On Monday, Jan. 20, 2025, Donald J. Trump was inaugurated as the 47th President of the United States of America. It was the 60th Presidential Inauguration. His second term in office has officially begun.
Regardless of political affiliations, many Villanova students streamed the Inauguration from campus.
“As a political science major and someone who is very interested in working hands-on in politics, I watch and listen to almost everything happening in D.C.,” freshman intended-political science major, Megan Lawn, said. “Watching the Inauguration, I think, is very important just as an American. Regardless of preference, it’s an American ritual, and I think it is important to watch political happenings as they are, live.”
President Trump requested his second Inauguration be moved inside the Capitol Rotunda due to the dangerously frigid temperatures outside. The ceremony has not taken place indoors since Ronald Reagan’s second Inauguration, in 1985.
Throughout the ceremony, various musicians performed renditions of patriotic music from inside the Rotunda. Some of the instrumentalists and vocalists included the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Combined Choirs, the United States Marine Band, opera singer Christopher D. Macchio and Carrie Underwood.
Democratic Senator of Minnesota, Amy Klobuchar, began the ceremony with a call to order.
Before the Vice President-Elect was sworn into office, Cardinal Timothy Dolan; the Archbishop of New York; and Reverend
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MLK Jr. Keynote Lecture p. 3
A Promising Young Women and Sexual Assault p. 10
Spring Semester Preview
Isabella Balian Staff Writer
It’s Spring Semester once again. Villanovans are looking forward to many events this semester, both on and off campus. The start of the year brings excitement, anticipation and joy for what’s ahead. Between NOVAdance and the Winter Gala; tailgates and basketball games; and senior events, Villanovans are coming with full force of excitement in this new year.
On Monday, Jan. 27, more than 250 student organizations had the chance to recruit new
members to their involvement on campus. The Involvement Fair was a chance for freshmen and upperclassmen to expand their communities. The fair takes place both semesters, with students lined up at tables, informing everyone of their student organization and its mission. In the fall, the fair usually takes place on Mendel Field, but in the winter, the fair takes place in the Villanova Room. A multitude of student organizations participated, including but not limited to academic organizations, culture and identity organizations, athletic based organizations, media organizations,
advocacy organizations, music and theater activities and more.
Villanova’s annual Winter Gala is set to take place on Friday, Feb. 7. The Winter Gala is an opportunity to ring in the new semester at Villanova and enjoy winter festivities. Villanovans dress up in formal attire and enjoy a night of dancing, singing and socializing with each other. After successful years of the Winter Gala, Villanovans anticipate another thrilling evening.
“I’ve never been to the Winter Gala during my four years of college, and I am really excited to see what it’s like,” senior Riley
Murray said. “I think it’s great that Villanova puts on these events for students to meet new people, enjoy the winter season, and have a night of dancing.”
Villanovans are also invested in service opportunities, like Special Olympics and NOVAdance. With the excitement of Special Olympics during Fall Semester, Villanovans are looking forward to NOVADance this semester. NOVAdance is a year-long fundraiser that includes a 12-hour dance marathon this spring. The dance marathon and year of planning works towards supporting the Andrew McDonough B+ Founda -
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Freedom School: Dr. MLK Jr. Tribute
Cali Carss
Staff Writer
Last Thursday, Jan 23, the Center for Peace and Justice Education presented a day-long workshop entitled Freedom School in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his legacy. This expansive event consisted of four time slots, with four sessions being presented during each. The 16 total sessions were taught by an array of people, from professors to graduate
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Cafe Nova: Sushi Debut p. 11
students to undergraduate students (sometimes solo, sometimes on a panel). These educators all came from a range of backgrounds, some
being in the Peace and Justice Department, but others coming in from history, philosophy, political science, VSB and many more.
Sof Says: Ins and Outs for 2025 p. 5
Wildcat Watch: Watcke Off to the Races p. 14
One Love: Turning Taboo into Change p. 8
Swim and Dive Focused on “Finding a Way” Back to BE Title p. 17
Assistant Director of Publications and Academic Support for the Center for Peace and Justice Education, Katie Lenehan, explained that a call is sent out in November for Freedom School proposals. This often includes recurring presenters, professors that have been leading sessions for years, but this call can also be answered by students, who she will often prompt to submit their ideas as a proposal. This project, according to Lenehan, is an
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When Disaster Strikes, Compassion Must Lead p. 9
Setting the Standard: Villanova’s 1985 NCAA Champions p. 18
Villanova students enjoy the winter weather at Wells Fargo Center. Lauren Armstrong/Villanova Photography
The Freedom School was held in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Cali Carss/Villanova Photography
PUBLIC SAFETY BLOTTER
PUBLIC DRUNKENNESS
January 24, STANFORD HALL
A male resident, under 21, was evaluated for alcohol intoxication and released.
PUBLIC DRUNKENNESS
January 26, O’DWYER HALL
A female resident, under 21, appeared in public intoxicated. The student was transported by VEMS to Bryn Mawr Hospital.
LIQUOR UNDERAGE, CARRYING A FALSE IDENTIFICATION CARD
January 26, MCGUIRE HALL
A male resident student, under 21, was transported to the hospital by Radnor Ambulance for alcohol intoxication. A False ID was confiscated.
