The Rev. Charles H. Allen, S.J., has been a steadying presence in the Fairfield University and Fairfield Prep communities since he first arrived at Fairfield in 1977.

A former headmaster at Fairfield Prep, he has served as executive assistant to the president since 1994 when the Rev. Aloysius P. Kelley, S.J., was University president. He is integral to the many activities of the President's office, while serving as secretary of the Board of Trustees and secretary of the Fairfield University Corporation.

A Boston native, Fr. Allen joined the Jesuits at age 17. His Jesuit travels carried him to Mexico, Italy, Egypt, France, Spain, England, Ireland, Hong Kong, the Philippines, and a half-dozen other countries - all before he arrived, as he likes to say, "in the closest I will ever come to the Garden of Eden: Fairfield, Conn."

Fr. Allen's involvement in student activities includes heading up Alpha Sigma Nu, chaperoning Campus Ministry trips, and living in the residence halls. He has officiated close to 200 wedding ceremonies (primarily those of alumni) since his ordination in 1973. Known for his encyclopedic mind and humor, he is a favorite with many community organizations where he is frequently called upon to serve as master of ceremonies at their events.

He earned his BA and MA in philosophy from Boston College, and an MAT from Brown University. In 1973, he went on to study at Gregorian University in Rome, Italy, earning an STB in theology. In 1977, he earned an M.Ed. from Teachers College, Columbia University.

Awards/distinctions

2007: Alumni Association Distinguished Faculty/Administrator Award
2005: Yearbook dedication