Letter from the Dean

Welcome to the beginning of the 2006-2007 academic year! Everyone in the Dean’s Office looks forward to an exciting and productive year and the opportunity to collaborate with you in the days and months ahead.

The beginning of a school year is an appropriate and fitting time to ask ourselves an important question: Why pursue a liberal education? There are many answers to this question, and you can read more about the importance of a liberal education on the College's Web site: http://www.villanova.edu/artsci/. One simple answer to this question is this: Students educated in the liberal tradition graduate with superb reading, writing, thinking, and problem-solving abilities, poised to enter many fields of professional endeavor. Our alumni have gone on to pursue meaningful post-graduate work at other fine universities across the country and fulfilling careers in business, education, journalism, law, medicine, and many, many more fields of professional endeavor.

At the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, our students develop the critical-thinking, analytical, and communication abilities necessary to succeed in all facets of life. Our robust core curriculum engages students in a broad range of disciplines using a variety of approaches and modes of inquiry, while striving to ensure depth of study and intellectual sophistication. This holistic approach allows our students to specialize in a particular area of study while exploring other areas of interest, thereby enriching and broadening the educational experience.

As we begin another school year, let us remember that the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences exists to provide an atmosphere of responsible learning to a varied group of students called to intellectual, moral, and professional leadership. Dedicated to the total growth of the individual, the College prepares students to make significant, vital, and lasting contributions to society through a vast array of different career options.

What can our students do with a degree in the liberal arts and sciences? Whatever they dream! Together, let’s help our students realize their infinite potential.

To our new subscribers, I'd like to extend to you a special welcome. Thank you for joining us. Please feel free to e-mail us with your comments and suggestions.

Sincerely,


Rev. Kail C. Ellis, O.S.A., Ph.D.
Dean of the College
 

In College News …

The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Welcomes New Staff

Robert I. Blanchard New Assistant Dean for External Relations
The Office of the Dean in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at Villanova University is pleased to announce the selection of Robert I. Blanchard as the College’s new Assistant Dean for External Relations. An alumnus of the College, Bob brings extensive administrative, business relations and development experience in higher education to the College, including significant interaction with critical internal and external stakeholder groups. His proven capabilities to provide executive-level collaboration in matters of strategic planning, marketing, and organizational development will help to enhance the College’s presence and image among internal and external constituencies.

Before coming to the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Bob most recently served as the Assistant Dean of Administrative Services in Villanova’s College of Commerce and Finance, recently renamed the Villanova School of Business. At the business school, Bob served as chief administrative and financial officer under three deans. He also directed the communications and special events functions of the college and was managing director of the Villanova Summer Business Institute, an intensive business minor program for non-business students from around the world. Prior to the business school, Bob served in the University Office of Development as a major gift and planned giving officer. He had been a senior executive with several Delaware Valley-based financial institutions before returning to campus.

In his role in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Bob will serve as the primary interface for the College with its important external constituencies, among them alumni, parents, current and prospective employers, and benefactors. He will support the Rev. Kail C. Ellis, O.S.A., Ph.D., dean, in all activities with external stakeholders seeking to influence reputation, recognition, rankings, corporate and alumni involvement, philanthropy, and overall goodwill among the College’s external constituents, community, and peer institutions.

“I am very pleased to have Bob join the College’s administrative team,” Father Ellis said. “His unique professional background and combination of diverse skills will help the College better position itself among the College’s many important external constituencies.”

Please join the Office of the Dean in welcoming Bob to the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. Bob’s office is located in Room 190 of the St. Augustine Center for the Liberal Arts; his telephone number is 610-519-3054, and his e-mail address is robert.blanchard@villanova.edu.

Melanie A. Vile, Ph.D., New Director of Grant Development
Dr. Melanie A. Vile joined the College as the Director of Grant Development on Sept 1. Dr. Vile received a B.S. in Comprehensive Science from Villanova in 1992 and an M.S. in Biology from Villanova in 1995. She went on to receive her doctoral degree in Biological Sciences from the University of Notre Dame in 2001. Dr. Vile was a post-doctoral researcher at Princeton University before taking a position as Assistant Curator at the Patrick Center for Environmental Research at the Academy of Natural Sciences in 2003. She has been an adjunct faculty member in Villanova’s Biology Department since 2004.