PUBLIC DRUNKENNESS
CORRECTIONS
Sogoti Awarded Internship
Ava Petrosky Staff Writer
Villanova junior Rita Sogoti has been awarded the prestigious Frederick Douglass-Daniel O’Connell Global Internship.
Out of about 600 total applicants, Sogoti was selected as one of only 12 students to participate in this summer abroad opportunity.
She was first selected by Villanova’s Center for Access, Success and Achievement (CASA) to be eligible to apply. The application process is highly selective and competitive. To apply, applicants must provide a video submission, supplementary essays, a letter of recommendation and a resume.
She was the only Villanovan selected for this summer’s program.
“I’m really open to culture,” Sogoti said. “I’m just excited.”
The Frederick Douglass-Daniel O’Connell Global Internship is an annual eight-week program in Dublin, Ireland. It was founded to commemorate the legacies of both Frederick Douglass and Daniel O’Connell. After being emancipated, Douglass visited Ireland in 1846, where he encountered O’Connell, an Irish social reformer. They shared similar values, advocating for freedom and social justice. This internship program honors the influences they shared through their brief encounter.
The program is co-sponsored by the Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE), the African American Irish Diaspora Network (AAIDN) and the Department of Foreign Affairs in Ireland.
During her summer abroad, Sogoti will become immersed within Irish culture and living.
“Anything that has to do with culture, tradition, something new [outside] of my own culture, I’m always interested to learn,” Sogoti said. “So, like, their music, their kind of food, their favorite sports, their history, I’m all invested in that, so I’m looking forward to see all that.”
Students are placed in various
January 26, ST. MARY’S HALL
A female resident, under 21, appeared in public intoxicated. The student was evaluated by Public Safety and released.
LIQUOR UNDERAGE
January 26, JACKSON HALL
A male resident student, under 21, was evaluated by VEMS for alcohol intoxication and released to a sober friend.
PUBLIC DRUNKENNESS
January 26, SOUTH CAMPUS GROUNDS
A female resident, under 21, appeared in public intoxicated. The student was evaluated by Public Safety and released.
A Public Safety Officer observed two non affiliated individuals engaged in an altercation on campus.
THEFT OF PROPERTY
January 27, LANCASTER PROPERTY GROUNDS
A resident student reported theft of a package from the loading dock of Dobbin Hall. The amount of the loss is $44.84.
THEFT BY UNLAWFUL TAKING OR DISPOSITION
January 27, LANCASTER PROPERTY GROUNDS
A female resident student reported a theft of clothing. The amount of the loss is $190.00.
Remembering Virginia Esguerra
internships around Dublin, depending on their skill sets and interests.
As of now, Sogoti is awaiting placement in her specific internship program. She will meet with her overseas advisor in the upcoming weeks to find out what she will do.
“I think I’m gonna mostly work in something that has to do with policy, policy change, social change, and how their [Ireland’s] way of immigration system works there, and how I can bring that here,” Sogoti said. “I think something along immigrating.”
Sogoti is originally from the Democratic Republic of Congo in central Africa. She moved to the United States in 2015. She currently lives in Philadelphia.
Sogoti is quite aware of the challenges of her immigration journey, and she studies criminology at Villanova hoping to one day become an immigration lawyer.
Sogoti had always wanted to study abroad. Although she never planned where she would go or what she would study, she always knew she wanted to experience another academic environment.
While she will spend the bulk of her time in Dublin, the program will also include trips to Cork and Belfast.
In addition to interning at an Ireland-based company, the program’s 12 students will also attend lectures to learn more about Irish history and culture. Sogoti and her peers will also partake in extracurricular activities.
“I’m just ready to be surprised,” Sogoti said. “Literally, whatever’s there. I am just going to go with what’s there.”
Sogoti also hopes to do some independent travel, although she is not yet sure where she will go.
The program’s many components, including internship placement, academic lectures, meetings, extracurricular activities, airfare and housing, come at no cost. Students are also granted a living stipend.
The eight weeks begin on Friday, June 13, 2025. The program will conclude on Saturday, Aug. 9, 2025.
Lauren Armstrong Associate Editor-in-Chief
Earlier this month, Villanova students were informed of the passing of former Dining Services employee Virginia Esguerra. Esguerra was known for her enthusiasm and passion for connecting with the students at Villanova, and these characteristics are what made her loved throughout the Villanova community.
“Virginia was one of the most kind hearted, hard-working and caring people on this campus,” senior Hannah Sweeney said. “As an intimidated freshman, seeing Virginia would always brighten my day. Whether it was offering me advice when I was struggling or picking out medication for me when I was sick, Virginia always knew how to help.”
At the age of 76, Esguerra began her work at Villanova in Donahue Court and Donahue Market – often referred to as “Sparket” –and quickly, students began to make trips from all corners of campus just to visit her at work. Students described her as being willing to go beyond what her job entailed, as she would always engage in conversation and remember details about students that they had previously shared with her.
