Villanova President Fr. Peter Donohue sent the following email on Sunday evening regarding the passing of former University President Fr. Edmund Dobbin...

Dear Alumni, Parents and Friends:

It is with great sadness that I inform the Villanova community of the passing of the Rev. Edmund J. Dobbin, OSA, '58 CLAS, who served from 1988 to 2006 as the University's 31st president. Father Dobbin passed away around 6 p.m. this evening at the age of 79.

During his 18 years as president, Father Dobbin guided the Villanova community into the 21st century with an enhanced sense of identity and a reaffirmed commitment to the University's Augustinian Catholic mission. Under his leadership, Villanova saw unprecedented progress and growth. Villanova implemented innovative curricula, dramatically increased the University's endowment, expanded scholarship funding and faculty endowments, enhanced international programs and collaborations, and planned or completed new buildings or major renovations in each of its colleges and schools.

Villanova's longest serving president, Father Dobbin strengthened Villanova and fostered a community that continues to be increasingly talented, distinguished and diverse. Father Dobbin's legacy of growth and achievement is visible in every aspect of the Villanova educational experience, and his vision led to Villanova's emergence as one of the nation's premier Catholic universities.

Funeral arrangements are still being planned; I will share this information with you as soon as it becomes available. Please remember Father Dobbin in your prayers and give thanks for all he accomplished to advance Villanova.

Sincerely,

Fr. Peter Donohue, OSA President