Alumni Briefs

Noble Mission

For decades, Steve Callanen ’63 ME made it his mission to honor all the Villanovans who lost their lives in the Vietnam War. Now, with support from colleagues and the University, those alumni have been recognized with a plaque on display at Falvey Library. With assistance from the Library, Callanen cross-checked NROTC records and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial website, identifying 14 alumni who had enlisted either while attending Villanova or after graduation. The memorial plaque honoring those men is displayed at Falvey Library next to Villanova’s 73 “Gold Stars” from World War II. Callanen, who spent hundreds of volunteer hours on the project, created and funded the memorial himself, exemplifying Villanova’s Augustinian Catholic values of Veritas, Unitas, Caritas. “Everything that I did was purely volunteer,” he says. “This was a labor of love.”

A Lifetime Dedicated to Engineering

Frank Falcone, PE, ’70 CE, ’73 MSCE (above, with blue tie), the College of Engineering’s director of Professional Development and Experiential Education, was named the recipient of the 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award from the Delaware County Chapter of the Pennsylvania Society of Professional Engineers (PSPE).

Professor Falcone’s career at Villanova spans over 40 years, beginning in 1974. In his role, Professor Falcone leads the College’s award-winning professional development program, Career Compass. He is also a military veteran, having spent 30 years of combined active and reserve serving in the US Navy, where he earned the rank of captain and retired in 2000.

“I firmly believe that the greatest and most important thing that one generation can do is to teach the next generation,” Professor Falcone says. “I hope that I’ve participated in that valuable quest.”

Innovation and Inspiration

JoAnn Garbin ’98 ME (above, right) returned to campus in February to host a discussion and sign copies of her book, The Insider’s Guide to Innovation @ Microsoft. Garbin is a sustainability and technology entrepreneur who formerly served as director of innovation in Microsoft’s cloud business.

While in Drosdick Hall, she also received a surprise visit from Will D. Cat, who joined Garbin and Drosdick Endowed Dean Michele Marcolongo, PhD, PE, for a photo. As an undergraduate, Garbin elevated the role of Villanova’s beloved mascot—and even played a part in naming him.

Honoring Distinguished Alumni

In November, the College of Engineering celebrated the accomplishments of 12 alumni who have shown remarkable dedication to the College and the community. This special recognition occurred during the 47th Villanova University Engineering Alumni Society Dinner, hosted at Drosdick Hall. William “Bill” Webster ’75 CE received the College’s highest honor, the J. Stanley Morehouse Award, which acknowledges exceptional leadership within the engineering field. Renowned for his strategic vision, Webster has made significant contributions to the nuclear industry, playing a key role in shaping policies that ensure the safe, efficient operation of nuclear facilities worldwide.