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Weather
Hampers St. Thomas of Villanova Day Celebration
By Edward Pachell ‘04
 On
Thursday, Sept 4, the Villanova University Community gathered to celebrate
the 8th annual St. Thomas of Villanova Day. For the first time since it
was initiated , the day of celebration was hampered by rain. Torrential
showers began in early morning , flooding the campus and causing events
to be canceled including a parade and an outdoor festival/dinner. Despite
the inclement weather, students, faculty and staff gathered for the remainder
of the day’s events which included a Liturgy and Convocation.
The St. Thomas of Villanova Day Mass originally was planned
to be held in the Grotto, a site almost large enough to accommodate the
Villanova academic community. Instead it was moved to the St. Thomas of
Villanova Church which can hold far fewer people. The change in location,
however, did nothng to discourage a large number of students from attending,
which was evident from the standing room only crowd forced to stand at
the rear of the church and in doorways to make room for all. University
president, the Rev. Edmund J. Dobbin, O.S.A. gave the homily.
Immediately following the Liturgy, the congregation moved to the Pavilion
for the Convocation, and awards ceremony which recognizes those within
the Villanova community who display excellence in service. Each year,
the opening prayer is read by a distinguished senior who has given outstanding
service to the community. This year Head Resident of St. Mary’s
Hall, Jacklyn Gonzalez received the honor.
Following the prayer, the Rev. Lawrence C. Gallen, O.S.A.
Award for Distinguished Faculty Service was presented to Dr. Charles L.
Cherry. Dr. Cherry is the chair of the English Department and a Professor.
Among of Dr. Cherry’s accomplishments: initiation of the Presidential
Scholar Program, directing the Honors Program and publishing a number
of scholarly books.
The Distinguished Service Award to an Individual was presented to Joseph
A. Pilcicki, who is the Biology Storeroom Supervisor in Mendel Hall. Pilcicki
provides the necessary support and equipment to over a dozen top biology
research scientists (many of whom are doing original research paid for
by funding agencies such as the National Science Foundation). Pilcicki,
a former television produces also utilizes his skills to help produce
training films, organize social functions for science faculty, students
and staff which keeps the focus on helping our students learn and grow.
 The
final award, for Team Service was presented to the VQI (Villanova Quality
Improvement) Committee whose work fosters the sense of community on campus.
The award was presented to Dr. Beth Hassell, director of Campus Ministry
who chairs the committee and accepted the award for the entire group.
The multi-department group has initiated many concepts including orientations
for new faculty and staff, special programs for night shift colleagues,
annual gatherings such as the Bread and Soup lunch which provides food
and assistance to the needy, the annual faculty/staff picnic and community
socials. Perhaps the most impressive initiative was the founding of St.
Thomas of Villanova Day eight years ago. .
The closing address was delivered by Dr. Anthony Godzieba,
an associate Professor of Theology and Religious studies. Dr. Godzieba
spoke to a crowd of students and faculty of epiphanies and asked the question,
“How will you be opened to epiphanies in your own life.” Dr.
Godzieba closed the day’s events by encouraging members of the Villanova
Community to be open to new ideas and to never think the world around
you is all that exists.
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