Villanova Engineering Director of Professional Development and Experiential Education Receives Lifetime Achievement Award

Frank Falcone, PE, ’70 CE, ’73 MSCE, director of Professional Development and Experiential Education for Villanova’s College of Engineering, is the recipient of the 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award from the Delaware County Chapter of the Pennsylvania Society of Professional Engineers (PSPE).

Falcone’s career at Villanova University spans over 40 years, beginning in 1974. In his role, Falcone leads the College’s award-winning professional development program, Career Compass.  He is also a veteran, having spent 30 years of combined active and reserve serving in the U.S. Navy, where he earned the rank of captain and retired in 2000.  

Falcone recognized early on which profession was the perfect fit for him. “My dad and many of my uncles were mechanics and tradesmen. I grew up in a blue-collar environment where fixing and building were part of our everyday activity,” Falcone said. “Engineering seemed to be the right path forward for me.”

In addition to honoring Falcone with his award, PSPE also recognized the College’s expansion of Drosdick Hall as the 2025 Outstanding Project of the Year.

Celebrating these achievements highlights the collective efforts of faculty, students and partners who have made such advancements possible. The work emerging from Drosdick Hall, along with Falcone’s continued impact, is expected to further shape the Villanova Engineering community.

“I firmly believe that the greatest and most important thing that one generation can do is to teach the next generation,” Falcone said. “I hope that I’ve participated in that valuable quest.”