Business Leaders Forum

VSB Hosts Inaugural Business Leaders Forum

During a time of frequent and unexpected change in the business world landscape, the relationships we build can prove to be critical. With that in mind, the Villanova School of Business hosted its first-ever Business Leaders Forum, where more than 100 executive leaders who serve on VSB’s nine advisory councils came together for two days to network and learn more about the University’s and the business school’s strategic plans.

The Forum was a resounding success. In a survey sent to all participants, over 66 percent of attendees made new business contacts from the advisory councils and 54 percent of attendees became more interested in participating in or supporting the University’s and VSB’s strategic plans.

“I didn’t realize the large number of people involved,” said one respondent. “I like the direction the University is moving in and think VSB is doing many of the right things. My interest continues to build concerning the future and direction of the University.”

The program, which is the only one of its kind hosted by VSB, helped to give the attendees a broader understanding of how Villanova could engage with the business community and other alumni and parent business leaders.

“It was a great opportunity to interact with those who have a similar passion for the University and its mission—whether parents, alumni, or others that have come to appreciate the impact Villanova business leadership has,” said attendee Christine James, CFA, managing director, Wells Capital Management. “I learned the importance of translating our enthusiastic alumni support into meaningful contributions to the school to ensure future generations continue to benefit from what we did. We need to meet the competitive challenge to build the endowment to the level of other schools of our size and caliber as ambassadors of the strategic plan.”

William K. Bacic VSB ’78, managing partner of the New England area with Deloitte and Touche LLP and chair of the VSB Dean’s Advisory Council, commented, “The Business Leaders Forum provided a unique opportunity for business leaders committed to VSB’s mission to get together to hear from Fr. Peter and other University leaders regarding the University’s future direction, goals, and needs. I particularly enjoyed learning more about VSB’s Centers of Excellence and meeting other Villanova alumni who are contributing their time and talents back to Villanova.”

Daniel H. Bathon, Jr. VSB ’76, general partner and chairman, Windspeed Ventures, LLC and member of the Dean’s Advisory Council, participates in the Q&A.

Advisory Councils

The advisory councils, consisting of nearly 200 members, provide professional expertise and advice, feedback on undergraduate and graduate curricula, assistance with student recruitment and internships, and financial support to VSB.

Making up the nine advisory councils are VSB’s six Centers of Excellence—the Daniel M. DiLella Center for Real Estate; the Center for Marketing and Public Policy Research; the Center for Innovation, Creativity, and Entrepreneurship; the Center for Global Leadership; the Center for the Study of Church Management; and the Center for Business Analytics—and the Dean’s Advisory Council, the CIO Advisory Council, and the Accounting Advisory Council.

While VSB’s Centers of Excellence support faculty research, teaching excellence, and curriculum development and are designed to focus attention on critical business issues and to leverage the expertise of faculty in a cross-disciplinary way, the advisory council members help provide the centers with practical knowledge, information on current trends and issues, and an update on business practices.

The Rev. Peter M. Donohue, OSA, PhD, A&S ’75; William J. Donnell VSB ’77; Manuel Nunez MBA ’03; Dean James M. Danko; and Robert Byrnes VSB ’76, president, Villanova University Alumni Association.

Two Alumni Honored with the Bartley Medallion for Service and Commitment to VSB

Named after the rev. Joseph c. bartley, osa, and established in 2010, the Bartley Medallion is an annual award that recognizes alumni who have distinguished themselves in their career and provide extraordinary service to the Villanova School of Business. During the Business Leaders Forum, the Bartley Medallion was presented to William J. Donnell VSB ’77 and Manuel Nunez MBA ’03 at an event attended by Villanova University community members.

Through the recipients’ efforts and involvement, VSB is able to deliver a relevant business education and enhance job opportunities for VSB students while embodying the Augustinian values of veritas, unitas, and caritas (truth, unity, and love).

WILLIAM J. DONNELL VSB ’77

PrIVaTE WEalTh adVISor, SENIor VIcE PrESIdENT - INVESTMENT, MErrIll lyNch

William “bill” donnell has served Villanova in many ways over the past several years. One of his most significant areas of impact has been in helping VSB develop a presence on Wall Street in the financial services community and connecting students with internships and job opportunities. Another of Donnell’s contributions includes the creation of the Villanova University Financial Club summer internship initiative. Donnell has an extraordinary passion for Villanova that is focused on helping students succeed in the workplace. Donnell is both an alumnus of Villanova and a friend of the school. His efforts have focused on how he can help the school of business, the University, current students, and alumni make connections and advance within the financial services industry. The phrase he coined, “Think ‘Nova First,” captures his spirit and the motivation behind all that he has done and continues to do for Villanova.

MANUEL NUNEz MBA ’03

INTErNaTIoNal MarkETINg MaNagEr, MErck & co., INc.

manuel “manny” nunez has distinguished himself in his career, demonstrated service to his communities, and provided extraordinary service to VSB. He has been a frequent guest lecturer in various classes, member and contributor to the Graduate Programs Review task force, and on-site executive faculty, accompanying the Executive MBA ’10 students on their immersion trip to Malaysia and Vietnam. Nunez has gone above and beyond in his service to VSB and the broader community. He possesses knowledge, skills, capabilities, and values that are consistent with the mission of Villanova and VSB.