The Villanovan | Volume 115, Issue 14: September 27, 2023

@thevillanovan

VOLUME 115 | ISSUE 14

Behind the Scenes of VEMS

Julia O’Keefe Staff Writer

“Headquarters

Ambulance 85 responding to Stanford Hall,” Villanova EMS Captain Sarah Cotteta says into the ambulance radio. She flicks on the flashing lights and siren and tears out of the driveway of VEMS Headquarters.

It’s just like any weekend night on South Campus. Groups of first-year students bouncing from dorm to dorm, people getting in and out of Ubers and the occasional blare of an ambulance siren.

Cotteta parks near Stanford and the team rolls out.

“Oooooh, better not get ‘VEMmed,’” a male student said, followed by mocking sounds of laughter and whispers of “Who’s it this time?”

I recently had the unique opportunity to take an observation shift with Villanova EMS, or “VEMS.”

I wore the t-shirt, the navy cargo pants, the black boots and stayed overnight at Headquarters. Just when I thought I knew the ins and outs of the organization well enough, I was harshly proven otherwise, and I am proud to share my findings.

According to the Villanova University website, “The Villanova Emergency Medical Service (VEMS) is a 100% student-run, University-supported volunteer ambulance service dedicated to providing Basic Life Support care to the Villanova campus community.”

The Villanova EMS Mission is to provide “timely, professional and compassionate pre-hospital emergency care to all persons in need” and to “educate the general public and increase their awareness of the services and educational opportunities

Continued on p. 10

Day of Service

Preview p. 3

Worker Spotlight: A Conversation with Oscar p. 12

STUDENT-RUN SINCE 1916

Villanovan families from near and far gathered on campus this weekend for a variety of events over 2023 Family Weekend. Families braved the rain to spend time with students, attendting a wide variety of events.

Family Weekend kicked off on Friday with events such as a campus tree tour, the Inclusion Week Carnival and various open houses, one of which was held at the Finneran Pavilion. With a tour of the iconic Finneran Pavilion and the opportunity to

meet Villanova basketball players, the open house was a chance for die-hard Villanova basketball fans to learn more about the squad. “I found out about the players-signing [at the very] last minute and was one of the last people to go through the line, but the players were all super friendly even though they had already been there for two hours at that point,” senior Maddie Ennis said. “They made a point of asking me questions, which I appreciated. Overall it was an awesome experience, and I’m glad I was able to go. Shoutout to my mom and aunt for find -

ing out about it because I would’ve had no idea otherwise.”

On Saturday, the main event was Villanova’s Tailgate on the Green and the football game. Facing rain and strong winds, Villanova decided to cancel the tailgate, but alerted students that if they still wanted to tailgate, the school would not prohibit them. Villanova offered refunds to families due to the cancellation.

Many students and families got creative, tailgating at houses, in campus apartments and even on the upper levels of the Ithan garage. Despite the unfavorable weath -

er, Villanovans and their relatives were able to spend the tailgate together before the football game. Even though Villanova canceled the tailgate, families flocked to their tents on Mendel Field.

“It was really cool to see the Villanova community come together despite the harsh weather conditions,” senior Ryan Maloney said. “I think it really speaks to the strength of our school spirit. My parents and I had a great time hanging out with other Villanovans and their parents tailgating on the green.”

At the football game, the Villanova Wild

Continued on p. 2

University Drops in College Rankings

Julie Prendergast Staff Writer

This past Monday, U.S. News & World Report, a media publishing company, released its ranking of universities for the 2024 admission cycle. This updated report of university standings came as a shock to campus, with Villanova University dropping 16 spots, from rank 51 to 67.

In this year’s ranking process, U.S. News switched up its categorization formula,

University Hosts Third Annual Inclusion Week p. 4

Move Over Meal Plan: It’s Time for Girl Dinner p. 14

a frequent occurrence, but this cycle’s change created

extreme changes in ranking. Wake Forest University dropped 18 spots, Pepperdine

from the top 100, falling 33 spots. With the change in formula hurting private schools’ chances of mobilizing upwards, the U.S. News & World Report is under intense criticism from private institutions.

Public universities greatly benefited from the new methodology, with schools like Rutgers University and Texas A&M breaking into the top 50, while The City College of New York and San Diego State Univer

Continued on p. 13

The Cabrini Conundrum: Ideas for New Land Use p. 6

Football Looks To Keep Momentum Against Albany p. 15

Rankings Cannot Capture the ‘Nova Experience p. 8

Hewitt: College Cup Remains Uphill Climb For Women’s Soccer p. 16

And the Tailgate Goes On p. 10

THE BACKPAGE:

Volleyball Sweeps

Northeastern Tourney p. 15

Crossword by Peter Reilly

p. 19

Chloe Miller Co-Culture Editor

Students and their parents found warmth in the Holy Grounds cafe after being out in the rain and cold. Katelyn Van Mater / Villanovan Photography

Villanova dropped several spots in the U.S. News and World Report ranking. Natalie Zickel / Villanovan Photography

NEWS

September 17-21, DOBBIN HALL

A staff member reported two missing packages from the Dobbin Mail room.

Rape

September 15-16, ST. CLARE HALL

A female resident student reported being raped by a known male student.

Disorderly Conduct/ Hate

Crimes (Clery)

September 19-20, GALLEN HALL

A resident staff member reported a late night loud knock on the door followed by the actor yelling a racial slur.

Day of Service Preview

Jadyn Ramos Staff Writer

Saturday, Sept. 30 will mark the 18th annual St. Thomas of Villanova Day of Service at the University. The annual Day of Service is a very exciting time on campus, when everyone has an opportunity to participate and give back to the community. The annual event is named in honor of St. Thomas of Villanova, who was known for his amazing charity to the poor and marginalized. His legacy is celebrated with this day and one of the key values here at Villanova: caritas, meaning love.

Every year students, faculty, staff and alumni come together in a group of more than 5,000 participants and work together with partnering neighborhood agencies to perform service throughout the community and the greater Philadelphia area. This is a very unique event at Villanova, and the community and student body are proud to be a part of something so special. The Day of Service was started by Rev. Peter M. Donohue, OSA, PhD in 2006 after his inauguration.

“Serving others is central to our Augustinian Catholic mission and each fall, the St. Thomas of Villanova Day of Service is an opportunity for

their communities across the country. The goal of this day is to emphasize the Augustinian mission and put ideas into action when it comes to serving the community. The community at Villanova performs around 250,000 hours of service annually showing the dedication of the student body to helping their communities.

This weekend’s Day of Service is going to be a very eventful day, and many students are excited to be a part of it. Students and volunteers can sign up with certain groups for the day, for example signing up with their clubs, sports teams or Greek life groups.

This is an opportunity for these groups to go to different locations to perform different tasks to help the community. Students also love this day because they get to spend quality time with their specific clubs and sports team to work together to help the community and enjoy the bonding experience.

This is one of the largest single-day service events in the region and the Day of Service builds upon the service performed throughout the year by the Villanova community. Here at Villanova, there are weekly outreach opportunities and ongoing relationships with social service and charitable organizations in the greater Philadelphia area. All this hard work

Liquor Underage/ Public

Drunkenness

September 19-20, ST. MONICA HALL

A male resident student, under the age of 21, was observed intoxicated in public, evaluated by VEMS Ambulance and transported to Bryn Mawr Hospital.

Liquor Underage

September 19-20, GOOD COUNSEL HALL

A male resident student, under the age of 21, was evaluated for alcohol intoxication.

Family Weekend Fun

Chloe Miller Co-Culture Editor

cats faced the University of Rhode Island at the regularly scheduled kickoff time of 2 p.m. Villanovans braved the cold and the rain to celebrate the ‘Cats beating Rhode Island, 35-9.

“Although we didn’t make it through the whole football game, my parents and I were glad we went,” senior Maggie Winston said. “It was my parents’ first and last Family Weekend, so we wanted to do as much as we could, and we had a nice, rainy time together.”

After drying off from a wet tailgate and game, some families gath-

Villanova hosted an all-inclusive, after-hours night at the zoo, where families could view the animal exhibits, listen to live music, play games and eat.

Sunday morning concluded family weekend with both the senior breakfast and Mass in the Finneran Pavilion. Senior breakfast was held in the Connelly Center and allowed seniors to chat with each other and celebrate their last Family Weekend at Villanova. Mass, held after the senior breakfast, was led by Rev. Peter M. Donohue, OSA, PhD.

If there is one thing that this family weekend proves, it is that Villanovans are resilient and able to make the best out of any rainy situation. Let’s hope for better weather at next year’s Family

1842 Day every year is Day of Service. Natalie Zickel/Villanovan Photography

Continued 2 | The Villanovan News Opinion Culture Sports

p.1 1 6 10 14 VOL. 115 | ISS. 14 www.villanovan.com @thevillanovan Editor-in-Chief Editor-in-Chief Associate Editor-in-Chief Senior Editor Digital Editor Digital Editor News Editor News Editor News Editor Opinion Editor Opinion Editor Culture Editor Culture Editor Sports Editor Sports Editor Copy Desk Chief Photography Editor Advisor Advisor villanovan.eic@gmail.com

CORRECTIONS Factual errors are corrected as soon as they are brought to The Villanovan’s attention. Please send an e-mail to

Wednesday, September 27, 2023

University Hosts Third Annual Inclusion Week

Isabella Balian Staff Writer

Last week, Villanova University hosted its third annual Inclusion Week, a campus-wide initiative to recognize diverse identities and organizations on campus. The mission of the week was to create awareness for organizations that support and advocate for marginalized and underrepresented peoples, as well as to share resources available to students who are a part of these groups.

“Inclusion Week means celebrating cultural diversity and promoting inclusivity in all aspects of life,”

Inclusion Week Committee member Dally Perez said. “During Inclusion Week, we welcome and accept everyone to emphasize their background and identity. It is important for me to be part of Inclusion Week because it is an opportunity to foster a sense of belonging for everyone on campus.”

A variety of student and staff organizations, including but not limited to SAMOSA, Black Student Union, The Space, Latin American Student Organization, LEVEL, Special Olympics, Best Buddies and the Office of Intercultural Affairs,

put on interactive events to embrace inclusion and cultural awareness. The Black Student Union hosted “Donuts for Diversity,” VU Pride hosted a “Queer Spin Class” and the Latin American Student Organization hosted a “LASO Family Dinner.”

On Monday of Inclusion week, Villanova’s Latin American Student Organization hosted “LASO Family Dinner” as a form of community building and to recognize Mexican Independence Day.

“Part of the Villanova commitment is to provide a sense of community for all students,” LASO member Lezlie Hilario said. “For many people of color, it can be difficult to find this community while navigating a PWI. Inclusion Week is a way to foster this sense of community while also demonstrating that we are making efforts to be a more inclusive institution.”

To wrap up and celebrate the end of the Inclusion Week festivities, a festival was hosted on Friday to mirror a trip around the world. The festival included sumo wrestling, a dunk tank, a bounce house, axe throwing, henna tattoos and a 360-photo booth. The festival also hosted performances from Ablaze, Nova Step Nation, the

Irish Step Team and Sigma Psi Zeta.

The Inclusion Week Committee also brought in food from Tiffin Indian Cuisine, Senoritas, Suya Soya West African Grill, Dippin Dots and PaperMill.

“A highlight of Inclusion

Week was either the VU Pride Spin Class, which was super fun, or the Carnival at the end of the week, as it wraps up everything we’ve done to celebrate inclusivity and helps to welcome parents into parents’ weekend,” Tess Chiarello, a member of Inclusion Week Committee, said.

In addition to the events hosted by student organizations, Villanova’s Dining Services also participated in the Inclusion Week festivities.

"I reached out to dining services asking to contribute to Inclusion Week by exposing a more culturally diverse menu for the week,” Perez said. “They responded by saying they would do it, which was not a surprise because they helped us in the past two years. We are very grateful for Dining Services for taking up the extra effort to contribute and make Inclusion Week a more one-of-a-kind experience on campus.”

The chefs created diverse menus to highlight a broad variety of

cultural meals representing distinct cultures. During the week, the dining halls served food from Filipino cuisines, African cuisines, Middle Eastern cuisines and South and Southeast Asian cuisines. This upcoming week, the dining halls will host a Hispanic Heritage Dinner in honor of National Hispanic Heritage Month.

