Villanova University

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Villanova University
Motto:	Veritas, Unitas, Caritas (Truth, Unity, Charity)
Established:	1842
Type:	Private
Religious affiliation:	Roman Catholic (Augustinian)
Endowment:	$335.73 million [1]
President:	Rev. Peter M. Donohue
Faculty:	545
Undergraduates:	6,335
Postgraduates:	3,200
Location:	Villanova Radnor Township, Pennsylvania, USA
Campus:	Suburban, 254 acres (1.028 km²)
Colors:	Blue and white
Mascot:	Wildcat
Website:	www.villanova.edu

Villanova University is a private university located in Radnor Township, a suburb northwest of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in the United States. Founded in 1842 by the Augustinian monastic order, the university can trace its roots to old Saint Augustine's Church in Philadelphia, which the Augustinians founded in 1796, and to its parish school, Saint Augustine's Academy, which was established in 1811. Villanova, named after Saint Thomas of Villanova, is the oldest and largest Catholic university in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.^[1]

Contents 1 History 2 Campus 2.1 Overview 2.2 Environmental commitment 3 Academics 3.1 College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (1842) 3.2 Villanova School of Business (1922) 3.2.1 Undergraduate 3.2.2 Graduate 3.3 College of Engineering (1905) 3.4 College of Nursing (1953) 3.5 School of Law (1953) 4 Student life 4.1 Orientation 4.2 Blue Key Society 4.3 Special Olympics 4.4 Rays of Sunshine 4.5 Greek Life 4.5.1 Sororities 4.5.2 Fraternities 4.5.3 Service Fraternity 4.6 Villanova Emergency Medical Services 4.7 Campus publications and media 4.8 NROTC 4.9 Habitat for Humanity 5 Athletics 5.1 Men's Basketball 5.2 Track and Field 6 Traditions 6.1 The university seal 6.2 The Liberty Bell's "Sister Bell" 6.3 Campus myths 7 People 7.1 Commencement speakers 8 Notes and references 9 See also 10 External links

[edit] History

In October 1841, two Augustinians from Saint Augustine's Church in Philadelphia purchased the 200-acre "Belle Air" estate in Radnor Township with the intention of starting a school. The school, which was called the "Augustinian College of Villanova," opened in 1842. However, the Philadelphia Nativist Riots of 1844 that burned Saint Augustine's Church in Philadelphia caused financial difficulties for the Augustinians, and the college was closed in February 1845. The college reopened in 1846 and graduated its first class in 1847. In March 1848, the governor of Pennsylvania incorporated the school and gave it the power to grant degrees. In 1857, the school closed again as the demand for priests in Philadelphia prevented adequate staffing, and the crisis of the Panic of 1857 strained the school financially. The school remained closed throughout the Civil War and reopened in September 1865; since then it has operated continuously.^[2]

The first great expansion of Villanova began in the late 1890s. Desiring an institution that would "rank among the best in the United States," the college built more classrooms, dormitories, and recreational facilities, and bought instructional equipment.

The School of Technology was established in 1905. In 1915, a two-year pre-medical program was established to help students meet medical schools' new requirements. This led to a four-year pre-medical program, the B.S. in biology, and the founding of the sciences division in 1926.

Villanova was all-male until 1918, when the college began evening classes to educate nuns to teach in parochial schools. In 1938, a laywoman received a Villanova degree for the first time. It was not until the nursing school opened in 1953 that women permanently began attending Villanova full-time. In 1958, the College of Engineering admitted its first female student; other colleges admitted women only as commuters. Villanova University became fully coeducational in 1968.^[2]

After World War II, Villanova expanded, returning veterans swelling enrollments and the faculty growing fourfold. Additional facilities were built and in 1953, the College of Nursing and the School of Law were established. Villanova achieved university status on November 18, 1953. Between 1954 and 1963, 10 new buildings were built or bought on land adjacent to the campus, including Bartley, Mendel, and Dougherty Halls. ^[3]

During the 1970s and 1980s, Villanova worked to become a nationally recognized university. The quality of faculty and students improved dramatically and international studies programs were introduced. Additional residential and recreational facilities were constructed, and efforts to increase the endowment were undertaken.

