VN_SPR SUM_06 covers FINAL.indd - Villanova University

Steering Committee HonorsFather Dobbin and Commends theCampaign’s Accelerating ActivityAmidst the increasing activityof Transforming Minds andHearts: The Campaign forVillanova, members of theSteering Committee met onMay 11 to bid a formal and fond farewellto the Rev. Edmund J. Dobbin, O.S.A., ’58A&S, University president, and to welcomethe Rev. Peter M. Donohue, O.S.A.,’75 A&S, president-elect, who wouldofficially become president on June 1.The meeting, the 11th of the campaign,took place at the UniversityClub in New York City prior to “TheCampaign for Villanova: A Celebrationof Leadership” at Radio City Music Hall.Committee members both honored FatherDobbin for his leadership to the campaignand discussed the increased involvementof Father Donohue in this fundraisingeffort that continues to accelerate.Father Dobbin took this opportunityto share his thoughts about stepping downfrom his position after 18 years and tocomment on the campaign’s future.“The Campaign for Villanova andthe University have both exhibited greatstrength and momentum,” said FatherDobbin. “I am confident that this momentumwill continue and even increasethrough the transition of leadership toFather Donohue. This transition is anopportunity for Father Donohue to focusplanning for new levels of support, andfor guiding existing commitments to theirultimate designations.”Campaign vice chairman James C.Curvey ’57 VSB led the meeting in placeof chairman Gerald S.J. Cassidy, Esq., ’63A&S, who was not able to attend due toillness. Curvey presented Father Dobbinwith a crystal sculpture that representedthe bond of partnership between the retiringpresident and the committee.“Thank you, Father Dobbin, on behalf ofthe Steering Committee,” Curvey said. “Theimpact of your leadership and vision will befelt at Villanova for many years to come.”This transition of presidential leadershipcomes at a time of heightenedactivity for the campaign. John M.Elizandro, vice president for InstitutionalAdvancement, updated the committeemembers on the campaign’s financial progress.He noted how the lull in campaignactivity that often occurs during presidentialtransitions at colleges and universitieshas not materialized at Villanova.Members of the Steering Committee gathered at the University Club in New York City on May 11to mark an acceleration of campaign activity and to pay tribute to the Rev. Edmund J. Dobbin,O.S.A., ’58 A&S, who is retiring after 18 years.(From left) John J. Quindlen ’54 VSB; ArthurJ. Kania ’56 J.D.; and Martin G. McGuinn ’64A&S, ’67 J.D. The campaign has reachednearly $210 million in commitments, whichrepresents 70 percent of its $300 million goal.22 Villanova Magazine