WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 18, 2020 www.villanovan.com @thevillanovan
STUDENT-RUN SINCE 1916
VOLUME 111 | ISSUE 18
COVID-19 Tracker p. 2 Public Safety Blotter p. 2 Africana Studies Hosts “Black Perspectives on the Election” p.2
University Sees Spike in COVID-19 Cases as the Semester Draws to a Close
WXVU Partners with Germantown Community Radio p. 3 John F. Scarpa Foundation Gifts Law School Millions p. 3 Community Gathers for Virtual #EndSARS Vigil p. 4 Students Host Forum Discussing Armed Police on Campus p. 4 Letter from the Editor: Thank You, Villanova p. 5 The Catastrophe of Course Registration p. 7 Gratitude and Perspective: Lessions from the Pandemic p. 8 Watershed Pictures p. 10 Student Business Feature: Lashed By Mota p. 11 Business in Healthcare Society p. 13 Nova Fashion Swap: Saying No to Fast Fashion p. 13 Villanova Theatre Takes on “Bakkhai” p. 13 Men’s Basketball Team Gears up for Empire Classic p. 14 Men’s Soccer Alumni Receives Supporter’s Shield p. 14 Swim and Dive Holds Award Event for 201920 Season p. 15
The change in fall weather also brough a change in active COVID-19 cases to the community in the month of Novemeber. Courtesy of The Villanovan
Emily Cox Co-Editor-in-Chief Cate McCusker Co-News Editor After consistently reporting low numbers on the campus dashboard, the University saw a spike in cases over the past week. On Tuesday, Nov. 10, 21 new cases were reported, bringing the estimated campus total to 41 active cases. The trend continued for the next few days with a semester record high of 29 new cases reported on Wednesday, Nov. 11. The number of new cases has since decreased, with only 2 new cases reported that Friday. With 101 estimated active cases and 70 students in on-campus isolation and quarantine as of Tuesday, Nov. 17, students are feeling the effects of this spike. Last Thursday, Dean of Students Tom DeMarco announced that all extra-curricular, in-person programming events would be virtual for the next two weeks to help mitigate the spread of the virus. Several events, from the final Community First Wonder-Fall events to acapella rehearsals, had to be cancelled. “Cases currently appear to be dispersed throughout the community and there is no evidence of a single super-spreader event leading to positive cases,” DeMarco wrote. “Most clusters of positive cases appear to be among groups of friends who interacted at social gatherings.” Along with social gatherings off campus, there have been an increase in confirmed reports of students not wearing masks when gathering in classrooms and other spaces on campus. Additionally, not only did the increase in cases come from the undergraduate
population, but there was some increase in cases among graduate students at the University as well. J.J. Brown, Director of the Office of Student Involvement, contacted student organizations shortly after DeMarco’s email reached student’s inboxes. “This is to promote a focus on academics and to keep things very low-key for these remaining days,” Brown wrote in regards to the cancellation of in-person, non-academic events. “I am asking that you use your influence and your leadership these last two weeks to remind everyone to recommit so we can finish the semester on campus and continue to prove that we can, in fact, have an on-campus collegiate experience.” All athletic events were also cancelled for the rest of the semester. Only the men’s and women’s basketball teams, who are following an approved testing protocol, are able to continue practicing in anticipation of their respective seasons starting in November and December. “We have been closely monitoring the recent increase in positive COVID cases on campus, and we are adjusting our athletics activities to support the campus plan to minimize large group gatherings,” Athletic Director Mark Jackson said. “There is not an outbreak of COVID cases in athletics, but like all areas of campus, we remain committed to doing our part to put Community First to ensure that our on-campus living and learning experience can continue. At this time, all athletic activities that take place outside of an approved testing protocol are suspended for the remainder of the semester.” While the basketball teams continue to prepare in-person for their seasons, other teams will resume practice in
January, for the time being. The women’s rowing team has been one team in particular that has had to adjust to a wide range of circumstances since March. “It is like a track athlete training on a treadmill for a 100 meter sprint race; it simply is not the same,” head coach Carissa Adams said. “That being said, I recently read an article that said the pandemic is teaching out athletes grit. As coaches and leaders, we must continue to compete for our teams but also zone in on the things that our teams are gaining by enduring the pandemic that will help us be competitive on the water... when we get back on.” This has not been the first spike in COVID-19 cases at the University this fall. Occurring in late September, a spike forced the community to readjust and remember health and safety guidelines. Similar to the earlier spike, the University has been fully able to manage cases and remains wellequipped and well-resourced to do so for the remaining weeks. Assistant Dean of Students Nick Tumolo saw this November spike as a combination of a variety of factors. “It’s the end of the semester; the fatigue is at the greatest in terms of compliance,” he said. “The weather has frankly been gorgeous and that promotes just a lot of being out and about. The election happened, so there was a lot happening around that. Halloween, which was now three weekends ago, had higher activity. So, I think it was a combination of all of those things.” Tumolo also pointed to the current nationwide spike in cases in relation to the one seen on campus. “We have to remember that Villanova is a microcosm of society, of the local area and
larger community,” he said. “Cases are rising everywhere, and in many ways, we are a reflection of that.” The administration does not have data to tie the spike to any particular group or particular event, as reiterated by DeMarco and Tumolo. “This is just me speaking as a Villanovan, but it is presumably a totality of the circumstances of the past couple weeks, Tumolo said. “I feel like everyone was asking for the why, and I do not have any data to support this, but just annectodely, and I think I have a good pulse on the student body, over the past couple of weeks there has been a lot going on.” Recalling the spike that occurred in September, Tumolo noted nearly four or five days of higher cases. Cases that month suddenly rose, plateaued for a few days, then decreased to numbers the community was used to seeing each day. “If we look at that as precedent in September, I am hoping that we’re plateauing, and then we will start to go back down,” Tumolo added. “I was worried our numbers were going to double.” On Tuesday, Nov.17, only five positive cases were reported on the University’s dashboard, a stark difference from the 29 cases seen on the Wednesday prior. “I’m hoping that we use this as an opportunity to remember that things are still fragile,” Tumolo said. “Be that encouragement. Be that reminder that we have made it for 15 weeks, and we can make it for 10 more days if we do what we need to do.” Despite cases starting to plateau this week, some students have returned home earlier than expected in order to mitigate the spread on campus and lessen the risk of returning home infected with the virus.
2 | The Villanovan
News Opinion Culture Sports
1 5 10 14
PUBLIC SAFETY BLOTTER
VOL. 111 | ISS. 18 www.villanovan.com @thevillanovan
EMILY COX TYLER KEMP ARIANA MEGERIAN RYAN HARMS CATE McCUSKER JACK ROBERGE GRANT CARTER A.J. FEZZA MADDIE BURKE BILLY VINCI HELENA ERNST MOLLY BAKER CHRISTINA IGLESIAS
Wednesday, November 18, 2020
NEWS
Editor-in-Chief Editor-in-Chief Digital Editor News Editor News Editor Opinion Editor Culture Editor Culture Editor Sports Editor Sports Editor Photography Editor Copy Desk Chief Copy Desk Chief
MICHAEL BRADLEY Advisor DEENA SMITH Advisor CONTACT villanovan.eic@gmail.com
Liquor Underage October 14 St. Clare Hall Two female resident students, under the age of 21, were evaluated for alcohol intoxication. Public Drunkenness / Liquor Underage November 14 Main Campus Grounds A female resident student, under the age of 21, appeared in public and was evaluated for alcohol intoxication. Public Drunkenness / Liquor Underage November 14 Alumni Hall A female resident student, under the age of 21, appeared in public and was evaluated for alcohol intoxication.
Liquor Underage November 14 St. Clare Hall Five female resident students, two male resident students, and one female non-affiliated visitor, under the age of 21, were evaluated for alcohol intoxication. Criminal Mischief November 15 Caughlin Hall Unknown individual(s) intentionally damaged shower curtains. The value of the damaged property is unknown.
2020 Nursing Career Day November 20 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Virtual Service Learning Partnership Event November 20 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Virtual
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.
Final Day of Classes November 23 All Day
Final Examinations December 2 All Day
Mindfulness Monday November 23 12:30 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. Virtual
Final Examinations December 3 All Day
Final Examinations November 30 All Day Final Examinations December 1 All Day
When President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris were announced the victors of the 2020 presidential election, many people were happy to celebrate in the streets, retire to their homes and give no further thought to politics. However, many still had worries on their minds, acknowledging the vast amount of work left to do. Such were the esteemed panelists of the Africana Studies Program’s “Black Perspectives on the Election,” who shared their opinions on the role of the Black community in modern United States politics via a virtual panel held last Thursday. Political Science Professor Camille Burge, the event’s host, began the night by giving a brief overview of the election and more specifically the Black community’s role in delivering a Biden-Harris victory. She referenced exit poll data suggesting that over 90% of Black women and 80% of Black men voted for Biden. She also made reference to Biden’s and Harris’s victory speeches. “Especially at those moments when this campaign was at its lowest ebb, the African American community stood up again for me,” Biden said. “You’ve always had my back, and I’ll have yours.”
269,613 11,542,077
Final Examinations December 4 All Day
United States
54,328,752
Final Examinations December 5 All Day Final Grades Due December 8 12:00 p.m.
Reverend Pamela Lightsey, Vice President of Meadville Lombard Theological Seminary, shared her personal role in standing up for Biden. She described the Black Church PAC, the only political group committed to the Black community’s interests and her reluctance to work with it, given its stance on the LGBTQ+ community, to which Lightsey belongs. “There are some crises, some evils, some harms that are so horrible, which threaten the survival of entire people, that groups that might not otherwise collaborate find that they are willing to come together for some common cause,” Lightsey said. “Ours was the end of this current administration.” Lightsey went on to start the Black Political Collective, which advocates for the political interests of the Black community and amassed over 5,000 followers within a three month period. Jacqueline Rivers, Lecturer in African American Studies at Harvard and Executive Director of the Seymour Institute for Black Church and Policy Studies, argued that it is obvious that the African American community stood up for Biden, but it is doubtful if he will do the same for them. She described Biden’s ascent from achieving fourth and fifth places in early caucuses, like Iowa and New Hampshire, to becoming President-elect.
