Poverty And Inequality Focus Of Villanova Alum-Funded Initiative

VILLANOVA, PA — Two Villanova alum have donated $1 million to their alma mater to support research that inquires into poverty and inequality, spurred by experience in public health.

Villanova University announced the interdisciplinary initiative aimed at examining the issues of poverty and inequality and their intersection.

The $1 million gift from Paul A. Tufano, Esq., '83 VSB, '86 CWSL and Christine Tufano '84 CLAS, '86 MA will enhance thought leadership and research across the University to address poverty and inequality, the university said.

Paul Tufano, a former Chair of Villanova's Board of Trustees, is Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the AmeriHealth Caritas Family of Companies — one of the nation's leading Medicaid managed care organizations, headquartered in Philadelphia.

"Paul and Christine personify the very best of Villanova—people who have achieved extraordinary personal and professional success, and have used that success to serve others," said the Rev. Peter M. Donohue, OSA, Ph.D., Villanova University President.

"The Tufanos’ gift is fueling Villanova's longstanding commitment to these issues — derived from our patron saint, St. Thomas of Villanova, known for his great charity to the poor and marginalized — to ignite meaningful, positive change," Donohue added.

Paul Tufano said, "This multi-faceted initiative has been in development for some time and the events of 2020 have only underscored the need to address longstanding inequities that continue to plague our nation. From a public health crisis with economic ripple effects that have disproportionately impacted the working poor, to an overdue national reckoning on racism and racial disparities, we need public policy solutions and we need them now. This is a pivotal time in our nation's history. Christine and I want to raise the public consciousness and, working with Villanova, help to identify and create momentum for innovative solutions."

Tufano has urged others to consider supporting the initiative, as an effective way to drive meaningful change in poverty and inequality at this important hour.

"The millions of people living in poverty in America did not choose to be poor, nor did Black Americans, communities of color, and people with disabilities and differences choose to face discrimination and systemic disparities," added Mr. Tufano.

"Everyone deserves the opportunity to live their own version of the American Dream and this large-scale, university-wide effort will study and innovate at the root causes that have kept that dream out of reach for too many Americans and for too long," added Paul Tufano.

As a result of the Tufanos' gift, Villanova has already created a fellowship position and named Stephanie Sena as the inaugural fellow. A long-time adjunct professor at the University, Sena is also the founder and executive director of the Student-Run Emergency Housing Unit of Philadelphia (SREHUP), a non-profit anti-poverty initiative involving college students, who help to provide shelter, food, housing, and community to individuals experiencing homelessness in Philadelphia. Sena has taught as an adjunct professor in the Department of History and the Center for Peace and Justice Education at Villanova for 17 years, including a course on the History of Homelessness.

"When we discuss poverty, inequality must be part of the conversation," said Mark C. Alexander, JD, the Arthur J. Kania Dean of the Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law.

"Villanova students, faculty and alumni continue to show a passion for the many issues surrounding poverty and inequality, so I can think of no better place to further examine this important topic than at Villanova," said Alexander.

Mr. Tufano was a member of the University's Board of Trustees for 11 years and was its Chair from 2015-2017. He received the St. Thomas of Villanova Medal in 2001— the highest honor bestowed by the Villanova University Alumni Association.