The Power of Possibility

When George Coleman ’78 VSB speaks of Villanova University, he says, “This is a 40-year decision, not a 4-year decision.” For Coleman, these are words to live by.

Coleman was introduced to Villanova by way of New York, as he met Edward Riley ’43 VSB while working at Larchmont Shore Club as a teenager. Riley, then the president of the club, saw something special in Coleman and suggested he consider Villanova. Riley’s counsel proved to be life-changing.

While at VSB, Coleman majored in Accounting and was president of Delta Tau Delta fraternity. The confidence he gained as president, along with the bonds formed with his fraternity brothers, led to another significant moment: a job with First Boston. The introduction into Wall Street and investment banking set Coleman on the path to a great career, ultimately retiring as vice chairman of Global Equities at Credit Suisse. “Villanova got me to Wall Street, and gave me the ability to help others.”

A quality education unlocked doors to amazing opportunities for Coleman, and he endeavors to pay that forward by sponsoring and mentoring high school students from underrepresented communities who will be first-generation college students. “I have a responsibility to help others and remember where I came from,” he notes.

Coleman has also maintained an active presence within the VSB community, investing in its growth and development. In addition to contributions that include the establishment of one of the first student-managed funds, he mentored students who wished to follow a similar career path via workshops that prepared students for the complicated Wall Street interview process and gave them “the secret sauce to getting their first job on Wall Street.” Since 2019, he has been a member of the University’s Board of Trustees.

Coleman draws inspiration from a diverse range of individuals. “Villanovans like Jay Wright, who taught student-athletes to be ‘humble and hungry’ – they carry that attitude through adulthood.” He finds direction in his Catholic faith as well. “Father Carr <Rev. Matthew Carr, OSA, STB> came to America and laid the groundwork for Villanova – a school for Irish immigrants.”

He also finds inspiration closer to home. “Mom had a big impact. She was a visiting nurse while I was 10 to 12 years old. I would go with her as she went into poor neighborhoods and she’d take care of people who really needed help.” In honor of his mother, who earned a PhD in public health at the age of 63, Coleman established a scholarship for the M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing. Coleman recalled that the second recipient of the scholarship was the first member of their family to graduate from college.

“It’s not lost on me that people have helped me on the way. It’s my responsibility to pay that forward.”