Dear Friend of the College,

There’s a chill in the air, and the leaves are beginning to show us their fall colors. So, too, there is much happening on campus and in the College. Welcome to the October 2011 e-newsletter for the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Inside A&S.

Ignite Change. Go Nova. By now, you've seen this tagline printed on banners, T-shirts, and water bottles all around campus. It’s on the Web and in advertisements. But what does it mean? And what does it mean to you?

For me, and as the University's brand guidelines indicate, the tagline serves to strengthen the University's Augustinian Catholic intellectual tradition, the cornerstone of our academic community in which students learn to think critically, act compassionately, and succeed while serving others. In this context, we prepare Villanova  students to become ethical leaders who create positive change everywhere life takes them.

On the Ignite Change, Go Nova Web site, you can learn more about the University's brand initiative and see stories of Villanovans -- students, alumni, faculty, and staff -- who ignite change both in their lives and in the lives of others. On this site, you too can submit stories -- your own or those of others -- of Villanovans whose accomplishments find their root in the education and experiences they've had at Villanova. I encourage you to add your Villanova Story and how you are igniting change.

In other news, VITAL – the Villanova Institute for Teaching and Learning – is continuing to offer brown-bag lunch discussions during the Fall 2011 semester to encourage faculty development across the University. One very concrete and important way we as educators can "ignite change" is in the classroom, helping our students on their academic journey at Villanova.

On Wednesday, Oct. 19, in Connelly's Rosemont Room, or on Thursday, Oct. 20, in Connelly's Bryn Mawr Room, the topic for discussion will be, "GUEST SPEAKERS: AN EFFECTIVE TEACHING RESOURCE?"

As VITAL points out, it is sometimes a challenge to integrate the information provided by guest speakers into a course as a whole. Guest presenters may need diplomatic coaching ahead of time about students’ level of background knowledge and about making the presentation engaging and relevant. In addition, our students may need faculty assistance in interacting with guest presenters and in applying the information offered to course concepts.

I hope you can make the time to attend this special brown bag to share your ideas and experiences using guest speakers in the classroom.

October includes mid-term exams and fall break, and many of our students will be going on service trips and academic travel. I wish you all a great month.

Sincerely,

Villanova Ranked #1 in Category for 19th Consecutive Year By U.S. News & World Report

Villanova University has again earned #1 placement in the Regional University–North category in U.S. News & World Report’s annual “America’s Best Colleges” rankings, which will hit newsstands on Sept. 20. Villanova has held this top spot for nearly two decades.

Villanova is also ranked #1 in the Regional University–North category for “Great Schools, Great Prices” – a ranking determined by a school’s academic quality in relation to the net cost of attendance for a student who receives the average level of need-based financial aid. According to U.S. News, “the higher the quality of the program and the lower the cost, the better the deal.”

Villanova University’s College of Engineering has earned the #10 spot in the nation in the “Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs” category, among schools whose highest degree is a bachelor's or master's. This section of the ranking lists undergraduate programs accredited by ABET, formerly known as the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, according to the strength of their academic reputation. This marks the sixth consecutive year for the College of Engineering in the top 10 nationally.

Additionally, Villanova has been listed by U.S. News as a university with a “Strong Focus on Student Success.”  In reference to the universities included in this “Programs to Look For” section of the ranking, U.S. News states that “some schools are much more determined than others to provide freshmen and all undergrads with the best possible experience….” Within this section, Villanova received special recognition in the “First-Year Experience” list.

Read more here.

Hispanic Studies Hosts Conference to Celebrate the Life and Work of Famous Peruvian Writer

The Hispanic Studies Program in the Department of Romance Languages and Literatures will host an international conference in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month and the centenary of the birth of José María Arguedas, the famous 20th century Peruvian writer, on October 28-29, 2011, in Connelly Center on the campus of Villanova University. To complement the scholarly sessions and roundtable discussion of his work, the conference features a rich cultural program about the cultures of the Andean region that includes Peru, Bolivia, and Ecuador. Learn more here.

