Patty Esposito ’80 CLAS to Receive 2025 St. Thomas of Villanova Alumni Medal
VILLANOVA, Pa. (July 9, 2025) – The Villanova University Alumni Association (VUAA) has announced the selection of Patty Esposito ’80 CLAS as the recipient of its 2025 St. Thomas of Villanova Alumni Medal. The medal is the highest award bestowed by the VUAA and is presented to alumni for outstanding service and for reflecting the spirit and legacy of St. Thomas of Villanova.
Esposito earned a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Criminal Justice from Villanova in 1980. Since graduation, she has built a successful career as an insurance broker at Marsh USA Inc., while remaining a steadfast presence in the Villanova alumni community. Her decades-long dedication to the University has touched nearly every facet of the alumni experience—from student recruitment and regional engagement to philanthropy and athletics.
“Patty is the very embodiment of Villanova values—her unwavering support, spirit and generosity reflect the essence of what this medal represents,” said Sheila Doherty P ’23, ’25, Associate Vice President for Alumni Relations. “Through her volunteerism and leadership, she has strengthened the Villanova community and inspired others to do the same.”
Esposito completed two terms on the VUAA Board of Directors and served as a member of the Executive Board of the Regional Club of North Central Jersey. She co-founded the Club’s signature event, “V for Vino,” which raises over $20,000 for the Drew O’Donoghue Fund each year. She has chaired her Class of 1980 Reunion Committee for the past 35 years, receiving the VUAA Reunion Volunteer Award in 2010. Additionally, Esposito contributed to Villanova’s student recruiting efforts by providing alumni representation at college fairs in New Jersey and conducting prospective student interviews in partnership with Villanova’s Office of Undergraduate Admission.
Her philanthropic commitments to Villanova have also included membership in the Planned Giving Committee for Espiritus Nova: The Campaign for Villanova University and participation as an Ambassador for 1842 Day, the University’s annual day of giving, since its inception. She and her husband, Jim Esposito ’79 VSB, also established the Esposito Family Fund for men’s soccer in 2012.
She was previously honored with the Villanova Loyalty Award in 2016, the University’s oldest alumni honor, recognizing her distinguished and sustained service.
“Villanova has been an integral part of my life since I was 18 years old. The four years I spent on campus profoundly shaped the person I am today, influencing my marriage, family, faith, career and friendships.” Esposito said. “I am deeply honored to receive this award and to follow in the footsteps of the many remarkable Villanovans who have received it before me.”
Esposito resides in Morristown, N.J., with Jim, her husband of 43 years. Together, they are the proud parents of three Villanova graduates: Connor ’10 VSB, married to Taylor (McKenna) Esposito ’09 CLAS, Emily ’13 VSB and Reilly ’16 CLAS. Her enduring commitment to Villanova has made an indelible impact on the University community, and the VUAA will honor Patty Esposito at a ceremony during Homecoming Weekend 2025.
About Villanova University: Since 1842, Villanova University’s Augustinian Catholic intellectual tradition has been the cornerstone of an academic community in which students learn to think critically, act compassionately and succeed while serving others. There are more than 10,000 undergraduate, graduate and law students in the University's six colleges—the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, the Villanova School of Business, the College of Engineering, the M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing, the College of Professional Studies and the Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law. Ranked among the nation’s top universities, Villanova supports its students’ intellectual growth and prepares them to become ethical leaders who create positive change everywhere life takes them. For more, visit www.villanova.edu.