Each fall, Villanova begins the academic year with a celebration honoring St. Thomas of Villanova, the 16th-century Augustine bishop of Valencia, Spain, and patron of the University. This tradition will continue in September 2009 with two days of special events.
Friday, September 18 will feature an Academic Symposium in the Villanova Room of the Connelly Center in the afternoon. The Symposium will be followed by a Wine and Cheese Reception in the Connelly Center lower atrium.
Saturday, September 19 will be dedicated to a Day of Service in the Greater Philadelphia region. Students, faculty, and staff, alumni and families, will partner with community agencies to perform service at various locations during the region. At the end of the day, groups will return to campus for a Community Liturgy in The Pavilion celebrated by the Rev. Peter M. Donohue, O.S.A., Villanova president. The Liturgy will be followed by a Dinner which will feature the presentation of the annual Distinguished Service Awards recognizing members of the University staff.
