A Word from the President - Villanova University

Alumni Reunion Weekend 2008
Tradition
Never Graduates
More than 2,000 Villanovans returned to campus June 6-
8 to prove that “Tradition Never Graduates,” the
theme of this year’s festivities. The Family Picnic
alone attracted more than 1,000 alumni and family members
and included special appearances by the Wildcat, Villanova
cheerleaders, and members of the football team and the men’s
and women’s basketball teams, who signed autographs and took
photos with the guests.
The Alumni Gala, attended by more than 600 guests,
was lively, and the Rev. Peter M. Donohue, O.S.A., ’75 A&S,
University president, regaled guests as he sang a resounding
rendition of “New York, New York.”
Villanova University Alumni Association President Paul A.
Tufano ’83 VSB, ’86 J.D., who celebrated his 25th reunion,
welcomed guests to the Gala and challenged alumni to become
more active participants in fulfilling the mission of Villanova.
The “Call to Action” theme was present in conversations held
throughout the weekend.
Supporting the Mission
Gary R. Olsen ’74 A&S, ’80 G.S., associate vice president of
Alumni Affairs and executive director of the Villanova University
Alumni Association, noted, “We are increasingly using this event
as a platform to educate alumni about why it is so important for
alumni to support the University financially in whatever way is
right for them.”
There is a special emphasis placed around the 50th anniversary
reunion year. At the dinner Villanova recognizes the classes for
their achievement, and the
Class of ’58 won in all three
categories: highest overall
participation rate, largest
amount of unrestricted gifts
and largest overall gift. In
conjunction with efforts from
the Development Office, the
total amount raised by all
classes was $4.68 million.
“For our purposes, Reunion
is more about getting alumni
acquainted with what is
happening here today and
looking forward. I think it
is a powerful experience,”
Olsen said.
Receptions
Photographs by Paola Nogueras and John Welsh
Summer 2008 39