“I had a tough freshman year, but without a doubt, every time I visited Sparket to pick something up she was there,” senior Isabella Balian said. “She remembered me every time I came in and got to know me. She asked for my name the first time we met and always greeted me with a smile.”
Esguerra felt the same towards students as they did towards her.
“I came back to work because I love working with students,” Esguerra said, in an article previously published by The Villanovan “They are giving me a long life. Serving them keeps me happy and healthy.”
Before coming to Villanova,
Esguerra worked with students in her home country of the Philippines. She was a calculus teacher for both high school and college before she moved to the United States in the 1980s.
Once in America, Esguerra got her Master’s from nearby Drexel University and worked in New York City as a quality control manager. Villanova served as a place where she was able to connect back to her roots of working and connecting with students obtaining higher education.
“Sometimes students come in and ask me to read over their essays,” Esguerra said in the same Villanovan article. “Other times they come in and ask what medicine they should buy when they are sick. Helping students is why I come to work every day, rain or shine.”
“The best part about Virginia is she was like this to everyone, whether you had just met her or known her for years,” Sweeney said. “Sometimes, I would be sitting in the dining hall and I’d see groups of students walk in. Almost all of them would first stop and say hello to Virginia.”
Esguerra saw the Villanova students as part of her family, and students felt the same way. She was known on campus as everyone’s “Villanova Grandma,” as they would turn to her for advice and comfort while away from home.
“When I missed home, when I missed my parents, and even my grandma, she reminded me of the love my parents and grandparents gave me,” Balian said. “She always talked about how much she loved her grandkids and how she missed them. She spoke so highly of them. She told us her love for them inspired her love for us and her service here at Villanova.”
“Her impact on the Villanova community was far-reaching and she will be deeply missed,” Sweeney said.
Esguerra will be missed immensely throughout the Villanova community and beyond.
Martin Luther King Jr. Keynote Lecture: Dr. Terry Nance
Keoni Andrews Staff Writer
On Jan. 22, the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Keynote took place in the Villanova Room in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
This event began with performances from the Villanova Gospel Choir before the speaker for this year was introduced. This year’s host was retired Villanova faculty member Dr. Terry Nance.
Nance had been with Villanova for more than 40 years before retiring to focus on family. She is an esteemed faculty member, who helped initiate the annual keynote.
“Why is it that anytime and every time we celebrate Martin Luther King we hear the same words, ‘I have a dream?’” she asked at the beginning of her speech.
This was striking as she immediately dove into a perspective that most mention about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. He delivered speeches, led marches and wrote letters, but those are not as acknowledged as his “I Have a Dream” speech.
“What was true about dreams in 1968 when King delivered the speech are even more
true today,” Nance said. Nance emphasized how the issues and actions that King spoke out against then, in 1968 are still relevant to this day. She read excerpts from King’s book, Where Do We Go From Here: Community or Chaos? One topic that stuck out was how disinterest rises when logical steps to resolution are taken.
“What we celebrate is the idea that as a nation, the promise of the United States is real,” Nance said. “Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness knows no race, no gender, no political party, no socioeconomic stance.”
Nance explained how there is more to King’s speech than initially recognized. Only 262 words are typically played from that speech. That means around 84% of this speech is not usually acknowledged. From 1968 to 2025, 57 years have passed and King’s connection is still evident. King pushed the need for a shift in society that is still relevant to the public.
Nance provided background of the “I Have a Dream” Speech, the March on Washington, the Birmingham Riots and more. She was able to pivot and connect those different historical events to today.
“Even in 2025 when it seems the moral fabric of this country is being shredded, it is im -
perative that we remember what is invariant and that is the words that created this country,” Nance said.
Nance expressed that King was an active activist. She shared how individuals have to take action for what is happening in our society. As society members, we have a responsibility to educate ourselves and advocate for ourselves. Most importantly, we have to come together and care about each other. That is a part of King’s ongoing message.
“The keynote address made me realize the value of having a dream,” freshman Ira Nidamarthy said. “But it also taught me that there comes a time when we must
stop dreaming, look around and recognize that we are all atomically the same. Then we can start having the necessary conversations and find the courage to pursue our dreams.”
Students and faculty alike were touched by Nance’s passionate keynote for King. She helped teach the Villanova community how and why his message still matters.
“Dr. Terry’s speech moved me in a way that challenges me to keep up the fight for justice and equality despite the opposition I may face,” sophomore Daiyannah Brown said. “Being an advocate comes with a price and that is a price I am willing to pay.”
Day One of Trump’s Second Presidential Term
Zoe Garrett Political Columnist
At 12 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 20, Donald J. Trump, the 45th President of the United States, was sworn into office as the 47th for his second, non-consecutive presidential term, becoming the first president to achieve this milestone since Grover Cleveland in the late 19th century. The ceremony, held in the Capitol Rotunda due to cold weather, marked the start of a day defined by consequential speeches and decisive executive actions, all of which hold critical implications for the country’s future.
Former Presidents Joe Biden, Barack Obama, Bill Clinton and George W. Bush, along with Trump’s electoral opponents in former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Vice President Kamala Harris, were in attendance, symbolizing the peaceful transfer of power - a contrast to Trump’s reaction in the wake of the 2020 election.
