Frank Fraioli ’08 has worked tirelessly during his time at Fairfield in the pursuit of equality, justice and acceptance for all gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender students across campus. In recognition of his efforts toward equality, justice and acceptance, he was one of two recipients of the Martin Luther King Jr. Vision Award.
“The award is given to someone who has a commitment to justice, peace and the importance of diversity,” said Dean of Freshman Deb Chappell, who presented the award to Fraioli.
While Fraioli has been involved in a variety of important campus activities and projects, he said that he credits this award to his efforts as the president of Fairfield’s Alliance club, of which he is the president, as well as the work he has done with the GLBT organization.
“I did a lot of event-organizing with Alliance. We planned the Gender Bender Ball, the Day of Silence and the Safe Space program,” he said. “All of this is done to increase awareness and acceptance around campus.”
Fraioli said he was thrilled when he got the call informing him that he was chosen for the award, approximately one week before the ceremony.
He also said he has been getting more attention around campus from students and faculty alike.
“People who I never even said hello to are coming up to me and saying, ‘Congratulations,'” he said.
Chappell noted that Fraioli’s accomplishments in the GLBT community are even more impressive when examined in the context of the environment in which he is working.
“It is more difficult on a Jesuit campus that has between 3,300 and 3,500 students,” she said. “Part of the Fairfield mission statement is to embrace difference. We can say we accept everyone, but we have to physically fulfill the mission, not just say it.”
“My goal is to increase, not only awareness of the GLBT community, but to make it a presence on campus,” said Fraioli.
“People in general feel more comfortable when they are around people who are nearly the same as them,” Chappell said.
“Frank’s work encourages people to grow and learn to accept other people,” she added.
While many students give back to the Fairfield community on a daily basis, Fraioli received the award because of his dedication to advance the vision of Martin Luther King Jr. in any way he can on campus.
The result of this hard work can be seen all around campus, and many have benefited from it.
“The award means so much to me,” said Fraioli. “MLK’s vision and commitment to equality amongst everyone makes it an extreme honor to win an award in his name.”
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