Transforming Minds and Hearts Campaign
Exceeds $300 Million Goal
“The generous way in which Villanovans have come forward to support the
University through this campaign is remarkable. This campaign strengthens
our educational experience and ensures that Villanova will be able transform
minds and hearts for years to come.”
On December 7, 2007, Villanova University
marked the successful conclusion of
Transforming Minds and Hearts: The Campaign
for Villanova. The campaign exceeded its
$300-million goal with more than 41,000
donors contributing, making it the largest
fundraising effort in the University’s history.
The theme Transforming Minds and Hearts
underscored Villanova’s character as a Catholic
and Augustinian University, which celebrates
the intrinsic relationship between the mind
and heart. The campaign was launched
publicly in 2004 under the leadership of
then Villanova president, the Rev. Edmund J.
Dobbin, O.S.A. ’58, and concluded under the
direction of current president, the Rev. Peter
M. Donohue, O.S.A. ’75.
Key to the campaign’s success was a
dedicated group of volunteers, including a
22-member Steering Committee led by
Campaign Chairman Gerald S. J. Cassidy,
Esq. ’63 and Vice Chairmen James C. Curvey
’57 and William B. Finneran ’63. Every
section of the Villanova community
contributed —from graduating seniors
donating through their class gift, to generous
alumni, parents and friends.
The historic success of the campaign has
added new resources that will enable
Villanova to enhance every aspect of the
educational experience, including:
Increased scholarship support to ensure
that access to a Villanova education is
available to students regardless of need.
Through the campaign donors pledged
more than $50 million, which established
nearly 80 scholarships.
Funding to support scholarships,
coaching, training and academic
resources for Villanova’s more
than 500 student-athletes who
take part in 24 varsity sports.
