Villanova University - Belle Air Yearbook (Villanova, PA)

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▼ THE 1935 BELLE A I R ▼ Ravaged By Fire one of the many training quarters which were established through' out the East. Only after the war clouds had passed, leaving the world stagnated and millions of humans maimed and homeless, did the college once more resume its normal atmosphere. In 1922 the Commerce and Finance School was inaugurated and the rapid increase in enrollment necessitated, in 1925, the con' struction of Austin Hall. A library containing over 30,000 books was incorporated in its east wing. FIRE AND RECONSTRUCTION 1932 Following the election of Father Griffin an intensive program of development was initiated in 1926. But a ruinous fire coni' pletely leveled College Hall in January, 1928, destroying student quarters, classrooms, and nearly all of the offices and records. Within a short time, however, the stately walls of the present Mendel Hall arose. Housing student quarters, classrooms, office and laboratories for the Engineering and Science Department, this structure presents an impressive piece of architecture to the eye. About the same time Fedigan Hall, our latest dormitory, was added to the fast'increasing number of campus buildings. A cherished plan of the Augustinian Fathers was consunv mated on April 1, 1932, when the newly erected $350,000 Audi' toriunvGymnasium was formally opened by the glamorous Intepfraternity Ball. But the following summer saw a severe blow again dealt to the Order. The Monastery and part of Good Counsel Hall fell prey to the ravages of another fire. A $500,000 loss greeted the newly appointed administration, headed by Very Rev. Edward V. Stanford, president; Rev. Bernard M. Albers, vice'president, and Rev. Charles A. Melchior, procurator. Under their guidance, however, reconstruction made rapid progress and improvements were numerous. Over the ashes of the old Monas' tery arose a collegiate Gothic building, three stories in height, which is a credit to modern architecture. Facing the Lancaster highway, it spreads out its 208 feet in length and is enhanced by welharranged shrubbery and floral arrangements. Sixteen

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▼ the 1935 BELLE AIR chair was occupied in turn by Fathers Middleton, Fcdigan, and Coleman. The Fathers now concentrated their efforts upon a new and fitting chapel. So, on July 3, 1887, the present chapel of St. Thomas of Villanova was dedicated after four years were spent in its construction. Its architectural beauty and attractive design are outstanding. It reechoes the traditions of those many students who have daily gathered under her pinnacled towers to do homage to God. The college, presided over by the successors of Father Cole' man—Fathers Sheeran and McEvoy—celebrated on Wednesday, June 21, 1893, her golden jubilee. Progress TWENTIETH CENTURY PROGRESS With the dawn of the twentieth century Villanova started to take rapid strides in progress. In 1901 the new twin buildings. College Hall and Monastery, were dedicated. This addition per mitted the establishment, in 1903, of the Engineering Department, which has since been ranked among the foremost in the country. These commendable achievements occurred under the leadership of Father Delury, who occupied the presidency for fifteen years. He was succeeded in turn by Fathers Dean, Driscoll, Hickey, and Sullivan. In 1912 St. Rita's Hall, the original Monastery, was com' pletely destroyed by fire. But again the authorities courageously combated the misfortune and set out to rebuild. As a result of their efforts, the present St. Rita's Hall arose. Corr Hall was begun and the School of Science was augmented. Thus equipped, the Augustinian Fathers were prepared to extend further their influence into the field of education and Catholic action. THE WORLD WAR Once again was Fate destined to intervene with the successful activities of the Order. War had been declared, and with our country's entrance into the struggle Villanova became the site of 1912

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 ▼ THE 19 3 5 BELLE A I R ▼ TODAY AND TOMORROW Present Many are the improvements which have been effected thus far this year. In recataloguing the library the famous Congressional System was used. Also, new volumes were added, and the inside remodeled. Next stately pines and shrubbery were planted all over the campus, new gardens started, roads fixed, lights and signs added, tennis courts resurfaced, and the stadium improved. Progress at Villanova is indeed apparent. The present administration has nobly accomplished tremendous tasks. The future of Villanova in the field of educational activity has been assured, and the work of her faculty and graduates is well recognized in the professional fields. Villanova has told its tales, and, as we leave its sheltering walls, perhaps never to return, we realize the full significance of the words we often sing: and Future When the last big game is over, And the last roll call is heard, When the oldest pedagogue Has had his final word, We shall come to ALMA MATER In our dreams again With a pray'r jor Villanova And a sweet A'MENL