Welcome, Class of 2029

August 24, 2026—The class of 2029, hailing from 27 states and five countries outside the US, has recently begun their law school journey. They bring diverse backgrounds and impressive academic credentials from more than 100 undergraduate institutions.  

Villanova Law welcomed 193 incoming students on August 18 as they arrived at Scarpa Hall for orientation activities. Both The Rev. Peter M. Donohue, OSA, PhD, ’75 CLAS, University President and Mark C. Alexander, the Arthur J. Kania Dean, gave remarks to kick off the three-day event. 

“The challenge of being a lawyer worthy of this profession—and a student in the great Villanova Law tradition—is not to do the same thing every day,” Dean Alexander said. “Take on the difficult cases. Engage in hard conversations. Question what you see. You are leaders, and you will be great lawyers.”  

The Hon. Joel Slomsky, Senior United States District Judge for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania and a Villanova Law dean’s distinguished fellow, administered the professional oath, marking the students’ official entry into the legal profession.  

Programming included mock classes, health and well-being seminars and opportunities to connect with classmates. Orientation wrapped up with a picnic sponsored by the Villanova Law Alumni Association with faculty, staff, alumni and current students. 

The Law School looks forward to having these students be a part of our community over the next three years and beyond.