The Villanovan | Volume 118, Issue 3: February 12, 2025
Sof Says: Single on Valentine’s Day
Sof Quaglia Satire Columnist
The following content is purely satirical. Don’t believe everything you read!
Happy almost-Valentine’s Day. The day of love. The day of happiness and joy and wonder and everything good about the world if you’re in a relationship, of course. If you’re single, it’s a little bit more complicated to find love in your heart on Feb. 14.
As a Valentine’s Day enthusiast, I think there is something for everyone on this glorious holiday, even you sad singles. It is a day of celebration for everyone, not just people tied down in monogamous relationships.
So, if you are single and looking for something to do this Valentine’s Day, check out my list of activities you can partake in to make your heart grow three sizes this year.
1. Send a Villanova singing Valentine to your enemy at 7 a.m.
I love the Villanova Singers, and I rather enjoy their musical stylings. I would never speak ill against the group. I think that there is something really beautiful about sending a loved one a singing Valentine. I love that one episode of Glee, too. Trust me.
While a singing Valentine is a beautiful sentiment, there is also something uniquely cruel about subjecting anyone to a group of singers when they first wake up in the morning.
So, if you are in a happy relationship, or if you have love in your heart, send a singing Valentine at a normal time.
But, if you are a miserable, single person, send one to your arch-nemesis at the crack of dawn. Surely, that will bring a little love and
Sports Journalism Roundtable Preview p. 3
Sweating for Space in the Davis Gym p. 10
Villanova’s Response to the Dismantling of DEI
Isabella Balian Staff Writer
Throughout the course of President Donald Trump’s campaign, he targeted current DEI initiatives within the federal government and within various American institutions. On Jan. 20, 2025, he signed two DEI-related executive orders related to gender and government DEI programs. The first order is titled “Defending Women From Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government” and the second is “Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs and Preferencing.”
On Jan. 21, 2025, he signed another order, focusing on restoring merit-based opportunities, titled “Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity.”
Days after Trump’s executive orders, Northeastern University, a private university in the heart of Boston, removed language related to DEI from its website. So far, Villanova has not released any official statements or actions. Villanova’s Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is committed to forging relationships across lines of differences and promoting diversity within all teaching and learning experiences. Its website includes statements of antiracism, a diversity state-
ment and a land acknowledgement statement.
The Villanovan spoke to students and faculty who work in DEI sectors on campus to understand the consequences of these orders on their work. The Office of DEI recently announced the appointment of Ariella Robbins as Vice President for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. Robbins was asked about the importance of DEI at Villanova.
“It is grounded and reflected in our Augustinian Catholic mission and values,” Robbins said in an email. “Our values of truth, unity and love ensure that we work to create and sustain a culture and climate that is welcom-
ing, compassionate and just,” Robbins said.
Robbins also mentioned Villanova’s mission statement and how this intersects with the goals of diversity, equity and inclusion.
“By centering our mission, we can build a diverse and harmonious living and learning environment where the needs of all community members are met, as we move towards the common good,” Robbins said. “Our Augustinian values guide us in our commitment to the social responsibility of having a positive impact on the world around us.”
The Villanovan also spoke with two members of Villanova’s Student Govern-
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Track & Field: Murphy & Langon Shatter Record
Genna Cottingham
Staff Writer
On Saturday, Feb. 8, Villanova track and field competed in the Penn Classic at the Ott Center in Philadelphia. A trio of men’s distance runners also competed in the Bruce Lehane Scarlet and White Invite at Boston University. The Wildcats dominated Boston and earned qualifying times for the NCAA indoor championship. Fifthyear Liam Murphy and junior
This Week in Politics p. 4
Student’s React to Eagle’s Dominant Win p. 12
Marco Langon defeated their collegiate competition, as well as professional runners, in the 3,000-meter race at Boston.
“We kind of predicted
that [Murphy and Langon] would be under 7:40,” men’s head coach Marcus O’Sullivan said. “But [Langon] was coming off a light version of the
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Where Should I Study?: Library Edition p. 14
Goodbye Freshens, Hello Smoothitas p. 7
James Jackson: The Voice of Nova Nation p. 16
flu last week. We were hesitant to actually race him. And he joked with me this morning, he said, ‘You didn’t think I could do it?’ And I said, ‘I love it when you prove me wrong.’” Murphy finished first while running a 7:35.47, registering the fourth-fastest 3K in collegiate history and setting a new school record. He shattered his own school record of 7:42.51, set at the 2024 Big East Indoor Championships. Langon crossed the finish line right behind Murphy, fin-
Continued on p. 13
Debunking the “Perfect” College Exeprience p. 9
Water Polo Goes 1-2 in Crimson
p. 18
Villanova’s Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is committed to promoting diversity within all teaching and learning experiences. Erick Quezada/Villanovan Photography
Classic
Liam Murphy registered the fourth-fastest 3K in collegiate history. Courtesy of Villanova Athletics
PUBLIC SAFETY BLOTTER
THEFT BY UNLAWFUL TAKING OR DISPOSITION
February 4, ST. MARY’S HALL
A male resident student reported a stolen North Face jacket with a target gift card inside the pocket. The estimated total value of stolen items is $500.00.
HARASSMENT - REPEATED COMMUNICATION
February 4, SHEEHAN HALL
A male resident student reported harassment from a non-affiliated female via text messaging and phone calls.
CRIMINAL MISCHIEF
February 6, SULLIVAN HALL
A staff member reported vandalism in a communal restroom within a residential building. The value
CORRECTIONS
Villanova On DEI Dismantling
Isabella Balian Staff Writer
Continued from p.1
-ment Association, Kenza Idrissi Janati and Akintade Asalu, who hold leadership positions pertaining to DEI.
“As the Vice President of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for Villanova’s Student Government Association, my role is to work with administration and advocate for initiatives that ensure every student feels a sense of belonging on campus,” Janati said.
Janati and Robbins both mentioned Villanova’s values in accordance with the mission of DEI, and how this will lead the future of DEI at Villanova.
“As we work to understand the implications of recent actions and executive orders, my office and University leaders across campus are committed to the values that are foundational to Villanova,” Robbins said. “It is through our mission-centric work that we intentionally make space for and affirm different voices and lived experiences to strengthen our University for the future.”
Similarly, Janati emphasized her continued pursuit of DEI initiatives within SGA.
“Despite the growing national pushback against DEI efforts, we remain steadfast in our commitment to fostering an inclusive environment where marginalized and underrepresented students can thrive,” she said. “Upholding Villanova’s core values of veritas, unitas and caritas means ensuring that diversity, equity and inclusion remain integral to our community.”
Asalu, also a senior student, currently serves as the SGA DEI Department Chair, and previously served as the Co-Chair of the Caucus of Underrepresented Student Associations.
Asalu said he was disappointed at the Trump administration’s dismantling of federal DEI programs, but not surprised.
“We have seen over the past
of the damage is unknown.
THEFT BY UNLAWFUL TAKING OR DISPOSITION
February 7, CONNELLY CENTER
A student reported theft of a coat from Connelly Center. The amount of the loss is $1,000.
LIQUIOR UNDERAGE
February 9, STANFORD HALL
A male resident student, under 21, appreaded in public intoxicated. The student was evluated by Public Safety and released.
CRIMINAL MISCHIEF
February 9, SULLIVAN HALL
A Resident Assistant reported vandalism in a communal restroom within a residential building. The value of the damange is unknown.
HARASSMENT - REPEATED COMMUNICATION
February 5-9, WHOLE CAMPUS
A Villanova University faculty member reported they were receiving harassing emails on their university email address.
DISORDERLY CONDUCT
February 9-10, KATHERINE HALL
A fire alarm was activated in a residence hall as a result of an unknown person discharging a fire extinguisher in the building without a legitmate purpose.
eight years how President Trump continues to utilize his privilege to impact policy without consideration for the conditions of other underrepresented identities,” he said. “This school is primarily white and wealthy, meaning that the social norms and experiences of the people fitting that archetype are represented heavily in the culture and classroom,” he said.
Asalu also stated that DEI initiatives create an opportunity for people to “share their experiences and help foster an environment where more people are aware of the world outside of themselves.”
In addition to a holistic perspective of DEI within the Villanova community, Asalu discussed his experiences with DEI Villanova.
“I have been attending predominantly-white institutions since I was 10 years old, and I learned very quickly that there was a clear cultural divide between my peers and me,”
Asalu said.
Asalu spoke about his difficulty in finding his place during the beginning of his Villlanova experience, and how SGA transformed his experience.
“I was not involved in any clubs in my first two years here, and to be frank I was miserable,” Asalu said. “All of that changed when I joined the DEI Department and met Kenza and others. Through working in DEI, I was able to find a group of people who understand my experiences as a person of color, making my time at Villanova more bearable.”
Both Janati and Asalu are hopeful that the university will continue its DEI efforts on an administrative level. Robbins affirmed her hope that Villanova will continue to build a community stringent on its Augustinian values.
“Creating a diverse and inclusive campus community is a part of Villanova’s history, and we continue to build a community where we can broaden perspectives, encourage academic collaboration and connection and prepare students to respond to the complexities of a global world,” Robbins said.
Heng Opens Literary Festival
Katie Bryda Staff Writer
The Villanova English Department is celebrating its 27th year of hosting the Villanova Literary Festival, a series of talks throughout the Spring Semester that include authors and poets who participate in readings, Q&As and book signings. The first event of the 27th Villanova Literary Festival brought author Rachel Heng to campus on February 4th to read from her second novel The Great Reclamation.
Professor Alan Drew, MFA, Director of the Literary Festival, spoke on some of the achievements of the festival and introduced the first event of the four event series, all of which are open to the public. To kick off the first event, two creative writing students took the mic.
Heng was introduced by students Lily Renga and Loghan Hirkey, who detailed Heng’s literary work and numerous awards. Of the novel, Hirkey said that it “encapsulates the historical turmoil of the time.”
Born and raised in Singapore, Heng attended Columbia University for her undergraduate degree in comparative literature. She then went back to Singapore to work for the government in finance after her undergraduate degree. Afterward, she received her Master’s of Fine Arts from the University of Texas at Austin.
Heng captured the attention of the audience at Falvey Speakers Corner with a reading from her novel. She read for a few minutes from the first chapter of her novel, noting that “...called upon [my] lived experiences for inspiration.”
The story follows a young boy throughout his life during the Japanese invasion of Singapore after the British occupation following World War II. When asked if she knew whether or not she knew if she wanted to write about her home country she replied that
even when she wasn’t writing about Singapore “...it always comes back to where I am from.” She talked of her experience as an immigrant in the United States, and how she found writing as a young woman in New York City. She said that at 18, she did not even want to be a writer.
Her first novel was not even historical fiction, it was speculative fiction. When asked about the change in direction for her writing, Heng said that “they have a lot in common even though they’re so different.”
She talked about how the setting in both of her stories ended up becoming their own character, and when that character came to life, she found they were more alike than not. She also wanted to explore more questions of autonomy under oppressive structures, and she found that historical fiction lends itself best for the themes she wanted to explore.
She also spoke about the difficulties of writing historical fiction. One student asked how she decided what information to keep within her novel, and what details she had to cut. She said she spent years researching, formally and informally, and made the metaphor that “You have to make the clay before you throw the pot.” She said one of the hardest elements of research was knowing when to actually stop. Heng even said that she still does research to this day on details she can’t even add now that the book had been finished and published for nearly two years.
While the event was somewhat short, only lasting an hour, the advice and knowledge that Heng brought to the talk was inspiring, and solidified in the minds of the audience why she had won her many awards. She spoke about her extremely research heavy third novel that has no release date yet. But while she works on that novel, she continues to teach creative writing as an assistant professor at Wesleyan University in New York.
Black History Month: Lunch @ Lepage Delves Into Carver
Margaret Miller Staff Writer
On Wednesday, Feb. 5, Isaac Smith, Lepage graduate fellow, gave a talk at the weekly Lunch at Lepage on George Washington Carver as part of a wider Villanova effort to commemorate Black History Month.
In Saint Augustine Center 410, Kevin Fox, the assistant director of the Lepage Center, introduced the main speaker and gave a brief overview of the “Lunch at Lepage” series.
“Periodically we do these things called ‘Lunch at Lepage’ where we come and eat and we either talk about a current event putting it into a historical context or faculty and staff from around the University, as well as graduate students and my student fellows will present their research and sort of talk us through the process of developing from the germ of an idea to wherever it ended up,” Fox said.
Fox then introduced Smith.
“Today, one of my two graduate fellows, Isaac Smith, is going to talk us through ‘More Than the Peanut:’ George Washington Carver, his place in the history of agriculture, environmentalism, black intellectual history,” Fox said.
Smith expressed thanks, then detailed the roadmap for his presentation, starting with his reasoning for focusing on Carver. Smith described
Finn Courtney Co-News Editor
that last fall; he took environmental history with Dr. Paul Rosier.
As a part of this class, keeping in mind future aspirations, Smith chose to focus on Carver.
“I knew that I would be applying to Ph.D. programs in the following semester, and I knew that those programs would be Black studies programs, African history programs, Africana programs,” Smith said. “So, I decided it would probably be best for me to write some sort of primary source original essay that would blend aspects of Black studies with and fall within the demanding parameters of environmental history...”
Smith also described that many Black scholars typically choose to stay away from Carver as he had ties with Booker T. Washington.
“Booker T. Washington is like a stain on the legacy for a lot of folks in Black studies,” Smith said.
Moving on from his research methods, Smith started his chronological description of George Washington Carver’s life. Smith refers to the earliest stage of Carver’s life as his “plant doctor phase.”
Also, through analyzing his childhood, Smith found that Carver had “an intense love for nature, like indescribable. To the point that if one of his flowers died, he would be reduced to tears...This informed his mysticism.” This, Smith continued, influenced his further work, believing deeply that items from nature were
imbued with God, and that because of this, they should not be wasted.
The next stage in Smith’s chronological analysis is Carver’s “Wanderer” stage. In this stage, Carver pursued greater education and moved to a different homestead, continuing his domestic work while attending school. Carver then moved to Fort Scott, Kansas to pursue a better education, but while in Fort Scott, Carver observed severe racial violence, driving him to a different area of the state. Carver then eventually moved to Iowa, attending Iowa State: “and so while he was at Iowa state, he worked under some of the finest minds in agriculture...” Carver then became a faculty member at Iowa state, starting to gain fame.
Smith then discussed Carver’s connection with Washington. Smith also revealed that W.E.B. Dubois, ear-
ly on, had friendly connections with Washington, prior to the development of his criticism towards Washington.
Adding on to that point, Smith also concluded that even though Carver worked at a vocational school, the Tuskegee Institute, he was more interested in art and “took a liberal arts approach to scientific discovery,” which would place him closer to Dubois than Washington.
Concluding his presentation, Smith emphasized Carver’s passion and his faith.
“Certainly, [Carver] would say that he was called by God, and he felt the calling by God to do it,” Smith said.
Smith then left the floor open to answer questions, discussing more about biography, connections with Washington and the queer identity of Carver.
Sports Journalism Roundtable Preview
covering the sports issues of the day.”
For the fourth-straight year, Villanova’s Communication Department will host its annual journalism panel. This year, it will be centered around sports journalism, while the last three have offered glimpses into the rich diversity of people and coverage in the industry.
The event takes place Thursday, Feb. 20, from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. in Garey Hall Room 10A.
This panel, looking at the challenges of sports journalism, as well as what the ever-changing industry holds for sports journalism’s future, includes Joe DeCamara, co-Host of 94WIP’s Morning Show; Taryn Hatcher, an on-air host and reporter for NBC Sports Philadelphia; Marcus Hayes, a highly-respected columnist for The Philadelphia Inquirer; Kevin Kinkead, an editor for the online blog Crossing Broad; and Breland Moore, a sports anchor for Fox 29.
Each of the five panelists bring a distinct style and experience in a specific medium, a choice of no coincidence from Communication Department professor and this year’s roundtable moderator, Michael Bradley.
“These are people who have reached, in the Philadelphia areas, pretty high places,” Bradley said. “We’ve got pretty high-end people here who can tell aspiring journalists, whether they want to be in sports or anything else, what you have to do to get to the top. Especially now with the Eagles winning the Super Bowl, I expect this to be a really lively roundtable and people can get a chance to talk and listen to folks talk about
With recent Philadelphia sports success, including the Phillies’ postseason runs and the aforementioned Eagles Super Bowl run, the audience is expected to be packed with both sports fans and those looking to pursue a career in the industry, including Villanova Television’s Sports Director, Mia Zebrauskas.
“I hope to learn more from journalists and professionals in jobs close to mine,” Zebrauskas said.
“Even though I am hoping to be a videographer or producer post-graduation, we all share a passion for sports media and I think it’s highly valuable to meet people that work in the same or similar fields, so you can learn from their experiences and establish a connection with them.
For WXVU broadcaster
David Szczepanski, a longtime fan of Philadelphia sports teams and sports talk radio, he’s looking forward to hearing from those giants in the field he one day hopes to be a part of.
