Villanova University - Belle Air Yearbook (Villanova, PA)

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is known even today as Alumni Hall. It is the oldest building on the campus and houses the school of Commerce and Finance. In 1855 the Degree of Bachelor of Arts was conferred upon James F. Dooley and Henry C. Alexander, the first time that the college had exercised this power. Shortly after this date the college suffered its second financial crisis and was again forced to close its doors. On Commencement Day in 1857 the students were notified of this fact and bidden farewell. In September, 1865, classes were resumed under the presidency of the Rev. Wm. J. Mullen. The presidential chair was occupied during the succeeding years by Fathers Galbrey, Middleton and Coleman. The next development to be noted was the erection of a fitting chapel, the present beautiful Church of St. Thomas of Villa' nova. Father Coleman was succeeded by Father Sheeran and he in turn by Father McEvoy. Following the celebration of the Golden Jubilee of the College in June, 1893, the Monasterv and College Hall were erected. These buildings are now a part of the vest quadrangle of the college and house the Engineering Arts and Pre'Med. schools. The college developed rapidly from this point on. Under Fathers Dohan, Dean, Lriscoll, Hickey and Sullivan in successive order the work of improvement was carried on. St. Rita's Hall was rebuilt after having been destroyed by fire and the Academy building was completely renovated. In September, 1926, the Rev. James H. Griffin assumed the duties of President and he has held that important position ever since. In 1928 a disastrous fire swept the college and the institution has yet to recover from this misfortune. Two new buildings were constructed following the conflagration. The first of these was Fedigan Hall, a new dormitory; and the second, Mendel Hall, the present administration building. These two structures are modern in every detail and tend to create an ideal atmosphere for study. Having triumphed over disappointments of the past, Villanova is looking forward eagerly to the future. If its enrollment continues to increase but seven per cent, for the next ten years, Villanova will have nearly two thousand students. This year the increase was slightly more than seven per cent. Because of its organization into four individual schools, Villanova can double registration without sacrificing its “small college advantages. It is futile, however, to assume that Villanova can progress unless it receives outside assistance. If Villanova is to increase and develop the qualities t leadership in an increasing number of American youths, it must have assistance. Therefore, after a careful analysis of educational trends and Villanova's needs, the Augustinian Fathers prepared a program of development. The college is striving to reach a goal of two million three hundred thousand dollars to further its work. One of the most important items on the expansion program is the sponsoring of a revolving fund of five hundred thousand dollars for scholarship aid. Each year this W1 cnable many deserving youths, who otherwise could not get a college education, to attend Villanova. A new home is desired for the school of Commerce and Finance to replace the now crowded quarters in Alumni Hall. A library building is also p «mne to supplant the far too small library now quartered in the east end of Austin mm Fourteen

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The Story of Villanova ANY years ago, on October 31, 1841, to be exact, the story of Villanova began. This is indeed a red letter date in the history of the college, for on this day the Augustinian Fathers purchased the Belle Air estate, as it was then known, for the sum of eighteen thousand dollars. The ground upon which the college now stands was originally the property of John Rudolph, a prominent merchant of Philadelphia, and it was from him that the Augustinian Order purchased the present site of the college, together with the surrounding acreage. Ninety'three years ago a new college opened its doors to a limited number of students. It was the fulfillment of a dream that the Fathers had, one which concerned the higher education of Catholic men. The college, however, is non'sectarian in that it admits anyone of good moral character provided they present the proper credentials. The school being under Catholic auspices naturally follows that Church in its teaching principles and in the enrollment of its student body, but there is discrimination against no sect and fully fifteen per cent, of the student body is non-Catholic. On September 14, 1843 school was begun for those who wished to enjoy the benefits accruing from the pursuit of a higher education. The initial enrollment totaled six students. Two years later the enrollment had swelled to forty-five. The faculty consisted of three priests and four lay instructors. Classes were held in the Belle Air mansion which was located on the estate that had been purchased. The first floor was confined to classes, the second to the faculty, and the third to the students. Early in 1844 the first new college building was completed and the students commenced to make use of it immediately. The first prospectus of the college was issued about this time. In the summer of the same year a new chapel was erected and blessed on September 1. This was also used for classes on week-days. At this point in her advancement misfortune befell Villanova. The Know Nothing furor was at its height in Philadelphia and St. Augustine's Church in the city was burned. The expense incurred in the reconstruction of this edifice forced the college authorities to close the school. Consequently classes were dismissed and were not resumed until the following year. In 1846 the college was again opened, and the first public commencement was held in July, 1847. The Rev. J. A. O'Dwycr was president at this time. With him were associated Fathers Ashe, Kyle and Hartnett, also Messrs. Gibncy and Ainslcy, who were retained as lay professors. In the year 1848 a petition for a charter was made to the State Legislature and on March 10 of the same year the governor, Francis A. Shunk, signed “An Act to Incorporate the Augustinian College of Villanova in the County of Delaware and the State of Pennsylvania. By this charter the institution was empowered to grant degrees. At the same time the present College Seal was adopted and the Ecclesiastical School was inaugurated. The first of the present college buildings was completed in February, 1849, and Thirteen

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 Hall. A combined gymnasiunvauditorium is also imperative to remedy two deficiencies in the college 8 equipment. At the present time the college amphitheatre affords room for only two hundred students, it being impossible to assemble the entire student body for addresses. A dining hall to replace the present one is also planned, the building to be part of the proposed quadrangle. An endowment fund of eight hundred thousand dollars is part of the two million three hundred thousand dollar expansion campaign. A separate building will be constructed for use as a swimming pool for students of greater Villanova. The other building on the program is a dormitory. More than half the students live on the campus at the present time. Although Villanova is rich in tradition it lacks material endowment. It does have, however, a “living endowment which is embodied in the twentyTour clerical members of the teaching staff. This “living endowment constitutes only half of the faculty. The other professors and instructors are laymen of ability, conscientiously giving their best to their classes. It is planned, however, with the progress of the campaign to augument the teaching staff so that the number of students per instructor will be very low, thus affording a closer contact between professor and student, an advantage not found in the larger institutions. We feel sure that in a few years there will be a greater Villanova. It will be a larger college and, because of improved facilities, it will be a more efficient college. Not only will it be a college which is just as loyal as it is today and when it first opened its doors in 1843, but Villanova will be doing a great work for the advancement of Catholicism through the training of leaders. The Monastery Fifteen