Connelly Center Revitalization
Renovations to the Connelly Center—a student hub and central gathering space for the campus community—advance the priorities of Villanova’s Strategic Plan, illustrating our ongoing commitment to enhancing the student experience, fostering community and creating collaborative spaces.
Student Center at the Heart of Campus
The Connelly Center has been central to Villanova’s student experience and campus life 45 years. The interior renovation of the 67,000 square-foot building modernized the facility while maintaining the distinctive character of this campus landmark. Villanova worked with architects Crabtree, Rohrbaugh & Associates and was completed for fall 2025.
Serving Today's Villanova
The renovation of the Connelly Center maximized a vital campus space and enhanced student dining, gathering and event spaces, and accessibility throughout the building. With the opening of Villanova’s Cabrini Campus in Fall 2026, the Connelly Center will increasingly serve as an important student hub for those traveling between campuses. The improvements to dining, study and lounge options ensure the building is equipped to best serve Villanova students today and for generations to come.
Highlights of the building renovation and revitalization project include:
- New destinations for dining, including a sushi counter and Nova Noodle Co., which will offer bowls featuring ramen, pho and global noodle favorites
- Redesign of the Belle Aire Terrace dining area increased seating availability and improved circulation and accessibility
- Creation of a new stage in Belle Aire Terrace for student performances
- Modernized and upgraded the Villanova Room, the central event space on campus
- Replaced seating throughout the building and carried out aesthetic upgrades
- Installation of new flooring and lighting, and upgrades to the HVAC system
- Provide additional bathroom facilities
Recognizing Our Lead Donor
The Connelly Foundation is a longstanding and valued supporter of Villanova, investing across academics, campus infrastructure and student life. The Connelly Foundation originally funded the construction of the Connelly Center, which opened in 1980. The Foundation made a leadership gift to revitalize the building, donating $10 million toward the renovation cost, which brings the Connelly Foundation’s total giving to Villanova to more than $44 million.
The renovated spaces within the Connelly Center include a Commons on the ground floor named in honor of Emily C. Riley, executive vice president emerita for the Connelly Foundation and a former member of the Villanova University Board of Trustees.
Villanova's Strategic Plan
The Connelly Center renovation advances the University’s commitment to enhancing the Villanova experience for the entire campus community and creating spaces that foster community and collaboration as part of its Strategic Plan. Rooted in our Augustinian Catholic values and restless in our desire to ignite change, it is a uniquely Villanovan plan driven by our community’s shared vision for the future: to remain true to what makes our University special while becoming an even greater Villanova.