As the Director of Grant Development, Dr. Vile will play a lead role in developing and implementing a strategy to secure funding from government, foundation, and corporate entities in a manner that supports strategic needs and goals of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. Toward this end, Dr. Vile will take an active role in writing proposals for external funding on behalf of the College. She will work closely with faculty in the College to identify potential funding sources, and she will provide faculty with assistance and guidance in the preparation of proposals for external funding.

Dr. Vile’s office is located at G-65-D Mendel Science Center. Her email address is melanie.vile@villanova.edu.
 

Father Cannuli Named New Chair of Department of Theatre and Studio Art

The College is pleased to announce that Richard G. Cannuli, O.S.A., has been named the new chair of the Department of Theatre and Studio Art. Father Cannuli is also the director of the Art Gallery and curator of the University's art collection. For more information about Father Cannuli, please click here. To learn more about the Department of Theatre and Studio Art and its upcoming productions, please click here.
 

Villanova President and Theatre Department Receive Six Barrymore Nominations

Members of Villanova’s theatre department received six cumulative Barrymore Award nominations from the Theatre Alliance of Greater Philadelphia. The Rev. Peter Donohue, O.S.A., University president, was nominated for his direction of the musical, “Urinetown,” which was produced this spring at the Villanova Theatre. For more information, please visit http://www.villanova.edu/communication/news.htm?page=barrymore.htm.

The Villanova Center for Liberal Education: Pioneering Interdisciplinary Teaching and Research in the Humanities for Undergraduate Students

The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences is pleased to announce the creation of the Villanova Center for Liberal Education (VCLE), an innovative academic center dedicated to interdisciplinary teaching, research, and learning in the humanities for undergraduate students. The Center is a place where all Villanova students and faculty can join in the academic conversations that lie at the heart of an Augustinian university in the 21st century. For more information, please visit http://www.villanova.edu/artsci/vcle/.
 

Chemistry Department Offers New Major in Biochemistry

The Department of Chemistry is pleased to announce a new Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry. Biochemistry was initially defined as the application of chemical principles to the study of problems of biological significance, but has evolved into a separate discipline distinct from chemistry or biology. Strong knowledge of biochemistry is especially needed in medicine. Many disease states are caused by the disruption of normal biochemical processes within cells and organisms.

The major consists of 135 total credits (and five free electives), including courses in chemistry, biology, biochemistry, calculus, and physics. Biochemistry is a recommended degree for students considering a career in the allied health fields, or in the pharmaceutical industry. More information about the Biochemistry major can be found on the Chemistry Department Web site: (www.chemistry.villanova.edu/programs/bs-biochemistry.html).
 

Department of Chemistry Establishes the Laboratory for Molecular Structure Analysis

All are welcome to attend a lab open house on Friday, Sept. 15
The Department of Chemistry announces the establishment of the Laboratory for Molecular Structural Analysis. The Laboratory is supervised by Dr. Scott Kassel, associate professor of chemistry, and was funded by a $329,000 grant to Dr. Kassel from the Major Research Instrumentation Program of the National Science Foundation and by departmental funds. The centerpiece of the laboratory is a Bruker Kappa APEX II x-ray diffractometer with copper and molybdenum sources. This instrument is capable of collecting structural information from both crystalline and powdered samples.

The laboratory provides molecular structural determination in support of research in the department and also at small colleges and universities in the tri-state area. The laboratory will also be used to train undergraduate and graduate students in techniques and practices necessary for the structural determination of organic and inorganic molecules.

The laboratory is located in Room 313A of the Mendel Science Center. An open house to celebrate the opening of the laboratory will be held on Friday, Sept. 15, from 3 to 5 p.m. The Villanova community is invited to attend; refreshments will be served.
 

Villanova Chosen for Pilot "School of the Future" Partnership

Villanova has been selected as the first online tutoring partner for the pioneering “School of the Future,” in concert with a partnership between the Philadelphia School District and Microsoft. “The School of the Future” has been in development since 2004, seeking to build a new model for learning that provides students a community of caring and committed individuals to assist them as they progress through the program, which starting this year replaces a typical high school for 170 incoming ninth-graders in the School District.

“The purpose of the school is to inject a radically different pedagogy, shifting from rote or repetitious learning, and providing instead a dynamic community for students that works best for them, based on the data and experiences provided by this first school,” said Dr. Edwin Goff, director of the Honors Program. The Honors Program will be responsible for the first set of online "tele-tutors" for the students at the "School of the Future." Between 100 and 170 Villanova students are expected to participate in the program.

