The Gift of Service

For Michael Grossi ’91 VSB, his Villanova and military experience instilled a mindset of giving back and paying it forward.

Michael Grossi ’91 VSB, CEO and Board Member of Operative, always knew he wanted to attend a business school. When deciding where to go, Villanova stood out. Whether because of its school spirit, beautiful campus, or 1985 National Champion Men’s Basketball Team, Grossi was hooked. But it was his time at Villanova that instilled a mindset of giving back to others.

Originally from upstate New York, Grossi attended Villanova on a United States Air Force ROTC scholarship, which assisted his family in paying for college. While on campus, Grossi was a member of the Villanova Blue Key, Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity, USAF ROTC, and served as a Special Olympics volunteer. In short, Grossi felt like he belonged and formed lifelong friendships foundational to the rest of his life.

"Those four years,” he states, “helped shape me into the leader I am today and more importantly, provided an opportunity to give back and serve my country.” Upon graduation, Grossi served as a Captain in the United States Air Force. At the completion of his service, Grossi transitioned into a successful career in strategy consulting working with tech companies where he rose to Partner. Later he moved to industry where he has served as Chief Executive Officer of several software companies including Operative, HealthcareSource and Ipswitch.

Through his military service and time within VSB, Grossi developed a “pay it forward” mindset. After his graduation, Grossi was mentored by Joseph McCullen ’57 CLAS, who provided career guidance and helped shape his trajectory over the past 25 years. This experience, Grossi notes, serves as an inspiration for assisting fellow Villanovans.

“I enjoy paying it forward and helping other younger Villanova alumni in the same way Joe did with me.” Grossi continues, “Helping others is incredibly rewarding and further solidifies the journey and years of hard work and sacrifices made.”

As VSB provided Grossi the strategic and analytical thinking to be successful in his numerous roles, he continues to give back to the university that was so instrumental in his life. Grossi serves on the VSB Dean’s Advisory Council and continues to support Villanova’s Office of Veterans and Military Service Members.

“Villanova instilled in me the value system and foundational learning to not only focus on being the best version of myself, but also to give back and help others.”