FAIRFIELD, Conn. – Fairfield University Athletics has formally launched its new Vision statement, Mission statement, Culture Commitments, Motto and Promise for the Fairfield Stags, as announced by Director of Athletics Paul Schlickmann.  Fairfield student-athletes, coaches and administration in collaboration with University leadership and under the guidance of Matt Davidson, President of the Excellence with Integrity Institute, developed the "We Are Stags" initiative.
 
"This is a critical step in the holistic development of our department culture and in capturing the many unique facets of a Fairfield University education that make the Stags Athletics experience an exceptional one," said Director of Athletics Paul Schlickmann. "I applaud our coaches, staff, student-athletes and university community for their vested interest and thoughtful collaboration in this process. These expressions of common purpose align intentionally and effectively with our Jesuit ideals, our University aspirations and the expectations we have established for all our student-athletes and staff.  These shared value statements will serve as the daily guidepost for our common actions and as the foundation and framework of on-going strategic planning efforts."
 
A comprehensive process based on assessment data, group workshops with coaches, staff and student-athletes as well as individual meetings with University leadership resulted in the following Vision statement, Mission statement, Culture Commitments, Motto and Promise.  Within the Athletics Department, the adoption and practice of these principles is already underway with a series of department-wide gatherings, marketing and branding projects, student-athlete/team-based programming, University inclusion efforts and fundraising initiatives in progress. 
 
We Are Fairfield Stags
In Mind. In Body. In Spirit.
 
Our Vision
Total human development through a distinctly Jesuit championship experience that cultivates the most prepared and sought-after graduates in the world.
 
Our Mission
Create a courageous and compassionate department-wide family culture dedicated to personal and collective best, continuous improvement, and whole-person development.
 
Our Motto
Values Based, Student-Centered, Outcomes-Focused

Our Culture Commitments 
 
Stags Compete: We are one in the pursuit of personal and collective best, in the classroom and in competition – never settle, never quit. We compete every play, every day, honoring God, the game, teammates, and competitors – no fear, no limits, no excuses.

Stags Care: We care more, risk more, and give more than others think wise or possible. We find strength in our diversity – one team, one family, whatever harms any Stag harms me.
 
Stags Lead: We are stewards who demonstrate integrity, responsibility, and accountability, striving always to choose the better. We are men and women for and with others, inclusive servant-leaders who promote justice by standing up, speaking up, and stepping up for our shared values.
 
Stags Grow: We are forged and made resilient through our individual and collective adversities. We are balanced, reflective and growth-minded, playing present in the miracle of the moment-in competition and in life.
 
Our Promise
Stags are Built for Life.