VILLANOVA SCHOOL OF BUSINESS RANKED #13 IN THE NATION BY BUSINESSWEEK

The Villanova School of Business (VSB) placed #13 in BusinessWeek’s third annual ranking of undergraduate business schools nationwide, published today. The ranking is based on faculty and educational quality, student services and satisfaction, and business relevance. (...more)

RWANDAN HOLOCAUST SURVIVOR IMMACULÉE ILIBAGIZA TO SPEAK AT VILLANOVA - ONE BOOK EVENT

Author of this year’s One Book Villanova program selection,
Left to Tell: Discovering God Amidst the Rwandan Holocaust, shares her story

VILLANOVA, Pa. – In 1994, college student Immaculée Ilibagiza and seven other women survived the Rwandan genocide by huddling silently together in a cramped bathroom for 91 days, while killers loomed just outside the door. (...more)

VILLANOVA UNIVERSITY SUCCESSFULLY CONCLUDES TRANSFORMING MINDS AND HEARTS CAMPAIGN

Campaign exceeds $300 million goal with donations benefiting academic initiatives, scholarships, facilities, athletics, and endowment Villanova celebrates with a New York City gala at Waldorf-Astoria Friday, December 7

Villanova University announces the successful conclusion of Transforming Minds and Hearts: The Campaign for Villanova, launched in 2004. The campaign exceeded its $300 million goal with more than 40,000 donors contributing. Fifty-seven of the gifts exceeded $1 million, which comprised more than 50% of the total goal.  (...more)

Fire Department Responds to White Hall Incident

November 5, 2007, Villanova, PA – At approximately 9 p.m. on Monday evening, the Bryn Mawr and Radnor Fire Departments were called to the Villanova University campus for a report of smoke in a first floor lab White Hall, an engineering building. It was determined that an experiment overheated, generating smoke in the room, which triggered the automatic alarm system. Fire officials consulted with University faculty to ensure that the smoke posed no health hazard. No injuries occurred as a result of this incident and the building sustained no damage. The University is looking into the exact details surrounding this occurrence. The building will be open for Tuesday classes.

VILLANOVA UNIVERSITY TO BEGIN CONSTRUCTION ON NEW LAW SCHOOL BUILDING

State-of-the-art facility to be LEED-certified “green building” with park-like setting and community walking/jogging trail VILLANOVA, PA –Villanova University announced today the commencement of construction for its new law school building, slated for completion in August 2009. Groundbreaking for the new facility will begin in mid-November. “I am pleased that after working closely with our Villanova neighbors regarding the new law school, we have developed a plan that meets the needs of everyone concerned,” said Rev. Peter M. Donohue, O.S.A., president of Villanova University. “We’re looking forward to opening a beautiful world-class building in 2009 that, in addition to serving the 21st-century needs of our students and faculty, will be a beautiful addition to the entire neighborhood.” (more...)

VILLANOVA’S FALVEY MEMORIAL LIBRARY TO SIGN HISTORIC AGREEMENT WITH AMERICAN CATHOLIC HISTORICAL SOCIETY

Falvey Memorial Library to digitize the American Catholic Historical Society’s collection of rare Catholic documents and records.

The signing of this limited partnership takes place on Oct. 17 at 10:30 a.m. in Falvey Memorial Library, on the campus of Villanova University.

The digitization archival project will make available a wealth of print Catholica that would otherwise be inaccessible or lost to scholars, researchers and the public. It will also enhance Falvey Memorial’s growing digital library, which already includes 81 collections containing 2,073 records, archives a range of irreplaceable volumes and documents from original 15th-century illuminated Augustinian manuscripts to 3,000 monographs on Irish and Irish-American history. Villanova University’s digital library can be accessed by logging on to library.villanova.edu (click on “Special Collections” or Digital Library”). (more)

VILLANOVA PRESIDENT, REV. PETER M. DONOHUE, O.S.A., BEGINS TENURE AS CHAIR OF THE REGIONAL COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES PRESIDENTS’ COUNCIL FOR THE GREATER PHILADELPHIA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

At Donohue’s first meeting, the results of a first-of-its-kind research study on higher education’s contribution to the Greater Philadelphia region were released, highlighting the region as home to one of the top higher education sectors in the country...more

