Father Jonathan DeFelice, O.S.B., president of Saint Anselm College, will retire at the end of the academic year (June 2013), after leading the college since 1989. In the nearly quarter century of Father Jonathan’s leadership, Saint Anselm has enhanced its reputation as a nationally ranked Catholic, liberal arts college. It has enriched the residential experience for students, developed its athletic program and become a leader in civic education and service learning. This timeline marks the great progress the college has made during Father Jonathan’s tenure.
Father Jonathan enters Saint Anselm College as a member of the Class of 1969.
Father Jonathan is named acting president of Saint Anselm College.
Father Jonathan is named 9th president of Saint Anselm College.
A complete overhaul of the old coffee shop helps to produce one of the most iconic gathering places on campus.
An excellent curriculum demands an excellent library. The Geisel Library was increased by 20,000 square feet at a cost of $5.5 million, most of which was raised during the Centennial Capital Campaign. The renovation brought a new interior and exterior to the building, which now encompasses digital media in its Learning Commons.
Faculty office space in Bradley House more than doubled once this $750,000 project was completed, bringing the number of faculty members in the building from 36 to 80 and increasing the square footage from 8,500 to 15,000.
Thanks to a $25,000 grant from the National Science Foundation, the college plugs into the world wide web for the first time.
Father Jonathan appointed a task force on minorities to develop a plan for increasing minority participation in the college. The plan was put in place with the cooperation of 50 students, faculty and staff.
U.S. News and World Report ranks Saint Anselm College number one in academic reputation among the regional liberal arts colleges.
Father Jonathan and Athletic Director Ted Paulauskas announced plans to restore Hawks football after a 55-year absence, with a commitment to join the Division II Eastern Football Conference for the 1999 season.
