The Villanovan | Volume 115, Issue 19: November 15, 2023

WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 15, 2023 www.villanovan.com @thevillanovan VOLUME 115 | ISSUE 19

Opus Prize Student Leaders

STUDENT-RUN SINCE 1916

University Reacts to Student-Planned Walkout in Solidarity with Palestine

Zoe Garrett Staff Writer

Last week, Villanova hosted Prize Week for the Opus Prize, an annual faithbased humanitarian award given to candidates for their efforts in social entrepreneurship, according to Villanova’s website. Of the three candidates, the winner earns $1 million and both runner-ups earn a $100,000 prize in order to support their current and future projects, as well as to encourage others to engage in such humanitarian service.

This year, the three finalists were Dr. Kristin Schroeder, Bishop Paride Taban and Jameka Walker. Schroeder co-founded iCCARE, a foundation which operates out of Bugando Medical Centre in Mwanza, Tanzania and provides cancer treatments to low-income families, helping survival rates for her patients to increase by 50% in the past eight years.

The late Bishop Taban established Holy Trinity Peace Village- Kuron in South Sudan, a community which welcomes people who have experienced conflict during and after 2011, when South Sudan gained independence. The Village provides “agriculture training, education, health services, and food security, as well as conflict resolution and peacebuilding,” allowing South Sudanese people who have undergone extreme hardship a safe place to call home.

Walker works as the Executive Director of Catholic Partnership Schools, a “network of five Pre-K–8th grade schools providing educational opportunities for children of all faith backgrounds in Camden, NJ, and the surrounding areas.” Walker aims to expand the program, grounded in faith-inclusive education, to as many children as possible within the Continued on p. 2

Lydia McFarlane Co-News Editor Hannah Sweeney Co-News Editor

Community members had mixed reactions to Nov. 9’s walkout protest in solidarity with Palestine that was organized by University students.

While parents took to parent group chats and Facebook groups to call students “terrorists” that “need to be arrested,” students that participated were proud to show their support for victims in Palestine.

“I am proud of my fellow Villanovans that organized this event and the ones that came out to support it,” CLAS senior Lindsay Redditt said. “It was good and made me feel less hopeless during this time of genocide and tragedy.”

Other students felt compelled to participate in the protest because of their passion for social justice.

“I participated in the protest because violence does not solve issues of imperialism and colonialism that are so deeply engraved in our world history,” CLAS senior Lauryn Hayes said. “As a young person, I cannot sit

Last week’s protest garnered mixed reactions from community members.

Isabella Balian / Villanovan Photography

complicit in allowing the same colonial attitudes that have affected and continue to affect African Americans wipe out yet another group of people.”

As the conflict persists between Israel and Hamas, civilian death tolls continue to rise. The Israeli government been continuously bombing Gaza, which is an Israeli-occupied Palestinian territory that is home to millions of Palestinians, leading to a high volume of civilian deaths.

Students hoped to gain the support of the University in supporting the UN’s call for a ceasefire and call for the United

States government to do the same.

Hayes said she hopes the University is receptive to the protesters’ requests for University President Rev. Peter M. Donahue O.S.A. Ph.D. to stand with them.

“I hope the University understands that we are not over our heads with asking them as an influential university in America to reach out to people they know in high places of Congress and demand a ceasefire because [its] students, America’s future, want a better world to step into upon graduating,” Hayes said.

Faculty were proud

“Battle of the Blue” Preview Owen Hewitt

Co-Sports Editor “The Battle of the Blue,” the annual end-ofseason rivalry game between Villanova and Delaware, has been lopsided in recent memory. The ‘Cats are 15-2 in the last 17 meetings between the two teams. However, earning a share of the CAA championship is sure to provide some extra motivation for both squads entering Saturday.

No. 10 Villanova enters the final week of the regular season needing a win for a share of the CAA title, while also retaining an outside

chance at the outright title.

The ‘Cats sit at 8-2 overall and 6-1 in conference play after their win against Towson on Saturday. They’ll face No. 7

Continued on p. 3

Delaware in the “Battle of the Blue” in Newark on Nov. 18.

The Wildcats are also still alive in the fight for the CAA’s automatic bid to the FCS playoffs, though the tiebreaker scenarios for the four-team tie atop the bloated 15-team association are downright dizzying.

The important thing for the ‘Cats to do if they’d like a share of the title is to win.

All scenarios for the ‘Cats to receive the CAA’s automatic Villanova looks to win its third straight against Delaware. bid involve a win on Saturday Natalie Zickel/Villanovan Photography Continued on p. 16

Preview of Wildcat Thrift p. 2

University Hosts TeachIns on Palestine p. 4

Students Reflect on SpO’s 2023 Fall Fest p. 5

University Hosts Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week p. 6

The Pros and Woes of Villanova Registration p. 9

SAMOSA Puts on Kahani Performance p. 12

Men’s Cross Country Qualifies for NCAA Championships p. 16

MBB Preview: Maryland and Battle 4 Atlantis p. 17

Volleyball Goes 0-2 on Senior Weekend p. 18

THE BACKPAGE: Crossword by Peter Reilly ‘26 p. 19

2 | The Villanovan

News 1 Opinion 7 Culture 12 Sports 16

PUBLIC SAFETY BLOTTER

VOL. 115 | ISS. 19 www.villanovan.com @thevillanovan

COLIN BEAZLEY VIVI MELKONIAN MATT RYAN SARAH SWEENEY HAYDEN KARNES NATALIE ZICKEL LYDIA McFARLANE HANNAH SWEENEY ARDEN WEST JACKIE THOMAS BELLA IRWIN CHLOE MILLER EMMA CAHILL BROOKE ACKERMAN OWEN HEWITT MADELINE OKENQUIST GRAYDON PAUL MICHAEL BRADLEY CAT COYLE CONTACT

Wednesday, November 15, 2023

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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

Disorderly Conduct / Liquor Underage / Public Drunkenness November 12, CAUGHLIN HALL A male resident-student, under the age of 21, was evaluated by VEMS and released to a sober friend.

Liquor Underage / Public Drunkenness November 12, SOUTH CAMPUS GROUNDS A female resident-student, under the age of 21, was evaluated by VEMS and released to a sober friend.

Liquor Underage / Public Drunkenness November 12, CAUGHLIN HALL A female resident-student, under

CORRECTIONS

Continued from p.1

poverty- and violence-stricken city, propelling students towards successful journeys through high school and higher education.

The week was filled with different events for the award, including mass and prayer services, panels, lunches and of course, the award ceremony last Thursday.

However, none of this programming would have been possible without the countless people who worked behind the scenes to make Prize Week a reality, including the members on the student committee.

One of the students who played a critical role in the operation was Lauren McLaughlin, who served as Villanova’s Ambassador for Taban, the finalist who ultimately won the Opus Prize. McLaughlin described her duties in this position.

“My role started last spring when we had preparatory Zoom meetings with some members of Villanova’s Opus Committee,” she said. “I then had a Zoom with leaders of the peace village, in which we got to ask them questions and learn directly from them.

When the school year started, I attended meetings with the rest of the Committee, where we mainly discussed the many ways in which we would spread the word about Opus week.”

Tyler Moore also served as a student ambassador for Taban.

He expanded on the duties he assumed for this past week.

“We had the responsibility of welcoming Dr. Margaret Itto, who represented the late Bishop Taban and is a co-chair of [the peace village], and other people who had known the Bishop,” Moore said. “We were able to show them around and help introduce our community to them.

We also helped introduce them at ceremonies and other special lectures.”

Ryan Maloney was an am-

Liquor Underage / Public Drunkenness November 11, STANFORD HALL A female resident student, under the age of 21, was evaluated by VEMS Ambulance and transported to Bryn Mawr Hospital.

Liquor Underage / Public Drunkenness November 11, SOUTH CAMPUS GROUNDS A female resident student, under

the age of 21, was evaluated by VEMS Ambulance and transported to Bryn Mawr Hospital.

Liquor Underage / Public Drunkenness November 10, PAVILION A female resident student, under the age of 21, was evaluated by Narberth Ambulance and released to a parent.

Disorderly Conduct / Harassment / Public Urination November 10, L-4 LANCASTER RES. HALL LOT A male resident student reported an attempted assault during a verbal argument with two male resident students.

Factual errors are corrected as soon as they are brought to The Villanovan’s attention. Please send an e-mail to villanovan.eic@gmail.com to report errors.

Opus Prize Student Leaders Zoe Garrett Staff Writer

the age of 21, was evaluated by Public Safety for intoxication and released.

Harassment / Stalking August 26 - November 12, SCARPA HALL A Law School student reported being verbally harassed by another Law School student.

bassador for finalist Walker. “[I] traveled to visit Jameka Walker to engage with Jameka’s work,” Maloney said. “[I also] found connections between the finalist’s work and Villanova’s campus, [which] included recommending classes for her to visit and organizations to work with.”

Many students found the experience of being on Villanova’s Opus committee immensely rewarding.

“I deeply enjoyed my chats with Dr. Itto,” McLaughlin said.

“She modeled resilience that I’ll never forget and can barely understand. She had just lost one of her closest friends, the ‘father of peace’ where she comes from, yet she handled the week with unimaginable grace. She truly was an immense inspiration and symbol of strength.”

Likewise, Moore had significant takeaways from his experience as an ambassador.

“The finalists are average people doing extraordinary things,” he said. “They were so down to earth and humble. It was such an incredible experience to get to know them on a personal level. For example, Dr Schroeder and I had long talks about dialects in the U.S. and joked about local terms while taking The New York Times Dialect Quiz. It was so cool to see that at the end of the day, these unsung heroes are just like us. They live a double life.”

Maloney felt similarly inspired by his experience as a student ambassador.

“My favorite part about working with the Opus Prize has been seeing the mission in action, Maloney said. “[All of the finalists] share a commitment to the common good and living a life of service. I have loved getting to share these values with the Villanova community.”

All the finalists and their work are immensely inspiring and serve as role models for everyone here at Villanova. To read more about the Opus Prize at Villanova, visit https://www1.villanova.edu/ content/university/opus-prize. html.

Preview: Wildcat Thrift Sarah Sweeney Senior Editor Wildcat Thrift, Villanova’s biannual pop-up thrift shop, is being held on Friday, Nov. 17 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Oreo. Individual students and student groups, including Greek Life organizations, the Society of Women Engineers and more, will have tables selling used clothes and accessories. Like a traditional thrift store, students and other community members will have the opportunity to buy these items at significant discounts from their retail amounts.

Organized by the Student Sustainability Committee (SSC), Wildcat Thrift is celebrating its third year on campus. Fiona Lonergan, SSC member and head of Wildcat Thrift, explained the purpose of Wildcat Thrift.

“In addition to being a fun opportunity to find new clothes, [Wildcat Thrift] supports a circular economy on campus and helps prevent clothing waste,” Lonergan said. “The whole idea of a circular

economy is to reduce consumption and increase the longevity of the products we use. By popping up, we are giving clothes a second life and extending their use.”

In addition to supporting sustainability efforts on campus, Wildcat Thrift provides the opportunity to support various other good causes. While individual vendors are allowed to sell their items for a profit, the proceeds of all student organizations will be donated to charity. The Chi Omega table, for example, will be benefiting children with critical illnesses through Make-A-Wish.

Wildcat Thrift has been very successful in prior years, with some tables selling more than $500 worth of clothing. This year marks Wildcat Thrift’s first time at the Oreo, as it was previously held at the Driscoll Tents. Lonergan is hoping its new location will generate more foot traffic and make this year even more successful than prior years.

Those interested in learning more can follow @villanovasustainability on Instagram or stop

by Wildcat Thrift on Friday.

Wildcat Thrift will be Friday from 1-4 at the Oreo.

Courtesy of @villanovasustainability on Instagram

Wednesday, November 15, 2023

The Villanovan | 3

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Community Reacts to Protest in Solidarity with Palestine Lydia McFarlane Co-News Editor Hannah Sweeney Co-News Editor Continued from p.1

of students for their activism in organizing the walkout.

“The faculty who have supported [student organizers’] efforts could not be prouder of their compassion for others, moral fortitude and incisive leadership,” professors Elizabeth Kolsky and Hibba Abugideiri said in a joint statement to The Villanovan. “We stand with these courageous Villanovans.”

Reverend Naomi Washington-Leapheart joined the student protesters and led the protesters in several chants of “Free Palestine.”

She joined the student-led effort because civil rights are important to her, and she wanted to encourage the student leaders in their activism.

As the conflict persists, so does the argument over what constitutes antisemitism.

Kolsky and Abugideiri gave an overview of the debate to The Villanovan.

“A critique of Israel is a political critique of a Zionist state,

not an antisemitic attack against a religious people,” they said in a joint statement. “The State of Israel does not act on behalf of all Jewish people worldwide just as, for example, the State of Pakistan does not act on behalf of all Muslim people. We can critique the actions of the Pakistani government and not be accused of being Islamophobic just as we can critique the actions of the Israeli government without being antisemitic.”

After the protest, an anonymous post including photos from the protest from a Villanova Families Facebook page read, “Antisemitism is alive, well and supported at Villanova today.”

Villanova Hillel, an organization on campus that focuses on building Jewish community, has been monitoring the rhetoric used on Villanova’s campus.

“Every student has the right to organize, but also no student has the right to make another student feel uncomfortable,” Sean Culley, Springboard Fellow for the Greater Philly Hillel Network, said. “Fortunately, on Villanova’s campus, I have not witnessed antisemitic rhetoric being spread, which I am grateful for.”

Although Culley believed the protest that occurred did not contain hateful speech, he rec-

ognized the different individual experiences that Jewish students face on campus.

“I can’t say that as a Jewish community at Villanova that nobody has ever faced antisemitism,” Culley clarified. “We only ask the University to ensure that their faculty and staff create spaces where unique identities and experiences are empowered.”

In light of the conflict, Villanova Hillel has also held several events for Jewish students, including Zoom sessions, a vigil and community building activities.

During the protest, it hosted an alternative space for students to eat bagels and be with a Jewish community.

