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Summer 2003

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Members of the Steering Committee gathered at The Plaza Hotel in New York City on December 4 to mark the end of the third year of quiet phase activity for The Campaign for Villanova and review progress toward reaching critical Campaign benchmarks. Nearly every member of the Committee attended the meeting, signifying the commitment and support of the volunteer leadership that is guiding this ambitious fundraising effort.

“This new year marks an important period for our efforts,” noted Gerald S.J. Cassidy, Esq. ’63, Campaign chairman. “The Steering Committee has much to consider in preparation for the public launch of The Campaign, and this meeting will help to shape the strategy and direction of fundraising activity during this final year of the quiet phase.”

Topics discussed at the meeting included an update on a series of recommendations made by the Steering Committee at its May meeting, a review of the Campaign’s financial progress, and a discussion of important components for a revised case for support.

John M. Elizandro, vice president for Institutional Advancement, began the meeting by reviewing the recommendations made by the Steering Committee at its May meeting in response to a planning and feasibility study conducted by Grenzebach Glier and Associates, the University’s fundraising consultants. These recommendations called for adding senior-level management to the Development program, expanding the level of fundraising staff resources, and implementing a distributive fundraising model.

“These recommendations have led to significant change in the Development program over the past six months,” noted Elizandro. “Critical new resources have been added to our staff, especially at the senior levels, and the distributive fundraising model has been fully implemented. The effect of these changes can be seen in the participation of academic and program leaders in the solicitation process, and a broadening involvement among the University’s alumni, parents, and friends.”

Elizandro went on to note how these changes have affected each component of the Development program, which prompted a discussion among the Committee about the composition of the prospect pool, the electronic and information resources that are used by the Development office, and the cultivation and solicitation process.

“It’s clear that the resources and systems that we need are in place to reach our goals,” noted John J. Quindlen ’54, a member of the Steering and Leadership Gifts Committees. “Now, it is the challenge of this group – the Steering Committee – to work with the Development staff to identify prospects at the highest levels and move them to make a commitment.”

Elizandro concluded his report by noting that nearly $86 million had been committed to The Campaign to date, representing 43 percent of the preliminary Campaign goal of $200 million.

“We are seeing more and more people who are confident in the economic conditions and who are ready to step forward to support The Campaign,” noted James C. Curvey ’57, vice chairman of The Campaign and co-chairman of the Leadership Gifts Committee. “This couldn’t happen at a better time as we embark upon the last year of quiet phase activity.”

Cassidy agreed, noting that, “The economic recovery and the final year of the quiet phase have created a new window of opportunity for our alumni, parents, and friends. Now is the time to come forward and support the University and its priorities through The Campaign.”

The meeting continued with the members of the Steering Committee offering their thoughts on important components of a revised case for support. “A compelling case for support is an important tool that helps generate interest and involvement among our alumni, parents, and friends,” noted Rev. Edmund J. Dobbin, O.S.A. ’58, University president. “It integrates the results of our strategic planning process with our vision for Villanova’s future to create opportunities for involvement at all levels of The Campaign. The Steering Committee’s input is valuable as we seek to prepare a document that combines the unique aspects of the University with its strategic priorities.”

Before concluding the meeting, Cassidy acknowledged two members of the Steering Committee who had made Leadership Gift commitments of $1 million: John G. Drosdick ’65, chairman of the University Board of Trustees and a member of the Leadership Gifts Committee, and James F. Orr III ’65, a member of the Leadership Gifts Committee. Both commitments were formally announced at the Christmas Celebration at Steinway Hall later that evening.

“These commitments by Jack and Jim signify the high level of support for The Campaign and its priorities among our volunteer leadership,” remarked Cassidy. “Their generous support, and the support of all those who have made commitments to The Campaign so far, have created an energy and enthusiasm that will carry us through this last year of the quiet phase and on to ultimate success.”