TOGETHER WE ARE
RESILIENT
UNITED
INSPIRED
BRIGHTER
GREATER
TOGETHER WE ARE INSPIRED
Villanova is a community of learners, connecting and growing together as we search for truth. We inspire one another to dream big, and our generous alumni, parents and friends help us forge the connections to get there. These stories share a glimpse of the pursuits that you make possible.
SEARCHING FOR KNOWLEDGE
Bright Ideas
Forging ahead as leaders of research and education in the 21st century, Villanova’s academic community persevered through the pandemic to advance knowledge, theory and practice. With funding from philanthropy and research grants, faculty are creating opportunities that also provide valuable research, learning and mentoring experiences for students.
Communication for All
Two Villanova Engineering students set out to improve communication tools for Villanovans affected by spastic cerebral palsy. When the COVID-19 pandemic threatened to derail their research, the students turned to the Villanova community and crowdfunded more than $40,000 to support increased technology costs. They shared a video update about their progress.
The Intersection of Poverty and Inequality
Villanova has announced an interdisciplinary initiative aimed at examining the issues of poverty and inequality and their intersection. Spurred by a $1 million gift, the new initiative housed in Villanova Law seeks to generate concrete ideas and policy solutions to address systemic issues.
When you give to Villanova—whether it’s the Villanova Annual Fund, one of our interdisciplinary institutes, an academic program or more—you are supporting the work that inspires our students to ignite change wherever they go.
STORIES THAT INSPIRE
Women’s Leadership Diaries
The McNulty Institute for Women’s Leadership is seeking nominations for its Women’s Leadership Diaries. The series highlights those who are reshaping our perception and definition of a leader through the lens of diverse women's daily experiences of leadership.
VAULT Series
The Villanova Club of Greater Philadelphia pivoted its alumni speaker series, VAULT, to a virtual model—enabling Villanovans from any region to participate. Alumni guests including Chris Gheysens ’93, CEO of Wawa, Villanova University President the Rev. Peter M. Donohue, OSA, PhD, ’75, and Darryl "D.Rey" Reynolds '17, Stay Tuned Network, among others, have shared their stories in this series.
Inspiring Minds Podcast
The Villanova School of Business podcast features thought-provoking conversations between students and faculty on topics ranging from corporate bonds to closing the gender pay gap.
VOICES FROM CAMPUS
Villanova students, faculty and staff are inspired by their experiences, and when confronted with challenges, they search for a solution. A livestream broadcast on 1842 Day, Villanova’s annual day of giving, shared a few ways that Villanovans are driven by our Augustinian values.
“When you have that passion, that's what you go back to school for. It can be done, but you've got to have that passion, and you've got to have that drive, because that's what gives you the…perseverance and the endurance that you need when those times get tough.”
- Kellie Miles ’20 CPS, on finding inspiration as an adult learner
“The education I got, the Augustinian experience, and importantly just the people I've met—the relationships I formed along the way—made me realize the impact Villanova had. It was important for me to continue to support that, so that legacy exists for students going forward.”
- James Dunigan ’74 COE, on what inspired him to support the 2021 Senior Class Gift Challenge
“We're going to see a lot of students that'll need to extend the time to get their degrees. Villanova wants to support those students as they navigate through those program extensions and additional financial burdens.”
- Amanda M. Grannas, PhD, Associate Vice Provost for Research, on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on student researchers
See these voices from campus and more in the livestream interviews from 1842 Day.