Fall 2012 - Villanova University

From the presidentDear Friends,As a new school year begins, it is important to rememberthat the Augustinian intellectual tradition, coupledwith our commitment to uphold the values of truth,unity and love, makes Villanova a community likeno other.The melding of hearts and minds to create wisdom isevident in our interdisciplinary approach to academicprogramming. It connects and integrates all aspectsof our collective intellectual life. We develop coursesand programs that bring together professors andstudents from different disciplines to enhance thelearning process.Our faculty and staff focus on cross-college and crossdepartmentcollaboration, sharing knowledge andfostering ideas. Their efforts lead to important discourseand diversity of thought, both of which strengthentheir stewardship of Villanova and help the Universityto live its mission.Why is this approach so vital? Because the worldincreasingly requires that college graduates havemultidisciplinary capabilities to tackle complex issues.Our students must be able to thrive in an atmosphereof cross-functional thinking and collaboration. Whenhumanities, business, engineering, nursing and sciencemajors join their respective skill sets, the learningexperience is invaluable and will serve them well inthe real world.As a community, we also are committed to the commongood and to applying our knowledge and abilities tobetter the human condition. We respond to thosein need in many ways, from expanding educationalopportunities for the disadvantaged to offering theprofessional skills and services of our students, facultyand staff to communities around the country and theworld. As Villanovans we do what they need us to doto make their community a better place.One such example is our annual St. Thomas ofVillanova Day of Service, held each September. It is aday on which thousands of Villanova students, faculty,staff, alumni and families perform service throughoutGreater Philadelphia and beyond. This spirit of collaborationis the hallmark of an Augustinian education.Sincerely,The Rev. Peter M. Donohue, OSA, PhD, ’75 A&SPresident