VILLANOVA, PA — Villanova University has announced the launch of Espiritus Nova: The Campaign for Villanova University, a groundbreaking $1.25 billion capital campaign aimed at enhancing the university’s impact and educational offerings. This campaign represents the most extensive fundraising effort in the university’s 182-year history, with over $640 million already secured.
The campaign’s name, Espiritus Nova, symbolizes the enduring and generous spirit that unites Villanovans. Rev. Peter M. Donohue, OSA, PhD, President of Villanova University, stated, “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.”
The campaign is spearheaded by alumni leaders Justin G. Gmelich, Catherine Keating, and Joseph V. Topper Jr., each of whom has previously chaired the University’s Board of Trustees. The campaign aims to strengthen Villanova’s academic preeminence and its Augustinian Catholic influence globally.
Key goals of the Espiritus Nova campaign include raising $300 million to meet the financial needs of undergraduate students, expanding research opportunities, and investing in campus facilities. The campaign seeks to narrow the financial aid gap, thereby attracting and supporting talented students. Furthermore, Villanova plans to enhance its research and scholarship initiatives, thereby bolstering its academic reputation.
Kevin Noller, Vice President for University Advancement, highlighted the campaign’s momentum, noting the receipt of several substantial donations. “Villanova is an institution on the rise, and the University’s academic reputation will only continue to grow through the support of this campaign,” Noller said. The campaign has already seen three $20 million contributions and ten additional gifts exceeding $10 million.
Recent achievements at Villanova include being named a top producer of Fulbright U.S. Students for 16 consecutive years and setting new records in admissions applications. The university has also made significant capital investments, such as the opening of Drosdick Hall for the College of Engineering and the upcoming Vic Maggitti Hall at Falvey Library.
Villanova’s acquisition of Cabrini University’s campus in Radnor, PA, underscores its expansion plans. The university intends to integrate this new asset by Fall 2026, honoring Mother Cabrini’s legacy with the name Cabrini Campus at Villanova University.
Through Espiritus Nova, Villanova University aims to fortify its foundation and advance its mission, ensuring a sustained impact on future generations of students and the broader community.
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