Shortly after President Trump and Vice President JD Vance were officially inaugurated, Trump delivered a formal inaugural address. The President described America as being in a state of “decline,” and promised to restore the country to a “golden age,” echoing his infamous “Make America Great Again” ideology. His speech emphasized themes of national progress, prosperity and dominance, aiming to portray an optimistic outlook for the next four years.
Trump outlined a number of his policy priorities he pledged to address in the coming days through executive orders and other measures. These included a focus on national security, particularly regarding the
southern border and immigration policy, the declaration of a national energy emergency and an emphasis on international economic policy and tariffs, according to NPR. He also celebrated Israel’s release of hostages. However, his speech included some unconventional statements for an inaugural address, including his proclamation of gender as a binary of male and female and his wish to rename the Gulf of Mexico the “Gulf of America,” which drew a noticeable laugh from Clinton, his 2016 opponent.
Following his inaugural address, Trump delivered a second speech in Emancipation Hall, which took on a more overtly political and opinionated tone. He bluntly criticized former President Biden, specifically regarding his slew of endof-term pardons and commutations. He also hurled insults at his political foes, characterizing former Representative Liz Cheney as a “crying lunatic” and former Representative. Adam Kinzinger as someone who is “always crying”; notably, both served on the House committee that examined the attack on the Capitol on Jan. 6, reports Politifact. He also falsely asserted that the 2020 election was “totally rigged”– a claim which has been repeatedly disproved.
Following his speeches, Trump attended an invitation-only luncheon, an event which many high-profile politicians, businesspeople and other public figures notably attended.
After completing such inaugural formalities, the President wasted no time in signing a heap of executive orders - 46, to be exact. These orders spanned topics such as immigration, birthright citizenship, pardons, cli-
mate and energy, national health and more.
In terms of immigration policy, Trump declared a national emergency at the United States-Mexico border, enabling the administration to leverage additional national funding and military force to strengthen border security, according to AP News. He also repealed several of former President Biden’s immigration policies, including suspending the U.S. Refugee Admission Program, reinstating the “Remain in Mexico” policy, and shutting down the CBP One app, a tool that had facilitated the legal entry of almost one million migrants. These actions reflect the hardline immigration stance that defined much of Trump’s first term in office. These actions reflect the hardline immigration stance that defined much of Trump’s first term in office.
The President also issued an order to revoke the guarantee of birthright citizenship from certain individuals, specifically, from the children of immigrants who are undocumented or without legal status. This direction contradicts the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which guarantees citizenship to all individuals born in the country. Because of this misalignment, 22 states have already filed lawsuits in attempts to safeguard the Constitutional right. Also among Trump’s earliest acts in office was his decision to offer sweeping pardons or commutations for more than 1,500 rioters convicted or charged in connection to the attack on the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. By doing so, Trump fulfilled the promise he campaigned on and which earned him much support.
Several consequential executive orders relating to energy and the
climate were also issued on Trump’s first day in the Oval Office. The President declared the nation’s first-ever national energy emergency, a move which will likely bolster and expedite domestic fossil fuel production, reports NPR.
Working in tandem with this announcement was the President’s executive order to withdraw the country from the Paris Climate Agreement, an international pact focused on curbing climate change and limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius.
The Paris Agreement was not the only unifying international organization President Trump ordered the nation to withdraw from. He also issued a directive for the United States to leave the World Health Organization. This decision will have significant ramifications for the global agency and its capabilities, as the U.S. financed about one-fifth of the organization’s budget in 2023 under the Biden administration, reported the BBC.
Trump’s second inauguration day was filled with not only ceremonial rituals, but also substantive use of his presidential authority. Trump’s resolute speeches followed by corresponding executive orders set the groundwork for the Trump Administration’s agenda and offered a glimpse into what the next four years may look like.
Ranging from immigration policy to energy issues to border security to constitutional debates, the actions taken by President Trump on in his first day in office suggest the beginning of a new chapter of American politics – one with far-reaching implications for the nation and its position on the world stage.
The Connelly Center played host to the annual MLK Jr. Keynote Address. Brian Luppy/Villanovan Photography
Spring Semester Preview
Isabella Balian Staff Writer
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-tion, which strives to instill hope in the lives of those affected by childhood cancer.
In addition to service, Villanovans love to support our basketball teams. Spring Semester brings basketball games, tailgates and bus rides to the Wells Fargo Center.
“I’m looking forward to all of the Wells Fargo games for my last semester here at Villanova,” senior Ava Tower said. “Freshman year we watched them get to the Final Four, and I want to make more memories rooting for them this semester.”
Villanova hosts many unique events for seniors, celebrating their final year and counting down to graduation. The VU Seniors Program is a series of social, professional and spiritual activities designed to unify the senior class
while prepping for life after graduation.
The pub series is a tradition on campus for senior students to hangout on campus and enjoy their final semester. There is food, music, ornament giveaways, drink covers and more.
In addition to the pub series, Villanova will host the 100 Days Celebration on Feb 6. This celebration marks 100 days until graduation for the class of 2025.
Senior student Emma Conlin spoke of her excitement for this event.