Delaware County, Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania
Worldwide
University’s Africana Studies “Black Perspectives on the Sarah Sweeney Staff Writer
363
16,736
CORRECTIONS
Reading Day November 24 All Day
CONFIRMED POSITIVE CASES AS OF 8:00 P.M. TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 17
Villanova University
CAMPUS CALENDAR BRIDGE Society: Networking & Mentoring Event Focused on Careers in Law, Government, and Politics November 18 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Virtual
COVID-19 TRACKER
Program Election”
“It was when they started counting our votes that it started turning around,” Rivers said. Rivers shared her belief that Biden and the Democratic party as a whole take Black votes for granted, giving them very little in return for their loyalty. She described her reaction to Biden’s proposed economic policy to create thousands of new jobs as laid out on his website. “How are you going to make sure our children will be prepared for the new jobs?” she asked. “Is there going to be real structural change in terms of racial justice? Where is Joe Biden on reparations?” She concluded with her belief that the Black community needs to make Democrats earn their vote. Although she does not believe the Republican party offers anything substantial to Black voters, she argued, “With the margins so narrow...we can make Democrats pay just by not turning up [to the polls].” “We need temporary alliances based on our shared interests,” Rivers said, arguing the Black community should have “no permanent loyalties to either party.” Margaret Kimberley, Senior Editor at Black Agenda Report and author of “Prejudential: Black America and the Presidents,” shared similar sentiments of Black
Hosts Panel
Americans being trapped in a two-party duopoly, with neither representing their interests. “The foundational anti-Black racism in this country dictates that one of these parties will be viewed as the white people’s party and the other as the Black people’s party,” Kimberley said. “But even the Black people’s party is loathed to actually act on behalf of their most loyal constituents.” She emphasized that “now is not a time to breathe a sigh of relief,” highlighting Biden’s problematic history, from voting against school bussing to achieve racial desegregation of schools in the 1970s to bragging about his 1990s crime bill doing “everything but hang people for jaywalking.” Shealsotoo turned her criticism to Harris, citing her mass incarceration of Black men as California’s Attorney General, calling her the “favor of Wall Street.” Kimberly closed with a call to action. “We can’t be concerned about the new President-elect and Vice President-elect,” she said. “They should worry about us and our ability to move in unison... This is not the time for sentiment. Kamala Harris and the President-elect must make good on their words of thanks to Black voters. Talk is cheap. It is up to us to ensure that their words have some meaning.”
Wednesday, November 18, 2020
The Villanovan | 3
NEWS
President Donald Trump Still Refuses cede as He Initiates a Series of Julia Butch Staff Writer The United States presidential election took place on Nov. 3, but debate around the results has been ongoing. President Donald Trump has still refrained from conceding, despite electoral vote counts favoring President-elect Joe Biden. President Trump has initiated a series of lawsuits to stop certification of the vote or turn it over in Michigan, Arizona, Wisconsin and Georgia. However, he is struggling to gain support from other Republican lawmakers. Jeff Mason, Reuters White House Correspondent, stated, “Republican leaders do not want to overturn the will of the people in their states… the majority of the voters voted for President-elect Biden and that’s why he won those states.” Jason Lemon of Newsweek suggests that one reason Trump’s claims aren’t gaining traction is an apparent lack of evidence. “Trump has refused to concede, baselessly claiming — without providing evidence — that the election was decided through widespread voter fraud,” he wrote. Some state leaders have echoed this sentiment. “I do not see, short of finding some type of fraud — which I haven’t heard of anything — I don’t see us in any serious way addressing a change in electors,” Rusty Bowers, Arizona’s Republi-
President Donald Trump at a press conference. Courtesy of USA Today
can House Speaker, said. While Trump hasn’t gained widespread support for the lawsuits and many have already been dismissed, some Republican legislators feel that Trump still may have a path to maintaining the presidency. “I believe President Trump still has a path to victory and that path is to count every single legal vote that was cast,” Senator Ted Cruz recently said. Additionally, Senator Lindsey Graham has also expressed concern over the accuracy of vote counting, arguing that Republicans should “challenge and change the U.S. election system.”
During a segment on Fox News, Jeff Mason suggested that “it’s possible that we may never see a concession at all from President Trump,” adding that it will be at least until December until he starts getting pressure to do so from those around him. Past presidents have expressed concern over Trump’s lack of immediate concession, suggesting that it threatens the United States democracy. “The peaceful transfer of power, the notion that any of us who attain an elected office, whether its dog cats or a president, are servants of the people,” Barack Obama said. “It’s a temporary job.
to ConLawsuits
We’re not above the law. That’s the essence of our democracy.” Former President George W. Bush has also released a statement acknowledging Biden’s victory. “I extended my warm congratulations and thanked him for the patriotic message he delivered last night,” he wrote. “Though we have political differences, I know Joe Biden to be a good man, who has won his opportunity to lead and unify our country.” Senator Bernie Sanders, who lost in the Democratic primary, has also chimed in. “Trump will have the distinction of doing more than any person in the history of this country in undermining American democracy,” he said. President-elect Biden also made his opinion clear during a speech in Delaware. “I just think it’s an embarrassment, quite frankly,” he said. “How can I say this tactfully? I think it will not help the president’s legacy.” As far as the next few months, Will Grant of BBC News summed up the likelihoods. “The Democrat has 306 votes in the Electoral College — the system the U.S. uses to choose its president — which far exceeds the 270 threshold to win,” Grant wrote. “Any recounts or legal challenges are not expected to overturn the overall result.” Trump is not backing down, though, and recently tweeted, “I concede NOTHING!”
WXVU Partners with Ger- John F. Scarpa Foundation mantown Community Radio Gifts Law School Millions Emily Cox Co-Editor-in-Chief 89.1 WXVU, the University’s student-run radio station, has partnered with Philadelphia’s award-winning Germantown Community Radio, 92.9 WGGT-LP, to provide more diverse, locally-oriented programming to the WXVU audience. Student radio began at the University in 1947 when returning GIs built a closed circuit AM carrier current transmitter, located since 1955 in Dougherty Hall. The station’s original call letters were WWVU and later WKVU 640 AM. Sporadic attempts to “go FM” came to fruition with the birth of WXVU 89.1 FM in 1991. WXVU will air “The (Not So) Hidden Agenda,” with host Stephanie Heck, “The Wake-Up Call” with host Janet Etzi, “Planet Philadelphia” with host Kay Wood, “The Volta Way” with Lois Volta, the Info Hub Radio Hour and “Q-The Mic.” These programs feature discussion of local issues and affairs, including interviews with local artists, authors, actors, politicians and activists about their work in the local community and beyond. The collaboration between
the two stations will allow WXVU to offer a more diverse programming palette, with an emphasis on bringing awareness of topics relevant to the greater Philadelphia Area. Recently, Germantown Community Radio was awarded a significant grant from Philadelphia’s COVID-19 Community Information Fund as a reflection of its impact. This partnership amplifies Germantown Community Radio’s reach into the Main Line through WXVU’s over-the-air signal at 89.1 FM, as well as with WXVU’s worldwide reach from streaming 24 hours a day, 7 days a week online. 89.1 WXVU shares the frequency with Cabrini College’s 89.1 WYBF, though from the start of the COVID-19 pandemic through August, WXVU broadcasted on the frequency continuously, sharing timely news updates along with music programming. WXVU’s fall programming lineup currently features 34 student-run shows. WXVU’s 100-watt FM signal on 89.1 covers a 15-mile radius in portions of Delaware, Montgomery, Chester and Philadelphia counties, including Radnor, Lower Merion, Plymouth, Broomall, Havertown and Conshohocken, and can be heard Tuesdays, Thursday, Saturdays and Sundays.
Chloe McAloon Staff Writer On Nov. 12, a $15 million gift from the John F. Scarpa Foundation to the Charles Widger School of Law was made public by University President Rev. Peter M. Donohue, O.S.A., Ph.D. Scarpa’s gift will initiate a new phase of entrepreneurship initiatives and scholarship. The Law School building is to be named John F. Scarpa Hall in recognition of Scarpa’s lifetime generosity of over $20 million to the University. Scarpa’s giving has fostered entrepreneurial expertise, innovative thinking and collaboration across the University. In 2015, Scarpa’s $5 million gift established the John F. Scarpa Center for Law and Entrepreneurship in the School of Law, which has nurtured academic and practical discussions concerning entrepreneurship and law. In 2020, Scarpa’s $15 million gift — the largest made to date — will further develop the success of the Scarpa Center. Generous funding will expand the current portfolio of academic and programmatic offerings, influencing new innovation among Villanova students and prospective entrepreneurs. The Scarpa Foundation’s gift will establish an endowed faculty
position, supporting the school’s core “where law meets business” philosophy. The John F. Scarpa Endowed Professor in Entrepreneurship will serve as a teacher-scholar, thought leader and change agent in entrepreneurship and innovation. The Scarpa Foundation’s gift will also fund extensive services and resources for the Law School, including a program for Villanova Law students to provide guidance to others pursuing entrepreneurial endeavors, strategic support for entrepreneurial and experimental approaches in Law School operations and scholarship for students dedicated to entrepreneurship and innovation. The Innovation, Creativity and Entrepreneurship Institute will host an annual venture competition in which students will compete for seed funding. According to John F. Scarpa, former Co-Chairman and Founder of American Cellular Network Corporation and Co-Founder of UNITEL Wireless Communications Systems, “This new investment will foster an entrepreneurial mindset across campus...inspir[ing] tomorrow’s leaders who will change the world for the better.” Scarpa understands that “we need innovative leaders to tackle challenging issues with bold solutions.”
4 | The Villanovan
Wednesday, November 18, 2020
NEWS
Villanovans Gather for Virtual #EndSARS Vigil Jackie Thomas Staff Writer On Nov. 11, the African Caribbean Villanovans (ACV) hosted a virtual vigil honoring the lives lost to Nigerian police brutality in the End SARS movement. Attendees came away with a fuller understanding of the history and contemporary issues surrounding Nigeria’s militarized SARS police force, thanks to speakers’ testimonies and thought-provoking discussions between participants. Members of the ACV organization opened the vigil by stating its purpose: To encourage attendees to listen, learn and discuss both the atrocities of SARS and the movement that sprung up in response and to honor the victims of the Oct. 20 Lekki Massacre and those who face police cruelty every day. Dr. Chiji Akoma, the vigil’s first speaker and chair of the University’s Global Interdisciplinary Studies Department, discussed the history of SARS. He emphasized a militaristic culture in policing dating back to the 1990s and discussed the creation of SARS, the Special Anti-Robbery Squad, in 1992. “SARS was a special squad given basically a license to kill,” Dr. Akoma said. “The more power they were given, the more they became the problem, rather than the solution.” Akoma cited “a culmination of forces” spurring current unrest. Although Nigerians have decried the actions of SARS for decades, he said that today’s unstable economic conditions and political corruption, both compounded by COVID-19, have worsened the already-grim circum-
stances. He also recounted the Lekki Massacre, a protest where SARS and members of the Nigerian Armed Forces opened fire on End SARS protesters as they peacefully waved flags and sang Nigeria’s national anthem. At least 12 people were killed. Akoma stressed the role of Nigerian youth and young adults in protests and the End SARS movement. SARS officers commonly target young people to extort for money and needlessly brutalize, and these young Nigerians have taken on the mission of change themselves. Following Akoma’s contextual explanation, senior Chidinma Chioke spoke about her personal experience with SARS and the resulting coalition for change. Chioke, who grew up in Lagos, Nigeria, described her older brother’s run-in with a SARS unit who stopped and robbed him. Poignantly, she asked, “If the police are the ones robbing you, who are you supposed to call for help?” However, Chioke expressed hope toward the efforts of the End SARS movement, noting its mission not only to address issues in the police force but also to make fundamental political change in Nigerian government. She described End SARS as showing a new political consciousness in young people. “The End SARS movement was the first time in my experience as a young person from Nigeria that I saw this collective effort to hold the government accountable,” Chioke said. Chioke honored those who have lost their lives for the movement, saying that she was disheartened by victims’ innocent deaths
Young Nigerians are often targeted by police officers. Courtesy of Getty Images
but remained hopeful for “a better Nigeria and a better future.” Junior Ogochukwu Okpala spoke next, addressing the movement from her perspective as a first-generation Nigerian American. She provided personal stories from her father’s experience and gave a passionate testimony, reflecting on Nigerians’ suffering at the hands of the police and connecting this issue to police brutality in the U.S. “Why is it that those with the most power cause the most pain?” Okpala asked. “Will there ever be a time when Black people, American or not, can go to the authorities and be served and protected?” Okpala ended with a call for action, encouraging attendees to write letters, sign petitions and get meaningfully involved in helping the End SARS movement. “Too much death and too much pain has happened for this to be just another hashtag,” she said, adding, “Anything is better than nothing. Silence is violence.” Jermain Bromell, Class of ‘95, spoke last, reaffirming the need for advocacy and action. He applauded members of the ACV
organization for their work. “Let me commend you all for your voice and your leadership to keep this issue elevated,” he said. Bromell also shared and reflected on several quotes by Martin Luther King, highlighting the need for patience, resilience and determination in movements for racial justice like Black Lives Matter and End SARS. “We wrestle with the challenge of change happening incrementally, but we also need to know the fierce urgency of now,” he said. After speakers’ points and testimonies, freshman Chinemerem Chukwu led a moving remembrance of SARS’ recent victims. Individuals’ names and pictures were displayed on the screen alongside a flickering candle as Chukwu read each name aloud and viewers participated in a reverent moment of silence. Ending the vigil, ACV members Bergeline Lysaire and Kimora Cuffy shared resources for viewers to learn more and take action through supporting protests, signing petitions and writing letters to bring awareness and assistance to the End SARS movement.
