Mission Statement and Goals

“Always add something more. Keep on going. Always forge ahead.”

St. Augustine of Hippo, Sermon 169, 18

The Presidential Scholars Program at Villanova University is one of the premier full scholarship programs in the world. Inspired by St. Augustine—who pursued truth (veritas) through faith, taught leadership through love (caritas), and sought change through community (unitas)—we are committed to providing a life-changing Villanova education that is holistic, integrative, and compassionate. Furthering the University’s mission, the Program’s leadership recruits, trains, and supports transformational leaders to follow St. Augustine’s example and to build upon the positive work of the Presidential Scholars who came before them. Free from most of the financial burdens of undergraduate education, Scholars are encouraged to focus on academic excellence and to seek a life of service and meaning.

Our Goals:

1. To recruit gifted students from all regions of the United States and the world, bringing them together in the Villanova community.
2. To increase the diversity among student leaders at Villanova, and to strive so that all are welcome—from all religions, races, ethnicities, identities, and backgrounds.
3. To equip our Scholars to seek, discover, and create positive change, both at Villanova and beyond.