For more information about this exciting new program, please contact the Honors Program.
 

A Compilation of Departmental Self-Studies and Action Plans to Increase Faculty Diversity Available Online

The Diversity Sub-Committee of the Strategic Planning Committee (SPC) of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences is pleased to present online this compilation of individual College departments’ self-studies and action plans to increase faculty diversity. All 18 departments plus one program (Geography) submitted reports to the sub-committee. To read the self-studies and action plans, please visit http://www.villanova.edu/artsci/college/about/diversity.htm.
 

Italian Studies Offers Many Programs, Including Study Abroad Opportunities for Students

Italian Studies through the Department of Classical and Modern Languages and Literatures offers students many ways to enrich their Italian language skills and appreciation for Italian culture. And it's never to early to begin thinking about summer study abroad opportunities. Please click here to learn more.

Enchiridion Handbook Now Available in Web-based Version

Beginning this semester, the Enchiridion student handbook is available in a Web-based (HTML) version. It is located at: http://www.villanova.edu/artsci/handbook/

We hope you find this Web-based version user friendly.

Are You Subscribed to the College’s E-newsletter?

It has never been easier to subscribe to the College's e-newsletter: your colleagues and friends can visit this Web site, complete the online form, and begin receiving the College's monthly e-newsletter in their In-boxes. Please share the online subscription form with anyone you know who may be interested in keeping up to date on College news, special events, and other happenings.
 

College Launches New Web Site

Have you visited the College's new Web site yet? If not, you are encouraged to check it out and see what is now available on the College's site at http://www.villanova.edu/artsci.
 

Event Round-Up

Plan to Attend an “Ethics for Lunch” Event
Tired of your typical lunch fare? Looking to spice up that soup-and-sandwich combo? Searching for something just a little more substantive than cheese steak? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you need to join us for “Ethics for Lunch!” Click here to learn more.

The Augustinian Institute Hosts "Reconsiderations II"
The Augustinian Institute will sponsor "Reconsiderations II: A Conference on Augustine of Hippo and the Development of His Thought" on Sept. 28-30. The conference is part of The Dialogue Between Faith and Culture, a series of conferences and symposia in honor of the inauguration of the Rev. Peter M. Donohue, O.S.A., as the University’s 32nd President. For the full announcement, please click here.

Theology Institute’s Annual Conference Examines “Discipleship and the City”
The 2006 Theology Institute Annual Conference will examine “Discipleship and the City,” on Oct. 3-5. The conference is part of The Dialogue Between Faith and Culture, a series of conferences and symposia in honor of the inauguration of the Rev. Peter M. Donohue, O.S.A., as the University’s 32nd President. For more information, please visit http://www.theology.villanova.edu/institute/conferences.html.

PMR Conference Looks at “Structure, Space, and Meaning”
The College will sponsor the 31st international Patristic, Medieval, and Renaissance Conference (PMR) on Oct. 13-15, and will examine: “Structure, Space, and Meaning: The Walls and Portals of Pre-modern Worlds.” Featured guests include Annabel J. Wharton, the William B. Hamilton Professor of Art and Art History, at Duke University, and Richard Kieckhefer, a professor of religion and history, at Northwestern University. For more information, please visit http://www3.villanova.edu/augustinianinstitute/PMR.htm.

An Extensive Program of Events Marks the 2006-2007 Series in Anthropology
Looking Into Culture: The 2006-2007 Series in Anthropology features a number of events planned throughout the upcoming fall and spring semesters. For more information on all of these events, please visit http://www90.homepage.villanova.edu/lowell.gustafson/anthropology/2006_07.html.

Conference Examines “Religion and Postmodernism: Athens and Jerusalem on the Polis”
The Josephine C. Connelly Chair of Theology and the Augustinian Chair in the Thought of St. Augustine proudly sponsor a conference entitled, "Religion and Postmodernism: Athens and Jerusalem on the Polis," on Oct. 26-28. The conference is part of The Dialogue Between Faith and Culture, a series of conferences and symposia in honor of the inauguration of the Rev. Peter M. Donohue, O.S.A., as the University’s 32nd President. For more information, please visit http://www3.villanova.edu/ReligionAndPostmodernism/.