In the 1980s, endowed chairs were established in theology, philosophy, engineering, and business; scholarship funding was increased, and the curriculum expanded and improved. An extensive building campaign created facilities for the Colleges of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Engineering, Commerce and Finance, and student residences on the south and the west campuses.

Over the history of the university, it has also served as a headquarters of the Augustinian Order in North America, and has provided staff to establish Catholic high schools throughout the United States, such as St. Augustine High School in San Diego, California, which was established in 1922 with teaching staff dispatched from Villanova.^{[citation needed]}

[edit] Campus

Villanova University sits on 254 acres just 12 miles from Philadelphia.^[4] The campus is host to Arboretum Villanova which includes roughly 1,500 trees across campus, including the only known instance of a naturally-growing sequoia east of the Mississippi River.^{[citation needed]}

[edit] Overview

The most prominent feature of the Villanova Campus is St. Thomas of Villanova Church, whose dual spires are Villanova's tallest structure. An important campus crossroads, the Church lies at the head of the path crossing Lancaster Avenue (Route 30) into the parking lots and toward South Campus. As such, it is a popular meeting place for students, and hosts three student-oriented masses on Sunday nights.

Situated behind the Church is Mendel Field, around which sit three major campus buildings: Mendel Hall, Tolentine Hall, and the CEER Building. Opened in 1998, the Center for Engineering Education and Research holds a state-of-the-art engineering lab and classroom facility where Engineering students spend many hours. Tolentine Hall houses classrooms, several academic offices, and computer labs, and is connected to Villanova's monastery, St. Thomas Hall. Mendel Hall, named for pioneering geneticist and Augustinian monk Gregor Mendel, holds numerous science labs, lecture halls, and other facilities. Mendel Hall's two large buildings are connected underground and by a second-floor indoor bridge that forms the gateway between West and Main Campus. In 1998, the college commissioned a 7-foot bronze sculpture of Mendel by Philadelphia sculptor James Peniston, and installed it outside the hall's entrance.^[5]

Slightly east of Mendel Field sits The Grotto, a landscaped haven between Falvey Library and two residence halls, Corr Hall and Alumni Hall. Often home to outdoor masses and other large gatherings, the Grotto is sometimes perfect for quiet contemplation. Falvey Library, the campus's main research library, houses over 1,000,000 books, thousands of periodicals, television production studios, and quiet places for solitary or group study.^[6]

East of Corr Hall sits Kennedy Hall, which houses the Campus's bookstore. Across a small courtyard is Dougherty hall, home to "The Pit", one of three all-you-can-eat facilities on campus, as well as a few smaller eateries. Next to Kennedy is Connelly Center, the Student Union. With radically different architecture, the Connelly Center contains a multitude of eating places, meeting places, areas for group study, the cinema, as well as several ATM machines and a candy store.

Between the eating halls of Dougherty and the meeting halls of Connelly is "The Oreo." A large black-and-white sculpture by Jay Dugan, some of the major campus celebrations have occurred in its circular shadow -- including celebratory vandalism in the wake of the 1985 NCAA Men's Basketball Championship. Sitting just west of The Quad, The Awakening (as it is officially known) has served as a major meeting place at the heart of the campus for generations of Villanovans.

Still further east, The Quad is bordered by Sheehan and Sullivan residence halls, and Bartley Hall, home to the College of Business. Bartley is also situated near the other entrance to South Campus. Sitting diagonally across Lancaster Ave. and Ithan Ave., South Campus is home to several residence halls -- usually reserved for underclassmen -- and Donahue Hall, home to "The Spit". Short for "South Pit", Donahue hall also houses Donahue Market.

Situated north and west of Mendel hall is West Campus, home to St. Mary's Hall, the West Campus Apartments and the Law School. St. Mary's, a labyrinthine building of classrooms, residence rooms, a cafeteria, and large chapel, was originally built as a seminary, but is now home to the School of Nursing. Behind St. Mary's sit the Apartments -- eight buildings that house junior and senior resident students.

[edit] Environmental commitment

In May 2007, the University’s president signed the American College & University Presidents Climate Commitment. The ACUPCC is dedicated to the critical research and education needed to end global warming. The new College of Nursing and the new School of Law are being built according to Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)-certified specifications.