Community Joins a Student-Hosted Open Forum Discussing Armed Police on Campus Sarah Wisniewski Staff Writer On Nov. 12, a forum was held virtually for students to discuss and share ideas about policing on campus. The effort was organized by Em Friedman, a graduate assistant in the Gender and Women’s Studies Department, Daryl Jucar representing Get Woke Nova, Kashae Garland of VU Pride, the Student Government Association, the Director for the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and William Horne from the Villanova Anti-Racist Alliance. Each group, represented by the individuals above, joined the forum due to its beliefs in ending police violence, especially racially-biased offences, against Black, Indigenous and students of color. Students joining the forum were encouraged to share personal experiences, voice concerns regarding the University’s campus police and develop a plan for the future to address these concerns. Friedman from the Department of Gender and Women’s studies voiced her hopes of forming a coalition after the discussion in order to disarm campus police and
curb investments into policing and prisons. “Villanova, I have noticed, is a more conservative school and I believe that inhibits organizing,” Friedman said. “I come from the SUNY schools where there is a really strong student organizing thread. Part of having this conversation was to open up the discussion for students and better understand what is going on.” Students who joined the forum were provided background about the Public Safety Department at the University prior to discussion. It was noted Public Safety employs 67 individuals, including 11 sworn police officers. The main issues discussed were having armed guards on campus, too much funding allocated to the department and policing disproportionately affecting various groups on campus. The forum began with Friedman introducing herself and inviting all participants to speak freely about their opinions and thoughts. Students were then invited to introduce themselves and explain their reasons for attending the event. Answers varied across students and departments represented. Notably, there were students of color who joined the
forum in order to expose the negative experiences they have had with campus police. There were also a handful of Resident Advisors who voiced their discomfort in being trained to call the campus police for certain incidents. One Resident Advisor, who was also a student of color, explained that she is not comfortable interacting with police officers, and therefore she does not always feel comfortable handing a situation over to them. Other students were simply at the forum as allies and listeners to better understand the ongoing situation at the University. After introductions, Friedman explained that one of the most voiced concerns she heard from the group was the question of having armed guards on campus. “Why there are armed police on campus is kind of unclear, and a lot of universities have been struggling with the same question,” Friedman said.“Nationally, we are in a time where we are seeing how overfunded police are, and it is sort of an untouchable position. People feel really ideologically invested in policing.” The forum continued with further discussion, and more stu-
dents voiced their concerns about the University’s policing. A list was created by Friedman as discussion went on, which included issues such as Resident Advisors being told they receive more human interaction training than Public Safety officers, students of color being racially profiled on campus, armed guards creating an illusion of safety, a lack of transparency and more. Once the issues were formatted into an organized list, the next step was brainstorming a plan to deal with these concerns. One of the initial steps spoken about was educating students about the problem and explaining exactly why it is considered problematic by students. The group discussed the importance of having the issues defined before progressing with any action. More so, the discussion included having a network built with the right people who can support the movement. Students also agreed that students of color should be at the center of discussions but not the only individuals with work to do. Finally, students took time to look at other universities where coalitions were successful and learn from these situations.
Wednesday, November 18, 2020
The Villanovan | 5
OPINION
OPINION
Villanova Needs to Take Student Mental Health Seriously Shannon Kauber Staff Writer There is absolutely no doubt that this has been a remarkably stressful semester. Between the uncertainty of the amount of time we have on campus, the presidential election, tons of school work and the general anxiety associated with the fear of living in a global pandemic, we have all had to carry a lot of weight on our shoulders. This combination of stressors has taken a mental and physical toll on students all over campus, and frankly, the University’s response has been lackluster. Granted, the school has done a wonderful job providing events, like the Friday and Saturday night fire pits, food trucks and lawn games to make campus feel more lively and comfortable. However, the sheer lack of focus on student’s mental health has been incredibly disappointing. Usually, students are given a week long fall break in the middle of the semester to go home, recharge and not have to think about classes for a short while. However, in efforts to maintain low numbers of COVID-19 cases on campus, students only received one day off for Labor Day, at the very beginning of the semester. While it is understandable that the administration would want to limit the amount of travel to and from campus, this is simply
Letter
from
Emily Cox Co-Editor-in-Chief As my term as Editor-in-Chief of The Villanovan comes to a close, I wanted to take a moment to express my gratitude to the students, faculty, staff and greater community. Thank you all for your continued support, understanding and unconditional love in which we, as a University, are rooted. The concept of “Community First” is nothing new to the staff at The Villanovan. It is our mission to inform the community, shedding light on events that go unnoticed and bringing unheard student voices to the surface. For over 100 years, we have strived to put our community before ourselves for the benefit of our peers and teachers. When we were sent home in March and suddenly had more free time on our hands than we would have liked, I kept myself occupied by thinking about how I could keep this newspaper alive. The Villanovan was a weekly print paper with a growing social media following, but nothing to write home about. There had to be a way that The Villanovan could do better. I worked closely with our Digital Editor, Ariana Megerian, to fully rebrand The Villanovan. I wanted to create a social presence that students were interested in and one that provided accurate, timely and interesting information that students and facul-
This semester’s schedule has produced immense burnout among students. Courtesy of Sarah Jones
not enough of a break for students. Unfortunately, this has possibly been one of the busiest semesters yet, with professors assigning more and more work to ensure that distance learning lives up to the in-person classes they are so accustomed to teaching. College is usually stressful, but with more and more work needing to be done, there is such little time to make sure you are taking care of yourself, and that simply is not okay.
the
Editor:
ty alike wanted to follow. Together, we revamped The Villanovan. We brought our social media to life. We created an entirely new social image that brought The Villanovan into the year 2020. The summer was never considered a time for The Villanovan’s Editorial Staff to be on-the-job. The only project the newspaper was ever responsible for during the summer months was the Orientation Magazine. This summer, as an Editorial Staff, we saw no option except to continue producing content on social media and online. Our world was changed by a global pandemic. America was changing with protests and movements that were once again shining light on the history of racial injustice at the hands of police brutality. News seemed to change everyday about what to expect out of a fall semester. We had to keep each other informed during a time when nothing seemed stable. The Villanovan sought to provide some sense of normalcy in regular information catered to our community. I felt so lucky to return for the fall semester and continue my work at The Villanovan. Yes, I would have been able to do the same thing from home, but being on campus made me feel like what I was doing day-today and week-to-week was that much more important and necessary. I knew that being back on campus would also mean that there would be many more things that we
Villanova owes it to its students to ensure that they are academically successful while simultaneously guaranteeing that students are getting what they need to stay healthy, both mentally and physically. The schedule for the Spring 2021 semester looks almost identical to the schedule for the Fall 2020 semester. The administration seems to think that this mental and physical exhaustion can be solved by a two month winter-break, but
Thank
it really cannot. This burnout can only be prevented next semester if the University simply explores its options. There are a number of possibilities for the University to ensure that students are getting the rest and relaxation they need to succeed. First, the University could institute a policy where teachers are required to give at least three classes off throughout the course of the semester to help students balance their course load. Second, the University could follow suit of schools such as Penn State, who are giving the entire campus one mental health day a month, in the middle of the week, to make up for a lost spring break. Finally, the University could consider repeating the Spring 2020 semester grading policy and give students the opportunity to choose a grade of satisfactory/unsatisfactory in more classes without penalty. All of these options are COVID-19 friendly and would do wonders for the mental health of students and faculty. At the end of the day, a two month winter-break is not going to prevent the burnout that both students and faculty have experienced this semester. If the University wants to help students and faculty perform at their best, it should be exploring options to support mental health throughout the Spring 2021 semester and not repeat the exhaustive disaster that was this past semester.
You,
Villanova
The St. Thomas of Villanova Church overlooks Lancaster Avenue. Courtesy of Noah Seng DeLong
would need to cover in our weekly editions. Not only did we have a presidential election, we had continued social unrest throughout America, a raging pandemic and every aspect of campus life altered by a virus and new guidelines that came with it. I have lost sleep. I have forgotten to eat. I have stared at my screen for hours on end for longer than one should. I neglected my own mental and physical health. I did all this to make sure my community had the best, most accurate, most interesting and most up-to-date source of news possible in a time when things seem to change hour by hour. The staff at The Villanovan this semester has inspired me to not only take pride in my work but to take pride in the fact that we are playing a vital role on campus. Our Editorial Staff has taken on more responsibility in years past. Our writers have continued to push boundaries and cover
new topics. Our photographers have made sure that we are able to document any and all student activity on campus. Our copy desk team has ensured that our published work is of the utmost quality. Our advisors, not to be forgotten, have also worked tirelessly by our side, guiding us and answering any question at any time of the day. This has been a big year for the world, but it has also been a big year for The Villanovan. We secured an important position as a premier source of news at Villanova. Our readership has doubled, our digital footprint has increased and our support from peers, professors and administrators has been appreciated and noticed. I could not be more proud of this publication, but I also cannot thank this community enough for supporting us this year. The Villanovan could not have had a year like this without you, Villanova.
6 | The Villanovan
Wednesday, November 18, 2020
OPINION
EDITORIAL BOARD EMILY COX Editor-in-Chief TYLER KEMP Editor-in-Chief JACK ROBERGE Opinion Editor
LETTERS TO THE EDITORS
The Villanovan encourages all members of the Villanova community to voice their opinions. Letters to the editors may be submitted via e-mail to villanovan.eic@gmail.com. Letters must not exceed 500 words and must be signed. No anonyous letters will be published. All submissions become property of The Villanovan and are subject to editing for clarity and space.
