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Come join the Fairfield community in celebrating the life of Kenni Nwajagu ‘12 this week in a memorial service being held this Friday at 8 p.m. in the Egan Chapel of St.Ignatius of Loyola. Nwajagu was 21 years old when he passed away on June 30, 2011. All are invited to attend the student-organized memorial service.
When Nwajagu arrived onto Fairfield’s campus in 2008, his one-of-a-kind personality could not go unnoticed. Nwajagu was a film major with an aptitude for the arts. He was easy to talk to and got involved in many activities around campus. As a result, many of his classmates remember him as a loving friend with an exceptional spirit and sincere enthusiasm regarding the things he loved most.
Nwajagu spent the early years of his childhood growing up in Nigeria. His father recalls that even at the young age of six, his Principal nicknamed him “Kiri Kiri Star” because he had such a natural talent for acting, which he displayed in his school’s plays. At seven years old, Nwajagu moved to the United States of America with his family.
In a beautiful biography of Nwajagu ’s life written by his father, his father explains just how easily Nwajagu adjusted to life in America. Nwajagu quickly embraced numerous opportunities to become an active member in his community and build his character, working hard to become a true leader at a young age.
Not only was Nwajagu acknowledged and awarded for such leadership efforts, but he was also recognized for being involved in his church, excelling in school, and pursuing his dreams by participating in programs like Original Works Inc., an after school program for aspiring actors.
As Nwajagu grew up, in addition to focusing on his academics, writing, directing, producing, and/or acting in films and movies, Nwajagu also found time to indulge himself in some of his favorite hobbies. These included reading, listening to his favorite musical artist, Beyonce, and watching Harry Potter movies.
Nwajagu’s interests in film and performing arts continued to develop during his time at Fairfield. All of Nwajagu’s hard work and talent was recognized in May 2011 at Fairfield University’s Cinefest. There, the movie, which he was responsible for producing, “This is Me,” earned the award for Best Picture. He and his co-director walked onto the stage to receive the award accompanied by the sound of a standing ovation filled with praise, support, and encouragement.
Nwajagu was loved by his fellow classmates because he was a true friend to so many. A Facebook page created in his memory demonstrates how Nwajagu’s peers truly admired him.
Friends and family remember him as a “great person” with a “bright smile and contagious laugh.” He will forever be remembered by the lives he touched here at Fairfield University.
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