“As a team, we love the opportunity to showcase Villanova’s different communities and cultures and celebrate their uniqueness through food,” Chris Wiseley, Executive Chef of Resident Dining halls, said. “Many selections will be worked into the regular menu rotations offered throughout the year.”

Despite Inclusion Week only lasting five days, students are hopeful that Villanova will uphold these sentiments of inclusion and diversity throughout the rest of the year.

“We can embody the themes of Inclusion Week into our everyday lives by appreciating others, learning more about cultures and groups we may not know a lot about, being an ally to those who need it and promoting inclusivity on campus every day,” Chiarello said. “Ask questions, attend events, have an open mind and constantly strive to learn more.”

University Drops in College Rankings

Julia Pendergrast Staff Writer

Continued from p.1

sity both jumped 46 places, respectively. The change in method includes putting an emphasis on outcomes and mobility of recently graduated students.

“Personally, the new ranking came as a shock and kind of dampened morale on campus,” freshman Ava Hunn said. “I don’t think the majority of students are too worried about what number we are, it’s more about what progress we are actually making on campus, not opinions of those who are ranking us.”

U.S. News & World Report also made formulaic changes by disregarding class size and alumni giving, two strengths of Villanova.

This cycle was the first time in 30 years that alumni giving wasn’t a factor in the national ranking, and by dropping it, Villanova’s rank suffered immensely. U.S. News & World Report’s publication used to value alumni giving as a way to see student satisfaction, but now that measure comes from salaries after graduation.

Other schools, including Vanderbilt University and Oberlin College, have expressed their distaste for removing the alumni-giving characteristic from the ranking, revealing that more satisfied alumni tend to provide more after graduation.

This notion should be a positive reflection on all respective schools, but by its elimination, the schools with higher alumni giving percentages do not receive the ranking boost that public institutions were able to secure.

In a recent press release from the University’s Media Room, the continue to strive to provide excellent services to its students, faculty, and staff.

The University’s ranking dropped several spots after the formula changed. Brian Luppy/ Villanovan Photography

University Hosts Flu Vaccine Clinic

Katie Lewis Staff Writer

As the Villanova community settles into the fall semester, with its decreasing temperatures, it is inevitable that there will be increased cases of cold and flu.

To fight the spread of the highly contagious virus, the Villanova Health Center is partnering with the Philadelphia pharmacy chain Rite Aid to offer an influenza vaccine clinic on Sept. 27. Students, faculty and staff do not need to make prior appointments to attend the clinics, which are open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the East Lounge of Dougherty Hall. although

Health

Center Director

Mary McGonigle assures that Rite Aid accepts most insurance plans to cover the expense. Students should bring both their Wildcard and insurance card to the clinic.

The process of receiving the flu vaccination begins with filling out a Screening Questionnaire and Consent Form, which can be accessed here or through the Health Center website. The Health Center encourages those receiving a vaccination to complete the form prior to attending the clinic. If needed, forms will also be provided at the East Lounge.

McGonigle encourages the Villanova community that late September is an ideal time to receive a flu vaccination.

“We like our students to get

Break, vaccines are readily available.”

Rite Aid’s vaccine information statement describes flu season as generally beginning in October and continuing as late as May. The CDC recommends receiving one vaccination each flu season to stay protected from the virus, which affects five to 20 percent of the U.S. population every year. Some common flu symptoms to monitor include a high fever and chills, sore throat, cough and fatigue.

Following the clinic, those who receive vaccinations may experience typical side effects, including soreness surrounding the

location of the shot, fever, muscle aches and headaches.

According to McGonigle, last flu season’s vaccine clinics totaled to nearly 1,500 participants, including both Villanova students and employees. Rite Aid provided an estimate of close to 500 vaccinations throughout the day during Thursday’s clinic.

The Health Center will continue to advertise the flu vaccine clinics in weekly Wildcat Newswire emails. More information about flu vaccinations and prevention tips can be found here on the Villanova Health Center website.

University Announces New Counseling Center Director

resources is going to help students to a greater extent.”

Villanova University announced Dr. Nathalie Edmond, Psy.D. as the new director of the on-campus Counseling Center. Edmond came to Villanova this academic year, and is bringing a new vision to Villanova and the University’s fight towards increasing students’ mental health.

“I am excited for this new turn in Villanova’s counseling center,” sophomore Nadia Balduf said. “I am eager to see how under the new leadership of Dr. Edmond betters the University as a whole.”

Edmond is bringing a new perspective to the University.

“We want to continue to offer traditional short-term counseling as well as offer services outside of the traditional four walls of the counseling center,” Edmond said. “That would look like more outreach events outside of the traditional nine to five hours during the week.”

Throughout the first few weeks of the semester, the counseling center has already begun to reach out to on campus organizations.

“I really appreciate how the Counseling Center is moving to make a difference with student engagement,” sophomore Kara McGoldrick said. “I think that throughout the school year, being able to connect with the Counseling Center through new ways such as club meetings and out-of-office

Over the past few years, the University has had an increase of awareness for the LGBTQIA+ and the BIPOC communities on Villanova’s campus.

“We want to offer more groups to supplement or substitute for individual therapy,” Edmond said. “Some of the groups are: loss loved ones, graduate student support group, mindfulness for emotions, adjustment group, recovery group, BIPOC group and LGBTQIA group.”

“This is great for the Villanova community,” sophomore Betty Dorsey said. “I believe that by having a space where students can feel comfortable, it will help break the stigma of mental health, where students feel like they can’t look for help.”

In addition to increasing nontraditional resources on campus, Edmond is interested in increasing on campus appointment slots in order for more students to be able to be seen when needed, instead of booking appointments months out.

`

“Looking at how we schedule, how we consult on campus, how we can reduce barriers to care and how we can create a place where everyone feels like they belong and can be supported by our services,” Edmond said.

“We plan to continue to streamline our intake process and have digital forms and satisfaction surveys. We want to build our referral list for those students who need weekly

individual therapy that the counseling center may not be able to provide. We want to continue to spread the word about Uwill, who offers telehealth sessions and crisis management.”

“This is great for the Villanova community,” sophomore Ryan Levey said. “There have been times where my friends and myself have tried to book appointments through the center and were told they are not available for weeks on end. I am hopeful under Dr. Edmond’s leadership, the center will be more available to stu -

dents to use on a shorter notice.”

Edmond is a great new addition to the Villanova community. Under her leadership, students are eager to see a change in the center, and an increase of resources for students to use.

“I can not wait for the chance to meet Dr. Edmond and see how her visions come to life here at Villanova,” sophomore Claire Gaza said. “I am looking forward to this positive change in a department that means so much to so many students here on campus.”

A nurse at the clinic prepares to give out flu shots to Villanova community members. Victoria Margenat / Villanovan Photography

Lauren Armstrong Staff Writer

The Counseling Center is housed by the University’s Health Center. Brian Luppy/Villanovan Photography

The entrance to the flu clinic outside Dougherty Hall. Victoria Margenat / Villanovan Photography

Special Olympics Hosts Unified Event

Kellyn Zyrn Staff Writer

On Sept. 17, Villanova’s Special Olympics team organized its fall Unified event on the West Campus basketball courts.

Every semester, the Spe cial Olympics committee hosts an occasion to bring students and athletes who will participate in the annual Fall Fest together. Students from across campus joined Sun day’s festivities.

“The goal of the event is to become friends with the athletes and have a day where everyone comes together, and exclusivity is non-existent,” senior Jenna Cicalo said.

The event is intended to allow students and the athletes to strengthen their relationships while having fun.

“The event provides an outlet for students and athletes to build relationships with each other in a very casual but still compet itive environment,” senior Santi Colón said.

This past weekend’s com petition was focused on basketball. The courts bustled with intense basketball play and fantastic sportsmanship. Throughout the day, athletes and volunteers had a blast competing against each other and meeting new people.

“The event was really fun,” Colón said. “There was a strong turn-out and tons of athletes competing.”

Sophomore Earl Kelly recounts his highlights from the weekend.

“I was on Team Yellow, and we went 3-0 on the weekend,” Kelly said. “It was a lot of fun to see the students and athletes getting involved in the competition

and see how we supported each other throughout our three games. Specifically, before our games and halftime, we would huddle and do a team chant. We had a really fun half-time break, where we did Zumba, which had no competitive standing, but we wanted

to let our energy lose and there is no better way to do that than Zumba. Whether playing on the court, cheering, enjoying Zumba, or grabbing a piece of pizza, there are so many ways to meet new people and build relationships.”

The Unified event is one of many ways to bring exposure to Villanova’s Fall Fest weekend, which takes place Nov. 3-5. Most importantly, Unified events highlight the organization’s core values, hoping to spread Special Olympics’ message about the power of inclusivity and the sheer joy sports, relationships and healthy competition bring to the broader Whether an athlete or a volunteer, the experience of connecting with participants through sports is unmatched and rewarding. The environment Special Olympics cultivates is extremely special to all its members and embraces human connection.

“Special Olympics is an organization where you can bring joy to not only yourself but also the community around you,” Kelly Sunday’s Unified event was a hit and a day packed with positivity, competition and laughter. Next semester, the committee will host another Unified event, which is most certainly worth the experience.

Based on the laughter and smiling faces throughout the day, the event went well and the team is excited for their next event.

Office of Health Promotion Spotlight

Caitlyn Foley Staff Writer

Students might be familiar with the fact that Villanova’s campus offers high quality health services, but a lesser-known fact is that there are three separate offices underneath the umbrella of student health.

“The most rewarding thing is that students are now finding out about our office in different ways,” Kristy McCarthy, the Associate Director of Health Promotion said. “Having a position at orientation was huge for us and was a big improvement.”

The Office of Health Promotion finds itself constantly confused with the Counseling Center. These offices are separate, as the Office of Health Promotion brands itself as a resource and referral hub for the six dimensions of health and well-being: Social, Physical, Intellectual, Cultural, Emotional and Spiritual (SPICES).

The Office of Health Promotion distinguishes itself from the Student Health Center and the Counseling Center in offering a place for students to create healthy learning environments and to make smart choices when it comes to balancing their physical and mental health.

This office makes weekly announcements in the Wildcat Newswire and has started the more recent initiative of weekly pet therapy.

“I wanted to help create a space of health promotion,” McCarthy said. “It was always a passion of mine, and I tried to find unique ways

to positively impact mental health of students.”

Pet therapy began as a twicea-year event, but when the Office of Health Promotion noticed that more than 200 students would come to each session, it began to consider increasing the frequency of this event.

“We piloted pet therapy once a month and those were so popular, so we shifted that to a weekly initiative,” McCarthy said. “A lot of [these students] are homesick for their own animals and some just need some pet therapy.”

McCarthy noted that with the success around pet therapy, and the fact that many students that attended this event attended every week, the office began to brainstorm other ways it could help students take care of their mental health.

“It got us thinking, what other ways can students take care of their mental health and learn who we are and what we are?” McCarthy said.

The office began to grow it reach across campus in recent years, with the start of organizations and programs like THRIVE365 and POWER.

“[THRIVE365] will automatically give [students] resources,” McCarthy said, when explaining this online initiative. “It highlights where they are thriving and where they might be struggling and provides links to every resource at Villanova.”

In building a custom profile on THRIVE365, students are asked to identify the areas that they would like to work or focus on in their physical, mental and social wellness. There

is a consistent emphasis on self-care and self-checks, which aim at the goal of improving the way that students take care of their health.

POWER stands for “Peers Offering Wellness Education & Resources” and is a student organization that works with the Office of Health Promotion. Members of POWER aim to provide Villanova community members with information, resources, events and programs related to health and well-being. On its event page, the Office of Health Promotion notes a monthly “Painting with POWER” event, which is a step-by-step painting session that simultaneously facilitates conversation about campus resources.

“On the events page, you will see all of the events that we do,” McCarthy said. “People do not realize how much we are offering and how much we can help students.”

An example of a recent event

Mental Health Virtual Panel.” McCarthy recalled several of the questions covered during the panel.

“How do you recognize when you need to seek outside help for your mental health?” McCarthy said. “We discussed how to take care of your mental health and well-being in college, and how to best support a friend who is having a difficult time with their mental health.”

