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University Advancement Update

 

June 8, 2022

Dear Faculty and Staff,

I am writing to share a few updates from the Office of University Advancement.

Fiscal Year 2022
As you know, our fiscal year concluded on May 31, 2022, and I am pleased to share that over this past l year, more than $135 million was raised, which is the second-highest, fiscal-year total in University history. This is an incredible accomplishment, and I extend my deepest appreciation to the generous Villanovans who donated to the University and, most especially, to the remarkable staff in University Advancement who were instrumental in obtaining these gifts for the Villanova community.

Villanova’s Next Comprehensive Capital Campaign
With our Strategic Plan, Rooted. Restless., we began a new chapter in Villanova’s storied history. The Plan was launched in 2019, but our efforts were hampered due to the pandemic. Despite this pause, I am delighted to share that we have raised more than $374.6 million in support of the quiet phase of Villanova’s next comprehensive capital campaign, with designations to the following areas:

  • Restricted Operating: $134.2M
  • Annual Fund: $34.1M
  • Facilities: $69.6M
  • Endowment: $136.7M

Philanthropic support will continue to be critical in funding portions of the Strategic Plan and in helping solidify our position as one of the nation’s foremost Catholic universities. Over the coming months, University leadership will be speaking with our most dedicated supporters for their perspectives to help guide our work moving forward for the next campaign.

Riley Hall
Last fall, I announced that the Villanova University Board of Trustees had unanimously approved the naming of two halls in The Commons: one in honor of the Rev. George F. Riley, OSA, and the other for the Rev. Edmund J. Dobbin, OSA.

After further consideration, it was decided that the Aldwyn 2, which recently became the new home for the Office of University Advancement, would be a more appropriate tribute to Fr. Riley given his role as the former Vice President for University Relations, overseeing the Offices of Development, Alumni Affairs, Public Relations and Career Services.

In this role, Fr. Riley was instrumental in the University's first two capital campaigns, Covenant I & II, raising more than $83 million for Villanova, which helped to build two campus landmarks—the Connelly Center and the Pavilion. Essentially, he established a more formalized fundraising function at Villanova, so the space housing University Advancement should bear his name. Therefore, effective immediately, Aldwyn 2 will now be known as Riley Hall, and Riley Hall in The Commons will once again be Cannon Hall.

What’s Next for University Advancement
As you may know, Mike O’Neill officially resigned his duties as Senior Vice President of University Advancement, effective Tuesday, May 31. For the past 14 years, Mike led University Advancement during a noteworthy time in our University history. I would like to thank Mike for all his efforts on behalf of Villanova and wish him the best in his future endeavors. University Advancement will report directly to me as we move forward this fall with a search for his replacement. In preparation for the next comprehensive campaign, the University Advancement team will continue to grow, and this summer we will begin hiring for a full range of new positions across the department. 

On behalf of the Villanova community, I am grateful for all that University Advancement has accomplished and look forward to continuing to build on this success.

Sincerely,