James E. FitzGerald

James Edgar FitzGerald, S.J. was an American Jesuit and academic. He served as the fourth president of Fairfield University located in Fairfield, Connecticut, from 1958 to 1964.

Biography

FitzGerald was born in Providence, Rhode Island, in 1906. He graduated from La Salle Academy in his hometown, began his Society of Jesus studies in 1923, and studied philosophy at Boston [College School of Theology and Ministry|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.
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 Fairfield University [Graduate School of Education and Allied Professions|Graduate School of Education] in 1963, and Campion Hall was opened in 1964. 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. He was survived by two brothers, both also priests, and two sisters, one a nun.