“I’m really looking forward to 100 Days,” Conlin said. “I think it’s going to be a fun event to commemorate how close we are to graduating.”
“I’m excited for the upcoming senior events, like the pub series and the 100 Days Celebration,” senior Mackenzie Smith said. “I think it’s great that our class comes together to celebrate the accomplishments of our last few years and look towards what’s next.”
Finn Courtney Co-News Editor
After months of speculation surrounding it, “TikTok,” a social media app that induced fame for some and entertainment for all, was banned in the United States in the late hours of the evening on Jan. 18. And yet, some 24 hours later, it was restored to full functionality in a stunning turnaround.
Why such a quick change?
The intervention of then-President-Elect and now the 47th President, Donald Trump, led to a plan in which the United States takes a “50% ownership position in a joint venture.”
This marked a departure in position for Trump, who four years ago, was among the app’s biggest detractors and called it a threat to the safety of the country. Now, because he boasts almost 15 million followers on the app himself, he’s reversed course and is now championing TikTok. In recent days, Trump’s mentioned potential buyers, such as Microsoft, Oracle and Tesla (headed by close Trump ally Elon Musk).
The ban, then sudden un-ban, was unexpected by many frequent users of TikTok, but the reasons behind its return open the doors in a tumultuous time for politics. Some Villanova students believe that the entire process surrounding TikTok has been nothing more than political theater against China, the app’s country of origin.
Trump’s Second Inaugural
Ava Petrosky Staff Writer
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Franklin Graham, CEO and founder of Samaritan’s Purse and the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, provided the invocation.
The vice presidential oath of office was administered by Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh. Standing beside his wife Usha Vance, J.D. Vance was sworn in as the 50th Vice President of the United States.
The presidential oath of office was administered by Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts. President Trump’s oath of office attracted significant media attention because he did not place his hand on the Bible.
President Trump’s inaugural address also gained media attention, sparking much controversy.
“I thought that the Inauguration was unusual in a couple of respects,” said Dr. Matthew Kerbel, professor emeritus of political science. “I thought that the inaugural address was a little unconventional, it was something of a hybrid of an inaugural address, a State of the Union address and a campaign rally. I felt that the way President Trump portrayed America in his speech resonated with his supporters, but it might not resonate in people who did not support him.”
In his inaugural address, President Trump outlined his upcoming executive plans concern -
TikTok Banned and Unbanned
“The TikTok ban initially seemed more like a power move if anything by the U.S.,” junior Demetrius Schank said. “Just loosely observing the events, it was clear that the government felt uncomfortable that the data of US citizens was not entirely in their possession, and the ban was an attempt to assert themselves.”
The initial battle to ban TikTok may have had its inciting incident during a March of 2023 hearing, where Republican senators repeatedly attacked TikTok’s CEO Shou Zi Chew on issues of his ethnicity and nationality, despite it reportedly being an issue of national security on concerns that user information was being leaked to the Chinese government. Chew, who hails from Singapore, denied the allegations.
From that point on, it sparked questions on whether Republicans made this from a national security issue to one rooted in politics, and some Villanovans still wonder about that today.
“I think it was all propaganda, especially with the verbiage from the notice about it being banned [and] being back,” senior Lily Herron said. “I think [the ban] was overall definitely more harmful than helpful.”
At the same time, taking the politics out of the situation, many people in TikTok’s biggest target audience (Gen Z) use TikTok in order to attain information on current events. In an age where technology and journalism continue to evolve and grow hand-in-hand, TikTok has become a
ing immigration, gender identity, energy and international affairs.
Former Presidents Joe Biden, Barack Obama and Bill Clinton were in attendance, as well as Trump’s former opponents, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Vice President Kamala Harris.
Among a variety of CEOs, Shou Chew, CEO of TikTok, accepted an invitation from President Trump to attend the Inauguration, just one day after the U.S. TikTok ban was temporarily lifted.
Although Villanovans were unable to view the Inauguration in person, students still engaged with the media coverage.
“I’ve been pretty invested in the news and in politics since around middle school, though, I say, it’s all become more inescapable and relevant than ever in recent years, and not just because I’m a declared political science major now,” junior JP Tampe, said. “For me, it’s a lot life watching history unfold in real time, for better or for worse.”
Junior political science major, Avery Junker, believes Americans should remain informed throughout a president’s entire term, not just during special ceremonies.
“I think it is more important to stay politically informed throughout a president’s term, rather than simply watching the Inauguration,” Junker said. “A lot of knowledge can be gained from these ceremonial events, as well as the initial presidential decrees, but in full, I think Inauguration Day is only so informative.”
vital source of informing the general public on a variety of issues, especially in pop culture and in cultural movements.
Most notably, in the past five years, the app was used to spread information about “Black Lives Matter” in the wake of George Floyd’s death and, more recently, information regarding the Israeli-Palestinian War. Gen Z flocked to an app that was immune from party politics or a one-party bias, as some news sources have become.
“I didn’t find it definitely harmful, as at the end of the day, it’s just an app, but personally I definitely would have noticed a drop of my cultural awareness [if it was banned
for longer],” Schank said. “TikTok is usually the first source for me finding out something big happened, either politically or [culturally]. It opens the gateways for me to look into an issue more, it might have been helpful for government security if they kept it banned but they didn’t.”
