From the Dean

Transitions

“As I wrIte thIs letter, It Is wIth very mIxed

emotions. As many of you know from the April announcement, I will be leaving VSB to serve as the next president of Butler University. While I am extremely pleased with the exciting news and progress occurring at VSB during my time here—and featured in our latest edition of Villanova Business—I am also personally sad to be leaving this great University, business school, and community.

During such moments of transition, I cannot help but to reflect upon the accomplishments that have taken place under my tenure, as well as those challenges that remain in place for the future leaders. I think back to my own expectations when I arrived at Villanova six years ago. As I consider this last point, the experience as dean of VSB far exceeded my initial expectations. While I was certainly aware of the excellence of the University and the business school in many areas when I arrived on campus in the summer of 2005, I had not fully appreciated the passion that so many faculty, staff, students, and alumni had for the place. And it was that passion that allowed us to flourish, especially with the support of outstanding alumni—the best network I have ever experienced.

Through it all, it is important to keep progress in context. The expression “standing on the shoulders of giants” seems to fit perfectly here, as it aptly describes how the current success of VSB is occurring only because those deans who served before me had the vision to provide the foundation necessary to build a great, top-ten business school. The Clay Center, which opened in 2007, is an appropriate recognition of Dean Emeritus Al Clay whose care and concern for this school and its students is legendary. If not for Dean Tim Monahan and his leadership in contemporizing the facilities and developing new programs, VSB would not be where it is today. Just as with those former deans, it was my responsibility to leave your convenience. Your gift will support VSB’s priority initiatives and the business school better today than when I arrived. help to increase the value of your degree. VSB has attained national

The stories within this issue of Villanova Business represent the status as a top-ten business school, and your support becomes critically positive momentum and success of VSB today as reflected through the important—now so much more than ever—as we compete with schools accomplishments of our faculty, students, and alumni. If I could leave that have far greater resources than we. you with one parting message it would be—support Villanova financially. I thank you for all your support and will watch the school with great It is imperative that the school increase its funding base. If you have never pride from my new home in Indianapolis. Know that Villanova University given before, make that first gift. If you are a consistent donor, please has been a very, very special part of my life, just as it has been for you, and continue to give. I have provided an envelope within this magazine for continue to give. I have provided an envelope within this magazine for I do hope our paths cross again in the future.

“VSB has attained national status as a top-ten business school, and your support becomes critically important.”

James m. Danko The Helen and William O’Toole Dean Villanova School of Business