“I’m excited to hear from some local journalists about their journeys and experiences in sports journalism,” Szczepanski said. “I’ve grown up listening to WIP, so it will be especially great to hear from Joe DeCamara, who hosts a sports talk show like I do on WXVU at Villanova. I’m happy and thankful that Villanova and the communication department is able to give students the chance to attend something like this.”
And much like the five men and women invited to participate at the roundtable, sports journalism requires flexibility, something Szczepanski is no stranger to navigating.
“One of the biggest changes is just from a multi-media lens,” Szczepanski said. “If you’re in radio,
you are no longer just hosting a radio show. You must have a social media presence and network yourself on other platforms. It provides challenges, but it also allows you to connect with more people and learn how to become a better professional.”
Bradley, a longtime, respected journalist in his own right, hopes those interested in entering the industry are not waiting around, hoping for an opportunity to simply appear.
“As I tell all my students who come to me looking to get into this field, I say, ‘Your grade in Professor Bradley’s journalism class doesn’t mean anything when it comes time to looking for a job,’” Bradley said. “Have you written? Have you done all of the things that you want to do later on in a career while you’re in college? It’s imperative that you’re building a resume while you’re taking your classes because that’s what employers are gonna look at.”
In that same vein, the success of taking advantage of the opportunities afforded in college can be seen with up-and-comers in the industry. Opportunities, as Bradley said, can be in numerous different avenues, be it with on-air reps, writing articles or podcasting about any given topic.
For up-and-comers, such as former co-Editor-in-Chief of The Villanovan and now writer for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Colin Beazley, those opportunities made all the difference for where he’s reached in his career.
“I’d recommend taking advantage of any opportunity you can,” Beazley said. “For me, that was getting involved as heavily as I could with The Villanovan, which led to more practice doing journalism, covering more events and meeting editors and other journalists. Also, take advantage
of people you know in the field. Villanova has [Michael Bradley], who has plenty of connections and advice on how best to make sports journalism, or any kind of journalism, a career.”
With topics for previous roundtables such as “Women In Journalism,” “Black Journalists” and “Television Journalism,” Bradley acknowledges the need for diversity in the industry.
“It’s vital that we have diversity of gender, diversity of race, diversity of opinion, diversity of platform,” Bradley said. “So people can see there’s a lot of entryways into journalism now. You just have to work hard and find your spot.”
Diversity also speaks to the mediums the general population consume media and journalism through, as sources like a physical newspaper continue to dwindle in terms of television and online distribution platforms. For Beazley, himself a writer for a newspaper, social media seems to be the future of the industry.
“I think the printed newspaper is on its last legs, but there’s still space for good written work,” Beazley said. “That said, sports media and journalism needs to find consumers or readers where they’re at. Social media is a huge resource for journalists that know how to use it, whether that’s short form stories, live tweets, or video analysis. Social media has meant that everyone in sports media has a platform, so you have to make the most of what you have, market yourself heavily, and ensure that consumers know who you are and that you’re someone they can trust with their attention.”
To learn more about on the event, visit the Department’s website or @villanovacomm on Instagram.
Last week’s Lunch at Lepage covered the life of George Washington Carver and his place in history. Brian Luppy/Villanovan Photography
Zoe Garrett Political Columnist
Breaking news headlines dominated many media this past week, covering everything from the existence of the U.S.A.I.D., cabinet pick hearings, tariffs, presidential statements on Gaza, and the delay of a buyout deadline.
President Donald Trump and Elon Musk announced that they would move to shut down the United States Agency for International Development (U.S.A.I.D.), reported AP News. This agency is the chief federal body in charge of providing humanitarian aid to foreign nations, overseeing various health initiatives, education opportunities, famine prevention efforts, and more.
Musk, head of the newly created Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), announced early last week that he and the President had agreed to shut down the agency to slash federal spending.
Democratic Congresspeople rebuked the decision; Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT) even called the unabashed move by the Trump administration a “constitutional crisis.”
An update released last Thursday revealed that out of the over 10,000 civil servants employed within the U.S.A.I.D. worldwide, only about 290 of them were expected to
This Week in Politics
ultimately retain their employment, reported The New York Times. Such a mass layoff would essentially dissolve the agency from the inside out, only sparing select employees.
Several important developments also occurred last week for Trump’s cabinet nominees, including for Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the president’s pick for Health and Human Services Secretary. The Senate Finance Committee narrowly agreed to send Kennedy to a confirmation vote in a 14-13 decision that abided party lines.
The deciding vote was cast by Senator Bill Cassidy (R-LA). As a physician himself, the Senator had repeatedly cast doubt towards Kennedy’s previous anti-vaccine stance and his “Make America Healthy Again” ideology, a slogan which dovetailed Trump’s presidential campaign.
Cassidy has publicly expressed concern regarding the possible negative impact the past vaccine skeptic could have on the nation.
Trump also imposed steep import tariffs last week against Canada, Mexico, and China, a few of the U.S.’s strongest and most long-standing trading partners. As per his executive order, Trump levied a 25% tariff on all imports from the nation’s neighboring countries and a 10% tariff on Chinese goods in order to mitigate the movement of fentanyl and “illegal aliens” into the country. Canadian Prime Minister Justin
Trudeau on Monday posted to X that his country would work in tandem with the Trump administration’s national security goals, pledging to install a “Canada-U.S. Joint Strike Force to combat organized crime, fentanyl and money laundering.”
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbam is said to have called Trump, sharing what the American leader has since called a “very friendly conversation.” The discussion resulted in an agreed upon month-long pause on the tariff policy.
On the contrary, China retaliated by imposing a tariff of its own, which officially took effect last Wednesday.
In a press conference on Tuesday, Trump sparked global surprise when he stated that the United States would assume ownership of Gaza, reported The New York Times
“The U.S. will take over the Gaza strip, and we’ll do a job with it, too– we’ll own it,” he told reporters.
When a journalist asked the President what authority he possessed to undertake this plan, he evaded the question, instead answering that he foresees the U.S. assuming a “long term ownership position,” a plan which “everyone [he has] spoken to loves.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who stood at the other podium in the conference, expressed his agreement with Trump’s plan, citing his priority that “Gaza
never poses a threat to Israel again” as the reason he affirmed his plan.
Some of Trump’s top officials did not seem to fully support his claims. Secretary of State Marco Rubio told reporters that the President’s plan was only to help rebuild Gaza, not overtake it; Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that “the president has not committed to putting boots on the ground in Gaza.”
Last Thursday, a payout deadline for over 10,000 civil servants was deferred by a federal judge until this past Monday, according to The New York Times
In the early weeks of the presidential term, Trump’s administration sent out a mass email to the country’s civil servants, offering them a payout through September if they willingly resigned, a deal aimed to dramatically reduce the size of the federal government. Tens of thousands of federal workers are said to have accepted the administration’s buyout deal.
However, U.S. District Judge George A. O’Toole Jr. prohibited the government’s imposition of the deadline until a hearing about the matter was held this past Monday.
The past week has been marked by a whirlwind of political developments. As the Trump administration continues to test the limits of executive authority, responses from lawmakers and foreign leaders, having both domestic and international consequences.
Celebrating Valentine’s Day on Campus
Ava Petrosky Staff Writer
Villanova’s campus will soon be filled with sweet tarts and candy hearts. Valentine’s Day is quickly approaching, and there are many events on campus to get Villanovans in the red and pink spirit.
The campus festivities began on Thursday, Feb. 6 at Quizzo. The Campus Activities Team (CAT) hosted a Valentine’s Day-inspired “Sweet Quizzo.”
Traditionally, Quizzo consists of three rounds, each round becoming increasingly more difficult.
The first round of “Sweet Quizzo” posed multiple-choice questions. What are the tips of Cupid’s arrows made from? What day was the Valentine’s Day Massacre? What state became official on Valentine’s Day?
The second round featured questions about various romantic comedy movies. Some of the beloved romcoms referenced included Titanic, How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days and 13 Going on 30
For the final round, participants had to guess the song title based on a short clip provided. Bonus points were awarded if participants could also mention the song’s release year. Some of the songs played were Rihanna’s “Love On The Brain” and Beyoncé’s “Love On Top.”
The winners were awarded Valentine’s Day-themed gift baskets, which included a teddy bear, a heart-shaped mug, sweetheart candies and flower Legos.
“Out of all the holidays,
[Valentine’s Day is] just the sweetest and the cutest,” co-Director of Game Night for CAT, sophomore Caitlin Cason, said. “I just think it’s so sweet.”
Cason and her co-director, sophomore Kyla Armistad, will also host a Valentine’s Day-themed bingo on Thursday, Feb. 13 in Spit at 9 p.m.
“This bingo will have a special twist on it,” Armistad said.
Also on Thursday, Feb. 13, CAT will host an event called “Petals and Patterns.” This event will feature bouquet crafting and henna tattoos for students to enjoy in the West Lounge from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m.
CAT also sponsored a “Sweets and Stuffing” event on Tuesday, Feb. 11 in COVA. Participants were able to stuff a heart pillow while enjoying snacks from a chocolate fondue dipping fountain amongst other sweets.
Other student groups on campus will also partake in Valentine’s Day festivities.
The Villanova Singers are known around campus for performing “Singing Valentines” each year on Feb. 14. This has been a tradition within the group since 1979.
The Singers travel in quartets all over Villanova’s property, delivering Valentines to students, faculty and staff during classes and in community spaces. The song’s tune is based on the lullaby, “You Are My Sunshine.”
“It’s just become this cultural bonding thing inside of the school as a whole, not even just Singers,” Singers President Jacob Scotto said. “That’s our day, we spend all day together. It’s just a
great day to run around, spread joy, honestly. People have really started anticipating it, I think.”
The musical messages can be delivered virtually through email or phone call, or in person to a classroom or as a dormitory wakeup.
This year, because Valentine’s Day is on a Friday, the Singers decided to deliver their classroom valentines on Thursday, Feb. 13.
The wakeups and virtual messages will occur as normal, on the 14th.
The Singers have been selling Singing Valentines online. The Singers also tabled in the Connelly Center on Monday, Feb. 11 through Wednesday, Feb. 13.
“It’s just great to see people have fun and enjoy it as much as we do,” Scotto said.
Also hoping to fundraise through Valentine’s Day, the Villanova University Pastoral Musicians (VPM) sold flowers in the Connelly
Center on Monday, Feb. 10 and Tuesday, Feb. 11.
They will put the money toward their upcoming Spring Break pilgrimage to France.
“I’m excited to be able to provide people an easier way to show others their affection for each other, since it can be hard to get off campus to get flowers sometimes, I’d say,” Villanova Pastoral Musicians Instrumental Coordinator Vincent Vandiver said.
Rosie’s Coffee at Villanova Station has also been serving food and drink specials with Valentine’s Day-related puns. Some featured drinks include the “Lights Out Latte,” “Lover’s Bouquet” and “Swipe Right Smoothie.”
Whether Villanovans celebrate Valentine’s Day through Valentine’s Day Bingo, a wakeup song or a “Lights Out Latte,” the campus will certainly have a lovely spread of activities.
Students can enjoy a host of Valentine’s day themed activities on campus. Lauren Armstrong/Villanovan Photography
Villanova Alum Raises $120,000 For Cancer Research
Ava Petrosky Staff Writer
Marla Milone, a 2016 Villanova University School of Business graduate, has raised more than $120,000 in cancer research. The money was raised at a recent Victory Gala in support of the V Foundation for Cancer Research.
The V Foundation is a nonprofit organization that spearheads fundraising for cancer research. The Foundation is comprised of more than 1,300 research grants and has raised around $400 million since its establishment in 1993. It was founded by ESPN and the late Jim Valvano, North Carolina State University basketball coach, ESPN commentator and member of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
Although Milone had previously heard of the organization, she was determined to become involved after battling cancer herself.
In 2017, as a recent Villanova alumna, Milone lived in New York City. With her degree in Finance, she was working at a company doing investment management funds.
Suddenly, one day, she lost feeling in the left side of her body. She initially brushed this feeling off, and she felt normal again the next day. However, after heeding the ad-
Cate Torrey Staff Writer
vice of her father, she finally scheduled a doctor’s appointment. After a few weeks, Milone endured x-rays, which led to PET and CT scans. Milone was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. She was just 22 years old.
“When I was diagnosed, you kinda are in such a, it’s like a black cloud comes over you,” said Milone. “You don’t really know what’s gonna be next.”
She underwent treatment for almost a year, her doctors prescribing her both chemotherapy and immunotherapy treatments.
“Immunotherapy is something new that only targets cancer cells, so it doesn’t go after…any replicating cells, it goes only after the bad cells,” said Milone. “Half of my treatment was that, and it’s because of all this research because they’ve been able to…make such advancements in all of it.”
Milone’s family and friends served as her source of support and positivity throughout her cancer journey.
Since 2018, Milone has been cancer free. She had then hoped to spread positivity toward other people battling cancer, just as she did.
Milone became involved with the V Foundation shortly after. Having grown up playing and loving basketball, Milone attended the New York Athletic Club in 2018 to see Jay Wright, former Villanova men’s
basketball coach, receive the Winged Foot Award. The Award recognizes the coaches of teams who have won within the NCAA Division 1 men and women’s basketball tournaments.
Former ESPN president and current V Foundation board member, George Bodenheimer, also attended that event, and he spoke about the V Foundation.
“That’s when I was first really introduced to all the work that the V Foundation was doing, and the first time it became really tangible of where I could actually get involved,” said Milone. “Immediately when I was sick, I was in a children’s hospital, so I saw all these kids battling cancer and going through the unimaginable, and I just wanted to make a difference with all of that.”
Shortly after, Milone established the Victory Gala with a group of her family, childhood friends, and Villanova friends.
“My whole goal of it is just to make it a great night for young professionals to come in, learn about the V Foundation, and then raise money for this amazing, game-changing, cancer research,” said Milone. “My goal of that is just to engage the next generation of supporters now, so that they can become passionate about supporting in the future, and so that they can be educated and fully understand the importance of funding cancer
research and the incredible work that the V Foundation does.”
The first Gala was in 2019 at the New York Athletic Club. The second one was held in 2022 at the New York Public Library. The most recent Victory Gala was on Friday November 22, 2024, at Gotham Hall in New York City, where Milone and her team raised more than $120,000.
Collectively, the three Victory Galas have raised around $225,000 for the V Foundation. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic halted some momentum for the Victory Galas; it prevented them from occurring annually. However, after the significant funding in 2024, Milone is optimistic to keep the fundraising efforts high.
“Around $45,000 we made in our silent auction, which is really incredible,” said Milone. “We did not do that in our last event.”
The date for the next Victory Gala has not yet been decided upon, but the planning is underway.
Milone and her team will continue to provide hope and positivity for cancer patients through their incredible work with the V Foundation.
“I want to be able to help others that are going through this, and feel so lost, and have so much uncertainty, I want to be able to give them a bit of certainty,” said Milone. “So, I really have been so honored
University Hosts 2025 Career Fair
Villanova University’s Liberal Arts & Business Career Fair welcomed students and alumni into the Villanova Room on Wednesday, Feb. 5 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., offering an invaluable opportunity to connect with a diverse range of employers.
The event provided a dynamic and welcoming space for networking, professional development and potential job opportunities. This opportunity was significant and attracted students of all class years, who were eager to explore their future careers.
Upon entering the fair, attendees were greeted by a checkin station, where they received name tags before stepping into the bustling event space. Rows of tables filled the room, each representing a different company looking to meet with students and gain insights into Villanova talent.
Some of the companies who were present at the event included PWC, Merck, SEI and various other successful and highly-regarded groups. Professionals from a variety of industries were present, ready to engage in discussions about internships, full-time positions and a number of externship opportunities.
A particularly helpful and notable feature of the fair was the professional name tags, which clearly indicated whether the representative’s company was hiring for internships or full-time roles, allowing students to efficiently prioritize their conversations.
The event was structured to make the job-seeking process as smooth as possible. Students were encouraged to bring several copies of their resumes, dress in professional attire and research the companies in which they were most interested.
The open format allowed attendees to walk up to any table, ask questions and make meaningful connections without the need for prior registration. This accessibility made the fair an excellent resource for students at various stages of their career search, whether they were looking for their first internship or a post-graduation position.
Several classes unique to freshman encouraged students to go despite limited professional experience.
“The career fair was a great opportunity to meet employers from a variety of industries,” junior marketing student James Manion said. “I was able to meet some hiring managers from internships I have applied for which was particularly helpful in terms of gaining more developed professional experience.”
As students made their rounds, many expressed their appreciation for the opportunity to speak directly with recruiters and industry professionals.
The fair provided an inside look at company cultures, job expectations and potential career paths, making it a valuable experience for all students beyond just job searching. Employers also benefited from meeting ambitious and talented Villanova students, strengthening
the school’s reputation as a hub for top-tier talent.
Before leaving, attendees were asked to check out by completing a brief survey about their experience in order to gain insights and feedback on the event dynamics.