Upon it being unbanned, however, the app was back into the political spotlight. It was a spotlight for the new president, a Republican himself, and a sign of the shifting winds when it came to a battle for banning TikTok.
“When it was unbanned,” Schank said. “It was very clear that the whole thing ended up being a publicity stunt for Donald Trump.”
Students react to TikTok ban by US government. Courtesy of Shutterstock
Students are looking forward to Wells Fargo tailgates this Spring Semester. Emma Conlin/Villanovan Photography
OPINION
Biden’s Farewell Address Serves As A Warning
On Wednesday, Jan. 15, former President Joe Biden deliv ered a 17-minute farewell address to U.S. citizens from the Oval Office. After 52 years in Ameri can politics, from the Senate to the vice presidency and, finally, the highest office in the country, the leader remarked on collective progress and potential warnings as his term came to a close.
Honoring the long-institu tionalized “transfer of power” that the U.S.’s democracy was built on in its early days, Biden remarked first on critical, then-breaking news: the ceasefire in the Middle East. Following more than a year of ongoing conflict, Israel and Hamas successfully reached a hos tage deal initially outlined by the Biden administration. However, as pointed out, the implementation of this decision now lies squarely on the incoming government—a concept highlighted time and time again throughout the rest of Biden’s speech.
pressed in the farewell address was a “dangerous concentration of power” in the hands of the wealthy. The idea of an emerging oligarchy in America is an alarming one, but not necessarily an inaccurate one. Trump’s administration will be the wealthiest in American history, a cabinet of ultra-rich entrepreneurs and billionaires with a whopping total net worth of $340 billion. For reference, the previous Biden administration’s cabinet was only worth $118 billion in comparison, according to the Guardian. As such, Biden cited the “extreme wealth, power and influence that literally threatens our entire democracy.” After all, how can a government be truly of, by, and for the people when many of its top officials only represent the top 1%?
To anyone who even remotely followed the two distinct campaigns run by the 2024 presidential candidates, it is clear that Trump’s and Biden’s (then Harris’) platforms could not have been more different. Everything from their stances on inflation to immigration to public education, to rhetoric used on the campaign trail, to the marketing tactics of the two opponents illustrated the vast ideological disparity that
Sof Quaglia Satire Columnist
shapes politics as we know it. Even the candidates’ respective social media presences differed - one featuring lots of all-caps messaging and themes of patriotism and authority, the other adopting the summer’s trending “brat” aesthetic and appealing to the younger demographic using references.
Another key portion of the speech was the listing of some key steps made by the Biden administration during the past four years. Developments in infrastructure and industry, such as affordable high-speed internet, U.S. chip production to benefit tech pro -
duction, and more than $570 billion in bipartisan infrastructure funding have furthered the former president’s campaign promises. Historic gun legislation in 2022, the first of its kind in decades, encouraged groups to petition to courts when someone’s gun ownership posed a potential threat. As described in the address, these measures are mere seeds planted, and it will take years to feel the full effects of the legislation enacted during Biden’s term in office—if future administrations are willing to build off this momentum.
A primary concern ex -
However, Biden championed themes of unity and shared progress amidst the divisiveness that plagues political discourse. Using the analogy of the Statue of Liberty in New York—a creation produced by a diverse group of people with a collective goal in mind—he called on citizens, too, to come together in the name of a meaningful common ground.
Just as Lady Liberty was shaped by a variety of perspectives, he explained, so is our nation, and this fact should bring pride rather than polarization. Just as the statue is seen stepping forward, thanks to the work of the many who built her, America should work toward meaningful progress that reaches across geographic barriers.
Sof Says: Ins and Outs for 2025
The following content is purely satirical. Don’t believe everything you read.
New year, new semester, new president. New me, new you, new everyone. This year, everyone and everything is changing, even if it is against our will.
We’re not even a month into 2025, and things are already looking completely different. It’s been pretty hard to keep up. The new you this year might just be someone with whiplash from trying to keep up with all the new things happening.
Lucky for you, I am an incredible journalist, and I have incredible sources. I have just been given all the updates that we need to know about this year. This is breaking news, hot off the press.
We might be learning some of this together. I might be a good journalist, but that doesn’t mean I have great time-management skills. I didn’t have time to look over the list before I started writing this, okay?
If you want to keep up with the ever-changing tides of this year, come on this journey
with me as we learned the official Ins and Outs of 2025.
In: Mixing Metals
It’s official. You can wear gold and silver together this year. Get excited.
Out: Fast Fashion
I’m being serious. No SHEIN this year.
In: Timothée Chalamet
The youngest two-time best actor Oscar nominee. Go off. Hope he wins.
Out: Being Chalant
2025 is the year of nonchalant. No more being chalant.
In: Journaling
Get yourself a journal because we’re all doing it.
In: Hot Yoga
Last year was Pilates, but this year is the year of hot yoga.
Out: TikTok
TikTok was officially banned. We’ll never see it again.
