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Cabrini University was a private Catholic university in Radnor Township, Pennsylvania. It was founded by the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in 1957, and was named after the first American naturalized citizen saint, Mother Frances Cabrini. It was one of the first universities in the United States to make community service a graduation requirement for all undergraduates; having a core curriculum centered on social justice. Due to ongoing financial challenges, the university closed at the end of the 2023–2024 academic year, with ownership of the university's campus passing to Villanova University.

History

Pre-history

The property, originally named Woodcrest, was the estate of James W. Paul, managing partner for Drexel & Company Banking (now JP Morgan Chase) and a member of the wealthy Drexel family from Philadelphia. In 1926 the property was purchased by PhD chemist, gourmet chef, and business Titan John Dorrance, inventor of the process for making condensed soup and president of the Campbell Soup Company. In 1953, the property was purchased by the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (MSC) and renamed "Villa Cabrini" after the organization's namesake, Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini. At first, Villa Cabrini was used as an orphanage, convent, and cloister.

Founding and growth

In 1957, Sister Ursula Infante established a school in the villa. Upon opening, it was a female-only school of only thirty-seven students. The orphanage was still a part of the community and they shared the use of the buildings.

The first graduating class was in 1961. Also around this same time period, Cabrini was awarded full accreditation by the Middle States Association.

In the 1950s, Cabrini was only made up of a few buildings. The mansion of the college was the central point of the college, housing the students, providing a cafeteria, classrooms, library, and a chapel. In 1958, they converted the stable house, now known as Grace Hall, to include both classrooms and dormitories.

In 1960, Cabrini finished construction on the Sacred Heart Hall (later known as Founder's Hall), which was a library, cafeteria, gymnasium, and even held science laboratories. The 1960s also saw the construction of a chapel in 1961 and a library in 1965.

Late 20th century

The early 1970s were a time of much change for the college. After Infante's ten-year presidency in 1967, three presidents were to follow in only three years. Barbara Leonardo was president from 1967 to 1968. During her time at the college, she was also a dean and taught history. In 1968, Gervase Lapadula became president, but soon had to resign due to health problems.

During the late 1960s and early 1970s, the college was starting to change from a women-only to a co-educational establishment and by the early 1980s, the college was completely coeducational. Through a program with Eastern University, located next to the college, men started to attend classes at Cabrini. In turn, Cabrini students were offered more courses through both expansion and external courses at Eastern.

In the 1980s, political science, social work, and computer science programs were added and Xavier Hall, a 124-student residence hall, was built. The faculty voted to make community service a requirement for all students; and Cabrini was recognized as one of the first colleges in the country, and the first in Pennsylvania, to integrate community service into its core curriculum.

In the 1990s and 2000s, undergraduate enrollment increased from 732 to 1,700 and the number of resident students tripled. New and renovated buildings in this time included the Dixon Center, Founder's Hall, and the Center for Science, Education, and Technology (later named the Antoinette Iadarola Center for Science, Education, and Technology).

Cabrini College garnered national attention when, in the midst of a national economic recession, it announced a tuition reduction of nearly 13%.

Don Taylor became Cabrini College's first male president on July 1, 2014 and during his inaugural address on October 25, 2014, Taylor introduced the Cabrini 2020 Roadmap to Growth. This plan attempted to measure the college's progress and made promises that were to have occurred by 2020. The initiative promised to have 100 percent of undergraduate students participating in a Living & Learning Community, pledged that all undergraduate students would experience two or more High-Impact Coeducational Practices in their first year, and denoted a commitment to ensuring that all students encountered at least four High-Impact practices before graduation.

Under Taylor's leadership, Cabrini College changed its name to Cabrini University on July 1, 2016.

In 2022, The Philadelphia Inquirer reported that the university faced a debt of approximately $5 million with a total budget of $45 million. Enrollment had dropped to about 1,500 students from 2,360 in the 2016–2017 academic year. In response to these challenges, the university had repeatedly eliminated staff and restructured; for example, it eliminated the position of provost, reduced the number of colleges from three to two, and laid off several tenured and tenure track faculty.

In a joint statement with Villanova University published on June 23, 2023, Cabrini announced it would cease operations at the conclusion of the 2023–24 academic year.

Its final commencement was held on May 19, 2024, at which Kylie Kelce, a 2017 graduate of the university, and wife of retired Philadelphia Eagles football player Jason Kelce gave the commencement address.

Villanova University officially assumed ownership of Cabrini's campus on June 28, 2024.