Save the Date: Office for Undergraduate Students Hosts Majors Fair on Friday, October 28

The Office for Undergraduate Students (OUS) in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences will sponsor an Undergraduate Academic Majors Fair on Friday, Oct. 28, from 1 to 4 p.m., in the Villanova Room of Connelly Center. The purpose of the event is to showcase the College's many academic majors, minors, and concentrations, and help first- and second-year students in particular make informed decisions about their courses of study. Learn more here.

Villanova and the National Theatre of Ireland Abbey Theatre Launch Artistic and Intellectual Exchange Program

Villanova University and the Abbey Theatre proudly announce their new artistic and intellectual exchange program. Founded by Irish Augustinians in 1842, Villanova is forming an historic partnership with the Abbey Theatre, the National Theatre of Ireland. 

Since its beginnings in the early 20th century, the Abbey has produced world-class plays and toured them internationally, inspiring generations of audiences in Philadelphia and beyond. Villanova houses one of the most prominent and influential theater departments in the Philadelphia region, as well as one of nation’s top Irish Studies programs.

The University holds a long-standing commitment to performing and studying Irish plays, in addition to hosting prominent Irish playwrights through the Charles A. Heimbold, Jr. Chair of Irish Studies. 

The Villanova-Abbey Exchange Program seeks to provide a second home for the Abbey Theatre, as these two institutions work to further enrich their artistic and intellectual traditions. Through lectures, workshops, and other activities, the Exchange Program will advance dialogue between audiences, students, playwrights, scholars, and theater practitioners—strengthening the University’s bond with Ireland, and the Abbey’s with America. 

For more information, please contact Joseph Lennon, Ph.D., director of the Irish Studies Program.

College Celebrates Faculty Tenure and Promotion During Special Event

The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences celebrated and recognized professors on their recent promotions at a special event held in the Presidents' Lounge of Connelly on Wednesday, Sept. 22.

Those faculty tenured as associate professors include: Hibba Abugideiri, Ph.D., history; Alice Dailey, Ph.D., English; Timothy Dudley, Ph.D., chemistry; Jesse Frey, Ph.D., mathematics; Amanda Grannas, Ph.D., chemistry; Krista Malott, Ph.D., education; Letizia Modena, Ph.D., romance languages; Christine Palus, Ph.D., political science; Michael Posner, Ph.D., mathematics; Mark Shiffman, Ph.D., humanities; Michael Tomko, Ph.D., humanities; and Kelly Welch, Ph.D., sociology.

Louise Russo, Ph.D., biology, has been promoted to associate professor, and Mirela Damian, Ph.D., computer science, has been promoted to full professor.

Humanities Department Invites You to Its Fall Reception

The Department of Humanities invites you to its fall reception to discover more about the humanities major and to hear from recent alumni who will discuss their experiences since graduation and the impact of their major on their professional lives. The event takes place on Tuesday, Oct. 18, at 4 p.m., in Falvey's Holy Grounds. All are welcome.

Faculty Development Opportunities: VITAL Food for Thought Lunch Discussions Fall 2011

FOOD FOR THOUGHT:  Fall 2011

Lunch Discussions About Teaching and Learning

VITAL – the Villanova Institute for Teaching and Learning – is continuing to offer brown-bag lunch discussions during the Fall 2011 semester.  Each month’s topic is offered on two different days so that faculty members have a choice that accommodates teaching schedules. 

As always, there will be no structured presentations or “experts.” Instead, you’ll have a chance to exchange ideas with colleagues from across the campus. Bring your lunch, your experiences, your ideas, and your problems. VITAL will provide the venue, dessert, and beverages. Come any time between 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., and stay as long as you wish. If you have any questions, please contact VITAL at Ext. 9-5627 or e-mail Elaine Halford.

SCHEDULE FOR FALL 2011

Check Out VITALINKS Online, Your Entryway to a Large Collection of Informative Internet Instructional Resources

Do you have a question about a new teaching strategy but no time to contact VITAL? Have you ever been preparing for the next day’s courses at 10 p.m., when you suddenly realized that you needed more ideas for actively engaging students? Help is now at your fingertips (literally!) on the VITAL Web site.