On November 16, 2007, the College of Engineering unveiled a new Solar Electric System atop its Center for Engineering Education and Research (CEER), providing up to 4,000 watts of power to offset utility-supplied power for the CEER building.^[7]

[edit] Academics

For more than a decade, Villanova University has been ranked #1 by U.S. News and World Report in the Best Universities-Masters category in the northern region. Villanova has several highly regarded academic programs, including an engineering school that is ranked #9 among undergraduate engineering programs whose highest degree is a masters by U.S. News and World Report. The School of Business was ranked #12 in the 2007 Business Week rankings of undergraduate business schools,^[8] #87 in the 2006 U.S. News and World Report rankings of undergraduate business schools, and #29 in the Financial Times' ranking of top executive MBA programs.^[9] Villanova University School of Law is ranked as a Top Law School by the 2008 edition of U.S. News & World Report's "Best Graduate Schools," placing 68th overall.^[10]. In December 2006, PC Magazine and The Princeton Review ranked Villanova #1 in its review of top "wired colleges" in the United States.^[11] The College of Nursing has been designated a Center of Excellence in Nursing Education by the National League for Nursing in 2004 and again in 2007. ^[12]

Villanova University offers bachelor's, master's, doctoral, and professional programs through its five divisions:

[edit] College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (1842) Dean: Kail Ellis, O.S.A., Ph.D. Applied Statistics (M.S.) Art History (B.A.) Astronomy & Astrophysics (B.S.) Biology (B.S., M.A., M.S.) Chemistry (B.S., M.S.) Classical Studies (B.A., M.A.) Communication (B.A., M.A.) Comprehensive Science (B.S.) Computer Science (B.S., M.S.) Counseling & Human Relations (M.S.) Criminal Justice (M.A.) Economics (B.A.) Education (M.A.) Education, Secondary (B.S.) English (B.A., M.A.) French (B.A.) Geography (B.A.) German (B.A.) Hispanic Studies (M.A.) History (B.A., M.A.) Honors Program (B.A., B.S.) Humanities (B.A.) Human Resource Development (M.S.) Human Services (B.A.) Information Science (B.S.) Italian (B.A.) Liberal Arts (B.A.) Liberal Studies (M.A.) Mathematics (B.S., M.A.) Philosophy (B.A., M.A., Ph.D.) Physics (B.S.) Political Science (B.A., M.A.) Psychology (B.A., M.S.) Public Administration (M.S.) Sociology (B.A.) Spanish (B.A., M.A.) Theatre (M.A.) Theology (B.A., M.A.)

[edit] Villanova School of Business (1922) Dean: James M. Danko [edit] Undergraduate Accounting (B.S.) Business Administration (B.S.) Finance International Business Co-Major Management Management Information Systems (MIS) Marketing Economics (B.S.) [edit] Graduate Full Time Equivalent M.B.A. Professional M.B.A. Master in Accountancy and Professional Consultancy (M.A.C.) Master of Technology Management (M.T.M.) M.S. in Finance (M.S.F.) Executive M.B.A. [edit] College of Engineering (1905) Dean: Gary Gabriele, PhD Chemical Engineering (B.S., M.S.) Civil Engineering (B.S., M.S.) Computer Engineering (B.S., M.S.) Electrical Engineering (B.S., M.S.) Mechanical Engineering (B.S., M.S.) Transportation Engineering(M.S.) Water Resources & Environmental Engineering (M.S.) Interdisciplinary Doctoral Program (Ph.D.) [edit] College of Nursing (1953) Dean: M. Louise Fitzpatrick, EdD, RN, FAAN Nursing (B.A., M.A., Ph.D.) [edit] School of Law (1953) Dean: Mark A. Sargent J.D. J.D./LL.M. in Law and Taxation J.D./M.B.A. with School of Business J.D./Ph.D. in Law and Psychology with Drexel University Health Sciences LL.M. in Taxation

[edit] Student life

Villanova's student organizations include standard club sports, cultural organizations, Greek-letter fraternities and sororities, and more.^[13] Villanova students participate in charitable and philanthropic activities and organizations, including the largest student-run Special Olympics in the world.^[14]

