Villanova University Alumni Association Welcomes New Leadership
VILLANOVA, Pa. (June 1, 2026)— The Villanova University Alumni Association (VUAA) has introduced Brian Westbrook ’01 VSB as its new president and Emily Smith Beining ’12 COE as the vice president/secretary of the VUAA Board of Directors. Their terms, spanning two years, will commence in June 2026, following the leadership of Jon Williams ’03 CLAS and Emily Hughes ’11 CLAS, ’12 MA.
Sheila Doherty P ’23, ’25, associate vice president for Alumni Relations, expressed her excitement, stating, “I am delighted to welcome Brian and Emily as our new VUAA Board president and vice president/secretary. Their many professional accomplishments and the continued passion they have for Villanova embody what it truly means to be a part of this community. We’re grateful for their dedication and the perspective they bring to the VUAA Board that enables us to advance Villanova’s Augustinian Catholic mission together.”
The VUAA Board represents a diverse group of 24 members from various class years and colleges, all committed to supporting the university’s objectives. Since its inception in 1875, the VUAA has aimed to maintain a lifelong connection with Villanova University, promoting a sense of belonging through meaningful engagement opportunities that enhance community, foster ongoing learning, and inspire philanthropy. Currently, the VUAA serves over 140,000 alumni globally.
New VUAA President: Brian Westbrook
Brian Westbrook ’01 VSB, a former NFL All-Pro running back, is recognized not only for his accomplishments on the field but also as an entrepreneur and nonprofit leader. His collegiate career at Villanova was marked by the Walter Payton Award and 37 school records, leading to a successful nine-year NFL tenure primarily with the Philadelphia Eagles, featuring two Pro Bowl selections, an All-Pro honor, and a Super Bowl appearance. In 2023, Westbrook was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame.
Beyond sports, Westbrook established the Brian Westbrook Foundation in 2017 to aid youth through education and leadership development. His ventures include Westbrook Project Solutions and BBB Development Inc., focusing on workforce development and affordable housing. As a lifelong horseman, he operates Westbrook Horse Farm in Maryland, merging equestrian training with youth development. Westbrook holds a degree in Management Information Systems from Villanova’s School of Business, along with executive education from Wharton and Columbia Business School.
Dedicated to his alma mater, Westbrook has actively engaged with Villanova through volunteerism and philanthropy. He supports the Villanova University Black Alumni network and Villanova Football and has been part of the VUAA Board for five years. Westbrook’s efforts include fostering a collaboration between Villanova Athletics and the University Career Center to prepare student-athletes for post-graduation life. In 2023, he received the VUAA Loyalty Award, the university’s oldest alumni honor.
New VUAA Vice President/Secretary: Emily Smith Beining
Emily Smith Beining ’12 COE is a mechanical engineering professional with extensive experience in construction project management. As part owner and vice president of Healthcare and Design for Climate Makers, a specialized mechanical construction company in Minneapolis, Minn., Beining has led significant healthcare construction projects, including two million-square-foot hospital facilities.
Graduating cum laude from Villanova with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, Beining is a licensed professional engineer in Minnesota and holds a healthcare construction certification. Her achievements were recognized in 2018 when she was named a Rising Young Professional by Finance & Commerce magazine.
Beining’s connection to Villanova began during her student years, during which she served as New Student Orientation chairperson and president of the College of Engineering’s Student Council. As an alumna, she led the Villanova University Club of the Twin Cities from 2015-2022 and joined the VUAA Board in 2022. Her involvement continues through volunteering with the College of Engineering’s Career Compass program, providing mentorship to students.
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