The Augustinian Show Rolls On

Even though I despise their basketball team -- which beat my alma mater last night by 7 in a Big Five match-up -- I've always had a special place in my heart for Villanova University, located on Philadelphia's Main Line.

Last year, Fr Ed Dobbin, who led Villanova -- founded by the Augustinian Friars in 1842 -- through a time of unprecedented expansion and dynamism since 1988, announced that he would leave its presidency at the end of this academic year. Yesterday, the board of trustees announced a new president, maintaining the tradition of Augustinian leadership in electing Fr Peter Donohue as Dobbin's successor.

The president-elect currently serves as chairman of the university's drama department and is a student favorite.

An award-winning director, Father Donohue received five Barrymore nominations for Outstanding Direction of a Musical for Parade, Children of Eden, Into the Woods, Evita, and Chicago, which received nine nominations and three 2002 Barrymore Awards, including Outstanding Direction of a Musical.

A devoted liturgical minister, Father Donohue regularly celebrates weddings for Villanova alumni and conducts the Sunday evening Mass for the Villanova community. Father Donohue is the long time Chaplain of the University’s Navy ROTC program, offering counsel to midshipmen, presiding over the annual commissioning Mass and lecturing in the Senior Leadership Seminar.

Many congrats to Fr Donohue and all them crazy Wildcats.

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