Relationship

VUnited Scholars program is an outgrowth of the collaboration between Villanova and the Br. Thomas R. Leto Options Program at Bishop Hendricken high school in Warwick, R.I. In 2016, Martha Murray and Joe Adamec, Bishop Hendricken College Counselor approached Villanova University about starting a residential, life skills, certificate program for students with mild to moderate intellectual disabilities.They had a vision of a program residing at a major Catholic university that would provide opportunities for a population of students that were not currently being served at the time.

In 2019, College of Professional Studies leadership met with Martha and Joe about making their vision a reality at Villanova. Villanova University’s College of Professional Studies is proud and honored to be one of the first Catholic universities in the country to offer a residential, life skills experience to students who deserve an inclusive Catholic college life.

With generous financial assistance from the Terri and Tom Murphy Foundation – Pathways to Independence, the VUnited Scholars program was officially announced on September 22, 2020 as part of 1842 Day, and we welcomed the first cohort of students in August 2021. Villanova University’s College of Professional Studies is proud and honored to be one of the first Catholic universities in the country to offer a residential, life skills experience to students who deserve an inclusive Catholic college life.