A Lasting Legacy

When Michael Scully ‘70 VSB reminisces about his college days, he remembers events in terms of people, but also of time and place. He comes by this naturally as principal of Scully Company, a family real estate company specializing in owning and managing apartment communities. He thinks in terms of space and its influence on people’s experiences over time. So, when it came time to think about the lasting legacy he wanted to leave at the University, it was natural to choose a gift that enhanced the community's experience in a concrete way.

“I have many memories of specific places on campus that are meaningful to me. I wanted to give back to my alma mater in a way that would enable others to have a similar personal experience,” said Scully. He feels his training in VSB, coupled with the liberal arts courses he took, gave him a good grounding in business skills- vital preparation for going into business. In addition to his course work, Scully found time to join a fraternity and become something of a music promoter. He joined Delta Pi Epsilon, where he got involved in booking bands for his fraternity, the Interfraternity Council, and his class, eventually managing a local band.

“I spent a couple of years on the track team, which was steeped in talent including four Olympians. I was a very little fish in a big pond. I learned a lot from other runners, which enabled me to successfully couch high school track for 10 years. I still enjoy running. Although I was a sprinter as a kid, I run distances now and have completed 15 half marathons in the last five years,” Scully said.

Since graduation, real estate has been Scully’s main focus. He co-chairs the family firm, founded by his father, James Scully Sr., with his brother, Jim Jr. His daughter Jessica ‘96 CLAS manages the day-to-day operations as president. All are active in their community, serving on various boards and associations. In Scully’s case, these include the Abington Hospital Foundation Board of Trustees, the Villanova University Center for Real Estate Advisory Council, and the Advisory Board of The John F. Scarpa Center for Law and Entrepreneurship at Villanova. He is also involved in a charitable foundation with his wife Pat and their two daughters, Jessica and Marisa. “The Michael and Patricia Scully Family Foundation focuses on aiding the poor, sick, medical institutions, children, and animals,” said Scully.

For Scully, giving back to the Villanova community had to include not only service but also something tangible that would give enjoyment to others.

Scully Terrace, which opened in the fall of 2016 off the northwest corner of Bartley Hall, is the result. Open on the north and east sides., it offers a warm welcome for those entering the building, as well as a pleasant and comfortable area for students to gather for study, conversation, or relaxation. Composed of warm wood and stone with generous proportions, it complements the Bartley facade so well that it is hard to imagine it not having always been there.

“I cherish my memory of certain times and associated places at school,” Scully said. There can be no doubt that current and future Villanova students will form equally cherished memories as they enjoy the Scully Terrace for many years to come.

Originally published in the Summer/Fall 2018 Issue of Villanova Business magazine.