[edit] Orientation

The New Student Orientation Program is one of the most successful student run programs on campus. With over 30 years of tradition, the program has evolved into a four day program where 25 new students are assigned to an Orientation Counselor or "O.C." The "O.C." leads the 25 students to various programs and activities that discuss topics such as diversity, academics, athletics, sexual awareness, the Philadelphia Area, and student concerns.^[15] Every year hundreds of student apply to be an "O.C."or an "A.A." (Administrative Assistant) with only a limited number of students being accepted. The program is run by a staff director, a student chairperson, a student administrative coordinator, and a student steering committee.^[16]

[edit] Blue Key Society

The Blue Key Society is Villanova’s completely volunteer-based group of campus tour guides, who work with the Admissions Office to coordinate all campus tours and both Early Action and Regular Action Candidates’ Day. The group of over 250 student tour guides is responsible for giving three daily tours each weekday, various special tours as needed and several weekend tours throughout each semester. The members also serve as tour guides when the individual academic colleges hold their respective open houses. Although tour lengths vary since each member is free to design his or her own unique path, campus tours are typically around one and a half hours long. New members, who must be freshman, sophomores or juniors, are chosen early each Fall through a two round interview and recruitment process. Accepted members are officially welcomed into the Society after ‘shadowing’ several current members’ tours and attending various development seminars. The Blue Key Society is one of Villanova's most visible on-campus organizations, due in large amount to the nature of its responsibilities. ^[17]

[edit] Special Olympics

The Special Olympics Fall Festival at Villanova University is the largest and most successful student run Special Olympics in the nation. With 20 years of hosting the Fall Festival at Villanova University, students apply to be apart of the student committee responsible for planning the Fall Festival held every year. The Special Olympics Fall Festival, run by 80 student committee members, draws more than 1,000 athletes, 400 coaches from 44 Pennsylvania counties, making it one of the largest in the nation. Special Olympics Fall Festival attracts 2,500 student volunteers and over 1,000 volunteers from the Villanova community. The student committee members are volunteers who work for over nine months planning the festival alongside with Special Olympics Pennsylvania (SOPA).^[14] Athletes may advance through the festival to regional and international competition. The festival is one of more than 300 statewide events overseen by Special Olympics Pennsylvania.

[edit] Rays of Sunshine

Formerly known as Project Sunshine, The Office of Community Service, commonly called "Rays of Sunshine", is a student-led community service organization dedicated to reaching out to all kinds of communities with kindness and compassion. Through tutoring, mentoring, or visiting the elderly, sick, and disabled, Rays of Sunshine works to "bring some sunshine" into the lives of others.^[18]

[edit] Greek Life

Villanova University hosts a number of Greek letter organizations, including eleven fraternities, ten sororities, and one service fraternity. The first Greek organization at the school was established in 1902 as a social organization and circle of individuals interested in classical studies.^[19] Approximately 15% of Villanova students belong to Greek organizations.^[20] Unlike many major universities, no Greek letter organizations on the Villanova campus have fraternity or sorority houses.

[edit] Sororities National Panhellenic Conference Sororities Kappa Delta Alpha Chi Omega Alpha Delta Pi Delta Delta Delta Pi Beta Phi Delta Gamma Chi Omega Kappa Kappa Gamma Alpha Phi National Pan-Hellenic Council Sorority Alpha Kappa Alpha

[edit] Fraternities North-American Interfraternity Conference Fraternities Phi Sigma Kappa Sigma Nu Phi Gamma Delta Delta Tau Delta Sigma Alpha Epsilon Beta Theta Pi Sigma Chi Sigma Phi Epsilon Lambda Chi Alpha Pi Kappa Alpha National Pan-Hellenic Council Fraternity Kappa Alpha Psi National Association of Latino Fraternal Organizations Fraternity Phi Iota Alpha

[edit] Service Fraternity

The Sigma Eta chapter of Alpha Phi Omega meets weekly on Villanova's campus. The goal of this organization is to promote its motto "Friendship, Leadership, and Service." APO is the Nation's Largest Collegiate Fraternity with more than 17,000 members at 361 campuses. The Villanova Chapter does various service projects throughout the year both on and off campus.^[21] Some service events include school clean ups through Philly Cares Day, working at soup kitchens and tutoring children in Math and Science at Philadelphia public schools.

