Remember. Reconnect. Relive.
The sun shone brightly over Villanova as alumni and their guests from all corners of the country gathered for a momentous occasion: the school’s 100th-anniversary alumni reunion. Board members, former faculty, and parents of alumni joined the celebration. The warm weather enveloped the campus in a comforting embrace, drawing in more than 500 guests—an unprecedented turnout that spoke volumes about the impact Villanova had on generations of students.
Laughter and excitement filled the air as friends reconnected and shared memories of late-night study sessions, spirited debates, and unforgettable moments on campus. The aroma of barbecue wafted through the air, mingling with the chatter and laughter. The food was as delicious as the stories being shared, and everyone was eager to indulge. As the program kicked off, Director of Development Sandi White welcomed everyone to the festivities.
“Today, we celebrate not just our beloved Villanova but also those who have dedicated their lives to shaping it,” Sandi White announced, her voice booming over the cheers. “We are thrilled to honor an exceptional faculty member who has spent four decades here, Mr. Tim Bunce!”
A wave of applause erupted from the crowd, accompanied by a spirited chant of “Mr. Bunce! Mr. Bunce!” As Tim walked to the podium, a wave of nostalgia washed over the alumni. Tim had been a fixture at Villanova, known for his quirky and witty humor, unwavering support to the students and Villanova, infectious enthusiasm for education, and an incredible memory of all alumni names and their class years. He had taught and inspired countless students and mentored many who had gone on to achieve great thing.
Several alumni gave tribute speeches to honor Tim. Tim Deutschman ’23 recalls Tim as someone who genuinely cares about his students. Dianna Wilke ’88, who helped establish the Tim Bunce Endowed Scholarship in 2011, remembers him for having the best Halloween costume each year. Doug Neary ’87 brought his copy of Canterbury Tales, affectionately known as the Book of Bunce, to illustrate Tim’s character by comparing him to some of its memorable characters. Gerry Morton ’91 described Tim as a person of significance and impact, someone who truly made a difference in the lives of his students. The Class of 1990 finished the speech segment with a Canterbury Tales rap song.
With a beaming smile, Tim took the microphone, his voice steady yet filled with emotion. “Thank you, everyone. It’s hard to believe that 40 years have gone by so quickly. Villanova has been more than just a workplace for me; it’s been my home. I’ve had the privilege of watching you grow, succeed, and create your legacies. It has been an honor to be a part of your journeys. Thank you all for the best past life I could have imagined.”
The crowd applauded and chanted once more, some waving their arms and others hooting in appreciation. The memories brought laughter and tears as alumni reflected on their time at Villanova and the lasting mark Tim had left on their lives.
As the day progressed, the festivities continued. Alumni from the Class of 1953 to the most recent Class of 2024 roamed the grounds sharing stories of their paths since graduation and rekindling friendships that had stood the test of time. The reunion felt more like a family gathering than a formal event. The warmth of the sun—both in the weather and the spirit of camaraderie—made it a reunion to remember.
As the event drew to a close, guests began gathering their things, reluctant to leave the moment's magic behind. They exchanged hugs and promises to stay in touch, grateful for the chance to reconnect and celebrate a shared history that would last another century and beyond.
Tim Bunce stood watching the scene unfold with pride and a hint of melancholy. He knew his time at Villanova was coming to an end, but as he looked at the faces of the alumni—now leaders, innovators, and change-makers—he felt a deep sense of fulfillment. Villanova's legacy would continue, fueled by the passion and determination of those who had walked its halls.
As the last remnants of the celebration faded into the afternoon, one thing was clear: Villanova wasn’t just a school; it was a family, and this reunion was a testament to the bonds that would last for generations to come.
See you next year on June 21, 2025.
Two representatives from Villanova, Suzanne Feldman - director of admissions, and Sandi White - director of alumni and development, had the opportunity to visit South Korea, Japan, and China at the beginning of December 2023. They enjoyed a wonderful time meeting with alumni, parents, and potential parents in these areas. A BIG thank you to our hosts: Minsoo Kim `94 P `26 in Seoul, Masato Endo `05 in Tokyo, and Li Xie P `26 in Beijing. Your hospitality was very much appreciated! Also, thank you to all who attended the mixers; it was so nice to meet new faces and become reacquainted with others from previous visits. Please see the photos below from each of these locations.
Wildcats from different class years gathered to meet, mingle, connect, and reconnect at the Model Citizen neighborhood restaurant and cocktail bar. Owners Blake `03 and Derek `00 Ulrich, who also owns Prospect Coffee Roasters, graciously hosted the alumni and their guests.
The event allows alumni and Villanova staff to build real relationships with each other, brainstorm new ideas, and seek out potential. Everyone in the room is connected by a common thread of a Villanova experience, yet different in their life experiences after high school graduation.
Joseph Roulhac `62 was excited to be part of his very first VPS alumni event. "This is really great. Everyone is so welcoming, and it was good to meet some of the alumni," says Joseph." He said he would definitely come to the next VPS event with his wife. Alumni mingle while enjoying fun, unique appetizers and interesting interpretations of classic cocktails that are part of a new dining experience at the restaurant. A group of young alumni from the class of 2000 and younger enthusiastically shared life and work updates till late in the night. Everyone is so excited not just to network but to share their life experience.
Come join us at our next alumni mixer, where hundreds of interactions happen at once, and we build on your Villanova connections for life.
Photo - Ethel Escobar, Kevin Braza `16, and Roberto Escobar `70
What a fantastic turnout for this year’s Alumni BBQ on June 10th! We welcomed over 200 guests with over 41 class years represented, ranging from the class of 1955 to our most recent class of 2023. This year, special recognition was given to our 1973 graduating class for their 50th anniversary.
Wildcats of all ages interacted and enjoyed the day on campus with music, games, drinks, and good food. Current student ambassadors were guiding campus tours. It was great to see Villanova buzzing with activity.
The reunion was a day of fellowship, reconnecting, reminiscing, and storytelling—a continued reminder to cherish the moments of yesterday, today and tomorrow.
Save the date for next year’s Wildcat Reunion on June 22, 2024.
Please call (805) 646-1464 x 166 or email Tim Bunce at tbunce@villanovaprep.org if you have any questions.
See you next year!
What a successful mixer we had at Coopers Hall Tap Room and Winery in Portland, The Vault Garden Alcove in San Francisco, and the Three Sisters in San Jose. These were by far our most well-attended mixer yet and it is great to see our network growing. Everyone seemed to enjoy mingling with old friends and making new contacts while sipping on wine and enjoying the food. These events are the first of our off-campus alumni events (post covid), which may also be one of the reasons why the mixers went on all night, far longer than expected...
Thank you to everyone who attended the event. We loved seeing you at this event and hope to see more of you next year!
If you have news you want to be included in future newsletters or have questions, please email Stella Day at sday@villanovaprep.org.