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Villanova’s Parents’ Committee met on March 19th and continued to demonstrate its enthusiasm for contributing to all aspects of the University’s life. The well-attended meeting, which was held at the Villanova Conference Center, was the third since the Committee’s initial meeting in early 2003. The Committee works in coordination with Rev. John P. Stack, O.S.A. ’71 ’77, vice president for Student Life, to oversee the new Parents’ Program, which is designed to create close connections between the University and current and former parents.

Committee members were welcomed by the chairperson, Patricia H. Imbesi, parent of Charles ’05, Paul ’01, and Anthony ’96. She noted how the University has already benefited from the Program. “In just the past year,” she said, “we have seen the results of this committee’s work in greater parent participation in student recruitment, student life, career services, and fundraising.” Imbesi is also a member of the Steering Committee, which is the volunteer committee that has overall responsibility for The Campaign for Villanova, the University’s capital campaign, which is currently in its quiet phase of solicitation and planning. The Parents’ Committee was formed by the Steering Committee as part of its Campaign responsibilities.

Fr. Stack also thanked Committee members for their work on behalf of current and future students. “This Committee has provided feedback that has been valuable in helping all areas of the University and has contributed to the overall strategic vision,” he said.

Dr. John R. Johannes, vice president for academic affairs, gave the main presentation, outlining the academic strategic plan. “The plan is based on a shared vision of Villanova as a premier Catholic institution,” said Dr. Johannes. He reviewed a four-part series of goals to build on existing strengths in undergraduate education, graduate programs, faculty development, and community service. He also noted the important role that The Campaign for Villanova will play in supporting the plan. In the discussion that followed his presentation, Committee members were especially interested in the role of counseling. James K. Kallstrom, father of Erika ’02 and Kristal ’07, said, “This is a fantastic plan. I believe counseling and continuing to engage alumni will have a major positive impact on the whole Villanova experience.”

The overall quality of that experience was also the topic of presentations by other members of the University administration. Kathleen J. Byrnes, Esq. assistant vice president for Student Life, discussed a cohort study that will measure the quality of the undergraduate experience over the four years. Stephen R. Merritt ’78, dean of Enrollment Management, reviewed the Parents’ satisfaction survey, noting that academic advising was very important. Parents also heard from Nancy J. Dudak, director of Career Services, about opportunities to participate as panelists during the Parent Career Forum, which will be held during Parents’ Weekend in September. Several members of the committee expressed their willingness to participate. Vincent A. Cino, father of Robert ’05, said “It will mean a lot to our son to get practical advice and real-world insights from someone who works in a field he is considering.”

Parents’ involvement has also benefited the Campaign for Villanova. Mary R. McRae ’82, associate vice president for Development, reviewed the many parents’ receptions that were held last fall and will be held in coming months, noting their success in engaging increasing numbers of parents around the country. She also noted the significant progress in parent contributions to The Campaign for Villanova – totaling $4.7 million. “This is all the more impressive, given the very brief amount of time that this committee has been inexistence,” she said.

Imbesi said in closing the meeting, “This meeting has shown once again that the sense of commitment and passion for Villanova are very strong among our parents, and these feelings are going to ensure the success of all of the University’s future endeavors.”