Changed for the Better
Robert Byrnes ’76 VSB first saw Villanova when he arrived as a freshman. Byrnes, the president of R.S. Byrnes Associates, Inc., knew from that moment Villanova was a special place.
As a student, Byrnes co-managed the men’s basketball team under head coach Rollie Massimino and was a fraternity brother of Delta Tau Delta. During this time, Byrnes cultivated a love for Villanova and passion for giving back.
“Many people ask me why I have dedicated so much of my time to Villanova,” Byrnes said. “The simple answer is that Villanova changed my life for the better.”
As an alum, Byrnes started and served as president of both the New Jersey Chapter and Carolinas Chapter of the Villanova University Alumni Association (VUAA). He remains involved with the Villanova University Club of Charlotte, which serves more than 1,700 Villanovans who live and work in the region. In 2010, Byrnes was appointed president of the VUAA, a position he held for two years.
Within these roles, Byrnes sought to share his passion for Villanova, increase the participation and stewardship of alumni, and gather support for campus initiatives brought forth by University President the Rev. Peter M. Donohue, OSA, PhD, ’75 CLAS. As chair of the Annual Giving Committee for the capital campaign, “For the Greater Great: The Villanova Campaign to Ignite Change,” the University raised $760 million, marking its most successful campaign to date. In 2018, Byrnes was honored by the VUAA with the St. Thomas of Villanova Alumni Medal for his outstanding service and embodiment of the spirit and legacy of St. Thomas of Villanova.
Engrained within Byrnes’ fundraising and networking prowess is a genuine care for the mission, values, and future of Villanova. “He loves Villanova more than anyone I know,” Douglas Mazzuca, D.O., ’76 VSB said of Byrnes in 2010.
Byrnes sees a similar passion within the many alumni he meets, whether it be on the side of the road or at a homecoming tailgate. Within every engagement he sees an opportunity to put attitude into action.
“Almost every Villanovan I meet is extraordinarily passionate about the school and proud of their education. We need to translate those positive experiences into generosity to the University.”
Robert Byrnes ’76 VSB
“Many people ask me why I have dedicated so much of my time to Villanova,” Byrnes said. “The simple answer is that Villanova changed my life for the better”