Villanova University has received an endowment of more than $11 million from the late Bernard John Lucci. From 2005 to 2012, Lucci was an avid participant in the College of Professional Studies’ (CPS) Senior Citizen Personal Enrichment Program. Through this program, he took 10 Italian culture and language courses through the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS). At the age of 86, he passed away in 2023. As part of his last will and testament, he has granted the University this gift. Based upon Lucci’s studies and passions during his time as a Villanovan, the donation will be distributed between the College of Professional Studies, the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and the new Falvey Library at Vic Maggitti Hall.
“We are deeply grateful for Mr. Lucci’s gift and honored by his belief in the power of the Villanova experience,” University President Rev. Peter M. Donohue, O.S.A., Ph.D. said in the University press release. “Mr. Lucci’s restless pursuit of knowledge and humble generosity stand as a remarkable example to us all.”
Five million dollars will be granted to the College of Professional Studies’ Senior Citizen Personal Enrichment Program. The program allows individuals ages 65 and older to enroll in undergraduate college courses within the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. Because of Lucci’s previous involvement, the program will be named in his remembrance: the Bernard John Lucci Senior Citizen Personal Enrichment Program. This is the largest donation in the College’s history. His gift will help fund the college, thereby strengthening CPS’s mission to serve non-traditional and adult learners.
“At the College of Professional Studies, we are grateful for Mr. Lucci’s generosity and honored to pass on his love of learning to students for years to come,” Christine Kelleher Palus, Ph.D., Dean, Villanova University College of Professional Studies said in an email to Personal Enrichment studies. “This gift will ensure that the program that now bears Mr. Lucci’s name, along with many others in CPS that will benefit as well, can continue to educate students in the Augustinian tradition, rooted in our core values of Veritas, Unitas and Caritas.”
The bequest will also establish the new Bernard John Lucci Endowed Chair in Italian Studies within the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.
“We are honored by Mr. Lucci’s generosity,” Adele Lindenmeyr, Ph.D., William and Julia Moulden Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, said in the CLAS press release. “The establishment of the Bernard John Lucci Chair in Italian Studies will not only advance scholarship in a field that held special significance to Mr. Lucci, but also reflects our commitment to fostering a global perspective. Dr. McCall is an accomplished scholar in Italian Studies whose research and teaching will undoubtedly enhance the program through this new role.”
Timothy McCall, Ph.D., Professor of Art History and Director of the Art History Program, has been appointed as the inaugural Lucci Chair.
“I’m very excited. It’s a great opportunity for my research,” McCall said. “I think it will definitely benefit students in future classes. It’s great for the study of Italy and the study of Italian history and art history generally.”
McCall is currently on sabbatical in Italy, furthering his research in Italian Renaissance Art History. He will return to campus next fall.
“It [the bequest] will give me a lot more time to research in Italy, so that I will be able to produce more scholarship,” McCall said. “I do hope that this affords the opportunity for other faculty members to engage with and spend more time in Italy as well, eventually.”
The remaining portion of the bequest will be devoted to the new Falvey Library at Vic Maggitti Hall. The Bernard John Lucci Doctoral and Graduate Office Suite, a space designated for graduate and doctoral students, will be named in his honor.
“As an Augustinian Catholic university, Villanova is dedicated to fostering intellectual curiosity and a commitment to lifelong learning among its students, ideals personified by Mr. Lucci,” Patrick G. Maggitti, Ph.D. said in the University press release. “His generous bequest will have a broad impact on our community, enhancing the academic experiences of countless undergraduate, graduate and personal enrichment students.”
Villanova is grateful for the generosity bestowed by Lucci. As the bequest is distributed among the College of Professional Studies, the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and the forthcoming Vic Maggitti Hall, Lucci’s legacy will always be remembered throughout campus.
