University unveils timeline, highlights milestones

A new timeline exhibit chronicling the history of Villanova has been constructed in Dougherty Hall, spanning the length of the hallway behind the Corner Grille and the Italian Kitchen. 

The idea for the timeline originated in the spring semester of 2009, when there was a lot of talk among the administration about what to do with the large amount of space remaining after the removal of the ramp leading down into Dougherty's dining hall.

"We thought about hanging plants or putting up pictures or large menus to fill the space and dress it up," said University President Rev. Peter Donohue, O.S.A.

But the idea to use the space for a timeline, instead, came from Anthony Alfano, director of Connelly Center and alumnus of Villanova, who was inspired by the pre-existing timeline in the Augustinian Heritage Room, which is structurally attached to Tolentine Hall. Alfano, with the help of his supervisor, Executive Director of Auxiliary Services Rick Sieber, took the idea to the graphic designer Michael Brennan, who created the initial lay-out of the timeline. 

More assistance for the project came from staff across campus, including University Archivist Rev. Dennis J. Gallagher, O.S.A., and Bernadette Dierkes, director of creative services for the Office of University Communication. 

"We pulled a lot of the information from Father Gallagher's research and the freshman orientation script," Alfano said. "Graphic services blew up a lot of the photos from Father Gallagher's book to stick on the wall."

The timeline itself notes 67 dates and occurrences, 49 corresponding images on the far wall and 29 side-bar documentations of artifacts, notable University presidents and memorable events. 

It includes not only Villanova's history, but also the history of the first Augustinian Church in the United States, which exemplifies the close link between the Augustinian tradition and the University. Some of the more interesting tidbits included in the timeline are a human barricade in 1948 at the corner of what is today Lancaster Avenue and Ithan Avenue to demand the installation of a traffic light; three campus fires over the course of 20 years; and four "Count Villians," the names of the live wildcat that Villanova owned beginning in 1926. 

"I think the timeline is pretty interesting, and I like it because reading some of the facts brought me back to what I learned when I went through orientation," senior Paulina Ogorzalek said.

Since the timeline currently ends at "2010 and Beyond," Alfano is hoping to consolidate some of the historical facts in order to make room for future information. 

He would also like to expand more information on the history of the Augustinians, which would wrap around to the other side of Dougherty.

"I'm also thinking of putting up a flat screen, like the ones in Driscoll Hall, to talk more about the history of the University," Alfano said. "But that would have to come later on."

Donohue praised the installation of the timeline in Dougherty Hall. 

"The one thing that I'm really pleased about is that the efforts to make [the timeline], from beginning to end, were initiated and executed solely by the people who work here," Donohue said. "It encompasses the spirit of community at Villanova."