picturesque residence halls on campus is named after such a generous alumnus,” said Cucchi. “This extremely generous gift will not only benefit the current student body, but will also have a major impact on students for generations to come.”
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