VITAL is pleased to introduce VITALINKS, your entryway to a large collection of informative instructional internet resources. These resources are organized both by topic and by discipline, so you can search in both modes to find the greatest number of useful results.

Clicking on each major topic leads to subtopics that contain a variety of relevant links. For example, under the main category “TEACHING STRATEGIES,” there are eight subtopics. If you then click on the subtopic “Best Practices,” you’ll find links to 15 helpful articles.

While VITALINKS does not claim to be a comprehensive collection of web links about teaching and learning, you should find enough here to start you on the path to further exploration. To try it for yourself, click here.

Fall 2011 Ethics for Lunch Events

The Ethics Program invites you to attend two upcoming Ethics for Lunch events and its annual public lecture.

On Tuesday, Oct. 18, from noon to 1:30 p.m. in the Devon Room of Connelly, please join Dr. Jeanne Schindler from the Humanities Department for a discussion on "Nature, Freedom, and the Meaning of Citizenship."

On Wednesday, Nov. 16, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Devon Room of Connelly, please join Dr. Michael Moreland from the Villanova Law School for a discussion on "Mistakes About Intention."

The Ethics Program welcomes Dr. Jeffery Nicholas from Mount Angel Seminary on Wednesday, Oct. 26, from 4:30 to 6 p.m. in Bartley Hall Room 1011 for a public lecture entitled, "The Immaculate One-Dimensionality of Birth: Catholic Social Justice, Midwifery, and Technology in Birth."

All are invited to attend.

Cultural Film and Lecture Series Explores Movie Heroes and Villains

The Cultural Film and Lecture Series explores the movie characters we love to love and love to hate in this semester’s films. Each film will be shown three times: Sundays at 3:30 and 7 p.m. and Mondays at 7 p.m. Only the Monday evening screening will feature a speaker, and admission is free to all patrons for every screening.

Who is Wright: October 2-3. Directed by Mike Moroco, USA, 25 minutes, 2011. Speakers: Student Filmmakers.This student short vividly documents the daily life of Julius Wright, a beat artist and MC living in South Philadelphia. Angered at his position in the drug-riddled and gun-filled world around him, Julius attempts to find solace in the rap beats he performs.

In Good Conscience: October 23-24. Directed by Barbara Rick, USA, 82 minutes,  2006. Speaker: Barbara Rick.This engaging documentary film follows a Roman Catholic nun as she as she battles the Vatican over the rights of gays and lesbians. Variety wrote: “The unassuming Sister Jeannine Gramick may be the most engaging spokesperson for the Catholic faith in recent memory.”

Throne of Blood: October 30-31. Directed by Akira Kurosawa, Japan, 105 minutes, 1957. Speaker: John Paul Spiro. Yes, this visually stunning masterpiece is an adaptation of Shakespeare’s Macbeth. But, as critic Stephen Prince has pointed out, “The aesthetics and philosophy of Throne of Blood take us well beyond Shakespeare, and that’s why this is a great film.”

Africana Studies Welcomes Christiana M. Russell From Auburn University

On Wednesday, October 19, join Dr. Christiana M. Russell, outreach coordinator at Auburn University, at 4:30 p.m. in SAC 300. All are welcome.

Russell is a native of Columbus, Ohio, where she attended The Ohio State University and obtained her bachelor of arts in psychology. She later went on to attend Georgia State University where she obtained her bachelor of science in criminal justice while working for Clayton County Juvenile Services. She then returned to The Ohio State University for graduate school where she obtained her master’s in social work and culminated her graduate education with her Ph.D. in human development and family studies in 2006.

Russell’s area of specialization is educational risk and marginalized youth populations. Her most recent contributions to the field include publications in the Journal of Negro Education and Journal of Adolescent Health. Russell has also been a part of the Alabama Community Healthy Marriage Initiative and projects sponsored by The Alabama Children’s Trust Fund.

History Department Celebrates Accomplishments of Faculty Authors

The Department of History celebrated the 2010 publication of two faculty written books at a recent reception.

