Josephine Fogliano Gudowicz ’73 CLAS

Growing up, Josephine Gudowicz remembers coming to various events at Villanova. It was an easy trip from her home in nearby Broomall, Pennsylvania, where her family developed many connections to the University. When the time came to consider a college, she focused on Villanova because it offered what she was looking for—a coed environment and the ability to commute from home. Josephine’s older brother, Anthony, had already made the same choice. In time, her younger sister, Maria Fogliano ’84 CLAS would follow in Josephine’s footsteps.

Josephine arrived on campus in the fall of 1969, which she describes as an exciting time. As a commuter, she soon was immersed in her studies, finding time to hold a part-time job in the Admission’s Office, which she continued over the summer. She also formed friendships classmates such as Barbara White ’76 CLAS and James Lynn ’72 COE, which became important parts of her life. Like today’s students, Josephine had fun with her group at basketball games and seeing shows at Vasey theater.

As a math major, Josephine quickly came to the conclusion that she did not want to become a teacher, but rather, wanted to utilize her degree in other ways. The world of technology was in its infancy and Josephine was drawn to it. Following graduation, her first position was with a local engineering firm, where she worked on projects requiring knowledge of an early computer programming language, FORTRAN. Josephine also taught herself COBOL, one of the oldest programming languages, making herself extremely marketable in this emerging industry.

While Villanova equipped her with the skills to embark on a highly successful career with GE Aerospace and other defense contractors, it also gave her the gift of her life, her husband, Tom Gudowicz ’71CPS, whom she met in the fall of her sophomore year. Tom was also a commuter and a junior in what is now the College of Professional Studies. He had already completed his military service and was working on finishing his college degree. They first met in a political science class and Tom quickly fell for Josephine, while she was more reticent. Tom would invite Josephine to join him at parties, but it took several invitations for her to finally take him up on the offer. Eventually, Josephine agreed to what she considers their first real date, which took place over the Thanksgiving holiday in 1970. From then on, they were a campus couple and became engaged after Josephine’s graduation. In 1974, they were married in the St. Thomas of Villanova Church at a ceremony officiated by Fr. Ralph C. Shurer, OSA. A number of Villanovans celebrated with them, including Jim Lynn, who was Tom’s best man, and Barb White, who served as Josephine’s maid of honor.

Throughout their long marriage, Josephine and Tom have resided in the area and are frequent visitors to campus, returning often to attend Men’s and Women’s Basketball games, as we as performances at the John and Joan Mullen Center for the Performing Arts. They marvel at the tremendous changes which have taken place in the 50 years since Josephine graduated—the stunning Commons residential community that sprouted from the former Lancaster Avenue parking lot, The Refectory, campus’s new restaurant and the Finneran Pavilion, a first-rate collegiate sports arena. They are also looking forward to returning in June 2023 for Josephine’s 50th Reunion.

Her Catholic faith remains extremely important to Josephine, who credits her Augustinian experience at Villanova with deepening her belief. As one example of her dedication to living her faith, she and Tom for many years have led the First Friday “Night of Reparation” devotions at their parish, St. Isaac Jogues, in Wayne, Pennsylvania. Another example of faith in action is found in how Josephine and Tom have chosen to give back for their many blessings.

A career, a deepening of faith and a spouse were the tremendous gifts given by Villanova both to Josephine and Tom, and they have responded with gratitude, having made Villanova part of their estates. For Josephine, the greatest Villanova treasures, besides Tom, are the education, the relationships with the faculty and the beauty of the campus. By making Villanova a beneficiary of her estate, Josephine is making sure that other students will be able to enjoy the same outstanding experience. As she plans to attend her 50th Reunion celebration in June, Josephine hopes that her gift can inspire others, including her classmates, to realize they can do the same.

If you share Josephine’s gratitude for your Villanova experience, please consider making a gift, perhaps, one in honor of your reunion year. There are many ways to donate to the University in your estate or as a current gift. For information on making a gift, please contact Tim McKinley at 215-240-0812 or timothy.mckinley@villanova.edu. Help a student also to have the Villanova experience which you treasure.