As a bonus to completing this survey, those who participated received a free Villanova t-shirt as a thank you for their time participating and contributing to making the fair as successful as possible for the future. This final step allowed event organizers to gather feedback and continue improving career fairs going forward.
For those who missed this event, there are more career fairs to come. All Villanova students and alumni are encouraged to attend, regardless of major or class year.
Overall, these fairs aim to provide a crucial step in building
professional relationships and gaining insight into the job market. Whether it be making strides towards a first internship, locating a future job for post-grad, or even just agining a greater understanding for career aspirations, students can find value in several ways.
“I really appreciate Villanova encouraging students to engage in these types of events in order to not only better ourselves, but to immerse ourselves in a greater part of the community,” junior finance student Adam Stuecheli said.
These opportunities have proven to be of incredible value to students and those who take advantage of these networking events.
Career fairs like this are not just about finding a job or internship, but they help to further prepare students for life and professional development success
Career Fair draws students from every major to network and learn. Cate Torrey/Villanovan Photography
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If you’re one of the thousands of students participating in the Villanova Textbook Access Program this semester, this line is nothing new to you. In fact, if your experience has been anything like mine, you’ve probably received a handful of these emails between the start of Winter Break and the first weeks of Spring Semester. Odds are, between making the trek to Garey Hall, waiting in line, making sure you got everything you were supposed to and doing it all again days later, you’ve also encountered your fair share of confusion and difficulty.
The program was implemented as a pilot recently, starting with classes held in the Summer of 2024. Students are now opted into the Textbook Access Program by default but can opt out if they would rather buy their books on their own. Any student enrolled at Villanova, whether as an undergrad, graduate student or law student, will be auto-registered as part of the Textbook Access Program. Depending on the number of credits one is registered for, students pay a flat fee of $55 to $275, which covers the purchase of all books needed for the semester.
According to the Office of the Provost, the program is expected to save students across the university’s undergraduate and grad -
Betty Lundborn Staff Writer
If you’re a college student, or really any young adult with any sort of connection to the outside world, chances are you’ve compared yourself to your peers before. Whether it be looks, personality, money or intelligence, we have all felt inferior to one or more of our fellow students at one time or another.
I’ve noticed another basis for comparison: Spring Break. Each year, thousands of college students migrate like Canadian geese down to Miami, out to Las Vegas or even to the Caribbean. With limited funds and travel experience, though, it’s easy for a fun trip to turn into a horror story. Although the warmer weather may be tempting, I’d like to make the case for a return to simplicity. As overconsumption has become increasingly unpopular and more attainable aesthetics have been appearing on our explore pages, perhaps it’s time to re-evaluate our Spring Break plans.
As I was trying to plan my own Spring Break this year, I was faced with… limited options. Florida? Too expensive, and too
uate students about one million dollars each year. On the individual scale, the program promises to reduce the cost of books by 20 to 60%. By purchasing books on students’ behalf, the coordinators of the program hope that the University can offset costs of textbooks, ensure that all students have the same editions of texts and save the hassle of having to search for and buy each book. This semester’s service in the program has made me begin to rethink my choice. I did appreciate not having to take time over break to order the books I needed and be responsible for making sure they were all shipped to campus. However, there have been some
instances where I received an edition of a book different from the one most of my classmates have, making it difficult to follow along with page numbers when peers or professors refer to them.
“The textbook access program has been very helpful in some ways, but definitely has its downfalls,” freshman Josey Wiggins said. “I appreciate not having to worry about finding each book individually, but it can be a hassle to go back to the bookstore every time I need to pick up another book. A lot of people, myself included, have experienced issues. I and my entire French class have received two books about the American Civil War when we
Spring Break is Absurd
crowded. The Poconos? No. As fun as it would be to explore more of Pennsylvania, that would still be difficult to pay for. Home? Not ideal either. Sorry, Mom.
It was then that I came up with the perfect solution. Being a private university, Villanova welcomes many students from all across the United States. I’m from New Hampshire, and my closest friends are from New Jersey, Connecticut, Ohio and Wisconsin. What’s a more wholesome vacation than a girls’ trip to your home region? In my opinion, there’s no better way to bask in girlhood than by living out your “Gilmore Girls” dreams in New England.
I know, I know. My Spring Break is going to be lit. But a trip to New England may not be everyone’s ideal vacation, especially if you aren’t a fan of the cold. The message that I’m trying to illustrate is that Spring Break (in addition to bachelorette weekends, prom-weekend houses, grad trips and babymoons) has turned into over-complicated, extravagant and, frankly, very frivolous cross-country expeditions, where the only thing that a non-milestone trip such as that should need is a few friends and high spirits.
Aside from that, popular
do not need those books for our class.”
Although the consensus among freshmen may be less-thanthrilled, upperclassmen who spent most of their Villanova careers without the program may disagree.
“As a senior nursing major, I wish this was an option during my past years at Villanova,” senior Ava Studivant said. “Before the program, I was paying up to $600 to $900 for nursing textbooks, and although I think the program still needs some development, the basis of it makes textbooks more accessible than they’ve ever been in my opinion.”
Yet, long lines, staggered pickup times as books are delivered, and long wait times for necessary materials complicate the process intended to streamline things. Although the program’s website promises that students will have all their course materials on “day one” of the semester, the reality of the system is much less predictable. It seems that the decrease in cost, both monetary and time-wise, for most students is something Villanovans are excited about, whereas some of the logistical matters associated with the new program are not.
Overall, it seems like some work could be done to improve upon a system with potential to simplify a chore that no student looks forward to. Luckily, though, we have six months until the upcoming Fall Semester rolls around. That’s plenty of time to work these out and keep refining the program for future Villanovans.
destinations such as Miami and the Dominican Republic have become increasingly dangerous in recent years, leading law enforcement officials to take steps toward safety. According to an article by the Miami Herald , “After two deadly shootings… the city declared a curfew for the fourth consecutive year.” The same cannot be said for all destinations, though, which have not taken the same precautions.
Between being generally broke and the apparent danger of these Spring Break trips, why is this still the norm? Well, for some students on Villanova’s campus, it feels like an expectation.
“It stresses me out, and it imposes more FOMO” freshman Gianna Lauria said. “If you don’t engage in Spring Break… it’s, like, if you don’t ‘Spring Break,’ it’s, like, you’re not doing college right. I feel like it just adds to the unrealistic expectations that we have of the college experience” Lauria continued.
From what I’ve heard, Lauria’s sentiment is widely shared among Villanovans, but also throughout Gen Z as a whole. In recent years, our generation has become very disillusioned towards trend cycles. Why follow what oth -
ers are doing? What’s the incentive?
I want to clarify that there is in no way anything wrong with going on a fun vacation in a warm destination. We all deserve that type of rest and relaxation, especially after a week of grueling midterm exams and papers that students are faced with prior to their departures.
However, the issue is when people make trips like this the standard for college students. Doing so is just simply absurd. At the end of the day, most of us are still on our parents health insurance and also are not receiving any type of steady cash flow. Even if some of us can comfortably pay for trips like this, how you spend your Spring Break is ultimately up to you.
So, this year, I am encouraging you to enjoy your break however you see fit. Whether that is going to a farmer’s market, bingewatching a new series or spending time doing hobbies that you don’t usually have time for. Or, maybe, you will be like me, and live it up in your friend’s grandma’s beach house in Connecticut. Whatever you choose to spend your time doing this March, make sure you do it for you.
Students have the choice to now have textbooks factored in to their tuition bill. Brian Luppyn/Villanovan Photographjy
EDITORIAL BOARD LETTERS TO THE EDITORS
BROOKE ACKERMAN
Editor-in-Chief
NICOLE LIDDICOAT
Editor-in-Chief
LAUREN ARMSTRONG
Associate Editor-in-Chief
AVERY CHALK
Opinion Editor
KAILEY FAHY
Opinion Editor
The Villanovan encourages all members of the Villanova community to voice their opinions. Letters to the editors may be submitted via e-mail to villanovan.eic@gmail.com. Letters must not exceed 500 words and must be signed. No anonymous letters will be published. All submissions become property of The Villanovan and are subject to editing for clarity and space.
POLICY
The unsigned editorial that appears is the opinion of The Villanovan as determined by the majority of the Editorial Board. Other columns, letters and artwork represent the opinions of their authors and do not necessarily reflect the position of The Villanovan
Goodbye Freshens, Hello Smoothitas: A Delicious New Addition to Campus
Massimo DiLeo Staff Writer
In past semesters, Villanova students spoke frequently about the popular smoothie destination, Freshens. Freshens included a flagship location in the Connelly Center, as well as locations for orders in Donahue Market on South Campus. Something changed this semester, though. When students entered Conn, to pick up their Caribbean Craze, a new sign greeted them. Smoothitas has taken over the once-popular Freshens. This comes with a series of dining updates to Villanova’s campus, such as the new drink machines in Belle Air Terrace and a new sushi station in Café Nova. Smoothitas is a substantial improvement to Villanova’s campus, helping to rebrand Freshens into a destination with much more to offer.
Although Freshens was once known for its smoothies, Smoothitas offers a wider range of options, including newly implemented acai bowls that have received a multitude of positive reviews across campus. The names of the smoothies sold at Smoothitas take a humorous spin on many phrases understood by Villanova students. For example, one of the spinach and kale smoothies offered is named “Campus Green,” alluding to the Rowan Campus Green on Main
Campus. Smoothitas has transformed Freshens into a destination much more unique to Villanova. Smoothitas can easily be compared to Villanova’s coffee franchise Holy Grounds, which alludes to Villanova’s Catholic roots and traditions.
Now that Smoothitas offers acai bowls, in addition to the wide range of smoothies sold in the past, using a meal plan express feels more justified to many students. In the past, students expressed frustration over the Curley Exchange in Bartley Hall and Holy Grounds in Falvey Library not accepting the Meal Plan
Express. Smoothitas gives students an additional option to use their meal plan express on food rather than just drinks, making Villanova’s meal plan options more desirable for students. In addition, acai bowls are a great addition for vegan students who may find it challenging to accommodate their diet on campus.
“I love the acai bowls from Smoothitas” student Victoria Waters expressed. “They are always fresh and really good. I would definitely recommend” she continued.
The most efficient way to place an order at Smoothitas is
through the Grubhub app, which allows a person to select which toppings they want in their bowl. The toppings range from fresh berries to pumpkin seeds, giving students a wide variety of options depending on their diet. Acai bowls are great for both breakfast and lunch, which allow them to be a great, accessible option for students.
Many Villanova students believe that Freshens had better options than Smoothitas. In addition, many students feel sentimental about Freshens leaving since it has been a part of campus for many years. Although these are valid arguments, the smoothies once served at Freshens are very similar to the ones currently sold at Smoothitas. Most of the smoothies have simply been renamed, but still include most of the same ingredients as Freshens’ smoothies.
Although it’s bittersweet to say goodbye to the longtime favorite Freshens, Smoothitas brings a fresh, exciting energy to the scene. With its vibrant menu of smoothies and acai bowls, Smoothitas not only meets the need for healthier, more diverse food options but also brings a modern vibe that aligns well with Villanova’s atmosphere. Whether one is looking for a quick energy boost between classes or a relaxing, delicious treat, Smoothitas offers something for everyone, making it a welcome addition to Villanova dining.
Sof Says: How to be Single on Valentine’s Day
Sof Quaglia Satire Columnist
Continued from page 1. joy to your otherwise horrific day.
2. Pretend you’re in a sad breakup song.
Valentine’s Day gets a lot more entertaining when you pretend you’re single for some tragic reason. Maybe you’ve never actually been in a relationship, but for one day, why don’t you pretend that you’re single because your partner had to go off to war, or something?
Luckily for you, you don’t have to think too hard to come up with these fake scenarios. Breakup music spans all genres. You’ve got Olivia Rodrigo, Noah Kahan, Morgan Wallen, Kelly Clarkson and, of course, Taylor Swift. Just put in your AirPods and listen to the most heart-wrenching songs you can find on your way to class this Friday.
Now, instead of just being lonely, you’re lonely with a story and a good soundtrack. You’re on track to be the main character in a coming-of-age movie.
Sof gives her advice on how to act as a single person on Valentine’s Day. Courtesy of Shutterstock
3. Scout campus for abandoned flowers. Now, this one seems a little bit sadder than it actually is. I don’t mean that you should take abandoned flowers that were given to someone before a rejection. That’s just cruel. No, I am talking about the flowers that got delivered to the wrong place. On Valentine’s Day, people love to send their long-distance loved ones flowers as if that makes up for not being there physically. Sometimes, those flowers get delivered to the wrong place.
If you just so happen to be walking past a building with
an abandoned bouquet of roses sitting outside a random door, take them home for yourself. Well, first, make sure that you let a decent amount of time pass in case someone was coming to get them. Five minutes should do.
Bonus points if there is a note on the flowers. Poor Pookie won’t get her flowers from her Pumpkin, but you get a nice centerpiece and a card to commemorate the occasion.
4. Listen to any and all public conversations.
I am pro-eavesdropping every day of the year, but there is something a little more special
about eavesdropping on Valentine’s Day.
You might hear a woman complaining to her friend about how her boyfriend of multiple years didn’t ask her to be his Valentine. You might hear a guy talking about how he forgot that Valentine’s Day was a thing, and now only has a few hours to figure out what to get his girlfriend.You might hear people in long-distance relationships on the phone with their significant others, either thanking them for the flowers you did not steal or telling them it is so hard being away from them this holiday. If you’re lucky, you might just hear an over-the-phone breakup.
Eavesdropping on these conversations reminds you that people in relationships are crazy. Plus, the conversations are typically ridiculously funny, so now you have something to laugh about. It’s a win-win. Well, it’s a win-win for you. It’s probably not great for the person who just got broken up with.But, hey, who cares about them? This list isn’t for people who are in committed relationships. It’s for lonely losers. After all, Valentine’s Day isn’t about love. It’s about making fun of love.
Students can now enjoy Acai Bowls from Smoothitas. Massimo Dilleo / Villanovan Photography
Immigration, Integrity and the Politics of Fear
Liam Foley Staff Writer
Since the onset of Donald Trump’s presidency, the world has stood witness to the swift deportation of illegal immigrants residing in the United States.
I believe in the idea of deporting individuals who illegally occupy our country. Upholding the law is essential, and those who enter the country illegally have broken this law. Additionally, illegal immigration places a burden on social services, such as healthcare, education and welfare programs, which American taxpayers fund.
However, the illegal immigrants in America today should not be blindly deported in the way that this administration has promised to do so. You may find that my stance is contradictory. I view it as a nuanced perspective that examines the rule of law within the context of fairness.
I understand that the vast majority of immigrants who enter the United States do so out of necessity, not malice. Our current legal immigration system is strenuous and time consuming.
Immigrants are fleeing terrors like cartels and political instability, leaving them no time to wait. While they have violated the law on an absolute basis, I refuse to believe that these people should fall within the same scrutinous category as perpetrators of significant crime. Their actions should not be viewed as inherently criminal, but rather the result of a broken system. Laws, after all, are not inherently just. They must be evaluated in the context of morality.
That being said, I understand why some advocate for mass deportations from a strict policy standpoint, even if I disagree. However, if your support is rooted in the false narrative
Juliana Burke Staff Writer
We’ve all encountered it—while scrolling through your Instagram explore page, you come across a perfectly arranged plate of ground beef, honey and a meticulously diced banana. This common scrolling experience symbolizes the ascent of a nutritional and political movement grounded in unconventional science, aiming to reclaim the narrative surrounding animal protein consumption and redefining what constitutes the optimal dietary regimen for the human body. By challenging established norms, this movement invites individuals to reconsider their relationship with food, advocating for a return to authenticity in nutrition amid a landscape dominated by conflicting dietary ideologies.
While the carnivore diet is not exactly a brand new concept in-and-of-itself, it finds itself front-and-center in the everchanging nutritional spotlight due to the branding received by media personalities such as Joe Rogan, Jordan Peterson and Lex Fridman. On Rogan’s podcast, he consistently references his love for elk meat that he hunts and prepares
that illegal immigrants are inherently criminals, that is a serious misconception that must be challenged.
The notion that illegal immigrants are criminals is factually false. According to the American Immigration Council, illegal immigrants are 50% less likely to be arrested and 26% less likely to be convicted of homicide than U.S. born citizens.
Additionally, researchers at CATO, a libertarian think tank, found that undocumented immigrants in Texas were 37.1% less likely to be convicted of a crime. Yet, despite evidence, this narrative continues to persist. Why is this the case?
There are three factors at play:
The first is that Americans are frustrated. Jobs are scarce, inflation is rising and wages have stagnated for many, leaving people searching for a scapegoat. Due to their vulnerable nature and people’s inherent biases, immigrants serve as easy targets.
