Through the
years Villanova has grown from a tiny suburban college to a great
university. Struggle and uncertainty often marked Villanova's first
half century (1842-1892). Classes began in the fall of 1843 with only
seven young men; fifty years later, when the college celebrated its Golden
Jubilee, there were still fewer than 100 students on campus. Shortages
of both money and personnel also forced the young institution to close on
two occasions for a total of almost nine years. Despite such early
difficulties, the college erected several new buildings and enlarged others.
Villanova's second fifty years
(1892-1942) brought expansion, economic depression, and two world wars.
For several decades thereafter the college grew, propelled by a boom in the
nation's economy, the increasing prosperity of local Catholics, and modern
academic programs. New buildings arose, intercollegiate athletics
became a major element, and student social life glittered with fancy balls
and big name bands. As the 1920s came to an end Villanova experienced
a ten-fold increase in its student body in little more than three decades;
then the Great Depression struck, bringing a large decline in students and
forcing the college to postpone numerous building plans. The economy
rebounded with World War II; but enrollments sagged when a large percentage
of Villanova's all-male student body reported for military service.
Only a Navy training program on campus saved the college from great hardship
during the war years; but the wartime emergency forced Villanova to curtail
its centennial celebrations in 1942-1943.
The next fifty years (1942-1992)
however witnessed more uninterrupted growth at Villanova than during any
comparable period in its past. Hundreds of veterans flooded the campus
following World War II. Postwar prosperity and the baby boom continued
to promote student enrollments. Dozens of buildings went up; new
academic programs were launched; and in 1953 Villanova officially became, in
1953 a university. By 1960 there were over 7,000 students on campus,
one thousand times the number who had entered the first class twelve decades
before. The 1960s also saw student protests at Villanova. Some
involved inconsequential issues, while others addressed serious questions of
gross injustices in American life and university governance.
With the 1970s and 1980s came gradually increasing enrollments as well as
national recognition for academic excellence. By the time of
Villanova's Sesquicentennial (1992-1993) it stood poised for even greater
development.
It is hoped that the exhibition will provide
visitors, especially those with earlier identification with Villanova, with
initial acquaintance or pleasing remembrance of significant aspects of
Villanova's history.
We dedicate this account of Villanova's
history to the devoted administration, faculty and staff whose faith has
created and sustained the University; and to the thousands of students who
have been part of the living stream of Villanova's life.
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