Ethics Program to Sponsor an Interdisciplinary Conference and Inaugurate an Award in Professional Ethics
The Ethics Program will sponsor an interdisciplinary conference -- Contemporary Ethical Problems in Engineering Practice: A Dialogue -- May 31 to June 2, 2007. In addition, the Ethics Program will inaugurate the Praxis Award in Professional Ethics on March 28, 2007. This award will highlight and celebrate the contributions of a professional or an academic in the field of professional ethics. For more information on the many activities planned in the Ethics Program, please visit http://www.ethics.villanova.edu/.

Mendel Exhibit Coming to The Academy of Natural Sciences
Villanova University and The Academy of Natural Sciences in Philadelphia proudly announce their partnership to present the traveling exhibition, “Gregor Mendel: Planting the Seeds of Genetics,” which will visit the Academy at 1900 Benjamin Franklin Parkway from May 28 to September 28, 2008. The exhibition will be available to only five tour venues in the United States through 2008: Philadelphia (Villanova and the Academy of Natural Sciences), Chicago, Washington, D.C., Columbus, Ohio, and Memphis, Tennessee.

During the exhibition’s Philadelphia tour, all Villanova students, staff, and faculty who present valid identification will receive free general admission to the Academy of Natural Sciences. It is our hope that you will find this special exhibition informative and enjoyable.

To learn more about the exhibit, please visit http://www.fieldmuseum.org/mendel/.
For more information, please contact Kate Szumanski at kathryn.szumanski@villanova.edu.
 

Save the Dates!

Please mark your calendars for these important events:

Science and Technology Open House	Sunday, Oct. 29
Early Action Candidates' Day	Saturday, Feb. 3
Candidates' Day	Saturday, April 14
Mendel Medal Award Lecture	Saturday, April 28

Please visit http://www.villanova.edu/enroll/registrar/calendar/spring.htm?year=2007 for the complete academic calendar.

Need Graphic Design Help?

Media Technologies & Creative Design (MT/CD), located in the basement of Falvey Memorial Library, manages and produces an extensive range of graphic arts services in areas of digital and traditional graphics design and photography. Creative design services are utilized by faculty and administration for curriculum, research, presentation and publication use, as well as for internal, community, national, and international University use. For more information on how MT/CD can assist you, please contact Bernadette Dierkes at bernadette.dierkes@villanova.edu.

When developing new materials for the  Web or print, please be sure to review the University’s style guide, which can be viewed at http://www.villanova.edu/communication/styleguide.htm. If you need assistance in creating department brochures, newsletters, or other literature, please contact Kate Szumanski.

Faculty in the News

• Rev. Kail C. Ellis, O.S.A., Ph.D., dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, recently was profiled in the news. You can read Father Ellis's own powerful reflection on his recent evacuation from Lebanon here. You'll find Father's account under "Quick Links" on the right-hand side of the page.
   
• Edward Guinan, Ph.D., professor of astronomy and astrophysics, was quoted in an article entitled, "Has the Universe Been Lying About Its Age?" Click here to read the full story.
   
• Ray Heitzmann, Ph.D., professor in the department of education and human services, has written a new book entitled, Opportunities in Marine Science and Maritime Careers, published by McGraw-Hill. In July, he spoke at the Conference of the National Marine Educators Association at Long Island University-Brooklyn campus on “Salty Language: Sea Language in Land Use.” The forthcoming Encyclopedia of Maritime History (Oxford University Press – Spring ’07) will carry a chapter by Dr. Heitzmann entitled, “Language: Nautical Expressions.” His biography will appear in the forthcoming editions of Who’s Who in Education and Who’s Who in America.
   
• Matthew Kerbel, Ph.D., professor of political science, is featured in a news story about the GOP and this fall's elections. Click here to read the full story.
   
• Bob Maranto, Ph.D., associate professor of political science, is featured in a story about Republican gubernatorial candidate Lynn Swann. Click here for the full story.
   
• Eugene McCarraher, Ph.D., an assistant professor of humanities, was featured in a recent news story entitled, "Is the Work Ethic Worn Out?" Click here to read the full article.
   
• James McCartney, Ph.D., associate professor of philosophy, has co-written a book entitled, The Case of Terri Schiavo: Ethics at the End of Life. To read a review, click here.
   