In: TikTok
Hey, just kidding. TikTok is back. That was a crazy twelve hours. Stay safe out there.
Out (of Office): Joe Biden
Enjoy retirement. You should’ve probably done that a long time ago.
In (Office) (Again): Donald Trump
I do think it’s rather funny to be both the 45th and 47th president. You’ve got me there.
Out: Over-Consumption
Come on, guys. Let’s be mindful this year.
In (the Super Bowl): Go *teams that got in*.
Out: Demure
Speaking of being mindful, please do not use this word this year. It’s done.
In: Tea
The drink, not the information. Apparently, it’s the new
coffee or something.
Out: Room in Conn in the Afternoon
Say goodbye to being able to get a seat in Conn anytime while the sun is up.
In: “The Smallest Man Who Ever Lived”
The Taylor Swift song is charting super high this year so far. Not sure why.
Out (of jail): Insurrectionists Welcome back to the free world, I guess.
In: (COVA): Sushi
Yes! Love the sushi. This is a great addition to 2025.
Out (of the Paris Climate Treaty): The United States
That can’t be good. I mean, what happens now?
In: Emilia Perez
Still not sure why this is in. it was not good. But congratulations on the Oscar nominations, I guess.
Out (of the World Health Organization): The United States
Wait, seriously? He can do that?
Yeah, no, I am officially done. This list has to be wrong. Sorry for giving you all false information.
Trust me, there is no way any of this is actually true.
Zoe Schack Staff Writer
Biden delivered his Farewell Address on January 15th. Courtesy of Shutterstock
Quaglia gives her ins and outs for 2025. Courtesy of Shutterstock
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.
The Resounding Success of Sushi in Cova
Peter Fabietti Staff Writer
It happened so fast. I’m not even sure if we all remember, but last semester, there was a sushi pop-up in Café Nova (better known as “Cova”) for one… singular… day. Those who knew about it scrambled to get their hands on some delicious sushi. The GrubHub wait was comfortably more than an hour, and I guarantee the stress put on Cova workers was unprecedented. Everyone was so excited to try a new dish at Villanova. After all, most schools do not have the luxury of sushi, and I’m sure many students wanted to brag to their hometown friends about it. However, after all the chaos, the sushi was no longer available the next day. An unspoken devastation quickly spread across campus.
I was one of the unlucky ones who did not get to try the sushi that day. I had seen it on GrubHub before it even opened, but on the random day that it did open, I had, unwittingly, chosen to eat at Belle Air. I was heartbroken, and when a few of my friends told me they tried it, I was jealous of how much they enjoyed it. However, at the beginning of Spring semester, I was thrilled to hear that sushi would be permanently coming to Cova. I eat at Cova quite regularly for lunch, so for there to be another option added in the mix was especially exciting. This past Tuesday, when the sushi at Cova opened, I immediately opened GrubHub and
ordered the California roll and the veggie roll. I was shocked at how quickly my order was ready and even more shocked at how good both rolls were. They remind me of sushi I would get at ShopRite – good quality, fresh nine-piece rolls. The veggie roll was perfectly crunchy, and the crab in the California roll was not too fishy. My expectations were certainly met, and I proceeded to order more sushi in the following days, including the flavorful spicy tuna. While I’ve heard some discourse about which rolls are
better than others, I have genuinely enjoyed everything I’ve gotten. The new sushi is certainly one of the best things one can eat on campus.
Judging by the swarm of people crowding around the sushi section over the next few days, it’s easy to conclude that many students are also loving the sushi.
“I think the sushi was a great idea,” sophomore Sof Quaglia said. “Villanova needs to liven up the food options here, and I think the sushi was a great start.”
“I think that, overall, it’s good to have more diverse options for different dietary restrictions, such as being pescatarian or vegetarian,” student Caitlin Cason said.
“I think a lot of food vendors tend to have bad seafood, but this was very enjoyable,” sophomore Bella Ruzzo said. “I will be ordering again.”
Offering five different rolls seems to have been the perfect starting amount, and I applaud Villanova for being conscious of the fact that students enjoy variation in their food. Upon asking more students, it’s clear that everyone is loving the variety of rolls being offered, which speaks to the inherent quality of the rolls themselves.
“I’ve had the California, veggie, and spicy tuna rolls,” sophomore Luke Fabietti said. “I really like the veggie and spicy tuna.”
“I’ve had the shrimp tempura and salmon rolls,” sophomore Andrew Lis said. The salmon was so fresh.”
“The shrimp tempura and spicy tuna rolls are the best ones,” sophomore Matt Lis said.
While there is resounding positivity regarding the new sushi at Villanova, some students feel that certain aspects could be improved. In my opinion, Cova should figure out a better situation for students to pick up their sushi. The overwhelming crowd around the sushi stand is almost impossible to walk through, and in instances where the workers run out of a certain roll or GrubHub is not working properly, these crowds are anything but encouraging.
Villanova Sorority Recruitment Fosters New Connections
Kaitlin Lawrenson Staff Writer
As women, sisterhood is something that we search for our entire lives. And while we may have already formed that bond with a sibling or close friend, coming to Villanova is about expanding that connection and finding a group of women that will support you through the highs and lows. Sorority recruitment at Villanova helps women form bonds, meet new people and establish communities.
