Villanova University - Belle Air Yearbook (Villanova, PA)

Page 15 text:

present proportions IVY COVERED Auxin Hall it a centrally located dormitory along the main walk. The eatt-end, for- merly the Library, hat been converted into a Student Lounge replete with comfortable furniture and tcle- vition tet. OUR ADMINISTRATORS, Inttructort. and Re- tired Priettt, live in the Saint Thomat of Villanova Monattery. The fourth Boor of thii building wat recently remodeled into icveral roomt to houtc properly the vititing clergy, who attend annual retreats at Villanova.

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As it developed to its ALUMNI HALL, the only survivor of the early structures, remains a permanent landmark of days gone by. Having served as the Villanova Preparatory School, later the College, it has for many years.since been a dormitory for resident students. Europe as well as in the United States, flames of bigotry subsided, Villanova was able to reopen on September 16, 1846, this time with a student body of twenty-four. We can little imagine or appreciate the fortitude that exem- plifies the founders in conquering the difficulties that chal- lenged their very existence. On July 1, 1847, the first public commencement was held. The future appeared prosperous, three additional priests were brought from Italy to join the faculty and on March 10, 1848, Villanova was given legal existence. An act to incorporate the Augustinian College in the County of Delaware and the State of Pennsylvania” was signed by Governor Shunk, then Governor of Pennsylvania. Villanova was growing, it became necessary to expand the facilities, enlarge the curriculum and add to the fac- ulty. But again insufficient funds coming as a climax to the panic of 1857 forced another closing which was pro- longed by the Civil War. Though secular education was discontinued, the education of Clerics for the Order was not interrupted. In 1865, after the college had been closed for a period of eight years, national peace was restored and Villanova reopened with new vigor and a definite plan to build for the future. Since the post Civil War era physical expansion has been continuous, the curriculum has extended from the arts into fields of science, technology and business. The above is only a thumbnail sketch of why we arc proud of Villanova; proud' of the way she conquered the past; proud to be a part of Villanova today.

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These Buildings IN ADDITION to the daily visits to the College Chapel by mou campus personnel, the resident stu- dents gather here three times weekly at part of a religious program to further develop their spiritual background. THE MAIN ENTRANCE to Mendel Hall is, at one time or another, utilized by all persons affiliated with the College. In this building arc concentrated all administrative offices, laboratories, and engineer- ing activity.