POLICY
The unsigned editorial that appears is the opinion of The Villanovan as deteermined by the majority of the Editorial Board. Other columns, letters and artwork represent the opinions of their auhtors and do not necessarily reflect the position of The Villanovan.
The Battle at the Capitol: Gridlock and Divided Government for the Democratic Party, but the problem is that we still are facing a divide in Congress. Also, the President’s cabinet is filled with appoint At this point, almost all of ed positions that need approval from the election results from around the Senate, which is controlled by the nation are solid and not much the opposite party. change is likely to happen. Georgia Many people are expecting had both of its seats in the Senate Biden to make lots of big changes on the ballot for the election and over the next four years, but without both races are going to a runoff vote, a full majority of the federal governalong with a House of Representament, no party will ever get its full tives election in Louisiana. Despite agenda fulfilled. The reality we face both of these rare occurrences, it ap- is that although some representatives pears that the Republican Party has try to cross those division lines to held its majority in the Senate with make the country a better place, too 50 seats of 100 currently claimed, many are steadfast in their party’s while Democrats only have 46 seats ideas, which results in little change. and other parties have claimed two Biden campaigned on a seats. The House of Representavery different set of goals and ideals tives also stayed true to the current than President Donald Trump and majority with the Democratic Party many Republicans, but the presiearning 219 seats when 218 are dent doesn’t set the agenda for the required for the majority. Just in case House or the Senate. The same you have been living under a rock idea was true four years ago when for the last two weeks, former Vice Trump defeated Hillary Clinton and President Joe Biden is now Presifour years before that when Barack dent-elect. Obama was reelected in a race You might ask, what is the against Mitt Romney. issue? People who are registered When Trump was first electDemocrats or who voted for Biden ed, his party held the majority in are ecstatic about the fact that he both the House and the Senate, but beat the current president in the two years into his term, the Republirace to reclaim the White House can Party lost its decently-sized maAndrew Kline Staff Writer
Our government is currently divided after the recent election. Courtesy of NPR
jority in the House to the Democratic Party. We still saw changes made and legislation passed, but Trump’s agenda was very different from what was passed. As excited or disappointed as you may be with the results of our latest election, I think that it is best to let time tell us how much will change over these next four
years. Trump is still the president for approximately two more months, and Congress will make its representation changes just before then, but the reality is our current situation is not yet over and our future situation is truly nothing but a mystery. The only thing we know is that we have to wait and that America will get through this.
Navigating the Pandemic Throughout this Semester Joe Adams Staff Writer We’re almost done, Villanova. We’ve almost completed this first semester on campus during a pandemic successfully. Key word: almost. As I planned to write this article early last week, I thought about how great we’ve been doing collectively at keeping down the cases of COVID-19. I was going to discuss how we’ve been able to do the impossible: Stay on campus the entire semester without a huge spike in cases. Obviously, this all changed as we saw the dashboard numbers rise quickly. Villanovans, I’ve seen us do so well this semester. We truly put our community first and agreed to The Caritas Commitment. Even if we joked about it, we used our portable chairs. We did everything we could, day in and day out, to ensure we wouldn’t ruin it for each other. This is still the case for the majority of us. We’re continuing to do all that we can, but our end goal has shifted. We’ve now focused on finishing out the semester strong so we can get home to our families and reduce the spread to them. We’ve run the 26 miles of this marathon of a semester, and we can see the finish line. We’ve just got to finish out the 0.2 miles strong, masks and all. I know that we
cloth on our faces and making smart decisions. As I finish my first college semester, it has become increasingly clear to me that Villanovans are different. Over the semester, I’ve thought about all of the other schools I applied to, and I am seeing them have to move online or get sent home. We stand out. We’ve been able to stay all semester. We care about each other’s well-being and have made small sacrifices all semester to ensure there is some sense of normalcy. We came together as a community and did what we needed to do for each other. That is one of the many reasons why I love it here and love this community. Something I’ve found here at the University as a freshman is that we watch out for each other. We are constantly using the word “community” to describe it here, and it couldn’t Our community made it the whole semester without getting sent home. be more fitting. Villanovans genuinely Courtesy of Ajay Kumar care for each other, promote positivity can do this. completely. That drove us to take this and embrace the unknown. We’ve Although many are focusing pandemic seriously, and we have. For seen the cases spike before, at the end on the spike in cases right now (and the majority of the semester, our cases of September, but we got through rightfully so), I hope that we are also stayed very low. that together. Together ,we will prevail able to give ourselves a pat on the People doubted us. They said to the end of this semester. back for how well we did this semester. we would never last on campus. My In short, I know we can do We proved them wrong. We watched roommate, friends and peers were not this. I know that we have the ability to in our first few weeks on campus as optimistic that we would stay on cam- recommit for this last week and keep we saw schools around the country, pus. As the semester went on, we reeach other safe. It doesn’t take much. and even nearby, quickly switch to alized how we could make this work. Continue being smart, and we can do online classes or send students home It was as simple as putting a piece of this. Mask up and be safe.
Wednesday, November 18, 2020
The
Endless
Vivi Melkonian Staff Writer Election anxiety has nothing on the pure terror that accompanies being glued to Nova Schedule Builder for two days straight, watching all of one’s classes slowly fill up. Just when you think it can’t get any worse, you’re watching the clock tick down to your registration time, only for every class you want to be marked ‘FULL’ in a matter of five seconds. My peers and I went into registration blindly. In the days leading up, I quickly realized I had little to no idea how to go about the process. I didn’t know what link to go to or which codes were required, and I surely never anticipated I would feel so personally connected to a series of five-digit CRN numbers. I became reliant on ad-
The Villanovan | 7
OPINION
Catastrophe
vice from upperclassmen, as they showed me abbreviated tutorials on how to register and gave some guidance on how to go about planning back-up classes. By the day of my registration, I felt prepared not by the information from the University, but from my peers. Per their advice, I had made about six possible scheduling options, but come 3:30 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 14, that was completely irrelevant. I logged on only to discover that some of the classes I needed to fulfill my core requirements, like Psychology and Theology, were either completely filled or had one space left at obscure times that did not coordinate well with my schedule. This led to a series of frantic texts with friends who all said generally the same thing: it was a nightmare. They expressed that they felt totally unprepared.
of
Course
“I don’t even feel misguided,” freshman Russel Cuny said. “I feel like I am not being guided at all.” Freshmen had absolutely no guidance regarding course registration in the first place, let alone what to do if every single backup schedule fell through or if the core classes we needed filled up. I hadn’t even heard of an override request form until hours after my registration time and a multitude of emails with my advisor. The University did not provide any instruction or guidance to freshman registering for the first time, and students consequently were ill-advised and clueless. There should have been clear directions provided for freshmen in the weeks or days leading up to registration. Alternatively, this could have been implemented
Registration
as a portion of Orientation. It is important that freshmen have this information ahead of time so they feel prepared and equipped with the skills for all outcomes. Although I have faith that things will work out eventually, I hope that in the future, the University is a little more proactive when it comes to scheduling and that freshmen are better prepared. In the hours following, upperclassmen offered their condolences with reassuring words and stories of their own horrific registration experiences from years past. The overall message was clear: things will work out. “You’re never completely screwed,” junior Bobby Montesano said encouragingly. He went on to explain that as long as you are communicative with professors and your advisor, the pieces will fall into place.
How the Pandemic has Changed the Way We Recycle Jacob Artz Staff Writer There are many challenges dealing with recycling during a pandemic, as the University has switched mostly to single use plastics to prevent the transmission of the virus through reusable silverware. The recycling collection crew is often overlooked, but they do an excellent job of collecting the materials safely and efficiently. This pandemic has also stalled projects that are supposed to improve recycling at the University. However, operations are continuing so the University can be the cleanest and most environmentally friendly campus it can be. The recycling collecting process for the workers has not changed much, as they still must go to all the bins and collect the materials. Specifically, the custodial and dining services staff collects trash and recycling from indoor bins and places them in the outdoor dumpsters. The grounds department staff collects trash and recycling from the outdoor bins and places it in the outdoor bins. Then, two crews running rear-load collection vehicles (in both trash and recycling) follow a collection route throughout campus. They collect the waste and recycling from the outside dumpsters. The waste stream is sent to a third-party disposal facility and converted to energy. The recycling is sent to a materials recovery facility to be sorted, baled and sold off to be remanufactured. However, safety has become more critical, as workers are wearing masks and staying conscious of social distancing. What has not been normal is the large increase in the amount of waste that the University is producing due to the usage of single use items over reusable items. Al Motel, head of the Recycling and Waste Operations at Villanova, said the biggest change has occurred on the consumer side. “Many reusable items have been substituted with single use items that are often not recyclable,” Motel said. “Pre-packaged foods,
sanitation materials, PPE and other disposable items have become more prevalent, increasing our non-recyclable waste to recyclable waste ratio. Cardboard waste has also increased, but the demand for recycled cardboard fiber has also increased.” The waste is mostly attributed to the exponential increase in single use plastics, as there is no waste coming from athletics and minimal waste from other activities. There has been less waste overall but a higher ratio of waste to recycling. The increase of these single use plastics is important because they cannot be recycled and increase the amount crews need to collect. This addition of waste causes an increase in the cost of the services. “Any increase in single use items increases the amount of waste generated, and therefore adds to the amount of material we need to collect and haul,” Motel said. “It increases costs for the department by increasing labor costs, fuel costs, equipment maintenance costs and disposal costs. It takes more time
and energy to handle these materials as waste. This takes time away from other initiatives such as waste reduction or promoting recycling education. “Unfortunately, many of these single use items are not recyclable, even though they are made of the same materials as items that can be recycled,” he added. “The recycling stream is contaminated with these items, which reduces the value of the material we recycle. This has a negative impact on recycling markets.” These negative impacts affect the Waste Uniformity Project, which desires to create a uniform and standard recycling and waste system so consumers are not confused and the quality of the recycled materials is increased by reducing contamination. With the increase in the waste to recycling ratio, this project has been slowed. The plan includes implementing new signage on the bins and color-coding the bins like blue for mixed recycling and green for compost and organic waste. This project is important because there is not much uniformity between
Courtesy of The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
buildings. Now that we have a better understanding of the recycling and waste programs at the University, what can we do to change the increase in contamination in recycling? “First, when in doubt, throw it out,” Motel said. “The act of placing items into a recycling bin when we are not 100% sure they are recyclable is the cause for most contamination, and greatly hurts recycling effectiveness. It is actually better to throw these items in a trash bin than it is to place them in a recycling bin. Secondly, and most importantly, students should focus more on reducing waste altogether. “Students need to think about what they purchase and whether there may be a better option. Can you reduce your waste footprint? Also, are you buying items made from recycled material, or are you buying products made from virgin material?” Through these practices from students and the continued great work of recycling and waste management, we will have a cleaner campus.