ST. THOMAS OF VILLANOVA CELEBRATION SCHEDULED FOR SEPT. 21-23

The University’s St. Thomas of Villanova Celebration will feature three days of special events, including a Day of Service

VILLANOVA UNIVERSITY ANNOUNCES 2008 PRAXIS AWARD IN PROFESSIONAL ETHICS

John Hansen-Flaschen, M.D. will receive the 2008 Praxis Award in Professional Ethics

VILLANOVA RANKED NO. 1 IN THE NORTH REGION BY U.S. NEWS & WORLD REPORT

Villanova University Harnesses the Power of Roam Secure Alert Network for Emergency Notification

Journalist and Author Chris Matthews to speak at Villanova University Commencement

Wednesday, March 28, 2007 – Villanova University president, The Rev. Peter M. Donohue, O.S.A., announced today that journalist and author Chris Matthews will be the 2007 Villanova University Commencement speaker. Matthews will also receive an honorary degree, a Doctorate of Humane Letters. Commencement takes place on Sunday, May 20 at 10 a.m. in the Villanova University Stadium.

Matthews, whose syndicated news program Hardball with Chris Matthews airs nightly, graduated from LaSalle High School in Philadelphia, received his bachelor’s degree from Holy Cross College and did graduate work in economics at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.  ...more

VILLANOVA UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF BUSINESS RANKED #12 BusinessWeek

VILLANOVA, PA,  March 8, 2007  - VSB placed #12 in BusinessWeek’s second annual ranking of undergraduate business schools. VSB’s performance in this ranking, up 7 places from last year, is particularly notable given that the number of competing business schools increased this year by over 50 percent. ...more

VILLANOVA UNIVERSITY RANKED #1 “MOST WIRED” COLLEGES IN THE U.S. BY PC MAGAZINE

VILLANOVA, PA December 13, 2006 -  PC Magazine, the leading technology publication in the United States, and The Princeton Review, the premier test prep and educational services company, have announced the “Top 20 Wired Colleges” in the U.S. Villanova University has been ranked the most high-tech campus in the country, with M.I.T. and Indiana University trailing them as second and third...more

Rev. Peter Donohue, O.S.A. is nominated for best direction of a musical, “Urinetown,” which received four nominations.

VILLANOVA, PA, Aug. 18 2006 – 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...more

VILLANOVA RANKED BEST REGIONAL UNIVERSITY AGAIN
ON U.S. NEWS & WORLD REPORT BEST UNIVERSITIES LIST

VILLANOVA, PA, Aug. 18, 2006—Villanova University again has finished first in its region (Master’s - North) in this year’s U.S. News & World Report ranking of America’s best colleges and universities. For more than a decade, Villanova has been selected for the top spot. ....read more

The Rev. Peter M. Donohue, O.S.A. Assumes Presidency of Villanova University

Following his election by the Board of Trustees in December 2005, the Rev. Peter M. Donohue, O.S.A. officially becomes the 32nd president of Villanova University today, June 1. Father Donohue succeeds the Rev. Edmund J. Dobbin, O.S.A. who will return to teaching at Villanova after 18 years in office. ....read more

Philadelphia Orchestra to Play at Villanova University in Free Concert

The Philadelphia Orchestra brings free Neighborhood Concerts to Villanova University (July 3, 7 p.m.), Penn’s Landing (July 5, 7 p.m.), and Camden, N.J. (July 7, 7 p.m.), as part of its annual Neighborhood Concert series.  ...read more

University President to Serve as Commencement Speaker 

By Sarah DeFilippis ‘06

As is customary, in the final edition of the academic year, “The Villanovan” on April 28 announced this year’s commencement speaker, University president, the Rev. Edmund J. Dobbin, O.S.A. The ceremony will be held in Villanova Stadium at 10 a.m. on Sunday, May 21.

This May’s commencement ceremonies will mark Father Dobbin’s final year as University president. He has held the position for 18 years and is the longest-running president in Villanova’s history.

Although many universities bring in celebrities and public figures to address graduating seniors, Villanova’s selection committee viewed Dobbin as an obvious choice for the featured speaker position. The committee comprised of the University president, vice presidents, selected faculty and the SGA president, first met in September after sending letters to the Villanova community requesting speaker nominations. Having received numerous suggestions, the group deliberated on the submissions before reaching an agreement.

