4 minute read
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT
Family Business
Villanova is well-known for its sense of community and family. For several recent participants in the Executive MBA program, attending Villanova at the same time as their children gives added meaning to the notion.
Jonathan Parker ’22 EMBA and Jameson Parker ’22 VSB
Jonathan Parker ’22 EMBA dropped out of high school at age 15 but always knew he wanted to continue his education. He later enrolled in community college and worked odd jobs for a few years. Parker eventually turned a passion for aviation into a 35-year career in business aviation, where he founded several companies in the areas of flight operations, aircraft management and safety. Upon retiring from many of his businesses a few years ago, Parker began to pursue options for completing his college degree. He explains how “despite all my work experience, not having a degree was a piece that was missing.”
Parker’s son Jameson was attending Villanova, so Parker looked into the College of Professional Studies (CPS). Parker recalls asking Jameson, “‘It’s not going to be some weird TV sitcom with father and son in college at the same time, but would you mind if I applied to this program at Villanova?’ Jameson was very gracious and told me to go for it.” An adviser suggested he consider an Executive MBA, where he learned the program considers applicants with commensurate work experience. “Within weeks I was accepted, and it was a dream come true. I couldn’t believe it.”
Parker and his wife Cheryl purchased an inn in Vermont in 2020, just as the pandemic hit and he was beginning the EMBA program. He was able to instantly apply learnings from the program to his new role as inn owner. “Through the EMBA program, you’re able to understand the conversation that’s happening around you in a more meaningful way,” he says.
According to Jameson, “there’s just so much that my dad went through and I’m so proud of him for finishing the degree because I know it wasn’t easy. I really appreciated having him in the area more often and it was nice to bond over our schoolwork.” Parker says, “Having the goal of being able to graduate with my son kept me motivated. I will always be grateful to Jameson for leading me to Villanova; it was a win for both of us.”
Emma Singh, MD, ’23 EMBA and her daughter Sydney Singh ’25 CLAS started their Villanova journey together in the fall of 2021. Dr. Singh is a family physician and pharmacist who created her own home infusion therapy company, Healthcare Evolution, in 2010. The company opened an ambulatory infusion center, Infusion Center of Pennsylvania, in 2016 and continues to expand. As Dr. Singh’s roles and responsibilities have increased with the growth of her business, she decided to pursue an Executive MBA to gain the skills needed to run a successful organization.
Dr. Singh says one of the best parts of the EMBA program has been that she can immediately apply what she is learning. She also credits the cohort experience for enhancing the learning process. “It’s been incredible to be exposed to different industries and learn how others are handling similar challenges.”
Sydney recently completed her freshman year and says she’s enjoyed the experience of being in school at the same time as her mom. “It’s the little things we can talk about, such as sharing the stress of knowing we both have to study for an upcoming exam or work on an assignment,” she explains. Dr. Singh feels the same way. “It’s been really exciting to go through this program at the same time as Sydney starting at Villanova. Watching her grow and mature over the past year has made it that much better.”
G. Michael Lemole Jr., MD, ’22 EMBA and Mikyla Lemole ’23 CLAS
Michael Lemole Jr., MD, ’22 EMBA serves as director of the Vickie & Jack Farber Institute for Neuroscience at Abington-Jefferson Health and professor/vice-chair of the Department of Neurological Surgery at Thomas Jefferson University. Dr. Lemole had always considered an MBA, and with his new role requiring more administrative responsibilities, he decided the timing was right to pursue an Executive MBA. He chose Villanova for its outstanding local reputation, proximity, flexible schedule and family connections. His daughter, Mikyla Lemole ’23 CLAS, is a communications major and his father, Gerald M. Lemole, MD, ’58 CLAS, and brother, Christopher Lemole ’00 CLAS, ’03 JD, are also alumni.
“One of the most significant skillsets I gained from the EMBA program is how to lead my team using a systems- thinking process, which is such a unique and important part of the Villanova MBA experience,” Dr. Lemole explains.
Due to the pandemic, the EMBA program relocated from the Inn at Villanova to Normandy Farm in Blue Bell, Pa. While closer to his home, it meant Dr. Lemole was not on campus. “I thought I would be running into Mikyla on campus and grabbing coffee, but unfortunately that didn’t happen. However, it’s great that we can share the Villanova educational experience and be part of this fantastic community.”
