Alumni Leadership Institute: Forging a lifelong relationship with Villanova
Lindsay Walters ’01  and Suzanne Davidson ’96

Alumni from across the country reunited at Villanova May 4 and 5 for the 8^th annual Alumni Volunteer Leadership Institute.  Villanova welcomed the Alumni Association Board of Directors, Alumni chapter presidents nationwide, and the newly-formed Young Alumni Council.  The group participated in a series of meetings, seminars and celebrations throughout the weekend which centered around the theme “A Lifelong Relationship with Villanova”.

Saturday morning began with a “Year in Review” report delivered by Gary R. Olsen ’74 ’80, the Alumni Association’s executive director and Villanova’s assistant vice president for Alumni Affairs.  Olsen highlighted the Association’s achievements of the past year and introduced a new plan to increase participation in chapter programs. At the suggestion of Herbert Asbury, ’67, incoming Alumni Association president, an “International Week of Service” will take place the week of October 13-20 for Alumni Association chapters worldwide.  This event is intended to encourage alumni around the world to participate in service projects within their communities.

At the annual business meeting, two new members were elected to the Alumni Association’s board of directors; Patrick Brala ’89 of Villanova, Pa., and John Smock ’65 of Lake Forest, IL.

Michael Gaynor, director of undergraduate admission, presented the profile of the Class of 2005 and stressed the vital role that alumni play in recruiting Villanova students.

Jay Wright, the William Finneran ‘63 endowed men’s basketball coach, presented his strategy for the success of the Villanova Wildcats and his hopes of encouraging the support of alumni, students and the Villanova academic community.

Vice President for Institutional Advancement, John M. Elizandro, outlined the University’s strategic planning process and its use in the upcoming capital campaign.

Saturday evening, the Rev. Edmund J. Dobbin, ’58, O.S.A., university president, hosted the Alumni Association Awards dinner at the Villanova Conference Center.  At the dinner, the Alumni Association presented its Leadership Award to Karen Seeger Keegan ’88, president of the Delaware chapter.  The Creative Achievement Award was presented to the Northern California Chapter. The Fairfield/Westchester County (PA) chapter received the Rev. Ray Jackson, O.S.A. Community Service Award.

The Alumni Leadership Institute’s last order of business was naming a new leader.  Herbert F. Aspbury ’67 of New Canaan, CT was announced as President of the Alumni Association for a two-year term . The Rev. William McGuire, ’62, ‘65 O.S.A., senior vice president of administration and outgoing president Mr. Henry F. Acchione, Esq. ’66 ’73,  presided over Asbury’s induction ceremony.

The university’s alumni office planned and coordinated all of the leadership institute events. Madonna Marion-Landais ’81, associate director of alumni affairs, was pleased with the outcome. “We were successful in planning a weekend that will assist our alumni in their roles as leaders and demonstrate our appreciation for the important service which they provide,” she said. According to Gary Olsen, “The Leadership Institute symbolizes Villanova’s commitment to fostering a lifelong relationship with its alumni.”