“It’s a complicated situation, but it’s highly important for

the world to know that the Jews have a historical connection to Israel,” Culley said. “Continuing to spread Jewish joy and do Jewish is something that nobody could ever take away from us.”

As of right now, Villanova Hillel and the Villanova Students for Justice in Palestine have not yet collaborated on events or initiatives.

However, both groups have individually worked to ensure students feel safe and represented on campus throughout these difficult times.

While Villanova students, parents and staff have differing opinions on the conflict and what should be done in response, all agree on one thing: there is no place for hate on Villanova’s campus.

Students gathered outside of Connelly Center to protest in solidarity with Palestine.

Lydia McFarlane/Villanovan Photography

Students Walkout in Solidarity with Palestine Lydia McFarlane Co-News Editor More than 100 students participated in a walkout in solidarity with Palestine last week.

The walkout took place from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 9. Organizers encouraged students who were participating to wear black to show their support for Palestine.

The protest started with a sit-in outside of the Connelly Center, where participants were encouraged to “sit down and take up space” so they could “be disruptive but peaceful,” in the words of one of the student organizers.

After roughly an hour, protestors walked past the Oreo, many carrying signs that read things like “Stop the genocide,” “Stop the U.S. war machine” and “Bombing kids is not self-defense.” The protestors marched to Tolentine Hall to conduct a sit-in outside the Office of the President.

At 2 p.m., students left the building without issue.

A new student group, Villanova Students for Justice in Palestine, or SJP, organized the walkout.

After Hamas’s attack on Israel that killed more than 1,400 people on Oct. 7, 2023, Israel declared formal war on Hamas. Hamas, which has been deemed a terrorist organization, is a group with a military and political arm that has been governing the Israeli-occupied Palestinian territories in Gaza. There is a long history behind the conflict, which has been ongoing for decades. As the conflict endures, the United Nations has called for a ceasefire and has denounced both sides for their targeting of civilian infrastructure, resulting in high civilian

casualties.

Many Villanova students joined those across the world criticizing the United States for its aid of Israel as Palestinian civilians die in Gaza. After two informative teachins on the issue, students decided to get together to plan an event to show their support for the UN call for ceasefire and Palestinian victims, and to condemn the United States government for its continued support of Israel.

“We chose to protest and assemble together in solidarity with Palestine,” student organizer Zoe Kim, a CLAS senior, said. “It’s challenging to proceed when a community is being displaced, oppressed and killed.”

Kim and other students understood the risks involved in protesting, such as facing potential backlash from the administration or other students, but the cause was bigger than the possibility of negative feedback for the student organizers.

“We could not back down when this catastrophe is happening, hence why we supported the United Nations’ call for a ceasefire in Gaza,” Kim said. “For me and others in Villanova Students for Justice in Palestine, we understood the risks that we were taking, but we could not in good conscience turn our backs to this crisis.”

Other student organizers felt their identities as Villanovans compelled them to get involved.

“I felt a great urgency to use my voice and organize a statement of solidarity with the Palestinian people because I recognize that ignoring genocidal violence contradicts my identity as a Black woman and as a Villanovan,”CLAS junior Bailey Proctor said. “It is incredibly import-

ant that we as students honor our commitment to Villanova and ignite change, no matter how uncomfortable or afraid we might be.”

While the University does not have an official stance on who it is supporting through this war, it supports students’ rights to peacefully protest and use their voices to stand up for what they believe in.

“The University is aware of the event and expects it to be a peaceful gathering,” the University said in a statement to The Villanovan. “Consistent with any event, Public Safety is prepared to provide support to ensure a peaceful, respectful and safe environment.

Villanova supports and advocates for freedom of discourse on campus as part of its mission as an institution of higher education and Augustinian Catholic University. As with all on-campus demonstrations, Villanova expects participants to engage respectfully, peacefully and with regard for the dignity of all our community members.”

Jewish students were also aware of the protest happening.

The University’s chapter of Hillel, a Jewish student group, held an alternate event for Jewish students who may have felt uncomfortable, so they could be with their community.

However, Hillel is grateful to the University for its support of Jewish students during this troubling time.

Sean Culley, a springboard fellow of the Greater Philly Hillel Network, which works with Villanova students, spoke on this.

“The University has done an excellent job in holding people accountable, helping them learn and grow, helping people feel included on campus and helping Jews feel

like they matter on campus,” Culley said.

Culley also said Hillel respects other students’ right to protest, and that the protest was respectful.

“Fortunately on Villanova’s campus, I have not witnessed antisemitic rhetoric being spread, which I am grateful for,” he said.

“We should all agree that hate is wrong and that antisemitism should be combatted.”

Villanova history professors Elizabeth Kolsky and Hibba Abugideiri helped to organize the past two teach-ins on Palestine and encouraged students to do their own organizing to show their support. Kolsky is Jewish and wanted to highlight the difference between antisemitism and anti-zionism. Zionism is a word to describe support for a Jewish state.

“A critique of Israel is a political critique of a Zionist state, not an antisemitic attack against a religious people,” Kolsky and Abugideiri said to The Villanovan in a joint statement. “The State of Israel does not act on behalf of all Jewish people worldwide.”

In an open letter to the Villanova community, SJP called for the support of the University and Father Peter M. Donohue, O.S.A., Ph.D., which they were hoping to receive from him by sitting outside of his office.

When he did not emerge from his office, students posted the printed letter onto his office door, along with flyers for the event. The student organizers told protesters they would attempt to organize a meeting with him next week to discuss their cause.

4 | The Villanovan

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University Hosts Teach-Ins on Palestine on how historical examples may help understand the media framing of Palestine, how anti-colonial resistance is defined and how the United States On Nov. 6, Villanova proorigin out of anti-colonial resistance fessor Samer Abboud led a second shapes the framing of resistance elseteach-in on Palestine, featuring a pan- where in the world. el of professors Olukunle Owolabi, Owolabi gave a brief overReverend Naomi Washington-Leaview of American and British formal phart and Jonathan O’Neill. This and informal colonialism, before teach-in was centered around underspeaking about the three different standing anti-colonial movements, as strategies of resistance: wars of indewell as the solidarity of the Black and pendence, non-violence and peaceful Irish communities with Palestinians. negotiation. He went on to speak on Abboud, associate professor how non-violent resistance is often the of global interdisciplinary studies and most celebrated, but we need to conhead of Arab and Islamic studies, sider why people turn away from it, began by acknowledging the horrific often because other tools of resistance violence seen in Gaza since the conare denied to them. flict broke out, calling it a “collective The following portion of terror that will be felt over generathe discussion featured O’Neill and tions.” This includes the destruction Washington-Leaphart discussing the of universities and attacks on hospitals factors behind Irish and Black solidarand desperately-needed medical facil- ity with Palestine. O’Neill discussed ities. He then stated that the purpose the lengthy history of British colonialof this teach-in was to “gather today ism in Ireland and Northern Ireland, to consider this through the lens of including The Troubles and the resishistorical examples of solidarity,” tance of the IRA. These narratives of because students at the first teach-in a similar history make the Irish more were interested in learning ways that inclined to support Palestine. This is they could demonstrate solidarity with apparent in Ireland which has stood the Palestinian people. out by refusing to go along with the The first question about how “hegemonic European decision” to to understand anti-colonial resistance support Israel. in a historical context was directed to Washington-Leaphart began Owolabi, associate professor of polit- by speaking about the “watershed ical science, global interdisciplinary moment of solidarity between Palstudies and director of Africana stud- estinian people and African-Ameries. Owolabi, who began by saying icans,” in 2014 and 2015 after the his “answers are intended to provoke killings of Michael Brown and Eric more questions,” gave a presentation Garner occurred around the same Srihi Surapaneni Staff Writer

time that 2000 Palestinians were killed in the 2014 Gaza War. She went on to speak about how both sides of activists noted connections between their respective struggles. For example, Black activists fought against U.S. police departments working with Israel forces, while Palestinian activists connect the deaths of George Floyd and Eyad al-Hallaq.

“Note the connections, note the timing, it’s all connected, it’s all deliberate,” Washington-Leaphart said.

This wave of solidarity was significant but it wasn’t the first, as the relationship between Black Americans and Palestinians extends back to the Black Panther movement in the 1960s.

Rev. Washington-Leaphart also spoke on her own personal experiences of visiting Palestine and seeing the marginalization of its citizens.

“It didn’t take an academic degree or sophisticated analysis for me to recognize Anti-Palestinian fervor and activity,” she said. Her Palestinian hosts asked that she not lose her voice in standing up for them, and to “say what [she has] borne witness to because once you see it you can’t unsee it.”

O’Neill was asked to give examples of current Irish solidarity with the Palestinian cause. He spoke about how Irish activists actively pushed for a boycott of products with connections to illegal West Bank settlements, how Irish academics refused to engage with Israeli universities and the pressure placed on the government from the many Irish citizens who

believe the treatment of Palestinians “makes a mockery of all post-World War II human rights declarations.”

The last question focused on connections between Christianity and Zionism, which was a particularly personal question for Washington-Leaphart, who had been raised in a Zionist Christian household herself.

She spoke about how some Christians believe that what is happening in Palestine is a sort of beginning of the last days, and some members of the Christian right have made this conflict about themselves. She also addressed how Israel “exploited Black piety” to foster support for Zionism in communities like her own.

“This is not condemning Christianity, but recognizing its vulnerability to exploitation to hold up the occupation,” she said.

The panel was opened up to a Q&A session, which featured discussion about topics like the myth of a perfect resistance movement, an elaboration on Palestine’s history as a “cultural mosaic” of religions before colonization to combat the idea that this is primarily religious war, the tragic population displacement that caused the creation of Israel and how antisemitism contributed to that, and how Villanova faculty should speak about this conflict with their students.

The teach-in was followed by a strategizing session led by Villanova students who wanted to go further in demonstrating solidarity with Palestine, which ultimately led to last Thursday’s protest.

University Hosts Undergraduate Research Symposium Amish Jindal Staff Writer On Friday, Nov. 10, 93 poster presentations and five oral presentations were displayed at the Undergraduate Research Symposium held in the Villanova Room and Devon Room of the Connelly Center. The projects were on subjects ranging from Astrophysics and Planetary Science to Geography and the Environment. The event was organized in a fair-style layout, with rows of isles containing various poster presentations in which visitors could interact with the researchers. All members of the community were invited to attend.

The symposium was hosted by the Center for Research and Fellowship (CRF).

“Many of the undergraduate research students conducted research over the summer with faculty mentors and now they are sharing their work with the community,” Catherine Stecyk, Director of the Center for Research and Fellowships and Presidential Scholars Program, said.

One student sharing her work was junior Isabel Lima. Her research was titled “Ready for Bed? The Associations among Sleep Myths, Sleep Hygiene & Sleep Quality in College Students.” One of Isabel’s findings was that a higher GPA is positively associated with sleep duration, but is only marginally associated with sleep quality. Her project was guided by Dr. Irene Kan and funded by the Villanova Undergraduate Research Fellowship.

“Doing research at Villanova has enhanced my learning by building my student to professor relationships and learning about future career options in research,” Lima said.

Another research project was completed by senior Runze Tian. It was titled Health Risk Assessment of PM2.5 exposure at Philadelphia Subway Stations.

Runze found that there were significant levels of particulate matter in the subway stations. These levels are extremely dangerous, especially for children. Of the stations examined, the 5th Street Station fared the worst.

“I grew up in Shanghai, China, a city that used to suffer from a lot of air pollution,” Tian said. “Shanghai then constructed new underground train stations that limit pollution. I hope the study will benefit a lot of the urban population.”

Some students performed research with a community service angle. Junior Asata Mander, Sydney Singh, Alice Droege and Hannah Feldman titled their research Exposing Underrepresented Minority Groups at Walter B. Saul High School to Geosciences through the Villanova Environmental Geochemistry Summer Institute (VEGSI).

The purpose was to encourage high school students of diverse backgrounds to engage in environmental research. The high school students studied the differences in contamination levels in suburban versus urban streams.

Students coming from inner city high schools do not get

exposure to science research. This program allowed those students to experience a college-level research project, while also enhancing their science background.

This project meant a lot to Mander.

“I came from West Philadelphia and was the only person in my family to go and be a scientist,” Mander said. “I am now one of two black people in the geo-sciences here.”

This program gave Walter B. Saul high school students an early experience, something Mander did not have.

“Some students are pursuing publication with their faculty mentors in professional journals. Others have chosen to publish in the undergraduate research journal, Veritas,” Stecyk said.

The fifth volume of Villanova’s peer-reviewed undergraduate research journal, Veritas: Villanova Research Journal (VVRJ), was also

The symposium was hosted in Connelly Center.

Brian Luppy/Villanovan Photography

available at the symposium for all to enjoy. The journal was created in 2019 and has promulgated 44 research articles and reports across 26 fields, many of them spanning multiple disciplines. Topics in this year’s issue include diaspora and community-building, restorative justice intervention and rights discourse.

According to the Editors-In-Chief of Veritas, “The fifth issue of VVRJ honors the trailblazing work of Villanova’s undergraduate researchers and their unwavering commitment to building a just world. We express our deepest admiration for these fine scholars and their extraordinary faculty mentors.”

The symposium on Friday did not just highlight all the incredible research initiatives of Villanova students and faculty, but also celebrated their achievements.

The event serves as an inspiration for future researchers on Villanova’s campus.

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The Villanovan | 5

Students Reflect on SpO’s 2023 Fall Fest

After every competition day, LPH members would line the walkKellyn Zirn ways and create spirit lines for the Staff Writer athletes. The cheering, high-fives and laughs prepared every athlete to Two weekends ago, Villareturn the next day. nova hosted its 35th Annual Special Freshman Samantha ZachaOlympics, the largest student-run rzyck highlighted the LPH spirit lines.

Special Olympics event in the world.

