VN_SPR SUM_06 covers FINAL.indd - Villanova University

JUST AS VILLANOVA HAS GROWN since Father Dobbin’s student days—muchof it through his own planning—so have the needs of students. As president,he constantly consulted with students and with the generous alumni who havehelped to make possible the University’s growth. (Center photo) Father Dobbinalso worked closely with chairs and members of the Villanova University Board ofTrustees, including former chairman Robert M. Birmingham ’66 A&S.ON MEETING WITHSTUDENT LEADERS:“...they fostered the spirit of Villanovain a truly wonderful way.”—Father Dobbinfor Villanova, has commitments that bring it to70 percent of its $300 million goal. It is scheduled toconclude in December 2007.One of Father Dobbin’s most crucial contributions to theUniversity is one that fortifies all other efforts: a culture of planning,as he himself has described it. Villanova’s initiatives, whetheracademic or infrastructural, emanate from the University StrategicPlan. The plan is based on the Villanova Mission Statement and onthe goals Father Dobbin set at his inauguration on October 5, 1988:to promote Villanova as an American, Catholic and Augustinianinstitution; to foster the relationship between the mind and theheart; and to pursue what St. Augustine of Hippo described as“the ardent love of understanding.”Committed to collaborationFor all of these and other accomplishments, FatherDobbin refuses to highlight one event or success andsomehow slight the organizers of another by omission.There is another reason, however. For someone who haspresided over 18 commencements, homecomings andreunions, he himself has never been given to lookingback. His restless intellect drives him forward to learn ordo something new. During his upcoming sabbatical year(the first one he has ever taken), he is sharpening theskills he will need for a “wired” teaching environment.When, with some urging, he did look back at his tenure,Father Dobbin mentioned the collaborative relationship heenjoyed with his colleagues in the administration, facultyand staff. He particularly liked meeting with students inthe residence halls, including with the resident assistantsand student government leaders. Year after year, hewould confer with them to discuss Orientation, housing,special events and any concerns their peers might have.Spring/Summer 2006 27