Villanova University - Belle Air Yearbook (Villanova, PA)

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Monastery Fire August. 1932 housing freshman student quarters, class rooms, offices and laboratories for the Engineering, Arts and Science Departments. Soon after the com- pletum of Mendel Hall, Fedigan Hall, our new- est dormitory was erected. Keeping pace with the ever-increasing demands Monastery Chapel After the Fire of progress, two more magnificent structures were erected—the Commerce and Finance building in 1930 and the Auditorium-Gymnasium in 1931. During the summer of 1932, the Reverend Edward V. Stanford, O.S.A., was elected presi- dent of the college. Hardly had the new admin- istration entered upon its duties when it was called upon to cope with one of the most heart- rending misfortunes that had ever struck the campus. In August the Monastery of the Augus- tinian Fathers was totally destroyed by fire. Temporarily disp »ssessed of practically every be- longing, the Fathers with characteristic patience and fortitude took up temporary quarters in the student dormitories. Immediately work was begun on the erection of the new Monastery which was completed in 1934. The beautiful Gothic structure is well indicative of the spirit and determination of the Augustinian Fathers. In the summer of 1935 Reverend Edward V. Stanford, O.S.A., and his able colleagues. Rev- erend Bernard M. Albers, O.S.A., and Reverend Charles C. Melchior, O.S.A., were again elected to head the administration of the college and continue the progress they initiated in 1932. Villanova has told its tale. Its story in time has been found to have been a truly glorious one; the more absorbing by reason of the mani- fold struggles from which Villanova has emerged the victor. The efforts of our beloved Fathers haw not been in vain. Villanova can now be compared favorably with any of the leading col- leges in the country. It is our sincere hope and wish that our Alma Mater will succeed in her every undertaking so that Catholic Youth may be served in the best interests of Hun to Whom we owe all true success. Monastery Before the Fire

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Thr Campus in 1896 Villanova continued to advance in the field of education under the direction of Presidents Dohan, Dean, Driscoll, Hickey and Sullivan. June, 1893, the Monastery and College Hall were erected. Then the Schtxils of Engineering and Science were inaugurated. This great accom- plishment was achieved under the presidency of Father Delurey. death of Father O'Dwyer and the completion of the cast wing of the new college building. The presidency was then filled by Father Hartnett, who was succeeded by Father Moriarity the fol- lowing year. At the graduation exercises of 1S55, the first degrees of Bachelor of Arts were conferred upon James F. Dooley and Henry C. Alexander. The following year Father Hartnett returned as Pres- ident of the College. But due to the missionary activities of the Augustinian fathers, authorities temporarily closed the college at the end of the session in the year 1837. Filled with the profound desire to educate Catholic youth, the Fathers, after successfully filling their missionary efforts, resumed classes in September of the year 1S65, under the leader- ship of Father Mullen. The college prospered under the supervision of Fathers Mullen, Gal- bery, Stanton, Middleton. Fedigan, and Coleman. On February 3, 1874, the long-contemplated college building was completed, today Alumni Hall. At the same time a new post-office was opened, the nearest one being at Havcrford. In 1912, after fire had completely destroyed the Rudolph mansion, the present St. Rita's Hall was constructed. In the same year St. Mary’s Hall, which now houses the Seminarians, was begun. Upon our country's entrance into the World War, Villanova became one of the student train- ing quarters established in the East. With the signing of the Armistice regular collegiate activ- ities were once more resumed on the campus. In 1922, the School of Commerce and Finance was inaugurated. And in 1925, a sudden increase in enrollment necessitated the erection of a new dormitory, Austin Hall. A library containing over 35,000 volumes was incorporated into its east wing. In January, 1928, two years after the election of Reverend James H. Griffin, O.S.A., to the presidency, College Hall was leveled to the ground by a ruinous fire, destroying student liv- ing quarters, class rixims and nearly all the offices and records. Within a very short time, how- ever. the stately walls of Mendel Hall arose Fourteen After four years of construction the present chapel of St. Thomas of Villanova was dedicated on July 3, 1887. The college chapel still retains its architectural beauty and attractiveness, and seems to re-echo the traditions of those many students who gathered daily under her pinnacled towers to do homage to God. Following the Golden Jubilee of the College in The Monastery 1920

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 Whuww --- -..----------- ” roll ‘ ‘ Trustee» President of the Board Very Rev. Mortimer A. Sullivan O.S.A., S.T.L., LL.I» Secretary of the Board Rev. Francis E. Tourscher O.S.A., A.M.. L».D. Treasurer of the Board Rev. Edward V. Stanford O.S.A., M.S., LL.I). Members Rev. Paul F. Healey O.S.A., A.M. Rev. Charles J. Mf.lchior O.S.A., A.M. Mr. J. Stanley Smith LL.D. Mr. William Simpson E it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in General Assembly met, and it is hereby enacted by the authority of the same, that there be and hereby is erected and established at Villanova, in the County of Delaware, in this commonwealth, a college for the education of persons in the various branches of science, literature and ancient and modern languages, by the name, style and title of “The Augustinian College of Villanova, in the State of Pennsylvania — “The said college shall be under the management, direction and government of seven trustees, who shall appoint a president and faculty. (Excerpt from the charter granted March tenth, one thousand eight hundred and forty eight.) Sixteen