[edit] Villanova Emergency Medical Services

Villanova Emergency Medical Services (VEMS), is a student-run ambulance service licensed and dedicated to serving the campus community. VEMS membership consists of more than 40 undergraduate student volunteers; the majority of whom are certified as Emergency Medical Technicians, volunteering more than 25,000 hours annually. Villanova is one of only a handful of colleges to provide EMS services to their campus, and one of only 52 who provide emergency response and transport to at least the Basic Life Support (BLS) Level.^[22] VEMS has been recognized on a national level multiple times by the National Collegiate EMS Foundation, specifically being named 2001 Campus Organization of the Year and receiving EMS website of the year in 2000, 2004, and 2006. VEMS hosted the yearly NCEMSF Conference in Philadelphia in 2004. ^[23]

[edit] Campus publications and media

The Villanovan has been the officially recognized and accredited student newspaper since its founding in 1916. The newspaper of record of Villanova University, the tabloid-sized weekly produces usually 12 issues per semester at a circulation of 6,500 copies.^[24] The paper's awards include 2nd Place for Tabloid Feature Cover from the Columbia Scholastic Press Association's Collegiate Circle (2007); Certificate of Merit for Editorial Writing from the Columbia Scholastic Press Association's Collegiate Circle (2007); Certificate of Merit for portfolio of work in the Feature Photograph category from the Columbia Scholastic Press Association's Collegiate Circle (2007); Pennsylvania Newspaper Association's Keystone Award for Best Feature Story; and 1st Place with Special Merit and Outstanding Sports Coverage from the American Scholastic Press Association.^{[citation needed]}

Villanova Times, an alumni-funded bi-weekly student newspaper, won the 2005-2006 Collegiate Network Award for Layout and Design.^{[citation needed]}

WVTV (Villanova), the student-run campus television station, resides at channel 17. Starting in 1999 as the the Villanova TV Production Club, the station has produced news, events, films and other programming for the Villanova community.^[25]

WXVU, the student-operated FM radio station, operates at 89.1 megahertz. With an output of 75 watts, WXVU can be heard in an 8-mile radius around the campus. Since 1991, the station has supplied the Villanova community with a varied program of music, news, sports, public affairs, and specialty programming.^[26]

POLIS Literary Magazine, a student publication printed once a semester, features writing and artwork by Villanova students and professors. Each issue features creative nonfiction, poetry, short fiction, and black-and-white photography focusing on a central theme.^[27] Each issue also features articles on literature, entertainment, and dining.

[edit] NROTC

Villanova is home to a Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC) program which has commissioned more U.S. Navy admirals and Marine Corps generals than any institution but the U.S. Naval Academy. ^[28] In 2004, the commanders of both U.S. Naval Forces Atlantic and U.S. Naval Forces Pacific were Villanova NROTC graduates.^{[citation needed]}

[edit] Habitat for Humanity

Villanova students participate in charitable organizations and service trips in the U.S. and abroad. In 2004, Villanova had more participants in the Habitat for Humanity Collegiate Challenge than any other U.S. university. ^[29]

[edit] Athletics

Villanova University's varsity men's athletics programs include baseball, basketball, cross country running, football, golf, lacrosse, soccer, swimming and diving, and tennis, track and field. Women's varsity athletics programs include basketball, cross country running, field hockey, lacrosse, rowing, soccer, softball, swimming and diving, tennis, track and field, volleyball, and water polo.^[30]

Sports teams participate in the NCAA's Division I and in the Big East Conference, except for football and lacrosse. Football and Men's Lacrosse play in the Colonial Athletic Association. Women's lacrosse plays in the Patriot League. The Wildcats are also part of the Philadelphia Big 5, the traditional Philadelphia-area basketball rivalry. Their fiercest city rivalry is with St. Joseph's University which is locally called the "Holy War"