8 | The Villanovan
OPINION
Wednesday, November 18, 2020
Gratitude and Perspective: Lessons From the Pandemic Jack Roberge Opinion Editor This year was, to put it lightly, not very good. Through countless instances of awful events, 2020 has proven itself to have been easily the worst year that our generation, and even many of those before us, have experienced to date. To even try to sugarcoat that would be an insult to the struggle that so many have gone through this year, so I won’t attempt to do so. Looking forward, however, I’d like to try to push towards optimism, even if for no other reason than to maintain my own sanity. With the COVID-19 vaccine looking closer and closer every day, evidenced by both Moderna and Pfizer recently touting the effectiveness of their respective vaccines as they near completion of clinical trials, there is reason to hope that things will get better soon. This vaccine will liberate the world from the strange and uncomfortable circumstances that we have been placed in for nearly a year now. Once again, we will be able to breathe clearly in public, shake hands, attend concerts, and do so many of the things that we took for granted in years gone by. When the COVID-19 pandemic is over, though, I feel that it will be important for us to keep in mind some of the things it has taught us. There are so many things about life that I, and most others, from what I can tell, took for granted prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. Whether we talk about in-person classes, club meetings, or intramural sports, there are so many things that I have realized that I took for granted. The concept of online school might
In-person events were few and far between this semester. Courtesy of Noah Seng DeLong
have sounded intriguing prior to this year, but now I can honestly say that I will never, for the remainder of my time here, skip another in-person class on purpose. The opportunity to interact with others in a classroom setting is absolutely invaluable, and so much is lost over Zoom that class becomes nearly irredeemably awful. Even the best of professors struggle to keep class engaging over Zoom; how could it possibly be engaging enough when students take class from bed and have no real accountability? As I move into next semester and look towards my senior year, I cannot even imagine the idea of wanting to take another online class. The same rings true for all other in person events and activities
on campus; I will cherish every single intramural game I get to participate in, take advantage of every opportunity to drop into professors’ office hours and go to all of the ridiculous campus events that I used to think were just for freshmen. The perspective which COVID-19 has offered on education has been priceless, and I sincerely hope that others will join me in celebrating these opportunities when the pandemic becomes a distant memory. COVID-19 has offered time to reflect as well. When the entire world came to an abrupt halt, most of us thought that this whole thing would be over within a few months; even Villanova only cancelled classes through Easter when we were initially
sent home in March. Time dragged on, however, and we were all forced to acknowledge that this would be how our lives looked for a while. So, we settled in and were forced to deal with ourselves much more often than we had before. This was certainly uncomfortable at first, but as it dragged on, I began to realize things about myself that I had failed to in the past. I discovered new passions, had the time to think over many of the beliefs I had held for granted, read things I would never had considered previously, and had the opportunity to get to know myself. This was an incredible opportunity, and I have seen it reflected in my friends and family as well. For some it has resulted in discontent, but even in this discontent there has been a recognition of things that had previously gone unchecked because of our busy lives. As the COVID-19 pandemic comes to an end, I hope we never forget to take time to ourselves for no other reason than because it forces us to be alive for a momentt The pandemic has been a tragedy for humanity, and its swift end will be something we all will rejoice in. It would be a waste, however, if we did not carry on with the lessons we have all learned over its course. Gratitude and perspective are things that I fundamentally lacked prior to this, and things I firmly hope that I will never lose sight of once it is behind me. I think we have all changed as a result of this pandemic, and I sincerely hope it will be for the better in the long run. If nothing else, I can at least move forward with some sense of happiness just knowing that people might have actually made a habit of washing their hands.
2020
Wednesday, November 18, 2020
AD
The Villanovan | 9
VILLAnovan basketball preview magazine
P I CK UP A COP Y T ODAY
10 | The Villanovan
CULTURE
Wednesday, November 18, 2020
CULTURE
Watershed Pictures Unveiled as Group Behind Annual Student Social Justice Documentary Grant Carter Co-Culture Editor For over 10 years, students with Villanova’s Social Justice Documentary Program have been tasked with establishing a completely student-run production company to create and promote a short documentary focused on a chosen topic within social justice. No group is the same, nor is the work or mission. Two years ago, Riptide Pictures produced “Sankofa,” a film that won a gold medal at the 2019 Student Academy Awards. Last year’s company, Glass Rose Films, established a large following on campus and eventually shattered fundraising records within the program. Despite being forced to work from home at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in March, just months before the film’s premiere, the group has managed to raise over $90,000 for building fresh water wells in the Tanzanian villages featured in their film, “From the Ground Up.” The same obstacles last year’s group had to overcome at the end of their term have now extended completely into the timeline of this year’s group, which works under the name Watershed Pictures. In September, the students began unveiling their project via Instagram with @watershedpictures and have continually released content teasing the focus of this year’s film. “The mission of work is to explore the lives of young Indigenous women in the contemporary setting of 2020,” senior Teddy Hovivian, one of the film’s writers, said. “Of course, current circum-
situation. We are restricted from international travel, which has been an integral part of this program since it began. At the same time, we have also been challenged to take a closer look at our surrounding communities, particularly places in the United States that deserve just as much focus as some international locations we would have otherwise considered. “We may still be in the early stages, but working virtually has Watershed Pictures will be creating this year’s Social Justice Documentary. introduced us to so many amazing Courtesy of Watershed Pictures individuals throughout the country that we may not have found othis produced.” stances like COVID-19, the elecerwise. It has been challenging to Typically each year’s group say the least, especially given the tion and social issues such as BLM spends much of the fall semester have been incorporated into our precedent set by previous groups, deciding on a topic, fundraising research, since they have all been but I could not be more proud of and traveling to their chosen loca- what we’ve already managed to largely important for testing the climate of the country. It also pro- tion during fall break to film and accomplish. By the looks of it, in collect research for the film. vides a window through which to May we will be premiering one That timeline and format see the continuation of the largepretty incredible documentary.” have been completely stalled scale continuum of the treatment In response to its own by nationwide social distancing of indigenous people in the U.S.” obstacles last semester, Glass Rose restrictions, as well as the Univer- films staged an innovative online Given that many courses sity’s policies encouraging students premier for University students and activities have been forced to refrain from unnecessary travel and their families. Depending on to meet exclusively online, the in an effort to protect the commu- the evolving situation around ongroup’s approach to production nity’s health. has been adapted to constant line classes for the spring semester, “Our class has an entirely unforeseen obstacles. Efforts to Watershed Pictures may be forced online option, so that if anyone is promote the film and fundraise to do the same. have been largely reliant on online uncomfortable living on-campus Although much remains platforms, especially social media. or physically coming into class, to be seen as the dreaded second “The multimedia team and a Zoom link is sent before each wave of COVID-19 continues to meeting or session,” senior MiI know that is our job to really loom over the University and the chaela Scott, one the producers drive this film once it’s done and rest of the world, the individuals at Watershed Pictures, said. “For really gather the audience for within Watershed Pictures are rethose present in class, we work out solved to deliver another stunning the premiere, so we really want of a large studio space with social to make a large interactive space documentary, despite every hurdle distancing guidelines fully in-effor the audience across numerous that must be overcome between fect. I’ve been really impressed platforms,” Multimedia Director now and the film’s premiere in with the way we’ve handled the Julie Russo said. “This approach May. restrictions put in place and would will include behind the scenes It may go down as one of have never guessed it would be information and constant comthe most unique productions to this seamless. munication with various special come out of the program’s long “As for the documentary guests and experts on our topic to history and a relic of the Univeritself, the pandemic has forced our sity’s survival through the global keep the audience engaged, and help to fill in the blanks as the film program into a really complicated pandemic.
Fall 2020 in Review: Key Takeaways from the Semester Kendall Hayes Staff Writer
As students heads into their last week of classes, most are probably still shocked that Villanovans have made it this far. It feels like just yesterday when everyone was moving in and guessing when the first COVID-19 case would hit. It is crazy how fast this peculiar semester flew by, but it is even crazier how the University is still open and thriving, considering the spike in COVID-19 cases throughout the world. After three months back on campus, we made it through the semester. Yes, there were definitely some setbacks in the COVID-19 department, but, as a whole, the University did a successful job handling COVID-19. With the semester coming to a close, it is only right to pose the question: What were some of the biggest takeaways from the semester? Community First: After
this unusual semester, it is very clear that Villanovans care about community above all. Coming into school this semester, all students signed the Caritas Commitment, stating they were willing to put community before themselves. The fact that the school is still open and running proves that Villanovans were serious when they signed this. While looking across campus during a busy day, there was not be a person without a mask on. Villanovans knew from the very beginning of the semester that being on campus was a luxury that hundreds of college students across the country did not have. Villanovans took this gift seriously and made mask-wearing and social distancing important parts of everyday life. There are other ways to have fun: This semester’s social scene was unlike any before. Large gatherings were prohibited, and social distancing with masks was strictly enforced. Villanovans
had to find new ways to entertain themselves. It is very difficult to work as hard as students do during the week and not have anything to look forward to on the weekend. The University made sure that this was not the case. While the weather was still warm, students took advantage of outdoor dining, portable chairs, hiking trails and beaches nearby. Villanovans found new ways to have fun and be creative. As the weather started to get cooler, the University introduced Wonder-Fall Fest, a fun nighttime event with fire pits, food trucks, live music and games. The University made certain that students had the fun they needed, given these unique circumstances. “We were forced to find creative ways to make the most of being on campus,” sophomore Sarah Houle said. “I also developed a new appreciation for being on campus when so many other schools didn’t have the privilege of having a semester in-person.” Villanovans Adapt: This
semester was its own breed. No one believed that it was possible for people to be on campus during a pandemic, but the University seemed to prove everyone wrong. Students gave up a semester of partying and large social gatherings to experience a semester on campus together as a community. It was not easy, but students found new ways to have fun, be safe and learn. Obviously, there are extreme difficulties that came with the adjustments made during this semester, but Villanovans never gave up. Despite the obstacles experienced this semester, students persevered and lasted three months on campus during a pandemic that is nowhere close to being over. Although we made it through this semester, the country and the world still have a long way to go. As we head into the winter months when social distancing becomes more difficult, everyone must remember that what doesn’t kill us, makes us stronger. The Villanova community proved that this semester.
