Looking to the Future with Villanova's Strategic Plan

Student life: Not a spectator sport
Beyond fulfilling their academic ambitions,
Villanova allows students to put
into action what they learn in the classroom.
They understand that academics,
social life and service are integral. “Our
students study high-level academics in the
company of their friends in an environment
that is competitive but not cutthroat,”
Merritt says. “Then they are able
to apply those experiences to the daily
events of the university and to make a
difference in the world.”
Now in his fourth year as a volunteer
tour guide with the Blue Key Society and
in his third as a member of the New Student
Orientation staff, Alain is most proud
of having been part of the Steering Committee
that planned orientation for the
Class of 2013. “I was part of a legacy and
left my imprint on the University. I also
learned about time management, tolerance
and getting tasks done, despite obstacles.
These are strengths that will stay
with me for the rest of my life.”
Courtney volunteers weekly at a nursing
center that provides free health care to
the Hispanic community in West Chester.
The only student nurse at the center, she
enjoys combining her nursing knowledge
with volunteerism to provide health care
to people who might not get it otherwise.
Through Villanova, she also serves as a
tutor and mentor at Dream Camp’s Philadelphia
site. This nonprofit organization
provides a safe haven for at-risk youth.
By using their education as a springboard
to service, students help the University
fulfill its mission. “Truth, unity and
love are guideposts directing how our
institution ought to operate,” Merritt says.
“I think students understand these values
and, as a result, make them a part of their
expectations for themselves.”
Chad has made service trips to Louisiana
and Texas to help with hurricane
relief efforts. He agrees it is incumbent
on students to use all their abilities to
improve the human condition. “The
humanitarian, Catholic Christian thrust
at Villanova is that you focus on what you
bring to the table for others.”
Ultimately, today’s students look to
Villanova as a place where they can
explore new possibilities, have a positive
impact and chart their own course within
a nurturing environment. “I feel like I can
do anything because of the opportunities I
have here,” says Emily, who is planning to
pursue a career in biomedical engineering
and earn a master’s degree.
“I want to let the world know that
Villanova has made me who I am!”
Nursing student Courtney Elms ’11, who has been selected to do an externship at Memorial Sloan-
Kettering Cancer Center, appreciates the College of Nursing faculty’s commitment to helping students
grow holistically. “The professors get to know our strengths and weaknesses so that they can better
prepare us for a field in which personality plays a big role.”
Summer 2010 25