Commitment to Education
Higher Education
In the spirit of community and the commitment to the apostolate of education, the Augustinian Province of Saint Thomas of Villanova sponsors and ministers in two higher education institutions, Villanova University in Pennsylvania and Merrimack College in Massachusets. These institutions are modeled on Saint Augustine’s approach to education as a journey, engaging in communal life, and search for truth, all experiences that transform the student.
Fr. Peter M. Donohue, O.S.A., President of Villanova University with university students.
Fr. Raymond Dlugos, O.S.A., Vice President, Mission and Ministry with 2017-2018 Austin Scholars
Founded by the Order of Saint Augustine in 1842, Villanova University is the oldest Catholic University in Pennsylvania. Rooted in the Augustinian values of Veritas, Unitas, and Caritas - Truth, Unity and Love - Villanova University seeks to embody the vision of community, promoted by Saint Augustine: a community living in harmony and love, such that the love of Christ is made visible.
Merrimack College was founded in 1947 by the Order of St. Augustine at the invitation of the then Archbishop of Boston, Richard Cushing. An independent, Catholic college, Merrimack embraces Augustinian values of community and the pursuit of truth through its mission to "enlighten minds, engage hearts and empower lives."
The Augustinian Province of Saint Thomas of Villanova values the history and relationships that have been built in local communities and continues to foster spiritual and academic growth.
Fr. Donald Reilly, O.S.A., Head of School of Malvern Preparatory School with students of Malvern community
Secondary Preparatory Schools
Above all else Saint Augustine was a great teacher. Therefore, the academic arm of the Augustinian Province of Saint Thomas of Villanova is rooted in a commitment to the apostolate of education. This dedication drives the passion and support of developmental education for young men through two college preparatory secondary schools: Malvern Preparatory School and Saint Augustine Preparatory School. These institutions are modeled on Saint Augustine’s approach to education as a journey providing academic and spiritual experiences that transform the student.
“To be able to aid in the preparation of young men for higher education is a tremendous gift but to do it modeled after Saint Augustine is a blessing,” said Father Michael Di Gregorio, O.S.A., Prior Provincial. “The Province’s engagement in Malvern and Saint Augustine Preparatory Schools allows us to provide spiritual guidance during the formational years of many students.”
Founded in 1842 by the Augustinians, Malvern Preparatory School is an independent, Catholic college prep school for boys and serves students in grades 6 through 12. For well over 165 years, the school has been committed to academic excellence and Catholic values, rooted in the Augustinian tradition.
Fr. Robert J. Murray, O.S.A., Head of School at Saint Augustine Preparatory School.
Saint Augustine Preparatory School, a four-year college preparatory school, is owned and sponsored by the Augustinians of the Province of St. Thomas of Villanova. Founded in 1925 to serve the Italian immigrant population in South Jersey, the school's focus is on preparing young men in grades 9-12 for higher education.
Key to the mission of educating and preparing young men for higher education and to become active and contributing members of society, Malvern and Saint Augustine Preparatory Schools are firmly committed to the Augustinian values of Veritas, Unitas and Caritas - Truth, Unity and Love -and promoting membership in the Christian Community, as stated in their vision.