McCarthy and the Office of Health Promotion hope that students become more aware of their programming and services that they offer, as they hope to improve and support the physical and mental well-being of Villanova community members.

“We do a lot, and we love doing it,” McCarthy said. “We love working with our students and supporting them in different ways.”

For more information on the Office of Health Promotion, their

Courtesy of @Villanovaspecialolympics / Instagram

The Office of Health Promotion is located in the Health Services Building. Brian Luppy/Villanovan Photography

The Cabrini Conundrum: Ideas for New Land Use

Joe DiMaria Staff Writer

Villanova’s recent purchase of Cabrini University’s campus has opened the door for many new opportunities to make additions to the University.

The progression of Villanova’s “Rooted. Restless.” strategic plan sees the campus both constructing new facilities while also renovating current ones, as seen with the overhaul of St. Rita’s Hall and the massive addition to CEER.

Despite the potential of this plan, Villanova’s campus still presents issues. However, the recent purchase of Cabrini provides Villanova with an entirely new campus as a blank slate.

The new campus is 112 acres which would add 50% more land to Villanova, albeit two miles away. So, what should Villanova do with this land?

New Housing:

To say that Villanova’s housing situation is flawed is an understatement. Countless students are forced off campus to make room for the growing first year classes.

Sophomores and juniors break off with potential roommates to seize housing on West Campus or in the Commons, resulting in seniors being cast to the wayside and scrambling for any housing situation.

Not to mention, many of the underclassmen dorms on cam -

pus look bland, are falling apart or are just straight-up weird.

However, since every non-senior at Villanova is guaranteed housing, the school has no time to tear into these dorms and give them the facelift they need.

Villanova’s campus is also quite compact, making it infeasible to build newer dorms.

Cabrini’s campus poses an obvious solution. Cabrini’s four dorms house 550 students, which combined with the Commons’ 1,100-plus beds, would allow for nearly the entire current senior class to be housed.

Villanova not capitalizing on the preexisting dorms would be a crucial mistake, as finding reasonably-priced housing on the Main Line has proven to be a struggle for many Villanovans.

The Cabrini Apartment Complex, West Residence Hall and South Residence are all apartments and suites designed for upperclassmen.

The recently completed South Residence Hall looks especially sleek and a perfect fit for any college student. Providing more housing for students would relieve one of the University’s biggest issues.

Recreational Center:

Although Villanova’s campus is very scenic, most students here will admit finding things to do can be difficult.

Villanova does have some recreational elements scattered throughout campus, like the old basketball courts in Alumni and

St. Mary’s, but these hardly suffice for the whole student body.

Even the pool in Jake Nevin, while having reasonable weekend hours, is only open from 7a.m. to 11a.m. during most of the week.

Having one space with courts, a pool, lounges, game rooms and other activities would help break up the tedium of Villanova’s campus.

Cabrini, once again, could solve this issue. Cabrini’s Dixon Center is a 100,000 square foot building with all the nuts and bolts of a good recreation center. It currently holds a pool, an indoor court, fitness center, a golf simulator and more.

Additions like a game room with pool tables and gaming setups or a rock wall would be nice additions to complete a fully functional recreational center.

Villanova’s campus would have much more entertainment to115 provide students that are less involved on campus looking for things to do with friends.

New Football Stadium/Sports Complex:

Despite being down players, Villanova’s football program has looked quite solid within the past few years. This past weekend, it soundly defeated the University of Rhode Island, 35-9, despite miserable weather.

A new stadium with a larger parking lot could grant the football team more deserved attention while also allowing students to tailgate on campus, bolstering the

social scene.

Weekends at Villanova can be dull, and a livelier football scene could be a crucial factor in giving our campus (albeit not Main Campus) more life.

Also, other sports that are relegated off campus like baseball and field hockey can have its stadiums relocated to a Villanova campus, allowing more fans to attend their games.

Greek Row:

The infamous “Courts” have long housed most of Villanova’s Greek Life. The apartments are roughly ten minutes away near downtown Bryn Mawr.

While most of Villanova’s parties occur there, many students will not pay the unnecessary $30 Uber fee on a Thursday night or weekend.

Building a few fraternity or sorority houses on campus would be another way to liven up the more dead weekends when basketball is not going on, as well as creating a social atmosphere that could be more safe and overseen than at off-campus apartments.

Another benefit from the houses being on Cabrini’s campus is that Villanova’s Main Campus would still be relatively quiet, giving students the option to partake in a livelier party culture or remain in their dorms with friends.

Ultimately, regardless of how Villanova utilizes its newly purchased land, the Cabrini campus provides many new opportunities to improve quality of life on campus.

Students Should Register to Vote

Avery Chalk Staff Writer

Each September, the United States observes National Voter Registration Day. This event is a non-partisan civic holiday where volunteers, organizations and celebrities encourage eligible citizens to check their registration status and sign up to vote. The event has grown tremendously since its initial observation in 2012, garnering responses from nearly five million Americans to date via the organization’s website. The holiday was founded to address the rising issue of nationwide voter apathy, particularly among the 18-to-24-year age group. According to Census data, only 61% of eligible voters cast a ballot in the last presidential election. With confusing application requirements (particularly on a state-bystate basis), a lack of awareness and growing media bias, most Americans simply don’t care about participating in politics.

National Voter Registration Day creates awareness about these issues, promoting easy-to-use resources that simplify the voting process. Voting is a crucial part of one’s civic duty as an American citizen. Our generation’s needs are painfully low

on the legislation docket, rendering it nearly impossible to introduce fresh opinions and values.

Politicians recognize that their constituents primarily consist of Baby Boomers, thus catering to their needs above that of Gen Z in order to be elected.Many celebrities have resonated with the message of the holiday, utilizing their expansive social media presence to encourage younger fans to support the cause.

Taylor Swift is perhaps the most influential of such figures, generating responses from 35,000 Americans after posting on her Instagram story. While not directly affiliated with Voter Registration Day, Olivia Rodrigo, Cardi B, Kim Kardashian and countless other celebrities have promoted similar messages.

“[Taylor Swift] definitely knows her audience,” freshman Lily Lincoln said. “It’s no secret that there’s an enormous discrepancy between the political activity of Gen Z compared with older generations, and I think [Swift] knows that her fanbase is a key demographic to help bridge that gap.”

Villanova’s campus has an active political culture, particularly surrounding high-profile elections. Many students voted in the 2022 Midterm elections, and far more plan to vote on the 2024 presidential ballot.

The University promotes its

“#LetsVoteNova” initiative through newsletters, information sessions and FAQs detailed in the “Student Life” section of the university website.

“It’s a domino effect,” freshman Alivia Alexander said. “I registered to vote with the help of someone tabling near [South Campus] and convinced a lot of my peers to do the same. Spreading the word makes all the difference.”

While all Americans should be invested in politics, it should be of utmost importance for college students because they have the means to make tangible change. Well-established adults often become set in their ways, resulting in the stagnation of policy and beliefs.

Contrastingly, many high school students are too young to vote, making it difficult for them to be taken seriously or enact change. College students are in a golden age between these two groups, wherein they possess similar ideals to younger groups but the political clout to act on them.

While National Voter Registration Day may have passed, it’s incredibly important to be politically active all year-round. Eligible Villanova students have three key ways to vote.

The first is through the use of mail-in ballots, which can be sent to either a home address or one of the campus’ three mail service buildings.

These ballots are a good option for students who don’t want to deal with the hassle of lines or travel, but they do require preparation in advance.

The application for mail-in ballots must be received by the county election board by October 31 at 5 p.m., and ballots themselves must be received by 8 p.m. on Nov. 7.

The second way to vote is students simply traveling to their home state and following local procedures. While this is a logistical possibility for students who live close to or in Pennsylvania, it simply isn’t feasible for much of the student body.

The third way to vote is to vote in Pennsylvania using an on-campus address. Villanova is divided into four voting districts based on residence halls, and students must update their registration to enroll in their respective locations by Oct. 23.

This can be done online or by submitting a mailed registration form. This process can be confusing, often deterring students from voting altogether. However, it provides a way for students to vote without leaving the state.

Whichever method you choose, be sure to register and stay politically informed in order to make your voice heard. Check either the Villanova website or PA.gov for more information on how to vote and how to register to vote.

EDITORIAL BOARD LETTERS TO THE EDITORS

COLIN BEAZLEY

VIVI MELKONIAN

MATT RYAN

JACKIE THOMAS

BELLA IRWIN

Editor-in-Chief

Editor-in-Chief

Associate Editor-in-Chief

Opinion Editor

Opinion Editor

The Villanovan encourages all members of the Villanova community to voice their opinions. Letters to the editors may be submitted via e-mail to villanovan.eic@gmail.com. Letters must not exceed 500 words and must be signed. No anonymous letters will be published. All submissions become property of The Villanovan and are subject to editing for clarity and space.

POLICY

The unsigned editorial that appears is the opinion of The Villanovan as determined by the majority of the Editorial Board. Other columns, letters and artwork represent the opinions of their authors and do not necessarily reflect the position of The Villanovan.

Time to Revamp the Holy Grounds Reusable Cup Program

Carter Smith Staff Writer

The Holy Grounds coffee shops are a staple of life at Villanova, with its beverages being found in the hands of students across nearly every classroom, lounge and study area on campus.

Once patrons have extracted the necessary caffeine (and/ or serotonin) from their latte or iced tea, their plastic vessels are discarded, either left at a table or tossed into a trash can.

Judging by how consistently long the lines are at Holy Grounds and the extent to which students are consuming the chain’s drinks in class, the amount of waste the used cups generate is likely astronomical.

If somebody were to visit Holy Grounds once per day, that would result in probably around two hundred cups tossed in the garbage bin each academic year.

With thousands of students following that pattern, the napkin math works out that the total number of Holy Grounds cups thrown in the garbage every academic year is likely close to one million.

While I certainly generate my fair share of empty cold brew cups, the sheer volume of waste that Holy Grounds generates nonetheless disturbs me.

A more sustainable solution to Villanova’s caffeine addiction

must be sought.

The University seems to recognize the danger to some extent, but its effort to persuade Holy Grounds patrons down a different path is lackluster.

“Sustainability is important to us,” the Dining Services website said. “We’d like to thank you for helping us reduce waste by offering a $0.25 discount on select beverages when you bring us a reusable mug.”

There is an issue with this discount-based approach. Most students use a meal swipe or an MPE to purchase their daily caffeine fix, and when a meal swipe is used to pay for something, it takes the whole meal, regardless of the individual value of the item.

Whether one gets a banana or a bagel and a cold brew, the cost to the student is the same. Ergo the discount meant to incentivise people to bring their own mug has little effect.

Even if we could somehow only use part of a meal or pay with points or NovaBucks, a twenty-five cent discount is just not worth the hassle of remembering to bring and clean a reusable cup to most people.

The question of how to combat plastic waste, such as disposable Holy Grounds cups, has also found a home in the minds of Villanova’s faculty and administrators.

This year, the University’s new chief sustainability officer, Fr.

John Abubakar, charged a small action team of interested faculty and staff led by Dr. Jean Lutes with finding ways to reduce Villanova’s plastic waste. A revamp of the Holy Grounds reusable cup program has apparently been an often-discussed suggestion.

“Our team hopes to partner with students and with Dining Services to support the re-launch,” Lutes said.

“Our goal will be to make the program better than before. We don’t want to demand a rushed rollout, of course, but we do feel a sense of urgency, given the extremely negative environmental consequences of continuing to produce so much single-use plastic waste.”

I was first inspired to write this piece because of a discussion in my Law and Economics class.

My professor, Dr. Chris Jeffords, began class two weeks ago by asking us if we were aware of the Holy Grounds reusable cup program and our suggestions on improving it.

There were two popular suggestions born from our class discussion. The most popular suggestion was the institution of some sort of rewards program.

We discussed the addition of a punch card system, where patrons get their tenth drink free after buying nine using their own reusable container.

Ultimately, to reduce waste,

the system could be made entirely digital.

The barista could select that a student is using their own container and the digital punch card would be updated when tapping to pay with their Wildcard.

The second suggestion was to award basketball lottery points for each use of a reusable cup. Every time a student orders a beverage and brings their reusable cup, their ticket app gets scanned just like when entering other sporting events.

