Villanova University is financially poised to make planned upgrades to its main campus, with a promise from its president, Rev. Peter M. Donohue, that those upgrades will be for everyone.

“We need to provide ways to give people access to this institution, people that really want to be a part of Villanova and be a part of this educational environment,” Donohue said. “…Otherwise, you’re going to become something that is only for people that can afford it and for the elite. That’s not who we are and that’s not what we should be and it’s not what we will be.”

The Catholic university has a 10-year plan for its campus backed by a $1.2 billion comprehensive capital campaign, writes Ryan Mulligan for Philadelphia Business Journal.

Included are renovations to Jake Nevin Field House, built in 1932, described as “the main center of athletic activity on campus.”

Donohue also hopes to see a devoted recreation center for students not participating in varsity or club sports.

Another high-priority project is a new welcome center for admissions operations, and a new bookstore.

The school recently opened an engineering building addition, Drosdick Hall.  The $150 million Falvey Library opens in 2027.

Read about how Villanova University is paying for the upgrades in the Philadelphia Business Journal.