“My favorite part of Fall Fest The event lasted from Friday, Nov. 3 was the spirit lines and watching all to Sunday, Nov. 6. The sports comthe parents smile and thank all the petitions included powerlifting, flag volunteers,” Zacharzyck said. “It football, long-distance running and was a joy to see how proud they are walking, volleyball, bocce and soccer. of their athletes. During Fall Fest, With 42 different counties, hundreds everyone shares the common joy of of coaches and thousands of voluncompetition, which is rewarding to be teers represented, Fall Fest’s message a part of.” of inclusion was spread around VillaFall Fest is run by Villanova Students reflected on a successful 2023 Fall Fest. students, including the Special Olymnova’s campus.

Natalie Zickel / Villanovan Photography pics Committee, Volunteer CommitThis year’s Special Olympics theme was, “Together As A Team, accessible entrances to venues, inclu- volleyball tournament in Jake Nevin tee, Local Program Hosts, Inclusion Our Dreams Are Closer Than They sion zones throughout campus and a to heavy lifts in the Villanova Room.

Crew and general volunteers. All Seem,” which created the most low-sensory tent at our Victory Jam- However, athletic competitions were these leaders work diligently to make magical Fall Festival, bringing smiles boree, among others. Creating and not the only activities present. The Fall Fest the best weekend for the to everyone’s faces, especially the growing friendships with the athletes flash mob, interactive tables in Olymathletes and their families. athletes. From O-Town to the Victory and coaches throughout the weekend pic Town (O-Town), victory jamboree Junior Committee member Jamboree to highly competitive athremains one of the most meaningful dance party and opening and closing Caroline Kane commented on her letic events, Special Olympics made aspects of Fall Fest to me. Witnessing ceremonies allowed athletes to spend experience as a leader of Fall Fest. everyone’s dreams come true. athletes immerse themselves in new time with Villanova students and em“It’s a privilege to be a part of This year’s Special Olymexperiences as a result of our inbrace the Special Olympics message such an amazing group of people that pics student leader, also known as creased focus on inclusive spaces this of inclusion. value inclusion so strongly and were the “dream fairy,” was senior Moira year was one of the most impactful Senior Jenna Cicalo, a Local determined to make Fall Fest the best Horan. aspects of the 35th Fall Fest to me.

Program Host (LPH), reflected on her one yet,” she said.

“A large focus of planning Fall Feeling the spirit of Special Olympics favorite memories of Fall Fest.

Villanova’s Special OlymFestival this year was how to approach spread by students, volunteers, ath“My favorite memory was pics is one of the happiest weekends our ideas with the most inclusive letes, coaches, families, faculty and the closing ceremony,” Cicalo said. on campus. The joy it spreads is mindsets possible to ensure the athlete staff proves the power of our Villano- “The athletes started dancing, and infectious. The 35th Annual Special experience was kept at the forefront va community to share the mission of being able to hold the athletes’ hands Olympics illustrates the sheer love, of all planning,” Horan said. inclusion beyond our campus and Fall while seeing their faces glow was a passion and commitment that Villa“Some of the ways that our Fest weekend.” very special moment. This illustrates nova University embodies. This year student team worked to make Fall Throughout the weekend, SPO’s mission of inclusion. You can’t dreams were made, magic was spread Fest more accessible this year included Villanova’s campus was filled with help but smile when looking around and, most importantly, a powerful the implementation of ramps and intense competition ranging from a campus.” community was formed.

Students Weigh in on Daylight Savings Cate Torrey Staff Writer The clocks were set back an hour last Sunday, which resulted in a series of mixed, but specifically, discontented emotions among students, as well as a significant majority of the population.

One of the dreaded feelings that comes with the winter season is the late afternoon darkness as a result of the daylight savings rule.

Daylight savings was put in motion more than a hundred years ago for, at the time, understandable purposes. The overarching goal of this rule was to allow people to maximize the daylight, conserve energy and allow the agricultural industry to maximize its work in the fields. This is assuming all of the population is aligned with a schedule that involves waking up at the crack of dawn.

A farmer who must rise with the sun to maximize the morning is a prime example of why the rule can be useful and effective. Nevertheless, for individuals with a more forgiving wake up time, daylight savings causes the days to feel short and can put a damper on the changing seasons.

Many doctors oppose daylight savings, given how the loss of daylight often points to less restful sleep, heart conditions and exacerbation of mental health conditions such as depression or anxiety. It’s scientifically proven that the loss of daylight disrupts the body’s natural circadian rhythm, as it can be directly influenced by a gain

or loss of light exposure. During this period, it can take time for people to regain a normal, proper rhythm.

For a large majority of students, this adjustment to daylight savings has the ability to impact their willingness to effectively complete tasks and assignments. It is crucial for students to maximize the amount of sleep they get in order to successfully manage tasks, concentrate in class and perform well. When the daylight savings rule is put into place, this cycle goes as follows: daylight savings is put into place, students’ circadian rhythm is disrupted, less sleep occurs, productivity decreases and anxiety proceeds to increase.

“It’s a strange feeling to walk into a class and it feels like it’s daytime outside but then I leave, and it is pitch-black outside,” sophomore Arden West said. “It feels extremely disorienting.”

The effects of daylight savings on college students encompasses the value of the academic parts of their lives that are already in a constant motion.

“Daylight savings itself makes me sadder because it’s 4:30 in the afternoon and I want to hang out with my friends outside, but it’s already dark out,”sophomore James Manion said. “I love winter as a season and embrace it fully, but I don’t embrace the darkness.”

Experiences and positive aspects of the winter season transition sadly get often overlooked by students as a byproduct of the

daylight savings rule. The beaunegatively. This results in a lack ty of the holiday seasons, winter of appreciation for the positive sports, cozy atmospheres and snow aspects that the winter season can days are less enticing to students undeniably bring. The changing of when they are faced with a mulseasons can be one of the most untitude of stressors and worsened deniably beautiful parts of nature. mental health symptoms.

Nevertheless, students are skeptiThere is undoubtedly cal when it comes to why daylight evidence that proves a lack of savings was put into place, who it sunlight impacts people’s mental, benefits and whether it produces physical health and well-being more harm or good.

Students are grappling with the early sunsets as winter approaches.

Brian Luppy / Villanovan Photography

6 | The Villanovan

Wednesday, November 15, 2023

NEWS

Trump Fraud Investigation Recap Lauren Armstrong Staff Writer Former president Donald J. Trump is under multiple investigations spanning across states, leaving many to wonder if this will affect the outcomes of the Republican nomination and presidential election. He is under fire in New York and Georgia for a variety of different reasons.

Starting in New York, Trump is involved in a civil lawsuit regarding lying to investors and lenders by overvaluing his assets by billions of dollars.

Trump is seen to have done this in order to gain these investments in a favorable matter. This case is being brought upon by Attorney General Letitia James, who shared that Trump has inflated his new worth by upwards of $2 billion in years past.

This case came to trial on Oct. 2, 2023, and Judge Arthur F. Engoron ruled that Trump had committed fraud, thus revoking Trump’s licenses to operate his properties in New York, which means that Trump’s empires in the state might fall.

In Georgia, Trump is being prosecuted for criminal charges, stating that he attempted to interfere with the 2020 election results. This case contains 41 counts and others which are brought upon Trump’s team, such as Rudy Giuliani and Mark Meadows. The investigation outlines that Trump and his team obstructed the election in multiple different ways, including lying to Georgian legislatures

Political science students have been discussing former President Trump’s investigations.

Courtesy of Michael Vadon / Creative Commons

about allegations of voter fraud and instating fake Pro-Trump electors.

Evidence against Trump includes a phone call made where he urged Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger to “find 11,780 votes” the number he was trailing Biden with in the state.

Two weeks prior to the Georgia case being brought upon Trump, Jack Smith, the special counsel who took over the Justice Department’s investigations about Trump and Jan. 6, raised four new charges against him in the matter. Due to Smith’s indictment, Trump is only being indicted on three charges with connections to his desire to stay in power: one to defraud the United States, a second to obstruct an official government proceeding and a third to deprive people of civil rights provided by federal law or the Constitution.

The indictment stated, “The

purpose of the conspiracy was to overturn the legitimate results of the 2020 presidential election by using knowingly false claims of election fraud to obstruct the federal government function by which those results are collected, counted and certified,” as well as “that is, on the pretext of baseless fraud claims, the defendant pushed officials in certain states to ignore the popular vote; disenfranchise millions of voters; dismiss legitimate electors; and ultimately, cause the ascertainment of and voting by illegitimate electors in favor of the defendant.” Trump and six unnamed others are being faced with these charges.

Alongside this, prosecutors are alleging that Trump attempted to install fake electors in swing states, to gain votes and take away from Biden.

This indictment states that Trump

attempted to exploit Jan. 6 to “levy false claims of election fraud and convince members of Congress to further delay the certification based on those claims.”

Trump is also facing backlash for his handling of classified documents he took with him after his term in office ended. For more than a year, Trump refused the efforts to make him give back these documents, leading to the FBI raiding his Mara-Lago residency in August of 2022.

This indictment states that Trump was attempting to hide this evidence and obstruct the investigation.

Leading to the last case Trump is still involved in, being the payoff of Stormy Daniels, an adult entertainer who Trump is alleged to have paid large sums of money to for her to be silent about their relations during his campaign. Trump’s fixer at the time Michael Cohen paid Daniels $130,000 in order to stay quiet, and Trump paid him this money back after he left office.

The crime being brought against Trump is not the payment itself, it is Trump’s attempt to falsely record where this money was going.

This movement is scheduled to be brought to court in March, right when the presidential campaign will also be in full force, leaving many to wonder how this will affect these nominations and overall the election.

Many are curious if this will drive people to support Trump in his run for reelection, or if this will give one of the other Republican nominees a chance to face the Democrat.

University Hosts Hunger & Homelessness Awareness Week Simon Kidane Staff Writer Villanova University’s 49th Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week, which is sponsored by the Center for Peace and Justice education, begins this Saturday. It will consist of several key events, such as fundraisers, food drives, donations, service fairs and more activities centered around raising support for the homeless.

According to the HHAW website, Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week was started in 1975 by Father Ray Jackson and a group of his students at Villanova. It’s now grown into being a staple for more than 700 campuses and communities nationwide.

A significant feature of Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week is the meal donations.

This semester, each student can donate the cost of one meal to provide food for the homeless.

These donations are sponsored

by Catholic Relief Services, National Coalition for the Homeless, Project Home and the Center for Environmental Transformation.

The calendar of events is also provided on the website, and while the entire calendar is exhaustive, it’s important to highlight a number of significant events in which students can participate in over the course of HHAW. Most significantly, the entire week will consist of a non-per-

ishable food drive, in which students will have the opportunity to donate any non-perishable food in drop-boxes in all of campus’ convenience stores. The week will then begin with the Back on my Feet 5K on Saturday morning at the Riley Eclipse, and HHAW will also be featured at the Villanova Football game that same day.

On Tuesday, there was a Post-grad Service Fair in the Villanova Room, and on Wednesday there will be a Fair Trade Craft Fair in the Connelly Atrium.

Thursday will be “fast day,” in which students who donate will be “encouraged to give up their lunch that day as an act of solidarity with those who are affected by these issues.” All students who choose to donate a meal’s worth will be able to take part in this “act of solidarity with those experiencing food insecurity.”

Friday will consist of a research event with Dr. Janette Herbers, which will be a discussion of “risk and resilience in children experiencing family homelessness.”

This event will be held in Driscoll 246 from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. and is ACS approved.

Friday will also have a Food Drive at the Men’s Basketball game against the University of Maryland, which will be in support of the Thanksgiving Outreach Drive.

Sunday, Nov. 19 will be Pope Francis 7th Day of the Poor, in which, at St. Thomas of Villanova Church, “collections during mass will go towards hunger and

A schedule of events for Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week.

Courtesy of Villanova University

homelessness awareness week’s community partners.”

To end the week off, Monday, Nov. 20 will have the Thanksgiving Outreach Drive in the Connelly Circle from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. According to the Villanova Mission and Ministry Website, the Outreach Drive will consist of “donations of complete Thanksgiving meal boxes.” Villanova community members, including students, faculty and alumni, will have the opportunity to drop off their donations for delivery.

The Outreach Drive will also collect “Shop Rite” gift cards worth $50 that will also be donated to families who can then pur-

chase their own holiday meals.

Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week is also sponsored by organizations such as the National Student Campaign against Hunger and Homelessness, as well as the National Coalition for the Homeless, according to the mission and ministry website.

Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week has evolved from a bright idea into a tradition, sparking awareness and solidarity throughout the Villanova community. Villanova aims to “take immediate action steps” and “advocate for long-term solutions” for hunger and homelessness around the community and the world.

Wednesday, November 15, 2023

The Villanovan | 7

OPINION

OPINION

What is the Deal with Thankgiving Food?

Sofia Quaglia Staff Writer Forgive me for putting on my Jerry Seinfeld hat for a minute, but quite frankly, what is the deal with Thanksgiving food? Why do we gather on one day a year to eat the worst type of meat, weird soggy cut up bread, dessert sweet potatoes and the abomination that is green bean casserole?

I think the answer might be “because this is America,” but I do not think that answer is good enough. We need to get to the bottom of why we subject ourselves to this every year. Obviously, these were not the foods that the pilgrims brought to the table in 1621, so why do we eat them today? It should not come as much of a surprise to anyone, but the answer simply is good, old-fashioned American capitalism.

I was not aware that I had such strong feelings about Thanksgiving and it being the so-called “best meal of the year” until I found myself watching a documentary last week. There was a whole segment on the history of Butterball turkeys, which was not something I ever thought I needed to know about.

For nearly half an hour, I watched people trying to make meat that nobody would ever choose to eat into a delicious novelty for one special day a year. There was also a segment about how cranberry sauce was made because some bigwig executive demanded that cranberries be harvested faster, which resulted in him ruining the entire yield that

Villanovans express their opinions on Thanksgiving food as we approach the break.

Brooke Ackerman / Villanovan Photography

year. Somehow, that led to the creation of canned cranberry sauce.

Now, there are two whole businesses that only cater to one day.

