Alumni Hall at Villanova University: A Historical Perspective

Villanova University, founded in 1842 by the Order of Saint Augustine, boasts a rich history deeply intertwined with the Augustinian tradition. This tradition emphasizes the pursuit of wisdom, community, and the integration of knowledge. Among the historic buildings on Villanova's campus, Alumni Hall stands as a significant landmark, steeped in history and lore.

The Augustinian Foundation of Villanova University

Since its founding, Villanova has been sponsored by the Order of St. Augustine. Today, the University is comprised of five colleges: Liberal Arts and Sciences (Villanova College), Engineering, the School of Business (formerly known as the College of Commerce and Finance), Nursing, and the School of Law. Villanova has been privileged to mediate St. Augustine’s legacy. The Augustinian Order has always been aware of the enormous influence that St. Augustine’s legacy has exercised on its apostolate of higher education. This legacy is not so much a philosophical or theological system of thought as it is a dynamic vision of people living in community united in "mind and heart" in the ardent search of Wisdom. For Augustine this Wisdom is the Divine Truth itself, revealed in Jesus Christ, for which every heart is restless. As universal Wisdom, it is pursued in common with all humanity and is achieved by open, intelligent, responsible, and mutually respectful interaction of points of view.

The Augustinian Order has always regarded education as a community activity that professes the values of searching for ultimate meaning and commitment to ethical values. Although the Augustinian vision emphasizes the importance of human knowledge and human disciplines for their own sake, the Order also realizes that for a considerable number of students, the Catholic school is the only agent of evangelization. The specific purpose of our schools is the Christian formation and education of the students. A curriculum that reflects the Catholic, Augustinian understanding of human reason and the intellect, and prepares students in their search for more ultimate meaning and value within the Catholic theological tradition. A respect for academic freedom which makes open discussion and inquiry possible. This commitment is realized in its humanities programs, which are an integral part of the curriculum of each of its professional schools, and in the three essential characteristics of our Augustinian tradition: the relationship between mind and heart, the role of community, and the unity of knowledge.

The Origins and Evolution of Alumni Hall

Alumni Hall, dating back to 1848, holds the distinction of being one of the oldest structures on the Villanova campus. Originally named College Hall, the east wing of the structure was constructed at a cost of $11,958. For many years, this building served as the main college center and the site of Saint Nicholas of Tolentine Academy. It was remodeled and named Alumni Hall in 1920.

In 1873, eight years after Villanova reopened, the west wing was added to the building. The center section, joining the east and west, has “a wide porch along the front with steps leading up from the lawn. On the roof gable there was a large clock, and capping central portion of the roof there was an octagonal lantern topped with a bronzed dome.” The 13-foot cross on top of the dome rose in a ceremony on Sept. 4, 1873. At one time, the College Building housed the entire school - containing classrooms, offices, a library, auditorium, and dormitories. Both genuine college students pursuing bachelor’s degrees as well as boys of late elementary and high school age all studied and lived in the building.

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The 1943 Centennial Belle Air Yearbook states, “after the commencement of 1857, hard times descended. The Augustinian Fathers hoped to resume classes within two years, but the Civil War and lack of finances forced the college to remain closed for eight years. What happened in between? No one is exactly sure.

Alumni Hall and the Civil War

One of the most enduring stories associated with Alumni Hall is its supposed use as a hospital during the Civil War. When the campus closed during the Civil War, the building was used as a hospital for wounded soldiers. Prospective students touring the campus often hear that this current dorm once served as a hospital during the Civil War. The yearbook hints that it was indeed used as a hospital during the war years.However, uncovering the full truth behind this claim has proven challenging. David Contosta, a former Villanova history professor, published a 150-year history of the University in 1992. Contosta, however, insists “that’s still conjecture.” Even Rev.

Taking a look inside Alumni Hall today, one sees reminders of an earlier age. The staircase seems almost wide enough to bring a hospital bed across. Jim Croce, a singer who was tragically killed in a plane crash in 1973, allegedly carved his name somewhere along the stairwell. Could it have been used to bring soldiers upstairs who could not make it on their own? Though it has been nearly 140 years since the Civil War, no one exactly knows. Want to know the truth?

Despite the lack of definitive proof, the legend persists, adding to the building's mystique and appeal. Deriving from an article about the history of Alumni Hall from a previous issue, David Contosta, a historian knowledgeable of campus, admits that the assumed fact cannot actually be proven. “I don’t really believe in that stuff, but there were some weird things that happened to me in that building [Alumni],” Miller said.

Modern-Day Alumni Hall

Today, Alumni Hall continues to serve as a residence hall for Villanova students. The building has been remodeled over the years to meet the evolving needs of the university community. However, it retains its historical charm and serves as a tangible link to Villanova's past.

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The east wing is the oldest remaining structure on the Villanova campus. The west wing was completed in 1874. For many years this building was the main college center and the site of Saint Nicholas of Tolentine Academy. It was remodeled and named Alumni Hall in 1920.