Essentially, the points awarded per use could be low, somewhere from five to 10 so that avid Holy Grounds enjoyers wouldn’t be able to overtake those students who attend lots of Villanova sporting events to get their points.

With the large-scale consumption of single-use items like take-out containers, snack-wrapping and of course the Holy Grounds cups by Villanova students, we generate a high volume of trash.

The Facilities Management website quotes Villanova as sending 3,998,121 pounds of waste to the landfill in 2022.

Waste management is a critical sustainability issue on campus that needs to be addressed, and a good place to start would be properly incentivising cold brew-addicts like myself to bring their own containers to get their morning fix.

Experience Spanish Summer Study Abroad

James Staff Writer

With 485 million native speakers, many of whom live in or are immigrating to the United States, knowing how to speak Spanish is more important than ever. Villanova recognizes this, offering a wide variety of courses and experiences to enrich students’ learning experiences.

The study abroad program is one of these, specifically their class offering called “Spanish Language and Indigenous Sustainability in Mérida, Yucatán, México.” The summer program provides an immersive experience for passionate students, regardless of their major.

Junior Ava Gjersten, who participated in the program, explained the reservations and rewards of her experience.

“It was my first time leaving the country, so I was pretty nervous, especially because I didn’t know a ton of Spanish,” Gjersten said.

“But I learned so much during my time there that I am pretty good at it now.”

She described being initially nervous about staying with a host family, even requesting to be paired with another student. This was promptly denied. Professor Raul Diego Rivera Hernandez explained why.

“We know that if we allow students to stay together, they will speak English the entire time, instead of conversing in Spanish with the host family,” Hernandez said.

Despite what may have initially seemed to be an uncomfortable experience, Gjertsen bonded with her host family and had a wonderful time. “I miss my host family so much, we still text,” Gjertsen said.

Hernandez and other students who had previously experienced the program addressed the safety concerns that parents inevitably have about their kids going abroad.

In fact, Mérida was ranked in 2019 as the second safest city in

North America by Ceoworld Magazine. Female students reported that they felt safer walking together at night in Mérida than they do in Philly.

Students were fully immersed into the culture of Mérida during their stay. “I like the food there so much more than the stuff we have here,” one student who presented at this year’s information session said.

Not only are meals different in content, but in other ways as well. Unlike in the United States, where people tend to have smaller lunches and larger dinners, the people of Mérida have larger lunches and “something small, like toast, for dinner.”

During lunchtime, children come home from school, Villanova students return from their classes and the adults have a break from work to all have a large meal together. Meals tend to be later in the day as well, compared to the United States.

During their stay, students were kept busy not only with their classes, but with trips rich with

endless experiences. These included native stingless-bee honey tasting, Maya culinary lessons, medicinal plant workshops, visiting the museum of the Mayan World and a salsa dance lesson.

Students were also introduced to the sustainable practices of the Maya people, who emphasize community based development. This, in particular, is severely under-appreciated by the rest of the world.

For example, the Mexican practice of milpa grows a wide variety of plants without the use of artificial pesticides or fertilizers that tend to have devastating environmental consequences. Conversely, Western agricultural practices tend to deplete the soil of nutrients and upset whole ecosystems.

Study abroad programs like these do an excellent job at synthesizing diverse knowledge and experiences, producing better developed, well-rounded students who are more equipped to handle the challenges of the coming years.

Majo

Opinion: Campus is Shaken After Assault Alert

Grace Papas Staff Writer

*Trigger warning: mentions of sexual assault.*

Not even 48 hours after learning about the public alert system, students saw it in action.

Villanovans received the school-wide blast email on Sept. 1, barely one day after the conclusion of Freshman Orientation, with the subject line “Safety Alert — Sexual Assault Report.”

I live on South Campus, the social hub of the freshman class, and there are a lot of things that I like about living there.

I love being able to socialize with my classmates here, and I love having Spit so close to my dorm. However, the isolation that South Campus has from the rest of the school reflects on some of the after-hours activities.

South Campus is where the event that triggered the alert took place, and since then, I have been walking with extreme caution. Other students noted their new safety measures.

“I feel pretty safe on campus,” freshman Maria Norman said. “But I always make sure to walk with people at night.”

It’s incredibly easy to try to distance yourself from the brutal reality that people nearby — even people you know — are capable of such atrocious actions. Truthfully, however, I have found it incredibly

difficult to feel completely safe on South Campus since receiving that email.

Until and unless the perpetrator is exposed, there’s really no way of knowing who to trust. Students like freshman Kate Griffin, while overall feeling safe, also have suggestions surrounding campus safety.

“I feel okay about [campus safety],” Griffin said. “But I’d rather they put up more blue light boxes around campus. I don’t know of any on South except [near] the pathway going toward [Main] campus.”

As for the email alert, Griffin is thankful that the University has a system to deal with events like this.

“I like the Public Safety alert [system], but in order to have those alerts, people need to be able to be safe to report the crime,” Griffin said.

It heartens me to know that the University fields a whole office that is dedicated to responding to these acts.

The Title IX Office does a lot of good work with survivors, providing them with resources and launching investigations per the victim’s request — more than what some universities can offer.

However, the office’s exis tence doesn’t seem to do much to deter the offenders at all, because not even 48 hours before the email was sent, all of the freshman were subject to watch tapes on sexual assault and prevention.

the Public Safety alert, I have noticed that most people on campus have been very cautious with who they bring to their dorms, instead of openly inviting random people to their rooms.

I have not invited any men in my room, even if I’ve known someone for a fair amount of time. It is not because I don’t like or trust them. It’s just what I feel comfortable with given the circumstances. I do not have a problem with my roommate bringing guys around if she wants, but for me, keeping the male presence in my dorm to a minimum feels best for the time being.

Rape culture on college campuses has only gotten worse in recent years. According to the Rape Assault & Incest National Network

(RAINN), 13% of all college students today experience rape or sexual assault through physical force, violence or incapacitation.

Female college students between the ages of 18 and 24 are three times more likely to be sexually assaulted than the average woman. RAINN also states that more than 50% of these assaults occur in the months of Aug., Sept., Oct. and Nov. In other words, we are in peak season for sexual assault, which sounds horrific, but the numbers leave little room for fault.

Even though that email was sent almost a month ago, I find myself thinking about it every day while I come home from classes as the sun sets, reminding myself to make it to my room before dark.

Rankings Cannot Capture the ‘Nova Experience

Riley

Staff Writer

It’s that time of year: high school juniors and seniors are beginning their college searches, something all college students are relieved to no longer be a part of. With it, the U.S. News & World Report has released its rankings of the best colleges and universities to be used as a guide throughout this process.

I remember using U.S. News & World Report for my own personal college search, and at the time, in 2022, Villanova was ranked #49th in national universi ties. This was a factor in my ap plication process, and such a high ranking is one of the reasons I felt encouraged to apply. Many may find they value a well-renowned school, as I did.

This past week, the rankings for 2023 were released, with Villanova tied for 67th. This large leap backwards is curious, especially given that it was only within one year.

To look more into why this ranking occurred, it is important to understand where these rankings come from.

According to the U.S. News & World Report, its ranking system is based on many factors, which are listed on its website. Some of the highest weighted categories are peer assessment, graduation rate and performance and financial resources.

Other categories that hold

This raises the question: why is Villanova dropping in rank?

One prominent factor is that U.S. News & World Report has shifted around the weighting and the categories that they utilize to rank schools. For example, this year there was new emphasis on the success of graduates who came from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds and an increase in weight for first-generation graduation rates.

This is a positive change, shining light on some of the underrepresented responsibilities of a college to aid in the process of those who are first-generation college students or less socioeconomically advantaged.

ture, student life, athletics, campus and more. These were all values I, like many others, held during my search.

In terms of how important these rankings are for prospective students, freshman Caroline Blum was skeptical.

“I was curious [about Villanova’s ranking], but that’s not why I decided to go,” Blum said in regards to her own college application process.

She added that she was “surprised about the ranking drop,” considering not much has changed over the past year.

Although U.S. News & World Report compiles this com-

plicated list each year, does it make sense to use this ranking as a guide?

Students on campus seem to think it misrepresents what it means for a college to be “good.”

For example, freshman Peyton Meinhardt said she only focused on the “rank of the business school,” which differs from Villanova’s overall rank. Similarly to Blum, she did not “use rank as the deciding factor.”

Although the ranking may not have played a huge factor in everyone’s application process, it still begs the question: is it accurate?

Some have mixed opinions about whether this is a good repre-

“The rankings should be only academic, as some of the other factors are subjective about what makes a school good,” Meinhardt

This is true, and serves as a reminder that this ranking, while well regarded and put-together, is only one way of determining the value of a university.

Whether or not Villanovans agree with this evaluation, 67th out of 439 schools is an incredible accomplishment. That ranks us in the top 15% of all schools, as well as other notable rankings on acclaimed sites such as Forbes and Niche.

The school spirit, community and interest in clubs and programs are difficult to assess in a quantitative way, like a rubric, but are all major factors into why Villanovans love Villanova, regardless of any ranking.

Some students feel wary after the sexual assault alert earlier this month.

Katelyn Van Mater / Villanovan Photography

Haubert

No matter the rank, no number can capture the student experience at Villanova. Brian Luppy / Villanovan Photography

Students Should Visit the Conn Art Gallery

Loghan Hirkey Staff Writer

Whether one is an art en thusiast or not, the Villanova Con nelly Art Gallery is the place to be. The opening reception and unveil ing of “Overcome Everything,” a new exhibition by self-taught and Philadelphia-based artist O’Neil Scott, took place on Sept. 14 and had both students and faculty ex cited.

Scott’s “Overcome Ev erything” is a series of oil canvas paintings that reflect the artist’s experiences with the Black Lives Matter movement, climate change and other important contempo rary social issues. The pieces do an excellent job on boldly addressing social justice and racial discrim ination. As a new staple piece in the gallery, it is impossible to not find this exhibit amazing.

Additionally, there is much

enhanced each painting. It felt like each painting was connected yet had a different story to tell.”

Graduate student Colin Weber had the privilege of playing his bass with other musicians at the opening reception.

“Our jazz group has played a few times at Villanova’s art gallery,” he said. “The featured work of each exhibit always amazes me. Villanova has some really talented artists. We’re looking forward to supporting more events in the

Although the big-time artists bring diversity and next level status, the gallery accepts art from Kathy McRae, who works at the front desk of the gallery, explained that the gallery is inclusive for Villanova’s own.

“Students can actually show their own art in the gallery, and they also have events there, with approval,” McRae said.

“Overcome Everything” by O’Neil Scott is one of many reasons students should visit the gallery.

available.”

CULTURE

Villanova Emergency Medical Services Ride-Along

Julia O’Keefe Staff Writer

It was clear how the team carried out this mission, prioritizing patient values and providing individualized, appropriate care. They’re professional, swift, diligent and motivated by their duty to serve the campus community. However, I got to see a side of VEMS that the rest of Villanova will never get to see.

There is a stigma behind VEMS.

When people see the Villanova ambulance heading for South Campus, students chuckle and say, “Probably another freshman who doesn’t know their limits yet.” ‘VEMmed’ has become its own verb, and a derogatory one, too. How many times do people jokingly warn, “Better not get ‘VEMmed.’” I’ve heard it, I’ve said iT, and I’m sure you have, too. Even when we got out of the ambulance in uniform and walked through dorm lounges full of people, we got stares and whispers. I felt on display, intensely watched by nosy bystanders, but the team didn’t let it phase them. They remained professional and committed to their mission.

Students associate VEMS with getting caught drinking too much, but their services extend far beyond intoxication calls.

“We respond to a lot more calls than that,” Cotteta said. “Last year, alco-

Vivi Melkonian Co-Editor-in-Chief

Mimosas poured, “Villanova Mom” pins adorned and sandwich platters loaded in trunks. The marks of a tailgate-to-remember were strewn about Bryn Mawr on the morning of Saturday, Sept. 23.

And then phones started buzzing. An email invaded the inboxes of tent-buyers reading in part, “Due to heavy rain and unexpected poor conditions on Mendel Field, we are not recommending guests join Tailgating on the Green, and canceling that program today. Unfortunately, we are unable to create a similar experience elsewhere on campus.”