I don’t know about anybody else, but if I was trying to make a new brand, I would use food that was already well-liked, and I would not only market it for one day a year.

Regardless of whether it would be my business venture, it is what our ancestors (and by ancestors, I do mean white businessmen in the 1950s) picked for us, and we have to deal with it. There is a silver lining in all of this.

Thanksgiving food can be good. You just have to make it good, whether that be by putting a spin on

an old classic, such as a deep-fried turkey, or carefully curating your plate with only the most edible foods you can find.

“I think it can be good as long as it is done right,” freshman Kaitlyn Walker said. She discussed how good her family’s food is and how excited she is to go home for the holiday.

Freshman Samantha Whitehair claims that there are some aspects of the Thanksgiving menu that are better than others.

“I like the mac and cheese and mashed potatoes,” Whitehair said, but she agreed that there is no need for turkey and green bean casserole on the table.

While I do not love Thanksgiving food, I know that the food that I am going to be eating on Nov. 23 of this year will be delicious because my family made it. More importantly, I will enjoy the food on my plate because I will not be adding certain foods to it.

As much as I love my mother, I will never enjoy the cranberry sauce and brussels sprouts that she makes for the holiday, but I will always be appreciative of everything she does. Isn’t that the true spirit of Thanksgiving, anyway?

In addition to my hopefully shared opinion that Thanksgiving food is just not great, I am also in the camp of celebrating Christmas the day after Halloween, so Thanksgiving takes the backseat in my holiday celebrations every year. Sure, it is nice to have some extra time off, and I like watching the parade as much as the next person, but is Thanksgiving really that great?

I personally believe that we should let the people in our lives know we are thankful for them every day. We should not only express our gratitude for our families, safety, happiness and health on one day, especially on a day where we gather around a dry turkey and a piece of pie covered with whipped cream because that is the only way it is edible.

With all of this being said, I cannot wait to sit down next week with a plate of turkey, mashed potatoes and stuffing to watch The Godfather on repeat. It might not be my favorite day of the year, but I am still an American, after all.

The Hype about Holistic Health ailments, such as hormonal acne, various media outlets will advertise Juliana Burke competing forms of treatment.

Staff Writer On the holistic side of Instagram, you will hear you need to coat For centuries, medical profes- your acne-prone skin in beef tallow.

However, on the conventional side of sionals have sought out cures for varTwitter, you will hear that you should ious ailments with intensive research, immediately begin Accutane and stunning technological advances and innovative marketing tactics. This has simply accept the daunting side effects been seen with the development of 13 that come along with it. It poses the prophylactic, FDA-approved vaccines questions to medical professionals and patients alike: which form of treatin the 21st century alone. However, despite these developments, many pa- ment is superior?

In my opinion, both are tients are turning to none other than integral parts of what it means to be Mother Nature for all that ails them. a healthy individual in the twenty-first The phrase “holistic health” century. On one hand, the vaccinarefers to a range of products and tions that have been developed to practices outside of the typical range combat deadly diseases, such as polio, of Western medicine. Rather than hepatitis A & B, diphtheria and chicksimply isolating the “problem area,” enpox, are true life-savers. holistic medicine focuses a multi-layWithout them, we would cerered approach to human health. It incorporates the physical, mental and tainly have a much lower life expectancy than the United States currently environmental aspects of a being. By subscribing to the effectiveness of the boasts (77 years). However, when it comes to the statistics of how the avholistic health movement, one must erage American has four medications, subscribe to the notion that health is the attractiveness of holistic health defined beyond physical conditions. becomes much more apparent.

Some popular forms of holistic healIt is likely that the modern ing methods include yoga, meditation teenager identifies as anxious or deand acupressure. pressed. This can be due to a variety With the politicization of all of reasons, such as sedentary living facets of American life, including due to work and school, lack of sunmedicine, much debate has been light, familial troubles and financial sparked on social media concerning whether conventional or holistic medi- burdens. When this is treated conventionally, it is typically in the form of cine is superior. Even for common

antidepressants or benzodiazepines.

However, a holistic professional will observe the problem as a whole and prescribe natural cures, such as a new exercise regimen for an individual riddled with depression, prolonged sunlight exposure for those who deal with seasonal affective disorder or talk therapy for those with traumas.

I believe that the union of both forms of medicine is wonderful, but that most long-term health conditions can either be prevented or diluted with the naturopath pillars of health. I believe depression and anxiety are real, but I also believe that if you are not taking care of your body with its basic need for movement, nutrition and deep rest, that you are not giving yourself a fighting chance against such struggles.

According to the National Library of Medicine, the number of incident cases of depression throughout the world has risen by approximately 50 percent in the past 30 years.

What has changed? One culprit can simply be existing in the age of social media, where the 10-second, soonto-be-forgotten videos that fry one’s dopamine receptors are utilized daily for recreational use.

Another culprit can be the difficulty of maintaining a nutritious diet with the expansion of companies such as UberEats and DoorDash that allows you to receive fattening, chemical-laden food without moving off the

couch.

When examining these vices that are present in everyday life, it is no wonder that so many are depressed and feel as though their only hope is to turn to medication. This leads us to examine what holistic health looks like for a college student.

It can be as simple as walking the scenic route back from class, doing assignments and homework in the sunlight or adhering to a healthy sleep regimen to prevent burnout.

Freshman Ava Hunn has utilized holistic methods to stay healthy in her first semester.

“I love to do yoga to relax my mind and body after a stressful day of studies,” Hunn said. “It is so beneficial, especially with exams on the horizon.”

While the revolution of medicine has saved countless lives, understanding and appreciating the holistic cures to health can only serve to benefit us. When a patient begins a new drug, they take a risk. It is a risk of enduring painful side effects, a lack of efficacy in its usage and even the risk that it was a bad batch.

However, if we seek to be preventative with our health through a panoramic approach, we will endure very few risks and at least a minimal increase in our overall well-being. In the words of Hippocrates, “A wise man ought to realize that health is his most valuable possession.”

Wednesday, November 15, 2023

OPINION

8 | The Villanovan

EDITORIAL BOARD

LETTERS TO THE EDITORS

The Villanovan encourages all members of the Villanova community to voice their opinions. LetVIVI MELKONIAN Editor-in-Chief ters to the editors may be submitted via e-mail to villanovan.eic@gmail.com. Letters must not MATT RYAN Associate Editor-in-Chief exceed 500 words and must be signed. No anonymous letters will be published. All submissions beJACKIE THOMAS Opinion Editor come property of The Villanovan and are subject BELLA IRWIN Opinion Editor to editing for clarity and space.

COLIN BEAZLEY Editor-in-Chief

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.

Students Should Educate Themselves on Politics, Voting Riley Haubert Staff Writer Many Villanovans are aware of the man who sits at his table on the Wildcat Path or by the Performing Arts Center and urges students to register to vote in our area.

Although he may sometimes catch us off guard when we are rushing to or from a class, the attempt to get young people to vote is an important one at this time.

The most recent Election Day has just passed, and students are reflecting on their individual decisions whether to participate.

Since Villanova is made up of mostly out-of-state students, many either have to vote absentee for their own county back home or register to vote for candidates here.

Thanks to resources on campus or elsewhere, many feel supported in being able to register.

However, the situation is a bit more complicated as far as actually being able to vote, and the process can feel very foreign and daunting for first-time voters. At

Villanova and colleges around the country, some students are just turning 18. Others have been of voting age for several years. Either way, it is important to get out and vote for politicians that align with your beliefs.

Additionally, understanding the context and significance of voting, both here in Pennsylvania and in other states, is necessary when approaching Election Day. Politicians have a particular focus on college-age students because we are a large demographic that could sway a vote. In Pennsylvania, a swing-state, each individual vote matters.

Freshman Hannah Sullivan is from California, a state that is largely Democratic and easy to predict which direction voting will go.

“When my vote didn’t count in LA, I would find other ways of supporting candidates through rallies and events,” Sullivan said.

“Going to a swing-state has changed my perspective on that.”

This is the case for a large portion of Villanova, which hosts so many who would either have to mail

in ballots to their respective counties or choose to register in Radnor.

The former option was popular among students who lived nearby or were from other swing states themselves.

Maggie Dirkes, a freshman from nearby, voted from where she was originally registered.

“I voted for my own county,” Dirkes said. “I requested a ballot to participate.”

The University has its own initiative, “Let’s Vote, ‘Nova,” that encourages students and provides them with the guidance to find polling places, switching registration location and other key information to make participating simple. Multiple emails went to students throughout the past few weeks that highlighted the ways in which Villanova could facilitate students in their voting.

There was also a shuttle service active to take students to and from the voting locations. The directions for these helpful services were discussed in an email, and additional information and communication would have been helpful for students to make use of the resource.

There will not be another Election Day for a while, but this time can still be useful. Do research on upcoming candidates wherever you are registered to vote. Figure out which of them fit your stances on issues, because they will be the ones making decisions about the legislature that coincides with them.

“It really is important to vote for candidates that align with your beliefs,” Sullivan said. “As a young woman, I find there are many issues I care about and making sure I can do my part in supporting that is vital.”

Decide what is important to you, and stick with it. If you decide to continue to be active in politics in your home county and state, research ways to support candidates from far away and how to vote absentee. It is also an important factor to keep up with recent world news to understand the climate of issues you should be concerned about.

Remember, Villanovans, you have the right to vote, and no matter where you are from, your opinion matters. Get educated about politics that matter to you.

Political Spam Texts are a Problem Srihi Surapeneni Staff Writer As America approached Election Day last week, millions of people were ambushed by political text messages, encouraging them to vote for a certain candidate or donate to various campaigns.

Thanks to a 2021 Supreme Court Decision, which ruled that consent did not need to be obtained before sending mass texts, the number of political texts being sent out nationwide is only increasing, despite the majority of Americans being fed up with these communications.

During the 2022 midterm elections, about 15 billion political text messages were sent out, according to Robokiller. This amounts to 50 text messages per cell phone in the country. Additionally, voters living in swing states are being hit the hardest with these messaging campaigns, according to the MIT Technology Review.

Political text messages are increasingly becoming a central part of candidates’ campaigns, much to the annoyance of most Americans.

Campaigns utilize these messages to encourage donations, request votes and communicate volunteer opportunities. Per NBC News, the majority of texts are sent by Republican candidates, though Democrats have also sent out a significant amount of these messages.

Though most voters have no desire to receive political text messag-

Action must be taken to cutail unwanted political spam texts.

Ryan Sarbello/Villanovan Photography

es, they’re often forced to because of data exchanges, which are immense databases of millions of American voters’ contact information.

These data exchanges are managed by brokers, who collect the data from public records before selling it off to various campaigns. Both major parties have an affiliated data broker company that they use to be able to contact voters. The vast majority of states have no laws restricting who is allowed to obtain voter data, so these companies have little difficulty in finding voter names, residences, party affiliations, voting histories and phone numbers.

The impact of these messages is felt around the nation, but not necessarily in a way that encourages voting or political participation. In 2022, the FCC reported that these

messages made up the largest group of text complaints by far.

Villanova senior Emma Pankuck affirmed this apathy toward the texts’ messages and annoyance with their frequency.

“I feel like they’ve never once been influential,” Pankuck said. “It’s more just something that I see once and then delete.”

In addition, many of these text messages contain little substance or information and are more focused on using divisive or hyperbolic language to scare potential voters into supporting their campaign. A large number of these texts are focused on smearing opposing candidates or using urgent-sounding language to make circumstances appear more dire than they really are to play on voters’ emotions.

For example, lies in these messages have included misinformation about how to vote sent to Kansas voters before a major abortion referendum, a text claiming that Biden would send 87,000 IRS agents to close down churches and other critical-sounding donation requests.

Some messages also don’t reveal their sponsors or are linked to unknown organizations, further frustrating voters who are unable to see if these messages are from real campaigns or are simply fundraising scams.

Though millions of Americans have expressed their exasperation with these unwanted communications, the government refuses to do anything to actually curtail the amount of political spam being sent around.

There are few to no laws in place protecting Americans from the seemingly unending stream of messages invading their phones in most states, and some Federal Election Commission rules also don’t apply to text messages, including disclosing sponsors or even an identity.

While these messages are more effective at getting voters to read them in comparison to phone calls or emails, they ultimately only serve to draw up fear or anger among people and frustrate voters from engaging with politics in a meaningful way.

In a time of incredible political polarization and low voter turnout, these messages are a detractor from the real issues at hand and are nothing more than a nuisance.

Wednesday, November 15, 2023

The Villanovan | 9

OPINION

The Pros and Woes of Villanova Registration Kailey Fahy Staff Writer It’s that time of year again.

About three-fourths of the way through every semester, students must look ahead to the next term and swiftly yet masterfully create what they want their schedule to look like.

This practice is not just limited to Villanova. The registration period is universal for all American colleges and universities following the semester system.

However, it is the registration procedure itself at Villanova that may differ from other schools.

At this point in time, all Villanova students have had the opportunity to register, and most students have at least preliminary schedules in place. Some students plan to take full advantage of the period until Jan. 22, during which it is possible to make changes to their schedule. Many have downloaded the app Coursicle to alert them when a spot becomes available in a required class or with their ideal professor. Some also just plan to stalk Villanova’s registration website, looking for open spots.

The process at Villanova works in the following way: seniors get to register first, and each successive grade level follows.

This can differ slightly if you have enough credits to register as the grade level above you, but

generally, most register with members of their grade.

The order of selection is the most equitable part of the whole process, as seniors, who need to fulfill their remaining requirements in the shortest amount of time, get to select first. After this semester, they will not have any more chances to complete their requirements, so it is necessary they get the classes needed.

Another reason for seniors getting first choice is that they have put their time into this registration system, experiencing the griefs of freshman year registration, so it is time for them to reap the benefits of the system now.

However, for freshmen, this system is not ideal, as they have to wait until everyone else has selected their classes before getting their pick of the litter. Still, some have it worse than others, as registration for all grade levels is divided into two days, with students randomly being placed on either of the two and at random times.

