Villanova University - Belle Air Yearbook (Villanova, PA)

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 Twenty'gight

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 The School of Arts, Philosophy and Letters 6U] REV. HOWARD A. CRELIS AM. O S.A. Dean [NTIL slightly less than twenty-five years ago, the history of the Classical School was synony- mous with that of Villanova itself. From 1843, the date of the College's foundation, until 1905, when the School of Technology was established, the Art School, which also included the theological course for the seminarians, comprised the whole curriculum. From a humble beginning of eight professors and forty-five students for the first year, there was a con- tinual growth until the period of depression, prior to the Civil War, forced the suspension of classes. How- ever, the College had become incorporated in 1848. The first two graduates to receive their A.B.'s were James T. Dooley and Henry C. Alexander. Upon the resumption of classes in 1865, a gen- eral enlargement in the curriculum, faculty, and ac- commodations was made in order to provide for the enrollment, which had now in- creased to sixty-five students. History, French, German and poetry were added to the course of studies. The gymnasium was opened in 1872, a few years after which the Alumni Association was started. The monthly magazine. The Villanovan, was a still later addition. Until 1893, the year of the Golden Jubilee, athletics were chiefly intra- mural. The Glee Club and the Literary Society, which were formed at this time, were the prototypes for the many present-day clubs and fraternities. In 1905, the social sciences and the pedagogical subjects were added to the classical curriculum. Under the present Dean, Rev. Howard A Grelis, the school was brought to the highest perfection. Its present enviable reputation throughout the country can be traced back to his careful guidance and faithful direction. Since the addition of the other three courses, the Classical School has somewhat lost its dominance in the athletic and social fields; but in literary achievement, it still predominates. The Villa- tiovan and the Belle Air have most always been edited by Arts men. The honor of de- livering the Valedictory at the commencement exercises has likewise been considered the sole right of the classical students. Many of the present Villanovan traditions, institutions and innovations have been derived from the past practices of the members of the Art School. Some time ago, it seemed that classical education was doomed to decline. A decided tendency toward technical specialization was much in evidence. But, of re- cent years, students have come to realize that a foundation in the liberal arts is neces- sary for the proper undertaking of post-graduate or professional work. Moreover, the raising of the standards of requirements by the leading law schools in this coun- try has helped materially to increase the matriculation in the Classical School. W n Thirty