Suddenly, dads and their travel-size grills Bryn Mawr-wide were stressfully rubbing their head as students frantically tried to determine a next move. House party? Roll Kelly’s early? Can we even get into White Dog on this short notice?

One line of the University’s cancellation announcement stood out among the rest, “We are not recommending.”

The tailgate may have been officially canceled, but anyone who knows Villanova knows a little bit of rain and mud won’t inhibit a good time. These are the people who tailgate basketball games in sub-20 temperatures.

As if on command, moms donned their Villanova-branded plastic ponchos, dads laced up their New Balances and made the pilgrimage towards Mendel Field. Aunts, uncles,

hol-related calls were only around 30% of our calls. The other 70% of calls are all things from injuries at sports practice to allergic reactions to seizures.”

Since VEMS is a branch of Public Safety, there’s a misconception that if a person calls it for alcohol-related incidents, they will get in trouble. Students often hesitate to call for that reason, and when they do call, they plead to the team, “We’re not gonna get in trouble, are we?”

No, you will not.

Villanova’s “Expectation of Responsibility for Alcohol and Drug Related Emergencies” states that an individual who contacts the appropriate authorities when someone requires emergency medical attention, stays with the individual requiring attentions and cooperates with University officials and emergency responders “will be exempt from formal disciplinary sanctions for alcohol or drug policy violations related to the incident.” The student who requires the attention may be referred for follow-up for policy violations, but “the student will typically be exempt from a disciplinary process.”

“People think we’re involved in the ‘getting in trouble aspect,’ but in reality, we’re not here for that at all,” Cotteta said. “We’re here to evaluate you medically and determine whether you need to go to the hospital.”

What I saw on these calls was a crew of college kids, just like their patients, passionate about patient care. They treated every patient diligently, honoring their needs and transporting to Bryn Mawr Hospital if necessary. We’re

lucky to have an EMS service on campus, as not all universities do. One can call VEMS for anything—an ankle injury, a fall or a cut, and they’ll provide you with emergency medical attention and free transportation to Bryn Mawr. If there’s even a question of whether you should call or not, you’re better off calling.

“My experience with VEMS was overall very pleasant because of how simple and straightforward the process was,” an anonymous sophomore said. “I understand why I had VEMS called on me and accept that I wasn’t able to make that call for myself.”

As Captain, Cotteta aims to get rid of some of the stigma that comes along with VEMS, both being in it and calling.

“I definitely see a stigma with VEMS, and I think it’s probably because we are related to some of the alcohol offenses that happen,” she said. “During my four years here, I’ve been trying to stress the medical nature of VEMS. We aren’t there to enforce any policies. We’re there to provide any care you need. When people have to get transported for, say, an ankle injury, people are like ‘oh my god it’s so embarrassing.’ And I feel like you wouldn’t say that if you were in a normal ambulance.”

Not all universities have people

And the Tailgate Goes On

cousins and siblings, too, were greeted by sludge and damp tables, but they nevertheless persisted.

“We drove six hours in the pouring rain yesterday,” a Class of 2024 parent said. “We’re freaking tailgating.”

Families travel hundreds and thousands of miles every Family Weekend to spend a couple of short days with their kids. While there are a number of University-sponsored events for families, the football tailgate is undoubtedly the highlight of the weekend. Canceling the event irritated parents, who made substantial efforts to travel and plan the weekend.

“We live in the South and spent over a thousand dollars on flights, hotels and food for this tailgate,” a Class of 2024 mom said. “To cancel the event, with such short notice, was really disappointing, but we made it work”

Regarding the short-notice decision to cancel the tailgate, the University explained it was a safety call above all else.

“What this weekend reinforced is that we can plan for months, but we can’t control the weather,” Carita Geib, Director of Parent and Family Relations, said. “Thankfully, we work with a really great team that helped us plan and arrive at some critical decisions that took place this weekend.

“We watched the weather, and the rain we weren’t worried about. What necessitated the decision was the condition of the field; we experienced unprecedented flooding hours before people came to campus.

with three or four back-to-back calls. One is lucky to get two hours of sleep. When the jarring call tones blare through Headquarters at 4:30 a.m., you can’t be tired. You get up, you dress up and you go.

“I feel exhausted the day after shift,” Cotteta said. “It’s hard to get any work done. But I never have a problem getting up for calls. That’s just the way it is. It’s your duty to help people. And if it means I have to take a nap the next day, so be it.”

But sometimes, a nap does not fit into the schedule of the next day. Right when Cotteta’s shift ended one night, she went to staff the Villanova field hockey game in the 80-degree heat on two hours of sleep, which is typical of an experienced member. These are students, just like any of us, who have difficult course schedules, activities, want to spend time with their friends and are sacrificing a lot of that, putting the campus community first. I admire them for that, and everyone else should, too.

So, the next time you hear sirens down Lancaster Ave., think twice before commenting. Regardless of the call, someone needed help and that’s what VEMS is here to do.

You know what they say, “not all heroes wear capes.” And it’s true, as some wear an EMS t-shirt and navy

and families gathered in Bartley classrooms, Commons apartments and one group even overtook the third floor of the Ithan parking garage.

On Mendel Field, tailgaters, sporting rainboots and ponchos, huddled under their commandeered tents, and the festivities went on.

“Despite rallying together and ultimately having a great day, my last parents weekend got off to a very rocky start,” said senior Regan McEnroe.

Participants stayed on the

on the Green refunds are available to people who purchased tents and email parents@villanova.edu. Refunds will be processed in the next couple of weeks, according to Gieb.

The perseverance and rally-on attitude of students and their families on Saturday is a testament to the Villanova spirit. Two of Villanova’s pillars, Unitas and Caritas (unity and love), were embodied by the community’s determination for togetherness and celebration this weekend.

Villanovans tailgated on Mendel Field despite the school canceling the tailgate. Vivi Melkonian / Villanovan Photography

Worker Spotlight: A Conversation with Oscar

Anna Schoorlemmer Staff Writer

For the past 17 years, staff member Oscar Palomares has been a familiar face in various dining halls at Villanova, observing as the campus has evolved. His dedication and infectious positivity have made him an indispensable part of the Villanova community. In this worker spotlight, we gain an inside scoop on Palomares’ job, as well as some things you might not know about him.

Over nearly two decades, Palomares has witnessed significant transformations at Villanova. The Commons were unveiled to house students, the Finneran Pavilion underwent an extensive renovation and CEER currently undergoing dramatic expansion. Nevertheless, one constant amidst these changes has been the energy and enthusiasm of the student body.

“Sometimes after a break [Villanova students] will run up to me and say, ‘Long time no see,’” Palomares said. He emphasized that the students are the primary reason for his excitement to return to campus.

Palomares has become an iconic figure on campus due to his unwaveringly positive attitude. Each morning, Palomares greets students with a fist bump, a small yet impactful gesture.

“I make them happy,” Palo -

mares said, with a smile. “Sometimes they get mad at me if they don’t get the fist bump.”

While Palomares’ job involves plenty of joy and camaraderie, it’s not without its challenges. Oscar shared that the physical demands of the job, like back pain, can be taxing, but he powers through because he knows how much his presence means to the students.

Palomares’ positivity has been observed not only by students, but by staff as well.

“He’s very friendly in nature,” Palomares’ supervisor, Mary Frances Maloney, said. “He has always been very outgoing and willing to help students, parents and other staff.”

Palomares’ typical day is a busy one, consisting of serving meals to hungry students, teaching newcomers the ins-and-outs of the dining halls and making deliveries. When driving the delivery van, Palomares likes to listen to 99.5 radio to pump him up.

Speaking of music, Palo mares revealed that the dining hall manager, Ray, is the one in charge of the incredible Pit aux.

“He picks upbeat music that everyone likes,” Palomares said with a laugh.

It is true; Pit at 6p.m. on a Tuesday practically rivals Courts.

Palomares’ favorite place to work and eat on campus is Cafe Nova. A popular student lunch spot, Cova is known for burrito

bowls, sandwiches, gelato and more. Palomares appreciates the variety of options available at Cova, but he also enjoyed working at the Law School Cafe because of the excellent food and he enjoyed Pit due to the hustle and bustle.

If Palomares could invite anyone, dead or alive, to dine at Villanova, he would first choose to bring back alumni. He loves alumni events because people he has met over the years return to campus to reconnect. Palomares’ second choice would be a presidential trio: Washington, Lincoln and Jefferson. He’s confident they would enjoy the atmosphere, and of course, the famous Palomares

fist bump.

Something many students may not know about Palomares is that he speaks Arabic. Before working at Villanova, he worked in construction in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Going into the job, he could not speak Arabic. However, he picked it up after hearing it spoken around him.

Palomares is one of the many dining hall staff members who work hard to not only serve Villanovans meals, but brightens days. His journey at Villanova is a testament to the lasting impact that one person’s positive spirit can have on an entire community.

Villanova Theatre’s “Sometimes the Rain, Sometimes the Sea”

Zoe Manning Staff Writer

From Sept. 22 to Oct. 1, Villanova Theatre is showing Julia Izumi’s “Sometimes the Rain, Sometimes the Sea,” at the Court Theatre in the John and Joan Mullen Performing Arts Center. The performers consist of eight talented graduate theatre students, and this play was directed by James Ijames.

“Sometimes the Rain, Sometimes the Sea” tells the story of a little rain cloud (Emily Mosset) who falls down to Earth and becomes love-struck by a human, Ralmond (Nathan Trementozzi).

The issue, however, is that Ralmond is already in a loving relationship with Midi (Noelle Diane Johnson). Bessie the cow (Emma Drennen) is a trusting friend to Rain Cloud as they ponder her feelings about love and how to win Ralmond over. In the meantime, Edvard (Cas Corum), a desperate prince, pursues Ina (Sydnet E. Curran), who is stubborn and rejects his advances. Loosely based on “The Little Mermaid”, the play is narrated by Dolan (Eve Windbiel), who resembles Hans Christian Andersen, and the author’s own conflicts are woven into the story, giving a never-before-seen glimpse into his tumultuous relationships. By the end of the play, Little One (Zainab Warda Jeffrey) has been inspired by Andersen, and any confusion that may have been caused

by the varying storylines finally makes sense.

“The art and process of adaptation [of “Sometimes the Rain, Sometimes the Sea”] have long been close to my heart, so I love that the show is both an adaptation of “The Little Mermaid” and an examination of Hans Christian Andersen,” production dramaturg Dory Scott said. “I find the writing beautiful as it is stuffed full of both humor and heart. It is a play that welcomes all audiences, whether a scholar, theatre-lover or someone who wandered in.”

Most notably, the sudden switches onstage between Rain Cloud’s attempts to “woo” Ralmond and flashbacks from An-

dersen’s life kept the audience on their toes, excitedly awaiting plot developments within the multiple storylines occurring in the play.

The incorporation of specific plot points unique to “The Little Mermaid” was a sentimental reminder to the fairytale, though the storyline of “Sometimes the Rain, Sometimes the Sea” was most certainly distinctive.

“It is different from “The Little Mermaid” because, while it follows the same general story beats of the fairy tale, the ending is not a ‘happy ever after’ or a ‘Grimm’ reckoning of all the character’s faults, but rather an entirely new perspective on the ending of the original story,” Scott said.

Throughout these multiple storylines, the innocence and hopefulness of Rain Cloud, combined with the cautious, but interested nature of Ralmond, keeps audience members’ interest piqued and encourages them to cheer her on.

“Rain Cloud is the embodiment of pure, unhindered joy, love and light,” Mosset said. “There is a thoughtful, powerful and quite literal, weightless quality to her that has been such a blast to explore and play with… Perhaps the biggest take away from this role is how can we all find the time and space to lift up, or gaze up, in wonder and light, for ourselves and for others, even when we are just so tired or distracted from our day to day lives.”

Rain Cloud is able to explore the complexity of human relationships throughout her interactions with other characters, and audience members are able to learn valuable lessons from her optimism and perseverance.

The goal of the play was to “affirm our need for ever-new fables in an ever-changing world,” according to the playbill, and “Sometimes the Rain, Sometimes the Sea” did just that. Minimally basing it upon “The Little Mermaid” but creating an entirely different plot along with brand new characters allowed those who are familiar with the latter to imagine a slightly similar, but unique and thought-provoking story with entirely new possibilities.

