Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 6/23/23 – From Staff Report
Villanova and Cabrini Universities have released a joint statement confirming reports that Villanova will be taking over ownership of the Cabrini University campus following the 2023-24 academic year.
The agreement, outlined in the statement, will end Cabrini’s highly successful runs for its’ men’s and women’s lacrosse Programs after the 2024 season.
The Cabrini men’s team has consistently been ranked among the top 20 teams in Division III and just four years ago won its only National Championships in a memorable run that ended at Lincoln Financial Field on Memorial Day Weekend. The Cavaliers have won 22 straight conference championships and this year went 14-5, bowing to York in the NCAA tournament. The Cabrini 23-year men’s coach, Steve Colfer has a career mark of 329-86 and took the Cavs to 21 straight NCAA tournaments. It has been heavily rumored that Colfer – inducted into the Eastern PA Chapter of the USA Lacrosse Hall of Fame 2 years ago – is poised to accept a head coaching position in a Philly high school soon.
The Cabrini women’s team has won 13 straight conference titles under another Hall of Fame Coach (Cabrini Hall of Fame), Jackie Neary (Ridley High alum). Neary started the women’s lacrosse program at Cabrini from scratch in 1997 and one year later, the Cavaliers had their first undefeated season, finishing 15-0 overall. Since then, Neary has guided the Blue & White to 21 CSAC and Atlantic East Conference titles, including a run of eight straight crowns from 1998-2005 and each of the last 11 (2012-23).
Neary, owner of a 336-153 career record, has mentored the Cavaliers to 18 appearances all-time in the NCAA Tournament. Neary also has served as the Cabrini field hockey coach
Villanova’s statement:
“In a shifting and increasingly difficult higher ed landscape, Cabrini University, like so many colleges and universities, has faced significant financial challenges stemming from declining enrollment, the pandemic, and economic uncertainty. Despite efforts to improve revenue streams, and changes to the leadership and academic ranks, Cabrini’s operating deficit remained insurmountable. With all other possible options exhausted and having determined that they must conclude their operations, Cabrini University initiated discussions with Villanova around a plan that would preserve Cabrini’s legacy and mission and honor the original intention for the Cabrini campus to promote opportunities in Catholic education.
As neighboring Catholic institutions connected by our aligned, faith-based missions, the boards of Villanova and Cabrini universities have approved in principle an agreement that will preserve Cabrini’s history, mission, ministry, and legacy after the school graduates its final class in May 2024 and concludes operations.
Key components of the agreement include:
Cabrini will continue the 2023/24 academic year as planned for the incoming freshman, sophomore, and junior classes and see its class of 2024 through to graduation with a robust set of course offerings and a focus on celebrating its history, mission, ministry, and legacy.
Cabrini and Villanova will share counseling and resources to support Cabrini students throughout the academic year to develop individualized transfer plans enabling them to complete their degrees as well as support Cabrini faculty and staff in identifying potential employment opportunities.
Once Cabrini operations conclude, Villanova will assume ownership of the land.
Villanova will preserve Cabrini University’s legacy, both in name and in the continuation of some of the institution’s most impactful work in education, nursing, service, immigration, and the advancement of women.
Discussions are ongoing in good faith and grounded in mutual respect for both communities. Once a definitive agreement has been reached, we will have more information to share.
Helen Drinan, President of Cabrini University
The Rev. Peter M. Donohue, OSA, PhD, President of Villanova University
