VSB STORIES OF IMPACT
We recognize problem solvers, change makers and humble servant leaders who live their VSB values and make a difference in their communities and around the world. Check back regularly as we continue to highlight the impactful and inspirational people of VSB.
Superhero to the Rescue
Dr. Mayank Amin, PharmD,’15 MBA, is a real-life superhero to many, dressing in costume to deliver COVID vaccines to his pharmacy patients.
Supporting International Students
Gloria Angel helped international students stranded at Villanova during the Covid-19 pandemic find success.
Global Servant
From New York to Nigeria, Father Deji Dada Augustine ’20 MSCM bridges Christ’s hope and care across the globe.
Servants of Humility
As our first two Deans, Frs. Bartley and Barrett provided the underpinnings of VSB’s success with a deep sense of commitment to serve.
Comfortable Footwear
In 2019, Paula Belatti ’14 VSB joined Clove founder Joe Ammon to create a shoe that was custom designed for healthcare workers.
Advocacy through Caritas
Aronté Bennett, PhD, leads VSB’s diversity, equity and inclusion efforts to ensure that through love, everyone feels seen and heard.
Sustainable Influence
Kathleen Blehl ’18 VSB, embodies the versatility of a VSB education, taking her business acumen and passion for sustainability around the globe.
The Connector
Tracy Setlock Brala ’90 VSB derives great pleasure in helping people connect with each other and her alma mater.
Linking Service and Business
WATCH Abby Butkus ’10 VSB talk about creating financial service access to lower income people around the world.
Changed for the Better
When Robert Byrnes ’76 VSB is asked why he gives back, he has a simple answer: Villanova changed his life.
Envisioning the Future
Nick Carney ’16 VSB strives to positively impact public health and the arts in Rwanda.
Strength in Numbers
Research into women and labor market issues ultimately inspired Cheryl Carleton to create the Villanova Women’s Professional Network.
Positive Impact
Watch Dominic Canuso ’98 VSB, ’06 EMBA as he shares how VSB inspired him to combine business acumen and community support to help others.
A Better World
John Catalano ’14 VSB, ’20 MBA believes in the power of business to address critical issues in the world.
A Piece of Himself
Bill Carpou ’76 VSB carried Villanova’s values throughout his career, seeking to give a piece of himself to others.
Making her Mark
Lisa Chase ’93 VSB reflects on the education beyond a business degree that Villanova offers.
A Network for Success
WATCH Chidinma Chioke ’21 VSB discuss starting the National Association of Black Accountants chapter at VSB to create a sense of belonging.
A Legacy of Kindness
One man’s kindness toward Al Clay, VSB Dean Emeritus meant a lifetime of kindnesses lived out in VSB and beyond.
The Power of Possibility
George Coleman opens doors to transformative opportunities for young people.
Passion to Serve
Linda Coleman ‘78 VSB leads CASA, providing underrepresented students with a sense of belonging and a space for self-realization.
The Science of Ministry
Donald Cook II ‘21 MSCM prayed he’d find the right program to run a successful church. He found it in the Master of Science in Church Management
Supporting Gender Equality
Sue Coté forged a path into leadership in male-dominated fields before creating opportunities at VSB to address gender inequities.
Professional Success
Kai Cunningham ’16 VSB found a top ranked undergraduate business program, mentorship, and a deep love of sports at Villanova
Leading with Value
Watch Denise L. Devine, CPA, ’77 VSB, ’83 MT, P ’06, ’09 as she shares how her time as a student at VSB prepared her for a career as an effective, compassionate business leader.
Investing in our Communities
For Daniel M. DiLella ’73 VSB, giving back to his community is a part of who he is.
Connection. Belonging. Growth.
Jeanette Ding ’16 VSB, emphasizes how VSB, the faculty, and its opportunities have contributed to her success.
Pathways to Belonging
Laurenlee Dominguez ‘21 VSB she came to Villanova ready to advance inclusion efforts for Latinx students and she did just that.
Purpose Fueled by Friendship
Joseph Donahue ‘35 VSB, and his wife Rita, bonded with Fr. George Riley over the Villanova mission and from that formed a legacy.
An Uncommon Experience
Bill Donnell ‘77 VSB has created a transformative internship experience that sets the standard for all others.
Model Leadership
Christine Dorfler ’97 VSB leverages her experience as an Army veteran and woman in business to help others navigate their careers.
Unparalleled Commitment
Professor Gerald Dougherty, CPA ‘58 VSB taught longer than anyone else at VSB and laid the foundation for thousands of accountants.
Business Education to Embrace Innovation
Anthony Dragisics ’23 VSB applied technical expertise and entrepreneurial spirit gained at Villanova to alleviate foot pain for everyone.
Wiping Away COVID
As a brand manager for Lysol Wipes, Chris Duderich ‘09 VSB supported the product and theconsumers at their darkest hours.
