On Friday, February 10, Villanova’s Sports and Entertainment Law Journal hosted a symposium titled, Examining Moneyball’s Impact on Business and Sports. Over 1,500 people attended the event, which may be viewed in its entirety by clicking here.
While all the invited speakers are all-stars, Jeffrey S. Moorad VSL ’81, vice chairman and CEO of the San Diego Padres, stole the show. Moorad announced his commitment of $5 million to Villanova Law School for the creation of a new Center for the Study of Sports Law. The donation should go a long way in making Villanova one of the most desirable law schools for those interested in studying legal issues in sports.
The following is part of Villanova’s official press release concerning Moorad’s donation:
Villanova, Pa. – Villanova University School of Law (VSL) announced today that Jeffrey S. Moorad VSL ’81, the vice chairman and CEO of the San Diego Padres, has committed $5 million for the creation of the new Jeffrey S. Moorad Center for the Study of Sports Law. The landmark gift, which marks the largest in VSL’s history, was officially announced at the 2012 Villanova Sports and Entertainment Law Journal Symposium. Headlined and conceived by Moorad, the event featured an all-star panel of baseball experts including Oakland A’s General Manager Billy Beane, subject of the book and Oscar-nominated film Moneyball, former New York Mets General Manager and current San Diego Padres Senior Vice President Omar Minaya and MSNBC President Phil Griffin, discussing the impact of “Moneyball” on sports and business. Former Pennsylvania Governor Edward G. Rendell VSL ’68 moderated.
“This transformative gift will add to the continued academic excellence of the Villanova University School of Law and serve as a fitting legacy to Jeff Moorad’s loyalty to his alma mater,” said The Rev. Peter M. Donohue, OSA, PhD, President of Villanova University. “The extraordinary support of alumni like Jeff is a reminder that the strong sense of community fostered at Villanova extends far beyond the boundaries of our campus.”
The Jeffrey S. Moorad Center for the Study of Sports Law, named in recognition of Moorad’s leadership gift, is one of only a handful of institutes in the U.S. dedicated to the study of sports law. VSL’s new Center will prepare students for careers in amateur and professional sports through rigorous academic study, innovative programs, internship opportunities, scholarship and research. Located near Philadelphia, home to one of professional and amateur sports most dedicated fan bases and largest media markets, Villanova University School of Law is situated along the Northeast corridor in close proximity to several major sports markets including New York City, Baltimore, and Washington, D.C.
“The Villanova University School of Law provided a foundation for me to pursue my dream of coupling a traditional law degree with a career in sports,” said Mr. Moorad. “I’ve always believed it’s most important to give back, and, at this stage of my career, am excited to provide for this new Center for Sports Law. It’s my hope that the ambitions of young law students and legal scholars who share my passion for sports will be furthered and that Villanova will become synonymous with the study of sports law.”
“The commitment of alumni like Jeffrey Moorad helps sustain and strengthen the excellence of Villanova University,” remarked Mike O’Neill, Vice President for University Advancement. “Jeff has achieved remarkable success in his career and it is a testament to both Villanova University and his leadership and dedication to the school that he has chosen to give back with such a meaningful gift.”
“As we begin this exciting new chapter in our history, it is extraordinary to have the support and guidance of an industry leader and innovator such as Jeff Moorad,” said John Gotanda, Dean of the Villanova University School of Law. “Villanova Law students have long displayed their interest in this field and, through Jeff’s generosity, they will now have the opportunity to follow in his footsteps, training to become the next generation of sports executives.”