Dr. Hibba Abugideiri wrote Gender and the Making of Modern Medicine Colonial Egypt (Ashgate 2010), and Dr. Elizabeth Kolsky wrote Colonial Justice in British India: White Violence and the Rule of Law (Cambridge 2010).

The Mystery of Creation in the Teaching of St. Augustine: Beyond Myth, Beyond Philosophy, Beyond Science

The Augustinian Institute will sponsor the 201l Saint Augustine Lecture on Thursday, Oct. 20 at 7 p.m. in Driscoll Auditorium.

John C. Cavadini from  theUniversity of Notre Dame will discuss, "The Mystery of Creation in the Teaching of St. Augustine: Beyond Myth, Beyond Philosophy, Beyond Science."

Stephen Hawking's recent book, The Grand Design, argues that science has rendered both philosophical and theological accounts of the origin and nature of the universe irrelevant. In contrast with modern scientific theories, theological accounts have come to seem like myths, and philosophical accounts as so many outdated scientific theories.  But is this true?  And, is it possible that a theologian from an ancient time and place could shed light on such claims? How can we distinguish "myth" from science, science from philosophy, and the doctrine of creation from all three?

Can we turn to the theology of St. Augustine to find ways of thinking about these questions that are still useful for us even now?  Perhaps he, in turn, will have some questions for us, too.

This year's St. Augustine lecture will address St. Augustine's thought on creation, and the ways in which it may still be a resource for us today.

For more information, please click here. 

Catherine Staples to Read From Never a Note Forfeit

Catherine Staples, M.A., Honors program, will be reading from her chapbook, Never a Note Forfeit (Seven Kitchens Press 2011), in Garey Hall on Friday, Nov. 11, at 1:30 p.m. Her first full length collection, The Rattling Window, nominated by Eamon Grennan for the Robert McGovern Series, is forthcoming from Ashland Poetry Press in spring 2013. 

2011 WFI Symposium, “The Challenge of Communicating Truth”

The Waterhouse Family Institute for the Study of Communication and Society (WFI) — housed within Villanova University’s Department of Communication in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences — was founded on the principle that the study and practice of communication requires attention to values, ethics and social justice. Properly understood, communication is central to the creation of positive social change.

On Oct. 21, WFI will host its 2011 symposium: “The Challenge of Communicating Truth." According to Bryan Crable, Ph.D., an associate professor of communication and founding director of the Waterhouse Family Institute for the Study of Communication and Society, the inspiration for this event came from Barnett Pearce’s work, especially the emphasis upon communication's role in making better social worlds and upon the practical nature of theory.

"One of the easiest things to say is simply 'tell the truth!' But what does that actually mean?," Dr. Crable said. By this we mean questions such as: How do you tell the truth? Whose truth do you tell? Who gets to tell the truth? Who doesn’t? To whom do you tell the truth? What happens between those telling opposing truths? Does telling the truth require assistance? Etc.) We’re hoping to interrogate such issues through a focused conversation among those doing innovative, communication-focused work in activism and/or scholarship."

Learn more about the event on the WFI Web site and here.

Villanova's Habitat for Humanity Campus Chapter Kicks Off Blitz Build

By Katharine Swinton
During the week of Sept. 26, 2011, Villanova students, alumni, and faculty participateed in a "blitz build" organized by Villanova’s Habitat for Humanity Campus Chapter. Read more here.

University Inaugurates the Harron Family Endowed Chair in Communication

The Harron Family Endowed Chair in Communication, made possible through the generosity of the Imbesi Family, was inaugurated at a special ceremony on Tuesday, Sept. 27.

Rev. Peter M. Donohue, O.S.A., University president, said, "We are privileged to honor Patricia H. and John C. Imbesi ’69, esteemed and committed members of the Villanova community. Their generous philanthropy and active involvement with the University embodies the Augustinian Catholic values, which are the foundation of a Villanova education."

In addition, Father Peter said, "The establishment of this distinguished endowed faculty position is a visible representation of the Imbesi’s enduring commitment to the University and will provide a lasting benefit to the Villanova College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. The Harron Family Endowed Chair in Communication will greatly enhance the College’s continuing efforts to offer an excellent education and develop leaders for a better world."

