Villanova University - Belle Air Yearbook (Villanova, PA)

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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.

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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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Stands as the Landmark of But the growth of Villanova was not merely structural. While the material facilities increased, so also did the curriculum expand. In 1905. realiz- ing that these who desired a technical training should not be excluded from receiving a Catholic education, Father Delurey inaugurated the School of Engineer- ing. including in it courses leading to degrees in either Civil. Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering. Villanova thus became the first eastern Catholic col- lege to confer engineering degrees. Though a fire in 1912 burned St. Rita's Hall to the ground, and inflicted damages estimated at $100,000. Villanova’s advancement was not to be stalled. The college recovered from the loss, and only two years later, under the leadership of Father Dohan. a pre-medical course was established. At first only a one-year course was required for entrance into medical school; now this requirement has since been increased to four years. O’DWYER HALL, top, located on the campus periphery, is one of the Dorns’ ” smaller residence buildings which were private homes before 1934, converted for use by upperclassmen. DELUREY HALL, another of the 'Dorns,” provides a more casual home- like atmosphere and spirit of fraternity than do the ordinary residence halls. FEDIGAN HALL, left, another upper- classmen residence, provides newest and roost modern student living quarters. Named after Rev. John J. Fedigan, O.S.A., Villanova president, 1878-1890, who gave impetus to Villanova expan- sion. ?ti Title.