James E. FitzGerald
{{short description|American Jesuit and educator}}
{{Infobox officeholder
| name = James E. FitzGerald
| honorific_suffix = S.J.
| image = James_E._FitzGerald.jpg
| image_upright =
| order = 4th President of
| office = Fairfield University
| term_start = 1958
| term_end = 1964
| predecessor = Joseph D. FitzGerald
| successor = William C. McInnes
| birth_date = {{Birth date|1906|07|23}}
| birth_place = Providence, Rhode Island, U.S.
| death_date = {{Death date and age|1969|01|25|1906|07|23}}
| death_place = Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
| education = La Salle Academy
| alma_mater = Weston College
Saint Louis University
}}
James Edgar FitzGerald, S.J. (July 23, 1906 – January 25, 1969) was an American Jesuit and academic. He served as the fourth president of Fairfield University located in Fairfield, Connecticut, from 1958 to 1964.{{cite web |url=https://www.fairfield.edu/about/mission-values-history/our-history/index.html |title=Our History |website=fairfield.edu |accessdate=March 9, 2024}}
Biography
FitzGerald was born in Providence, Rhode Island, in 1906.{{cite web |url=https://www.fold3.com/image/688397974 |title=Draft Registration Card |agency=Selective Service System |via=fold3.com |url-access=subscription |date=October 1940 |accessdate=March 9, 2024}} He graduated from La Salle Academy in his hometown, began his Society of Jesus studies in 1923, and studied philosophy at Weston College in Massachusetts during 1927–1930. He taught at Boston College during 1930–1932, then in 1932 returned to Weston College to study theology.
FitzGerald was ordained in 1935, and received a Master of Education degree from Saint Louis University in Missouri in 1938. He then taught at College of Holy Cross in Worcester, Massachusetts, during 1938–1940, and served as the college's prefect during 1948–1958.{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-boston-globe-fr-fitzgerald-was-jesu/143038158/ |title=Fr. FitzGerald Was Jesuit Educator; at 62 |newspaper=The Boston Globe |page=95 |date=January 26, 1969 |accessdate=March 9, 2024 |via=newspapers.com}}
During 1958–1964, FitzGerald served as president of Fairfield University. During his tenure, Alumni Hall was opened in 1959, the Graduate Department of Education became the Graduate School of Education in 1963, and Campion Hall was opened in 1964.{{cite web |url=http://www.fairfield.edu/about/about_pres_jefitzgerald.html |title=Rev. James E. Fitzgerald, S.J. Profile |website=fairfield.edu |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090519021515/http://www.fairfield.edu/about/about_pres_jefitzgerald.html |archive-date=May 19, 2009 |via=archive.org}} After his time at Fairfield, FitzGerald took a role in Boston as prefect of studies for Jesuits in the New England area.
FitzGerald died in Boston in 1969, aged 62.{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-bridgeport-post-very-rev-james-e-f/143036359/ |title=Very Rev. James E. FitzGerald |newspaper=The Bridgeport Post |location=Bridgeport, Connecticut |page=33 |date=January 28, 1969 |accessdate=March 9, 2024 |via=newspapers.com}} He was survived by two brothers, both also priests, and two sisters, one a nun.
References
{{Reflist}}
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{{succession box | title=Fairfield University President | before=Joseph D. FitzGerald, S.J. | years=1958–1964 | after=William C. McInnes, S.J.}}
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{{Fairfield University presidents}}
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Category:People from Providence, Rhode Island
Category:La Salle Academy alumni
Category:Boston College School of Theology and Ministry alumni
Category:Saint Louis University alumni
Category:Boston College faculty
Category:College of the Holy Cross faculty
Category:Presidents of Fairfield University