The second is the existence of Trump’s intelligent and strategic rhetoric. He understood the masses of
people who scapegoat illegal immigrants, then used an age-old political tactic: give the people what they want to hear and deflect the blame. The “Haitians eating dogs” comment made during September’s presidential debate is a perfect example. Having the opportunity to emphasize the economic burden of illegal immigration, Trump chose to highlight a dehumanizing stereotype. He successfully “othered” the immigrant population, shifting the conversation away from structural concerns and towards racial fear mongering.
The third is the influence of Trump’s words on non-prejudiced individuals. Many lack proper education on the issue. I don’t fault these people in the slightest, as we should be able to trust the words of our leaders. Politicians often exploit public perception for political gain, shaping narratives that serve their interests.
The small minority of illegal immigrants who actively commit crimes should be deported. We must not let this minority, though, ruin the image of all illegal immigrants. Over
The Carnivore Takeover
himself. He cites the benefits of a carnivore-heavy diet as including improved mental clarity, weight loss and reduced inflammation.
The rise of the carnivore diet in our modern discourse signals not only a mere dietary trend, but a philosophical dissent to nutrition guidelines that many do not feel serve the best interests of the public. These aforementioned “guidelines” have grouped red meat into a rather unsavory category, deeming it as an excessive source of saturated fat that is conducive to high cholesterol, heart disease and weight gain. Instead, these guidelines push consumers to fill their plates with more grains - something that many feel is responsible for the dramatically heightened obesity rates in America.
As individuals have struggled with their weight and health in recent years, they turned to figures such as the aforementioned media personalities to explain the discrepancies in “status quo” nutritional advice versus what is truly beneficial for the health of the masses. As individuals find themselves further disillusioned with the overly-complex (and ever-changing) guidelines, they begin to point fingers at the pharma -
the last four years, the Biden Administration did a miserable job securing the border, leading criminal organizations like cartels to take advantage. This might have led to a recent influx of illegal immigrants engaging in crime, yes, but this still does not refute the broader facts.
The majority of illegal immigrants are good people. Many of them immigrated at a young age, went to college, and now significantly contribute to the economy. You wouldn’t know about these people because they are illegal and aren’t going to expose themselves. But these people exist in massive numbers.
You can still argue for mass deportations on the honest basis of social services or an economical theory. What we must agree upon, though, is that these discussions of immigration can no longer be hijacked by hate, where false narratives exist and permeate our society. Instead, our conversations must be grounded in policy and fairness. A specific bible verse comes to mind:
Zechariah 7:9-10: “This is what the Lord Almighty said: ‘Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another. Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the foreigner or the poor. Do not plot evil against each other.’”
Trump is a strong president who I am confident will bring economic prosperity to our nation, and I support many of his policies. However, he holds the reins of power, and that means the ability to elevate the national conscience. His words shape not just policy, but the moral fabric of our nation.
If he truly seeks to lead America to prosperity, he must recognize that strength is not just measured in economic success, but in the integrity and unity of the people he serves.
ceutical and agricultural lobbies dictating them.
So how did this end up on your explore page? The simple answer is the recent quest for authenticity. While this may seem broad and a bit over-ambitious of a thesis in nature, I think we can all agree that in the constant stream and cycle of conflicting news, individuals are looking to muddle through the grey area straight to the black-and-white.
Faced with processed foods engineered for shelf stability rather than nutritional integrity, people are yearning for a connection to their food—its origins, preparation and nutritional value. For many, the carnivore diet embodies this authenticity, advocating for a return to ancestral eating patterns where meat was a staple and plants were secondary.
In a world where every topic relates to another, food is no exception - instead, food is intertwined with notions of personal identity, ethics and sustainability. It has been long-argued that a meat-based diet does not contribute to a greater moral character, higher ethical standing or sustainability for the environment.
This argument is evidenced by the colossal rise in the vegan -
ism movement throughout the twenty-first century, which paints the carnivore diet as rather detrimental. However, carnivore diet enthusiasts have responded to this through arguing that their diet is in fact both ethical and sustainable. It is claimed that through the practice of regenerative farming practices and maintaining soil health, biodiversity is furthered, leading to a sustainable ecosystem for all.
In today’s digital landscape, our algorithms wield significant influence over our dietary preferences, shaping how we perceive food and wellness. The rise of the carnivore diet exemplifies this phenomenon, as food suddenly becomes a political and philosophical tool in the ever-raging culture war. Visually driven platforms, such as TikTok and Instagram, serve to foster community and connection. In doing so, these social media companies embolden individuals to explore alternatives to mainstream diets and offer ways to stray from the “status quo.”
As followers increasingly seek authenticity and simplicity in their food choices, the carnivore diet emerges not merely as a trend but as a powerful statement against the complexities of modern eating.
Immigration has long been an ongoing debate in American politics. Courtesy of Shutterstock
Late Night Breakfast Should be Every Day
Natalie Murphy Staff Writer
One of my favorite Villanova traditions is the late night dining services. The special custom is introduced to freshmen living on South Campus, as Donahue is open from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. It serves Villanova’s famous spicy chicken sandwiches, mozzarella sticks, mac and cheese, chicken tenders, French fries, onion rings, rice and daily vegetables. Late night is additionally offered in Second Storey Market on West Campus. Late night is especially convenient for those who are night owls and those who enjoy their dinner at a later time.
Dougherty Hall, known by many students and staff as “Pit,” is one of the only dining halls on Main Campus. Unfortunately, it is not open for late night, except for special occasions. It is always exciting to hear that late night breakfast will be served at Dougherty Hall, especially before exam week. A daily late night breakfast at Dougherty would be a student favorite.
It is important to note how many people pick up a late night meal on a weekly basis, as it is very popular. A service like a daily late night breakfast would be taken advantage of often.
“I go to late night about twice per week,” junior Madeline Nesbit said. “However, I think students would benefit from a different choice.”
“I go to late night around
two times every week,” freshman Grace Lynch said. “I wouldn’t be opposed to different options, whatever that entails.”
It is locationally advantageous to instate some variation of late night at Dougherty. Many students exercise at the Davis Center, study in Falvey or enjoy clubs on Main Campus until late hours. Adding another late night food option to Main Campus would be an excellent upgrade. It would be very convenient for all students, no matter where they reside.
Lynch, who resides on South Campus, said that this would be beneficial for her.
“I have lab work from six to
nine or club basketball,” Lynch said. “Having late night on main would be more convenient.”
Freshman Camryn Marcum, who also resides on South Campus, agreed.
“Though I might not be on Main Campus now, I will be in the future,” Marcum said. “Late night breakfast on Main Campus would be beneficial for the incoming classes.”
Breakfast foods also prove to be a student favorite, reminding them of their childhood. Some of my favorite childhood memories are of my mom cooking breakfast for dinner. It was always a treat to come
home from school in the late afternoon and hear that we were having an assortment of pancakes, waffles, sausage, bacon, eggs and fresh fruit that evening.
Junior Austin Ondrusek claimed he would be in support of a late night breakfast program.
“I love breakfast for dinner,” Ondrusek said. “It reminds me of home because my mom used to make it.”
Overall, students are looking for menu changes. Late night breakfast served at Dougherty everyday would satisfy this desire, all while being in a favorable location for both current and future classes.
Debunking the “Perfect” College Experience
Kaitlin Lawrenson Staff Writer
Fourteen-hundred-sixty-one days. Out of our entire lives, we will only spend 1,461 days as college students. One of the most formative experiences that will shape who we become as individuals is also one of the most fleeting. I have spent the first semester of my college education obsessing over making sure that I was doing everything right, from becoming involved to making friends and doing well in school. I want to make these years some that I can look back on fondly.
However, there is constantly so much pressure for every day to be perfect and every moment to be a memory. If there is one thing I have learned as a Villanovan with one semester under my belt, it is that every day doesn’t have to be perfect. College is meant to be a four-yearlong process of growth, experience, struggle and triumph. Some days will be better than others, but the importance in each moment is that we need to embrace the chaos of our journey.
From the moment that I moved to Villanova in August, I felt pressured to get my college experience off on the right foot. Soon enough, I was comparing myself to all of the people around me. Did I have enough friends? Did I join the right clubs? Am I wearing the right clothes? It was exhausting to be going through the college transition while also constantly having this hamster wheel of feelings running
through my head. To make matters worse, I was convinced that I was the only freshman feeling this way or thinking these things.
However, when I started to verbalize my feelings to my friends, I realized we were all having the same worries. It seemed so silly: we were comparing ourselves to one another, yet we were all worrying about the same things internally. This shifted my perspective, and I found myself realizing that college is not perfect, in fact, nothing in life is. Like anything else in life, college is what you make of it, and by embracing the bad days and the challenges, you can get the most out of every day of your short experience.
More importantly, I also realized that I cannot compare myself to the people around me, because my experience is going to look extremely different from the person sitting next to me. Is their experience better or worse than mine? No. They are just different. That person is embracing their chaos in the same way that I am embracing mine. So, instead of comparing myself and making myself constantly feel bad for what I could be doing better or doing differently, I am making the conscious decision to put my best foot forward every chance that I get. This also may mean something different every day, one day my best foot forward just may be getting up and going to class, and that is okay.
Social media is constantly perpetuating this college experience where every day is a party, and you are in love with your school from the minute you arrive. I cannot
explain the dread I felt as I scrolled social media, convinced that I was the only freshman struggling and questioning every decision I had made. News flash to all of the people scrolling on TikTok convinced that every other student in America is having the perfect college experience, it is all an illusion. I am guilty of posting photos and making it seem like the transition was completely smooth and copacetic. Yet, this isn’t the reality of your freshman year, or any of your four years, because while college is an incredible experience, it is still a journey filled with both ups and downs. I am sick of feeling guilty for having rough days or days where I am not as social or out there as I would like to be.
“This year, I’ve focused on prioritizing academics while maintaining a healthy balance of relaxation and time with friends when I can, rather than making social life
my main goal,” freshman Megan Lawn said. “I know why I’m here, and while there is definitely pressure to have the ‘perfect’ college experience, I feel confident and happy staying true to my own path.” At the end of the day, that is what it is all about, staying true to yourself and confident enough to pave your own path rather than follow that of someone else’s. I understand that it is easier said than done, because I still often find myself setting unrealistic expectations. Yet, removing the weight of everyone’s ideas about your life except for your own, changes the college experience completely. In the end, it’s not about crafting a perfect college experience, but about embracing the chaos, learning from the struggles and celebrating the small victories along the way. Those are the moments that will define who we are and our experience at Villanova.
While Dougherty Hall offers a variety of meal options, students wish breakfast foods extended beyond normal hours. Graydon Paul/Villanovan Photography
Kaitlin, like many other freshmen, found lifelong friends at Villanova. Kaitlin Lawrenson/Villanovan Photography
Trump’s Firing of DOJ Employees is Unconstitutional
Ishaan Horwith Staff Writer
President Trump’s dismissal of federal employees has sparked widespread national debate. While supporters defend his actions as a legitimate exercise of executive authority, critics argue that they constitute an abuse of power and violation of civil service. Given the politicization of the issue, it is crucial to examine the affair under a legal lens. Upon doing so, several factors intersect to illustrate the glaringly evident unconstitutionality of Trump’s firings.
“Beaurocrat” is often touted as a politically charged term. While on the surface the word connotes corruption, tyranny and power, that is not what a bureaucracy truly is. Put simply, a bureaucracy in modern American government is a complex and organized system run by officials of the government to perform the duties of an administration. A bureaucracy is in no way a tyrannical or evil aspect of government that lurks in the shadows. It is effectively every federal government agency and their employees. This includes workers such as USPS mail carriers, Amtrak conductors and executives and even some public high school teachers who are considered members of the bureaucracy. The majority of these employees are not working for an agenda or to advance the political supremacy of one party, but rather working these jobs to supply for themselves and their families. In short, there are more than 2.3 million federal employees who are part of the demonized “bureaucracy.” Nonetheless, their work is essential to the flow of America’s government, economy and everyday functions.
An important distinction to make is the one between political appointees and civil servants. A
Majo James Staff Writer
political appointee as defined by the U.S. Office of Government Ethics is, “any employee who is appointed by the President, the Vice President, or agency head.” In short, these employees are cabinet members (Sec. of Defense, Sec. of State, etc.), members of the Executive Office of the President (Chief of Staff, Deputy Chief of Communications, etc.) and heads of federal agencies (Director of FBI, Federal Reserve executives, etc.).
Political appointees are employees who are tied to a specific agenda or ticket and are appointed by executives in the executive branch. On the other hand, civil servants are public employees such as the ones listed in the prior section that do not serve a political agenda. They are workers such as air traffic control officials, mail carriers, public lawyers, judges and more. The reason why highlighting the distinction between these two federal workers is important is because of the original power abuses of presidents in the bureaucracy.
Prior to 1978, presidential power within a bureaucracy was unlimited. There was no distinction between civil servants and political appointees, except for the seniority of their roles, and they had no job security from the administration in charge of the executive branch. For example, if one were an Amtrak CFO and a registered or known Republican appointed under a Republican president’s administration, the incoming Democrat president could fire them without any justifiable reason, solely because they do not serve the same agenda as the administration. The systematic laying off of thousands of government employees for frankly no reason, prompted the creation of the Civil Service Reform Act of 1978.
As described by the Government Accountability Office (GAO), the Civil Service Reform Act (CSRA) “is intended to provide federal man-
agers with the flexibility to improve Government operations and productivity while, at the same time, protect employees from unfair or unwarranted practices.” To simplify, the CSRA is intended to allow non-political appointed government employees to execute their jobs more efficiently and effectively by protecting them from getting fired simply because of their political affiliation. A key reason why this act was passed was to disable the “spoils system,” where workers were hired based on loyalty to a party rather than actual merit or talent. The CSRA disables this system by preventing the unjust firing of employees disengaged with political roles, and ensures that qualified and capable individuals are hired to build a skilledbase workforce.
With the establishment of the CSRA and federal workers’ protections against political hirings and firings for the bureaucracy, the current subject of debate regarding these laws fall in President Donald Trump’s recent actions regarding his handling of DOJ officials related to his prosecution. Many former politicians and officials have described Trump’s termination of these lawyers involved with his case as unethical and even illegal. Prosecutors involved in the trials of Trump are classified as civil servants. They are not aligned to a political party, and therefore they are employees who enjoy civil service protection from the CSRA. Trump’s firing is considered by many lawyers as a violation of the CSRA, as these lawyers should not have been fired for simply doing their jobs. However, the Trump administration claimed that the goals and motives of the lawyers didn’t match those of the Trump agenda, and therefore it was a justifiable termination. Another key principle in which Trump’s lawyers have used to back him up in these firings is a constitutional interpretation of the
2nd article called “unitary executive theory.”
Unitary executive theory, as defined by the Legal Information Institutes, denotes that “the President of the United States possesses sole authority over the Executive Branch.” This theory draws on the vesting clause from Article II, Section I, Clause 1 of the U.S. Constitution, which states, “The executive Power shall be vested in a President of the United States of America. He shall hold his Office during the Term of four Years, and, together with the Vice President, chosen for the same Term, be elected, as follows.” The vesting clause is essential to Trump’s justification, specifically “the executive power” aspect is interpreted as absolute power given to the president of the executive branch. Trump is using this ideology to justify his complete control and ability to fire employees under the executive branch without justification.
Therefore, the distinction between the interpretation of the constitution under unitary executive theory, and the civil service protection established for civil servants as a result of the Civil Service Reform Act demonstrates the split legality of Trump’s terminations. From a non-partisan standpoint, I view Trump’s firings as illegal and unethical, as they are not within his bounds as president. Civil service protection is meant to prevent non-political employees from being influenced by current administrations, helping to eliminate corruption and fraud.
By firing lawyers involved in your case, you disrupt the fundamental backbone of the justice system, and make a mockery out of fair and due process. Trump was not within his right to unjustifiably fire innocent civil servants, who serve the country to uphold truth, fairness and freedom.
Sweating for Space in the Davis Gym
Every avid gym goer knows what awaits them in the weeks after New Year’s. Their local gym will be inundated with people who are determined to follow through on the resolution to work out more this year. For a few weeks, every machine, bench and treadmill will be taken until inevitably, determinations fade, most newcomers disappear and the gym goes back more or less to what it was like previously.
Nowadays at Davis, it seems like every day is the day after New Year’s. The gym tends to be the most crowded from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. during the weekdays. Regulars of Davis know the infamous sign that reads “line for treadmills starts here.”
Villanovans are super busy between classes and extracurriculars, so that time frame becomes the most ideal time slot for students to squeeze a workout in. Unfortunately, this means that working out during the day means almost definitely waiting for a machine.
“I like to go late since I
don’t want to be standing around for machines,” junior Tommy Cruz said. “But whenever I go to Davis during the day, it’s usually not a great experience.”
Part of the problem is that the gym hours at Villanova are constraining at points, so students are forced into smaller time slots which leads to overcrowding.
For example, Farley and Stanford gyms don’t open before 11 a.m., which stops many students from being able to work out before classes begin. Starting times notwithstanding, these two gyms also close at 6 p.m. starting Friday and extending into the weekend.