Dr. Raka Shome has been named the inaugural, 2011-2012 Harron Family Endowed Chair in Communication. Her pioneering, nationally- and internationally-recognized scholarship has marked her as one of the leading voices in critical/cultural studies in the Communication discipline. As a result, the Department is proud to welcome her to campus for this prestigious visiting appointment; she embodies the intellectual excellence and prominence that the Harron Endowed Chair was designed to celebrate.

Jean Ann Linney, Ph.D., dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, thanked the Imbesi Family and said, "The College values dynamic and diverse faculty members who are committed to teaching, scholarship, and service—and who can contribute to the University’s conversation regarding truth, community, values, and social justice. Herein lies the significance of the establishment of this Endowed Chair in the College: the Endowed Chair has the opportunity to 'ignite change' and advance the University’s mission on our campus and beyond through her teaching, scholarship, and service to the Department."

Learn more about the Endowed Chair here.

Villanova Theatre Presents "The Comedy of Errors"

Villanova Theatre proudly presents "The Comedy of Errors," from Sept. 27 to Oct. 9, 2011. Performances run Tuesday through Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m.  Faculty and staff tickets are $11 and FREE on Tuesdays. Learn more here.

Irish Theatre Director Patrick Mason to Visit Villanova

Award-winning Irish theatre director Patrick Mason will deliver a talk at Villanova on Monday, October 17, at 7 p.m. in the West Lounge of Dougherty Hall as part of the Irish Studies Program’s lineup of fall 2011 lectures, readings, and cultural events open to the public.

Mason’s lecture, titled “Truth and Counter-truth: The Abbey and Ireland,” will treat the new Irish Theatre from both a historical and contemporary angle, highlighting important aesthetic and ethical issues facing the institution.

With the 2010/2011 season of Philadelphia’s Irish Theatre Festival recently wrapped, the discussion promises to be particularly timely and illuminating for local theatre enthusiasts. 

Mason’s ongoing distinguished career in the dramatic arts has provided him the opportunity to collaborate with and represent the National Theatre of Ireland in various professional capacities, first as the Abbey’s Voice Coach in 1972, then as Director in 1977, Resident Director in 1979, and Artistic Director from 1993 through 1999. With productions including works as varied as Seamus Heaney’s The Burial at Thebes, Anton Chekhov’s The Cherry Orchard, and Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest, among many others, Mason’s experience and repertoire spans the classic and current, the national and international.

He received the Tony Award for Best Director in 1992 for his production of Brian Friel’s Dancing at Lughnasa, which premiered at the Abbey. Other distinctions include two Harvey’s Irish Theatre Awards, a NYC Critics Circle Award and an honorary doctorate from Trinity College Dublin.

The event is positioned to serve as the inaugural lecture for a planned exchange program between Villanova University and the Abbey Theatre. Once finalized, the historic collaboration intends to foster artistic and educational development among U.S. and Irish students, playwrights, scholars, and audiences, and may lead to the Abbey Theatre having a permanent presence in Philadelphia. The proposed Villanova-Abbey Theatre Exchange will benefit both Villanova Theatre, home to one of Philadelphia’s leading theatre departments, as well as Ireland’s preeminent dramatic arts establishment.

Villanova Social Justice Documentary Invited to Harlem International Film Festival

The Villanova University social justice documentary, “No Greater Pain,” has been invited to the prestigious Harlem International Film Festival (Sept. 7-11). The film will be screened Saturday, Sept. 10, at noon, at the Maysles Institute in Harlem, N.Y.

The documentary—produced by students in Villanova’s Center for Social Justice Film—tells the story of Philadelphia resident Dorothy Johnson-Speight and four other mothers who lost sons to violence and formed an organization, Mothers in Charge, to prevent violence through education and intervention, and provide support to those who have lost loved ones to violence.

Learn more here.

Peter Godwin on "The Fear: Robert Mugabe and the Martyrdom of Zimbabwe"

The Institute for Global Interdisciplinary Studies (GIS) welcomes Peter Godwin to campus. He will discuss his latest book, The Fear: Robert Mugabe and the Martyrdom of Zimbabwe, on Wednesday, Nov. 2 at 4 p.m., in Garey Hall.