When selecting a candidate, committee members look for a speaker who embodies Villanova’s values and has the ability to relate to students. For almost two decades, Fr. Dobbin has stood at the helm of the University, serving as a strong presence to its students. Since his inauguration in October of 1988, Fr. Dobbin has been an ever-present force, attending student-run activities and interacting with students across campus. Dobbin could be spotted cheering at Villanova basketball games or interacting with students on St. Thomas of Villanova Day. In every speech or homily, Fr. Dobbin has reinforced the university’s mission and encourages students to transform their minds and hearts and make the most of their Villanova academic career.

While Fr. Dobbin normally presides over commencement proceedings, 2006 marks the first year he has been selected to serve as the keynote speaker. Although this serves as his last opportunity to address Villanova students, he has said that the focus of his words will be on the university’s graduating seniors.

This year’s student speaker, Michelle Cifone, will speak to students following Fr. Dobbin’s speech. Cifone, a biology major is from Staten Island, NY, which coincidentally is Father Dobbin’s home town. She was selected to give the Commencement Oration after competing against student candidates from each college. Her speech is titled “Villanova: The House that Love Built.”

Fr. Dobbin also will award three honorary degrees at this year’s commencement. Sister Rosalie Bertell who stands as a 2005 Nobel Peace Prize nominee for her work as a Grey Nun of the Sacred Heart will receive an honorary doctor of medical science degree. As a peace activist, Bertell has been recognized for her contributions and service to victims of pollution. Judith G. Cook, the wife and mother of Villanova University alumni, will be awarded an honorary doctor of laws degree for her contributions to the University and her work with the David R. Cook Endowed Chair in Philosophy. Antonio Muñez Molina, a celebrated Spanish contemporary novelist, will be distinguished for his accolades in the fields of journalism and academia an honorary doctor of letters.

Jason Fraser seemed destined for an N.B.A. career until five knee surgeries caused him to rethink his career.

Five knee operations have slowed Jason Fraser on the court, but he is still averaging 20.8 minutes a game for Villanova this season.
Last spring, Villanova center Jason Fraser set up an appointment with one of his sociology professors, Brian Jones, to discuss career options. Jones and Fraser talked about teaching, social work and the ministry. Jones remembers Fraser leading the conversations with two dominant themes: "How can I prepare myself to be a community leader?" And, "How can I do the most good?"

Four years ago, any conversation about Jason Fraser's future profession that did not involve the National Basketball Association and millions of dollars would have seemed ludicrous. But Fraser resisted going to the N.B.A. straight from high school, and after subsequently having surgery seven times in four years, he has had plenty of time to think about other options while rehabilitating.

But when Jones recalled the meeting in a recent telephone interview, what struck him about the conversation was that Fraser never bemoaned his fate.

"He's not visibly disturbed or frustrated by what's happened to him," Jones said. "This isn't a guy that wants to run a bobblehead sale to raise some money. We're talking about a life commitment to the community here."

A 6-foot-10 jumping jack with a penchant for creating mayhem on defense, Fraser had the size, tenacity and athleticism in high school that projected stardom. He led Amityville High School to four straight New York State Class B titles from 2000 to 2003 and a victory over LeBron James's high school team. At the McDonald's all-American game in 2002, some scouts considered Fraser a higher draft pick than Carmelo Anthony. Recruiting analysts debated between Fraser and Amare Stoudemire as the best high school big man.

Although Fraser's wallet may be thinner than the wallets of those former prep peers, he has found a full life in college. Through all the hours of rehabilitation, missed practices and games, he never lost his composure.

"This was all in the works from the Lord," Fraser said. "What I would say I've got out of Villanova is that I had chance to grow."

The oldest of seven children, Fraser grew up in a three-bedroom apartment in Amityville. Fraser's mother immigrated from Jamaica and works the night shift at a local hospital as a nurse. His father, a mechanic in Harlem, did not play a role in his daily life. As the oldest, Fraser grew up with a strong sense of responsibility and respect, instilled in him by his mother and his uncle. Fraser's youth coach from fifth to 10th grade, Rich Cronin, said he remembered Fraser crying during his first year of organized basketball every time he was replaced by a substitute, because he was upset his performance had disappointed Cronin.