CULTURE
Wednesday, November 18, 2020
The Villanovan | 11
The Book Buzz: The Best Books for All Those Looking for Their Next Good Read Elena Rouse Staff Writer Grant Carter Co-Culture Editor Looking for something to read over winter break? Look no further. Here is a rundown on some fantastic, well-written books across a plethora of genres. If you want to feel empowered: “Untamed” by Glennon Doyle Highly rated among book lovers and a pick for Reese Witherspoon’s book club, this book is sure to emote a powerful response. It focuses around what happens when you stop striving to reach other people’s expectations of you and instead listen to your inner voice. Doyle uses her own life and navigation through this process to teach, empower and inspire women to become more free, confident and full of life. If you want to see what the hype is about: “The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue” by V.E. Schwab If you look up the hashtag title of this book on social media platforms, a swarm of highly rated reviews will fill the screen. Ever since its release, everyone has been talking about the journey this book takes the reader on. Set in 17th century France and modern day New York City, the story follows a woman named Addie who makes a deal with the devil in order to escape a forced marriage in Parisian society. Addie can then live forever but is forgotten by everyone she meets. That is, until 300 years
later, when she runs into someone in a New York City bookstore that remembers her name. With over 30,000 reviews on Goodreads with an average 4.46/5 rating, this book is not one to miss. If you love fantasy and want to read the book before the television premier: “The Shadow and Bone” series by Leigh Bardugo
Stealing the hearts of fantasy lovers everywhere, this book series, along with its overlapping “Six of Crows” by the same author, have been picked up by Netflix to bring the fantasy stories to the visual world. The first book centers around Aline Starkov, an orphan and new soldier who must undertake a dangerous trek full of mystery, monsters and a new magic she has found within herself. “As the threat to the kingdom mounts and Alina unlocks the secrets of her past, she will make a dangerous discovery that could threaten all she loves and the very future of a nation,” describes Amazon’s summary. “Welcome to Ravka . . . a world of science and superstition where nothing is what it seems.” In order to fully embrace the fandom surrounding these series, read the books before the show airs early next year. If you’re a Springsteen fan: “Born to Run” by Bruce Springsteen Springsteen takes readers on a journey through his entire life. From his small town upbringing in Freehold, N.J. with a tumultuous father-son relationship, to his early nomad musician days and eventual
rise to major stardom, Springsteen brings his story to life on every page. A true lyrical genius, he saturates his autobiography with lush detail and profound prose about life, love and, of course, rock and roll. If you are a lover of the lives of epic rockstars, or even if you have no prior knowledge, Springsteen’s book will take you on an unforgettable journey that will leave you changed on the other side.
Springsteen’s highly-anticipated autobiography Courtesy of Elena Rouse
If you want a callback to your middle school book fair: “The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes” by Suzanne Collins Finally, the long-awaited prequel to the insanely popular “Hunger Games” series. Unbelievably, it has already been almost a decade since the final entry of the trilogy, “Mockingjay,” was released. If it set any precedent, then Collins’ newest book is certain to be adapted for the screen sometime soon. In a departure from
its previous style, it follows the series’ primary antagonist, President Snow, as a young man during the early days of the Hunger Games. It is a fascinating insight into Panem and a must-read for anyone sentimental about their middle school reading choices.
If you love to see the other side of history: “The Splendid and the Vile: A Saga of Churchill, Family, and Defiance During the Blitz” by Erik Larson A stunning historical fiction about Sir Winston Churchill and British leadership in the early days of World War II, when the German Lutwaffe was beginning to conduct air raids on Britain. Larson is a master at spinning historical narratives to be thrilling and illustrious, opening his readers to a different perspective of history. “The Splendid and the Vile” is his latest work, and he is wellknown for “Devil in the White City.”
Student Business Feature: Olatunji’s Lashed By Mota Madeline McCarthy Staff Writer Have you ever found yourself wanting a little change up in your look? Maybe you have a special occasion coming up and want to go that extra step in your appearance, or maybe you are just in need of a little TLC. Well, look no further than this student-run, on campus eyelash extension business. Known on Instagram as @lashedbymota, sophomore Ramota Olatunji has all of your eyelash needs covered. Olatunji has been a trained and certified eyelash technician for 10 months now, but the beauty world has always been of interest to her. She combined this love of beauty with her entrepreneurial spirit and thus, Lashed By Mota was born. “Prior to lashing, I did makeup as a side hustle and hair every now and then,” Olatunji said. “It has been fun to turn hobbies that I love into a business.” When the pandemic first hit, Olatunji had to put her business on pause in order to stay healthy and protect her customers. She then embraced the time spent in quarantine and dedicated her-
self to becoming the best eyelash technician she could be. In order to succeed in the eyelash business, it is imperative to make sure the customer feels safe. Olatunji requires everyone to wear masks when they come in for appointments. She has also spent a lot of time learning about eye care and the steps needed to ensure the area and tools she is working with are safe and properly disinfected. The eye area is very sensitive, and Olatunji does not take these steps lightly. During quarantine, Olatunji was able to dedicate a lot of her time to perfecting her lashing technique. A lot of patience and practice is required of a successful eyelash technician. “It took many hours of in-class training, as well as out of class training to steady my hand,” she said. Olatunji sees most of her business coming from her Instagram account, @lashednymota. She is very active on her Instagram and posts pictures of her clients after her work. Olatunji finds that future clients use these photos as reference points for potential lash sets. If you follow her, you can find that she often posts raffles or polls on her story.
She aims to keep her followers engaged, and one can often find a discount for a set on her Instagram. The classic word of mouth is also how potential clients can find out about Olatunji. “I am very appreciative of my customers who tell their friends about my business,” she said. One of the perks of running your own business is being able to create and work around a
self-made schedule, which is one aspect that Olatunji loves. People are able to book appointments through her Instagram account, and she dictates when she can fit clients into her class schedule. She sometimes fits clients in before and after her classes and some on the weekends too. The future is bright for Olatunji, as she hopes to continue this business that she loves as she continues her studies in graduate school.
Students can learn more by visiting @lashedbymota on Instagram. Courtesy of @lashedbymota
12 | The Villanovan
Wednesday, November 18, 2020
CULTURE
Christmas Classics to Brighten This Holiday Season Olivia Sabalaskey Staff Writer “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year,” Andy Williams sings on the radio. Villanovans agree, excited as we finish our coursework and return home to celebrate the Thanksgiving and Christmas season with our families. Although 2020 has been a difficult year for all, students look forward to the holiday season to lift their spirits, de-stress from a challenging semester and celebrate with a cup of delicious hot chocolate. While Christmas may seem further away than Thanksgiving, The Villanovan wants to share some favorite Christmas movies to help plan out your holiday movie nights with family and friends. Never fear, for the quintessential Christmas movie list is here. Now, let’s begin with the classics: “A Charlie Brown Christmas” Is it even the Christmas season if you don’t watch “A Charlie Brown Christmas” at least once? Director Bill Melendez and Peanuts creator Charles M. Schulz created this 1965 classic that has captured the hearts of millions around the world. Charlie Brown is distraught with the commercialism and materialism of Christmas. However, he soon finds himself director of the school’s annual Christmas pageant. With help from friends Linus, Lucy and other Peanuts, Charlie Brown finds the perfect Christmas tree and, ultimately, the true meaning of Christmas. “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” This 1964 classic Christmas film has captured the imagination and hearts of families around the world for decades and continues to do so. Sam the Snowman, voiced by singer Burl Ives, tells the story of Rudolph, the misfit reindeer, and how he helped
save Christmas, along with fellow misfits Hermey, one of Santa’s elves, and Yukon Cornelius, a prospector. “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” is the perfect, nostalgic movie to watch while baking Christmas cookies and decorating your tree.
“It’s a Wonderful Life” Frank Capra’s 1947 film, “It’s a Wonderful Life,” follows George Bailey as he struggles to escape his hometown of Bedford Falls to fulfill his lifelong dream of traveling the world. On Christmas Eve, with the help of an angel named Clarence, George realizes the importance of family, love, hope and the true meaning of Christmas. Deemed the cornerstone of all Christmas films, “It’s a Wonderful Life,” starring James Stewart and Donna Reed, is a cornerstone of the Christmas season. “How the Grinch Stole Christmas!” Chuck Jones’s 1966 television special, “How the Grinch Stole Christmas!” is another classic millions watch every year. The bitter and pessimistic Grinch despises all Christmas festivities and decorations. Unfortunately, the Whos of Whoville adore both. So, the Grinch disguises himself as Santa Claus and steals all of the Whos’ Christmas decorations in hopes to destroy their Christmas spirit. However, the Whos of Whoville persevere through hardship and inspire the Grinch to have a change of heart. “The Polar Express” The Christmas season is a magical time of year full of hope, love and generosity, and “The Polar Express” captures this magic. In this film, a young boy boards a mysterious, magical train on Christmas Eve that is headed for the North Pole to meet Santa Claus. With notable songs, like Josh Groban’s “Believe,” this animated, modern classic takes audiences
on an action-packed adventure to show how the magic of Christmas will never fade away for those who truly believe.
“Home Alone” and “Home Alone 2: Lost in New York” Family is a central part of the holiday season. In Chris Columbus’ “Home Alone” and “Home Alone 2: Lost in New York,” Kevin McCallister finds himself alone by accident during the Christmas season. Although his giant family may get on his nerves, Kevin realizes that family is everything, especially during the Christmas season. These two modern holiday movies allow the audience to travel along with Kevin to one of the most beautifully decorated American cities during Christmastime: New York City. “Elf ” Will Ferrell stars as the enthusiastic and Christmas-obsessed Buddy, a human elf who lives at the North Pole with Santa (played by Ed Asner). Seeking his birth father, Buddy travels to a chaotic, bustling New York City for the first time. This comedic, yet heartwarming, Christmas film has captured viewers’ hearts since its initial release in 2003.
“The Santa Clause” Franchise On Christmas Eve night, Scott Calvin, played by Tim Allen, finds himself on a magical journey to the North Pole with his son Charlie after a man dressed in a Santa suit accidentally falls off his roof and vanishes into thin air. After a dream-like journey to the North Pole, Bernard the Elf explains how Calvin must take Santa’s place before it’s too late and Christmas is ruined. Determined to set things right with his broken family, Calvin assumes the role of Santa Claus and comes to question whether that strange Christmas Eve was really a dream at all. This modern franchise invites viewers both young and old to believe that the extraordinary can happen if one believes in Christmas magic. Hallmark and Lifetime Christmas Movies We cannot forget the countless Christmas Hallmark and Lifetime Movies playing this season on television 24/7. Hallmark’s Countdown to Christmas 2020 movie schedule and list of new films can be found on its website. Lifetime’s It’s a Wonderful Lifetime movie schedule and list of new films can be found on its website.
The Santa Clause is one of many timeless Christmas movie options. Courtesy of ABC News
An Inside Look into the Business in Healthcare Society Madeline Holobinko Staff Writer As a new organization, the Business in Healthcare Society (BIHS) has worked this year to inform its members on trends in the business sector of healthcare by providing cross-sectional opportunities. Through panels, workshops and information sessions organized by BIHS, members have been able to learn from and network with alumni, professionals and firms in the field. The Villanovan spoke with the society’s president, sophomore Van To, to learn more about what BIHS has to offer. The Villanovan: Can you give an overview of what the Business in Healthcare Society is? Van To: Business in Healthcare Society focuses on the intersection of healthcare and business. Our goal is to expose Villanova students to untapped business opportunities within the healthcare industry and inspire future leaders on maintaining corporate ethics. We act upon these goals by organizing networking events,
education training and real-world engagements.
TV: What are some of the firms that the society has been connected with? VT: As a new organization, we are very happy to receive support from leaders of pharmaceutical firms, hospitals, biotechnology companies and many more. Some of the popular names are Penn Medicine and GeoVax. TV: Can you talk about some of the guest speakers and panels the society has had this semester? VT: This semester, we have successfully organized the first panel, Effects of COVID-19 to the Business in Healthcare Industry. We are very grateful to receive huge support from the professionals who are CEOs, Directors and Vice Presidents at popular hospitals and pharmaceutical companies. TV: How important are industry discussions to the society? VT: Learning and staying updated on the healthcare trends are really
important to us, one of our goals for this club. As a VSB student, I have noticed that VSB is very strong in banking and accounting, but students have not really known about diverse opportunities in the healthcare industry, even though we have some big firms coming to recruit. Additionally, Philly is a great healthcare hub that students can take advantage of. Therefore, we hope to raise interests by letting them know more about the special things about healthcare.
need to wake up at 2:00 a.m. or 5:00 a.m. in the morning to be at our events or meetings because of the time zone difference. However, since all of the executive board are really passionate about this club, we were able to pull through this semester very successfully with high team spirit and effective team meetings. TV: What are some of the goals that the society has for the future?
