Scarpa Commits $1.25 Million to Establish Key Faculty Endowments in Engineering and Arts and Sciences

Villanova President Rev. Edmund J. Dobbin, O.S.A. ’58 announced that the University has received a $1.25 Million commitment from Frank S. Scarpa ’56 C&F to establish two endowed faculty positions. These funds will establish an Endowed Chair in Business Communications Technology in the College of Engineering and an Endowed Faculty Fellowship in Core Humanities in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

“Frank’s generous commitment will have a significant impact upon the University,” remarked Fr. Dobbin. “These new endowed positions will help attract talented and qualified educators to our faculty who, in turn, will create exciting new research and learning opportunities for Villanova students.”

The Frank S. Scarpa Endowed Chair in Business Communications Technology will support telecommunications research at the University.  The chairholder will work with companies in the industry, as well as other faculty, to provide collaborative research and learning opportunities for Villanova students. Scarpa, considered a pioneer in the field of telecommunications, has established himself as a leader in both the cable television and cellular telephone industries through a career that has spanned more than 30 years. This new endowed chair is an extension of his distinguished career and will serve to link his experiences with those of students in College of Engineering.

The Frank S. Scarpa Endowed Faculty Fellowship in Core Humanities will provide valuable resources to attract and retain a highly qualified post-doctorate educator to support Villanova’s first-year Core Humanities program. This yearlong program, required of each first-year student regardless of discipline, provides an important foundation in the humanities while enriching critical skills in written and verbal communication.  The fellowship will foster new learning opportunities for Villanova students, while providing an innovative teaching environment in which leading young faculty can learn and grow.

“Frank’s commitment signifies his leadership in supporting the needs of the University,” commented Gerald S.J. Cassidy, Esq. ’63 chairman of The Campaign for Villanova. “These endowed faculty positions will help reaffirm Villanova’s commitment to consistently attracting top educators to teach its students.”

Added John M. Elizandro, vice president for Institutional Advancement, “Frank’s commitment, coupled with his involvement on The Steering and Leadership Gifts Committees, helps to establish critical momentum during the preliminary Campaign planning period.  His leadership supports the goals and objectives of the University and will help to attract similar gifts from alumni, parents and friends, ensuring the success of our fundraising efforts.”