• Charlene Mires, Ph.D., associate professor of history, is quoted in a recent Philadelphia Inquirer article on the implementation of a security plan for Independence Hall.
   
• Mary Beth Simmons, M.F.A., director of the Writing Center, was featured in a recent Philadelphia Inquirer article about a free memoir-writing class being offered on the grounds of West Laurel Hill Cemetery in Bala Cynwyd, Pa. Simmons also teaches graduate courses in memoir-writing at the University.
   
• R. Kelman Wieder, Ph.D., professor of biology and associate dean for sciences in the College, has co-edited a new book entitled, Boreal Peatland Ecosystems. This volume adopts an ecosystems approach to understanding the world's boreal peatlands. It focuses on biogeochemical patterns and processes, production, decomposition, and peat accumulation, and provides additional information on animal and fungal diversity. A recurring theme is the legacy of boreal peatlands as impressive accumulators of carbon as peat over millennia. This carbon legacy is under threat from a wide diversity of disturbances, including wildfire, ongoing climate change, the changing chemistry of atmospheric deposition, and continuing resource exploitation. The volume is of interest to peatland researchers and resource managers, as well as to graduate students in ecosystem science. For more information, please click here.

Students in the News

• Philip Balzano, a first-year student from Annapolis, Md., who plans on majoring in biochemistry and biology, turned down a scholarship to another prestigious university to attend Villanova. Read his story here. 
   

Alumni in the News

• Lisete Andre, '97, who majored in English, has been named Vice President/Group Account Supervisor in the Health-Care Marketing Communications at Vox Medica, one of the largest independent health-care communications companies in the country. Read the full announcement here.

• Angelo Armenti Jr., Ph.D., '63, who majored in physics, is now the president of California University of Pennsylvania. Read his story here.
   
• Herbert F. Aspbury, 67, who majored in English, has been elected a new member to the Board of Directors of Exide Technologies, a global leader in stored electrical-energy solutions. Mr. Aspbury serves as Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Villanova and is the Chair of its Finance Committee. Click here to read the full story.
   
• William J. Baldwin, '67, who holds a bachelor of arts degree from Villanova, will become Interim Dean of Teachers College in New York City on Sept. 4. Read the press release here.
   
• Maria Bello, '89, who majored in political science, receives critical praise for her work in film. Read the full article here.
   
• Most Rev. Michael F. Burbidge, who majored in philosophy and theology and who received a master's degree in education administration in 1994, was featured in a recent news article about his installation as the Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Raleigh, N.C. For the full story, click here.
   
• J. Patrick Dougherty, '00, who majored in honors, accepted the Ben Franklin Spirit of Philadelphia Award upon his graduation from University of Pennsylvania, the Wharton School, where he received a Master of Business Administration, finance, and health care management. Click here for the full story.
   
• Navy Cmdr. Rich E. Haidvogel, '87, who majored in computer science, took command of the USS Reuben James this summer. Read the full story here.
   
• Ryan Montbleau, '99, who majored in English, is pursuing a successful career in music. Read his story here.
   
• Leo Smith, '01, who earned a master's degree in biology, is featured in a recent New York Times article. Click here to read the full article.
   
• Daniel Stepenosky, 90, who majored in physics, has joined Las Virgenes Unified School District in California as assistant superintendent of personnel. You can read the full story here.
   

IT Corner

• New Web sites Coming Online – The following Web sites are currently under development: Arab and Islamic Studies, East Asian Studies, English, Chemistry, Political Science, and Theatre.
   
• Wireless Access in Mendel and SAC – According to UNIT, these two buildings should have complete wireless coverage in early September.
   
• Update Your Biography on the Web – As part of the College's ongoing Web migration process, all faculty and staff members in the College are asked to assemble basic biographical data on themselves and input it into a simple online form, known by UNIT as the BIO TOOL, as soon as possible. This is the information about you that will be displayed on your department's new Web site (when it is completed). Please visit this Web site and fill in the appropriate line items. Your attention to this matter is greatly appreciated.
   

Send Your News Items and Event Notices for Publication

Do you need help broadening your outreach efforts, publicizing events, and getting the word out about the accomplishments of your faculty? Please submit your announcements or events via our online submission form or directly to Kate Szumanski at kathryn.szumanski@villanova.edu. Kate will include it in the next issue of the College’s e-newsletter.