A student worker sits in Oscar’s usual spot. Graydon Paul/Villanovan Photography

“Sometimes the Rain, Sometimes the Sea” is currently playing at the Mullen Center. Brian Luppy / Villanovan Photography

The Villanovan’s Guide to the Ultimate Hot Girl Walk

Cali Carss Staff Writer

The “Hot Girl Walk” has taken the internet by storm in recent years. It’s a workout, an event and some may even call it a mindset. As someone who grew up in a big city, going on walks is one of my favorite things to do. Although finding places at Villanova to have a hot girl walk is more challenging than a large city, The Villanovan is here to help students make it work.

Hot girl walks are a great way to get exercise after class when one has too much energy, and an even better way to wind down and have some alone time at the end of the day. So, in an effort to encourage more people to take a hot girl walk, below are some of the best places around campus to do so.

The first recommendation on this list is the sidewalk on Lancaster Ave. by The Commons. Dusk at Villanova is probably the most beautiful time of day and walking down this sidewalk toward the edge of main campus is one of the best ways to experience its full color. The sky takes on orange, red and pink hues that glow even as nightfall washes over everything else. This is the best time and place for a quiet walk to clear your mind.

“Sunset walks are the best,” a senior said. “It is the perfect time to take an aesthetic picture of campus.” If one is more of a social butterfly who wants to be in the middle of all the action, no place is better than right through main campus. Walking through Rowen

Catherine Gunther Staff Writer

On Sept. 25 in the Speaker’s Corner of Falvey Library, three Irish poets, Katie Donovan, Catherine Phil MacCarthy and Jane Clarke, presented Wonders and Realities, a poetry reading on sustainability.

Donovan is a poet, author and journalist who will publish her sixth collection, “May Swim,” in 2024 and is the 2017 recipient of the O’Shaughnessy Award for Irish Poetry. MacCarthy has published a novel and five collections of poetry, most recently “A Change in the Air.” Her awards include the 2014 Lawrence O’Shaughnessy Award for Irish Poetry, the Dromineer Literary Festival Poetry Prize in 2012 and the Fish International Poetry Prize in 2010.

Clarke has published three poetry collections and an illustrated poetry booklet. She received the Ireland Chair of Poetry Travel Award 2022, the Hennessy Literary Award for Emerging Poetry and the Listowel Writers’ Week Poem of the Year in 2016.

The Villanovan had a chance to speak with each of these poets about their work and process, their views on sustainability and their connection with the natural world. Each experienced childhood in rural Ireland, with Donovan

Campus Green, past the Oreo or straight across the Quad are paths many people follow to and from classes. Many of these sights are taken for granted in the bustle of school life. Taking the time to walk just for the sake of it, with no destination in mind, allows one to put aside any current stressors and let

walking through the surrounding suburbs, saying that “cutting through [the] neighborhood to go to the Starbucks” is the “highlight of [her] week.”

Cote’s Sunday morning ritual is perfect for getting in some alone time while experiencing what the area around Villanova has to

neighborhoods for one to stroll through. Many Villanovans, like senior Maggie Winston, have become familiar with the stunning neighborhoods and kind locals right in Villanova’s backyard.

“I run behind South Campus every morning,” Winston said. “Nothing beats a sunrise back in those neighborhoods. The people are so friendly and, honestly, it’s just fun to look at all of the houses.”

For upperclassmen on West Campus, Stoneleigh: A Natural Garden is the perfect getaway spot for a hot girl walk. This 42-acre property contains a multitude of wildlife, gardens, fields, and even a Tudor mansion. One will find themselves enchanted by the flora and fauna of these gardens.

“Stoneleigh is the perfect location for a hot girl walk,” junior Anna Hughes said. “I have been to the gardens for some of my science classes, and it is so beautiful. I cannot wait until it is fall, and all the trees turn different shades of orange in the garden.”

Villanovans are easily stressed and hyper competitive. They should take some time in their days to go on a walk just for the fun of it and to enjoy Villanova’s campus for all it has to offer. It is easy to let the days pass by when school seems to take over everything, and taking just a few moments for oneself is vital to escaping the pull of stress. Walking is a wonderful way to decompress, especially after being stuck in the library or a dorm room for hours. A hot girl walk might be just what we all need to brighten up the coming fall days.

spending her formidable years in County Wexford, MacCarthy in County Limerick and Clarke on a farm in County Roscommon.

From a very young age, each woman felt a particular connection to the natural world. MacCarthy thought of “the country as a place she inhabits.” Landscape was not in her vocabulary because the landscape was something she did not simply look at but experienced, and in that way “[the landscape] comes to inhabit [her], as well.”

Donovan’s connection to the natural world is particularly reflected in her love of water, which she grew up near and which she lives within two kilometers of now. She spoke of the privilege of growing up in the natural world as it informed “the sense that what is natural [is what is] freely living.”

Similarly, for Clarke, “nature provided the metaphors” necessary to express her ideas. In that way the exploration of nature within her poetry is an attempt to capture that the natural world is precious, and to communicate the celebration of its beauty but also to lament the loss of the natural world. This appreciation and love of the natural world appears in the poet’s work, though the process of writing poetry is as uncontrollable as the world it aims to embody and present.

Donovan explained the uncontrollable nature of her inspiration saying “poetry comes upon

me in an ambushing rush…poems come out of life.” For MacCarthy, poems come from wonder and curiosity, but in that desire to know, she finds “a greater sense of not knowing,” and it is all a very intuitive process. Clarke finds that “poetry is a bit mysterious,” and one must make time for it to come to know it.

Poems are often sparked by personal experiences, memories, and connections and this is certainly true of the work of Donovan, MacCarthy and Clarke. Each poet also has been compelled to write about the world around her, about events and ideas beyond her own backyard, beyond her memories.

Donovan explores social problems often in her poetry with the thread of unfairness and lack of justice driving her response. Her first, as she sees it, “adult poem” was in response to the death of a classmate at the age of 16. This experience of a “fresh outrage” at the unfairness of the tragedy “shocked [her] into writing it.” It is that same intolerance of injustice which inspires her work about the environment.

MacCarthy in writing about the climate crisis often uses her poems to capture “a notion and a dream of a sustainable world.”

Her collection “A Change in the Air” captures the ways in which the natural world became so important to many during the pandemic, and why this importance must continue

to be appreciated at this moment in time.

As Clarke said, “poetry can help one to understand one’s own life,” and it can also help one to understand nature and to appreciate the risks it faces. Poetry can be a means of connecting with and accessing the natural world and in doing so one can come to truly care for the world.

Each poet was thoughtful and careful in the process of choosing the works she read at Villanova. Various themes and considerations inform this process. Donovan is conscious of the location, season and highlighting the importance of the natural world and sustainability. She also presented poems with a connection to her national identity as an Irish woman, a theme which presents itself in her poetry as a natural result of the way her country has shaped her. MacCarthy selected poems which show “nature as a construct that mirrors an inner life,” to demonstrate the importance of working towards and her dream for a sustainable world. Clarke aimed to touch the audience in some way and placed emphasis on evoking a response from her audience: an increased care for the natural world.

In this reading of poetry, the Center for Irish Studies provided a space to increase our attention to the wonders and realities of the natural world and to elicit care for and protection of our common home.

Tune into this article to discover the best kept hot girl walk spots on campus. Chloe Miller/ Villanovan Photography

Irish Poets’ “Wonders and Realities”

Inclusion Week: What Inclusion Means to Villanovans

Morgan Maselli Staff Writer

If one was on campus this past week, chances are they saw some of the lively and passionate events for Inclusion Week. Villanova’s Inclusion Week focuses on highlighting the clubs and organizations that support those who are marginalized. Driven by diversity, unity and empowerment, these organizations work towards creating an even more inclusive and supportive community that embraces people of all backgrounds. Inclusion Week provides a time for Villanova students to come together and showcase their true support and appreciation for one another.

Inclusion Week was full of numerous events and initiatives to raise awareness. With events from a Latin American Student Organization dinner to pet therapy to a Queer spin class with VU Pride to an Accessibility workshop hosted by LEVEL, Special Olympics, VUnited and Best Buddies, this week was filled with events.

As the week moved into Family Weekend, the week closed out with a “Trip Around the World” carnival that featured sumo wrestling, a dunk tank and axe throwing. There were several different student performances and an abundance of food. Villanovans worked together, shared their own experiences and culture and embraced one another with a true sense of inclusion.

It is evident that students across campus greatly value inclu -

sion and what it brings to Villanova. Sophomore Madeline Kline is involved in Special Olympics and Best Buddies, and works to make inclusion a part of her everyday life.

“To me, inclusion means creating a community filled with love, unity and acceptance for everyone,” Kline said. “The key to inclusion is spreading positivity and embracing differences.”

Inclusion is crucial on college campuses like Villanova’s. After all, every college student is simply a young adult trying to figure it out. Finding community and inclusion during college can make tough times easier.

“Inclusion means being able to walk into a room and not feel out of place and being able to relate to the people in the room and find at least one person in the room that you can be yourself around completely.”

The goal of Inclusion Week is to raise awareness about resources and supportive groups where one can feel embraced and comfortable expressing their true self. Spreading positivity and love is also a great part of this week.

A student involved with Best Buddies shared, “I have had such an amazing time getting involved with Best Buddies this year, and it is so great to see them have a chance to share their amazing mission this week.”

Best Buddies, along with other organizations that support those underrepresented at Villanova, have a chance to reach a

greater audience of students. Inclusion Week is a way to showcase some of Villanova’s most powerful student organizations that might not always get the recognition they deserve. Sophomore Sarah Augustine talked about the great impact of Special Olympics from her view of inclusion.

“To me, inclusion is a feeling that no matter who you are, you are valued despite your differences,” Augustine said. “This

Sports for Special Olympics and it showed, no matter our differences, we are able to connect over a sport we love.”

At the heart of Villanovans’ understanding of inclusion, there are values of mutual connection, acceptance and appreciation for one another. As the Villanova community continues through the year, remembering Inclusion Week and applying the lessons we learned can help keep our campus

Move Over Meal Plan, It’s Time for Girl Dinner

Maggie Fitzgerald Staff Writer

Aside from choreographing dances to perform for family and the excitement of a first crush, a universal female experience is “Girl Dinner.” The term was recently popularized across social media for naming a distinct female method of assembling dinner. “Girl Dinner,” put simply, could be anything and everything. A plate of rotisserie chicken with a side of pickles, a block of sharp cheddar and artisan crackers: “Girl Dinner.” A gigantic bowl of popcorn with peanut M&Ms or on especially hard days, a PB&J: “Girl Dinner.” There is no rhyme or reason to these meals, they’re simply an assortment of whatever sounds appealing assembled with a distinct air of femininity.

It’s no secret that the food at Villanova isn’t something to write home about, but not to worry, elegance is not a prerequi site for a quality “Girl Dinner.” Should one be aspiring to partici pate in this trend here at Villano va, there are plenty of ingredients across campus that are prime for the picking. Some, like freshman Melanie Koch, have already found their unique Villanova-take on the viral dinner.

“My ‘Girl Dinner’ is mini vanilla ice creams [from Spit], but in a plastic cup mixed with root beer and with a straw and a

hershey kisses and chocolate pea milk is my “Girl Dinner” of choice at Villanova. However, if one is craving something more savory, the possibilities are endless.

Throughout their time at Villanova, sophomore Emma Hlousek and junior Ava Tower have curated their ideal “Girl Dinners.”

“Starting last year, I crafted the pea protein smoothie from ‘Sparket’ with the Sabra to-go packets of pretzels and hummus,” Hlousek said.

For many, the optimal “Girl Dinner” combination is something savory paired with something sweet. Tower has been around the school long enough to know the best places for said pairings on campus.

“My “Girl Dinner” is pita chips with hummus [from Pit],” Tower said. “Dessert would have to be a Second Story Twix ice cream bar.”

The possibilities for “Girl Dinners” are abundant, and the opportunity to partake in experience is open to all. Whether it’s an entire margherita pizza, a fancy spread of butter and bread or an assortment of delicious snacks, the bliss of “Girl Dinner” can be enjoyed by anyone.

Sophomore Meredith Depole gives her take on the latest trend.

“My definition of “Girl Dinner” is random foods that fill me up, taste good and bring me joy,” Depole said.

