Villanova University Celebrates Hispanic and Latine Heritage Month

The University Archives holds The Historical sketch of the Augustinian monastery, college and mission of St. Thomas of Villanova: Delaware County, Pa. during the first half century of their existence, 1842-1892, compiled by Rev. Thomas C. Middleton, which lists students who attended the University and where they are originally from. It notes a unique history and relationship between Villanova and Cuba, as many students were listed as hailing from Havana, Cuba, not a likely home location for Villanova students at the time-or was it?

Over the summer of 2024, the University Archives' community archives intern, Gi Mastroddi, '25 CLAS, did research on understanding more about the relationship between the two places. Looking through student lists, catalogues and commencement records, she was able to count that from Villanova's opening in 1842 until the beginning of the 20th century, the University saw the enrollment of 47 Cuban students and 35 students from Spanish speaking countries. Mastroddi was also able to piece together that a large influx of Cuban students appeared in the 1897-98 University Catalogue, totaling about 10 new students, most likely due to the Spanish-American War.

Villanova's relationship with Cuba seems more obvious. Havana was home to a sister Augustinian Order, and later the Universidad Católica de Santo Tomás de Villanueva, a Catholic university founded in 1946. In 1961, Augustinians at Villaneuva were expelled from Cuba, and the Belle Air yearbooks at the time note that some Augustinians relocated to Villanova. The enrollment of Cuban students reflects a deep connection, with more to be explored.

Mastroddi has curated a small exhibit of her findings, which will be on display at Falvey Library's Speaker's Corner through mid-October. We invite the Villanova community to visit!