Villanova University has announced a $7.5 million gift from an anonymous donor to establish an endowed dean position in university’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS).

This gift will enable the college to invest in student-focused initiatives, while honoring the late William and Julia Moulden, a Black Catholic couple who provided crucial support to the Augustinian founders of Villanova College in the 19th century. Adele Lindenmeyr will serve as the inaugural William and Julia Moulden Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

The gift will provide significant resources to the CLAS dean to invest in key college initiatives such as enhancing its curriculum, launching academic programs and centers of excellence, bolstering existing centers and programs, and supporting innovative faculty and student research and scholarship opportunities. In addition, it will establish an endowed fund for the office for undergraduate students.

“This is a transformational gift for the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences,” said Villanova University president Fr. Peter M. Donohue. “We are grateful to the donors not only for their financial commitment, but for honoring the important legacy left by the Mouldens—a family whose generosity to Villanova and the Augustinians left an indelible mark on the university.”

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