Villanova Track & Field receives $2 million gift

Somewhat hidden in the announcement of Robert F. Moran's generous $7 million donation to his alma mater was the news that $2 million of the gift will be credited toward the Track and Field program. The balance of the gift will establish a named  Center for Global Leadership at the School of Business. The gift was made in response to the University's Comprehensive Capital Campaign.

Moran is the former Chairman and CEO of PetSmart, Inc., a national pet supply retailer. He is currently a member of the Board of Directors for Hanesbrands, Inc., and GNC Holdings, as well as a recently-elected Trustee of Villanova University.

"I attribute a significant amount of my success to the great education I received at Villanova University," said Moran in his statement. "I feel that my 16 years of working internationally helped drive my future success and I want to pass along that same opportunity to VSB students.

"In addition, track and field has always been a major passion of mine and I'm hoping with this donation, we can continue striving for excellence with Villanova's great program. Together with Coach Marcus O'Sullivan, we have a vision to make Villanova one of the preeminent track and field programs in the country."

Moran is described as a life-long track and field afficionado, and he sits on the board of the USA Track & Field Foundation. His gift is designed to support the Villanova program's development and growth, generally.

"Bob brings a whole new dimension to our program and it is not just financial," stated Marcus O'Sullivan, Director of Track and Field/Cross Country at Villanova. "He brings vision and excitement to the Villanova Track and Field teams. Bob truly understands what we are trying to accomplish here and wants to be a part of our dream."

Hat-tip to Villanova Running

Villanova Alum Robert Moran donates $2,000,000 to Nova's track & field program! Part of $7,000,000 gift to university http://t.co/MmMnSA3cod

— Run Nova (@RunNova) March 12, 2014