William Slamkowski ’85 CLAS

Keith Christiansen ’18 VSB, Luke Sabal ’19 CLAS, Lars Hultgren ’21 COE and Brenna McLaughlin ’23 COE have the distinction of being the first four Slamkowski Scholars. Their backgrounds and stories differ, but their common thread is that they are all committed Villanova scholars and swimmers and, they each model the outstanding gifts of William Slamkowski, ’85 CLAS.

Bill Slamkowski came to Villanova from Hammond, Indiana, where he grew up in a large and loving Polish Catholic family. He was a competitive swimmer and contributed to the team's consistent second place showing at the Big East Championships each year. The most significant thing about Bill however, was not what he did in the pool; it was the when people formed relationships with “Slammer”, they often felt that he was their best friend, because he made everyone feel that they mattered. As a natural athlete, he enjoyed not only swimming but many sports and outdoor activities. With his move to Denver after a post-graduation stint in New York City, there were daily opportunities for him to enjoy nature and spend time with friends. When Bill died suddenly in 2013 at age 49, his family, friends and Villanova swimming community were devastated. On the plane returning from his funeral, Gerald “Jerry” Quinn, ’87 VSB, along with the rest of the Villanova cohort, realized that Bill’s passing had reignited closeness among Bill’s swim teammates. The idea for the William T. Slamkowski ’85 Memorial Scholarship was then born, to remember Bill and celebrate scholars and swimmers who embody the true essence of Bill and of being a Villanovan.

With the dedication, talent and treasure of the swimmers, the scholarship fund was launched with Keith Christianson, from Long Island, as the initial recipient. Keith has been a swimmer for his whole life, specializing in the breaststroke. He knew that he wanted swimming to be part of his college experience when he planned his first visit to Villanova. That day was cold and rainy and left Keith with a poor impression of the university. Later, at the urging of Rick Simpson, Villanova head swim coach, Keith made a return visit. It was enough to turn around that first impression and move him to commit to Villanova.

For Keith, swimming at Villanova gave him needed discipline for all his endeavors for the rest of his life. The Villanova swim team during Keith’s time practiced 6 days a week, 4 hours a day. The Men’s and Women’s teams were very close as they practiced together and, under the guidance of Coach Simpson, worked diligently trying to win a Big East title. In Keith’s senior year, against all odds, they secured second place in the competition. In modeling Bill Slamkowski’s commitment to his team, Keith remains very close with his teammates. He also stays in contact with Jerry Quinn, heart and soul of the swimmers from the Slamkowski era.

A desire to swim competitively at the college level also drove Luke Sabal’s decision to choose Villanova. He was especially drawn to the fact that with a swim team, there are elements of both team and individual sports. Luke found that taking part in a varsity sport was, as Keith Christianson had experienced, a serious commitment. Luke states, “You get out of it what you put in”, and for him, the swim team created opportunity to put into practice the very charisms of the Augustinian community – Veritas, Unitas, Caritas. The concept of Veritas in particular was powerful for Luke, especially as it applied to supporting the team. He explained that the swimmers knew what they had to do to be successful and that there were no short cuts to achieving excellence, no avoiding of truth.

In his sophomore year, Coach Simpson made Luke aware of the Slamkowski Scholarship and urged him to apply. For Luke, it was a tremendous honor to be the second recipient of the scholarship. Besides the financial benefit, the scholarship allowed Luke to interact with alumni whom he would not otherwise have met. From them, he learned their perspectives on life, which in turn have aided him with his own life development.

Luke, a neuroscience major, currently is in his second year of medical school at the University of Minnesota. He remains extremely grateful for the support of the Slamkowski Scholarship. With some of the financial burden of college lifted, Luke felt able to pursue his passion without fear. As Luke explains, donors who give to a scholarship fund provide not just a financial benefit; they open the door to unlimited opportunities for the recipient.

The third Slamkowski Scholar, Lars Hultgren, a civil and environmental engineering graduate, cannot speak highly enough of his Villanova experience. As both Keith and Luke experienced, Lars benefitted from the fact that the Men’s and Women’s teams trained together. This model forged a strong community of swimmers, consisting of two teams working to create a single successful program.

Coach Simpson introduced Lars to the story of Bill Slamkowski. Lars, a Colorado native, was immediately drawn to Bill on learning that they shared a passion for the outdoors. While Bill is also remembered for the joy and enthusiasm he brought to everything he did, for Lars, he brought so much more. Laws was struck by hearing of Bill’s renowned quality of having wanted to meet as many people as possible in his lifetime, and to make a genuine connection with each one. This resonated strongly with Lars, who attempts to practice this in his own life.

Lars, who continues his love of swimming, is completing a one-year Master of Science in Finance program at the University of Notre Dame. He actually was a walk-on to the Villanova Swim team, where he competed in middle-distance freestyle races. Following graduation, he will be starting a career in investment banking in New York City. In, or out of, the water, the positive impact of Bill Slamkowski on Lars Hultgren will remain.

Brenna McLaughlin is the current Slamkowski Scholar. She too is a COE student, concentrating on chemical engineering. She has been swimming for her entire life, having begun in her hometown of Milford, Connecticut. Even during the 2020 pandemic year, Brenna swam in Long Island Sound just to be able to experience the water and practice her freestyle. Coach Simpson also recruited Brenna to Villanova. The major factor however, in Brenna’s decision to attend was her immediate experience of the Augustinian values during her visit. In addition, the swim team members themselves, the basics of the swimming program and the team members’ ability to balance all the elements of college life also proved to her that Villanova was the right choice. Coach Simpson’s talent further made the decision an easy one.

For Brenna, the essence of Bill Slamkowski is found in the generations of Villanova swimmers who annually gather on Homecoming Weekend at a site organized by Jerry Quinn and his crew. At these events, former swimmers and coaches form bonds with today’s VU swimmers as they remember Bill Slamkowski. Brenna is constantly struck by the symbolism found in the Slamkowski scholarship, of how one person can impact generations of students following after him. She also is honored to be a Slamkowksi Scholar, supported by Villanovans who are giving back to express their thanks.

Brenna, in reading the scholarship statement describing Bill’s spirit, found that it resonated with her. Bill Slamkowski lived life to the fullest, and this inspires Brenna every day to reflect on what she does and to try to emulate the kindness and love which Bill gave to every person who entered his life. Brenna is committed to living up to the spirit of Bill Slamkowski.

Whether you were a Villanova swimmer or someone who never goes into the deep end of the pool, you too can honor the spirit of Bill Slamkowski by making a contribution to the William T. Slamkowski ’85 Memorial Endowed Scholarship Fund. For information on how to make either a current gift or a gift in your estate, contact Tim McKinley at 215-240-0812 or timothy.mckinley@villanova.edu. You will certainly make a difference in the life of a student and, in your own as well.