Bill Powell '78 VSB

As a teenager in 1974, Bill Powell ’78 VSB knew what he was looking for in a college, and Villanova fit the bill: “I knew I wanted to attend a private, academically challenging school near a city to study business. And as importantly, there was Villanova Basketball.” After graduating in 1978 from the School of Business, Bill was interested in the then-burgeoning fields of technology and computing, and initially struggled to find a position. “I knew there was work out there and I wanted to do it,” said Bill. So he consulted the yellow pages, and went door to door in New York City with his resume, asking receptionists about available openings and possible interviews. This unconventional yet persistent approach led to a job at Wang Labs, the first of several jobs in a career in the computing and telecommunications industries.

In addition to his determination, Bill credits the Villanova curriculum, with an emphasis on both technical business classes and liberal arts, with giving him an advantage in his field. “All of the business classes in commerce, finance, accounting, marketing and management made all of the new concepts I was learning feel familiar.” The liberal arts classes, including a semester abroad in Paris, he credits with making him well rounded, and helped in the client development and sales portions of his career.

Bill is also grateful for the life-long friends he made while at Villanova. He made numerous friends at O’Dwyer Hall and as a member of Delta Tau Delta Fraternity. He fondly recalls studying hard and playing hard, and of course, Villanova Basketball on the hardwood. Eight or nine close friends are still in touch, and get together to see Villanova games in the New York metro area. A small group of them even travelled to Houston to see the Wildcats win the 2016 NCAA National Championship. “We’ve made great memories over the years. Rarely a day goes by when I don’t talk or text to one of them” says Bill.

While transitioning to retirement, Bill began to think about his legacy. “Villanova was an important part of my life—the University educated me, allowed me to have a successful career and make great friends—and I wanted to give back.” Villanova provided an outlet for Bill's generosity and philanthropy through a planned gift, which allows him to provide resources for the University and address the needs of the programs that are important to him. A testamentary bequest through his estate will establish three endowed funds that bear his name, in the areas of scholarship, campus improvements, and athletics.

Bill hopes other loyal members of Nova Nation will consider taking a similar action, both for the peace of mind it creates and for the benefit it provides to Villanova. “As my mortality sinks in, I see the Heritage Society as my final—pun intended—opportunity to benefit the institution that was so valuable to me."

You, like Bill, can make a lasting impact at Villanova. Contact Tim McKinley at timothy.mckinley@villanova.edu or 215-240-0812 to learn more.