[edit] Men's Basketball

Main article: Villanova Wildcats men's basketball

In 1985, under the direction of coach Rollie Massimino, the men's basketball team won the national championship in the first year of the 64-team field. The final game, against defending champion and ten-point-favorite Georgetown, is often cited among the greatest upsets in college basketball history. ^[31] In 2005, under the direction of coach Jay Wright, Villanova's men's basketball team reached the NCAA Tournament Sweet 16, losing to #1 seed and eventual champion North Carolina by 1 point on a disputed traveling call on Allan Ray. In 2005-2006, the team began the year ranked #4 in the major polls from USA Today and the Associated Press. A 75-62 loss to eventual champion Florida ended the team's run for a second NCAA championship in the Regional Final. This team was led by a unique type of lineup designed by coach Jay Wright. He used a four guard set for most of the season. Allan Ray, Randy Foye, Kyle Lowry, and Mike Nardy were the four guards. In the 2006-2007 season, the Wildcats had a record of 22-11, and lost to Kentucky in the first round of the 2007 tournament. In 2008, they were eliminated by the top-seeded, eventual champion Kansas Jayhawks in the Sweet 16, after upsetting the fifth seeded Clemson Tigers in the 1st round and defeating the thirteenth seeded Siena Saints in the 2nd round.

The Wildcats home venues include the on-campus 6,500 seat Pavilion for smaller attendance games, as well as the larger, 21,600 seat Wachovia Center at the Philadelphia sports complex. The February 13, 2006 meeting between Villanova and the University of Connecticut set the record for the highest attendance at a college basketball game in Pennsylvania with 20,859.^[32]

[edit] Track and Field

Villanova University's Track and Field team has a long history of athletic success that has spanned from Big East Conference Championships to NCAA Championships.^[33]

The Men's Team has produced 69 NCAA Championships, 36 Indoor and 33 Outdoor. The team has had 8 NCAA team Championships (4 Cross Country, 3 Indoor, 1 Outdoor). Villanova has produced 28 athletes who have made appearances in the Olympics, 10 of whom have medaled (7 Gold medals, 3 Silver medals). Villanova hopefuls for the 2008 Summer Olympics include alumnus Adrian Blincoe, and senior Robert Curtis. The men's team has also won 112 Penn Relay Championships, which stands as the most wins by any school. The men's current coaches include head coach, Marcus O'Sullivan, and assistant head coach, Anthony Williams.^[33]

The Women's team has also had a multitude of success, producing 10 Big East team Championships and 7 NCAA team Championships. They have also produced 7 Olympians including Vicki Huber, Sonia O'Sullivan, Kim Certain, Kate Fonshell, Jen Rhines, Carmen Douma, and Carrie Tollefson. Olympic hopefuls for the 2008 Summer Olympics include alumna Marina Muncan. The Women's team has won 28 Penn Relay Championships, which is the most wins by any women's team. The current women's coaches include head coach, Gina Procaccio, and assistant head coach, Anthony Williams.^[33]

[edit] Traditions

[edit] The university seal

An adaptation of the seal of the Order of St. Augustine, the seal of Villanova University is one of the campus's most ubiquitous images, adorning everything from buildings to chairs to backpacks.^[34] A ribbon carries the University motto: Veritas, Unitas, Caritas (Truth, Unity, and Charity), virtues to which every member of the Villanova community should aspire. A book symbolizes Augustine's dedication to education and the New Testament where he found Christianity. A cincture is part of the habit worn by members of the Order of Saint Augustine. Hovering above is the flaming heart, symbol of Augustine's search for God and his love of neighbors. Behind the book is the crosier — a staff traditionally held by a Bishop — commemorating Augustine's service as Bishop of Hippo. Above and behind the book are two crosses, symbolic of Augustine's conversion and the University's commitment to Christianity. Framing the central portion of the seal is a laurel wreath exemplifying victory through the pursuit of knowledge, and 1842 is the year of the University's founding. Surrounding the seal is the incorporated fide of the University: Universitas Villanova In Statu Pennsylvaniae.

[edit] The Liberty Bell's "Sister Bell"

Villanova University is also home to the Liberty Bell's "Sister Bell," the replacement bell ordered from the Whitechapel Bell Foundry after the original bell cracked in 1753. ^[35] This new bell was installed at the Pennsylvania State House (Independence Hall), and attached to the State House clock. The Sister Bell rang the hours until the late 1820s, when the bell was removed during a renovation and loaned to the Olde St. Augustine Church in Philadelphia. In 1829, the bell was hung in a new cupola and tower designed by architect William Strickland. There it remained until May 8, 1844, when it was destroyed, along with the Olde St. Augustine Church, during the Philadelphia Nativist Riots. The friars of St. Augustine had the "Sister Bell" recast and transferred to Villanova University. ^[35]

