Conlisk, principal and chief financial officer of Milford-based Alinabal Holdings Corp., is the driving force behind the Rev. John M. Conlisk Irish Scholarship, which was established in 1981 at the University of Bridgeport and moved to Fairfield University in 1990.
It was founded by Conlisk in memory of his late brother, a 1954 Fairfield Prep graduate who was pastor of Sacred Heart Parish in Georgetown, St. Patrick Parish in Redding and St. Jerome Parish in Norwalk.
The full scholarship was established when the Irish economy was struggling. A group of Irish Americans, led by Conlisk, believed it would enhance the job prospects of young people from Ireland, while enabling them to further their education in America and make business contacts.
It covers all tuition, housing and medical insurance expenses for the time it takes to earn a master’s degree from Fairfield University’s Dolan School of Business and is awarded annually.
“It is a very special award and as such has only been presented to a very select few,” a university official said in a press release about the President's Medal. The medal was established in 2002 to honor individuals who have provided outstanding support and service to the University of Limerick.
The scholarship is dedicated to the purpose of perpetuating Irish culture and of strengthening educational and cultural relationships between Ireland and the Fairfield community, according to a press release.
“The students benefit from our strong curriculum, and we benefit — students and faculty — from the opportunity to interact with smart people who are going to make a difference, both here and in Ireland.” Mark Ligas, associate dean and director of graduate programs, said in a press release. “Each scholar I have worked with has seen this opportunity as a life-changer.”
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