A Service Mindset
Brendan Dwyer ’14 VSB credits Villanova for helping him develop a global mindset and commitment to service.
Translating DEI
As CEO & Founder of Translator, Inc., Natalie J. Egan ’08 MBA uses technology to help organizations have real conversations about DEI.
Drive for Change
Maria Espinoza ’22 VSB knew she wanted to positively impact VSB’s students of color and create an inclusive environment where everyone felt accepted and valued.
Flexibility to Succeed
For Michele M. Etzel ’87 VSB, Villanova provided the flexibility to achieve her goals and embark on her own path to success.
Blazing the Trail
Watch Patricia Fahy ’71 VSB as she shares how VSB enabled her to blaze her own trail as one of VSB’s first female graduates.
Restless Ministry
In both the sorrows and joys of life, Joseph Farrell, O.S.A. ’85 VSB, ’19 MSCM sees each moment as an opportunity to discover God.
Early Stage Impact
Tiffany Flippen ‘09 VSB, along with Nia Cooper ‘07 VSB, put VSB Accounting on the way to greater diversity and inclusion in 2006.
A Place to Grow
As Associate Dean, Melinda German has made The Clay Center at VSB a space where students come for care, guidance, and growth.
Servant Leader
Chris Gheysens ’93 VSB, President & CEO of Wawa, looks beyond building a culture of convenience to make a difference.
Being Helped, Helping Others
Austin Glass ‘22 VSB finds joy in helping others at Villanova, empowering him to succeed at an internship for a non-profit.
Invested in Learning
Justin and Victoria Gmelich ’90 VSB enabled the creation of a state-of-the-art lab to educate finance leaders for generations to come.
Creative Pursuits
Gabriela Guaracao ’09 VSB credits Villanova with laying the foundation for her success in the fashion industry and her desire to make an impact.
International Expertise
Fernando Guardia ’10 VSB continues to apply the well-rounded skills he learned from VSB to his international business career.
The Gift of Service
For Michael Grossi ’91 VSB, his Villanova and military experience instilled a mindset of giving back and paying it forward.
Blueprint for Success
Backed by generous support from Daniel M. DiLella ‘73 VSB, Shawn Howton, PhD laid the foundation for real estate education at VSB.
Creativity and Community
For Christopher Josephs ’17 VSB and Ryan Mazzie ’18 VSB, VSB courses served as inspiration for the social investing app they have created.
Finding the Right Opportunity
Yun Seong Jo brought his background as a Marine Corps Corporal to VSB’s Certificate in Accountancy program.
Changing Kids’ Lives
Chris Jones ‘13 VSB founded a nonprofit that helps underprivileged kids get access to professional entertainment events.
Habitual Service
Ramon Jones ’91 VSB learned at a young age that service and paying it forward defines success more than anything else.
From Tragedy, Light Emerges
Jennifer Kane ’97 VSB was lost tragically on September 11th, 2001. Her family keeps her memory alive by spreading joy to those in need.
Answering the Call
After more than 30 years in asset management, Karen Dunn Kelley ‘82 VSB answered the call to public service.
Groundbreaking Analytics
Jaya Kolhatkar ‘86 MBA has had a significant impact on global companies’ uses of analytics as a graduate of the inaugural MBA class.
First-year Handles Pandemic
Braden Krueger ’24 VSB from Tampa Bay, Fla., founded Germ Buffer, a company that sells reusable sleeves for shopping cart handles.
Spreading KINDness
For John Leahy ‘75 VSB the value of mission-driven organizations goes beyond the profits.
Lasting International Bonds
Robert T. LeClair, PhD spent 30 years at VSB focused on advancing international business scholarship and it will continue for many more.
Creating Cultural Connections
Pin-Pin (Alice) Liao ‘16 VSB launched the Taiwan-American Student Conference (TASC) to foster cultural connections among students.
Augustinian Values
For Leonard LoBiondo ’80 VSB, his actions and success are firmly grounded in his Augustinian Values.
Watch Victor Maggitti ’56 VSB discuss how his VSB education in accounting was foundational to his future success.
Destined for Teaching
Wen Mao, PhD, The Helen and William O'Toole Dean, carries on a family legacy in education that’s impacted the lives of countless students.
Lasting Contribution to Education
Michael Mahoney ‘72 VSB recognizes the importance of quality Catholic education and committed to see it prosper at VSB.
Faith at Work
You can find Jackson Martinez ’20 MAC at the intersection of business and faith.
Philadelphia’s Poet Laureate
Trapeta B. Mayson ’15 EMBA, a nonprofit leader and a poet with an entrepreneurial mindset blends her experiences to pursue her life’s mission.
A Global Family
From Philadelphia to Rome, Sr. Angela Marie Mazzeo, CSFN ’06 EMBA creates a family atmosphere while spreading God’s love.
Community Makes It Possible
For Beth Mazzeo ’81 VSB, a strong community remains a key to her success within her personaland professional life.
