Villanova Taps Volunteer Leadership for New Campaign
Steering Committee Sets Course of Action for Transforming Minds and Hearts: The Campaign for Villanova

Transforming Minds and Hearts

As the country unites to support those directly affected by the events of September 11, the guidance and determination exhibited by the leaders in Washington, D.C. and New York City can provide some small measure of confidence and determination as we collectively move forward to meet new challenges. Indeed, history has demonstrated that in both trying circumstances and normal times, we look to our leaders to identify priorities and chart a confident course for the future. 

In considering Villanova’s future, conversations among members of the University community have confirmed the importance of quietly and deliberately moving forward with our plans for Transforming Minds and Hearts: The Campaign for Villanova, a new comprehensive capital campaign designed to secure the resources necessary to grow the endowment and support key student, academic and faculty initiatives.  With a established working goal of $200 million, The Campaign represents years of strategic planning and signals the most ambitious fundraising effort in the University’s history.  Its success will provide the strength, stability and leadership to ensure that Villanova remains among the nation’s elite centers of education.   

It is important for every donor, volunteer, and member of the faculty and staff to take pride in the University’s past, feel connected to its present and become inspired by its future through The Campaign for Villanova.  The identity for this ambitious effort, the idea of Transforming Minds and Hearts, captures Villanova’s character as an Augustinian University and represents the unique, burning spirit that is so strong among its alumni.   This theme celebrates the relationship between the mind and the heart – between knowledge and character – and has come to define the very identity of Villanova.

The Campaign for Villanova

Critical components have been put into place to ensure the success of the Campaign, including the establishment of objectives and priorities, identifying a working goal and the development of a timeline, all of which will direct Campaign activity and ensure that key benchmarks are being met. 

Perhaps the most important element of Campaign activity thus far has been the implementation of a volunteer structure that is designed to place key alumni, parents and friends in important Campaign management and solicitation roles.  Such a structure, and its related activity throughout this effort, is vital to maximizing fundraising opportunities and meeting Campaign goals.

Charting the Course: The Steering Committee

The overall responsibility of Campaign activity and volunteer management rests with The Steering Committee, whose function it is to provide direction, oversight, and the ultimate leadership that is necessary to make key Campaign-related policy decisions on behalf of the University.  This Committee will review Campaign objectives and ensure that adequate progress is being made toward reaching the overall goals; determine timing for reaching Campaign benchmarks including all public announcements regarding Campaign progress; and provide the public presence that lends identity to the volunteer leadership of The Campaign.  Appointed by the University President, in consultation with the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, this important committee is comprised of key alumni, parents and friends, serves throughout The Campaign, and regularly reports Campaign progress and activities to the Board of Trustees.  It is joined by the University President and the Vice President for Institutional Advancement.

 “This kind of leadership is so important to the long-range success of The Campaign and the University,” commented outgoing Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Robert M. Birmingham ‘66.  “Villanova is very fortunate to have such a tremendous group of business and civic leaders among its alumni and friends and their counsel will be of great benefit to The Campaign.”

The initial meeting of The Steering Committee, held in June, featured discussions focused on reviewing key Campaign indicators and establishing guidelines for the initial stages of The Campaign, including its length, initial working goal, aspects of volunteer leadership and ensuring a continued focus on growing the endowment.  The second meeting, held in December focused on evaluating early Campaign Progress, discussing key factors that may influence Campaign efforts, such as the state of the economy and the events of September 11, and further discussion of key Campaign priorities.

“The work of The Steering Committee will become increasingly important and visible in the months ahead,” said John M. Elizandro, Vice President for Institutional Advancement.  “With so many important gifts to secure and establish momentum, it is critical for this committee to closely monitor Campaign progress.”

Leading our Efforts: The Campaign Chairman

Recently, Father Dobbin and Robert M. Birmingham jointly announced the appointment of Gerald S.J. Cassidy, Esq. ’63 as the Chairman of Transforming Minds and Hearts: The Campaign for Villanova.  In this role, he will provide leadership in all areas of Campaign activity, including fundraising, volunteer recruitment and reaching key goals and benchmarks.  He will be an important leader in publicly presenting Campaign objectives on behalf of the University.   In addition to his role as Campaign Chairman, Cassidy will also serve as the Chairman of The Steering Committee.

“Gerry Cassidy was a natural choice to fill this important role,” said Fr. Dobbin.  “The success of The Campaign for Villanova is vital to ensure the long-term vitality of our University.  I am confident that with Gerry as its leader, The Campaign will meet its ambitious goals and secure Villanova’s position among elite institutions of higher education.”

Cassidy is a seasoned member of the University’s development team and leads its efforts in Washington, D.C. to secure funding from government sources, resulting in nearly $10 million in grants and contracts for the University for projects in areas such as microwave research.  He is a valued public relations and policy advisor and has been active in Villanova’s strategic planning efforts.  His past roles at the University have included membership on the Steering Committee for The Villanova Campaign and the Chairman’s Task Force for Resource Planning, while he currently serves as University Trustee and member of the Board’s Development and University Relations and Physical Facilities Committees.  During the last campaign, Cassidy established an endowed faculty chair at the University, honoring teaching excellence in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

“I am pleased that Gerry has assumed this role in the new Campaign,” commented Birmingham, former Chairman of The Villanova Campaign.  “This effort needs a visible and visionary leader who adds a national presence to our activities.  Gerry’s involvement is sure to add energy to The Campaign for Villanova and will ensure its success.”

