Celebrating the launch of Espiritus Nova: The Campaign for Villanova University
Villanovans know the feeling—the spirit that unites every member of this community. It’s the passion in our hearts, the Augustinian Catholic values that are our foundation, and the warmth and generosity that we bring to all of our pursuits.
Now, as the University launches its most ambitious campaign yet—with a goal of raising $1.25 billion to propel Villanova into the future—this feeling has a name: Espiritus Nova.
“Espiritus Nova describes the strong, generous, unshakable spirit that connects all Villanovans,” says University President the Rev. Peter M. Donohue, OSA, PhD, ’75 CLAS. “This spirit is the foundation and the rallying cry for our unstoppable drive to, as St. Augustine said, ‘keep adding, keep walking, keep advancing.’”
The University recently announced that it had received a $40 million gift from an anonymous donor—the largest gift to Espiritus Nova to date, and the second-largest individual gift in Villanova’s history. This gift, combined with the enthusiastic support from the entire community, has built impressive momentum as we pursue the campaign’s goals.
Three Villanova alumni have stepped forward to lead Espiritus Nova as campaign co-chairs, lending their unique talents and unwavering commitment to help the University put its dreams into action. Justin G. Gmelich '90 VSB, co-Chief Investment Officer at Millennium Management; Catherine Keating '84 CLAS, Global Head of BNY Wealth; and Joseph V. Topper Jr. '77 VSB, Chairman, CrossAmerica Partners LP, have all served in the past as chairs of the University’s Board of Trustees.
This investment in future Villanovans will ensure that deserving, bright, passionate students can find a place at Villanova and be fully supported in their journeys.
Research and scholarship are critical to Villanova’s approach to teaching, and are essential to our commitment to igniting positive change around the world.
New and revitalized facilities will invite collaboration and innovation, and will secure Villanova’s legacy for generations to come.
What do Villanovans do when faced with an ambitious goal? They come together in a big way, drawing on the spirit of this community to achieve success.
That’s exactly what happened on 1842 Day, the University’s annual day of giving. As the University launched Espiritus Nova, 1842 Day showcased the true spirit of the Villanova community.
That day, the entire campus enjoyed food and giveaways, played games, answered trivia questions in the “Cat Cabs” and were entertained by musical performances, with the goal to generate funds for favorite Villanova causes. In all, more than 9,300 donors from all 50 states and around the globe became a part of this year’s 1842 Day, raising nearly $8.2 million for the programs, people and places that make the University so special—and making their contribution to the historic Espiritus Nova campaign.
This is the start of a remarkable new chapter for Villanova, and we all can play a part in lifting the University to new heights. ■
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