Samuel J. Fair '86 Scholarship

In memory of Samuel J Fair, III (1967-2021) - loving son, father, husband, friend, and forever a Titan.

Sam’s story:

Sam embodied the Saint John’s Jesuit spirit of being a “Man For Others.” He was always ready and willing to lend a hand or an ear, or offer advice. His life was tragically cut short when he succumbed to injuries sustained from a diving accident while visiting his mother in Florida to celebrate her retirement. The void left by his absence touched many in his vast network of family, friends, and colleagues. He did so much for so many.

Sam believed that the path to enlightenment and happiness was through education and critical thinking. He graduated from SJJ in 1986 and from Princeton in 1990. He was an outstanding student in both high school and college. His athletic endeavors included – as a spectator or participant – running, rowing, lacrosse, basketball, baseball, golf, and hunting. He was a voracious reader and brilliant conversationalist, always respecting the views and opinions of others. His friends and family have undertaken this quest to honor his memory and to provide financial support for a deserving SJJ student who demonstrates financial need. Sam never wanted lack of resources to be a barrier to education.

Fundraising efforts:

Sam’s uncle and best friend, Jim Ramirez ’84, is running the New York Marathon to honor and remember him. Sam was his running coach for his first half marathon more than a decade ago and thereafter until he passed. Jim hasn’t run an event since. Here is the order of events leading up to the marathon:

• June 30: Scholarship Campaign Launch
• July 17: Remember Sam on the day he passed away
• August 25: First Run - Annapolis 10 Mile
• October 10: Soccer Referee Challenge - Columbus Day tournament. Ask anyone who has ever yelled at a referee to donate. Jim will be donating all his referee fees from the weekend to the scholarship.
• October 18: Second Run - Baltimore Half Marathon
• November 2: Grand Finale - New York City Marathon, 26.2 miles