Villanova University President, the Rev. Peter M. Donohue, OSA, PhD, announced the launch of a $1.25 billion comprehensive capital campaign Espiritus Nova: The Campaign for Villanova University. And the University started the public phase of its campaign—the most ambitious fundraising effort in Villanova’s 182-year history—having already raised over $640 million towards its $1.25 billion goal.
Villanova’s campaign will be chaired by three University alumni: Justin G. Gmelich ’90 Villanova School of Business (VSB), Co-Chief Investment Officer at Millennium Management; Catherine Keating ’84 College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Global Head of BNY Wealth; and Joseph V. Topper Jr. ’77 VSB, Chairman, CrossAmerica Partners LP. Gmelich, Keating and Topper each served as past chairs of the University’s Board of Trustees.
With the Espiritus Nova campaign, Villanova seeks to further strengthen its academic preeminence and amplify its Augustinian Catholic impact across the nation and worldwide. The campaign’s goals include increasing financial aid to address the needs of future Villanovans, expanding research and scholarship, and investing in campus facilities to meet the demands of the next generation. This campaign more than doubles the goal of Villanova’s previous campaign, which surpassed the original $600 million goal and concluded in 2018 with more than $760 million raised.
Espiritus Nova: The Campaign for Villanova University will focus on three main goals:
— Meeting Financial Need – Villanova will raise $300 million to help close the financial need gap for all admitted undergraduate students. Currently, the University does not meet 100% of demonstrated financial need. Through this goal, Villanova will narrow the need gap by raising significant funds for endowed scholarships—allowing the University to continue attracting, retaining and supporting the most deserving, brilliant and passionate students.
— Research and Scholarship – The innovative work done by Villanovans has a tangible impact on campus and also on the world at large. Research and scholarship enhance the University’s academic reputation and are an essential component of how Villanova approaches teaching. Through this goal, the University will expand research and hands-on learning opportunities for students and faculty.
—Campus Investment – As Villanova’s reputation strengthens, the University must serve the next generation of Villanovans with facilities that meet the highest standards. Villanova will create and revitalize spaces on campus to bring its community closer and push its academic excellence further.
The launch of Villanova’s $1.25 billion capital campaign continues remarkable momentum for the University. The recent highlights include:
— Being named among the top producers of Fulbright U.S. Students for 16 consecutive years with 92 Fulbright U.S. Student Program award recipients since 2020, including 18 for 2024-25.
— Continuing to set new standards on the admissions front, receiving 23,842 applications this year—the University’s second-highest total—for an enrolled a class of 1,723 students.
— Receiving a $20 million gift from Bancel Philanthropies to support students enrolled as part of the University’s partnership with The Posse Foundation, one of the most prestigious college access, success, and youth leadership development programs in the U.S.
Major capital investments:
— The opening of Drosdick Hall—the new home for the College of Engineering—following the completion of a $125 million, 150,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art building expansion. The building is named after John G. Drosdick, ’65 College of Engineering, retired chairman and CEO of Sunoco, Inc., and former Villanova Board Chair—in recognition of $20 million in support.
— Breaking ground on a new 150,000-square-foot building for Falvey Library in September, to be named Vic Maggitti Hall in recognition of a $20 million leadership gift from Victor J. Maggitti Jr. ’56 Villanova School of Business.
— Assuming ownership of Cabrini University’s campus in Radnor, Pa., which the University plans to incorporate and utilize in Fall 2026. In tribute to Mother Cabrini’s legacy, the campus is named the Cabrini Campus at Villanova University.
KEY QUOTES:
“The name Espiritus Nova describes the strong, generous, unshakable spirit that connects all Villanovans. This spirit is the foundation and the rallying cry for Villanova’s largest and most ambitious campaign to date. With this campaign, we will significantly enhance all aspects of the Villanova experience, especially the educational opportunities for future generations of Villanovans.”
-Father Donohue
“Villanova is an institution on the rise, and the University’s academic reputation will only continue to grow through the support of this campaign. There is great enthusiasm for Villanova as evidenced by three $20 million gifts, and 10 gifts of $10 million or more, received as part of this campaign to date. Importantly, it is through the generosity of all our donors that the University is able to meet its ambitious goals.”
-Kevin Noller, Vice President for University Advancement
