Cabrini University: Legacy of Notable Alumni and a Mission Remembered
As acceptance letters arrive and graduation season looms, the story of Cabrini University, which closed its doors at the end of this academic year, resonates deeply. Founded in 1957 in memory of Mother Frances Cabrini, the first American naturalized citizen saint, Cabrini University leaves behind a legacy of social justice, community service, and notable alumni who have made significant contributions in various fields. Despite the closure, the impact of Cabrini University and its alumni will continue to be felt. The 100-plus acre campus will become part of neighboring Villanova University.
A Foundation Rooted in Social Justice
Cabrini University was established by the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in 1957. The university was named after Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini. From its inception, Cabrini distinguished itself by making community service a graduation requirement for all undergraduates, and having a core curriculum centered on social justice. This commitment to social justice was deeply rooted in the spirit of Mother Cabrini, who dedicated her life to serving immigrants and the marginalized.
The land on which Cabrini University was built has a rich history. Originally named Woodcrest, it was the estate of James W. Paul, a managing partner for Drexel & Company Banking. In 1926, it was purchased by John Dorrance, the president of the Campbell Soup Company and inventor of the condensed soup process. In 1953, the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus acquired the property and renamed it "Villa Cabrini." Sister Ursula Infante established a school in the villa in 1957.
Initially, Cabrini was a female-only school with only thirty-seven students. The first graduating class was in 1961. In the 1950s, the college consisted of a few buildings, with the mansion serving as the central hub, housing students, a cafeteria, classrooms, a library, and a chapel. In 1960, Sacred Heart Hall (later known as Founder's Hall) was built, providing a library, cafeteria, gymnasium, and science laboratories.
Evolution and Growth
The early 1970s marked a period of significant change for Cabrini College. After Sister Ursula Infante's ten-year presidency, three presidents followed in quick succession. During the late 1960s and early 1970s, the college transitioned from a women-only institution to a co-educational one. By the early 1980s, Cabrini was fully coeducational, with men attending classes through a program with Eastern University.
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In the 1980s, new programs such as political science, social work, and computer science were added. Xavier Hall, a residence hall accommodating 124 students, was also constructed. The 1990s and 2000s saw substantial growth in undergraduate enrollment, increasing from 732 to 1,700, and the number of resident students tripled.
Don Taylor became Cabrini College's first male president on July 1, 2014. During his inaugural address on October 25, 2014, Taylor introduced the Cabrini 2020 Roadmap to Growth, a plan aimed at measuring the college's progress and setting goals for the future.
Notable Alumni: Carrying the Torch
While Cabrini University may be closing its doors, its legacy lives on through its alumni, who have made significant contributions in various fields. These individuals embody the values of social justice, service, and leadership instilled by the university.
Kylie Kelce: A 2017 Cabrini graduate and wife of former Philadelphia Eagles player Jason Kelce. Addressed the final graduating class, emphasizing the importance of community and keeping the school's name alive.
Jordan A. Harris: Pennsylvania State Representative for the 186th district.
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Fredia Gibbs: Inducted into the Cabrini University Athletics Hall of Fame in 2019.
Tyheim Monroe: A standout basketball player at Cabrini University.
GSSWSR Distinguished Alumni: Cabrini’s GSSWSR graduates nominated their peers and colleagues for inclusion in a list of our 100 Distinguished Alumni. Ann A., Khary M., Beth I., Linda R., Joyce O. L., Lynette M., Patricia L., Lewis C., Sandra S., Philip W., Joan K., Merle M., Anna S., Ellen W., Gloria M., Anne B., Julius A., Ethel B., Stephen M., Demetrius S., Roberta R., Celeste M., Stephen E., Nancy J., John G., Robin S., Marcia L., Thaddeus P., Ruth W. Dean, GSSWSR (1987-2002); NASW President (1999-2001); Annie E., Patrick T. President and CEO, Annie E., Judith L. M., Suzanne M., Susan A., Sabina N., Dolores G., Belle B., Joan T., Lawrence S., Allyson Y., Nicholas C., Edmund A., James H., Paula T., Basha A., Barbara L. Retired counselor, LaSalle University, mentor to countless social workers; collaborator with Dr. Warren E., Gail S., Patricia A., Bertha S., Henry L., Scott M., Robert E.
These alumni, along with many others, exemplify the Cabrini mission in their respective fields, demonstrating a commitment to making a positive impact on the world.
The Final Chapter
In 2022, it was reported that Cabrini University faced a debt of approximately $5 million with a total budget of $45 million. Enrollment had declined from 2,360 in the 2016-2017 academic year to about 1,500 students. These financial challenges ultimately led to the decision to close the university.
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The news of Cabrini's closure sent shockwaves through the community. Despite the sadness and disappointment, there was also a sense of gratitude for the education and experiences that Cabrini had provided. Villanova University will assume ownership of the Cabrini campus, ensuring that the Cabrini mission of social justice and advocacy will continue.
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