However, despite some of the problems with Davis overcrowding, Villanova generally does a pretty good job with providing a quality gym experience for students, especially comparatively. Students of other, much larger universities report having to literally stand in line to use many of the machines in the gym during rush hour.
In contrast, Villanova has gyms dispersed effectively throughout campus (one for each sub campus: Stanford on South Campus, Canon and McGuinn
in the Commons, Davis Center on Main Campus and Farley on West Campus). The gyms have a good selection of machines for lifting and plenty of ellipticals and treadmills for cardio, as well as providing diverse workout session experiences.
That said, Davis, being the biggest gym on campus, could stand to be expanded to accom -
modate the influx of students. Gyms are quite necessary for many people on campus. For those like me, who are not athletes on campus (aside from occasional intramural games), the gym is a great way to be active and fit. By extending gym hours and possibly adding existing and new machines, Villanova can create an even better experience for its students.
The Davis Gym, Villanova’s primary fitness center often suffers from overcrowding. Nicole Liddicoat/Villanovan Photography
CULTURE
Villanova’s Winter Wonderland: Gala Recap
Cali Carss Staff Writer
Last Friday, Feb. 7 marked the much anticipated Winter Gala, hosted in a decked-out Connelly Center and giving the student body an opportunity to show up and show out. The gala mirrored a winter wonderland scene with icy trees around the dance floor in the Villanova Room, snowflakes hanging from the ceiling, an ice sculpture near Belle Aire Terrace and blue lights everywhere.
Students were already looking forward to this event early Friday afternoon, as the Connelly Center closed at 1:30 p.m. in order to prepare. Although this meant Café Nova was more crowded than normal with the main student center out of commission, the finished product was well worth any amount of disgruntled mumbling.
Students began arriving at the Gala just before 9 p.m. and were greeted not only with wonderful decorations, but with all kinds of refreshments, as well. From the hors d’oeuvres served by the cinema to the much-talked about sushi and boba tables in the tent, there was plenty to be excited about. The gala also included the not-so-small feat of turning Belle Aire Terrace into a full dessert bar. The first hour started slowly as students filed in and got food, socializing around the tables scattered throughout the building. As the night went on, the Connelly Center filled up with students and the dance floor became more lively.
Emma Cahill Former Co-EIC
Now begins the season of saying “yes” for seniors. With fewer than 100 days left before the class of 2025 graduates, it is a sentimental time for seniors to cherish the rest of the time they have left at Villanova.
The celebrations (or mourning, whatever your persuasion may be) commenced on Feb. 5: the official countdown of 100 days left until graduation. Villanova’s Campus Activities Team (CAT) threw a 100 Days Celebration in the O’Dea Longue. With free hors d’oeuvres, beverages and more, this event kicked off what was a lively week for seniors. Senior Jane Maleady commented on her experience at the CAT Pub Series event.
“I loved the CAT event,” Maleady said. “It had great food and drinks and I had a great time with my friends. It was especially nice because it was free.”
The festivities continued on the next day at the “100 Days ‘Til Graduation Celebration” at Ardmore Music Hall. Dolled up in dresses and suits, seniors braved the frigid cold to celebrate a fun night out on the town.
Very often, formal events at Villanova are concentrated among different clubs, organizations or Greek
“The gala was a lot more fun than I was expecting,” sophomore Lexie Scibilia said. “The music was great, the food was amazing and everyone looked so good.”
Many students definitely pulled out all the stops for this night. The fashion was wonderful, and true to the theme (and to Villanova), there was a lot of blue. Another fixture of the night, the wealth of photo ops available were the perfect way to capture everybody at their best. From the 360-camera set up by a curtained-off Connvenience Store to the near-perfect lighting in front of the ice sculpture, the gala is sure to be a well-photographed and well-remembered night.
“Villanova really went all out for the gala this year, including a variety of food and desserts, like boba and sushi,” sophomore Lillian Cruz-Garcia said. “Not to mention the beautiful way they decorated the Villanova Room where everyone was dancing with friends.”
The sentiment of the University going “all out” for this year’s gala was a common one among attendees, who were excited to see the improvements, as well as a larger crowd forming for the event.
“I definitely think more people went this year than last year,” sophomore Abby Contessa said. “I liked that there were different things to do, like they had the dance floor, the food and the gambling tables upstairs.”
The gambling tables may have come as a surprise to gala-goers, but just upstairs in the Connelly Center Art Gallery were several poker tables where students could
go play (without any real stake in the game).
Toward the end of the night, one of the most exciting upgrades for this year’s gala was unveiled. Dining services began setting out happy meal-style boxes at tables by the ice sculpture. With a tiny cheeseburger, fries and
Senior Sentiments: 100 Days
life. But compared to these typical formals, this event included seniors from every corner of campus. The event brought seniors together from all of campus to connect with each other for a night of fun.
“It was a lot of fun to see all of my classmates in one place,” senior Katie Stump said. “I was among my roommates, classmates and even friends from freshman year. It made it a really sentimental event for me.”
In addition to these formal events, other seniors created their own celebrations that uniquely reflected their own interests and friendships.
Nate Difulvio shared one way he commemorated the 100-day countdown.
“I went off campus for a traditional English tea ceremony with a couple of my English grad student friends from the Writing Center,” Difulvio said. “We went to ‘A Taste of Britain’ in Radnor. It was very quaint, but very fun especially since this was the morning after 100 days at Ardmore Music Hall.”
Regardless of how one may have celebrated, there is a consensus among seniors that the next coming weeks are special. With so little
a stuffed toy to boot, this was the perfect way to end a wonderfully planned and executed night.
The Winter Gala brings together students all across campus and grade levels for a night of fun every year, and this year it only got better as students soaked in the environment, food and party favors.
time left in our Villanova careers, every moment counts. This fact has prompted a realization for many students, including senior Lauren Klein.
“Quantifying how many days we have left at Villanova makes me more conscious of how I want to spend my time left on campus,” Klein said. “I plan to make more time for my friends, especially those who will live so far from me postgrad. In addition to cherishing time with friends, I am going to continue working hard in my classes as this is my last time being a student.”
Senior Anna Hughes shared similar sentiments, explaining how she wants to make the most of her time left at Villanova.
“One hundred days of saying yes, and going to things, and getting the last of my Villanova experiences,” Hughes said. “Carving out time to spend time with my friends and especially soaking in the last of my free stuff from my tuition.”
The clock is ticking, class of 2025. Cherish your last tailgate at Wells Fargo. Go to all of the trivia nights at the Grog and mug nights at Kelly’s Taproom. Whoever said the people make the place was onto something. So most importantly, no matter how you decide to spend the next 90 or so days left until graduation, hold your friends tight.
Senior
Students could enjoy fun decorations and food at the festivities. Cali Carss/Villanovan Photography
Seniors posed for pictures before the celebration began. Emma Cahill/Villanovan Photography
Korin Kohen Staff Writer
This past Thursday, the vibrant opening of Villanova’s Annual Student Art Show celebrated the aspiring artists and art enthusiasts alike. Attendees were welcomed through the door of the Connelly Center’s gallery to a remarkable display of the students’ creativity, with works ranging from multiple, intricate mediums.
The atmosphere was filled with buzzing enthusiasm as visitors explored the grounds and viewed the many intriguing pieces. The exhibition included watercolors, charcoals, printmaking and even photography.
The themes varied, but one that was especially prominent was the appreciation of the environment. Works ranged from landscapes to still lifes capturing the beauty of the natural world through each artists’ perspective. One piece illustrated a detailed scenery of mountains and trees while another depicted a minimalistic interpretation of a single maple leaf.
While some artists experimented with bold colors, others explored different techniques to refine shading and linework. Whether through realism or abstraction, each piece added an individual flare to the gallery. As people began flooding in, guests engaged in conversations with the artists surrounding their inspiration and the process in creating such works.
Annual VU Student Art Show
One artist, Jaelin Hoopes, spoke about her personal experience making her piece titled “Vita.”
“I carved my own sketching tool for this one and spent hours creating little dots to compose this message,” Hoopes said. “It was fun trying multiple hands-on techniques and learning which ones were my personal niche.”
The studio classes at Villanova allow these student artists to discover their personal style and give them an outlet to express themselves. Talking to the artists also provided insight on the meticulous work that goes into these pieces, influencing others to channel their imagination into their passions. There was even a separate section of the gallery dedicated to the
winners of the “Creativas: Displays of Beauty in Research Competition.”
This is a scholarship offered to undergraduate students that aims to show that art can be seen in absolutely anything, especially research. The three winners, Katherine Laird, Faith Yost and Laura Callahan were recognized for their ability to blend their artistic abilities with scientific inquiry. Each student used an original image from their respective department to showcase the intersection between the disciplines.
Laird’s piece, “The Vibrancy of Neuronal Formation,” captured a “portion of the hippocampus in a mouse brain.” What seemingly may not be considered traditionally artistic, was transformed into an alluring
representation of scientific discovery. The detailed, web-like structure of the neurons created an abstract composition, enhanced by the electric blues and fiery reds immediately caught the attention of many. These portrayals brought light to the often-unseen beauty of research and challenged the boundaries of art through innovation.
This exhibition will be open until March 13, giving those who did not have the opportunity to go on opening night a chance to visit on their own. Some may even find themselves stumbling upon this display without even knowing it was there.
“I usually don’t keep up with the events happening, but I was sitting in the Commuter Lounge and saw people going into the gallery, so I decided to do the same,” freshman Carly Javernicky said. “I think it’s great that the University provides these spaces for everyone to join as a community. It gives us a chance to observe the hard work of our peers and see the programs we have access to as students.”
This presentation of art represents the collaborative efforts of Villanova’s art department and reinforces the importance of fostering self-expression. The student art show presents an escape from the regular hustle of the semester, providing students an oppurtunity to immerse themselves in a world of genuine creativity, where each piece invokes personal connection and reflection. One may even leave feeling inspired and ready to revolutionize the art world, one stick figure at a time.
Student Reactions to Eagles’s Dominant Win
Evan Lombardo Staff Writer
“Revenge is sweet.”
The Philadelphia Eagles, back after their defeat against the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LVII, dominated the Chiefs in every sense of the word. Putting up 40 points against what was a rock-solid Chiefs defense is no easy feat, but it sure seemed that way watching the game. Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts accounted for three total touchdowns and went for 221 passing yards and 72 rushing yards. However, the Eagles defense stole the show with the defensive line pressuring QB Patrick Mahomes 16 times and sacking him six times.
“Football is a game of offense and defense, and the Chiefs excelled at neither,” freshman Sam Treat said.
Limiting Mahomes’ time to throw made a huge difference in preventing a late-game resurgence that many Eagles fans were still nervous about, regardless of the score.
“The game was so stressful, even while up 24 at the half and into the third quarter,” sophomore Hunter Paulson said. “The Patriots-Falcons Super Bowl lingered in my mind all night. All season Mahomes managed to win impossible games, so I tried to just watch the game one play at a time and calm my nerves.”
Mahomes’ unbelievable collection of close wins this season
definitely made this Super Bowl likely to be another nail-biter. Pregame polls had 86% of Villanovans surveyed wanting the Eagles to win with only 53% thinking they would win. While a handful of students favored “the meteor” (not liking either team), the mood on campus was undoubtedly “Go Birds.”
“I was cheering for the meteor,” sophomore Charlie Insley said. “But by the end I was a Birds fan for the night because I love watching the Chiefs get clowned on.”
While making history with the first three-peat would have been a major accomplishment for an NFL team, many fans were ready for a new team to hoist the Lombardi Trophy.
Outside of the game itself, the Super Bowl provides a great place for family and friends to connect.
“That was the best Super Bowl watch party I’ve ever been at,” senior Brent Jenkins said. Jenkins noted the sense of community seeing everyone come together to watch the game.
“The fellowship, abundance of food and drink and incredible joy we shared together is a feeling you only get in Philly sports, and it was especially incredible sharing that gritty underdog spirit the Birds had last night with friends who came to Villanova from out of state,” Paulson said.
While not the nail-biter many expected, Super Bowl LIX will undoubtedly be remembered by, “Fly Eagles Fly.”
Last Thursday, students had the oppurtunity to showcase their work in the annual show. Korin Kohen/Villanovan Photography
Many students celebrated the victory for the Eagles. Finn Courtney/Villanovan Photography
CatAppetite: The Ultimate Super Bowl Spread
Blair Hollyday Staff Writer
If there is one thing that fans from both Philadelphia and Kansas City can agree on, it’s that food is as essential to Super Bowl Sunday as the game itself. While Villanova students may have had their own team loyalties on game day, the matchup was as much about burnt ends v. cheesesteak egg rolls as it was about Mahomes v. Hurts.
Freshman Ashley Zastrow from Kansas City knows her barbecue. Growing up in the heart of Chiefs kingdom, she has been surrounded by what many call the best barbecue in the country.
“We always have a barbecue for big games,” Zastrow said. “Ribs, burnt ends, pork. Everything. And my mom has a homemade chili recipe she makes for every game. Plus, you can’t forget the buffalo chicken dip.”
Zastrow, who attended a Chiefs game over Thanksgiving from a suite, knows that game day traditions run deep in her hometown, especially with the chance at an unprecedented three-peat on the line.
On the other side of the field, Villanova senior Ellie McLaughlin, a lifelong Eagles fan from Yardley, PA, recalled the highs and lows of recent Super Bowls.
“This brings me back to 2018 when [the Eagles] won their first Super Bowl and two years ago when they lost to the Chiefs,” McLaughlin said. “Our Super Bowl food is just as legendary as the Eagles themselves. Cheesesteak egg rolls, pigs in a blanket, jalapeño poppers, baked brie. It’s the ultimate spread.”
Kansas City is synonymous with barbecue, and no Super Bowl spread in Chiefs kingdom is complete
without it. Burnt ends (the crispy, caramelized edges of smoked brisket) are a local delicacy. Ribs slathered in tangy-sweet sauce, slow-smoked pulled pork and classic sides like cornbread and baked beans round out the ultimate game day feast. For a warming dish, many families like the Zastrows turn to homemade chili—a hearty, flavorful staple that pairs perfectly with a cold winter game night. And, of course, buffalo chicken dip remains a must-have at any gathering, regardless of team allegiance.
Meanwhile, in Philadelphia, Super Bowl Sunday is a time to celebrate the city’s signature comfort
foods. Cheesesteak egg rolls offer a crunchy, handheld twist on the iconic sandwich, making them a crowd favorite. Another staple is pigs in a blanket, a simple but satisfying bitesized snack beloved by Eagles fans. For those looking for something indulgent, baked brie provides a creamy, decadent option to balance out the table. And no Philadelphia game day spread is complete without jalapeño poppers, adding a bit of heat to the celebration.
Beyond the specific dishes, the way fans enjoy their food reflects the identity of their cities. Kansas City tailgates are known for their slow-
smoked traditions, where barbecue is more than just food. It’s like an art. The sauce preferences alone spark debate, with locals fiercely defending their love for Kansas City-style barbecue’s signature thick, tomato-based sweetness. Meanwhile, Philadelphia’s game-day eats reflect the city’s love for bold flavors and handheld foods, ensuring that fans can snack easily while keeping their eyes locked on the game.
Of course, no Super Bowl feast is complete without the perfect drinks to accompany the meal. In Kansas City, local beers like Boulevard Brewing Company’s Pale Ale and Kansas City Pils are staples at any gathering, for refreshing flavors that pair well with rich barbecue. For those who prefer something stronger, whiskey-based cocktails, such as a classic Old Fashioned made with locally distilled bourbon, make an appearance.
In Philadelphia, beer reigns supreme, with Yuengling being a game-day essential for many Eagles fans. The crisp, amber lager pairs well with the city’s hearty fare. Additionally, classic Philly-style orange crush cocktails (a refreshing mix of vodka, triple sec, fresh orange juice and club soda) are a favorite among fans looking for something citrusy and light amid the indulgent food choices. While the game may be over and the Lombardi Trophy has found its home, the food traditions of Kansas City and Philadelphia remain undefeated. Whether Villanova students were celebrating a historic win or mourning a tough loss, one thing is for sure: the Super Bowl is just as much about food as it is about football. And for those who didn’t have a vested interest in the outcome, the culinary traditions of both cities make sure that everyone has something to celebrate on Super Bowl Sunday.
Don’t Let a Groundhog Ruin Your Vibe: February Scaries
Leah Smith Staff Writer
We’ve made it to February, the weird middle child of winter. The holiday season is long gone, classes are picking up and, somehow, it’s still freezing. Punxsutawney Phil has his predictions, but let’s be real: whether we get six more weeks of winter or not, we still have to get through this short (long) month. The good news? We can make it cozy. Here’s how to beat the February scaries and make the most of winter.
