VILLANOVA, PA — Villanova University will name its soon-to-be-completed engineering building after alumnus John G. Drosdick ’65. The retired CEO and president of Sunoco, Inc., has contributed $20 million toward the College of Engineering’s expansion project, leading the University to honor him in such a tangible way.
“I cannot thank John enough for his unwavering support of Villanova and the College of Engineering,” said University President the Rev. Peter M. Donohue, OSA, PhD. “This is a momentous time for the College of Engineering and the entire Villanova University community. Drosdick Hall will enhance the Villanova Engineering experience for generations.”
Drosdick’s contributions extend beyond just the building project. His ongoing support has led to the creation of an endowment for Drosdick Hall and the College of Engineering, ensuring resources for future developments. His early investment in the Drosdick Innovation Lab, part of the new building, promises hands-on, experiential, and collaborative learning for students working on scalable real-world engineering projects.
Drosdick’s philanthropy also includes the Drosdick Endowed Dean’s Fund, which supports the strategic priorities of the College, and the John G. Drosdick Endowed University Scholarship, aiding engineering students with demonstrated financial need.
Drosdick, a proud Villanova alumnus, expressed his gratitude for his own educational experience and his desire to provide similar opportunities for future students. “I want to make sure that tomorrow’s engineering students have the same transformative experience I had at Villanova. This new building will create these opportunities for our future engineers,” he said.
Construction began in 2022 on the 150,000-square-foot addition to the primary academic building of the College of Engineering. More than doubling the size of the existing facility, the expansion aims to elevate the academic and student experience. It will offer improved and expanded research facilities focusing on interdisciplinary connections, as well as state-of-the-art instruction spaces for hands-on, problem-oriented, team-based learning.
Michele Marcolongo, PhD, Drosdick Endowed Dean of the College of Engineering, envisages the new hall as a hub for innovation. “Drosdick Hall will serve as a crossroads for innovation for Villanova Engineering students, faculty, and staff, and transform the educational experience for the mid-century and beyond,” she said.
When it opens in Fall 2024, Drosdick Hall will house the Villanova Engineering community under one roof. Designed to foster connections and facilitate collaborative discovery, the expansion will offer increased space for innovative teaching and learning. It will also provide over 20 new engineering labs, furthering the College’s commitment to interdisciplinary research. This monumental project symbolizes the fusion of philanthropy and education, paving the way for future engineers in the Greater Philadelphia area.
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