Irish Studies Program Announces Fall 2011 Programming Line-up

The Irish Studies Program at Villanova invites you to attend the following upcoming events. For more information, please contact Joseph Lennon, Ph.D., director of the Irish Studies Program.

• November 1: Patrick McGuinness, Booker nominated novelist, will read at 5:30 p.m. in the Falvey Library Lounge.
  
  
• November 8 to 20: Marina Carr’s Woman and Scarcrow (directed by Fr. David Cregan) opens in Vasey Theater; Tuesday-Saturday, 8 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m.
  
  
• November 11: Eamon Grennan presents his play, Hunger: A Dramatic Recital, performed at 4 p.m. in Vasey Theater.
  
  
• November 14: Irish Film Night features Hunger at 7 p.m. in Connelly Center Cinema. The film will be introduced by Professors John Buckley and Joseph Lennon.
   
  
  

Villanova Ranked Among “Greenest” Universities in the Nation

Villanova University—a signatory of the American College & University Presidents’ Climate Commitment—has again earned national recognition for its commitment to sustainability. The University was ranked #32 nationally by the Sierra Club, in its fifth-annual “Cool Schools” ranking of the greenest colleges in the United States. Learn more here.

Learn More About Majoring in Global Interdisciplinary Studies (GIS) at This "Coffee Hour"

The Institute for Global Interdisciplinary Studies invites you to attend a "Coffee Hour" on Wednesday, Oct. 19 at 3 p.m., in Garey Hall. Stop by between 3 and 6 p.m. to learn about the GIS major. Learn more about the program here. 

Make Plans to Attend the Villanova-Abbey Theater Inaugural Lecture by Patrick Mason

Irish Director Patrick Mason will deliver the inaugural lecture on the state of Irish Theater for the Villanova's Exchange Program with the Abbey Theater, the National Theater of Ireland, on Monday, Oct. 17, at 4:30 p.m. in the West Lounge of Dougherty Hall. Learn more about the Abbey Theatre here.

Special Event: Max Weber in America

Max Weber, the great German sociologist and political economist, carried out important research in the United States. This work contributed to his becoming one of the architects of modern social science. Lawrence Scaff, author of Max Weber in America and other works on Weber, as well as a Fulbright Fellow at the Unviersity of Freiburg in Germany, will discuss Weber in America on October 20 at 4:30 p.m. in Tolentine 215. Learn more here.

Seventh Annual Senghor-Damas-Césaire Lecture in Africana Studies Features Dr. Tess Onwueme

The Africana Studies Program proudly welcomes internationally renowned playwright and performer, Dr. Tess Onwueme, who will deliver the seventh annual Senghor-Damas-Césaire Lecture in Africana Studies on Monday, Nov. 14, at 4 p.m. in Connelly Cinema.

The esteemed University Professor of Global Letters at the University of Wisconsin is the author of more than 20 plays. Productions of her work have been featured at the National Theatre in Lagos, the BBC World Drama Service, and off Broadway at the New Federal Theatre. 

The winner of numerous awards and grants, Dr. Onwueme was appointed to the U.S. State Department's Public Diplomacy Specialist/Speaker Program for North, East, and West India in 2007 with the mandate to "win friends for America."

Ignite Change. Go Nova: University Unveils New Logo, Tag Line, and Brand Guidelines

IgniteChangeGoNova.com

As part of the University's strategic plan and branding efforts to better tell the University Story, Villanova has published brand and editorial guidelines on the University Communication Web site.

Be sure to review them, and if you need any assistance, please contact Kate Szumanski, director of communications in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

The IgniteChangeGoNova.com Web site is live! Be sure to check it out. It celebrates the people and programs that prove that Villanova is a place that attracts and forges world changers. The site also enables you to submit your own stories. Everyone is encouraged to do so! Faculty, staff, students, and alumni can submit text or upload a short video about their Villanova achievements.