Get Serious about Tea
If winter is making you feel like a human popsicle, tea might just be your new best friend. There’s something about holding a warm mug that makes everything better. Need a morning wake up? Green tea. Feeling fancy? Chai spice. Winding down after a long day? Chamomile is your move. Tummy troubles? Peppermint always cures an anxious stomach. There’s a tea for every mood and a fun mug to match. Solo or with Friends, Bundle up for a Walk
Going outside when it’s freezing sounds like a hard no. But
hear me out: bundling up, grabbing a friend and taking a little walk can be so refreshing. Maybe you go for a quick loop behind South Campus or check out the Haverford trail. Either way, it’s a great way to get some fresh air and avoid feeling like a cave dweller. If finding a friend is too stressful, just call everyone in your contacts or throw on your favorite podcast or audiobook. Braving the cold has concrete benefits, giving you a dose of Vitamin D, supporting bone health, boosting the immune system and lifting your mood even on the coldest days.
Valentine’s Baking, But Just for Fun
You don’t need a Valentine to enjoy a good baking session. Pick up some heart-shaped cookie cutters, put on your comfort playlist and make something sweet. Whether it’s homemade or from a box, baking is like free therapy. Use Pinterest for fun decorating ideas and channel your artistic energy into a delicious project. And if you make too much? Surprise your friends with a sweet treat or keep a secret stash for midweek snacking. Moisturize Like Your Skin Depends on It
Winter skin struggles are real. With the cold air outside and
the dry heat inside, it’s a mess. This is your reminder to lather up. A good moisturizer is essential (something with hyaluronic acid is hydration gold), and don’t forget a good quality lip balm unless you want to
spend the month fighting chapped lips. Throw a hand cream in your bag while you’re at it. Your future self will thank you. February might drag, but we’ve got this.
Fans of both Super Bowl teams went all out with their gameday snacks. Lauren Armstrong/Villanovan Photography
Grab a cup of tea to defrost and reset this February. Maggie Fitzgerald/Villanovan Photography
Where Should I Study?: Library Edition
Scarlet Shafie Staff Writer
As the carefree and outgoing moments of syllabus week fade away, they are quickly replaced by first quizzes and exams, long hours spent poring over textbooks and the creeping regret of registering for early classes. As the semester ramps up in academic demand, we are all re-adjusting to our workload—and Falvey is here to help.
Research indicates that college students are more productive and achieve higher GPAs when studying in their campus library. Sorry, coffee shop chats and cozy dorm room study sessions. The library is the place to be.
Our beloved Falvey Memorial Library offers countless study spots and resources to support your academic success. Depending on your workload and study environment preferences, you may find different inner-library spaces better suited to your needs.
For the student with an exam tomorrow...
We recommend the Reading Room (or, more formally, the Dugan Polk Family Reading Room). This space is ideal for intensive study sessions, offering a strict silence policy and 24/7 accessibility with just a swipe of your Wildcard. With cozy, high-backed seating, cascading natural light and walls adorned with a majestic Baroque painting, this study spot is as productive as it is inspiring. It’s the perfect environment to fulfill your dark academia dreams.
For the student who is feeling
Kate Koslow Staff Writer
Welcome to the first-ever edition of Reel Talk, a column to explore the fabulous world of movies. Each week I will dive into a new film, from classics to hidden gems, breaking down what makes them unforgettable.
“I always wanted to be a Tenenbaum, you know?”
You think you have a dysfunctional family? Just wait until you see Wes Anderson’s The Royal Tenenbaums, a tragically humorous film about complicated family ties, forbidden love, loss and nearly-impossible forgiveness. The plot follows Royal Tenenbaum, husband to Etheline and father to three extraordinary prodigies: Margot, Chas and Richie. However, after two decades of “betrayal, failure and disaster,” the genius and fame of this gifted family crumbles, leaving them estranged. Twenty-two years later, the family finds themselves living together again due to an unexpected and manipulated reunion.
Anderson is known for his unmistakable style in cinematography, symmetry, costume design and color. The Royal Tenenbaums is no exception, as Anderson’s classic harmonious symmetry and vibrant cinematography is satisfyingly present throughout this movie. The use of color grading adds a nostalgic and captivating pull which doesn’t take away from the depth of the plot. I mean, what is a
chatty...
We recommend the seating area by Holy Grounds at Falvey. Grab a coffee and a snack to refuel, then settle in for a study session with a side of socialization. This space offers a light hustle and bustle from café customers and nearby students, making it ideal for those who thrive with background noise or need a break from quiet solitude. Social interaction can be rejuvenating. Just be mindful of your fellow library-goers.
For the student who forgot their charger...
We have all been there. Thankfully, Falvey has you covered. Just stop by the first floor service desk to borrow a charger, no matter the type or size. A dead device doesn’t have to be the end of your study session.
For the student with their first
group project of the semester...
The start of a new semester often brings that first group project. Whether you thrive in collaborative settings or prefer working solo, you’ll need a space to tackle this challenge, and Falvey has you covered. Located on the third and fourth floors, by-reservation study rooms are available for groups of two or more. A quick visit to the LibCal website allows you to reserve a neutral, easily accessible space for your next group session. Bonus: Falvey’s resources are just a floor or two below if you need them.
For the student with a Zoom call...
You may have a Zoom call for an internship application. You may need to check in with a professor during office hours. Or you may be receiving an unexpected phone call during your study session. Thankfully, there is a new space for that. The
Reel Talk: The Royal Tenenbaums
Wes Anderson movie without some whimsical pastels?
Another commendable feature of this film is the fantastic cast. Anderson often uses several of the same actors across most of his films. Once again, Anderson fans see Bill Murray and the Wilson Brothers rock the screen. However, Ben Stiller, Gwyneth Paltrow, Anjelica Huston, Danny Glover and Gene Hackman have outstanding performances, as well. Their impeccable comedic timing and emotional, yet understated interpretations of the characters create an amazing dynamic on-screen. This is no easy feat, as the characters in this movie are some of Anderson’s best. They are confusing. They are complicated. Yet, they are the surprisingly relatable characters that pull this movie together into an unforgettable story.
Royal Tenenbaum is the perfect anti-hero, completely self-absorbed and insensitive, yet redeemable through his hilarious charm. His attempts to bring his family back together, though weak and astoundingly immoral, provides the viewers with a unique sense of sympathy. Apparently, nothing brings family together like pretending you have cancer. And Royal is just the tip of the iceberg. His “adopted” daughter, Margot Tenenbaum, could make anyone want to abuse black eyeliner, pull off a mink coat and secretly smoke a cigarette. While in a constant state of depres-
phone booth on Falvey’s first floor is designed with sound absorption technology to provide privacy for quick phone or Zoom calls. Just be mindful not to occupy the space too long, as your fellow students may need it, too.
For the student who needs a dynamic study space...
Sitting in a classroom for hours can feel constraining. When it’s time to start homework, you may find yourself needing a more active study setup. Falvey has recently introduced alternative seating options on its first floor, including swaying egg-shaped chairs, high-back privacy chairs, study pods and two-person booths. Each piece of new furniture caters to different student needs and offers a unique study experience. Find what works best for you. The swaying egg-shaped chairs provide a comfortable padded seat that allows gentle movement, perfect for those who focus better with a bit of motion. The high-back privacy chairs feature acoustic properties that absorb noise for a quieter environment and come with a small movable laptop table. The study pods offer increased privacy with their side-entry design and include a pop-up power outlet for convenience. For those who prefer to study with company, the two-person booths provide sound-absorbing panels to contain conversation, along with a power outlet and overhead light. No matter what kind of student you are or how you prefer to study, Falvey has a space designed to support your needs. With so many options to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect spot to stay focused, comfortable and productive. Good luck on your study journey.
sion, Margot is a burnt-out playwright with a mysterious past. Despite her cold exterior, she is a sensitive and rebellious character, letting the audience get only small hints of her vulnerability at a time. Similarly, her two brothers, Richie and Chas, are dealing with their own inner turmoil in style. One in a track suit and the other in a sweatband, the duo attempts to move on with their lives while tackling their disastrous pasts. These few are just the tip of the iceberg. All of these characters are memorable in their own strange and marvelous way. Finally, the music in The
Royal Tenenbaums is one of the best aspects of the movie. The acoustic soundtrack that seems to encapsulate every peculiar moment perfectly, such as Elliott Smith’s “Needle in the Hay” or Nico’s “These Days.” By the end of the movie, you will want to listen to Bob Dylan, go for a walk and jam out in solitude.
This movie is a quirky reminder that it’s okay to be different and okay to fail. It might be those you least expect that will lift you up. Don’t be afraid to give others another chance. After all, there’s strength in forgiveness.
New furniture in Falvey is all the more reason to discover new study spots this semester. Brian Luppy/Villanovan Photography
The Royal Tenenbaums is a perfect movie to cozy up and watch this winter. Kate Koslow/Villanovan Photography
VillaVogue: The Revival of Abercrombie & Fitch
Ciara Dursee Staff Writer
Incorporating timeless basics to sophisticated elegance, Abercrombie & Fitch satisfies the darling modern style we all crave. Needless to say, I was an Abercrombie fiend in my middle school years. I shopped at Abercrombie every time I took a trip to my local mall, browsing the sweater section and making my way through the denim. After being my go-to brand, there was a sudden and unusual drop-off I failed to notice until recently rediscovering my most-adored store. I almost allowed myself to forget the importance this brand holds in the fashion industry, and its rebranded model company has only fueled its targeting towards the young adult demographic. Let us never overlook the undeniable power of Abercrombie & Fitch.
First, a brief history. One of the original American clothing brands, Abercrombie was established in 1892. The store surged in popularity, dressing Amelia Earhart, Ernest Hemingway, President Theodore Roosevelt, and the list goes on. From its bankruptcy in 1976 to new ownership in 1988, Abercrombie became a mall staple marketed toward a teenage clientele with “hypersexualized” designs. The new CEO, Mike Jeffries, was leading a full makeover plan for Abercrombie to gain traction once again. While Jeffries was the mastermind behind A&F’s transformation after its bankruptcy, his obsession with the youth and questionable emphasis on modeling appearance (advertise -
ments focusing on the exhibition of white, fit, male models) caused corporate America to raise an eyebrow.
It was hard to miss the massive crash Abercrombie & Fitch faced in the years leading up to COVID-19 due to its lack of inclusivity, ultimately leading to yet another downfall. By 2016, Abercrombie was America’s most-hated retailer.
Perhaps its reputation and past mistakes as a clothing company cannot be forgiven. This is a consistent cause of its loss of customer retention, even after its revision. However, the current CEO, Fran Horowitz, has led the brand to remarkable growth through her commitment to promoting a diverse and inclusive culture.
The rebranding not only created a modern wardrobe for the same demographic it targeted back in the 19th century, but also monumentally transformed it into a more equitable retail company, earning a new reputation and working to eliminate its history of toxicity.
“I have always been such an Abercrombie girl,” junior marketing major and member of the Business of Fashion Society Rebecca Jorgensen said.
As a college student who has a passion for fashion, Abercrombie is Jorgensen’s top brand for its high-quality clothing tailored to all body types. She applauds its apparel on having a glow-up from the early 2000s middle-school vibe when its top pieces trending included the Abercrombie moose embroidered logo. Now, it targets stylish millennials in their early 20s, supplying every -
thing from workwear to business professional and even a sweatset for a casual Sunday morning.
“They are undeniably going down a better path,” Jorgensen said.
Abercrombie has implemented several policies and campaigns to rebuild its brand. The weekly drop in new arrivals on its website highlights its initiative to grow and produce. Abercrombie’s current market reflects the unstoppable company they are.
Sophomore Iliana Moulhas attested, describing Abercrombie as any shopper’s “default” brand for solid basics that are high in quality and affordable in price. Owning an assortment of jeans herself, Moulhas’ favorite go-to denim from Abercrombie ranges from a baggy low rise to a high rise with a subtle slit. The silhouettes, cuts and washes are endless.
It doesn’t stop there, Abercrombie’s shopfront is unlimited, offering new bottoms, tops, dresses, activewear, leisure, swimwear and accessories. From the depths and despair of Abercrombie’s company, they managed to acquire a new initiative, leading to the gradual success they continue to build on today. So, if you’re here to stay and consider the positive resurgence of this powerful brand, allow me to offer a brief selection of the clothes that gain attraction.
Shop men’s. From a night out to a basic denim look, Abercrombie carries it all. Head to toe, they offer a wardrobe made for you.
Baggy, Tailored Linen-Blend Trousers: A variety of colors to choose from and more
tops to match. The linen material exceeds comfort and will easily become a closet staple.
Short-Sleeved Cropped
Jacquard Button-Up Shirt:
Perfect for a night on the town or simply to feel put together while running errands. This button-up design is nothing short of chic.
Manchester City FC Graphic Half-Zip Sweatshirt: Specific, but necessary for this proposal. Abercrombie’s sweatshirt collection is unmatched from hoodies to crewnecks. Ultimate comfort in all styles.
Shop women’s. A diverse selection will have you scrolling their online site for hours.
Lace and Satin V-Neck:
A beautiful component to add to the roster of “going-out” tops you have shoved in your closet. The delicate nature of the lace and slickness of the satin is a perfect hint of demur.
Drop-Waist Midi Dress:
An unbeatable look for this upcoming spring. Abercrombie’s seasonal additions are jaw-droppingly stunning, suiting perfectly for a weekend brunch or polished casual dinner.
High Rise 90s Relaxed Jean: Back to the basics of the timeless denim wide-leg jeans. Abercrombie has always been one of the most reliable sources for denim with a multitude of choices, from dark to light shade and low to high-waisted. Its denim is high quality and long-lasting.
Cozy sweaters are one of Abercrombie’s specialities and perfect for a cold winter day. Ciara Dursee/Villanovan Photography
Trendy seasonal pieces, like winter scarves, are available at Abercrombie. Maggie Fitzgerald/Villanovan Photography
SPORTS
T&F: Murphy and Langon Shatter School Records
Genna Cottingham Staff Writer
Continued from p.1
-ishing second with a time of 7:36.87. Langon’s time is the second-best 3K indoor time in Villanova history and the seventh-best in NCAA history.
To round out the trio in Boston, senior Sean Donoghue ran a 4:04.84 in the mile.
“We don’t care whether you’re a college or a professional or unattached,” O’Sullivan said. “We just go with the top 12 times and the ones that are going to be in the first section.”
On the women’s side, fifthyear Roschell Clayton achieved first place in the high jump with a jump of 1.76 meters. Clayton hails from Montego Bay, Jamaica and jumped at the Jamaica Olympic trials last summer.
A quartet of Wildcats also competed in the mile, three of which crossed the finish line consecutively within five seconds of each other. Senior Emma McGill was the first Wildcat to finish, reaching third place with a time of 4:42.84. Coming in three seconds behind McGill, senior Margaret Carroll secured fourth place in the mile.
Sophomore Tilly O’Connor ran a personal best, 4:47.14 to finish fifth. Junior Amelia Arrieta
achieved a personal best in the mile, running a 5:01.25.
“The whole team was supposed to be off this weekend because we were at Penn State last weekend,” O’Sullivan said. “Some of the athletes didn’t get into Penn State last week and it gives them an opportunity to keep on pace so that if we go to a conference they’re still competing.”
Freshman Jenny Smith pulled off a personal best in Philadelphia last Saturday. Smith
competed in the long jump and reached the five-meter mark.
Junior Sal Barretta and sophomore Matthew Griffin, competed in the 200-meter and 400-meter races together. In the 200-meter, Barretta posted a time of 22.52 while Griffin ran a 23.72. When the pair returned to the track for the 400-meter, Barretta recorded a 50.08 and Griffin was less than a second behind at 50.99.
On Friday, Feb. 14, Villanova will travel to Boston, MA
for two meets. The Eagle Elite is hosted by Boston College and the David Hemery Valentine Invitational is hosted by Boston University (FloTrack).
“BU is probably the fastest track in the country,” O’Sullivan said. “So what you’re going to do is you’re going to send some kids over there to get standards and qualifiers. And then the main part of the team, is going to the Eagle meet in BC, at the New Balance Arena.”
James Jackson: The Voice of Nova Nation
Dylan Johnson Co-Sports Editor
Villanova’s emcee, James Jackson, or better known as Jimmy J., sat in the stands at the Wells Fargo Center like any other fan on Dec. 21, 2019. He was one of the fans who made up the sold-out crowd of 20,706 as No. 18 Villanova took on No. 1 Kansas.
The crowd was energized, Wells Fargo Center was loud and, like every Villanova home game, there was a “Fan of the Game.”
Jackson happened to be the lucky one. Within minutes, Jackson was projected on the jumbotron alongside former Villanova in-arena announcer Theo Williams, who rallied the crowd beside him.
“I’m like, ‘I’m going to be on the Jumbotron,’” Jackson said. “I’m making the most of my 15 seconds, man. Someone’s going to remember me from this.”
With his Villanova gear on, Jackson pumped up the crowd, making sure to get every second’s worth of his time.
Little did Williams know, that exchange would end up butterflying into a new era at the Finneran Pavilion. To Nova Nation, Jackson was just a random fan of Villanova Basketball.