In an effort to make the process somewhat fair, Villanova swaps the days first-year students select based on what day they were the previous semester. So, a freshman who was forced to select their schedule at 10:30 p.m. on the second day this semester can take solace in knowing they will have first pick come next semester.

However, this does not help to alleviate many of the concerns of students who are now stuck

with a subpar schedule filled with 8 a.m. classes and professors who have racked up a two-star rating on “Rate my Professor.” Additionally, the system of alternating registration days ends after the first year, with sophomores through seniors assigned their respective registration times based on their number of finished credits.

Some students are calling for an overhaul of the current registration method. One proposed plan involves students being able to choose their classes in a tiered system. Everyone selects their first class at the same time and then does the same with each successive class after. This way, students can prioritize classes for their major and not get trapped with a schedule filled with all terrible classes.

However, this system likely also has its flaws. The website may crash because of the sheer volume of traffic on it and may still end up prohibiting students from getting their necessary classes.

Regardless of positives and negatives, the odds of Villanova completely overhauling this system seem slim to none. The current course of action is effective from an administrative standpoint, and the University can justify it as being somewhat fair because of priority based on grade level, alternating days (for freshmen) and credits achieved.

However, it is not just the days they received to choose their classes that had many first years

feeling apprehensive about the process. The registration software itself and confusion about how to use it also caused tangible panic amongst freshmen.

Many were not aware of the necessity of Plan Ahead and/ or CRNs, so when they logged on to actually register, they were frantically searching for their class information, wasting valuable time as the already limited spots filled up. Some even lost their codes to register and feverishly scoured their rooms and emptied their backpacks looking for the piece of paper they had written the information on, as the minutes were ticking away.

Freshman Gabriella Radford explained her take on the first-year stresses of registration.

“Luckily, I went at a time where some of my friends had gone before me, so they were able to help guide me on what to do and which buttons to press,” Radford said. “I also got to see how they did it and their experience with it before I got to go. However, if I was the first one in my group to go, I think I would have been a lot more nervous about the whole process.”

Along with the frustration of course registration comes a small sense of relief and hope.

It serves as the signal of a nearly completed semester at Villanova and a beacon of hope for a fresh start of classes, professors and experiences.

FINANCES 101: HOW TO BUILD GOOD MONEY HABITS

11/15/2023

Sponsored by JPMorgan Chase & Co

College is the ideal time to start building smart money habits College is an ideal time for students to begin their journey toward financial health by establishing healthy financial habits. While students can learn how to manage their finances in the classroom, it’s the real-time on campus experiences that present opportunities to begin practicing responsible saving and spending habits.

Yes, college students are adults, but between juggling their studies, a job, and planning for their future, most still value guidance and tools to handle their increasingly independent lifestyle. Here are some suggestions to help those looking to develop good money habits while in college.

Go back to basics: While most college students understand their spending and saving, often developing those skills through part-time jobs in high school, the increased financial responsibilities that come with college can mean it’s time for some refresher courses. Consider tracking spending for a period of time and separate expenses into “needs” versus “wants” – groceries and rent are important needs, for example, while late-night dinners with friends would be considered wants.

Build a budget After tracking monthly spending, it’s easier to develop a budget to see how much money is coming in – whether it’s from jobs, scholarships, loans, family contributions or other sources -- versus how much is being spent. Students can make sure they have enough money for their needs, figure out how much they have for their wants and determine what needs to be adjusted. Even if it seems minimal, setting aside some funds for savings will go a long way as well.

Becoming mindful of spending decisions, including the need to cut back on some “wants,” is a lifelong exercise, so getting into practice now can pay dividends in the long term.

Minimize student debt While borrowing for college might be unavoidable, there are ways to

Use credit with care Many students apply for their first credit cards in college, and cards geared toward new card holders, like the Chase Freedom Rise card, can be a great way to start building a credit history. These cards tend to have low credit limits and low annual percentage rates to help students avoid charging more than they can pay back. Students should aim to pay off their purchases each month to avoid interest charges, which will make their purchases cost more in the long term than the initial sticker price.

reduce debt as a student. Making loan payments while still in school can decrease the amount to be paid back after graduation because interest has less time to accrue. Students can also apply for grants, scholarships, and awards while in college, as many are offered specifically for upperclass students or for outstanding achievement in a field of study. Campus jobs are also available for students and can pay for room and board (like a resident assistant role) to put extra money in their pockets

The bottom line A slew of financial tools are available to help college students track their spending, saving and budgeting. Many banks also offer checking accounts designed for college students such as Chase College Checking, which allows them to manage money, view accounts, and transfer or request money all through the Chase Mobile app.

If you’re ready to start on the road to financial success or want to help your college-aged child build good financial habits to last a lifetime, visit Chase.com/StudentBanking to learn more.

VA

NO

LA VIL

DINING SERVICES

Villanova Dining Services

Happy Thanksgiving!

Please visit our website for a complete list of dining hours of operation during Thanksgiving Break.

Wednesday, November 15, 2023

CULTURE

12| The Villanovan

CULTURE

SAMOSA Puts on Kahani Performance Emma Cahill Co-Culture Editor On Saturday, Nov. 11, Villanova’s South Asian Multicultural Organized Student Association (SAMOSA) showcased its annual multicultural show in the Villanova Room. Each year, SAMOSA works hard to put on a wonderful performance that embodies and celebrates South Asian culture.

SAMOSA’s annual show is a philanthropic event, as each ticket’s proceeds go directly to charity. This year, the charity selected was The Palestine Children’s Relief Fund. This organization works to bring humanitarian aid and medical relief to children in Palestine. Each student was directed to a website to make a donation to get a ticket.

Co-Presidents of SAMOSA, Anushka Ramgounda and Andrew Abraham, along with the rest of the executive board, have worked hard to make this performance a reality.

Ramgounda discussed the initial planning phase for this event for the play chairs and outreach chairs.

“We started planning for this event at the beginning of the summer,” Ramgounda said. “Majo James and Diya Dudhia, our play chairs, wrote the script over the summer and our executive board met a few times to read

through it and make edits. Outreach chairs were reaching out to dance teams in order to create the lineup for the show.”

Additionally, Ramgounda touched on the other organizational initiatives that had to be handled in order to put on a successful performance.

“There were many things that went into planning the show,” Ramgounda said. “We had to figure out which philanthropy to donate to and fundraising method, decide the show name, design a flyer, banner and pamphlets. We also had to meet with Connelly Center and OSI staff to determine the logistics of set-up and clean-up.”

The performance planned by SAMOSA was a wonderful celebration of South Asian culture. Kahani debuted a hilarious play that parodied a well-known film. Additionally, there were multiple different groups debuting dance acts. Some of the dance groups came from organizations at Villanova.

However, there were also dance teams that traveled from out of state to be featured in this showcase. Ramgounda discussed in detail about what acts were featured in the show.

“This year, the play performed in the SAMOSA Show was Crazy Rich Indians, a spinoff of Crazy Rich Asians,” Ramgounda said. “In between each act, we had dance performances from Villanova teams and teams

Villanova SAMOSA put on their annual performance last Saturday night.

Katelyn Van Mater/ Villanovan Photography

from nearby. Some of the teams that performed are Rutgers Jhoom, The Superlative and Nova Nassa.”

In addition to these acts, there was also a fashion show that featured traditional South Asian garments.

During this segment of the show, members of SAMOSA walked the runway with these elegant outfits.

There is something for everyone in this performance to enjoy.

Whether you liked the hilarious parody, the enchanting outfits or the vibrant fashion show, this performance had a variety of entertainment. Ramgounda discussed the act that excited her most.

“My favorite part of the show

is always the dance performances,” Ramgounda said. “Every team is so talented and it is so fun to watch.”

After the show, SAMOSA provided dinner in Cafe Nova and the Dougherty East Lounge. Each audience member was provided with a green wristband that gave them a ticket to this dinner.

This year’s Kahani show was sold-out, indicative of the great quality and entertainment of this performance. SAMOSA once again debuted a wonderful celebration of culture for a great cause. To keep up with SAMOSA, follow @villanovasamosa on Instagram.

Art Exhibition: “I Am a Masterpiece and So Are You”

nitely more of a social movement.

It’s showing how taking a stand for something can be a form of art if you do it a certain way.”

As a requirement for the Everyone is an artist. Just ask class, students had to pick certain Villanova senior Kaelin Trombly. performance art movements to teach Trombly presented her and perform for the rest of the class. own art exhibition entitled “I Am a However, because of performance Masterpiece and so are You” at the art’s social significance, Trombly Oreo on Monday, Nov. 6. A comwanted to perform her piece for munication major and French and francophone studies minor, Trombly more than just her classmates.

“The point of performance presented her exhibition as part of art is to do something in public that her performance art class. makes a point and pinpoints a probTrombly’s performance art lem that you have with society or class is taught by Dr. Evan Schares, any kind of issue like that,” Trombly an assistant professor of perforsaid. “It’s to make a statement, and mance studies at Villanova.

I’m not really making a statement if “I’m thrilled to have relaunched and brought performance I’m in the security of this studio with art back to Villanova,” Schares said. five other students in it.”

“I Am a Masterpiece and so “The last time it was taught was in 2015. I think now is certainly a time are You” was inspired by the Cheap Art Movement, which originated for art and creative intervention and solutions to the many problems in 1984. This movement emphasizes how art should be available to facing our many communities right everyone, not just high-paying elites. now.”

It claims that the value of art comes Schares is one of Trombly’s favorite professors at Villanova, and not from its literal price but instead from its meaning and symbolism. she was eager to take another class “Trombly researched, with him. conceived and led her performance “We’re really close,” Trombly said. “He’s awesome, and he’s re- using the Cheap Art manifesto as her guiding method,” Schares said. ally into theatre [and] performance “The Cheap Art Movement origiart.” nated in 1984 in Vermont’s Bread Although Trombly was and Puppet Theatre as a radical, excited just to take another class with Schares, she did not have much accessible and cheap response to the corporatization of art, art making experience with performance art.

However, she quickly learned of the and art accessibility.”

“The attempt to make a deep meaning and symbolism rooted fortune off of art, especially at the in the artistic style.

“I thought that performance expense of others who cannot afford to do so, is immoral,” Trombly said. art was theatre and acting,” Trom“That’s because art is for everyone. bly said. “I thought it was going to Everything can be art. Art is subjecbe a fun acting class, but it’s defiBrendan King Staff Writer

tive. Art doesn’t have to be behind the plexiglass case or the red velvet rope or have a six-figure price tag or be in a fancy museum.”

In order to convey Cheap Art’s message of art belonging to everyone, Trombly did not just want to present her art in public on her own. Instead, she wanted to make the audience involved just as much as she was.

“If everyone can be a creator, if anyone can be art, [and] if everyone can be an artist, why not incorporate the public into my performance art piece?” Trombly said.

“Let’s prove that anyone is a creator.

Anyone can be a part of art.”

Trombly decided to set up her exhibition at a table by the Oreo because of its centralized location on campus. In keeping with the Cheap Art motif, the only materials involved were a few blank canvases and some markers.

On one canvas, Trombly wrote out the entire Cheap Art manifesto to provide students with context for the project. Other canvases included questions posed at other students who were encouraged to participate by writing their answers to each question. For example, one canvas read, “How are you, really?”

“Everyone was instructed to write ‘Fine’ or ‘I’m good. How are you?’ but there was a key right in front of it that had a [different color for each] mood,” Trombly said. “You wrote ‘Fine’ or ‘I’m good.

How are you?’ in whatever color you were actually feeling.”

Other canvases asked questions such as “What is something people would never guess just by

looking at you?” and “What are you currently worried about?” Another canvas said “Art is…” and featured a list of different ways in which art could be used to help and inspire people.

Trombly was pleased with how engaged people were with her exhibition. She liked that it gave students a unique and creative way to express how they were feeling.

“It was just really cool to see how vulnerable people were getting,” Trombly said.

Through this exhibition, Trombly hoped to convey the overall message that “art should be accessible to everyone.” She wanted to include fellow Villanova students to emphasize how “everyone is creative.”

“To me, it definitely resonated with the Cheap Art Movement because it didn’t cost anything crazy to make, it’s artwork that anyone was able to participate in and was available to anyone on campus, and I made sure to tell the manifesto to spread the message,” Trombly said.

“I just thought it was a cool way to show what I’ve been feeling, and it stresses the positive nature of art and how it’s beneficial and available to everyone.”

As of now, Trombly does not have any further public exhibitions scheduled, but she hopes to continue engaging in forms of performance art in the future.

“I think it’s something that I want to continue pursuing because it just felt good,” Trombly said. “It’s not like I necessarily volunteered or did something philanthropic, but it just felt like I was spreading a positive message.”

Wednesday, November 15, 2023

CULTURE

The Villanovan | 13

Villanova’s Campus as Hunger Games Districts Natalie Zickel Co-Digital Editor

trends and stylish sweatshirts, all imprinted with a Villanova crest. Every family member is represented in various t-shirts, as well as all the athletic programs. From blankets to baby bibs, and socks to silicone stickers, the bookstore has all the textiles a student could wish for.

This Friday, Nov. 17, Suzanne Collins’ prequel to The Hunger Games, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes will be released to theaters worldwide. In anticipation of the new movie and the cultural revival of the hit book series, The Villanovan assigned a location on campus to each district of Panem.

The Capital - Finneran Pavilion Home of three-time National Championship men’s basketball team and fierce women’s basketball team, the Finn is at the center of the campus community. From the last days of orientation to the first two rounds of the NCAA tournament, the basketball stadium has become a symbol of elegance with an aura of a competition.

District One (Luxury Items) John and Joan Mullen Center for the Performing Arts Opened in the spring of 2020, the Mullen Center for the Performing Arts has been home to concerts, musicals and plays of every genre. Designed by President Rev. Peter M. Donohue, OSA, Ph.D., the Mullen Center produces luxurious performances and stores an array of fine clothing and grand furniture for its productions.

