COMMUNITY LETTER

June 24, 2024

Dear Members of the Villanova Community,

A year ago yesterday, I shared the news that Villanova University and Cabrini University were in discussions for Villanova to assume ownership of the Cabrini campus at the conclusion of the 2023-2024 academic year. Then, in November, those plans were finalized, and now Villanova is set to assume ownership of the campus on Friday, June 28.

Since last June, we have been engaging our community to determine the best ways to fully incorporate and develop the Cabrini campus for the benefit of students, faculty, staff and alumni. This work included visits to other multi-campus universities, a Villanova community survey, and countless internal discussions. I recently shared a preliminary vision with the Villanova University Board of Trustees, who were supportive of our plans. When we return to campus this fall, I look forward to sharing that vision with you all and continuing to collect feedback.

The first part of our plan includes closing the Cabrini campus to make necessary updates and renovations to make it feel like a natural extension of Villanova. Our goal is to make enhancements to the property to renew its use as an idyllic university campus. Starting July 1, the majority of campus will be closed to the public apart from the Upper Gulph entrance and the athletic facilities, which will be used for various local camps and other athletic activities.

The full campus will close at the end of this summer, and we anticipate that the infrastructure updates and renovations will take place over the next couple of years and reopen in Fall 2026 at the earliest. While our current plan is to close the campus for two years, we will continue to monitor opportunities for access as work progresses. As developments continue to take place, I promise to share those updates with you.

What has been an exciting and forward-looking year for the Villanova community, has been an emotional and nostalgic year for the Cabrini community. I would again like to thank President Helen Drinan, the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the entire Cabrini community for entrusting us with the Cabrini campus and legacy. Earlier this month, I celebrated the final Mass at Cabrini University in its current form. It was a bittersweet but befitting ending celebrating the rich history and impact Cabrini University has had over the past 67 years. We are honored and humbled to be the new stewards of the Cabrini legacy and its beautiful campus.

I would like to thank everyone who has been involved in the planning up to this point. There is still much work to be done for the Villanova University Cabrini Campus, but it’s an exciting vision for what Villanova will become in the next several years. I look forward to welcoming members of the Villanova community, Cabrini alumni, and neighbors to the campus once it is complete.

Sincerely,

Rev. Peter M. Donohue, OSA
President