Most students have gotten used to the normal routine. Every Sunday, parents call and ask for the “weekly update.” This call is at a strategic time – it gives them not only the opportunity to catch up on social and academic life, but also allows your parents to see if you plan on going to Mass that day.

The whole process takes about 20 minutes and, after hanging up, another week goes by, before the telephone is ringing yet again.

While this long distance relationship is common for many Villanovans, there are a number of students who see their parents on a much more frequent basis. They have mothers and fathers who work as secretaries, administrators and professors right on campus.

The DiLullo family is a notable example. Professor Samuel DiLullo has been a business law professor at Villanova since 1983. Even before he obtained a position here, the University held an esteemed position in his family’s life. DiLullo is both an undergraduate and law school alumni of the University.

He has three daughters, Kim, Katie and Clare. Both Kim and Katie attend Villanova full time – although for reasons that have nothing to do with their dad. “While Villanova has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember, my sister and I were never pushed to apply here,” says Kim.

Instead, the senior chose the school because of its reputable nursing program.

Katie, who entered Villanova only a month ago, has different aspirations. She wants to be an elementary education teacher. Katie was recruited by the University to play for the field hockey team.

So is a parent who is also a professor harder on his children about their grades? Professor DiLullo doesn’t need to be tough when it comes to academics in his household. “Both of my daughters are self-motivated, excellent students.”

And how often do the girls get to see dad? While it normally depends on each of the DiLullos’ weekly schedules, sometimes Kim and Katie will pop into their father’s office in Bartley or meet him for a quick lunch, just the kind of surprise that DiLullo loves. “I love to see them on campus and be a part of their lives,” he said. “I’m thrilled to meet their friends and put faces to the names I hear them talk about.”

Kim and Katie are also proud to have their dad as a member of the teaching staff at the University.

“My dad really knows how to get things done. He’s a great dad, and from what I hear, a great professor,” said Kim.

Villanova may have quite a few big men on campus, but to the DiLullo girls, the one who stands out in their eyes also goes by the name of dad.