District Two (Masonry and Defense) - John Barry Hall With welcoming twin flag poles and a Villanova “V” encrusted on the ground, John Barry Hall is the center of the University’s NROTC and ROTC programs. The hall stores an exclusive gym and training area for the cadets, furthering the defense of our country.

District Three (General Electronics) - Falvey Memorial Library The library is the hub for electronics. Constantly filled with students eagerly typing out assignments or struggling to make VPrint work

Want to learn what part of Villanova’s campus is which Hunger Games district? Tune in to see.

Natalie Zickel/ Villanovvan Digital

on at least one of the multitudes of printers, Falvey is the place for computers, iPads and distracting phones.

For any technological malfunctions across campus, the TechZone on the first floor is ready to help. In the basement of Falvey, the Idea Lab has 3D printers and laser cutters to reserve, and even various consoles to play with after studying.

dows.

District Six (Transportation) Connelly Center Whether it is the on-campus shuttle or a bus full of prospective students, the Connelly Center is the place to be for transportation. On Fridays and Saturdays, the off-campus shuttle leaves Connelly on the hour to take Villanovans to King of Prussia Mall, and on Wells Fargo game days the Campus Activities Team organizes a bus to bring students to the game.

Plenty of clubs host activities off campus, and as the Connelly Center is centrally located, it is the perfect location for transportation to pick up members.

District Four (Fishing) - West Campus Much like District Four in the novels, West Campus has the most ecologically diverse section of the University. From the turf soccer fields to the paved tennis courts and the wooded apartments to the law school swamp, there’s always a place you can find that feels completely different District Seven (Lumber) - South from the rest of campus.

Campus Surrounding Donahue Hall, District Five (Power/ Electriciamongst the freshman dorms, are ty) - Bartley Hall, Sheehan and towering trees providing shade in the Sullivan spring and gorgeous colors in the fall.

Home to VSB, Bartley runs First-year students take advantage of on flat-screen TVs of stocks and sleek these trees by hanging up hammocks classrooms with the latest technoloor providing picnics under the loomgy. Gmelich Lab welcomes students ing branches. walking in, and holds meetings for the Wildcat Fund, which manages District Eight (Textiles) - Kennethe University’s equity fund. During dy Hall the weekends and special events, The final destination to every the Quad is bursting with electricity. tour and the first stop on parent’s Sophomores run between glowing weekend, Kennedy Hall, home of the buildings, LED lights lining the winUniversity bookstore, has the newest

District Nine (Grain) - Friar Hall, The Commons There’s no debate that Holy Grounds in the Commons is the best out of the campus-wide franchise with its fine spherical ice and the assortment of freshly-made pastries.

The coffee shop is next door to The Refectory, Villanova’s own fine dining option. This tastefully designed restaurant has delicious gourmet food perfect for any event.

District Ten (Livestock) - Mendel Science Center Villanova’s science center is named after Augustinian friar Gregor Mendel, who discovered the fundamentals of genetics, which helps with cross-breeding livestock today.

Students of Liberal Arts and Sciences can take a multitude of biology courses and learn about genetics through lectures and labs in Mendel.

District Eleven (Agriculture) Dougherty Hall With two dining options and an extensive underground kitchen, Dougherty Hall is the center of all food on campus. Those who don’t want to spend a meal on stir fry or a famous Pit grilled cheese can go on the main level for a Cafe Nova burrito bowl or flatbread pizza. The options are endless in Dougherty.

District Twelve (Coal Mining) CEER, Delurey Hall, O’Dwyer Hall and Simpson Hall Katniss’s home district and the farthest from the capital, these buildings are on the outskirts of campus and have more independence than the rest. The constant construction can be maddening but at least residents can escape to the comfort of nearby Campus Corner, Goodness Bowls and Starbucks.

Thanksgiving Break: To Skip or Not to Skip?

Cali Carss Staff Writer

The holidays are quickly approaching, and with them comes the flurry of assignments, scheduling nightmares and, of course, travel plans. Officially, Villanova’s Thanksgiving Break starts after classes on Tuesday, giving students time to get home for the Thursday holiday. This gives five days total for Thanksgiving, as classes will resume the following Monday. However, many students every year decide to leave early in order to maximize time spent at home.

This causes classes on Monday and Tuesday leading into the break to look rather empty.

This phenomenon isn’t all that surprising. College is stressful, and it’s hard to blame students for wanting to be home with their family a few days early.

For freshmen, the decision to stay or not is a big one. How many classes have been canceled? Can I

afford to use an absence in one or two? Many want to see family for as long as possible but are marginally more concerned about the logistics of missing the classes in favor of traveling home.

“It definitely depends on the class structure,” freshman Emma Cote said, “Because I know people who can’t afford to miss their classes. But in my experience, my classes have been canceled pretty recently, and I don’t think it’s worth missing a weekend at home if classes are canceled last minute.”

Some may have even made plans to miss those classes accidentally, assuming break would be long enough to accommodate for Tuesday travel plans. This happened to freshman Jada Beard, who had her flight home booked before she realized there were still classes happening on campus that week.

“Luckily, my Tuesday class was canceled,” Beard said.

Upperclassmen tend to have

a much more relaxed approach to Thanksgiving Break. Some have left early every year, regardless of whether their classes were canceled or not.

Others have stayed to see the emptying campus while on their way to the classes that did meet. Either way, these students definitely understand the dismissive culture around this week.

Professors have widely varying views on the value of having class during the week of Thanksgiving Break. Some professors have never planned to have class on one of those days, canceling it weeks in advance.

Philosophy professor Yue Wang had the Tuesday of Thanksgiving week marked off her syllabus since the beginning of the school year. “[My] class only [has] a certain number of readings, and I fit them all in the schedule and still had that Tuesday to spare,” Wang said. “I also kept the Tuesday as a backup in case I had to cancel an earlier class.”

Seeing as Wang was able to have all her other classes, the last day

before break is still left free. Wang also acknowledged that all her students “would have been checked out that day anyway,” which is likely a common sentiment on campus as we approach the holiday break. Despite this, some professors stick to their class time in the face of sparse attendance, which begs the question: How worth it are these two days of class?

If one were to ask most professors and parents, they’ll probably agree that the school should be open and ongoing for all scheduled class days no matter how close they come to a break. This is by no means an unfair position to take. It’s well-known that Villanova students get a lot of days off throughout the school year.

However, when talking to students about their priorities during the week of a break, traveling home almost always takes precedence over the few classes they’ll miss. So, if many students have already written off those Monday and Tuesday classes, are they worth having at all?

CULTURE

14 | The Villanovan

Wednesday, November 15, 2023

Villanova Professor Spotlight: Dr. Erinn Lauterbach Anna Schoorlemmer Staff Writer Political science can be intimidating for many students, especially those unfamiliar with the field. Some may assume there is no reason to take a political science class if one is not interested in it for a major or minor. However, this does not have to be the case.

Villanova political science professor Erinn Lauterbach strives to make her students more active, engaged and informed citizens.

Lauterbach had not always planned on being a professor, but a series of events led her to this goal.

While she had always been interested in politics, like many of us, she originally only saw it as campaigns and elections.

“One of the semesters I studied abroad I did a semester in British parliament,” Lauterbach said. “That’s when I understood that political science was more than just elections, that it was also government. I saw that the government could help people and I got really excited about it.”

After having the opportuni-

Lexie Scibilia Staff Writer

ty to see the inner workings of the British government, Lauterbach shared that her interest in American government had heightened.

“American government is much more open and accessible than British government,” she said.

“For example, you can hop on a train to D.C. and go to the House office building. All you have to do is go through security and all of the offices of the members of Congress are there. You probably will not speak with the representative directly, but someone from the office will talk to you. In British Parliament, you cannot do that.”

Learning morsels of interesting information like this is common in Lauterbach’s classes, and this is by design. Her goal is not just to prepare students for tests and assignments, but to spark their interest in political science and government. One of Lauterbach’s classes this semester is American Government, which is one of the foundational political science courses offered at Villanova.

“In an intro class, you’re likely to come into contact with students who are taking the class because it fulfills a requirement,” she

said. “Just getting people to know enough to participate in American politics is the biggest impact I can make as a professor.”

Villanova’s goal is to create well-rounded individuals, and having professors who turn students’ attention to the world outside of the Villanova bubble is incredibly important. Whether it’s by discussing recent Congressional happenings at the start of class, offering students stamps if they need them to vote or sharing possible career options in various areas of government, Lauterbach’s classes always maintain relevance to current events.

“I don’t care who you vote for,” Lauterbach stated. “But, if I can get someone who has never voted before to vote, that is very exciting.”

In addition to American Government, Dr. Lauterbach is teaching two other courses next semester. Her favorite course, which she refers to as her “bread and butter,” is U.S. Congress. She shared an interactive project students take on in this course which is a perfect example of how class content relates to the real world.

“Each student picks a mem-

ber of the U.S. House of Representatives that they will ‘staff’ for the semester and there’s a sequence of projects where they do things they would do as a staffer in a Congressional office,” Lauterbach said.

“Examples include writing a letter to a constituent or assignments around committee jurisdiction.”

Lauterbach said that students taking this class can expect to gain valuable insight that will be helpful in a range of jobs. Even if one does not want to work in Congress, knowing how it functions is helpful for working under the executive, as a lobbyist or for those interested in law school.

She is also teaching a topical political science course called Constitution and Criminal Procedure.

It focuses on several amendments and how the interpretation of law impacts people. Students explore a variety of topics that affect Americans’ lives.

Villanova has so many great professors, and a common theme is their dedication to students’ success both in and out of the classroom.

Lauterbach’s commitment to her work and willingness to share her expertise is incredibly admirable.

Zodiac Signs as Villanova Buildings

Have you ever wondered if your astrological sign had a campus alter ego? Get ready for a unique tour where each sign finds its architectural counterpart. Let’s explore the cosmic connections between the stars and the structures at Villanova University.

Aries: John Barry Hall Like the bold Aries spirit, John Barry Hall stands with an assertive presence. The NROTC center within, a bastion of determination and competitiveness, aligns seamlessly with your energetic nature. The occasional struggle of the AC to cool down the boiling temperatures mirrors your own moments of intensity.

This building resonates with the dynamic vigor and assertiveness that define you. It’s a space where your fire finds a kindred spirit.

Taurus: Tolentine Hall Tolentine Hall, much like the steadfast Taurus, exudes reliability and strength. The numerous stairs, a testament to its sturdy character, reflect your determined nature. A constant buzz of activity mirrors your dependable and strong presence in any endeavor.

It takes a lot of effort to reach the top of this building, much like getting to know a Taurus. Yet, once you do, you’ll discover a world of stability that aligns perfectly with your own nature.

Gemini: White Hall White Hall, with its two connected buildings, mirrors the multifaceted Gemini. Just as the sign wears two faces, this building is connected to the Chemical Engineering building. The solid structure represents the strength of

Gemini’s multifaceted personality.

At the same time, the connection between the two parts signifies the seamless adaptability of both the sign and the ever-evolving field it houses. In White Hall, you’ll discover a dynamic environment that encapsulates the essence of Gemini’s versatility.

Cancer: St. Mary’s St. Mary’s encompasses everything one could need, much like the nurturing and caring nature of Cancer. It provides a sanctuary of comfort and support, often overlooked in the rush of daily life. This building is a testament to the warm and protective qualities that define your compassionate personality. You’ll find a space that resonates with your desire to nurture and provide, where you can find solace and a sense of belonging.

Leo: St. Thomas of Villanova Church Much like the regal Leo, St. Thomas of Villanova Church stands as a monument of grandeur and beauty. It exudes an air of opulence and reverence, aligning perfectly with the confident and charismatic nature of a Leo. As you step into this sanctuary, you’ll feel a sense of awe and reverence, harmonizing with your own dignified spirit. The echoes of history within these walls match the legacy that a Leo seeks to leave in the world. It’s a place that resonates with your own commanding presence. And just like you, it is the center of attention.

Virgo: Mendel Hall Mendel Hall, where precision and order are celebrated, aligns seamlessly with a Virgo’s analytical and detail-oriented mindset. This meticulously organized

space reflects the discerning and practical nature of the sign. It’s a place where precision and attention to detail are valued, much like the meticulous nature of a Virgo.

You’ll find a sanctuary of efficiency and clarity, a space that speaks to your innate sense of order.

Libra: Corr Hall Corr Hall, at the heart of peace and justice, mirrors Libra’s balanced and fair-minded nature.

Its emphasis on harmony and community fits perfectly with the sign’s desire for equilibrium. The bell tower, much like your penchant for social interactions, loves to spread the word. You’ll discover a domain of camaraderie where every voice finds its place in the chorus of collective wisdom. It’s a place that resonates with your own desire for balance and fairness in the world.

Scorpio: CEER - Center for Engineering Education and Research CEER, with its intense and focused atmosphere, is the perfect match for the determined and resourceful Scorpio. This building is for those who thrive on intensity and strategic thinking, much like the sign itself. It’s a place where passionate individuals come together to tackle challenges head-on. Kindred souls, driven by a shared pursuit of excellence, fill these halls, a space that mirrors your own relentless pursuit of your goals.

Sagittarius: Driscoll Hall Driscoll Hall embodies the caring and adventurous spirit of Sagittarius. It seamlessly blends compassion with a spirit of exploration, reflecting the sign’s love for new experiences and a genuine concern for others. You’ll discover

a space where care and adventure coexist, a place that resonates with your own generous and adventurous nature. It’s a building that mirrors your compassionate and adventurous soul.

Capricorn: Bartley Hall Bartley Hall, the fortress of the business school, mirrors the ambitious and disciplined nature of Capricorn. It’s a place where goals are set and pursued with unwavering determination. This building is a testament to the sign’s drive for success and achievement, an environment that resonates with your own unwavering commitment to your aspirations. It’s a space that encourages the unforgiving ambition that defines a Capricorn.