Presidents

• Ursula Infante (1957-1967)
• Barbara Leonardo (1967-1968)
• Gervase Lapadula (1968)
• Regina Casey (1969-1972)
• Mary Louise Sullivan (1972-1982)
• Eileen Currie (1982-1992)
• Toni Iadarola (1992-2008) - first lay president
• Marie Angelella George (2008-2013)
• Deb Takes (2013) - interim
• Don Taylor (2014-2022) - first male president
• Helen Drinan (2022-2024) - interim

Academics

Cabrini University offered 40 undergraduate majors, additional minors, and specialized tracks. The institution also offered part-time graduate degrees in accounting, biological sciences, data science, education, and leadership. In 2016, it started two new part-time doctoral programs for working professionals: EdD in Educational Leadership and PhD in Organizational Development.

Faculty

The university's faculty was 35% full-time and 65% adjuncts, well above the nation's average.

Curriculum

All undergraduate students participated in the university's core curriculum, Justice Matters, in which, the university asserts, "students learn skills that will advance their careers and that can be used for the benefit of their communities, linking theory to practice in the world, preparing them for professional careers through a rigorous liberal learning experience." The curriculum attempted to raise awareness of social problems, involve students hands-on in social justice issues, to teach students to see themselves as participating in value-driven decision making, and to develop liberally educated persons.

Rankings

Cabrini was ranked 122nd in the Regional Universities (North) category by U.S. News & World Report for 2018.

Student life

Radio Station: WYBF-FM

Cabrini University had its own student-run variety radio station.

School newspaper: The Loquitur

The Loquitur was the student-run newspaper of Cabrini University since 1959. The paper was printed on a monthly basis, featuring on and off campus news, lifestyles, sports and perspective pieces. The Loquitur celebrated its 60th anniversary during the 2018–19 academic year.

Woodcrest (magazine/literary journal)

Woodcrest served as the literary journal at Cabrini University. The magazine had seen many forms over the decades, and had been online since 2012. Advised by faculty and edited by students from the Department of Writing and Narrative Arts, Woodcrest was a national publication with roots in the literary arts. Faculty advisors have included editors and writers such as Seth Frechie, Amy Persichetti, and Bret Shepard.

Athletics

Cabrini University had 19 varsity teams and various recreational sports clubs. The teams competed in the NCAA Division III, ECAC and the Atlantic East Conference (AEC). Cabrini was known for their men's lacrosse team which won the NCAA Division III National Championship in 2019 against Amherst College at Lincoln Financial Field. Aside from the only national championship in school history, the men's lacrosse team also won 22 consecutive conference titles (20 CSAC and five ECAC).

Notable alumni

• Fredia Gibbs — professional martial artist, kickboxer, and boxer
• DiAnne Gove — Republican member of the New Jersey General Assembly
• Jordan A. Harris — Democratic member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives
• Kylie Kelce — podcaster and media personality
• Tyheim Monroe — basketball player
• Jamie Santora — Republican member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives
• Larry Tukis — professional soccer player
• Patrick Zipfel — professional basketball coach and college athletics director

