Villanova University - Belle Air Yearbook (Villanova, PA)

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Villanova College Despite the difficulties, Villanova was expanding even during those trying first years. The Academy and the Chapel were constructed in 1844, and what is now the east wing of Alumni Hall was completed in 1848. As a result of the Panic of 1857. the college was once again forced to close. However, during the years of the Civil War Villanova served as a hospital for wounded troops. After the restoration of peace in 1865, Villanova reopened and again began the struggle to build a col- lege which would provide a true. Catholic education to all who entered. Expansion was rapid. In 1869 the gymnasium was constructed. Three years later College Hall, eventually renamed Alumni, was completed, and it soon became the center of scholastic activity. The beautiful college chapel, most impressive and important building on campus today, was built in 1887. ONE OF THE LARGEST structures on campus, St. Thomas of Villanova Monastery is the home of most of the Augustinian Fathers while at Villanova. It also serves as the Mother House of the Augustinian Province.

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Any motorist who travels west of Philadelphia, along what is commonly termed the “Main Line.” cannot help but admire the beau- tiful and spacious campus of Villanova College. For among the Main Line areas, which are the most socially prominent areas in the world. Villanova is the richest in both beauty and tradition. Dedicated to further advanced Christian education, Villanova was founded in 1841. when the Augustinian Order purchased the Belle Air Estate from John Rudolph. Little did her founders realize the stature that Villanova would some day attain, beth as a college and as the mother-house of the Augustinian Order in the United States. In September of 1843. with ten students enrolled, classes began at Villanova under the direction of Father John O’Dwyer, first president cf the college. However, anti-Catholic bigotry, lack of money, and a shortage of teachers forced the school to close intermittently during the next two years. The flame of prosperity then received its first fuel in the form of finances and priests from Europe. This assistance enabled the school to hold their first public commencement in 1847. A few months later a novitiae for the Augustinian Order was set up on the Villanova campus. Believing that education was the pursuit of culture, the only course offered during these years was that of Liberal Arts, which had been designed to graduate a well-rounded man, steeped in the knowledge of previous centuries. MOST PHOTOGRAPHED and photogenic building, the College Chapel is located at the physical center of the campus, representing the spiritual heart of the college. Facing the Lincoln Highway, its cross- topped twin spires dominate the countryside and present an edifying first impression” of Villanova

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with its Campus Serene As the twentieth century dawned, two immense buildings were completed: New College Hall, known today as Mendel, and the Monastery. These buildings were so large that they were considered to be beyond the scope of expansion; many pessimists called the construction “Fedigan's Folly.” after Father Fedigan, who dared attempt such colossal structures. All fears or doubts have since been proven quite senseless. As a result of these new buildings, the old Helle Air Mansion was renamed St. Rita's Hall, and became a house for postulants to the order, while the old College Hall, presently known as Alumni, became an academy for boys. In 1924 this academy was transferred to Malvern. MENDEL HALL, administrative center of the campus, is the site of the official workings of the College. In addition to offices of the President and other officials, this four-story building houses scientific and engineering laboratories, classrooms, a cafeteria, and rooms for resident stu- dents. Below: main entrance of the building is picturesque Gothic arch that blends with the fortress-type ficldstonc construction to make this the most im- posing building on the campus in appear- ance as well as function. ST. RITA’S HALL, built on the site of the Rudolph Mansion which was destroyed by fire in 1912, now serves as a home for postulants to the Augustinian Order during their stay at Villanova.