Villanova University Alumni Association Announces New President, Vice President/Secretary
VILLANOVA, Pa. (June 1, 2026)—The Villanova University Alumni Association (VUAA) recently announced Brian Westbrook ’01 VSB as president and Emily Smith Beining ’12 COE as vice president/secretary of the VUAA Board of Directors. They begin their two-year terms in June 2026, succeeding Jon Williams ’03 CLAS and Emily Hughes ’11 CLAS, ’12 MA.
“I am delighted to welcome Brian and Emily as our new VUAA Board president and vice president/secretary,” said Sheila Doherty P ’23, ’25, associate vice president for Alumni Relations. “Their many professional accomplishments and the continued passion they have for Villanova embody what it truly means to be a part of this community. We’re grateful for their dedication and the perspective they bring to the VUAA Board that enables us to advance Villanova’s Augustinian Catholic mission together.”
The VUAA Board consists of 24 individuals across class years and colleges who represent Villanova’s alumni community and offer their valuable perspectives in support of the University’s goals. Founded in 1875, the VUAA seeks to cultivate a lifelong connection to Villanova University—fostering a culture of belonging and returning through impactful engagement opportunities that build community, support ongoing learning and inspire philanthropy. Today, the VUAA serves an alumni community of more than 140,000 graduates across the nation—and around the world.
New VUAA President
Brian Westbrook ’01 VSB is a former NFL All-Pro running back, entrepreneur and nonprofit leader. A standout at Villanova, he won the Walter Payton Award and set 37 school records before going on to a nine-year NFL career, primarily with the Philadelphia Eagles, earning two Pro Bowl selections, an All-Pro honor and a Super Bowl appearance. Brian was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2023, along with multiple team and regional halls of fame.
Off the field, he is the founder of the Brian Westbrook Foundation, established in 2017 to empower youth through education, leadership development and hands-on programming. He also leads Westbrook Project Solutions and co-founded BBB Development Inc., focused on workforce development and affordable housing. A lifelong horseman, he owns and operates Westbrook Horse Farm in Maryland, where he combines equestrian training with youth development. In addition to a bachelor’s degree in Management Information Systems from Villanova’s School of Business, Westbrook holds an executive certificate from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, and a business certificate from the Columbia Business School.
Westbrook has remained a loyal alumnus since his graduation, staying connected to his alma mater through volunteering and philanthropy. He is a member of the President’s Club Annual Giving Society, and also supports the Villanova University Black Alumni (VUBA) affinity network and Villanova Football. He has been a member of the VUAA Board of Directors for the past five years, and has fostered a partnership between Villanova Athletics and the University Career Center to ensure each student-athlete is prepared for life after graduation outside of their respective sports. In 2023, Westbrook was selected as the recipient of the VUAA Loyalty Award, the oldest alumni honor conferred by the University that is presented annually to alumni who have rendered distinguished service to Villanova.
New VUAA Vice President/Secretary
Emily Smith Beining ’12 COE is a mechanical engineering professional with over 14 years of experience in construction project management. She is part owner and vice president of Healthcare and Design for Climate Makers, a specialty mechanical construction company located in Minneapolis, Minn. Emily has a passion for and specializes in healthcare construction, leading teams on some of the largest hospital projects in the upper Midwest, including two one million square foot facilities.
Beining graduated from Villanova cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. She is a licensed professional engineer in the state of Minnesota and also holds a certification in healthcare construction. In 2018, she was named a Rising Young Professional by Finance & Commerce magazine.
As an engaged member of the Villanova community from her time as a student, Beining served as New Student Orientation chairperson going into her senior year. She also served as president of the College of Engineering’s Student Council. As an alumna, she served as president of the Villanova University Club of the Twin Cities from 2015-2022 and has been a member of the VUAA Board since 2022. Currently, she volunteers with the College of Engineering’s Career Compass, a unique professional development program that includes one-on-one mentorship from a Villanova alumnus/a beginning sophomore year.
About Villanova University: Since 1842, Villanova University’s Augustinian Catholic intellectual tradition has been the cornerstone of an academic community in which students learn to think critically, act compassionately and succeed while serving others. There are more than 10,000 undergraduate, graduate and law students in the University's six colleges—the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, the Villanova School of Business, the College of Engineering, the M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing, the College of Professional Studies and the Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law. Ranked among the nation’s top universities, Villanova supports its students’ intellectual growth and prepares them to become ethical leaders who create positive change everywhere life takes them. For more, visit www.villanova.edu.