Villanova University was founded in 1842 by the Order of St. Augustine. To this day, Villanova's Augustinian Catholic tradition is the cornerstone of an academic community where students learn to think critically, act compassionately and succeed while serving others. The Villanova community helps students grow intellectually, professionally and spiritually and challenges them to reach their full potential. Villanova’s academic experience, rooted in the liberal arts, forms an environment in which students and professors are partners in learning. Through academic and service programs, students use their skills, knowledge and compassion to better the world around them. The University draws students from 45 states and nearly 50 countries. More than 10,000 undergraduate, graduate and law students take part in a wide variety of degree and certificate programs throughout the University's six colleges – the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, the Villanova School of Business, the College of Engineering, the M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing, the College of Professional Studies and the Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law. After graduation, students join nearly 125,000 Villanova alumni worldwide.