President's Report 2008

Perhaps more than anyone at Villanova, John Cacciola, in his role as assistant vice president for engineering and construction, understands the impact the University’s facilities have on the people who work, live and learn on campus.

“One of the most rewarding things about this job is getting to know many different Villanovans and gaining a better appreciation of what they do every day,” he said.

In the past two-and-a-half-years, Cacciola has spearheaded three new building projects: the Davis Center for Athletics and Fitness; Driscoll Hall, the new College of Nursing; and the new School of Law. From start to finish, he is involved in every detail —from the number of treadmills in Davis Center to energy-efficient lighting in the LEED-certified Driscoll Hall. Yet he is humble about his role.

“The Villanova project managers, architects and builders really deserve the credit,” he explained. “They put great effort into overcoming the constraints and challenges that come with each project. As a result, they make our department, and the University, look good when the project is completed.”

Cacciola also is helping Villanova look toward the future as one of the directors of Villanova’s Campus Master Plan. A roadmap for campus construction, renewal and maintenance moving forward, the master planning process is assessing current and future space needs, incorporating input from faculty, students and staff. Cacciola also is charged with achieving LEED-certification on any new building.

A graduate of the College of Engineering, Cacciola has found his way back in the classroom, teaching a course in construction management to fourth-year engineering students.

“Teaching has been one of the best parts of my experience here and given me a new layer of appreciation of how facilities can play a role in enhancing the lives of our students and faculty members.”

Currently, Cacciola is immersed in finalizing construction of the School of Law, scheduled to open in Fall 2009. “Soon you’ll be able to look across to that part of campus and see a vibrant building. It creates an exciting connection between the School of Law and the rest of campus.”

He added, “A lot of thought goes into how to complement Villanova’s architectural style while meeting the unique needs of the students, faculty and staff who will study, live or work in each building, and truly bring it to life.”