Villanova’s Inclusion Week occured this past week. Emma Cahill / Villanovan Photography

Students eat their version of “girl dinner” with fixings from Dougherty Hall. Maggie Fitzgerald / Villanovan Photography

Football Looks To Keep Momentum Against Albany

Finn Courtney Staff Writer

Coming off a rain-soaked blowout win against No. 17 Rhode Island, No. 25 Villanova will look to make it two straight against un ranked Albany in non-conference play.

Villanova and Albany have met six times in the past 10 years. However, it has been a one-sided rivalry, with Villanova owning a 5-1 record against Albany. Its last win came in October, 2022, 31-29.

In the Wildcats’ third win overall and first conference win of the year against the Rams, they had plenty of offense going with three touchdown rushes by gradu ate quarterback Connor Watkins.

As for the Great Danes, they stand at 2-2 on the season and are coming off a hard-fought, double-overtime win against Morgan State, which featured two touchdowns from freshman quar terback Reese Poffenbarger, as well as scores in both overtime periods by freshman running back Griffin Woodell.

In Villanova’s last win against Rhode Island, it rushed over 250 yards. The Wildcats will aim once again to use their run-heavy attack led by Watkins and graduate running back TD Ayo-Durojaiye to rush the ball against Albany’s 4-3 defensive sets.

However, for the Wildcats’ defense, it may be a case of deja

vu as Albany’s offense is one very similar to Villanova, as it too runs a power run-heavy attack. Its passing game was a key weakness for

the team last year. This will serve well for Villanova’s defense, though, as it has struggled to prevent passing touch -

downs and big plays. Against UCF, the Knights’ backup quarterback, Timmy McClain, threw for more than 300 yards. Even in its 20-plus point win against Rhode Island, Villanova’s defense still allowed the Rams more than 150 yards in the air. Though the Great Danes run often, Villanova will still need to try and get its pass coverage

Once again, though, Albany’s tendencies to go run-first may pay dividends for Villanova. Against Rhode Island, Villanova limited the Rams to just 68 yards, a season low for URI. If Albany sticks to its prior gameplan, it may be a good day for any Villanovans making the trek to upstate New

Defensively, however, the Great Danes have been solid, holding their opponents to an average of 20 points a game which is less than the Wildcats’ defensive average. Albany has also been stout on the run, allowing just under 82 yards a game. However, after this past game’s rushing barrage, headlined by Ayo-Durojaiye’s 63-yard TD run, Villanova will have no problems staying the course, even staring down Albany’s stout running defense.

The game is set for a 3:30 p.m. kickoff next week at Albany’s Bob Ford Field at Tom & Mary Casey Stadium. It is the first of two straight away games for the Wildcats, as they play North Carolina A&T the next weekend.

Women’s Soccer Opens Big East Play With Win

utes left to play, Seton Hall came alive, scoring a goal in the 77th minute. The Pirates continued to force the pressure on the Wildcats, giving the Pirates several great

Villanova’s women’s soc cer team faced Seton Hall in its Big East opener on Sunday, Sept. 24. The rain-soaked game turned out to be a tight Big East match up, with the Wildcats ultimately claiming the victory, 2-1, to remain undefeated (4-0-5). The win also makes the Wildcats 1-0 in confer ence play.

For the first 75 minutes, it was all Villanova. Despite each team having a similar amount of shot attempts in the first half, only the Wildcats could muster any pro ductive opportunities on offense.

The Wildcats scored both of their goals in the first half. The first goal came in the 21st minute from graduate forward/defender Makayla Stadler, who last week was named Big East Offensive Player of the Week. She received a pass at the top of the box from junior midfielder Brigid Malloy, then placed a beautiful left-footed shot over the Seton Hall keeper. This was Stadler’s fifth goal this season. She currently stands tied for fourth in most goals scored in the Big East.

The second goal came in the 40th minute from junior midfielder Maddie Fried. It was a good combination between Fried

and the assisting junior forward Megan Donnelly. Donnelly played a through ball over two Pirate defenders in space forcing Seton Hall’s keeper to come out. Fried managed to reach the ball first, poking it over the keeper with her left foot. This marked the first time

the Wildcats have scored multiple goals in a game since Sept. 3, and it was ultimately the deciding goal. The second half seemed to look more of the same for Villanova as it dominated in possession and had even more opportunities for goals. However, with 15 min -

“We believe that we’re going to go in and control the game,” Villanova head coach Samar Azem said. “We say it’s 0-0 every time. I thought the first 15 minutes of that second half, we were in complete control. I really thought we were unlucky not to get another goal. But after that time passed we got comfortable. We just needed to do it for the last 15 minutes, too.”

Despite these late attempts from Seton Hall, some spectacular saves by graduate keeper Payton Woodward and crucial stops from the Villanova defense helped the Wildcats hold on to their 2-1 lead and earn their first Big East win of

“We pride ourselves on how we defend,” Azem said. “We controlled the game because of how we defended. We got two great goals because of how we defend and attack.”

The Wildcats take their undefeated record into their next game on Thursday, Sept. 28, another Big East Matchup at Xavier. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. They will then play at St. John’s on Sunday, Oct. 1, continuing their stretch of Big East games. Kickoff for that match is set for 1 p.m.

This will be the seventh time the Wildcats face Albany in the past decade. Brian Luppy / Villanovan Photography

James Haupt Staff Writer

Villanova still remains undefeated in its 2023 season. Courtesy of Villanova Athletics

Genna Cottingham Staff Writer

Volleyball Starts Big East Play 0-2

WEEKLY SCOREBOARD

This past weekend, Vil lanova’s volleyball team lost two conference games on the road. Villanova’s record now stands at 9-5 and 0-2 in Big East play. Villa nova sits at eighth in the Big East standings, tied with three other 0-2 programs. On Friday, Sept. 22, Villa nova traveled to the Al McGuire Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to play against Marquette. The Wild cats lost to the Golden Eagles in straight sets (25-18, 25-15, 25-11). Although Villanova fell short of a win, freshman outside hitter Abby Harrell put on an excellent performance with nine kills, three aces and six digs. Senior setter Andrea Campos added 22 assists, two aces and a block, while sophomore outside hitter Skylar Gerhardt got the ‘Cats seven digs, five kills and a block. ever, Villanova’s efforts just weren’t enough to overcome Marquette’s surplus of versatile athletes.

Villanova traveled from Milwaukee to Chicago to play DePaul on Saturday, Sept. 23 at McGrath-Phillips Arena. While the team put up a tough fight in a fiveset rollercoaster matchup (20-25, 25-22, 23-25, 25-22, 12-15), the ‘Cats suffered their second loss of the weekend.

Campos led the team with a total of 49 assists. Senior libero/

defensive specialist Taryn Wittingham gave Villanova 26 digs, five assists and two blocks. Senior middle blocker Kiera Booth had the most kills over the weekend, with seven on Friday and 18 on Saturday.

“Our seniors are very driven to have a good, final season and they are not a group we have to fire up,” head coach Josh Stein -

bach said. “We have been better at home historically, I think our team is really comfortable at ‘Nova.” Coming off a challenging weekend in the Midwest, the Wildcats remain hopeful for their home games this weekend. The Wildcats are set to play Xavier at 7 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 29 and Butler at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 30. Both games will be in Jake Nevin Field.

Hewitt: College Cup Still Uphill Climb for Women’s Soccer

Owen Hewitt Co-Sports Editor

A little less than two years ago, Villanova’s women’s soccer program seemed to be rudderless. In October of 2021, Chris McLain resigned as head coach as the team was amid a skid that would see the ‘Cats drop 10 of their last 11 games. They would finish the fall 2021 campaign tied for last in the Big East.

What a difference two years can make.

The ‘Cats, now led by head coach Samar Azem, are off to an undefeated start through the first nine games of the season. The ‘Cats have won four and drawn five, good for a winning percentage of .722. For a program that has only had two winning campaigns since 2009, it’s a pretty good start.

It will still be an uphill battle for the ‘Cats to reach the NCAA College Cup, as RPI currently has them ranked 131st in the nation. That said, going through non-conference play undefeated can’t hurt the team’s case, and the remainder of Big East play should be a good enough crucible to forge a resume of steel if Villanova can keep up or stay near to its current pace.

Defense has been the story of the ‘Cats’ season so far. They’re tied for 26th nationally in goalagainst average, having only given up five goals in nine games. The ‘Cats’ defense has also yet to give up a multi-goal game to any oppo -

nent.

As with any good defense, it starts with the keeper. Graduate student Payton Woodward has been stellar in between the sticks for the ‘Cats, playing all 810 minutes that the ‘Cats have been on the field. After stops at Kentucky, Portland and Arkansas, it seems as though Woodward has found a place to thrive in Villanova. She saw the field a bit last year for the ‘Cats, playing in four games. Now as she’s seen more time on the pitch, she’s started to show some elite goalkeeping. She’s recorded four shutouts across nine games, including a shutout draw at West Virginia, and has a save percentage of 80.8% on the year.

The ‘Cats’ back line has also been excellent in the early part of the year. A lot of the

time, the defense isn’t allowing the opposition to get shots in the direction of Woodward. Villanova opponents are averaging just over nine shots a game, and the ‘Cats have had four games where the opposing team is limited to fewer than 10 shots.

Freshman defender Ire Omotayo was just named Big East Freshman of the Week for her efforts in the Seton Hall match, as she helped the defensive unit stave off a hearty comeback attempt from the Pirates. She’s been a great addition for the ‘Cats, starting all nine games and playing all 90 minutes in the last seven games.

The ‘Cats have also shown a good level of connection on offense. They’re averaging 2.11 assists per game, good for 45th across the entire NCAA. Junior

Sept. 20- Sept. 26

Wednesday, September 20

Thursday, September 21

Friday, September 22

Men’s Tennis @ St. Joseph’s No Team Scoring

Women’s Tennis @ West Point Invite No Team Scoring

Field Hockey @ Quinnipiac

4-3 W

Volleyball @ Marquette

0-3 L

Saturday, September 23

Men’s Tennis @ St. Joseph’s No Team Scoring

Women’s Tennis @ West Point Invite

No Team Scoring

Men’s XC @ Virginia Invitational

5th of 23

Football vs Rhode Island

35-9 W

Volleyball @ DePaul

2-3 L

Men’s Soccer @ Providence

4-3 W

Sunday, September 24

Men’s Tennis @ St. Joseph’s No Team Scoring

Women’s Tennis @ West Point Invite

No Team Scoring

Field Hockey @ Fairfield

1-2 L

Women’s Soccer @ Seton Hall

2-1 W

forward Megan Donnelly leads the team with four, but 12 different Wildcats have notched an assist over the first nine games of the season.

While all these statistics point in a good direction for the ‘Cats, the team will need to learn how to win close games. Seton Hall was a good stepping stone in that direction, with it being the ‘Cats’ first win this season in a game decided by one goal. The remainder of Big East play should provide lots of opportunities for the ‘Cats to get into and finish close games.

As highlighted earlier, it will be an uphill climb for the ‘Cats to reach the College Cup, even with their undefeated start. Xavier on Sept. 28 should provide a tough test, as the Musketeers received votes in the last United Soccer Coaches’ poll, but the only opponent on the ‘Cats schedule that is currently ranked is Georgetown. The Hoyas are ranked at 17th and the ‘Cats are traveling to Washington D.C. on Oct. 12. Strength of victory and strength of schedule are important metrics the selection committee uses to determine which programs get into its field of 64.

The ‘Cats haven’t reached the College Cup since 2009. While it may be a tall task for the ‘Cats to get back there, they haven’t shown anything less than what it would take to achieve that feat yet this season.

Graduate goalkeeper Payton Woodward has had four shutouts this season. Courtesy of Villanova Athletics

Villanova lost two road matches this past weekend. Courtesy of Villanova Athletics

Men’s Tennis Rained Out at St. Joseph’s Invitational, Women’s Tennis Competes at Army West Point Invite

Amanda McKean Staff Writer

Over this past weekend, the Villanova men and women’s tennis teams competed in away invitationals as part of their pre-season matches. The men’s team competed in the St. Joseph’s Invitational, whereas the women’s team traveled to West Point, New York to compete in the Army West Point Invite.