Aquarius: Falvey Library Falvey Library, a realm of knowledge and innovation, aligns with Aquarians’ forward-thinking and independent nature. It’s a space where ideas flow freely and independent thinkers like you find a sanctuary. This building is a hub for intellectual exploration and reflects the sign’s innovative spirit. It is a space that encourages your own thirst for knowledge and desire to push boundaries.

Pisces: Saint Augustine Center The Saint Augustine Center, with its wise and reflective atmosphere, embodies Pisces’s compassionate and intuitive nature. It’s a place of introspection and spiritual growth, much like the sign. It is a haven of insight and a deep connection to inner truths.

This building resonates with your own profound sense of compassion and intuition, a space where you can connect with your innermost self and the wisdom within you.

Wednesday, November 15, 2023

CULTURE

The Villanovan | 15

McNulty Center Hosts “This Barbie is a Boss” Panel Julia O’Keefe Staff Writer As part of “Barbie Week” the Anne Welsh McNulty Institute for Women’s Leadership teamed up with the Villanova Career Center and The John F. Scarpa Center for Entrepreneurship and Law to host a “This Barbie is a Boss Panel.”

Hosted by junior Isabelle Kellezi, the panel focused on the Barbie movie’s impact on the finance, public relations and marketing industries. Panelists included Villanova female professors Dr. Caitlin Dannhauser (VSB), Dr. Julie Pirsch (VSB) and Dr. Ashley Pattwell (CLAS). Together, these professors discussed the creative marketing and public relations strategies that led to the movie’s incredible global, economic success, while also spearheading important conversations about gender equity.

Kellezi’s opening remarks referenced how the “stereotypical Barbie” persona may be relatable for some, but not all. She disclosed that channeling one’s inner Barbie is much more than an “animated plastic dream state.”

“Barbie is a dynamic source for women’s empowerment not because she represents anything extraordinary. It’s because she represents ideas that are expected, ideas that are common sense,” Kellezi said.

Kellezi credited Anne Welsh McNulty, who established Villanova’s McNulty Institute for Women’s Leadership, as being a “real-life Barbie,” someone who used her Barbie power to found the Institute and represent women through education, advocacy, community-building and collaboration. With gender equity at the

center of its mission, the McNulty Institute continues to provide opportunities for “lifelong skills development that position Villanova women to achieve leadership success and empower both women and men to enact social change,” according to its website.

“Our goal [of the event] was to highlight the success of female director, Greta Gerwig, and her ability to inspire ‘new feminist driven purpose’ and the compounding benefits to our society,” Kellezi said.

First up on the panel was Dannhauser, who touched on how the Barbie movie benefitted the Mattel toy company financially.

Dannhauser stressed that before the movie, Barbie had been going out of fashion. Millennials’ attitude toward the toy changed, seeing it as representative of only a certain body image, and Mattel took the blunt blow financially.

“My daughters, not until recently, weren’t even allowed a Barbie,” Dannhauser said.

But, as Dannhauser said, the Barbie movie became Mattel’s “cash cow.” By adding an inclusive, feminist lens to the iconic toy, Barbie became more than a life of plastic. It became intellectual property, which Mattel capitalized on by seeking brand deals with other companies hoping to revive itself.

Next, Pirsch discussed the marketing behind the movie, asking the audience to consider where and how they saw the movie advertised around the globe. According to Pirsch, via variety.com, the movie had an estimated $150 million marketing budget, which went into brand partnerships, from Airbnb to Claire’s, Barbie selfie generators, Barbie boxes at the theaters and more, Barbie was everywhere, and its success

Three Villanova professors participated in the “This Barbie is a Boss” panel.

Courtesy of Villanova University

Professors Kellzi, Pirsch, Pattwell and Dannhauser share thoughts about the effect of “Barbie.”

Chloe Miller/Villanovan Photography

prompted Mattel to consider new toy movie franchises, such as a Polly Pocket or a Hot Wheels movie.

But is Barbie’s success sustainable? Will other toy movies be able to replicate it?

“Why did we see this and think more toy movies instead of more movies for women by women?” Pattwell said.

Pattwell highlighted the PR strategies around the movie, like the social media teaser of Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling roller blading in incredibly flashy, neon outfits. She emphasized the slogan: “The movie is for those who love Barbie and those who hate Barbie.” Those who love Barbie because they get their pink-tastic, life-in-plastic on screen, while those who hate Barbie get Gerwig’s message that there isn’t one stereotypical Barbie. Now, the brand has evolved to including a Barbie that not only celebrates all facets of girlhood, but has become a tool of advocacy, a way to spread prominent messages of feminism and gender equity.

“It set the brand free to be what was intended for such a long time,” Pirsch said.

The Barbie movie means something different for everyone, and for our professors in the business world, it means advocacy for female representation in male-driven fields.

“It’s hard to think you belong when you don’t see somewhere up there who looks like you,” Dannhauser said. “Having diversity of thought is one of the most important things that organizations can do. The Barbie mantra is going for it. I always say wear heels, so you stand up and think ‘I belong here,’ and help to move the path forward.”

For Kellezi, the Barbie movie redefined “Barbie power” as a confidence level everyone

should strive to emulate. Labeled the “Summer of Women Empowerment,” summer of 2023 highlighted powerful, influential women making a large global impact.

Taylor Swift, Beyonce, Barbie and athletes competing in the Women’s World Cup embraced femininity to leave their mark and inspire women everywhere. Gerwig’s Barbie did just the same.

“The release of this movie allowed audiences to revisit childhood memories while inspiring them to be catalysts for closing the gender gap,” Kellezi said. “The Barbie brand and movie have provided incredible takeaways that inspire scholar and student discussions, and this generation stands to benefit from all of the opportunities to tackle important social topics. I’m encouraged to do my part and by the success of the week and the student response we are eager to be a part of finally making things right.”

Kellezi closed the panel encouraging the audience to go forward and sustain their Barbie power, even with the “Summer of Women Empowerment” behind them. As Villanovans prepare to enter the workplace, do so with the women who came before you, the women who didn’t get to see 2023 Barbie come to life, in mind.

“We have been given opportunities as a result of their hard work and I feel a responsibility to make good on their efforts and continue to make strides,” Kellezi said. “I will seek to identify areas that are still far behind and build on expanding the opportunities for gender equity to be a standard in all areas of life.”

For more information on the McNulty Institute for Women’s Leadership, its mission, and its events, visit https://www1.villanova.edu/university/institutes-centers/womensleadership.html.

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SPORTS

Football Looks to Win Share of CAA Title at Delaware Owen Hewitt Co-Sports Editor Continued from pg. 1 and a Monmouth upset of UAlbany.

The Blue Hens have been excellent this year. They were ranked fifth in the FCS playoff committee’s initial top-10 reveal, though that was before they lost to Elon. They’re also still alive for the CAA’s automatic bid, but need a win against Villanova and some help from William & Mary to claim it.

On offense, the Blue Hens favor the passing game. They average 274.4 passing yards, as opposed to 160.2 rushing yards. They’re led by junior quarterback Ryan O’Connor, who has thrown for more than 300 yards in four of the eight games he’s played in. O’Connor did not appear in the Blue Hens’ games against Hampton or Towson.

O’Connor spreads the ball around on offense, with five Blue Hens having at least 20 receptions on the season. His favorite target is graduate receiver Jourdan Townsend, who has accumulated 550 yards on 36 catches this season.

The bigger end zone threat is graduate receiver Joshua Youngblood, who has caught six touchdown passes over the team’s 10 games.

As for the Blue Hens’ ground game, senior running back Marcus Yarns leads the way. He

averages 7.5 yards per carry and has scored 14 rushing touchdowns this season.

The Blue Hens have a

stellar defense, as they possess the highest defensive efficiency against the pass in the CAA. They have the Association’s lowest comple-

Gradyate receiver Rayjuon Pringle leads the FCS in yards per catch.

Natalie Zickel / Villanovan Photography

tion percentage at 51.7% and have picked off opposing quarterbacks 12 times. Graduate defensive back Khalil Dawsey has three interceptions on the season, including a 100-yard pick-six last week against Campbell.

The game will be won or lost in the battle between Villanova’s passing offense and Delaware’s passing defense. Villanova has the most efficient passing offense in the association, averaging 10.2 yards per attempt. Graduate quarterback Connor Watkins leads the FCS in yards per completion at 18.04, and graduate receiver Rayjoun Pringle leads the FCS in yards per reception at 27.88. Sophomore receiver Jaylan Sanchez is right behind Pringle in yards per reception at 24.46.

The ‘Cats have likely done enough to earn an FCS playoff bid regardless of Saturday’s outcome.

However, a win could mean that the ‘Cats get to play host to their first opponent in the playoff, while a loss would likely mean that the ‘Cats would have to go on the road.

The ‘Cats cannot travel further than 400 miles on the ground for their first round game. Villanova could see a fellow CAA team in its first round game, so long as it did not face that team in the regular season.

The ‘Cats will look to secure their third-straight win against the Blue Hens. How everything else in the playoff picture plays out is yet to be seen.

Men’s XC Qualifies for NCAA Championships, Women’s XC Fifth at Regionals Dylan Johnson Staff Writer Villanova’s men’s and women’s cross-country teams headed to Bethlehem, Pennsylvania for the 2023 NCAA Mid-Atlantic regionals this past Friday.

The men placed second overall out of 26 schools competing with 73 points. Only Princeton outperformed them, claiming the NCAA Mid-Atlantic regional championship with 41 points.

The second-place finish secured an automatic bid for the men to the NCAA championship on Nov. 18 in Virginia. The top two teams from each region get automatic bids to the championship.

The women placed fifth out of 27 schools. Though the Wildcats totalled 128 points, they were not enough to secure a team bid to nationals. However, juniors Sadie Sigfstead and Emma McGill qualified for nationals with two great performances.

On the men’s team, senior Liam Murphy led the field consistently for the 10-kilometer course.

Murphy stayed in front to claim the individual championship with a 29:05.5 time. The performance was a personal best for Murphy.

Right behind Murphy was

fifth-year Haftu Strintzos. He also kept a consistent effort throughout the course. Strintzos finished second with a time of 29:14.7.

The other four men’s runners were separated from Murphy and Strintzos. The trio of fifth-year Ryan Kredell (21st-30:06.5), sixth-year Henry Myers (24th-30:09.7) and junior Devon Comber (25th-30:16.9) all finished within 10 seconds of each other. The final runner was sophomore Jack Tavagilone (38th-30:48.0).

This was not a normal squad for Villanova. Two of its top five runners, sophomore Marco Langon and sixth-year Xian Shively, were out due to illness and injury. Myers and Comber stepped in to fill the absences. Head coach Marcus O’Sullivan was very satisfied with what the team accomplished, being down two of its top five.

“We went out with eight.

One was injured. One was sick. And they were both a part of our top five,” O’Sullivan said. “All of a sudden, the burden of the race was on [Myers and Comber]. That is why I am so excited for them.”

All five of Villanova’s scorers placed in the top-25 overall to earn Mid-Atlantic All-Region honors.

The women showed elite levels of running across the board.

As noted, they did not get a team bid for nationals, but two ‘Cats earned

individual spots for nationals.

Sigfstead has broken personal bests all season and did so again at regionals. She demolished the sixand-a-half kilometer course, recording a personal best of 19:35.5. She was crowned the individual champion of the Mid-Atlantic Region.

Her time also goes into the school record book, only behind twotime national champion Sheila Reid.

As she came down the final straightaway, the crowd was so loud she did not know Georgetown’s Melissa Riggins was closing in on her. Coach Gina Procaccio said she could not even hear her coming. “[Sigfstead] had a decent lead coming in,” Procaccio said. “It was so loud, and she did not know the girl was coming.”

Fortunately for Sigfstead, her lead into the straightaway was enough to cross the finish first.

McGill also qualified for nationals with a fourth-place finish in 19:49.2. McGill’s strong push in the final 2000 meters of the race allowed her to pass three runners to claim the fourth-place finish. “[McGill] has been pretty consistent all season. She has been the solid number two,” Procaccio said. “This is really [McGill’s] first full season and she got herself to nationals.”

With their sub-20-minute

times, Sigfstead and McGill became the ninth and 10th runners in school history to break 20 minutes in a six-kilometer cross-country race.

Closing off the top-25 in the race was junior Emily Robinson. She finished the course in 20:45.7, passing two runners in the final stretch to claim 25th place. Sigfstead, McGill and Robinson earned Mid-Atlantic All-Region honors by placing in the top 25 individually. “[Robinson] becoming All-Region was huge,” Procaccio said. “She had a very solid consistent season all year.”

Villanova was rounded out by four other strong runners.

Freshman Tilly O’Connor (34th20:52.5), junior Margaret Carroll (66th-21:24.8), senior Elizabeth Vaughn (77th-21:31.5) and sophomore Kinsey Pogue (85th-21:38.9) accounted for the rest of the team’s scorers.

While the cross-country season is over for the team as a whole, all of the women will be returning for next season with more experience under their belt.

The men’s team as a whole will prepare for nationals with a short turnaround. As for the women, Sigfstead and McGill will prepare individually to compete in nationals.

Nationals will take place on Nov. 18 in Earlysville, Virginia.

Wednesday, November 15, 2023

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The Villanovan | 17

WBB Preview: Temple and Holy Cross Finn Courtney Staff Writer

the Patriot League.

Dalce and Maddie Burke have also The Crusaders, led by fourth- impressed thus far, particularly the year coach Maureen Magarity, are leadership and rebounding success coming off one of the best seasons (7.5 per game) of Dalce and the scorAfter suffering a loss to Orein program history.

They won the ing of Burke (10.5 points per game). gon State, which was picked to finish Patriot League tournament and finFreshman guard Maddie Webber has 10th in the Pac-12, Villanova (1-1) ished with a 24-8 record, reaching the also made an impact off the bench, will look to get back to winning ways NCAA tournament for the first time averaging 4.5 points and four reagainst Temple (2-1). The game will since 2007. bounds, with potential brimming for take place this coming Sunday, Nov. The Crusaders returned better performances to come.

