Harron Family Commits $1.1 Million to The Campaign for Villanova

With their recent commitment of $1.1 Million to Villanova, The Harron family has provided critical resources that enhance the University and its programs. Of the committed funds, $1 Million will be used to establish an endowed faculty chair in Communication Studies in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences; the remaining $100,000 is yet to be designated.

“We are so pleased that the Harrons have chosen to support the University through a commitment to The Campaign for Villanova,” observed Rev. Edmund J. Dobbin, O.S.A. ’58, University president.  “Their generosity will add significant new resources to the University, while providing exciting opportunities for teaching and learning in Communication Studies.”

During Villanova’s previous fundraising effort, the Harron family, through the Harron Communications Corporation, committed funds that established an endowed academic scholarship. With this latest commitment to The Campaign for Villanova, the Harrons will establish a chair in Communication Studies. This endowed faculty position will provide the resources necessary to attract a leading educator to support the University’s Department of Communication. In addition to leading undergraduate level courses, the chair holder will also work to establish relationships that will lead to more innovative professional development opportunities for Communication students.

Harron Communications Corp., now called Harron Management Company, was a privately held company owned and operated by the Harron family.  Founded in the 1940s, the firm grew to become one of America’s top 30 cable companies.   In October 1999, all of Harron Communications’ cable systems were acquired by Adelphia Communications.

“The Harron’s leadership in the field of communications enhances their gift to The Campaign,” said Gerald S.J. Cassidy, Esq. ’63, chairman of The Campaign for Villanova. “The family’s overall commitment acknowledges their belief in Villanova and their support of its strategic priorities.”

The Harron family’s commitment to the University extends beyond its support of its programs.  Harron family member Patricia H. Imbesi serves on The Steering Committee for The Campaign for Villanova where she works with other Committee members to consider early Campaign progress to confirm a final Campaign goal as well as the timing of a public announcement.