A Celebration of the Transformative Power of the Arts and Sciences

The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences celebrates the brilliant minds and significant achievements of some of our world’s most influential thinkers, scientists, artists, physicians, writers, historians, activists, philosophers, and religious and political leaders through its A&S Banner Initiative, a project whose aim is to remind all who walk the paths near the St. Augustine Center for the Liberal Arts and Mendel Science Center of the strength, relevance, and transformative power of the liberal arts and sciences at the University and in our world.

The banners, designed by Bernadette Dierkes and Lorraine Gallagher-Williams of the Office of University Communication, depict 23 individuals – many from history and many who are alive today, still working in their respective disciplines to advance the cause of society in his or her unique way. The banners are hung on light posts around SAC and Mendel.
 

“The hope is that the banners serve as a constant reminder to our students, faculty, and staff, as well as visitors to campus, that the liberal arts and sciences remain a powerful force in our contemporary world,” said Kail C. Ellis, O.S.A., Ph.D., dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. “The individuals featured on the banners have pursued their dreams, each following their unique callings. Their courage, determination, and passion to advance society and its many needs are highly motivating and cause one to stop and think about his or her unique role in the world. ‘What is my purpose? How can I contribute my abilities and talents for the betterment of our world?’"

Father Ellis added: "I hope that all passersby – in particular, our students walking to and from their classes – have this experience and ask themselves these questions when they look up at the banners. Looking up at the images on the banners while walking along the beautiful paths of our College is almost meditative in nature.”

Gallagher-Williams, a graphic artist in the University’s Creative Services Department, designed the banners that adorn the walkways around the buildings that make up the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

“I wanted to add color and excitement to every pathway on Villanova’s campus,” Gallagher-Williams said. “A large part of the design and concept of the banners is to promote the joy of education to the students and staff of the University. It was important in the design of all these banners to have bright, vibrant colors, and to locate and use images of each person that reflected their personality and would reproduce with integrity to the designs. The banners are meant to add to the process of learning – even on the student’s travels between classes. We wanted to highlight the accomplishments of these notable scholars to inspire the students of the College to excel in their chosen major.”

Gallagher-Williams added: “The banners have taken on a positive life-force of their own. It has been a wonderful project to have the privilege to design for the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and Villanova University.”

The College would like to thank Bernadette and Lorraine for their excellent work on this important project. Without their creativity and project management, the project would not have been realized.

Here you’ll find thumbnails of each banner, a very brief biography of the individual featured on the thumbnail, and links to learn more about each person’s life and work.