WEDNESDAY JANUARY 31, 2024 www.villanovan.com @thevillanovan VOLUME 116 | ISSUE 1
STUDENT-RUN SINCE 1916
Villanova University Declares a Snow Day
Students Look Ahead: Spring 2024 Semester Preview
Natalie Murphy Staff Writer
Many woke up surprised on Jan. 16 when there was no email from the Villanova administration announcing an official snow day. With patches of ice covering the Wildcat Path and snow on the ground for the first time in two years, several groups of people, including both staff and students, were expecting an extra day of Winter Break. Though this was not the first “official” snowfall, as there was snow seen falling on campus in December, this was the first time the snow stuck to the ground. While there was no official cancellation from the University itself, the icy conditions still prompted several professors to schedule online calls with their classes, with some fully canceling first sessions altogether. The status of each student’s class was dependent on their respective professors’ commute to campus. While some professors live nearby, others take public transportation or commute from further away. According to NBC Philadelphia, approximately three inches of snow fell in Delaware County and up to four in surrounding counties. I had planned to fly back to campus from my home state of Michigan the night before the snow fall. However, my layover in Charlotte was canceled and I was stuck in North Carolina for two days as the icy conditions in Philadelphia postponed all arriving flights. Camped out in a hotel with none of my luggage, I was also quite surprised that there was no snow day. Pictures and videos of the weather at Villanova flooded my social media. Even coming from someone who has grown up with snow, it seemed like a large amount. My second Continued on p. 6
Cate Torrey Staff Writer
The start of a new year brings about a range of overwhelming emotions for students and faculty. There’s an abundance of excitement, anticipation and hope for a positivity-filled semester. These feelings of excitement and anticipation are often related to students’ new class schedules, routines and a clean slate as a result of the new year. One aspect of the new year that students face involves taking classes that allow for self-discovery and
further development into one’s academic career. While it can be nerve-racking, one of the greatest parts of Villanova’s education is how students are supported with their academics. A positive aspect of the new semester is the fact that the classes are different from what students took prior to winter break. It allows for students and professors to simply refresh and regain an aptitude for their academics. Sophomore Matthew Hellman discussed his feelings about getting to further himself with the new semester in mind.
Villanova Students Study in Falvey Library Courtesy of Brian Luppy/Villanovan Photography
“I’m feeling good about it for sure,” Hellman said. “Beginning to take classes in the major is very exciting and I’m happy that students get the opportunity for a fresh start with each new semester.” Junior Jennie Dapice expressed her positive outlook on the next chapter. “I’m feeling excited to finish the last of my premed courses this semester and feel super happy to have all of my friends back from abroad this semester,” Dapice said. Reuniting with friends and other Villanovans, whether it be after a couple weeks over winter
break, or often after being abroad for a semester, can be one of the greatest experiences as a college student. With the new year, the winter season is also upon us, and many students are thrilled about the amount of snow we have seen compared to some other years in the past. Getting a snow day on the first Friday of the semester was unexpected, but necessary given the intense conditions. “Waking up and seeing the snow outside my window in the quad was awesome,” sophomore James Manion. “I was able to play
Continued on p. 4
Reusable Cup Program Returns Post-Covid Lydia McFarlane
Former News Editor Villanova’s Dining Services and Department of Sustainability partnered to bring back the reusable cup discount program at all Holy Grounds locations. The “Bring Your Own Cup” program was a feature of the Holy Grounds of the past, before Covid brought about heightened precautions to slow the spread of the virus, including putting a halt to allowing
customers to bring their own cups. An Instagram post from @villanovasustainability and @ villanovadining read, “Better
latte than never—the Reusable Cup Program is back,” using a coffee pun to encourage people to participate in the program. From Jan. 16 to Jan.
Reusable Cup Program Rules and Promotion Displayed for Students. Courtesy of Graydon Paul/Villanovan Photography
19, Dining Services celebrated the return of the program by awarding a free 16oz coffee to anyone that brought their own reusable cup. The program, encouraging customers to “do your share to preserve the Earth,” as seen on the same Instagram post, offers a 35-cent discount to those who bring a reusable mug at all Holy Grounds locations. The discount is applicable to hot and iced coffee, hot and iced tea and cold brew, but not to specialty beverages. Continued on p. 5
Desantis Ends Campaign p. 2
Library Unveils Popular Reading Collection p. 3
Villanova Hosts MLK Jr. Keynote Address p. 4
Students Celebrate First Snow Day of the Year p. 6
Behind the Scenes of Sorority Rush p. 7
Satire: 24 Totally Accurate Predictions for 2024 p. 8
Choolah: A Newcomer on South Campus p. 10
What’s In, What’s Out? New Year New Lists p. 11
Murphy, Dolan and Clayton Set New School Records p. 12
Water Polo Starts Season 4-0 p. 12