Saludos Hispanos • Special University Supplement
Academy, established in 1811. In 1841 a large tract of land was
purchased and the College that was established there gave its
name to the town that eventually grew up around it. Villanova
achieved university status on 18 November 1953 and has since
developed into a nationally recognized university.
Villanova University is named for a Spanish Augustinian,
Thomas García later known as St. Thomas of Villanova (1486-
1555).The son of a poor village miller; he pursued an education
and eventually became a doctor of philosophy. Later, Thomas
turned down a position as the chair of philosophy at the presti-
gious University of Salamanca and instead entered the
Augustinian order and was ordained to the priesthood. Thomas’
many gifts, especially his scholarship, powerful, uncompromising
The university is located 12 miles west of Philadelphia, the oratory, skills as a mediator and administrator, and his sensitivi-
fifth largest city in the nation, and well located geographically ty to the feelings and needs of others, brought him to the atten-
between New York City and Washington, DC. The campus is tion of Emperor Charles V, who appointed him court chaplain
easily accessible by plane, train, or automobile and combines the and then archbishop of Valencia in 1544.
benefits of a beautiful suburban setting with the amenities of a As priest and archbishop, Thomas insisted that the materi-
major city. The surrounding Philadelphia neighborhoods of The al resources of the Church should be shared with those in the
Main Line are some of the oldest in the country and provide a greatest need. His life was characterized by the love of learning,
beautiful backdrop and a safe environment for students. peacemaking, and as a reformer of the Church.
Since its founding, Villanova has been privileged to mediate Thomas’ intellectual legacy is reflected in his constant
Saint Augustine’s vision of education as demand that all learning must be
a community activity of scholars search- inspired by the desire for God. He cele-
ing for truth in open discussion, commit- brated learning as an activity that ought
ment to ethical values, and dedication to to make a difference in the community
social justice and human rights. This and in the world. He emphasized that
commitment is realized in its humanities justice and love are the guiding rules of
programs, which are an integral part of virtue and learning. In Thomas’ writings
the curriculum of each of its professional we find a rich synthesis of the thought of
schools, and in the three essential charac- Augustine and Thomas Aquinas, espe-
teristics of our Augustinian tradition: the cially his emphasis on the innate desire
relationship between mind and heart, the for God in all peoples, the image of God
role of community, and the unity of in the human person, the power of grace,
knowledge. This commitment and tradi- and a theology of love.
tion also provides the key for interpreting Thomas was known as “father of the
Villanova’s mission statement which poor.” He established social programs on
states that the University is a community behalf of the poor, including boarding
that "seeks to reflect the spirit of Saint schools and high schools for poor young
Augustine by the cultivation of knowl- men. For girls he provided dowries
edge, by respect for individual differ- enabling them to be married with digni-
ences, and by adherence to the principle ty. For the hungry, he created a soup
that mutual love and respect should ani- kitchen in the bishop’s palace, and for
mate every aspect of University life." the homeless he provided a place to
History and Tradition sleep. In an Advent sermon, he said: “Rejoice, then, you poor
Villanova University has a long, fascinating history and its people; shout for joy, you needy ones; because even if the world
Augustinian roots stretch back to 16th Century Spain. The holds you in contempt you are highly valued by your Lord God
school has been sponsored by the Augustinian Order since its and the angels.” His love of the poor extended to all creation.
founding in 1842. Villanova traces its origins to old Saint Thomas’ teachings, scholarship, and special concern for the
Augustine’s Church in Philadelphia, which the Augustinians impoverished inspire Villanova’s mission of seeking wisdom,
founded in 1796, and to its parish school, Saint Augustine’s love, and justice.
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