VN_SPR SUM_06 covers FINAL.indd - Villanova University

Reunion 2006This year, the legacy of the Augustinian presence at Reunionwas carried on by the University’s 32nd president, the Rev. PeterM. Donohue, O.S.A., ’75 A&S, who welcomed Villanovans andcelebrated with them at many of the events. This was FatherDonohue’s first major event as University president since takingoffice on June 1. He succeeds the Rev. Edmund J. Dobbin,O.S.A., ’58 A&S, who retired on May 31 after 18 years of leadingthe University.Villanovans began arriving on Friday, June 9, for registrationat Klekotka Hall on the West Campus. These early-bird arrivalscould sit in on one of the afternoon’s three “Classes WithoutQuizzes,” an opportunity to relive the classroom experiencewithout the hassle of tests. They could gain insights into “TheNew Epic Leader: Skills and Strategies for Leading in the 21stCentury,” with Dr. Robert D. Stokes, assistant vice presidentfor Part-Time and Continuing Studies, and Dr. Donna Brooks’87 M.A. (she and her twin sister, Lynn Brooks ’85 M.A., wereprofiled in the Fall 2005 Villanova Magazine). They could listento Dr. Edward M. Sion, professor of astronomy and astrophysics,as he revealed the secrets of “Stars that Go Bump in the Night.”Or they could marvel at the high-tech tools in Bartley Hall’snew Applied Finance Lab.At the Wildcat Welcome area on Klekotka Hall’s patio,Alumni Affairs staff and other University volunteers greetedalumni on Friday afternoon.While Villanova’s white-and-blue colors were much inevidence, whites and reds proved to be popular, too. In FarleyHall on the West Campus, Dr.Michael J. Hones, professor ofphysics and a wine connoisseur,led the Wine Tasting for aficionadosof the grape.Friday evening offered severalspecial gatherings. At the Classof 1956 Half-Century Dinner inDonahue Hall, alumni 50 yearsout received the medallionsrepresenting their induction intothe Half-Century Society. TheClass of 1981 Silver AnniversaryCelebration drew those graduatesfrom 25 years ago to theVillanova Conference Center,while the Class of 1996 gatheredfor its 10-Year ReunionReception at Picotte Hall atDundale on the West Campus.In Bartley Hall, individual classreceptions attracted graduatesfrom 1941, ’46, ’51, ’61, ’66, ’71, ’76, ’86 and ’91. TheDuring the popular WineTasting. Dr. Michael J. Hones,professor of physics and awine connoisseur, sniffs thebouquet of a white wine.Engineering Alumni Society held its awards ceremony andreception in the Villanova Room of the Connelly Center.Full swing on SaturdayOn Saturday, June 10, from morning to late night, festivitieswere in full swing all across campus. Alumni enjoyed a buffetbreakfast in the dining hall of St. Mary Hall. They also keptin their prayers those Villanovans who would not be there, as54 Villanova Magazine