History

Our Journey

An independent Catholic school for boys under the care of the Augustinian Order, Villanova College was founded by five Irish priests in 1948.

The College opened on a 10-acre property in Hamilton, with the large onsite residence, called ‘Whinstanes’, functioning as three classrooms, a chapel and sacristy. Students also had access to tennis courts, a cricket oval and other sporting facilities.

Forty boys attended Villanova that first year and by 1951 it was clear the Whinstanes property could no longer adequately house the growing student population. After much searching, the Augustinian Fathers eventually chose Coorparoo as the new site for the College in 1954.

Villanova College still sits on this very site in the grounds of historic home ‘Langlands’. From 40 students to over 1,500, Villanova has continued to grow into the close community we now cherish today.

The Augustinian Order has a long history in education reaching back 750 years. A love of learning and pursuit of understanding are hallmarks of the Order, which Villanova has made part of its character since day one.

This unrelenting pursuit for knowledge and understanding ensures our lives will be based on truth, for it is truth that conquers. This is reflected in the College motto: Vincit Veritas (“Truth Conquers”).

1881Langlands

The site on which Villanova College now stands was a farm owned by Ruben Nicklin. Nicklin built the house “Langlands” on the property in 1884. Archbishop Duhig purchased “Langlands” in 1916 to house the Sisters of the Good Samaritan who then begin to staff St James’ Parish School. When the Sisters moved into a new convent in 1953, “Langlands” became the Priory of the Augustinian Fathers and Villanova Coorparoo was opened for learning and teaching in 1954.

1948Whinstanes

Five young Irish Augustinian priests, led by Fr Ben O’Donnell OSA, established Villanova College at Whinstanes in the suburb of Hamilton. The Whinstanes property featured a stained-glass window with the motto Vincit Veritas (“Truth Conquers”), which mimicked St Augustine’s own dictum: “What is more noble, brothers, than to be conquered and governed by truth?

Whinstanes Windows

In the Whinstanes house there were several beautiful leadlight windows of painted glass. On two windows, the Webster coat-of-arms and motto Vincit Veritas (Truth Conquers) were inscribed. Because these words were used by St Augustine, they were to become Villanova’s motto.

1954Coorparoo

Villanova College moved from Whinstanes to Coorparoo in order to facilitate student growth. It has since flourished into the proud Catholic school we know and love today.

1948 - 1958Fr Ben O'Donnell OSA

Founding Member and First Rector of Villanova, Fr O’Donnell OSA was a quiet, friendly man. His fellow Australian Augustinians were young and full of energy. They quickly established personal links with many members of the local Catholic community, which rallied to support their ambitions. This close relationship between staff and parents and friends of students of the College has been a defining trait of Villanova ever since.

1959 - 1964Fr Louis Hanrahan OSA

Villanova’s second Prior and Rector, Fr Hanrahan OSA, co-founded Brisbane’s first Catholic theatre group, the Villanova Players, in 1948. Language, music, drama and the visual arts have played an important part in the curricular and co-curricular programs at the College ever since.

1965 - 1970Fr Kevin Burman OSA

Fr Kevin Burman OSA, third Rector of the College, helped provide facilities to further accommodate Villanova’s curriculum including the original library, science labs and swimming pool. Fr Burman OSA also sought out graduates who could further enhance the academic strength of the College, while at the same time bringing sporting success to all grades.

1972Tolle Lege Library

The words Tolle Lege are latin for “Take and Read”. Tolle Lege is also the name of the Villanova College Library. Our patron, St Augustine, was once in a garden when he heard some children playing. They were chanting the words “Tolle Lege, Tolle Lege”. This encouraged Augustine to pick up closest book, and to read the first thing his eyes fell on. What he read touched him so powerfully that it changed his life.

1971 – 1976Fr Donal Paul Dempsey OSA

Fr Donal Paul Dempsey OSA was part of Villanova’s permanent staff from 1955 until 1969, returning in 1971 to assume the role of Rector of the College. Fr Dempsey OSA had a particular enthusiasm for art, music and drama, and his encouragement of parent involvement in school life reinforced Villanova’s valued tradition.

1971Mendel Hall

Opened in 1971, science facility, Mendel Hall was named after Gregor Mendel OSA who led the Abbey of Brünn,  Austria-Hungary, and was an active mathematician, botanist and meteorologist as well as an Augustinian friar. Today, Mendel is recognised as the father of modern genetics, having deciphered the laws of inheritance of traits through many years of careful experiments with pea plants.

1976 – 1986Fr Laurence Mooney OSA

Fr Laurence Mooney OSA, past student and the College’s fifth Rector, brought great change to education in Queensland. He explicitly articulated Augustinian educational philosphies and Villanova’s distinctive ethos in developing staff. Fr Mooney OSA further fostered the sense of community within Villanova, emphasising the role of students by founding the Student Council.

1981St Augustine Statue

The St Augustine was carved from solid sandstone by Leonard Shillam in 1981, who also carved St Thomas at Villanova at the front of the school. He also completed large scale works for the Mater Private Hospital, State Library of Queensland, and public projects around Toowoomba and Beaudesert.

1987 – 1994Fr Peter Weineke OSA

During his time as Rector of Villanova, Fr Peter Weineke OSA encouraged all students to take pride in their school when wearing the uniform, whether during class, on the sporting field or outside of school hours. By doing so he kept alive Villanova’s community spirit, a treasured characteristic of the College since its foundation. Fr Weineke OSA’s leadership saw the greening and general improvement of school grounds, along with flourishing co-curricular activities.

1995 – 2009Fr Michael Morahan OSA

In January 1995, Fr Michael Morahan OSA became the third past pupil to be appointed Rector of Villanova. Fr Morahan OSA excelled in that role for fifteen years, making him Villanova’s longest-serving principal and the last Augustinian Rector of the College. During his leadership, the College reached its highest enrolment figures, a number of successive strategic plans were developed and adopted, and the role of the College Council was enhanced. At the conclusion of Fr Morahan OSA’s rectorship, a system of restorative justice had been introduced in school discipline, a collaborative executive leadership developed and a path had been prepared for lay leadership in the College’s future.

2010 – 2014Mr Dennis Harvey

Prior to his appointment as Villanova’s first lay principal in 2010, Dennis was both a past student (Senior Class ’71) and former staff member of the College (1984-1994). As Principal of Villanova, Dennis built on the school’s strong foundation established during Fr Michael Morahan’s rectorship: academic excellence, student behaviour management based on restorative justice practices and collaborative executive leadership. As well as the pursuit of strong classroom academic achievement for all students, Dennis was an advocate of the performing and fine arts, and a supporter of sport. Enhanced student performance and achievement in all three areas were evident during Dennis’ leadership.

2015 – 2021Mr Mark Stower

Mark brought a wealth of teaching and leadership experience to all aspects of school life. His charismatic personaility and level-headed determination influenced vast improvements to the College.

2020St Thomas of Villanova Building

In 2020, the St Thomas Learning Centre welcomed Junior School and Year 12 students. This space is about bringing the energy of the youngest Villanovans to the wisdom of the eldest.  St Thomas reminds us "Remember he of who you are speaking, is your brother".

2022 – presentMr Paul Begg

As current Principal of Villanova College, Paul is passionate about the positive impact & difference teachers can make in the lives of young people. Paul brings a wealth of over 30 years’ experience across the education sector. He is committed to creating educational settings where learning and teaching practice is informed by the child, their wellbeing, and the future society they will participate in and lead.

Past Villanovans & Villa Voice Issues

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