In later years, Cronin said, Fraser would lead the team in prayer before games and always reminded him if they forgot to pray before starting a game.

Fraser said he remembered those formative years in basketball more as a time to expand his worldview as a person than develop his game. When Cronin's Catholic Youth Organization team piled into the team's minivan for games along the East Coast — the "Blue Thunder" with Nike logos painted on the side — Fraser saw new parts of the world.

"When I grew up I thought I was going to be in Amityville for the rest of my life," Fraser said. "I didn't think of getting married, traveling or having a family. I didn't realize, until Mr. Cronin opened my eyes, that there's a whole other world out there."

Fraser and Cronin's son, Richie, became close friends, and Fraser was a frequent guest at their house. From the pancake breakfasts to the rest-stop meals to the dips in the Cronin's backyard pool, Fraser was appreciative of everything, Cronin said.

"He still calls the Cronin house on Christmas, New Year's Day and Easter Sunday," Cronin said. "He's been doing that since sixth grade."

Fraser went on to star at Amityville High School and eventually advanced from the C.Y.O. team to the national Amateur Athletic Union scene.

By his senior season, he was ranked among the top recruits in the country. But throughout his high school years he kept his interests varied, singing in the church choir, acting in a school production of "Footloose" and leading his teammates in Bible study.

"I'm learning a lot from him," said Jack Agostino, Fraser's high school coach. "Jason taught me how to really depend on the Bible in tough times."

Fraser's level-headed approach also helped him through the recruiting process, a highly publicized battle among North Carolina, St. John's, Villanova and Louisville. Agostino said he remembered Fraser squeezing into his Mitsubishi Mirage and drawing a chart that listed the positives and negatives of each coach.

"He was just so mature about it," Agostino said. "I use that same system for all my players now."

Fraser eventually choose Villanova, and became the jewel of one of the nation's top recruiting classes. He joined forward Curtis Sumpter and guards Allan Ray and Randy Foye in what was supposed to be an instant powerhouse.

Things did not work out that way, especially for Fraser, whose injuries — especially his five knee operations — kept him from practicing daily with his teammates until this season. The surgeries also took away some of his speed and athleticism, although there have been flashes. He had 25 points and 15 rebounds against Florida in the N.C.A.A. tournament last year, and 25 points and 13 rebounds against Providence last season. (He broke his hand in that game.)

While Fraser does not dwell on the injuries, his coaches and teammates marvel at how he has endured them.

"I don't think I could ever do it," Villanova guard Mike Nardi said. "Each and every day, he's had such a great attitude, he's never had his head down."

That may be because Fraser realized everything he has gained while at Villanova. He married his high school sweetheart during his junior year and they had a daughter, Blessing, in November. He has a double major in sociology and criminal justice. Thomas Arvanites, the chair of the sociology department, called Fraser "one of the most enthusiastic and passionate students I have."

There is still a chance that Fraser will catch up with James, Anthony and Stoudemire in the N.B.A. There is always room on the bench for a 6-foot-10, defensive-minded player who is high energy and low maintenance.

Khaled Hosseini, author of Kite Runner
to speak at Villanova University - February 7th

Khaled Hosseini, author of Kite Runner, Villanova University's selection for the One Book Villanova program, visits Villanova on February 7th, at 5:30 in the Pavilion. Admission is free. Mr. Hosseini's visit is made possible by the English Department's Literary Festival, Division of Student  Life, Falvey Memorial Library and the One Book Villanova Committee.  Khaled Hosseini's campus visit is only one part of the One Book Villanova initiative.  For more information about the One Book Program and other upcoming events,
please visit the One Book site

Robert C. Wonderling's Municipal Wi-Fi Senate Hearing
November 7th - Connelly Center Cinema

Villanova will play host to PA. Senator (Chairman) Robert C. Wonderling's Senate hearing on municipal wi-fi, Nov 7th in the Cinema. The Senator's office said that the hearings will begin about 10 a.m. and last until about 2:30 p.m..... however that time could be extended depending upon how the hearings go.

The general public, faculty, staff and students are cordially invited.