Applying Business to Education
Joe McColgan ’08 EMBA, president of Ss. Neumann Goretti High School in S. Philadelphia, used business principles for better outcomes.
The Business of Technology
Scott Megill ’07 EMBA leverages the power of business technology to create a healthier world through precision medicine solutions.
Industry Innovator
Jeffrey S. Miller ’79 VSB credits championed initiatives forever changing the global landscape.
Agent of Change
Tim Monahan credits VSB’s commitment to students and openness to change as key drivers to its success.
Fueled by Others
For Bob Moran ’72 VSB words from his father fueled him to treat others the way he wanted to be treated.
The Impact of Volunteering
Agnes Mukuiya ‘16 VSB finds perspective in helping others, despite the challenges of living 7,000 miles away from home.
Summing Up What Matters
For Bob Mulhall ’80 VSB, making a difference is measured not only on a balance sheet but more importantly on a personal level.
A Powerful Legacy
Richard Naclerio ‘54 VSB and his wife Barbara recognized the importance of supporting quality faculty members to help Villanova grow.
Cementing a Legacy
Management and Operations professor Robert L. Nydick’s legacy is cemented in his generosity to others.
Teacher, Professor, and Coach
For Gerard Olson, a VSB professor of 35 years, Villanova has not changed in the ways that matter most– its commitment to community.
Giving and Growing
Understanding the impact a scholarship had on his life, Terry O’Toole ‘80 VSB has given back to Villanova University again and again.
Better Business Leaders
Watch Jim O’Donnell '63 VSB share how Villanova molded him and how his generosity shapes future generations of business leaders.
Toolkit for Success
Katherine (Gibbs) Parr’s ’01 VSB deep passion for service and desire to make an impact have informed her career choices.
A Helping Hand
Manny Paulino (Garcia) ’18 VSB believes everyone has countless ways to serve right at their fingertips.
Creating the Right Experience
WATCH Anthony Penna of VSB’s Graduate Business Programs discuss how he helps working professionals grow and find success in higher education.
Pursuit of Knowledge
Helene Purcell’s ’11 VSB undergraduate experiences laid the groundwork for her pursuit of an Economics PhD.
Values and Education
Mark Redmond '79 VSB is the executive director of Spectrum Youth and Family Services, working with at-risk youth in Burlington, Vermont.
Success is a Team Sport
Paul Ridder '00 MBA believes in the power of mentorship to help improve lives individually and on a much larger scale.
Profits for Prosperity
Guelmana Rochelin '03 VSB maximized her Villanova experience before returning to Haiti to help change her homeland’s narrative.
Leading With Purpose
WATCH Joyce E. A. Russell, PhD share how our Augustinian Catholic values help us lead with integrity to make the world a better place.
A Lasting Legacy
Michael Scully ‘70 VSB still cherishes his time at Villanova and continues to give back in very permanent ways.
Paying It Forward
Vidhi Shah '15 VSB believes in helping the next generation of students make the most of Villanova.
The Gift of Warmth
Grace Sica ‘19 MBA created Operation Warm, a nonprofit that manufactures and distributes warm coats to kids in need.
Turning Pride into Purpose
Kevin Tedeschi '71 VSB credits his education for much of his success and gave back to ensure that experience for future generations.
Continuing a Family Legacy
Carlos Unanue ’86 VSB leads Goya Foods de Puerto Rico to success by prioritizing high standards, family values, and the community.
Leading Through Learning
Seema Vishnoi Kesselring ’08 EMBA brings a passion for education, innovation and adoption of digital technologies wherever she goes.
Business and Healthcare
Michael S. Weingarten ‘86 MBA implements business strategies in the healthcare industry to transform the lives of his patients.
The Impact of Service
Aaron Weis '07 EMBA left the private sector to become the CIO for the U.S. Navy, where he’s leading a technology transformation.
A Relationship With Purpose
Valerie Wieman '92 VSB, a partner at PwC, has been an ardent champion for VSB to create an exceptional campus-to-industry connection.
Snarky for a Reason
WATCH Jenni-Lyn Williams describe starting Snarky Tea as an MBA student to make a product and brand that empowers women.
Leading with Empathy and Purpose
Inspired by the example of his parents, Greg Wilson ‘95 VSB realized his ability to be a leader and give back to his community.
A Sustainable Impact
Carly Whitmer ’18 VSB is using data analytics to make the world a greener, more sustainable place.
Connecting Communities through Technology
Darla Henning Wolfe ’06 EMBA is guided by Augustinian values as she shares her expertise in Information Technology across the world.
Education Rooted in Faith
Charles Zech, PhD, Professor Emeritus, created the means for church leaders to not only minister to parishes but also strengthen them.
A Vision of Service
Andrea Zinn ’13 VSB knew from a young age that she wanted to pursue a service-oriented education.