At the university's centennial celebration, the bell was rung by Archbishop Dennis Joseph Dougherty to open the ceremonies. In 1954, the bell was displayed as part of an exhibit at Gimbels department store in Philadelphia that focused on the growth and development of the university. ^[36] The Sister Bell is currently enshrined in the Falvey Memorial Library on Villanova's campus. ^{[35] [36]}

[edit] Campus myths

A number of legends are spread around campus by students. Some of these include the existence of secret tunnels and catacombs under campus, the haunting of some of the older dormitories (sometimes linked to their use as hospitals during the Civil War),^[3] and speculation over the existence of an entire wing of St. Mary's Hall which is completely blocked off.

The three buildings most commonly discussed as being haunted are Alumni Hall (located by St. Thomas of Villanova church on the main campus), St. Mary's Hall and Dundale (both located on the west campus).

Alumni Hall dates back to 1848 and stands as one of the oldest structures on campus. The school was closed in 1861 due to the Civil War and reopened in 1865. In that time this hall is believed to have been used as a military hospital and potential evidence of that use, such as a pulley located at the top of the main stairwell for moving bodies up and down, can still be seen. The building was used as a hospital again for influenza patients after World War I.^[3] This history has led to rumors that the building is haunted.

St. Mary's Hall was built in 1962 and served as an Augustinian Seminary until 1972.^{[citation needed]} Laid out with long corridors and over a thousand rooms, there is a large chapel and many partial floors, basements and sub-basements to feed the legends of blocked off wings.^[3]

The property on which Dundale Hall is located was originally purchased by an industrialist, Israel Morris II, in 1874, and was built as a mansion for his family. Purchased from his family in 1978, it has been used for a variety of meetings and is home to several offices. On more than a handful of occasions, the school's Public Safety officers have been called out late at night to investigate lights in the building coming on inexplicably.^[3]

[edit] People

Main article: List of alumni of Villanova University

Villanova University has fathered several notable alumni.

Golden Globe-nominated actress Maria Bello got her first taste of the stage in a production at Vasey Hall. Actor and Coen Brothers favorite Jon Polito has garnered both stage and screen awards, and NFL Hall of Famer, longtime FOX commentator and feature film actor Howie Long graduated in 1982. Tim Hauser, founder of Manhattan Transfer, Jim Croce, and Don McLean have all been prominent members of the musical tradition at Villanova. David Rabe had his first premier for In the Boom Boom Room at Vasey Hall.

In addition to current Pennsylvania Governor and Democratic luminary Ed Rendell, Villanova has produced several military and governmental officials. Wife to the governor and federal judge for the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit, Marjorie Rendell, is also a graduate. Numerous Marine generals and Naval Admirals are products of Villanova's Naval ROTC program, including William J. Fallon, Admiral of the United States Navy, and Commander of United States Central Command and George B. Crist, Marine General, and the first Marine to be designated Commander in Chief, Central Command.

The business world, too, has had several prominent businessmen who got their start at Villanova. Robert J. Darretta, Jr. -- chief financial officer and vice chairman of Johnson & Johnson, John Drosdick -- CEO of Sunoco, Thomas G. Labrecque -- former Chairman and CEO of Chase Manhattan Bank, Francis Saul -- president of Chevy Chase (Bank), and Martin McGuinn -- Former CEO of Mellon Financial Corp. have all studied at Villanova at some point in their careers.

John Cardinal O'Connor, Archbishop of the Archdiocese of New York, obtained a Masters degree in Advanced Ethics at Villanova University. John L. Hennessy, president of Stanford University earned a Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering, and Deirdre Imus, Head of the Diedre Imus Environmental Center for Pediatric Oncology (and wife to radio host Don Imus) is also a graduate.

