Since joining the Fairfield University faculty in 1975, Philip I. Eliasoph, PhD has been a pillar of artistic and intellectual engagement, civic discourse, and academic excellence on our campus. Widely credited with bringing arts and culture to Fairfield County, his most enduring legacy is the creation of the Open VISIONS Forum series in 1997, which has brought nationally acclaimed speakers to our campus and has become a cornerstone of public dialogue and lifelong learning.
In recognition of his transformative impact, the series has been renamed the Philip I. Eliasoph Open VISIONS Forum—a lasting tribute to his visionary leadership, commitment to free inquiry, and dedication to cultural enrichment. As we celebrate Dr. Eliasoph’s 50th anniversary at Fairfield, we seek support to strengthen the Philip I. Eliasoph Open VISIONS Forum Fund, so we can continue to bring world-class speakers to our stage and enhance the Forum’s flexibility to respond to emerging opportunities.
We gratefully acknowledge the growing list of generous supporters who have made a leadership commitment to support the Philip I. Eliasoph Open VISIONS Forum Fund, including (in alphabetical order and as of September 30, 2025): Robert and Jane Jacobs, Marshall and Debra Levin, Brian ’87 and Eileen Machler ’87, Emil and Toby Meshberg, Marcia (in memory) and Stephen Saft, and Robert ’74 and Rosellen Schnurr ’74.
For more information about the Eliasoph Open VISIONS Forum Fund, or to make a gift in honor of Dr. Philip Eliasoph, please visit fairfield.edu/PIEOFV50 or email Marie-Laure Kugel at mkugel@fairfield.edu.