“As I considered the opportunity to lead this important initiative on behalf of the University, I weighed many factors,” remarked Cassidy.  “Ultimately, I recognized the level of support already in place from the President, the Board, the staff and the other volunteers and considered the timing of undertaking such an ambitious fundraising effort.  These elements, as well as the significant pre-Campaign planning that has taken place, have made me confident that our goals will be met and, in turn, has strengthened my commitment to the Campaign and to Villanova.”

Securing Critical Resources: The Campaign Vice Chairmen

In one of his first acts as Campaign Chairman, Cassidy announced that James C. Curvey ’57 and William B. Finneran ’63 have been appointed Vice Chairs for Transforming Minds and Hearts: The Campaign for Villanova.

“Their active involvement in all levels of University activity have made Jim Curvey and Bill Finneran key members of the Villanova community,” remarked Cassidy.  “Through these roles, they will provide necessary leadership in attracting critical funding for the University, while supporting the efforts of the The Steering Committee.  I am pleased to have both Jim and Bill working closely with me to serve Villanova in this capacity.”

The Vice Chairmen of the Campaign will serve with the Campaign Chairman and the Steering Committee in the overall management, direction, and oversight of all Campaign related policy decisions.  Because of the need to secure significant Campaign commitments at the highest levels, Curvey and Finneran will have the primary responsibility to serve as Co-Chairmen of the Leadership Gifts Committee and support its efforts to meet key Campaign benchmarks.  In this capacity, they will monitor and guide the work of this Committee and its critical efforts to identify, cultivate, and secure Campaign commitments at the Leadership Gifts level.

“Jim and Bill will add a degree of visibility and focus for our Leadership Gifts efforts,” added John M. Elizandro, vice president for institutional advancement.  “Their activity will be a perfect complement to the leadership of The Campaign Chairman and the efforts of The Steering Committee, working to ensure that the objectives of the Campaign are successfully met.”

Working Together: Securing the Future of Villanova

The Chairman, Vice Chairmen and the Leadership Gifts Committee will underscore the work of The Steering Committee as they work together to shape Campaign policy and measure progress.  They are critical ingredients of a volunteer structure that has been established to lead this Campaign, a structure that has been designed to involve volunteers at all levels of Campaign activity. Volunteer leadership will be play a critical role as the University seek to broaden our base of external support, provide opportunities for leadership, and works to meet its ambitious fundraising goals.

 “It’s gratifying to see so many people willing to actively participate in charting the future of Villanova University,” commented Fr. Dobbin.  “I am confident that the leadership of The Steering Committee, Gerry, Jim, Bill and the support of volunteers at all levels will ensure that the goals of Transforming Minds and Hearts: The Campaign for Villanova will be met.”

With this core group of alumni, parents, and friends serving as key Campaign leaders and a well structured set of strategic priorities focused on building the University’s endowment, the critical elements of success are present to ensure that the goals and aspirations of The Campaign will be met.

The University relies upon the wisdom and leadership of this group while continuing to identify and engage additional alumni, parents and friends who will help achieve the goal.  Focusing on its most important assets - students, faculty and alumni - Villanova sets the stage for enhancing the University's unique learning community, one that since 1842 truly has been transforming minds and hearts. 

University Establishes Strategic Priorities for The Campaign for Villanova

Primary Focus for Campaign is Increasing the Endowment

Endowment Priorities

The University has embarked upon Transforming Minds and Hearts: The Campaign for Villanova as a means to systematically grow its endowment through strategically funded student scholarships, faculty assistance, programmatic support, and facility resources.

Student - $34.05 million

Endowment funds secured through The Campaign will be used to augment the level of financial assistance provided to exceptional students based upon the merit of their scholarship and community involvement.  Additional funds will also be dedicated to supporting exceptional students whose decisions to attend or continue their studies at Villanova are influenced by financial circumstances.

Faculty - $43.4 million

The Campaign seeks to provide endowment funds to attract, retain and recognize an excellent faculty and encourage innovative teaching.  This will be accomplished through endowed positions, such as chairs and professorships, as well as funds to support research that will advance individual disciplines.  

Programs - $62.3 million

Villanova has long been a leader in providing students with a unique and challenging undergraduate experience.  The Campaign will secure funds to enhance current programs, such as the Core Humanities Seminar, the Honors Program and Multicultural learning initiatives, while providing funding to implement new ones, such as the Center for Applied and Professional Ethics, the Center for Information Technology and eCommerce, and the Center for Engineering Education and Research.

Facilities - $10.25 million

The Campaign will not only provide important funds for overall improvements to the University’s physical plant, but will also provide funds for endowing the specific renovations, upgrades, and enhancements that are necessary to ensure the most advanced learning environment is available.

Annual Giving - $50 million

The Campaign will provide restricted and unrestricted funds to help address current needs, while also allowing University leadership flexibility in initiating programs and opportunities that benefit the entire campus community.