VT: For this semester, we are focusing on developing ground knowledge about the healthcare industry for students. Additionally through virtual events, with a friendly and engaging environment, we always encourage students to practice their networking, especially digital networking, and communication skills.
VT: For the next semester, we will have another big event for people from different majors to understand different career paths within the Healthcare industry. Additionally, we are hoping to connect students and build long-term relationships with more different healthcare firms. In the long run, after getting enough students to stick with the club, we are going to organize real-world engagements like treks or projects for local firms.
TV: How has COVID-19 impacted how the society runs?
TV: How can someone become a member of the society?
VT: It is very challenging for our club because our I am studying remotely in Vietnam. Therefore, I sometimes
VT: Students can reach out to us at vbihs@villanova.edu or on our Instagram, @villanovabihs.
TV: What are some of the skills the society helps students develop?
Wednesday, November 18, 2020
The Villanovan | 13
CULTURE
Nova Fashion Swap: Saying “No” to Fast Fashion Devin Toolen Staff Writer Kaelin Trombly Staff Writer Many aspects of modern life are known to cause some sort of environmental harm, such as driving to and from work, using disposable plastic items and leaving the lights on. However, when it comes to our clothes, the impacts are less obvious. Did you know that the fashion industry alone is responsible for dumping 92 million tons of waste in landfills a year? This averages out to a whopping 80 pounds of waste per person. In order to prevent these numbers from rising, there are simple measures one can take in order to be sustainable when looking for new clothing. One method is to purchase used clothing or sell one’s own items. Or better yet, trade unwanted clothes with a friend. This is exactly what the new student organization Nova Fashion Swap promotes. Nova Fashion Swap was created recently by sophomore Sarah Wisniewski. As a Liberal Arts student, Wisniewski was required to take a Mendel Science Experience (MSE) course. She chose to take a class called Polymers, which focused on plastic use, production and disposal. In the course, students were assigned a project to create a method in which Villanovans could become
cognizant of plastic consumption in their environment. Wisniewski wanted to align her project with sustainability in the fashion industry, hence, the creation of Nova Fashion Swap. The idea behind the Instagram account for Nova Fashion Swap is that University students can “swap” items of clothing that they no longer want with one another. The exchange is simple. For example, two friends could trade a shirt for a sweater. “I truly believe we all go through phases in our clothing and inevitably get bored, but the clothing still has a lot of life left,” Wisniewski said. “Therefore, swapping items with a friend for something they also no longer wear allows the useful lifetime of the item to be extended and keeps the clothing out of landfills.” Right now, Wisniewski is working on maintaining the Nova Fashion Swap account alone. However, she has received help from University faculty and staff. “I have been in contact with Liesel Schwarz from Nova Sustainability, and she has been an amazing resource for providing other options in the fashion industry,” Wisniewski said. “Nova Sustainability was also kind enough to feature the Instagram account in their newsletter for November.” Nova Fashion Swap is currently operating solely through the Instagram account. However, Wisniewski hopes to make her idea into a club in order to further
Two students engaged in the first Nova Fashion Swap of the year. Couresty of Nova Fashion Swap
highlight the negative effects that fast fashion has on our environment. “I hope that in the future, I can continue to provide education about plastic use, especially within the fashion industry, and encourage students to buy more sustainable clothes over fast fashion,” Wisniewski said. In order to get involved in the Nova Fashion Swap, DM @ Nova_FashionSwap a photo of the article of clothing you want to swap or get rid of, and Wisniewski
will post it for anyone who is interested. And just like that, the University has its own virtual thrift store. The Nova Fashion Swap was made with the intention of educating students on the harm of fast fashion, so that even if they do not participate in the swap process, they will be more responsible and informed. “Education is crucial in people making more sustainable choices,” Wisniewski said.
Villanova Theatre Takes On Euphrides’ “Bakkhai” A.J, Fezza Co-Culture Editor The future looked grim for Villanova Theatre. COVID-19 sent the U.S. into lockdown in March, the same month that the long-awaited John and Joan Mullen Center for the Performing Arts was to have its grand opening. However, Villanova Theatre pulled together and released numerous online performances in the Fall 2020 semester. Villanova Theatre’s focus this semester has been on the tragedy “Bakkhai,” from the ancient Greek playwright Euripides. The Chair of the Department of Communication, Dr. Heidi Rose, directed a reading of poet Anne Carsons’ adaptation of “Bakkhai,” which took place over Zoom.
The reading, which ran for roughly an hour and a half, was made available through the Villanova Theatre website twice, on Oct. 12 and Oct. 18, with a recommended donation of $10 for viewers. “They came up with the idea of doing a Zoom reading of this one particular translation, and they asked me if I would direct it,” Rose said. “So that’s how I got involved in it. I really wanted to make it a very inclusive experience.” The cast was a combination of undergraduates, graduate students, and even retired professors (John Christie and Jim Immer). In some cases, as with junior Ryan Henry, this was the first time students were intricately involved in a Villanova Theatre production. Henry originally auditioned
The reading of “Bakkhai” by Anne Carson was broadcasted on Oct. 12 and Oct. 18. Courtesy of Villanova Theatre
for an acting role in order to fulfill the extracurricular requirements of her Minor in Theatre. To her surprise, she was taken on the team not as a cast member, but as the Student Stage Manager. Usually, such a job would entail tasks like taping floors. Given that Henry was managing performances over Zoom, her job would be quite different this time. Most of the job consisted of editing the entire production after the fact, through the use of iMovie. Henry added bells and drums to the Zoom recording. Occasionally, she had to rearrange the placement of the actors on the screen. For example, one scene in the play involves a chorus. Henry had to rearrange each of the boxes of the Zoom call, so that the chorus surrounds the center box. The duties of Stage Manager also required major attention to detail. “I am not an organized person at all, but this forced me to be organized,” Henry said. “I had to take note of every single detail from rehearsal reports.” Both Rose and Henry affirmed that the production experience was much more difficult online than it would have been normally. They spent Saturdays and Sundays together from noon to 9:00 p.m., working out the kinks of the production in Rose’s office. In the end, the reading was a success. In addition to the reading of Anne Carson’s “Bakkhai,” Villanova Theatre also ran the “Bakkhai
Variations.” Back in May, Villanova Theatre commissioned five MA in Theatre alumni to write short plays in response to Anne Carson’s adaptation of Euripides’ “Bakkhai.” These alumni are Jessica Bedford ’10, Mark Costello ’10, Alexandra Espinoza ’18, Alix Rosenfeld ’16mand Megan Schumacher ’18. Bedford wrote the variation entitled “Beginning,” Costello wrote the variation “She Makes Knives Now,” Espinoza wrote the variation “exxx… stasis, exxx… hale,” Rosenfeld wrote the variation “The Bakkhai; or, I’m trying so hard to be good,” and Schumacher wrote the variation “Dionté and Khai Do Dinner.” These plays were presented individually throughout the month of October and then as a unified work on Halloween. The unified work, entitled “Bakkhai Variations,” was presided over by University professor and award-winning filmmaker Hezekiah Lewis. The readings of the five original plays were pre-recorded, with some plays being shot over Zoom as simple readings, and some plays being shot in a more cinematic fashion. Viewers were encouraged to donate $5 for each of the short plays and $25 for the fulllength film “Bakkhai Variations.” Fans of Villanova Theatre look forward to the spring, when the Topper Theatre in the John and Joan Mullen Center for the Performing Arts might finally be adequately put to use.
14 | The Villanovan
SPORTS
Wednesday, November 18, 2020
SPORTS
Men’s Basketball Team Gears Up for Empire Classic Anders Pryor Staff Writer Villanova’s men’s basketball team’s schedule is packed with highlights, and things will get off to an exciting start right away. The Wildcats open up their quest to a fourth national championship with the 2K Empire Classic. The Classic will consist of a fourteam tournament including Villanova, Boston College, Baylor and Arizona State. Villanova will open up its season against Boston College. Last season, the Eagles finished with a 7-13 record, placing 12th in the ACC, falling in front of only Pitt, Wake Forest and an injury-riddled North Carolina team. Boston College has never been known for its basketball program, traditionally being regarded as a “football school.” Ever since the departure of guard Ky Bowman, who now plays for the NBA’s Golden State Warriors, Boston College has had even less of an overall impact in the ACC, with powerhouses such Duke, UNC, Virginia and more. BC shouldn’t be a problem for the ’Cats. On the other side of the bracket, there are Baylor (AP #2) and ASU (AP #18). While ASU is expected to make a big jump this year with the addition of top three ESPN recruit freshman Josh Christopher, Baylor is an easy favorite. Its
first time since 2017, and head coach Mark Few will use his dynamic playstyle to get there by any means. Virginia, still defending champions believe it or not, is looking to come right back to the top spot it left off at. Several Big Ten programs, Wisconsin with D’Mitrik Trice, Iowa with Luka Garza and Illinois with Kofi Cockburn and Ayo Dosunmu, are all in the top ten and are looking to reach the final four with confidence. As per usual, Duke and Kentucky are lurking. Immediately, the loser of this potential battle between Villanova and Baylor will be set back in the conversation and will need work to climb back in. Even though it is an early game, watch out for the two dynamic, diverse and experienced rosters to put on a Game of the Year Candidate. There are going to be two things to watch for. First is guard play. Will Collin Gillespie’s size up with Butler and Teague be enough of an advantage to shoot over them consisThe ’Cats will play Boston College in their first match up. tently? Can Butler and Teague’s deCourtesy of Villanova Athletics fensive presence be enough to hinder ascending guard duo of Jared Butler that will be set from the result of this a younger guard like Justin Moore and MaCio Teague, combined with matchup. This year is competitive, with less experience? momentum and motivation from last and the national title conversation is The other thing to look out year, will allow the team to open up about as crowded as it can possibly for is big man play. How will freshits season with a victory. get. man Dain Dainja handle the overall With the likely final matchup Superstar freshman Jalen size, broadness and elusiveness of being Villanova against Baylor, it is Suggs and the Gonzaga Bulldogs Villanova forward Jeremiah Robinimportant to acknowledge the tone are looking to reach the finals for the son Earl?
