80s Rewind Parent Auction
A Night to Remember!
The 80s Rewind Parent Auction was a huge success, bringing our community together for a night of nostalgia, music, and generosity. With the support of our incredible parents, sponsors, alumni, and attendees, we raised over $115,000 to benefit our school programs!
Guests enjoyed an evening filled with throwback fashion, iconic 80s hits, and lively bidding, all while reminiscing about the unforgettable decade. The energy was electric, the dance floor was packed, and the spirit of giving was truly inspiring. New school president Jim Link was in attendance, fully embracing the theme in a retro powder blue tuxedo, while headmaster Brian Grisin rocked a headbanger outfit. The DJ had a long list of requested songs, and everyone was eager to show off their iconic dance moves—faculty member Brian Roney was even last seen doing splits on the floor!
The auctioneer, Jewels Eubanks P '28, took the live auction to new heights. One of the night's biggest surprises was Fr. Manny’s authentic Pakistani dinner, which alone raised over $5,000. Other highly sought-after auction items included two sets of The Voice tickets for a live taping of the popular show, a Sonoma Weekend Getaway, and floor-section tickets for the Lakers vs. Rockets game. The excitement in the room was visible as guests competed for these incredible experiences, making it a truly unforgettable night. With Jewels' humor and passion, he raised the energy in the room and drove up bids, ultimately helping us raise an impressive amount for the cause.
A huge thank you to everyone who participated, sponsored, donated, and helped make this event possible. Your support makes a lasting impact, and we can't wait to do it again next year! Until then, keep rocking the 80s spirit!
Michael Wilson '59
"A Legacy of Excellence in Film Production"
Bridging
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has awarded the Irving G. Thalberg Memorial Award to producers Michael G. Wilson ’59 and Barbara Broccoli at the Governors Awards on November 17 in Hollywood.
The Irving G. Thalberg Memorial Award, an Oscar® statuette, is presented to creative producers “whose body of work reflects a consistently high quality of motion picture production.”
Academy President Janet Yang praised them for their impact on cinema, calling their work “a testament to their success as producers of the fan-favorite Bond series.”
Michael and his sister Barbara have successfully produced the James Bond film series, including Skyfall, Casino Royale, and No Time to Die. They have also supported independent films and charitable causes through the Broccoli Foundation. They are directors of the Broccoli Foundation, founded by Dana and Albert R. (Cubby) Broccoli to support the arts, medicine, and education. Cubby Broccoli received the Thalberg Award in 1981, and Barbara Broccoli is the second woman to receive the award.
Michael graduated from Villanova Class of 1959. A Harvey Mudd engineering graduate, he also received a Juris Doctor from Stanford Law School. He worked for the Department of Transportation before joining Surrey & Morse, where he became a partner specializing in international tax and business transactions before transferring to EON Productions in 1972. In addition to producing and co-writing Bond films, Michael is a leading expert on 19th-century photography and directs the Wilson Centre for Photography, one of the world’s largest private photography collections. A fellow of the Science Museum London, he is a trustee for several organizations, including Harvey Mudd College and the Carnegie Institution for Science. With Barbara, he was awarded an Order of the British Empire in Her Majesty the Queen’s New Year Honours List 2008 for services to the film industry. Together they received the David O. Selznick Achievement Award in Theatrical Motion Pictures in 2014. Michael also received the Harvey Mudd College Lifetime Recognition Award in 2020.
From the Harvey Mudd College News
Watch his acceptance video HERE
Upcoming Mixer Events
Spring of 2025
Tucson, AZ POSTPONED
Phoenix, AZ POSTPONED
Camarillo, CA April 7, 2025
Hong Kong, China April 8, 2025
Shanghai, China April 10, 2025
Taichung, Taiwan April 12, 2025
April 14, 2025
REGISTER for Reunion June 21, 2025
Young Alumni Mixer Brings Recent Graduates Together at the New Taylor Student Center
This past December, just before the holiday season, Villanova hosted its first-ever Young Alumni Mixer at the brand-new Taylor Student Center. The event welcomed graduates from the past five years, offering a fantastic opportunity to reconnect, share experiences, and expand professional networks.
Attendees had the chance to mingle with fellow alumni, share experiences from college, and discuss their career journeys in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. The mixer fostered meaningful conversations and strengthened the alumni community, helping young professionals build lasting connections that extend beyond their time at VPS.
Fr. Barnaby Johns, Headmaster Brian Grisin, and former faculty member Tim Bunce joined the festivities, enjoying the chance to reconnect with former students. They enjoyed hearing about what alumni are up to these days and catching up on their latest adventures. It was a night of nostalgia and new connections, proving that the bond with the school lasts long after graduation.
Events like the Young Alumni Mixer are invaluable in strengthening the Villanova alumni network. We look forward to making this an annual tradition and seeing even more alumni at future gatherings!
Would you like to inspire the next generation as a Career Day speaker?
Please email Stella Day at sday@villanovaprep.org for more information.
Villanova recently celebrated the Blessing and Dedication of the new Taylor Student Center, a space designed to support students in their academic and personal growth. This special occasion honored alumni parents Richard and Kriss Taylor P '86 for their incredible generosity in making this dream a reality.
The Taylor Student Center is a vital place where students can receive counseling, study, and unwind, fostering academic success and well-being. In addition to student use, the center has already become a welcoming space for parent and alumni gatherings, further strengthening the Villanova community.
Following the blessing and dedication, visiting board members and administration gathered for a formal lunch, marking a meaningful day of gratitude and celebration. We look forward to seeing this space continue to enrich the lives of our students for years to come!