Ghostly Legends and Paranormal Activity

Adding to the allure of Alumni Hall are tales of paranormal activity. Could it be that there is a form of sleep paralysis that only occurs in one building on campus? If you look hard enough, you can find spooky stories about lots of old buildings on campus. However, what will you do next time you take a step into St. Mary’s or experience something you can not explain?

Athletics at Villanova: A Legacy of Success

While Alumni Hall's primary significance lies in its historical and residential roles, it's important to acknowledge Villanova's broader legacy, particularly in athletics. Villanova University teams are known as the Wildcats. They compete as a member of the NCAA Division I level, primarily competing in the Big East Conference. The Wildcats previously competed in the Eastern 8 Conference from 1975 to 1976 to 1979-80. The Wildcats are also part of the Philadelphia Big 5, the traditional Philadelphia-area basketball rivalry. Their fiercest crosstown rivalry is with Saint Joseph's University ("St.

Basketball Venues Through the Years

Villanova's basketball teams have a storied history, playing in various venues over the years:

Alumni Gym (1920-1931): The Wildcats played their first-ever intercollegiate basketball game here on Dec. 21, 1920, defeating Catholic University 43-40. The court inside Alumni Hall - refurbished in 1920 - would serve as the team's primary home court until the opening of the Jake Nevin Field House in the spring of 1932. As part of the aftermath of a January 1928 fire that did $2 million damage to College (Tolentine) Hall, the gym was turned into a temporary student laboratory, forcing the Wildcats to play games and practice off-campus for much of the next two seasons.
Jake Nevin Field House (1932-1986, 2017): Officially opened on April 1, 1932, as the Villanova Field House, the venue was renamed to honor long-time Wildcats' athletic trainer John "Jake" Nevin on Nov. 22, 1985. The building served as a Wildcats' home court from 1932-86. Among the great teams to have called the Field House home were the 1939 NCAA Final Four, 1971 NCAA Finals, and 1985 NCAA championship squads. It continued to serve as an occasional practice facility for both the men's and women's programs prior to the opening of the Davis Center in 2007. Originally built at a cost of $350,000, the venue hosted its first regular-season men's game in 31 years and its first-ever Philadelphia Big Five game on Nov. 29, 2017, when the Wildcats downed Penn 90-62. Today, the building serves as home to administrative offices and as the home court of Villanova Volleyball. Its current official listed capacity for basketball is 2,100.
The Pavilion/Finneran Pavilion (1986-2017, 2018-Present): Coming off the 1985 National Championship, Villanova Basketball opened the doors of The Pavilion on February 1, 1986, against Maryland. Villanova won the game, 64-62, in front of a crowd of 6,401 fans. Harold Pressley made the first basket of that game on a driving hook shot with 18:57 left in the first half. The Pavilion is recognizable from the outside for its signature hyperbolic paraboloid roofline. Villanova has an all-time record of 293-62 (.825) at the Pavilion. From 2007-11 it won 46 consecutive games on campus and from 2013-17 it posted 48 straight wins there. The Wildcats record at the Pavilion includes going 136-43 (.760) against BIG EAST opponents, 157-19 (.892) against non-conference opponents and 36-9 (.800) versus Big 5 foes. The all-time attendance at the Pavilion is 2,270,190. Villanova drew its one millionth fan in the building during the game against Rutgers on February 20, 2000. The team reached two million in all-time attendance on December 15, 2013, against La Salle. On February 28, 1995, against Boston College, Kerry Kittles set the floor record for points in a single game when he scored 44 points. He is the only men’s player - including both Villanova and visiting teams - to have a 40-point game in the building. Brooks Sales (1998-02) holds the career record for most games played in the Pavilion with 55. The only other players who have played at least 50 games in the building are Gary Buchanan and Ricky Wright, who each played in 51 Pavilion games from 1999-03. Villanova made a building record 17 three-pointers in an 84-47 win over Lehigh on November 27, 2005. Since the three-point rule was instituted for the 1986-87 season, the Wildcats have made at least one triple in 344 of the 347 games they have played in the building. Of the 355 games that Villanova played at the Pavilion, 327 (92 percent) have been sellouts. Villanova has currently sold out 182 consecutive regular-season games in the building, a streak that began on January 2, 2001, against Rutgers. Every regular-season game in the Pavilion during the Jay Wright era was a sellout. The Wildcats closed out the Pavilion with a 79-63 victory over No. 23 Creighton on Feb. 25, 2017. A new era at Villanova began on Oct. 5, 2018, when the re-imagined Finneran Pavilion opened its doors to the public. The $65M project - begun in May 2017 - was entirely donor-funded. The lead gift was presented by William "Bill" Finneran, a 1963 Villanova School of Business graduate with a degree in Economics. Villanova Athletics partnered with EwingCole, an award-winning architecture and engineering firm based in Philadelphia, to transform the Pavilion from a multi-purpose and recreational facility into a world-class basketball-centric arena. The renovation celebrates the uniqueness of the old arena, which opened in 1986, while creating an unmatched Division I basketball experience for Villanova players and fans. The Finneran Pavilion is the home to Villanova Men’s and Women’s Basketball. It lists a basketball capacity of 6,501. Among its enhanced features are McMahon Way, an outdoor plaza for pre-game and post-game activities; a relocated main entrance that will serve as a gathering place for fans; a Hall of Fame, with graphics and memorabilia celebrating the rich history of Villanova Athletics; a 360-degree concourse hosting a variety of concessions, merchandise stands, and other fan amenities. The official opening night of the Finneran Pavilion was on November 6, 2018, vs. Morgan State, a 100-77 victory. Sophomore Collin Gillespie recorded the first basket in the Finneran Pavilion, a 3-pointer at the 19:11 mark in the first half. "This was a great start for our building," stated Villanova head coach Jay Wright. "Coming in here, you didn't know what the atmosphere would be like. You wondered whether it would be better or worse than the old building, which we loved. It was loud and jumping all night. The crowd was great.
The Spectrum (Selected Games): Villanova has played 59 games in the Spectrum and owns a 31-28 all-time mark in the venue, including a 16-16 record in regular-season BIG EAST games. The Wildcats' last game in the building was a 67-57 win over Pittsburgh in January 28, 2009. This was the final collegiate sporting event to be held in the building. Villanova got their first glimpse of the Spectrum in December 1967 in the Quaker City Tournament in December 1967 and then again in December 1969. On December 27, 1967, the Wildcats were defeated 78-59 by Duquesne in their first-ever game at the Spectrum. Villanova rebounded to knock off Arizona (75-59) and Penn (45-44) on December 29 and 30. Over the years, the Wildcats registered six sellouts at the Spectrum and have averaged better than 13,000 fans per game in 47 games as the home team. In a game against No. 6 Georgetown on February 5, 1989, Villanova drew 18,497 fans to set a record for the largest crowd to ever see a college basketball game in the state. Nearly seven years later, on January 20, 1996, the No. 7 Wildcats routed No. 10 North Carolina by a 76-56 count in front of 18,524 fans.
Wells Fargo Center (Selected Games): The Wells Fargo Center is a home away from home for the Villanova men's basketball team, and the building has been the site of some of the Wildcats' most exciting victories in recent years. Villanova is 50-34 (.595) all-time at the Wells Fargo Center, including 17 wins over ranked teams. Since the start of the 2004-05 season, the Wildcats have won 40 of their last 59 contests in the building. The site has also served as a venue for the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament in 2001, 2006, 2009, 2013, and 2016. Villanova is 4-0 in NCAA Tournament games at Wells Fargo Center, winning two games there in both 2006 and 2009.