19, with tip-off from the Finneran nearly their entire team, but opened In their upcoming matchPavilion set for 2 p.m. their season with a challenging oppoups, the ‘Cats need to improve on The ‘Cats will stay on their nent.

They opened their season with their three-point shooting as thus far, home court for their following game a loss to Boston College.

However, they’ve connected on just six out of against Holy Cross (1-1). The game is the season still has much to come and 35 attempts (17.1%). set for Tuesday, Nov. 21, with a 7 p.m. with exciting talent like senior guard For coach Denise Dillon and tip-off.

Bronagh Power-Cassidy, the Cruher team, don’t expect any major Temple’s season has gone saders may prove a challenge for the changes to come, despite the loss at about as expected, with two wins ‘Cats.

Oregon State.

The ‘Cats open Big 5 against low-major teams and a loss to For Villanova, star junior play and look to make it two straight Georgetown. guard Lucy Olsen has been the highagainst Temple, after a victory in The Owls, led by second-year light of the squad.

Olsen’s already retheir previous matchup last Novemhead coach Diane Richardson, are corded back-to-back 20-point games, ber.

Holy Cross, however, marks hiscoming off a turmoil-filled 11-18 the first time she’s done that in her tory for both programs, as the ‘Cats season. Multiple mid-season transfers Wildcat career. and Crusaders have never clashed and injuries depleted the roster to the Fellow starters Christina before. point where they only had eight available players by the end of the season.

The Owls have not made an NCAA tournament since 2017.

This season, however, has shown promise with a season opening rout against Delaware State, an uptick in scoring from senior forward Ines Piper and solid contributions from fifth-year guard Aleah Nelson and Towson transfer center/forward Rayne Tucker.

In the AAC, Temple was picked preseason to finish ninth. The preseason outlook for Holy Cross was The Wildcats went 1-1 on their trip to the Beaver State. a bit different. It was picked to win Brian Luppy/Villanovan Photography

WEEKLY SCOREBOARD Nov. 8 - Nov. 14

Wednesday, November 8 Women’s Swim vs Penn 120.5-171.5 L Thursday, November 9 Friday, November 10 Women’s XC @ NCAA Mid-Atlantic Regional 5th of 27 Men’s XC @ NCAA Mid-Atlantic Regional 2nd of 27 Volleyball vs DePaul 1-3 L Men’s Basketball vs Le Moyne 83-57 W Women’s Basketball @ Portland 64-42 W Saturday, November 11 Rowing @ Bucknell Invite No Team Scoring Football vs Towson 33-10 W Volleyball vs Marquette 1-3 L Sunday, November 12 Women’s Basketball @ Oregon St. 56-63 L Monday, November 12 Men’s Basketball @ Penn 72-76 L

MBB Preview: Maryland and Battle 4 Atlantis Amanda McKean Staff Writer On Friday, Nov. 17, the No. 21 Villanova men’s basketball team will host Maryland at 8:30 p.m. before heading to the Battle 4 Atlantis Tournament in Nassau, Bahamas on Wednesday, Nov. 22. It will face Texas Tech in its first game at 2:30 p.m.

The ‘Cats’ first two games went as expected, as they defeated American, 90-63, and Le Moyne, 8357. However, the ‘Cats were upset by Penn at the Palestra in their first Big 5 game of the season, 76-72.

Maryland has struggled to find its footing after winning its season opener at home against Mount St. Mary’s, 68-53. The Terrapins had trouble finishing their games in the 2023 Asheville Championship Tournament, losing by three points to Davidson, 61-64, and University of Alabama at Birmingham, 63-66.

Maryland was an eight-seed in the NCAA tournament last season, finishing fifth in the Big Ten. This season, it was voted fourth in the Big Ten preseason poll.

Key returners for Maryland include graduate student and AllBig Ten point guard Jahmir Young and graduate student forward Donta Scott. Notable contributors also include junior forward Julian Reese and freshman guard DeShawn Harris-Smith, who has already secured a starting position.

Notably missing from the Terrapin squad is graduate guard Hakim Hart, who averaged 11.4 points and 4.1 rebounds last year. During the

offseason, Hart transferred to Villanova, and will now have to match up against his former team.

The Villanova-Maryland series history includes five matchups dating back to the 1984-85 season.

Villanova won its last encounter with Maryland in 2011, 74-66. Even so, Maryland head coach Kevin Willard, who previously coached Seton Hall, is familiar with Villanova.

Despite the limited history, the ‘Cats are in a good position for Friday’s game with their 2-1 record and the fact that last season, the Terrapins went 2-9 in away games.

Following Maryland, the team will travel to the “Paradise of the Bahamas” and face similar, if not less, talented competition from Texas Tech. The Red Raiders were picked to finish eighth out of fourteen in the Big 12 preseason poll.

Known as one of the most challenging in-season tournaments, the Battle 4 Atlantis is a three-day tournament over the Thanksgiving break with little rest time between games. Villanova has won the tournament twice. It won in 2013 and 2018.

Like the ‘Cats’ last season, Texas Tech failed to make the NCAA tournament and finished the season 16-16.

However, the Red Raiders have started the season in a good place with a dominant 73-46 win against Texas A&M-Commerce and a 56-42 win against San Jose State last Sunday.

Texas Tech has had a mixed couple of years with a lot of coaching staff changes. In 2019, head coach Chris Beard led the team all the way

to the national championship game in the NCAA tournament, which it lost to Virginia. Beard left for Texas in the 2021 offseason. Texas Tech then hired head coach Mark Adams. This arrangement did not last long, as Adams resigned after being suspended by the University in March for making an alleged “inappropriate, unacceptable and racially insensitive comment” to a player. The Red Raiders’ new head coach is Grant McCasland, who previously coached at North Texas.

This season, Texas Tech’s roster has undergone major changes.

The Red Raiders lost their top three scorers from the previous season: Kevin Obanor, De’Vion Harmon and Jaylon Tyson. Obanor, who averaged 14.4 ppg, exhausted his eligibility.

Harmon, who averaged 13.6 ppg, decided to enter the NBA draft. Tyson transferred with a teammate, Fardaws Aimaq, to UC Berkeley.

For the other remaining starters, the team has used four of their new transfer students. Graduate forward Darrion Williams came from Nevada and is already giving sophomore guard Pop Isaacs a run for top scorer. Graduate center Warren Washington comes from Arizona averaging 9.6 points and 6.9 rebounds with 60 blocked shots and a 56.3% field goal average. Lastly, Texas Tech picked up two of its remaining starters from West Virginia, graduate forward Devan Cambridge and graduate guard Joe Tossaint, who both averaged between around 10 points last season.

The squads team met previously in 2018, with Villanova securing a victory, 71-59. Both Villanova and

Texas Tech are in the process of figuring out their chemistry, but Villanova may have an advantage in the tournament with their two previous titles and familiarity with its challenges.

In the ‘Cats’ victories, most of the scoring for the ‘Cats has been spread out throughout almost the entire team due to the depth of its bench. In their loss, the scoring was much more concentrated.

Past Villanova stars, such as graduate guard Justin Moore and redshirt senior and forward Eric Dixon, have been contributing this season, with Moore averaging 15.5 points and Dixon averaging 7.5 points. New transfers such as senior guard TJ Bamba and graduate forward Tyler Burton are also top contributors for the ‘Cats, with Burton leading the team with rebounds and Bamba with assists. In addition, returning players such as sophomore guards Brendan Hausen and Mark Armstrong, along with junior guard Jordan Longino, made solid contributions. Hausen had a career-high 18 against Le Moyne after sinking six three-pointers, while Longino had 14 in the loss at Penn.

As long as Villanova focuses on applying the defensive pressures in both games, the offense should come to them from a variety of sources.

The Wildcats will face either Northern Iowa or North Carolina in their second game of the battle. The ‘Cats will then play a third game in three days against a team to be determined.

The game against Maryland can be viewed on Fox Sports 1, while the game against Texas Tech will be on ESPN.

SPORTS

18 | The Villanovan

Wednesday, November 15, 2023

Volleyball Goes 0-2 On Senior Weekend Genna Cottingham Staff Writer This past weekend, Villanova’s volleyball team went 0-2 against DePaul and Marquette in its final home games of the regular season.

In their match against DePaul on Friday, Nov. 10, the Wildcats had their annual Salute to Service match. On Saturday, Nov. 11, Villanova celebrated its seniors prior to its match against the Golden Eagles. The Wildcats are now seventh in the Big East, holding a 7-9 record.

Against the Blue Demons, Villanova fell 1-4 (16-25, 25-23, 19-

25, 19-25). The starters included middle blockers Madeline Barber and Kiera Booth; outside hitters Riley Homer, Abby Harrell and Skylar Gerhardt and libero Taryn Whittingham. After only winning the second set by a slim margin, Villanova failed to overcome DePaul’s seemingly continuous service aces.

Harrell had 14 kills and 14 digs in the match, Booth contributed 13 kills across the four sets and senior Andrea Campos had 40 sets on the night. Whittingham contributed 23 digs for the ‘Cats, while Villanova had a team total of six blocks with Barber, Booth and Harrell all contributing two for the team.

The Wildcats celebrated their seven seniors prior to their match against Marquette.

Courtesy of Villanova Athletics

Villanova has two matches left before the Big East Tournament.

Brian Luppy/Villanovan Photography

“We have seven kids,” head coach Josh Steinbach said regarding the senior players. “They have been fantastic volleyball players and just fun people to be around. I get emotional at each senior night and this one was no different.”

A day later at its home court again, Villanova was defeated by the Golden Eagles in four sets (2519, 23-25, 17-25, 16-25). Winning the first set, the Wildcats failed to uphold their defense against Marquette as the match continued. The Golden Eagles increased their score margin from the third and fourth sets to win the match, to increase their conference record to 14-2 as they now sit at second in the Big

East.

Campos had 37 assists to help the ‘Cats, along with three aces. Whittingham contributed 20 digs, Harrell added 14 kills and eight digs and Booth had 14 kills and nine digs.

Looking ahead, Villanova will have one final week of the regular season as it takes on tenthProvidence in Rhode Island on Friday, Nov. 17 and eleventh UConn on Saturday, Nov. 18. The Friars currently hold a 2-14 record, while the Huskies are last in the Big East.

“It’s hard to win on the road but if we work hard, play hard and stay together, we’ll be in a position to win both games,” Steinbach said.

Rowing Closes Out Fall Races With Bucknell Invite Amanda McKean Staff Writer Last Saturday, Villanova’s women’s rowing team closed out its fall season at the Bucknell Invite in Shamokin Dam, PA, where two out of its three boats finished first in their respective races.

“The team was excited and ready to see how they stack up against a historically formidable competitor,” head coach Carissa Adams said. “I think we always end up having good competition there on a good race course. The conditions were excellent, there was little to no wind, the sun came out, it was flat water, very nice conditions and a great opportunity to go against Bucknell.”

The Wildcat’s Novice Eight crew started the day with tough competition against three of Bucknell’s Novice Eights. The V8 team, besides junior Gianna Zajac, featured mainly under classmen and walk-ons, including sophomores Maeve Bonass, Emmi Stanton and Alexa Sitterly and freshmen Natalia Brozyna, Rachel Patrykus, Taylor Pansy, Katie MacClary and Meg Wolfand. The young crew finished third, crossing over with a time of 7:12.69.

“I thought they did a really good job,” Adams said. “This was their first 2K so it was good to give them a taste of what our spring racing season will be like. I was proud of their performance and how they came together.”

The young boat’s time was

Jadyn Ramos, Cecilia Jenkins and Anna Flynn and fifth-year Dempsey, built their lead early on in the first 1000 of the race.

Although the Bison threatened, the ‘Cats held their lead throughout the second half of the race, winning by an 11-second difference and claiming their best time of the day of 6:43.15.

A large part of this victory, according to Dempsey, came from the coxswains.

“The coxswains are super important at keeping the energy up for the boat,” Dempsey said. “One really important thing for me that I get from the coxswain is that we as rowers want to keep our heads The Wildcats will now focus on fitness and bonding during their offseason. straight and not look out of the boat Courtesy of Villanova Athletics at all so coxswains are super importjust six seconds behind the Bison’s Pauli and freshmen Hannah Jenkins, ant to letting us know where we are winning A-boat and four seconds MaKenna Davis, Mary Tracy, Sage in relation to other crews. We took a lead against Bucknell boat pretty behind their winning B-boat.

Santora and Silvana Torres, the early on in the race so it’s up to our “I think the freshmen are squad had a 12-second edge over coxswains to let us know that and doing really great so far with imthe Bisons, finishing in 7:03.12. use that as a form of encourageproving and adding to the culture “I thought the 2V8 had a ment to keep trying to lengthen the of the team,” graduate student and really strong race,” Adams said. co-captain Kara Dempsey said. “I “We had made a few lineup changes gap.”

Looking forward to the know that it is a really hard adjustand I think that served us well. They training on land rather than water ment for a lot of freshmen coming looked really confident going down in the winter, the ‘Cats are focused in. As a freshman, when I walked the race course. We were missing on two things during their off seaonto the team, it was really hard for one of our team members from our son: fitness and community. me. Now I’m a fifth-year, and I’ve 2V8 so we took one of the walk-on “That time is important for been doing it for five years. I think boat’s rowers, freshman Mary Tracy, us to work on our fitness,” Dempsey the friends that you make on the and she did a fantastic job.” said.

“This is more challenging team can really make or break the In the third and final race of mentally because being on land is experience so the community aspect the day the ‘Cats put forth some of is really important to it as well.” their best upperclassmen. The crew, completely different from being out The Wildcat’s 2V8 boat composed of sophomores Sarah Ro- in a boat on water so I think it will be really important for our team to gave the entire team its first win of billard and Maggie Coyne; juniors just focus on our goals and keep rethe day. Composed of senior Julia Isabella Thorne and Kira Capaldi Kreisi; junior Grace Quirk; sopho(who is a recent transfer from Buck- minding ourselves of where we want to be when the spring rolls around.” mores Cate Donnelly and Sabrina nell) and seniors Madison Girard,

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