“The Rooted Project”

Caitlyn Foley Staff Writer

tice valued these enslaved people as less than the total livestock owned by the Morgan family.

At a predominantly white university, it is important to recognize the black influence that exists on our campus. The Rooted Project explores the history of Villanova in a way that incorporates “the histories of slavery, segregation, institutionalized racism, and gender and religious prejudice,” as stated on the webpage.

Angelina Lincoln, a current graduate student at the University of Maryland, also presented her re search at this panel. Her key finding was that William and Julia Moulden were co-founders of Villanova Uni versity, but their legacy has been for gotten and erased overtime. Lincoln aims to make our community aware of the significance this African-Amer ican couple had on our University’s history.

Lincoln hopes that her re search will serve as an educational tool for the Villanova student body.

“Through the Rooted Project, I hope that William and Julia Mould en become more commonly known on campus as integral founders of and donors to Villanova,” she said. “I also hope that in learning about their lives, students are encouraged to think about and research other moments in Black history that aren’t fully acknowledged and understood on campus and in their local areas.”

Lincoln’s research emphasiz es that Villanova University would not be where it is today without the Moulden family. The Mouldens directly contributed to the growth of this institution, and it is crucial to in clude those narratives in our Univer sity’s history.

During the Q&A, Nolan Varee, another member of this panel, provided his thoughts.

“Students should be aware of this history,” Varee said. “Our goal is to bring this to students and discover what this means to students.”

Kevin Fox, the administrator for the Lepage Center, also shared his perspective on the importance of the

Winter Gala Preview

Rooted Project.

“To me, the Rooted Project is about critically engaging with the history of this University that we all call home, and using that additional knowledge and perspective to inform not just how we think and talk about the school, but how we act here, how we think and talk about race, gender, labor, and property throughout the country,” he said. “And, further, what we do with that knowledge to create a more equitable learning environment and a better world.”

The Rooted Project is attempting to start a dialogue with the goal of enacting change. If you are a Villanova student seeking to further educate yourself on the history of this University, please consider visiting

Emily Attisano Staff Writer

On the evening of February 17th The Division of Student Life will host the annual Winter Gala in the Connelly Center from 9pm to 12am.

All undergraduate students were invited to reserve their complementary Gala tickets through the VU Events website before January 31st.

This year’s formal invitation captured the usual effervescence of the Gala – its wintery atmosphere basked in shimmering lights and music. Students always take great delight in the Gala’s assortment of refreshments and entertainment, and this year is poised to be just as amaz -

Those who attend can indulge in plenty of food, drinks, dancing, music and casino games while enjoying the winter decorations. For students 21 and older, wine, beer and champagne will also be served.

The Winter Gala is an exciting way to celebrate the new semester, enjoy a night of music and dancing and dress up in formal attire so dresses, skirts, suits or slacks are acceptable. A night of dressing up is always one of the reasons the Winter Gala is so

Julia Mastino, a comprehensive science major, conveyed her excitement for the Gala.

“Being able to find a new dress and get ready with friends is my favorite part of going to the Winter Gala,” Mastino said. “I just really love how fun it is to get dressed up with all of my friends, and it makes the Gala even more

There are so many captivating parts of the Winter Gala, and students had unique reasons for reserving their tickets to the event. This year’s invitation promised live performances, a DJ and other sources of entertainment, which excited many students.

Harnoor Sekhoon, a student in VSB, described how much she is looking forward to a night of dancing and music.

“It is always so much fun to be able to enjoy the music and dance with my friends and also just hang out with so many other students,” she said.

For other students, the Gala is a tremendous way of escaping the pressure of a new semester, and instead, celebrating the beginning of the new year.

Diorys Savinon, a marketing and business analytics double major, shared why she is anticipating this year’s Winter Gala.

“As the semester becomes more stressful, the Winter Gala is a really fun way to enjoy campus, see friends and just escape some of this stress for a night,” Savionon said. “I’m also really excited to dance and dress up for a night.”

From the excitement of dressing up in formal attire to the anticipation of a night of music, dancing and friends, this year’s Gala is poised to be as amazing as previous years. Students across campus are eagerly awaiting the event, be it to spend time with friends or enjoy some music and dancing.

Whatever the reason for attending, the Connelly Center, decorated in sparkling winter decor and brimming with lively students, will be unmissable.

This year’s Winter Gala will undoubtedly be one of the best nights of the 2023 spring semester.