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Summer 2003

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Villanova celebrated the Christmas season at Steinway Hall in New York City on Thursday, Dec. 4, 2003, when more than 100 alumni, parents, and friends gathered together for the 11th year to toast the holidays and the start of final year of the quiet phase of Transforming Minds and Hearts: The Campaign for Villanova. The festive event also featured a musical performance by Steinway artist Ann Hampton Callaway, an acclaimed pop/jazz singer and songwriter.

Robert M. Birmingham ’66, former owner and director of Steinway & Sons, and former chairman of the University Board of Trustees, hosted the celebration and welcomed all in attendance to what has become a much anticipated annual event honoring those individuals who so generously – through their time and efforts – support the University at the highest levels.

“I am pleased to have had the opportunity over the years to be involved with Villanova, now as a member of both the Steering and Leadership Gifts Committees for The Campaign,” Birmingham said. “The Villanova experience is a truly unique and transformational one, made so largely because of the exceptional individuals who form the extended University community.”

Birmingham acknowledged and thanked Rev. Edmund J. Dobbin, O.S.A. ’58, University president, for his dedicated leadership to Villanova and The Campaign during the past year and invited him to say a few words.

“This annual event has become one of the most anticipated on the University’s calendar,” Fr. Dobbin said. “Each year this evening serves as a special way to celebrate a year of achievement at Villanova, and this year is no different, as we have much to be proud of as Villanovans.”

Gerald S. J. Cassidy, Esq. ’63, chairman of The Campaign for Villanova, said he is pleased to work with so many committed Villanovans who are helping to ensure the success of The Campaign. In speaking of that success he said, “I am proud to announce that the University has now received nearly $86 million in commitments toward The Campaign. An improving economy and an easing of some geopolitical concerns certainly will make a difference in our fundraising efforts as we move ahead. The early participation among many alumni, parents, and friends is an encouraging indicator of continued fundraising success.”

Father Dobbin announced three very special Leadership Gift commitments:

• John G. Drosdick ’65, chair of the University’s Board of Trustees and a member of both the Steering Committee and the Leadership Gifts Committee, has committed $1 million, which is currently undesignated.

• James F. Orr III ’65, a member of the Steering Committee, has committed $1 million to establish The James F. Orr III Endowed Fund for Athletic Leadership and International Competition in Track and Field.

• John M. Robins ’70 has committed $1.57 million on behalf of the Robins and O’Sullivan families to establish the Robins-O’Sullivan Family Endowed Chair in Engineering, as well as a research fund in the College of Engineering.

“The success of The Campaign will help the University raise its profile as one of the nation’s premier Catholic universities,” Fr. Dobbin said. “Leadership Gift commitments are essential if Villanova is to realize its strategic goals.”

Father Dobbin, Cassidy, and Birmingham later raised their glasses with all present in a toast to Villanova’s past, present, and future. The evening was drawn to a close by the Villanova Spires, the University’s all-male a cappella group, who led attendees in the singing of the Alma Mater.