Men’s Soccer Alumni Recieves Supporter’s Shield Colin Beazley Staff Writer After years of disappointment and heartbreak at the final moment, Villanova’s own Jim Curtin has finally won a trophy as head coach of the Philadelphia Union, winning the 2020 Supporter’s Shield. The Union clinched the Shield with a 2-0 victory over the New England Revolution on Nov. 8. This trophy, awarded to the team with the best regular season record in Major League Soccer, was not only the first for Curtin, but also the first in franchise history for the Union, which was founded in 2010. Curtin is a Philadelphian through and through. Born in Oreland, Curtin went to high school at Bishop McDevitt. He was recruited and chose to play soccer for Villanova, starring on the team from 1997-2000. He was named Big East Rookie of the Year during his freshman season, Second Team AllBig East as a sophomore and earned First Team All-Big East honors during both his junior and senior seasons, despite the program’s overall struggles during his time with the Wildcats. He became the first Villanova graduate to be drafted into the MLS in 2000, selected in the third round by the Chicago Fire. Curtin was an anchor in defense for eight seasons for the Fire and for two seasons with Chivas USA, retiring
in 2010 to become a coach in the academy for the newly announced Union. In 2014, Curtin was promoted to head coach after a successful stint on an interim basis. He immediately put the team in a position for its first trophy in franchise history, reaching the final of the US Open Cup. However, the Union lost 3-1 in extra time to the Seattle Sounders, beginning a pattern of falling short. In 2015, Curtin again led the team to the final of the U.S. Open Cup, but after drawing 1-1 in normal time, the Union lost to Sporting Kansas City, 7-6, on penalty kicks. 2018 brought yet another appearance in the finals, this time against the Houston Dynamo. Once again, the Union came up short, losing 3-0 in a game they trailed from the beginning. Curtin had been at the helm for several solid, albeit unspectacular seasons, until the 2020 campaign. After struggling in the preseason, the Union clicked and played excellently in the MLS is Back Tournament, held in a bubble at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando. The Union made a run to the semifinals of the tournament, only losing to the eventual champions, the Portland Timbers. After the conclusion of the tournament, the team continued its torrid form, winning all but three games during the rest of the season.
The biggest key to its success was a 9-0-0 record at the home field of Subaru Park in Chester, including a 5-0 win in late October against Toronto FC, the biggest competition for the Supporters Shield. The Union was the first team in MLS history to finish with a perfect record at home. With Curtin’s Philadelphia background and multiple heartbreaks, this long awaited trophy meant so much more. Curtin took out a full page ad in the Philadelphia Inquirer to thank the fans and show his appreciation to the city. “Coaching a Philadelphia team is special to me, nothing else will ever give me the same thrill,” he said. “From the moment I joined the Philadelphia Union, all I wanted to do was bring a trophy to this city.
But I wanted to do it in a way Philly would appreciate, through hard work, grit, determination, and an us-against-the-world mentality. “The Union have come so close to silverware three times before this, and when we didn’t get the result we needed, it was our supporters and fans that picked us up and gave us the fire to fight on,” Curtin continued. “And now we did it. We did it for the fans all the people like me that love Philly teams in a special way no other city can match.” The Union now begin their quest for the biggest trophy, the MLS Cup, as the top seed in the Eastern Conference. Its playoff run kicks off next Tuesday at Subaru Park against the winner of Inter Miami and Nashville.
Curtin played 10 seasons in the MLS before becoming a head coach. Courtesy of Villanova Athletics
SPORTS
Wednesday, November 18, 2020
The Villanovan | 15
Recruits, COVID-19, Eric Dixon and a New Season Alex Tantum Staff Writer In a press conference held via Zoom on Thursday, Nov. 12, Villanova men’s basketball head coach Jay Wright spoke on a multitude of topics, most of which related to this season, but he also looked to the future. Unsurprisingly, a major topic of conversation was COVID-19 and how it may affect Villanova basketball and the men’s season as a whole, but Wright also revealed some of his feelings on the recruits in the Class of 2021, discussed some key injuries and mentioned Eric Dixon’s improvement at multiple points throughout the conference. With National Signing Day on Wednesday, Nov. 11, Wright began the conference with a brief discussion of the 2021 recruiting class. “We have a really good class that I’m proud of,” he said. Wright is clearly excited about the potential for the class, which features Angelo Brizzi out of Warrenton, Va., Nnanna Njouku from Hockessin, Del., Jordan Longi-
no out of Doylestown, Pa. and Trey Patterson from Somerset, N.J. He went a little bit more into depth on Brizzi and Patterson, following questions from the conference. Wright mentioned that he actually has never met Brizzi in person, although they have constantly been in contact via Zoom and that he also never got a chance to see Brizzi play in person, but that the coaching staff was so impressed with his film and his fit with the team that they decided to give him an offer. As for Patterson, Wright said that he saw himself as someone who could fill the type of role players, like Josh Hart, Mikal Bridges and most recently Saddiq Bey, had filled for the team, and Wright was asked what traits from each of those players he thought Patterson possessed. Wright responded by saying that he has the “committed competitiveness” of Josh Hart, the length of Bridges and some of the skillset of Bey. Recruiting was fairly important in the conference, but COVID-19 was a very significant topic, with numerous questions surrounding how the college basketball season will work with the coronavirus
Dixon will begin his college career this season and is expected to be a key player. Courtesy of Villanova Athletics
only continuing to spread, many college football games being postponed and the Seton Hall and UConn programs currently in isolation. Wright stated that the team is tested three times per week and has its own pseudo-bubble, although they are relying on the honor system as well. “I think all of us are willing to do whatever we have to to play basketball,” Wright said. However, he mentioned that he thought without the presence of a bubble (of which the discussions have been “practically exhausted”), this season could be an “interrupted” one, similar to that of college football. The big question left to answer in his mind, however, is if the NCAA will be able to bubble for the tournament, as the tournament can’t go through stops and starts. With regards to fans at games, Wright noted that there will be a 15% capacity and that this is in part due to the fact that season ticket holders and major donors have volunteered to give up their seats so students can make it to the games. Moving beyond COVID-19 and discussing the roster for the upcoming season, Wright brought up a number of injuries which players had sustained and just finished working their way back from or were continuing to work their way through. Justin Moore had been out for the last month with a bone bruise, and his first day back at practice was Wednesday, Nov. 11. Additionally, Collin Gillespie came back in the first week of November after having been out the previous two months with a hamstring injury. Dhamir Cosby-Roundtree has continued to
have issues with his knee and has been held out of practice for the last week. However, the most concerning injury has been that of Bryan Antoine, someone who was thought to be competing for a sixth man spot this season. Antoine has been out since Sept. 23, and “...it doesn’t look like he’ll be getting back real quick,” after suffering a different injury in the same shoulder that he had surgery on in May of 2019. With regard to the rotation itself, there is still an open competition between Cole Swider and Caleb Daniels for the final starting spot. However, Wright mentioned that they will be in line to receive similar minutes regardless of who’s starting or is the sixth man. Wright also mentioned that Brandon Slater and Eric Dixon have worked their way into that conversation too, and the team could have a very good rotation this season. In what could arguably be regarded as the most positive news of the press conference, Wright was extremely enthusiastic about the continued development of the redshirt freshman, Dixon. “I just love this kid,” Wright said and went on to say that Dixon is on a “great path” and has a chance to be a really good player for the team. “I just see a huge upside for him,” he said. While Wright noted that Dixon is not as athletic as former Wildcat Eric Paschall, he said that Dixon is as good of a low-post player Villanova has had on its roster since Daniel Ochefu.
Swim and Dive Holds Award Event for 2019-20 Season The video went through each senior, one by one, showing pictures of them throughout their life and On Friday, coach Rick Simp- swimming career. It showed the comradery and family that had been built son got his team together, along with within the program. the coaching staff, family members, The seniors on the team were alumni and fans for the annual Bridie Dunn, Tarryn Els, Micaela Swimming and Diving Awards Night. Grassi, Noah Chernick, Justin CucSimpson broadcasted it on Facebook chi, John Davidson, Jackson Kabas, Live, made a beautiful tribute to the Andrew Kelly, Alex Klippel, Stephen senior class and highlighted hope for Krecsmar, Dominic Nazzaro, Christhe future. He also went down the line topher Paynter, Michael Perra, Will and gave out a few awards, including Ritchie and Joe Swindal. men’s and women’s MVP, Academic After the video, Simpson Excellence award and Wildcat award. transitioned to the awards. He started The night also brought an off with the Wildcat award and talked amazing highlight reel of the seniors, about how it is given to a player who as well as some highlights from the strived to make the program better season. through hard work and dedication. It Simpson started the night off was chosen by the fellow teammates, giving a tribute to his team, mentionand the women’s winner was Andrea ing that it was one of the few teams that got to finish the season last spring Fong. She earned all-Big East honors before classes were moved online. He in 2019 and is a nine-time Big East scorer. She finished third in the 500 in also mentioned some personal records, as well as the fact that the team the conference championship. The men’s winner was Miwon the Big East Championship on chael Perra, who swept both the one both the men’s and women’s sides. He and three meter diving events at the talked about how crazy this year has conference championship. He is a been and mentioned that he wanted two-time CSCAA All-America Team to thank the many athletes whose honorable mention and has been seasons got cut short. named to the Athletic Director’s Hon After his opening remarks, Simpson gave way to a touching high- or Roll every semester of his career. He is a four-time member of the Big light video that featured not only the East All-Academic Team and a sixseniors but the whole team’s journey. It showed pictures of the teams at dif- time Dean’s List honoree. Simpson then moved to the ferent events throughout the year, but Academic Excellence awards, which its main focus was showing the seniors were given to the students with the and the many photos of them while highest GPA on the team. The womthey have been on the team. Zac Tipton Staff Writer
en’s winner was Rayann Jaryszak, who has produced multiple 4.0 semesters at Villanova. She is a three time member of the Big East all-Academic Team and made it on the Athletic Director’s Honor Roll all six semesters. She is a five-time Big East champion and a 10-time All-Big East performer. The men’s winner was Jordan Fetterman. He has also been on the All-Academic Team the past three years and made the Athletic Director’s Honor Roll all six semesters. He is a seven-time Big East scorer and has posted career bests at the Big East Championships in the 100 fly and the 200 IM. Then, it was time for the MVP awards. The women’s award winner was Kelly Montesi, who led the team with an overall season point total of 462.25. Montesi won conference titles in the 200 IM, the 400 IM
and the 200 backstroke, in addition to contributing to relay titles in the 200 and 400 yard medley relays, as well as the 400 and 800 yard freestyle relays. The men’s award winner was Justin Cucchi, who led the team in all scoring categories throughout the season. He set school records in the 200 IM and the 400 IM during the conference meet, and on the last day of the meet, he broke the record for the 200-yard backstroke. Cucchi captured the Big East title in the 400 IM and anchored Villanova’s come-frombehind victory in the men’s 800-yard freestyle relay on the first day of the meet. His overall season point total was a team-best 338 points. Coach Simpson let all the seniors give their final speeches and words of wisdom. Afterwards, Simpson gave his closing remarks and ended a truly well-done night of awards.
The coaches gave out six awards in three different categories. Courtesy of Villanova Athletics
A OV
AN
L VIL
DINING SERVICES
Villanova Dining Services
Thank you to the Villanova Community for your dedication to putting Community First this fall! Your commitment to following all procedures and guidelines has been essential in helping us make this a safe and successful semester. We look forward to serving you again in the spring!
wishing you a Happy & Healthy Thanksgiving Holiday Please visit our website for a complete list of dining hours of operation during the semester break.