Catholic Relief Services (CRS) Middle East Region Director to Participate in Villanova Town Hall

Mark Schnellbaecher, Catholic Relief Services (CRS) Middle East Region Director, stationed in Beruit, will spend Tuesday, October 25, at Villanova University.  Schnellbaecher will share his experience and perspective on the complex, changing reality in the Middle East and North Africa and CRS’ thinking on an appropriate response for a U.S. Catholic NGO operating in the region. Learn more here.

Japanese Studies: Japanese Intercultural Communication and Conflict

The Japanese Studies program in the Institute for Global Interdisciplinary Studies invites you to attend a special event, "Japanese Intercultural Communication and Conflict," on Thursday, Oct. 27 at 5:30 p.m., in Bartley Hall 1010. Learn more about Japanese Studies here. 

Vivian J. Lamb Lecture Series on Augustinian Thought and the Sciences Features Guy J. Consolmagno, S.J.

The Vivian J. Lamb Lecture Series on Augustinian Thought and the Sciences will feature Guy J. Consolmagno, S.J., from Specola Vaticana, Vatican City State, on November 9, 2011, at 4:30 p.m., in the Driscoll Auditorium. Learn more here.

Find the Office for Undergraduate Students on Facebook

The Office for Undergraduate Students has a new Facebook page. “Like” us on Facebook for the most up-to-date information from OUS, including information for students regarding academic advising, professional development opportunities, and other events and resources available through OUS.

Find Many College Departments and Programs on Facebook

You'll find a comprehensive list of the College's social media outlets here. Be sure to check them out. (The Department of Mathematics and Statistics is the latest to create a Facebook page. Stay connected, stay informed, stay engaged.

Learn These "Fast Facts" About the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

You can find a "Fast Facts" Web page on the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at Villanova here. Be sure to check it out.

“‘Great in Fame and Glory’: Painting the Life of Saint Augustine at San Gimignano in the Renaissance”

Dr. Diane Cole Ahl, Rothkopf Professor of Art History, Lafayette College, scholar of the Italian Renaissance, Baroque art and architecture, and Christian iconography will discuss “‘Great in Fame and Glory’: Painting the Life of Saint Augustine at San Gimignano in the Renaissance,” on Tuesday, Oct. 25, at 6:15 p.m., in Driscoll Auditorium.

CRS and Villanova Partnership Sponsor a Series of Fall 2011 Events

The Villanova University and Catholic Relief Services (CRS) partnership is sponsoring a series of events during the fall 2011 semester. Be sure to mark your calendar now to attend the events. Learn more about them here.

• Catholic Relief Services (CRS) Middle East Region Director to Participate in Villanova Town Hall ... October 25

• Fall 2011 GSN Sessions Focus on Transitions in the Middle East and North Africa

Save the Date: 2011 Anthony J. and Heand Johns Silvestri Lectureship: 10/25

The Department of Chemistry is hosting the 2011 Anthony J. & Heand Johns Silvestri Lectureship on Tuesday, October 25. Our guest speaker is Dr. Erik J. Sorensen, Arthur Allan Patchett Professor in Organic Chemistry at Princeton University. More information to come.

Gender and Women's Studies Welcomes The New Agenda President Amy Siskind

The president of The New Agenda, Amy Siskind, will speak on campus on Tuesday, Oct. 25 at 3:30 p.m., in Driscoll Auditorium. The title of her talk is "How the 'Sexism' Revolution Launched the prowomen Movement."

Ms. Siskind has appeared as an expert on women’s issues and teen dating violence on CNN, FOX News, CNBC, PBS, NPR, and Marketplace Radio; and has been quoted as an expert in The Los Angeles Times, The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, POLITICO, U.S. News & World Report, Guardian UK, Forbes, and The Hill.

Previously, Ms. Siskind was a Wall Street executive. Ms. Siskind became the first female Managing Director at Wasserstein Perella at the age of 31. Later, she ran trading departments at such prestigious firms as Morgan Stanley and Imperial Capital.  Ms. Siskind received a BA in Economics from Cornell University (with minors in Mathematics and Computer Science) and an MBA in Finance from The NYU Stern School of Business  (with a concentration in International Business).

