Villanova Reaches Final Agreement To Buy Cabrini Campus

RADNOR, PA —Villanova University and Cabrini University have reached a final agreement for Villanova to assume ownership of the Cabrini campus at the conclusion of the 2023-24 academic year, the universities announced Thursday.
Since announcing an agreement in principle between the two institutions in June 2023, Villanova and Cabrini have been working on the final agreement.
The agreement calls for Villanova to maintain the Cabrini name for the campus and preserve the legacy and mission of The Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, founder of Cabrini.
No information has been released on Villanova’s plan to use the 112-acre Cabrini campus, about two miles from Villanova. Both universities are in Radnor Township.
“It was important to honor the work of the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus by continuing to foster what St. Frances Xavier Cabrini called ‘education of the heart,’” said Helen Drinan, Cabrini University president.
“We feel confident that our agreement with Villanova will preserve the Cabrini legacy and that our work to educate both minds and hearts will be carried forth. The Cabrini University impact does not end when our doors close.”
Cabrini has struggled with enrollment, which was estimated at 1,600 in 2022, about 1,000 less than in 2012, according to the state Department of Education data system.
Villanova has a 260-acre campus and more than 6,700 full-time undergraduates and 3,100 graduate and law students.
The Rev. Peter M. Donohue, Villanova University president, said Villanova’s and Cabrini’s shared faith, common values and corresponding missions allowed for a strong alignment of two like-minded institutions.
Villanova also plans to preserve Cabrini’s mission by creating an immigration center, developing students as advocates for social change, and establishing a “Cabrini Scholars” scholarship program with Cabrini High School in New Orleans.
Additionally, two designated representatives from Cabrini, including at least one representative from the Missionary Sisters, will serve on the Villanova Board of Trustees for up to two successive terms of five years.
Cabrini has established arrangements with four local colleges — Eastern University, Gwynedd-Mercy University, Ursinus College and Holy Family University — to help ease the transfer of credits for students. La Salle University in Philadelphia and Rosemont University have also welcomed Cabrini students.