[edit] Commencement speakers

• Grover Cleveland, former President of the United States (1902)
• William Howard Taft, President of the United States (1910)
• Thomas R. Marshall, Vice President of the United States (1918)
• Larry O'Brien, Former National Basketball Association commissioner and President John F. Kennedy's 1960 presidential campaign manager (1966)
• James A. Michener, Pulitzer Prize-winning author (1978)
• Katherine Davalos Ortega, Treasurer of the United States, (1983-1989) (1988)
• Xavier Suarez, mayor of Miami, Florida (1988)
• Tom Clancy, best-selling author (1990)
• Elizabeth Dole, U.S. Senator (1991)
• Katie Couric, former co-host of NBC's The Today Show; current CBS Evening News anchor (1993)
• Ed Bradley, CBS's 60 Minutes correspondent (1995)
• James Earl Jones, Emmy Award-winning actor (1996)
• Bill Shore, Share Our Strength founder (1997)
• Jack Kemp, former U.S. Representative and vice-presidential nominee (1998)
• Anna Quindlen, journalist, (scheduled to give 1999 address but declined due to controversy over her views on abortion)
• Doris Kearns Goodwin, Pulitzer Prize-winning author (2000)
• Dr. John L. Hennessy (2001), president of Stanford University; Cisco and Google board member
• Suzanne Torregrossa Berger, alumna widowed by September 11, 2001 terror attacks (2002)
• Brian Williams, NBC Nightly News anchor (2003)
• Caroll Spinney, actor who portrays "Big Bird" on Sesame Street (2004)
• Mary McAleese, president of Ireland (2005)
• Rev. Edmund J. Dobbin, former president of Villanova (1989), (2006)
• Chris Matthews, MSNBC talk show host (2007)
• Ken Hackett, president of Catholic Relief Services (2008) ^[37]

[edit] Notes and references

[edit] See also

• Education in Philadelphia

[edit] External links

• Official University Site
• College of Liberal Arts & Sciences
• Villanova School of Business
• College of Engineering
• College of Nursing
• School of Law
• Alumni
• Official athletics site
• The Villanovan student newspaper
• The Villanova University Band site
• Villanova University Online

• Villanova University is at coordinates 40°02′16″N 75°20′15″W / 40.03771, -75.33755 (Villanova University)Coordinates: 40°02′16″N 75°20′15″W / 40.03771, -75.33755 (Villanova University)

v • d • e Big East Conference Football Cincinnati (Bearcats) • Connecticut (Huskies) • Louisville (Cardinals) • Pittsburgh (Panthers) • Rutgers (Scarlet Knights) • South Florida (Bulls) • Syracuse (Orange) • West Virginia (Mountaineers) Non-Football DePaul (Blue Demons) • Georgetown (Hoyas*) • Marquette (Golden Eagles) • Notre Dame (Fighting Irish*) • Providence (Friars) • St. John's (Red Storm) • Seton Hall (Pirates) • Villanova (Wildcats*) * These schools field football teams outside of the Big East

v • d • e Patriot League Bucknell • Colgate • Holy Cross • Lafayette • Lehigh Non-football members:   American • Army • Navy Football-only members:   Fordham • Georgetown Women's Lacrosse-only member:   Villanova

v • d • e Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) Football North Division Hofstra • Maine • UMass • New Hampshire • Northeastern • Rhode Island South Division Delaware • Georgia State (effective 2012) • James Madison • Old Dominion (effective 2011) • Richmond • Towson • Villanova • William & Mary

v • d • e Colleges and Universities in Metropolitan Philadelphia The American College • Arcadia University • Art Institute of Philadelphia • Bryn Mawr College • Cabrini College • Chestnut Hill College • Cheyney University • Curtis Institute of Music • Delaware Valley College • Drexel University • Eastern University • Gratz College • Gwynedd-Mercy College • Haverford College • Holy Family University • Immaculata University • La Salle University • Lincoln University • Manor College • Moore College of Art and Design • Neumann College • Peirce College • Penn State Abington • Penn State Brandywine • Penn State Great Valley • Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts • Pennsylvania College of Optometry • Philadelphia Biblical University • Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine • Philadelphia University • Reconstructionist Rabbinical College • The Restaurant School • Rosemont College • Rutgers University • Saint Joseph's University • Swarthmore College • Temple University • Thomas Jefferson University • University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey • University of the Arts • University of the Sciences in Philadelphia • University of Pennsylvania • Ursinus College • Valley Forge Christian College • Villanova University • West Chester University • Westminster Theological Seminary • Widener University

v • d • e Villanova University Arboretum Villanova • Alumni • Men's basketball • School of Law • The Pavilion • Villanova Stadium • The Villanovan • WVTV • WXVU