Villanova University has received a $7.5 million anonymous gift to create the William and Julia Moulden Dean in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, the university’s oldest and largest college, reports villanova.edu.

It will also establish a new endowed fund for the Office for Undergraduate Students, to help students participate in internships, professional development experiences, immersion programs, and other experiential learning opportunities.

“This generous endowment will have a profound, positive impact on the College’s ability to deliver a vibrant educational experience for our students, as well as support the path-breaking research conducted by our faculty,” said Adele Lindenmeyr, PhD., the inaugural William and Julia Moulden Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

The college will use the gift funds to enhance its curriculum, launch new academic programs and Centers of Excellence, bolster existing centers and programs, and support innovative faculty and student research and scholarship opportunities.

The gift honors the late William and Julia Moulden, a Black, Catholic couple who provided crucial support to the Augustinian founders of Villanova in the 19^th century.

William Moulden was born to enslaved parents but gained his freedom through Pennsylvania’s Gradual Abolition Act of 1780.

He married Julia in 1841. The couple lived in the Villanova area and developed a close relationship with the Augustinians who had established Villanova College.

The Moulden’s worked for the Augustinians for 40 years. They were the first to donate money to build St. Thomas of Villanova Church.

William stipulated in his will that his personal estate be passed to the Augustinian College of Villanova following the passing of his wife and children.

Read more about this $7.5 million gift at villanova.edu.

Dean Adele Lindenmeyr, Ph.D offers a fall preview to students entering the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.