Hundreds of people walk through the Barone Campus Center everyday, and many fail to notice or understand the history of the Barones or the campus center that was named after them.
John A. Barone was a university Provost, who taught in the Chemistry department between 1950 and 1992.
Barone entered the U.S. Army in World War II soon after his graduation from the University of Buffalo, where he was a member of Phi Beta Kappa.
Dr. Barone completed his masters degree in chemistry and a doctorate in organic chemistry at Purdue University.
He was given the university’s first competitive research grant from the Research Corporation of America for his pioneering research in cancer anti-metabolites. This led to a series of grants for Fairfield University from the National Science Foundation and the National Cancer Institute.
In 1970, Barone became the first lay administrator among the 28 Jesuit colleges and universities in the country to serve as provost, the chief operating officer.
During Barone’s time at the university, he witnessed the growth of Jogues, Kostka and Claver hall, the Bannow Science Center, Central Utilities Facility, the School of Nursing, Recreational Complex, Donnarumma Hall and the Townhouses.
Along with all the developments that Barone contributed to, he also gave back to our neighboring town by starting the TRIO programs, in which local Bridgeport students have the opportunity to strengthen the academic, intellectual and social skills needed for college.
At the same time, his wife was just as actively involved with Fairfield University.
Rose Marie Pace taught at Bassick and Harding High School for 25 years.
The Pace-Barone scholarships are alternately given either to Bassick or Harding High School students for a full scholarship to Fairfield University.
Mrs. Barone is a woman of poetry and grammar.
During her speech at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. award dinner, she gave a 10 minute grammar lesson to an eager audience.
She was also actively involved in the Senior Olympics and a gold medal winner of the Senior Basketball Tournament.
She also emphasized the importance of giving back to the community, as she and Barone have dedicated most of their lives to their students, children and family at Fairfield University.
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