Eighteen schools competed at the Army West Point Invite. As a result, the Wildcats only brought four players along to compete, including junior Chloe Floyd, freshman Miriam Gondorova, junior Valieriia Kornieva and sophomore Maggie Gehrig.

In her group, Gehrig made it quickly through the first round of 32 in two sets, but in the round of 16, she lost to Sacred Heart after two sets.

Gondorova had a winning streak through the round of 32 to the quarterfinals, where she made each match last only two sets. Yet, Fordham’s Anlin Xie ended this streak and only conceded two games to Gondorova.

Kornieva fought back hard to win her first match in the round of 32. Facing Fairfield’s Maeve Cassidy, Korieva secured one game in the first set before going down, 1-6. In the second set, Korieva escaped with a win after a (7) 7- (4) 6 win with a seven-point tiebreaker. A 10-point tiebreaker then deter mined the match, which she won, 10-8. However, her success with tiebreakers would eventually end in the round of 16, where Korie va lost to a player from Army in a tiebreaker in the second set for a score of 2-6, (6)6 - (8)7.

Floyd’s singles competition was cut short early on in the round

of 32 as she lost a quick match against Bryant, who only conceded three games in the match.

“I thought both [Kornieva, Gehrig and Gondorova] played really well in singles,” head coach Steve Reiniger said. “Valieriia got off to some slow starts but she would finish strong in her matches. I thought Maggie had a tough opponent and played her really well, played her tough.”

For doubles, the Wildcats paired Gondorova with Kornieva and Gehrig with Floyd. In their group, Gondorova and Kornieva pair faced off against a team from Rider in the round of 32, beating it, 6-4, in a single-set match. However, their run ended short in the round of 16 when they were defeated by a Fordham tandem, 4-6. Conversely, Gehrig and Floyd defeated Fordham’s pair in their group’s round of 32, 6-4, after getting a bye in the previous round. Yet, the Wildcats were again defeated, 6-4, in the round of 16 by Quinnipiac’s team.

“I thought that [Gehrig and

ly had a breakout. She ended up playing doubles with Gehrig. She probably played the best match that she’s ever played. She and [Gehrig] had a great win against a great time from Fordham. This was the first time [Gehrig and Floyd] ever played together so I thought [Floyd] had just a breakout game, she did everything very well.”

As for the men’s team, the St. Joseph’s Invitational got cut short after one day due to the rain on Saturday and Sunday. Nevertheless, the Wildcats played a full day’s worth of matches against Drexel University. Singles play started strong for the Wildcats with a record of 4-3 for the day.

After losing his first set in a tiebreaker, sophomore Tighe Brunetti made a quick comeback and secured the win in the next two sets, only conceding five games in the process. Senior Ryan Nguyen played a similar match, losing the first round, 5-7, then coming back in the next two, 6-4 and 7-5. Senior Josh Robinson played the quickest match against the Dragons, win

finished his match within two sets, yet this proved more difficult, as he won the second set narrowly with a tiebreaker, giving the match a final score of 6-3, (7)7-6(4).

“Drexel is a very good team,” head coach Brad Adams said. “Obviously, we lost to them last year. The upper-echelon players like [Robinson or Brunetti] proved we are making improvements. Some of our freshmen came through like [Monahan] won his match and Thomas Wakefield lost in a very tight three-setter. Nguyen played above where he played last year and was able to pick up a win in three sets as well.”

In doubles play, the Wildcats and Dragons only played three matches, with the Wildcats losing two out of three. Brunetti and Robinson paired up to defeat the Dragons in the one-set match, 6-4. Juniors Lukas Choi and Trey Forticq lost by a score of 6-4, whereas freshman Justin Frattarelli and Joshua Vestal were swept, 6-0.

“With doubles, with the weather, I think it was a last-minute mix and match as far as getting everybody playing time,” Adams said. “Outside of [Brunetti and Robinson] who won their match the other doubles teams didn’t have much time to prepare leading up to Friday. The bright spot is a team like [Robinson and Brunetti] who have been playing with each other for a significant part of the fall and picking up the win. The other guys were trying to get experience and we’ll try to find some more doubles pairings moving forward.”

Looking ahead, the men’s team will compete in the River City Open against Richmond, which is set to take place Friday, Oct. 6 through Sunday, Oct. 8. As for the women’s team, it will return to the court this upcoming weekend for the Navy Invite.

Men’s Cross Country Finishes Fifth at Virginia Invitational

time of 23:36.9 and Langon placing 12th with a time of 23:37.4. This kept the Wildcats competitive as their three finishers at the front brought down their total points.

Villanova’s men’s cross country team traveled to Charlot tesville, Virginia this past weekend to kick off its 2023 season at the 8000-meter Virginia Invitational.

The meet featured eight of the top 12 teams from this past week’s United States Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches As sociation (USTFCCCA) national rankings. Villanova entered the meet at number 12 in the Top 30 poll and finished ahead of three top-10 squads, thanks to its fifth place finish out of the 23 teams at the Invitational.

“We went down there primarily to do an early race, hoping we would have a more gentle start,” head coach Marcus O’Sullivan said. “But, everyone was thinking the same, and everyone came in for the early race.”

The Wildcats posted impressive early season times, as they

were the only school to have three runners among the first 12 finishers in the 8,000-meter race. Liam Murphy came in seventh out of roughly 200 with a time of 23:32.2.

“[Murphy had] 2k (2000-meters) to go, which was little over a mile, and he was back

in the high 20s, and he ended up finishing seventh,” O’Sullivan said. “So he came home probably one of the fastest 1000-meters of anybody in the field.”

Haftu Strintzos and Marco Langon kept it tight at the front, with Strintzos placing 11th with a

Sean Donoghue and Devon Comber finished in 138th (24:43.8) and 141st (24:46.3), respectively. Both passed a considerable amount of runners in their final 1000-meter stretches of the race. Jack Fredian crossed the finish in 143rd (24:46.7), followed by Jack Tavaglione (25:07.8) and Cole Walker (25:28.4), who posted times of 25:07.8 and 25:28.4, respectively.

As weather impacted the pre-race preparation, course conditions were difficult. With a onehour warmup slotted before every meet, the men were forced to cut it down to 45 minutes, arriving at the course as close as they could to start time.

Looking ahead, the team will now start preparations for its meet next month in Wisconsin. The Nuttycombe Wisconsin Invitational will kick off on Friday, Oct. 13.

Dylan Johnson Staff Writer

Women’s Tennis will compete in the Navy Invite next weekend. Courtesy of Villanova Athletics

Men’s cross country finished ahead of three top-10 teams at the Virginia Invitational. Courtesy of Villanova Athletics

Men’s Soccer Earns First Win of Season

Elijah McDow Staff Writer

Nearly a year after securing its final win of the 2022 season, Villanova’s men’s soccer team recorded its first win of the 2023 season on Saturday, a 4-3 victory at Providence. The win brings the Wildcats’ record to 1-3-3 and 1-1 in Big East play.

cats had scored just five goals this season. On Saturday, they near ly matched that total in a single game.

uate midfielder Marcus Brenes opened the scoring off an assist from junior forward Vincent Petre ra.

Carlin, this season has been all about teaching his team the im portance of fighting until the last whistle.

ance, that’s for sure,” Carlin said to Villanova Athletics. “We’ve all felt like this was coming over the last stretch of games.”

to be a theme of the match, as the Friars equalized 10 minutes after going down.

regain their lead three minutes lat er when graduate defender Antho ny Cousins, Jr. scored his first goal of the season.

While it looked as if the

Wildcats had regained their momentum, Providence found another equalizer in the 26th minute to level the score at two.

The remainder of the first half was a stalemate, as neither team was able to execute in the

pay,” Carlin said. The passive play of the Wildcats proved detrimental in the 68th minute, when the Friars’ senior forward Brendan McSorley scored to take the lead.

The goal looked like it

impact on the game,” Carlin said. “[Martelli] did an incredible job in his time tonight.”

For the remainder of the game, the Wildcats tried to break through on the attack and defended when needed.

With three minutes to go, the fourth draw of the season looked inevitable. Junior forward Balthi Saunders had other plans.

As he has shown throughout his Villanova career, Saunders is always a threat in front of goal, and Saturday night was no excep -

In the 87th minute, Saunders scored what proved to be the game-winner, giving the Wildcats their first win of the season.

“That’s what [Saunders] can do,” Carlin said. “He made a great play to get us a decisive goal. Brenes getting two goals for us was huge too.”

Carlin said that finally getting in the win column was a relief for his squad.

“After the game I told the guys, ‘You can exhale now,’” Carlin said. “It’s human nature to wonder when it’s going to turn even if you know the signs are there that it’s coming. We got a Big East road win at a tough place to play. The guys persevered and were rewarded.”

Next up for the Wildcats is another Big East road game against UConn. The game is set for Friday, Sept. 29 with kickoff at 7 p.m.

Field Hockey Goes 1-1 In Two Road Games

Ali Benjamin Staff Writer

Coming off of consecutive wins against Georgetown and Saint Francis, the Villanova field hockey team entered a weekend of games in Connecticut. The Wildcats defeated Quinnipiac, 4-3, but dropped a 2-1 decision to Fairfield.

On Friday, Sept. 22, senior forward Meghan Mitchell scored all four of Villanova’s goals against Quinnipiac in the first game of the weekend. With assists from junior midfielders Anne Drabbe and Raina Smolij, Mitchell helped the team maintain its undefeated conference status.

“[Mitchell’s] pure determi nation really got a major job done for us, considering how big of a game that was for the Big East,” head coach Joanie Milhous said. “Everybody had a part in it, but she was really determined to finish each of those plays off and her work rate is incredible, the deter mination to finish on her opportu nities was fantastic, so that is super rare.”

The Wildcats came back from a challenging start with the Bobcats securing an early 3-0 lead through most of the first quarter. With just under a minute remain ing, Mitchell scored the first goal for the Wildcats.

By halftime, Mitchell’s second goal closed the gap in the lead, and with 20 seconds left in the third quarter, the game was

tied. Halfway through the final quarter, the Wildcats pushed ahead with a final goal to secure a 4-3 win.

“It was amazing,” Milhous said. “Our bench was incredible, they were so loud and they had such great energy. That’s why it was a total combined effort, everybody had a piece in that win, so it really was one of the best come-from-behind wins that we’ve had since that Louisville game way back, and especially great because it was a major Big East conference

win.”

On Sunday, Sept. 24, the Wildcats played against Fairfield, but were unable to have the same success.

The first quarter ended with no score, but senior forward Amanda Middleman opened the scoring with an assist from freshmen midfielder Maeve Boston, only five minutes into the second. However, the Stags were quick to tie, scoring their first goal only 30 seconds into the third quarter. Junior goalkeeper Emma

Leppert helped maintain the 1-1 tie through the rest of the quarter, and after an overturned goal on a penalty corner early in the fourth quarter, the regulation game ended in a tie, sending the game into overtime.

Leppert’s three stellar saves in the extra period forced a second period of overtime, but a goal by Fairfield four minutes in brought the game to a close, with a 2-1 loss for the Wildcats.

“Our one shortcoming was getting shots on goal, and that was a little frustrating because we did so many other great things all over the field,” Milhous said. “A little disappointing as far as getting shots on goal, but many great things to take away from that game… They literally shut us down numerous times, but we’re going to learn from that and come back even stronger for UConn. Our intensity was there, our focus was there, they just came out on the positive end of it, unfortunate -

The Wildcats will be back in Conshohocken next weekend with a Big East matchup against UConn on Friday, Sept. 29, as well as a non-conference game against James Madison on Sunday, Oct. 1.

“I think the come-frombehind win from Friday is going to really help us for the remainder of the season,” Milhous said. “It’s going to show that we’re resilient and that we can always come back and never need to give up. We will never give up. We’ve got a lot of positive things ahead of us.”

Senior forward Meghan Mitchell scored four goals against Quinnipiac. Courtesy of Villanova Athletics

Men’s soccer won its first match of the season at Providence on Sept. 23 Katelyn Van Mater/Villanovan Photography

Villanova Dining Services

Thursday, September 28, 2023

Donahue - Dougherty - St. Mary’s

Chimichurri Steak

Yellow Rice

Fried Plantains

Berenjenas Fritas

Espinacas Con Garbanzos

Paella Station