University President the Rev. Peter M. Donohue, OSA, PhD, ’75 added to his impressive record a new role on the Board of Directors of the American Council on Education (ACE), the nation’s leading association for colleges and universities. More...
President's Report 2017-2018
A Message from Father Peter
Dear Friends,
As a first-generation college student, I experienced the impact of a Villanova education firsthand. When I began my undergraduate studies in 1970, I was embarking upon a journey that would transform my life. At Villanova, I found a community that challenged, inspired and supported me while I realized my passion as a teacher, a scholar and an Augustinian friar.
My story of inquiry, discovery and transformation does not stand alone—thousands more like it can be found among the experiences of our students and alumni. Each of these stories illustrates what makes Villanova distinctive.
Guided by the words of St. Augustine: “Become what you are not yet,” this President’s Report highlights just a few of those personal journeys. In these pages, I invite you to view Villanova through the eyes of 11 students who demonstrate the excellence of our academic programming at all levels—undergraduate, adult and online learning, graduate, doctoral and law.
Student Stories
Carissa Anthony
Villanova School of Business MBA candidate
Why this MBA candidate left the corporate ladder behind for a new beginning in academia
Elizabeth Cullen
Senior Chemical Engineering major
The Engineering program that fuses this senior’s love for academics and service
Waqar Rehman
Third-year student, Charles Widger School of Law
The guiding principle that propels each step of this Law student’s Villanova journey
Kerlyn Rodriguez
2018 M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing graduate
The support system that made this first-generation college graduate feel at home at Villanova and abroad
Tim Sweeney
2018 College of Professional Studies graduate
The personal connection that inspired this recent graduate to re-enroll after 10 years
Sister Dung Trang
PhD in Theology student
How the Augustinian approach transformed this PhD student’s experience of learning
Connor Williams
Senior Physics major
How community accelerates academic growth for this Physics major
Terry Williams
MS in Sustainable Engineering student
This online learner’s immersive experience has been anything but remote
Andrew Wykowski
Junior Management Information Systems major
Why this standout leader on campus isn’t afraid to embrace disability as part of his identity
In Their Own Words
Two students reflect on their unique journeys through Villanova
Madiah Gant
Senior Global Interdisciplinary Studies major, specializing in Africana Studies
Chuck Smith
Senior Biology major, Pre-Med program
Highlights
Villanova had a remarkable year. Faculty continued to innovate as leaders in their fields while engaging their students as true teacher-scholars. For the Greater Great: The Campaign to Ignite Change came to an impressive conclusion, far surpassing its original goal and raising $760 million. And Wildcat student-athletes maintained excellent academic records while also excelling in competition, most notably with the University’s third NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball National Championship. The following is just a sampling of the people and moments that helped to make this year at Villanova a great one.
New Deans Shape Colleges’ Future
Deans play a vital role in the University’s academic life, providing strategic vision and shaping programs that prepare students to ignite change around the world. Two new deans were recently added to Villanova’s academic leadership team. More...
A World, Changing
Chemistry Professor Amanda Grannas, PhD, has braved polar bears and traveled to the ends of the earth to study climate change’s impact. Recently, as a leader of a National Science Foundation-supported study, Dr. Grannas significantly advanced her research into the connections between the ocean and the atmosphere. More...
Step Up to the (Virtual) Plate
It’s one of the most difficult challenges in sports—hitting a pitched baseball. But with the help of a new technology developed by Mark Jupina, PhD, assistant professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering, baseball players now can improve their skills by taking virtual batting practice. More...
The Art of the Audit
Global group audits are vital to protect investors around the world. In order to inform standards for these complicated audits, Denise Hanes Downey, PhD, ’05, ’08 MA, the Kevin Tedeschi ’71 Assistant Professor in the Villanova School of Business, embarked on a yearlong research fellowship at the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board. More...
Technology’s Human Impact
Computers and smartphones, which used to help people manage their lives, now increasingly run them. Devices prompt; users automatically comply. This reprogramming of humanity is happening around the world on every digital platform and has radically changed how people interact. More...
Notable Villanova Moments
From celebrating the largest single-year number of Fulbright awards in its history to convening preeminent Vatican experts around the globe, it’s been a banner year for Villanova. More...
Wildcats Are National Champions for Second Time in Three Years
Men’s Basketball cut down the nets on its third NCAA national championship in 2018, leaving lasting memories for Nova Nation and an indelible mark on sports history. More...
Student-Athletes Score High Marks
Villanova’s nearly 600 student-athletes across 24 varsity programs continued to elevate their elite performance in the classroom and in their sports. More...
More In This Issue
The following items are also available: