Award-winning professors from Villanova, Harvard, Columbia and Penn come together on Feb. 23 at Villanova University to offer a unique learning experience open to the public

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 20, 2008

VILLANOVA, PA – What college student hasn’t dreamed of the pure pursuit of knowledge free of homework, term papers, and exams? On Saturday, February 23, college students, along with members of the community, can realize that dream when Villanova University hosts the region’s first One Day University – a dynamic lecture series presented in partnership with New York City-based One Day University. The event brings together the best professors from the nation's top schools to deliver their most popular lectures. Villanova sociology professor Brian Jones will join faculty from Harvard University, Columbia University and the University of Pennsylvania, for One Day University, which will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. on the Villanova campus.

The One Day University program has attracted over 6,000 students in nine East Coast cities since 2006. In each session, four award-winning teachers deliver their favorite lectures on topics ranging from history, psychology and politics to art, music, and the classics.

Hosted by Villanova and open to the general public, it is the region's first event of its kind—offering adults of all ages the opportunity to return to the college classroom for a day. One Day University will be held in the Villanova Room at the University's Connelly Center, located on the main campus at 800 Lancaster Avenue.

The One Day University course offerings include:

• "American Studies: Melville, Moby Dick and the American Experience," taught by Andrew Delbanco, winner of Columbia University's "Great Teacher" award
• "Psychology: Positive Psychology and the Science of Happiness," Harvard University's #1 most popular course taught by Harvard professor Shawn Achor
• "History: Hitler – The Man and the Mystery," taught by Jonathan Steinberg the University of Pennsylvania's Annenberg Professor of European History and past chairman of its history department
• "Sociology: Is American Society in Decline? No – and Yes," taught by Villanova University sociology professor Brian Jones, winner of the Lindback Award for Distinguished Teaching

"Learning is a lifelong experience, and at Villanova it is part of our mission to offer world-class educational opportunities to both our students and to the community," said the Rev. Peter M. Donohue, O.S.A., Villanova University President. "We are very pleased to be joining with Harvard, Columbia and the University of Pennsylvania in offering this exceptional and diverse day of learning."

One Day University is unique because unlike most other continuing education or personal enrichment programs that require lengthy time commitments, One Day University gives time-strapped learners the opportunity to telescope four lectures by renowned academicians into a single day.

"Many people long out of college are fascinated to go back for just one day,” said One Day University co-founder Steven Schragis. “This gives them a chance...with the finest professors in the country."

"As a nationally recognized university, it is incumbent upon us to provide opportunities for the community to join with us and experience the joys and thrills of university education, taking part in lectures given by some of the finest scholars in the Ivy League and on the East Coast, including our own faculty," John A. Doody, director, Villanova Center for Liberal Education and associate dean, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences said.

The fee for One Day University is $219. Lunch at the Connelly Center is included. Registration can be made online by going to www.OneDayU.com and clicking on the Feb. 23, Philadelphia event link or by calling (800) 811-8821.

Villanova University is a co-educational Roman Catholic institution founded by the Order of Saint Augustine in 1842. The University offers a wide variety of undergraduate and graduate degree programs through four colleges: the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, the Villanova School of Business, the College of Engineering, and the College of Nursing, as well as the Villanova Law School. With a total enrollment that surpasses 10,000 undergraduate, graduate and law students, Villanova is the oldest and largest Catholic university in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. For more information see www.villanova.edu.