Now, Jackson has become a face of Villanova Basketball. It does not matter if a fan knows anything about basketball, they still know who
Jackson is. From tossing t-shirts into the crowd or running around the upper level of the Finneran Pavilion, Jackson always has a presence from start to finish of every game.
“I attack a game day kind of like a player does,” Jackson said. “Like, I am observing a lot of pregame. Where am I going to go? There’s a lot of strategy that goes into it for me because I don’t want to be doing the same things game in, game out.”
During his freshman year of high school, Jackson had a friend whose father was a DJ for a local Philadelphia radio station, Q102. It was fascinating to Jackson.
That was when it all clicked, he had found his calling. Jackson pursued his passions at West Chester University, graduating with a degree in communication and media studies. Despite being a West Chester alumnus, Jackson has always had a love for Villanova, especially Villanova basketball.
Two years after becoming the “Fan of the Game,” Jackson got a career-altering call: Williams was moving on from his role as Villanova’s emcee, and wanted to recommend Jackson to take his place.
Jackson made it to the final three candidates.
Associate Athletic Director for Marketing and Digital Strategy Jake Whitten told Jackson that the final part of the audition process would be inside the Finneran Pavilion. The goal
was to simulate a full game experience for the remaining candidates. But Whitten didn’t mention that the Finn was going to be empty.
Jackson was left to create the hype himself.
Jackson ran around the Finn buzzing with energy. He called for a round of applause and waited as if fans were applauding. After Jackson’s audition, Whitten recalls a “unanimous decision” that he was a perfect fit for the job.
Jackson left the audition and went about his job working in the shoe department at Dick’s Sporting Goods in the King of Prussia Mall.
On Nov. 6, 2021, three days before the first game of the 2021-22 Villanova Basketball season, Jackson got the call he had been impatiently hoping he would receive.
“My phone starts vibrating in my pocket, and I just check it, and it’s Jake Whitten,” Jackson said. “I looked at my manager, I told him I had to take this phone call. I was like, ‘You can fire me right now. I have to go take this phone call.’”
When Jackson found out that he would be the next emcee of Villanova basketball, he ran through the aisles at Dick’s with the exhilaration of someone who had “just won the lottery.”
“If one thing doesn’t go right in this whole sequence, I may not be here,” Jackson said. “It’s like the butterfly effect. It really is.”
Jackson was fortunate enough
to have his first season as emcee the same season the Villanova men’s team went to the Final Four in 2022. Nowadays, Jackson has found ways to pump up a crowd even if the team is not doing well on the court. It is difficult to get people energized when there is nothing to be excited about.
“For example, if I can get a fan to do something really hype in one of those contests and kind of eject some energy into the arena, then all of a sudden, the players are in the huddle and they hear a crowd pop,” Jackson said. “And then all of a sudden now the crowd’s kind of back into it. There’s a jolt of energy back in the stadium.”
“[Jackson] is a first-class person all around,” Whitten said. “We view him as a valuable member of our team. Outside of game day, he’s always willing to jump on extra calls to make sure we’re in a good spot. He’s outgoing, energetic and always comes prepared. He’s the total package.”
Jackson makes each fan of any Villanova game feel like they are a part of it. He notices what parts of the crowd have the most energy and where he needs to build energy all while watching the game on the court.
Jackson returned to the place where his Villanova emcee career all began, the Wells Fargo Center, this past Sunday, Feb. 9. Now, though, he is not just a voice in Nova Nation, he is the voice of Nova Nation.
Junior Marco Langon set Villanova’s second-fastest indoor 3K time this weekend in Boston. Courtesy of Villanova Athletics
Wildcat Watch: St. Jean Prepares for Big Season
Amanda McKean Sports Columnist
Villanova softball being picked by the Big East Preseason Coaches’ Poll to be the Big East frontrunners for the second-straight year was big news. But one month ago, when junior second baseman Lilly St. Jean was ranked the 15th best second basemen in the country, that was major news.
Over the weekend, the Wildcats kicked off their season with a trip to College Station, Texas in a stacked five-game field. Despite only winning two out of the five games, the non-conference tournament served as an early warmup against some of the best teams in the country.
“We kind of do that on purpose,” head coach Bridget Orchard said. “We start out so tough, we’re seeing really big hitters, great pitching. They are humbled really quick and get mentally tough. So by the time we get to our conference play, the team has learned a lot and knows what it takes to be really good.”
St. Jean was a leader in the infield in Texas, finishing the weekend with a team-high nine assists.
“[St. Jean’s] defense has gotten so much better,” Orchard said. “She played shortstop her freshman year but now she’s a mainstay at second. She’s really
taken to that and is willing to do whatever to help the team. Her biggest thing is consistency. She leads by example and is a great role model for the younger players.”
Though she is only a junior, St. Jean has a deeply rooted history with the team, starting with her childhood aspirations to one day be a Wildcat.
“I knew really early on, since I was a little girl, that I wanted to come here,” St. Jean said. “I grew up coming to their games, going to their camps. I really loved the atmosphere of the program and the education I was going to get. I knew I wanted to be around this culture and how the program competes as a whole.”
“[St. Jean] started out when she was young and would just come to camps at Villanova,” Orchard said. “We saw her, and obviously her talent stood out back then. Her love for the game, all of that showed with her ethic and we could see that as early as coming to camp as a kid. As she grew up, she was super versatile, she always hit, she was super athletic and a super competitor. So that’s what stood out to us the most.”
This attention is not surprising considering St. Jean’s standout sophomore year. In 22 of the Wildcats’ conference games last season, she batted .400 with a team-high 11 doubles and 27 runs in conference play.
This dominance resulted in one Big East Player of the Week and one Big East Weekly Honor Roll recognition over the course of the season, and in the end she was unanimously voted to the all Big East First team.
“[Being a part of Villanova softball] takes being a part of the competing mindset to really have that grit that it takes to win a Big East Championship,” St. Jean said. “The key is just having one another’s backs. If one person makes a mistake, the other person is picking them up.”
Now, as an upperclassmen, St. Jean has newfound expectations of herself — on and off the field.
“I want to definitely improve on being a more vocal leader and setting a good example for the freshmen coming in,” St. Jean said. “I want to be able to help this team now as an upperclassman and going into the Big East.”
As the team prepares to compete in the Big East again, it will continue to challenge itself in non-conference games in Florida and Clemson throughout February and smooth out any issues.
“[St. Jean’s] biggest thing is her work ethic and her competitive mindset,” Orchard said. “She practices all the time. She comes before practice, stays after, puts a lot of time and effort into her game. She loves playing and works hard at it.”
Softball Goes 2-3 to Open Season in Texas
Jon Hunn Staff Writer
Villanova kicked off its season this past weekend at the Aggie Classic in College Station, Texas, compiling a 2-3 record with wins over Utah State and Abilene Christian, and losses to Purdue, No. 19 Baylor and No. 7 Texas A&M.
The ‘Cats opened the weekend with a 7-4 win as the designated home squad against Utah State.
Villanova trailed after half an inning of play, when the Aggies plated three runs on two run-scoring doubles.
The Wildcats answered quickly, tying the game in the home half of the first. Freshman catcher Ava Mahnken’s RBI single plated the first run, freshman third baseman Jaclyn Morra added the second run with an RBI single of her own and the final run of the inning came when senior shortstop Ava Franz scored on a defensive miscue by Utah State.
The ‘Cats then finally broke through to take a 5-3 lead in the bottom of the fifth when redshirt senior first baseman Brooklyn Ostrowski produced an RBI single, and Franz scored on an error.
Villanova added some insurance the following inning, when senior left fielder Kelsey White launched the team’s first home run of the season, a two-run shot blast.
Wildcat junior pitcher Kat Gallant pitched a complete game to tally the win. She surrendered seven hits and four runs, along with two
walks and four strikeouts. “[Gallant] was getting tired [in the seventh],” head coach Bridget Orchard said. “It was huge for her to be able to handle one last inning and pitch as well as she did.”
In the second game of the tournament, the first of two games of a Friday doubleheader, the Wildcats suffered their first loss of the season, 7-5, to Purdue.
Boilermakers junior first baseman Alivia Meeks started the scoring with a three-run homer in the third inning.
Villanova tallied its first four runs of the game in the sixth inning to take a one-run lead, when sophomore Miranda Runco clobbered a pinch-hit, go-ahead grand slam.
The Wildcat lead was shortlived. Purdue responded in the bottom of the sixth with an offensive onslaught to take a 7-4 lead.
The Wildcats attempted to rally in the top of the seventh when Ostrowski’s RBI single cut the Purdue lead to two with two outs, but the Boilermakers were able to induce a pop-out to end the threat and secure the win.
For the ‘Cats, Runco suffered the loss, surrendering four runs on five hits with one strikeout and no walks in one inning of relief.
In the second game of the Friday doubleheader and the third of the weekend, the Wildcats defeated Abilene Christian, 10-8.
Villanova scored its first four runs in the top of the second inning, with senior right fielder Elaina Wagner and Runco hitting RBI singles. White added a run with a sacrifice
WEEKLY SCOREBOARD
Feb. 5- Feb.11
Wednesday, February 5
Women’s Basketball @ Butler 63-59 W
Men’s Basketball @ DePaul 59-49 W
Thursday, February 6
Softball vs Utah 7-4 W
Friday, February 7
Men’s Tennis vs BYU 0-7 L
Softball vs Purdue 5-7 L
Softball vs Abilene Christian 10-8 W
Saturday, February 8
Water Polo vs No. 13 UC San Diego 10-15 L
Women’s Lax vs Binghamton 20-4 W
Men’s Track @ Penn Classic No Team Scoring
Men’s Track @ Scarlet & White Invite No Team Scoring
Women’s Track @ Penn Classic
No Team Scoring
Women’s Basketball vs Creighton 57-70 L
Softball vs No. 19 Baylor 2-8 L
Softball @ No. 7 Texas A&M 0-8 L
Sunday, February 9
Men’s Basketball vs Xavier 80-68 W
fly, and Franz added another with an RBI single. After allowing Abilene Christian to add a run on a Villanova error, the Wildcats opened up an 8-1 lead on a Wagner sacrifice fly and White’s three-run double.
Abilene Christian responded quickly, making the score 8-5 by adding four runs in the bottom of the third inning, courtesy of three RBI singles and a run-scoring double play.
The Wildcats created their largest cushion of the game when White’s fifth-inning solo home run put them ahead, 10-5.
Abilene Christian narrowed the deficit to two with a three-run sixth inning and brought the tying run to the plate in the bottom of the seventh before Gallant induced a flyout to end the game.
For Villanova, White was credited with the victory, pitching 2.2 innings, allowing six hits and five runs (two earned) to go along with no walks and two strikeouts.
In the first of a two-game Saturday slate, the Wildcats were defeated by No. 19 Baylor, 8-2.
The ‘Cats took a 2-0 lead in the bottom of the first inning on a leadoff home run from White, followed by a single by Runco that brought home Franz.
“We were really happy about the power numbers [White provided],” Orchard said. “She set the tone for the game. She was able to do that really well all weekend.”
Baylor blew the game open with a six-run third inning.
She tacked on a two-run
Women’s Tennis @ Navy 3-4 L
Water Polo vs No. 21 Brown 11-8 W
Men’s Lax vs No. 12 Penn State 5-15 L
home run in the sixth to turn the game into a true blowout. The Wildcats managed just three hits all game.
White was saddled with the loss for the ‘Cats, allowing six runs on six hits in 2.2 innings. She did not allow a walk and did not record a strikeout.
In the second game of the Saturday doubleheader and the fifth game on the weekend, No. 7 Texas A&M mercy ruled Villanova, 8-0, in five innings.
Both teams were held scoreless through each of the first two innings before the Aggies came through with a six-run bottom of the third. The scoring began with a solo home run, followed by two RBI singles, and was punctuated by a three-run home run.
Texas A&M added another two runs in the bottom of the fourth inning on an RBI groundout and a sacrifice fly. The Aggies ended the game early in the top of the fifth due to the mercy rule.
Gallant was tagged with the loss for the ‘Cats, surrendering six runs on seven hits in three innings of work. She also walked one and did not record any strikeouts.
Villanova returns to action Friday, Feb. 14 in the Joan Joyce Classic in Boca Raton, Florida.
Catching Up with the ‘Cats: Patty Esposito (‘80)
Dylan Johnson Co-Sports Editor
The Villanova community becomes a family from the small 260acre campus to the Sunday evening masses. In a sense, it is a home away from home for many students, as well as alumni.
For Patty Esposito (‘80), Villanova is still a part of her life 45 years after graduation. During her time at Villanova, she was a cheerleader for the basketball and football teams. She also met her husband, Jim (‘79), at Villanova. Esposito still cheers for Villanova, but now, she cheers from her seat inside the Finneran Pavilion as a season ticket holder.
“[Villanova] is not a four-year [thing],” Esposito said. “I think some people go to college for four years and they move on, but Villanova, it just kind of stays with you.”
Esposito graduated from Villanova in 1980 with a degree in sociology and criminal justice. She took up that degree intending to become an FBI agent.
Unfortunately for Esposito, her graduation lined up with President Jimmy Carter’s federal job freeze, which lasted from March 14, 1980, to January of 1981. She was the first in her family to graduate from college, and her father was putting pressure on her to find a job.
On Aug. 4, 1980, Esposito started her job not as an FBI agent, but as an insurance broker at one of the world’s largest insurance compa-
Madison Hodges Staff Writer
nies, Marsh McLennan. Since her start at the company in August of 1980, she has raised three kids, Connor (‘10), Emily (‘13) and Reily (‘16), and has worked there ever since.
From having a 45-year career at one company to being a 45-year Villanova basketball season ticket holder, Esposito’s dedication to Villanova is not to be questioned.
In 2016, Esposito was awarded with the University’s oldest award, the Loyalty Award.
Per Villanova’s website, “The Loyalty Award is presented to Villanova alumni who have rendered distinguished service to the University. Instituted in 1932 by the Villanova University Club of Greater Philadelphia, this award is the oldest in the University’s history.”
Esposito’s loyalty is her way of paying back what Villanova gave her. Her three kids, Connor (‘10), Emily (‘13) and Reily (‘16) all went to Villanova, as well. Her son, Connor
Esposito (‘10), played soccer at Villanova from 2006 to 2010. Family and Villanova are two things that complement each other perfectly.
“I can say that everything good that’s happened in my life, I can bring back to Villanova,” Esposito said. “My marriage, I met my husband at Villanova, my career, my degree. My lifelong friends are from Villanova. I think Villanova molded me into the person that I am today. The freshman that I came in as is not the same person as the senior I came out as.”
What Villanova gave Esposito makes her feel like she owes something back to the University. She still helps the cheer and dance teams out financially. From 2011 to 2016, she served two, three-year terms on the Villanova University Alumni Association Board of Directors.
Due to the fact that her son, Connor, played soccer for Villanova, the Esposito family decided to help fund the program. In 2012, Esposito and her husband, Jim, created the James T. Esposito (’79) and Patricia M. Esposito (’80) Family Endowed Fund for Men’s Soccer. The goal of the fund is to enhance the Villanova men’s soccer program.
Despite living an hour and 40 minutes away from campus, the Espositos attend every men’s basketball home game. Esposito could count on her hands the amount of home games she has missed over the last 45 years.
“You don’t go to Villanova for four years,” Esposito said. “You go for a lifetime.”
Water Polo Goes 1-2 in Crimson Classic
This past weekend, Villanova’s water polo team faced three ranked opponents in a challenging slate of matches at the Crimson Classic, hosted by Harvard.
The Wildcats (overall 6-5) finished the tournament with a decisive victory over No. 21 Brown, their first win over a nationally ranked opponent since 2021. Villanova lost to No. 13 UC San Diego and No. 15 UC Santa Barbara.
Villanova started the weekend off on Saturday with a loss to UC San Diego, 15-10. The Wildcats had a strong scoring start, notching two goals in the first three minutes. But the Tritons quickly ended the scoring run and took control, scoring eight of the game’s next ten goals.
After head coach Michael Gordon called a time-out to rally the team, Villanova scored six goals in a seven-minute span, reducing the gap to four goals. However, the Wildcats could not come all the way back.
Sophomore attacker Emmie Mallory led Villanova in scoring with four goals for her third hat trick in her last five matches. Junior attacker Anna Painter finished with five points, scoring two goals and having three assists. Painter also capitalized during power play, and had a goal and two assists.
Freshman attacker Riley Hull obtained four exclusions to keep the offense going. On the defensive side, junior goalie Gracin Kerry recorded nine saves, including two when Villanova was down a player.
In the second match of the day, the Wildcats lost to UC Santa Barbara. Both teams traded goals early in the game. But Villanova was unable to close the gap after the Gauchos’ late first-quarter burst.
Freshman center Ella Mattocks had a standout game, scoring two backhanded goals to score a hat trick. Hull, sophomore attacker Tiffany Maguire and freshman attacker Layla Canales scored two goals. Mallory kept up her goal-scoring run from the first match of the day.
