ADVISORY & PLANNING COMMITTEES
ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Dr. Sarah-Vaughan Brakman
Professor of Philosophy
Dr. Angela DiBenedetto
Associate Professor Emeritus of Biology
Dr. Lisa Dolling
Associate Dean of the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences
Dr. Francis A. Galgano
Associate Professor of Geography and the Environment
Dr. Robert M. Giuliano
Professor of Geography and the Environment
Dr. Amanda Grannas
Associate Vice Provost for Research, Professor of Chemistry
Dr. Edward Guinan
Professor of Astronomy & Astrophysics
Dr. Michelle M. Kelly
Professor of Nursing
Dr. Helen K. Lafferty
College Professor, Education and Counseling
Dr. Frank P. Maloney
Associate Professor of Astronomy & Astrophysics
Dr. Joseph A. Orkwiszewski
Professor Emeritus of Biology
Dr. R. Kelman Wieder
Professor of Biology
Dr. Dennis Wykoff
Professor and Dennis M. Cook Endowed Gregor Mendel Chair in Genetics
PLANNING COMMITTEE
Anthony Alfano
Associate Vice President, Auxiliary Services
Lauren Coates
Associate Director of Special Events, University Advancement
Katie Fischer
Executive Director of Presidential Communications & Board Relations
Caroline Levine
Coordinator, University Events and Initiatives
Erin Buckley
Executive Assistant to the President
Christine Quisenberry
Associate Vice President of Presidential Events & University Initiatives
Nick Tumolo
Director of University Events and Initiatives
William Minnig
Coordinator, University Events and Initiatives
DESIGN OF THE MEDAL
The Villanova University Mendel Medal was designed and sculpted by Mr. John Sinnock in 1929. He was the chief engraver of the U.S. Mint for many years. In this capacity, he also designed the Roosevelt dime, the current Purple Heart, and the Franklin half dollar. In addition, he designed and sculpted many other official commemorative medals such as the Congressional medal awarded to Thomas A. Edison.
The obverse side of the medal depicts Mendel, clothed in the Augustinian habit, examining intently a sweet pea plant. At one side appears a microcope as it was developed in Mendel's time. The reverse side depicts an adaptation of the University's seal encircled by a wreath of sweet peas.
OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT
UNIVERSITY EVENTS
& INITIATIVES
Through the Office of the President, University Events and Initiatives coordinates major university events, supports strategic campus initiatives, oversees the University Events Calendar, and provides general strategy and oversight of event management at Villanova.
The office also offers support and guidance to departments and campus partners for planning events. Please feel free to reach out with any questions related to planning or hosting events on campus.