Villanova University - Belle Air Yearbook (Villanova, PA)

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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.

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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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ALUMNI HALL, oldest building, pro- vides architectural link with early days of Villanova. It was known over a hundred years ago as The Academy,” site of Villanova Prep. Today it is a residence hall. SIMPSON HALL, in ivy-covered seclu- sion with the other Dorns,” provides peaceful atmosphere for the studious endeavors of a fortunate few resident upperclassmen. AUSTIN HALL, dedicated by its name to the founder of the Augustinian Order. Largest residence hall, its east wing houses the newly redecorated lounge for students living on campus. Philadelphia’s Main Line Like the rest of the world in 1917, Villanova went to war. Though her campus was transformed to a military reservation, and her students became Army trainees, Villanova did not stop in the struggle toward improvement. It was during the military tenure that influenza struck the campus. Classes and military drill were suspended; yet, be- cause of great vigilance and efficiency on the part of the nurses and administration, death cartie to only one cf the more than a hundred smitten. In 1918 the Summer School was started, and the following year the Extension School was established. The School of Commerce and Finance was added to the curriculum in 1920, followed shortly afterward by the establishment of the Depart- ment cf Education. During these difficult years Villanova never slackened in her efforts—pro Deo et patria. With the return to normality, the Army reserve unit was dis- banded. Once again new structures began to rise. Austin Hall, named after the founder cf the order, St. Augustine, was completed in 1924, while Goodreau Stadium was completed three years later.