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Villanova’s Parents’ Committee held its first meeting on February 15 at Philadelphia’s First Union Center. Reflecting the University’s growing national presence, Committee members came from around the country. Together with representatives of the University, they started planning initiatives that will support Villanova in four key areas. The meeting, which took place prior to a winning men’s basketball game, represented the latest step in Villanova’s broadening of its base of support from alumni, friends, and family.

Committee members were welcomed by chairperson Patricia H. Imbesi, who emphasized the importance of their participation. “This Committee’s members have a unique stake in the Villanova experience. Together, we have the skills, dedication, and resources to make a difference.”

That theme was reflected by Rev. John P. Stack, O.S.A., vice president for Student Life. In his opening remarks to the Committee, he stated, “Today’s parents are much more involved in their sons’ and daughters’ education than were previous generations. Fortunately, Villanova has been laying the groundwork for this involvement since 1988 with the creation of its strategic plan. Over the past 15 years, the University has built strong relationships with alumni; now it’s time to focus on involvement by parents.”

To help identify potential areas of involvement, Fr. Stack introduced University representatives from four areas: Enrollment Management, Student Life, Career Services, and Development.

Stephen R. Merritt ’78, dean of Enrollment Management, outlined ways in which parents could help to communicate the full scope of Villanova’s programs to new and prospective parents.

Kathleen Byrnes, Esq. ’82, assistant vice president for student life, emphasized the benefits of gaining Committee members’ help in enhancing Villanova’s communications with parents.

Nancy Dudak, director of Career Services, invited parents to contribute their experiences and networks to help Villanova students build important early relationships.

Continuing Fr. Stack’s theme, John M. Elizandro, vice president for Institutional Advancement, discussed how the Parents’ program will benefit from Villanova’s experience in building relationships with alumni. “Through each capital campaign, including the current one, The Campaign for Villanova, the University has learned a lot about and from alumni. This experience will help in building similar relationships with parents,” stated Elizandro.

Mary R. McRae ’82, associate vice president for Development, outlined how the University laid the groundwork the Parents’ Committee. “The University has thoroughly examined already existing parents programs at peer institutions to benchmark best practices,” stated McRae. “Thanks to this preparation, this Committee, which started recruiting members in 2002, is now ready to hit the ground running.”

To demonstrate just what she meant by running, McRae reviewed the Development Office’s plans for 10 receptions and other events over the next 12 months throughout the country to enhance parent involvement on a national scale. These events will involve Fr. Stack and other members of the day’s panel to meet with and enlist more parents in becoming involved with Villanova.

Members of the Committee responded enthusiastically, demonstrating their desire to play a major role in the Villanova experience.

“Communications from Villanova as well as visits by administrators to local receptions around the country will help parents who live far away feel connected,” stated Janice E. Mondavi, who lives in California and whose daughter is a junior. “It means a lot to be able to pick up the phone and talk to someone from the administration we’ve met. I think we can build a community of parents who can help recruit new students and help our peers see how great Villanova is.”

In a subsequent conversation, Maureen Hackett, whose daughter is a freshman, said, “Using local receptions for parents around the country is going to make a huge difference in getting the word out about Villanova, especially in areas like Texas, where we live. I believe members of this committee can make excellent ambassadors for Villanova. Parents are willing to help if they are asked. They can help not just with their wisdom but also with their time and their treasure.”

James P. Riley, who is the father of a Villanova alumna and of a daughter who is a junior, also remarked on parents’ willingness to help, especially in the area of career services. “We can help Career Services identify a pool of parents who have the networks to help students crack open the door and make their first business contact,” stated Riley. “The Villanova graduates I have run across professionally have been highly qualified. If these students ask, any Villanova parent should be willing to help, out of pride in the University and confidence in its product.”

As the meeting ended and Committee members prepared to attend a brunch hosted by University president, Rev. Edmund J. Dobbin, O.S.A. ’58, the new level of enthusiasm was clearly evident.

“Thanks to the support from members of this Committee,” stated Imbesi, who is also a member of the Steering Committee for The Campaign for Villanova, “the University has taken a major step in securing its place as one of the leading Catholic universities in the country.”