References

1. ^ Snyder, Susan; Brubaker, Harold (October 28, 2022). "With a mounting deficit, Cabrini University eliminates academic leadership positions, including the provost". Archived from the original on February 27, 2023. Retrieved February 27, 2023.
2. "Cabrini Cavaliers – Cabrini Cavaliers Athletic Highlights". Cabriniathletics.com. Archived from the original on August 10, 2014. Retrieved July 11, 2014.
3. "2020 CENSUS – CENSUS BLOCK MAP: Radnor township, PA" (PDF). U.S. Census Bureau. p. 1 (PDF p. 2/3). Archived (PDF) from the original on July 9, 2023. Retrieved April 10, 2024. Cabrini Colg – This refers to "Cabrini College"
4. "Villanova to acquire lagging Cabrini University in merger of 2 Catholic schools – CBS Philadelphia". www.cbsnews.com. June 23, 2023. Archived from the original on July 1, 2023. Retrieved July 1, 2023.
5. "Closing of Cabrini University sends shockwaves through community – CBS Philadelphia". www.cbsnews.com. June 27, 2023. Archived from the original on July 1, 2023. Retrieved July 1, 2023.
6. Moody, Josh. "Cabrini University Will Close". Inside Higher Ed. Archived from the original on July 1, 2023. Retrieved July 1, 2023.
7. "National Historic Landmarks & National Register of Historic Places in Pennsylvania". CRGIS: Cultural Resources Geographic Information System. Archived from the original (Searchable database) on September 14, 2005. Retrieved January 10, 2012. Note: This includes Martha W. Dale and Beverlee Burnes (August 2008). "National Register of Historic Places Inventory Nomination Form: Woodcrest" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on February 10, 2015. Retrieved January 6, 2012.
8. ^ "Cabrini College Archives". Cabrini College. April 27, 2007. Archived from the original on March 18, 2012. Retrieved February 12, 2012.
9. Andriotis, Annamaria (February 12, 2012). "6 Colleges Cutting Tuition". SmartMoney. Archived from the original on February 15, 2012. Retrieved February 12, 2012.
10. "Inauguration of Donald B. Taylor, Ph.D., as the eighth President of Cabrini College". Cabrini College. October 25, 2014. Archived from the original on December 1, 2014. Retrieved November 25, 2014.
11. "Cabrini College to become a university". Philly.com. April 27, 2016. Archived from the original on April 30, 2016. Retrieved April 28, 2016.
12. Albright, Amanda (June 26, 2023). "Villanova to Take Over Campus of Struggling College Next Door". Bloomberg.com. Archived from the original on April 22, 2024. Retrieved June 26, 2023.
13. Stamm • •, Dan (May 20, 2024). "'You are not alone': Kylie Kelce addresses final graduating class at her alma mater Cabrini University". NBC10 Philadelphia. Retrieved July 15, 2024.
14. "Villanova University Assumes Ownership of Cabrini Campus | Villanova University". www1.villanova.edu. Retrieved July 15, 2024.
15. Holden, Joe (April 19, 2001). "Mother Ursula Infante, MSC, 1897 - 2001, Cabrini foundress dies; legacy lives on". Loquitur. Retrieved July 16, 2024.
16. Daluisio, Hope (February 21, 2017). "The legacy of former president, Sister Mary Louise Sullivan, will live on". Loquitur. Retrieved July 16, 2024.
17. Ormsby, Barbara (November 16, 2008). "Cabrini welcomes its new president". Delco Times. Retrieved July 16, 2024.
18. LaPergola, Heather (September 4, 2013). "Head of board of trustees steps in as temporary president". Loquitur. Retrieved July 16, 2024.
19. Pegan, Jacob (February 21, 2023). "Drinan staying as Cabrini interim president". Loquitur. Retrieved July 16, 2024.
20. ^ "40+ Undergraduate Majors – Cabrini University". www.cabrini.edu. Archived from the original on July 24, 2018. Retrieved July 23, 2018.
21. "Faculty Composition for Cabrini University". www.collegefactual.com. Archived from the original on July 1, 2023. Retrieved July 1, 2023.
22. "Cabrini University Overview". www.collegefactual.com. Archived from the original on July 21, 2021. Retrieved July 21, 2021.
23. ^ "The Core Curriculum: Justice Matters". Cabrini College. Archived from the original on January 30, 2012. Retrieved February 12, 2012.
24. "Rankings". www.usnews.com. Archived from the original on July 24, 2018. Retrieved May 15, 2019.
25. "About Us". WYBF-FM. Archived from the original on February 10, 2012. Retrieved February 12, 2012.
26. "The Official Website of the Cabrini University Cavaliers". www.cabriniathletics.com. Archived from the original on September 10, 2015. Retrieved May 4, 2018.
27. "Cabrini College – General – Cabrini University Recreation". cabrinirec.com. Archived from the original on May 5, 2018. Retrieved May 4, 2018.
28. "Cabrini Announces Formation of Atlantic East Conference". Archived from the original on May 5, 2018. Retrieved May 4, 2018.
29. Santoliquito, Joe (May 14, 2024). "The Last Ride: Cabrini's Final Days and a Bond and Legacy That Will Last Forever". Inside Lacrosse. Retrieved December 3, 2024.
30. "Fredia Gibbs (2019) - Hall of Fame". Cabrini University Athletics. Retrieved July 15, 2024.
31. "State Assembly District 9". New Jersey Republican Party. Retrieved July 15, 2024.
32. "Rep. Jordan A. Harris | Biography". www.pahouse.com. Retrieved July 15, 2024.
33. Jeffrey, Joyann (May 21, 2024). "Kylie Kelce reflects on being mom of 3 during commencement speech: 'We are winging it'". TODAY.com. Retrieved December 10, 2024.
34. "Tyheim Monroe - Basketball (Men)". Cabrini University Athletics. Retrieved July 15, 2024.
35. "Official Website - PA House Archives Official Website". archives.house.state.pa.us. Retrieved July 15, 2024.
36. "Sept. 13, 1985 Issue 1 Loquitur by Loquitur - Issuu". issuu.com. December 28, 2020. Retrieved July 15, 2024.
37. "Pat Zipfel - Men's Basketball Coach". Mansfield University Athletics. Retrieved July 15, 2024.

External links

• Official website
• The Cabrini Legacy
• Official athletics website

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