Athletic Achievements and Traditions

In 1985, under the direction of coach Rollie Massimino, the men's basketball team won the NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament in the first year of the 64-team field. In 2016, the Wildcats won the 2016 NCAA Championship by defeating North Carolina 77-74. In 2018, Villanova defeated the Michigan Wolverines 79-62 to win the 2018 NCAA Championship in San Antonio.

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Villanova has produced 28 athletes who have made appearances in the Olympics, 10 of whom have medaled (seven gold medals, three silver medals). The men's team has also won 112 Penn Relay Championships, which stands as the most wins by any school. The women's team has also had a multitude of success, producing 11 Big East team Championships and nine NCAA team Championships, most recently winning the 2009 and 2010 NCAA Cross Country Championships. They have also produced nine Olympians including Ron Delany, Eamonn Coghlan, Vicki Huber, Sonia O'Sullivan, Kim Certain, Kate Fonshell, Jen Rhines, Carmen Douma, and Carrie Tollefson. The Women's team has won 28 Penn Relay Championships, which is the most wins by any women's team.

The Villanova Seal: A Symbol of Values

An adaptation of the seal of the Order of St. Augustine, the seal of Villanova University is one of the campus's most ubiquitous images, adorning everything from buildings to chairs to backpacks. A ribbon carries the university motto: Veritas, Unitas, Caritas (Truth, Unity, and Charity), virtues to which every member of the Villanova community should aspire. A book symbolizes Augustine's dedication to education and the New Testament where he found Christianity. A cincture is part of the habit worn by members of the Order of Saint Augustine. Hovering above is the flaming heart, symbol of Augustine's search for God and his love of neighbors. Behind the book is the crosier - a staff traditionally held by a Bishop - commemorating Augustine's service as Bishop of Hippo. Above and behind the book are two crosses, symbolic of Augustine's conversion and the university's commitment to Catholicism. Framing the central portion of the seal is a laurel wreath exemplifying victory through the pursuit of knowledge, and 1842 is the year of the university's founding.

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