One Book Villanova 2011-2012

The One Book Villanova Committee is pleased to announce that the selection for the 2011-2012 academic year is Jamie Ford’s acclaimed and moving first novel Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet. Set in Seattle, the novel tells the story of a young Chinese boy, Henry, and Keiko, a Japanese girl, who forge a relationship during the World War II era of Japanese internment camps. Ford's novel will provide an opportunity for the Villanova community to examine a significant and painful moment in 20th century American history while also opening up questions of ethnic identify, intercultural understanding, the power of family relationships, and the power of forgiveness. Learn more here.

Hispanic Studies Hosts Conference to Celebrate the Life and Work of Famous Peruvian Writer

The Hispanic Studies Program in the Department of Romance Languages and Literatures will host an international conference in celebration of the centenary of the birth of José María Arguedas, the famous 20th century Peruvian writer, on October 28-29, 2011, in Connelly Center on the campus of Villanova University. Learn more here.

Patristic, Medieval, and Renaissance Studies Conference (PMR) October 21-23, 2011

Natura ... The splendor of these created things... Featuring Richard A. Schenk, OP, Professor of Philosophy and Theology Dominican School of Philosophy and Theology, and Bruce D. Marshall, Ph.D., Lehman Chair in Christian Doctrine Perkins School of Theology Southern Methodist University.

Villanova University has enjoyed a national reputation through its Patristic, Medieval, and Renaissance Conference (PMR) for more than 30 years. Finding its natural niche and center in philosophy and theology, but extending from there to embrace a wide variety of disciplines in the field, the PMR has established a tradition of scholarship and collegiality complementary to, rather than in competition with, the larger conferences such as Kalamazoo, the Oxford Patristics Conference, or the Medieval Academy.

Learn more here.

Augustine, Friends, and Family: Best Friends Forever -- Featuring the Thomas F. Martin Saint Augustine Fellow,  Dr. Maureen Tilley

The Thomas F. Martin Saint Augustine Fellow, Dr. Maureen Tilley, will deliver a public lecture entitled, "Augustine, Friends, and Family: Best Friends Forever," on Nov. 3 a 4 p.m. in St. Thomas of Villanova Church.

In his Confessions, Saint Augustine claimed that as a young man he was in love with love and with loving. While most commentators focus on his passion for sex, his passions extended to friendship too. Like many of us he cultivated all sorts of relationships: friends, acquaintances, lovers and family.

When Augustine became a Christian he re-evaluated his friends and family members and friendship generally. His re-evaluation and the form it takes in the Confessions have implications for modern friends who pledge "Best Friends Forever."

Sponsored by The Augustinian Institute. Click here for more information.

Open House: Learn More About Graduate-level Programs in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences on Oct. 18

Make plans to attend the next Open House for Graduate Studies in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences on Tuesday, Oct. 18, 2011, from 3:30 to 7 p.m., in the Villanova Room of Connelly Center on Villanova's campus. Learn more here. 

Harvard Historian Jill Lepore to Deliver the Third Annual Kephart Lecture

Jill Lepore, Ph.D., David Woods Kemper '41 Professor of American History, Harvard University, will deliver the third annual Lore Kephart '86 Distinguished Historians Lecture on Tuesday, Dec. 6, at 7 p.m., in the Villanova Room of Connelly. The title of the lecture is "Poor Jane's Almanac: The Life and Opinions of Benjamin Franklin's Sister." Lepore also is a staff writer at The New Yorker. Learn more about Dr. Lepore here.

New Graduate Certificate in Peace and Justice Studies

The Dean of Graduate Studies and the Graduate Liberal Studies program are pleased to announce the creation of a new Graduate Certificate in Peace and Justice Studies. This certificate helps to prepare students for careers in social justice, advocacy, peacemaking, conflict resolution, journalism, teaching, and activism.

College Presents "A Day in the Life": A New Short Film About the College

The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences is proud to present the short video documentary, A Day in the Life, featuring the lives of three Villanova students majoring in the liberal arts and sciences. The video was first screened during Candidates' Day on Saturday, April 16, 2011.