Villanova University - Belle Air Yearbook (Villanova, PA)

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 REV. JOHN A. SPARROW. PH. D.. O. S. A. Director of Summer and Extension School 26

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FACULTY OF THE SCHOOL OF SCIENCE Rev. Ruellan P. Fink, O. S. A., Dean Rev. Michael Hopkins, O. S. A. Rev. John J. Crawford, O. S. A. Prof. George Zebrowski Prof. Eli Duncomb Prof. John Ford Rev. A. J. Malone, O. S. A. Rev. Francis A. Diehl, O. S. A. Rev. John H. Sparrow, O. S. A. Rev. Wm. F. Berry, O. S. A. Rev. Englebert Eberhardt, O. S. A. 25

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LIKE most institutions which have attained greatness, Belle Air was, in the beginning, cautious and unyielding in its progress, while hesi- tation, coupled with sagacity, characterized its speculation. But the steadfastness of purpose and the perseverance of the ever-industrious officials, mingled with an initiative guided by wisdom, has, at length, placed Villanova well within the realm of success. In tracing the life of Belle Air one is led, while seeking its origin, to the embryonic site purchased by Rev. Augustine Tyle and Dr. Moriarity on March 30, 1840. This opportune purchase was made from John Randolph, who had given to the site the name of Belle Air in honor of his father’s birthplace. On September 13, 1843, Villanova opened with an enrollment of 13 students, an enrollment actually small but possessed with an inherent capacity for huge developments, a capacity which was soon to unfold itself at an astoundingly increasing pace. In the year 1844, two notable facts are recorded: first, the new college building was completed. Second, the cornerstone was laid for the new church. In 1847 another building was erected at the southwest corner of the church, and the same year witnessed our first public commencement. In 1848, Villanova was fittingly granted its charter and its first seal was accepted. The year 1852 brought with it an ample enlargement on the already copious monastery; and in 1869 and 1883 respectively, our fully-equipped gymnasium and present magnificent chapel were built. The year 1892 marked our fiftieth anniversary, and in the same year the faculty was duly enlarged and a new board of directors chosen. 27