No Ordinary Time

Dear Friends,

We began working on this issue of Villanova Magazine months before the word “coronavirus” had come to signify anxiety and disruption on our campus, in our country and around the world. Long before we knew what would transpire this spring, we planned stories, as we always do, that showcase the extraordinary work of our students, faculty, staff and alumni, and that tell the world how special the Villanova community is.

At a time when there is so much uncertainty, I believe that sharing these stories is still critically important. I hope they bring you a sense of optimism that what is important to us, as an institution of higher learning and as a tight-knit community, remains and will continue. I hope they bring you joy as you think about your own Villanova experiences, both those in the past and those still to come.

In the stories in this magazine and in day-to-day actions over the past months, we see Villanovans doing just what our shared Augustinian values call for us to do — to care for one another, and to put the needs of the community over the wants of the individual. I am confident that, standing together, we will continue to meet the challenges before us. Throughout our history, Villanova has pulled through many difficult times, and we will do the same again.

Let us be thankful we have each other through this journey. Let us lift each other up to God in prayer that we and our families will be safe. We will figure it out together. And together, we will be stronger as we move forward to become what we are not yet.

Sincerely,

The Rev. Peter M. Donohue,
OSA, PHD, ’75 CLAS
President