Hull also drew four more exclusions against the Gauchos, which provided the Wildcats with crucial
extra-man opportunities.
Kerry was a force in the goal despite the defeat, blocking nine shots and saving a crucial penalty. After day one, Villanova’s overall record was 5-5.
Heading into the final game of the Crimson Classic, the Wildcats took on Brown to emerge with an 11-8 victory.
The Wildcats quickly establisheddominance, taking a 3-0 lead in the first quarter. By halftime, they had increased their lead to 6-3.
Although Brown scored four goals in the third quarter to narrow the gap, Villanova’s defense was too
strong in the last period. The Wildcats gave up only one goal, while scoring two of their own to seal the victory.
Hull recorded four goals and one assist, while drawing six exclusions for a season-high.
Kerry maintained her excellent play in the goal with 15 saves, including two while Villanova was down a man, and another on a penalty attempt. Painter and sophomore center Lauren Short each provided several goals.
The Wildcats return home to take on Siena College on Saturday, Feb. 15 at 1 p.m. at the Villanova Swim Complex.
Patty Esposito ‘80 (bottom middle) is a loyal Villanovan and basketball season ticket holder. Courtesy of Patty Esposito
Villanova defeated No. 21 Brown, 11-8, on Sunday, Feb. 9, seeking revenge after previously falling to Brown on Feb. 2. Courtesy of Villanova Athletics
W Lacrosse Dominates Binghamton to Open Season
Casey Healey Staff Writer
The Wildcats hosted the Bearcats on Saturday, Feb. 8, marking the first meeting between the two ever. Binghamton University is currently the reigning champion of the American-East Conference, finishing their 2024 season with a record of 12-7.
Despite a strong finish for the Bearcats last year, the Wildcats had no problem getting the job done in their season opener.
“We’re setting up the first season for success,” senior attacker Sami Carey said. “I’m not surprised at all, because every single day, we’ve been playing like this.”
Villanova stadium closely resembled a Bruno Mars concert, as “The Lazy Song” blared through the speakers each time Carey put up another goal. She led the way with five goals and six assists, tallying up a career-high 11 points on the day.
“I am so happy for Sami,” head coach Jill Batcheller said. “She has been crushing it this whole year, and honestly, for her whole career, and she really deserves to shine.”
The ‘Cats started out strong, as sophomore Rose Christie netted the first goal of the season in just the first minute of regulation. A few moments later, Christie scored her second goal of the game in a free position shot.
Villanova was then granted another eight meter opportunity after a yellowcard on the Bearcats, and
The third and fourth quarters were no different.
The Wildcats continued their spree and ended the first quarter up 8-2.
They kept up the momentum all through the second quarter, racking up five more goals to put them up by 10 at the half, with a score of 3-13.
Along with high scoring, the Wildcats were all over ground balls, and able to pick up the majority that were dropped by the Bearcats.
Villanova ended up outscoring Binghamton in the ground ball battle, 23-19.
Jillian Vaught put up three goals, Carey netted two more. Additionally, freshman Lizzy Giodano scored the first goal of her collegiate career, and then another in the fourth. There was a high scoring distribution, with seven different players scoring at least one goal.
Vaught ended the day with a total of four goals, and right behind her was senior Sydney Pappas, scoring a hat trick.
Binghamton went scoreless throughout the entirety of the fourth,
as defenders Maggie Masuret, Anne Edens, and Megan Lowe helped to keep the Bearcats out of the goal.
Binghamton only managed to take four shots on goal the entire game.
The Wildcats were able to put up 28 shots on goal.
“We said in the beginning it was a fresh start every year for the team, and to play for each other,” Batcheller said. “ I’m really proud of that, that’s exactly what this team did.”
The Wildcats will be back to host Saint Joseph’s University on Wednesday, Feb. 11, at 1 p.m.
No. 12 Penn State Defeats Men’s Lax in Home Opener
Elijah McDow Staff Writer
On icy turf, Villanova men’s lacrosse opened its season, suffering a 15-5 defeat to Penn State on Sunday.
The Nittany Lions entered the 2025 season ranked No. 12 in the nation after going 11-5 and 3-2 in the Big Ten last season.
Penn State and Villanova have regularly met over the past four seasons. The ‘Cats have won two of the last four meetings, but suffered a 18-10 defeat in 2024.
Despite the defeat, Villanova head coach Mike Corrado felt his team played strong for the majority of the game against the only nationally-ranked opponent on the schedule.
“I thought our defense played great for three quarters,” Corrado said. “[The team] fought hard, but we just made too many mistakes on offense and we got to clean up the many turnovers. You gotta play 60 minutes. We played about 40 good minutes today.”
The game began with Penn State winning the opening face-off. Villanova turnovers early in the game proved costly. The Wildcats committed 20 turnovers across the game, while forcing 19 from the Nittany Lions.
Penn State sophomore attacker Kyle Lehman opened the scoring at the 9:51 mark.
Three minutes later, the Wildcats responded off a goal from redshirt sophomore Colin Michener.
The game remained tied for five minutes, but Penn State senior
midfielder Matt Traynor regained the lead for the Nittany Lions with 1:56 left in the first quarter. Villanova senior attacker Luke Raymond tied the game just two minutes into the second quarter.
Traynor remained difficult for Villanova to control, scoring a second goal to regain Penn State’s lead. The Nittany Lions went into halftime up 4-2.
Following the intermission, Michener was dangerous on the attack. He had three of the first four attempts on goal for the Wildcats.
Villanova graduate attacker Matt Licata took Villanova’s third attempt on goal and scored to open the second half.
Relentless pressure from the Wildcats created a break on Penn State’s attack. That break led to a goal from senior midfielder Mack Prybylski, which tied the game.
Penn State instantly responded. Less than two minutes later, a solo goal from sophomore attacker Ryan DiRocco gave Penn State a 5-4 lead.
With a 1:28 left in the third quarter, graduate midfielder Jack Aimonee put the Nittany Lions up by two. Two additional goals were scored to give Penn State an 8-4 lead.
After conceding four unanswered goals, the Wildcats entered the fourth quarter facing their biggest deficit of the game. Prior to the third and fourth quarters, the widest margin had been just two goals.
The Wildcats went on to concede nine unanswered goals, bringing the score to 13-4.
Traynor opened the fourth quarter scoring, followed by goals
from Lehman and junior midfielder Mac Hobbs. The three goals grew Penn State’s lead from 8-4 to 114. With 7:55 left in the game Hunter Aquino scored to grow the lead to 12-4. This was followed by Traynor’s fourth goal of the game.
Villanova’s scoring drought ended with 5:49 to play, after a goal from redshirt sophomore David Link off an assist from senior Tyler Boes.
The Nittany Lions scored on the next possession courtesy of sophomore attacker, Colby Baldwin. Senior midfielder Luke Waldstrum then scored off of Traynor’s second assist.
The slippery conditions were a challenge, but something Corrado
felt is no excuse.
“This is normal,” Corrado said. “There will be a little snow on the ground, and it’ll be cold. It’s always kind of crummy this early season. So we really didn’t say anything about it. We didn’t look at it any different.”
The Wildcats will now prepare for a Saturday afternoon matchup with Yale on Feb. 15 (Noon, FloSports).
“We’ll be off tomorrow, then they’ll come on Tuesday, and we’ll watch film,” Corrado said. “We’ll start getting ready for Yale, which is another top 10 team, so it’s gonna be another good challenge for us.”
Madison Freeman scored the third goal of the game.
Senior attacker Sami Carey scored five goals and recorded six assists for a career-high 11 points in Villanova’s win over Binghamton, 20-4. Courtesy of Villanova Athletics
Villanova took on the only nationally ranked program on its schedule, No. 12 Penn State. Graham Sukup / Villanovan Photography
Baseball Brings on 18 New Players for 2025 Campaign
Tim Doherty Staff Writer
Villanova baseball is looking to rebuild from its 18-33 mark from the 2024 season as it welcomes 18 new players to this year’s roster.
In 2024, Wildcats posted an 8-13 record in Big East play, finishing fifth in Big East standings.
In addition to 20 returning players, head coach Kevin Mulvey’s team consists of five transfers and 13 freshmen. The ‘Cats have been picked to finish seventh in the Big East preseason poll, and they will lean on strong leadership from their four captains with the hopes of exceeding expectations in the 2025 campaign.
Graduate students Luke McCollough, Jason Neff and Stephen Turzai, along with junior Michael Whooley, are the captains of this year’s squad.
McCollough, a right-handed pitcher, returns for his second season with the Wildcats after posting a team-best 48 strikeouts in the 2024 season.
Neff remains a reliable backstop for Villanova and was tied for second among all players with nine home runs in 2024.
Turzai will begin his third season for the ‘Cats after recording 15 scoreless appearances last year, playing a key role in the Villanova bullpen.
Whooley, the lone undergraduate to earn captaincy, looks to continue his impressive play from the
2024 campaign. The infielder finished top five in hits, home runs, RBIs and doubles among all Wildcats last season.
Villanova will open the season in Ponce, Puerto Rico, for the inaugural Puerto Rico Challenge. The Wildcats will face Rice on Feb. 14, Virginia on Feb. 15, and Michigan on Feb. 16.
After returning to the Main
Line, the ‘Cats will play their home opener on Feb. 19 against St. Peter’s. Villanova will host another midweek home game on Feb. 25 against Coppin State before a seven-game road trip. The Wildcats’ road schedule is highlighted by a trip to Nashville for a three-game series against Lipscomb from Feb. 28 to March 2. Then, Villanova will travel to South Florida for
a game against Miami on March 5, before taking on University of South Florida in a three-game series from March 7 to March 9.
Big East play begins on April 4 when the Wildcats host Georgetown in a three-game series.
Villanova will rely on a combination of both familiar and new faces to start the year off strong as it looks to remain competitive through-
W Tennis Falls to Navy, Men Fall to Navy & BYU
Teddy Dunn Staff Writer
Both the Villanova men and women’s tennis teams faced a challenging weekend, competing well, but ultimately dropping three matches. Both teams fell to Navy, and the men’s team also lost to Brigham Young University.
The women’s squad lost a very close match against Navy on Sunday morning, 4-3.
The Wildcats got off to a good start, with the first duo of sophomore Lauren Monti and graduate student Sophia Edwards winning, 7-5.
The third doubles team, sophomores Maddie Hills and Jenna Stevens, took down their opponents, 6-2, to increase the momentum.
Junior Maggie Gehrig secured an overtime win for the Wildcats, coming back to win, 6-3, as the No. 2.
“I thought Maggie was a huge bright spot for us,” women’s head coach Steve Reiniger said. “She returned the serve well and was our best match.”
Freshman Olivia Corcoran also won in overtime against Navy’s No. 3 singles player, 6-3. Reiniger praised Corcoran’s adaptability in the match after she was struggling with an illness last week.
“[Corcoran] is not a typical freshman,” Reiniger said. “Her teammates would agree, she has been a fast riser and a rock for us.”
Reiniger emphasized the need to secure a lead before moving onto singles, which has been Villanova’s strong suit recently.
“We’re playing the right way,” Reiniger said. “Obviously we’d like to improve, but mainly we have to stay persistent in doubles.”
On the men’s side, Villanova faced similar struggles on Friday and Saturday, falling, 7-0, to BYU in the first-ever matchup between the programs. Against BYU, the Wildcats were stifled in their doubles matches. Junior Cooper Gordon and sophomore Kush Anand fell, 6-3. Freshmen Quincy Jones and Jack Sherner also lost, 5-3, in an unfinished match to round out the doubles card.
In singles, the Wildcats had somewhat better luck, bringing BYU to some close third-set finishes, especially with sophomore Justin Frattarelli, who almost defeated BYU’s
David Duong in an intense tiebreaker. However, Frattarelli ended up falling in the tiebreak, 10-7.
On Saturday, the Wildcats fell again, losing to Navy, 6-1.
Gordon and Anand handily won their match to start the doubles card, 6-1, but Navy was able to secure the following two matches, and the doubles point in turn.
In singles, the Wildcats dropped five straight matches. Freshman Quincy Jones was the lone singles player to win his match, 6-1, 6-4.
“All four of our freshmen have brought a lot of energy to the team, Villanova men’s tennis head coach Brad Adams said. “[Jones] showed that.”
Adams acknowledged that the team hasn’t gotten the results
they want recently, having lost all four spring matches so far. Adams described his squad as persistent and on the right track, so long as they begin to make critical adjustments.
“We are struggling on deuce points, for sure,” Adams said. “That’s where we need to be more precise to get closer to winning.”
Looking ahead, Villanova men’s tennis will host Rider University this coming Saturday at 6:30 p.m, while the women’s next match will be against Drexel on Thursday, Feb. 13.
This is the first match between Villanova and Drexel in three years after the match was canceled last season.
The upcoming competition will serve as an important test against a regional rival.
After posting an 8-13 record in 2024 Big East play, the Wildcats are picked to finish seventh in the conference this season. Courtesy of Villanova Athletics
Sophomore Justin Frattarelli (pictured above) fell to BYU’s David Duong in an intense tiebreaker, 10-7. Courtesy of Villanova Athletics
ASK THE VILLANOVAN
Help - I feel so left out with everyone having Valentine’s Day plans. What should I do if I am cronically single?
Trust me, I get you. Valentine’s Day can feel lonely, but it is all about flipping the narrative. It is critical to remember to spread all the love, not just romantically. Take the day to love yourself, do some self care and surround yourself with your friends.
Love is a lot bigger than just being in a relationship. It is about making yourself and others feel valued and appreciated. It is about spending time with those you value and appreciate! So put on your reds and pinks, play a cheesy rom-com and just enjoy the day! (and make sure to go to Target on Saturday and get the half off Valentine’s Day chocolate to make everything better).
Should I go into the city for the Eagles parade on Friday?
YES! Philly is one of the most lively and passionate cities in America, and they just so happen to have an awesome football team. The chance to go into Philly for this parade may be a once in a lifetime opportunity (especially with how many
Villanova graduates move to New York postgrad. We are not getting a Giants or Jets parade anytime soon). So I say go for it! Just make sure to be decked out in green head to toe and to cheer on the Birds!
All of my friends are going away for Spring Break but it is way too expensive for me to join. Do you have any advice on how to cope with feeling left out?
Spring break is the cause of a lot more stress than necessary, and not joining in on group plans may hurt in the moment, however, it is important to prioritize yourself!
I am personally a big fan of having this week to step away from campus, spend time with family and not have to think about anything Villanova related. Take the time to value having this week to yourself, because after graduating college, you may not get the chance to have weeks off throughout the year to just focus on yourself and your needs. So, do what will benefit yourself this break. Read the book that has been sitting on yourself since fall break, go for a walk around your neighborhood, run errands with your family or friends and remember to enjoy the little
quiet moments in life. Sometimes it can be too loud to hear them.
I am feeling overwhelmed with the amount of work I have in my classes right now. Don’t professors understand they aren’t my only class? Do you have any advice on how to manage a heavy workload while still having a social life?
I definitely can understand how you are feeling. Balancing school work, clubs, a social life and sleep is hard. However, it is important to remember why you are here at Villanova, to receive a Villanova education. I am a big advocate of asking professors for help, whether it be during office hours or shooting them an email, it is important for you to showcase that you are putting in the most effort you can.
As for balancing a social life, remind yourself that others are in the same boat. Set up study dates or set aside time in your day to check in with friends. At the end of the day, you are here to get your degree, but by incorporating friends and social time into your work, it becomes a lot more enjoyable! So text your friends and set up in Conn. The rest will all fall into place.
All photos courtesy of Erick Quezada/Villanovan Photography
THE CROSSWORD
Firefly prison
Touch gently
Pool accessory
Bouncer's concern
Kiev's country: Abbr.
___ vez (again, in Spanish) 14 The best climber of all time? 17 Keanu Reaves role
"Tasty!" 19 A hacker will try to infiltrate this
Disapproving (of)
Craft beer letters 27 Four quarters
What you hopefully can say after someone throws a grenade in your vicinity 31 What you ought to read between the lines for
Ponders 36 Taylor Swift 2012 album 37 Why 14A, 19A, and 31A might be welcome in a secret club (even though some are inanimate objects) 42 Elitist
Small batteries
Leaders of groups 44 and 73, in August
"Your point being?"
Many moons ___
Wanted poster letters
Prefix with athlete
"___ One: A Star Wars Story"
Small matter?
Pull an all-nighter
Perry who performed at the Super Bowl XLIX halftime show (with the sharks)
"99 Luftballons" pop group
Citi Field team, on scoreboards
6 on a phone
Chicago's ___ Center
Emphatic denial
a dad
Big letters in home security
Money _____ (to flex)
Sort of: Suffix
___ Helens, Wash.
"Yeah ... never gonna happen"
JB SMOOVE "Curb Your Enthusiasm" role
Strong bond
Little kids should avoid this type of vehicle
Water cooler?
Code-cracking org.
Zone 31 Close approach of a spacecraft to a planet