At Villanova, the week before classes began again the campus came to life as hundreds of women moved back to campus early, ready to start the sorority recruitment process. Over the years, the rush process gained a reputation for a plethora of reasons. However, as a freshman just coming out of the recruitment process, not only has this experience given
me a new community, but it has helped me to discover a new sense of confidence I didn’t know I had.
Throughout the recruitment process, one needs to be able to identify what is right for them and where they see themselves fitting the best. This requires every woman to reflect and think about the types of people they are looking to surround themselves with during college. It is a loaded decision with a lot of pressure. However, making these choices throughout the process taught me a lot about myself. I did not change myself to fit into a certain chapter or mold. I just went into each meeting and was unapologetically myself, holding onto hope that my people would find me and that I would find them. It wasn’t easy to be so open to a bunch of strangers, but at the same time it was so freeing. I knew that I presented the most authentic version of myself to each of the chapters, and I knew that wherever I ended up, they
would want me for me. Throughout my life, I have often tried to put on a facade because I just want to belong. It is human nature to want to be a part of something bigger than oneself. This process allowed me to have that at Villanova.
“I always say being in a sorority makes campus feel small, but in the best way,” outgoing Chi Omega recruitment chair Ava Tower said. “There were so many familiar faces and people giving me confidence throughout the day to be the best version of myself.
Greek life at Villanova has given me an unconditional support system and I am so thankful for its connections and friendships.”
Even beyond just the connections I have made within my new sorority, getting to interact with so many welcoming women from various chapters reinforced the Villanova sense of community. At the end of the day, every wom an on campus during recruitment was experiencing the same thing
or had been through the process before, with the same feelings. These mutual feelings gave me a sense of support that helped me through the recruitment process. Every woman had felt the same feelings as I had and having that sense of support and understanding completely transformed the recruitment process for me. I understand the apprehension that women feel before making the decision to rush because I felt those same feelings.
However, instead of focusing on the possible negatives that could come out of the process, I decided to focus on the positives, and in turn I gained a new sense of self, dozens of new friends while also making new connections with girls across campus. In the end, rush was just about finding a sisterhood. It was about discovering my true self, embracing my worth and realizing that the connections I was seeking were always meant to find me, exactly as I am.
Students can now enjoy a sushi station in Cova. Courtesy of @villanovadining
Avery Chalk Co-Opinion Editer
“A law banning TikTok has been enacted in the U.S,” flashed a message on the once-animated screens of almost two billion users. “Unfortunately, that means you can’t use TikTok for now.”
On Jan. 19, a decision upheld by the Supreme Court effectively outlawed the popular short-form video app. National security concerns involving ByteDance, the app’s Chinese parent company, have circulated Washington for years. Last week, these threats finally materialized. Failing to meet Congress’ ultimatum of selling to an American buyer, the platform went dark…for less than a day.
“Welcome back!” a newly revised message read. “As a result of President Trump’s efforts, TikTok is back in the U.S.!”
Teenagers everywhere rejoiced. As did influencers, who were rendered jobless for those 12 fateful hours. TikTok users were free to return to their “doom-scrolling” in peace, abandoning the hobbies they almost acquired, including setting down the books they almost opened.
The entire country abhorred its time spent away from the beloved app. However, barring the politicization of the affair, I found the restriction of TikTok to be a good thing.
The U.S. saw a glimpse of life before a constant need for gratification and short-term fulfillment. Yet, when the opportunity arose to reverse
I Support(ed) the TikTok Ban
years of psychological and emotional damage, society chose to reject the discomfort.
TikTok was ultimately rebuked for harvesting the personal data of American consumers. Yet, in many ways, the country’s “TikTok Problem” extends far deeper than international paranoia. Primarily, the app has overtaken humanity’s ability to creatively and productively contribute to society.
How many hours do we spend each day, eyes glazed, thumbs bent, consuming content that actively degrades our brains? Could that time be better spent? These are rhetorical questions, of course. Yet, even though we know their answers, we still choose to play TikTok’s game. We still choose to drink the Kool-Aid.
“I felt lost without TikTok,” sophomore Dianna Regan said. “I found myself clicking on the app out of habit, only to catch myself a second later. It was strangely involuntary.”
Unfortunately, the threshold for this kind of interdependence is growing younger and younger. In mere years, TikTok overtook the innocence of childhood with targeted marketing and trend-obsessed materialism. Consumer culture has always been the American way. Yet, in recent years, the practice found easy prey in younger generations.
On TikTok, kids receive unbridled access to current news and trends. This exposure applies to “adult” content, such as inappropriate or sexual material. TikTok has policy options, such as parental controls, to
help mitigate this kind of exposure. However, there are no such limitations on “normal” messaging. Kids used to live in a bubble. They wore what their moms picked out for them, ate what their parents cooked and played with whatever looked most stimulating in the toy aisle. Now, apps like TikTok give middle schoolers access to what older members of society are doing and wearing. Personal preferences are shaped by social biases, and generational lines are blurred. No one “cool” wears Justice or Gap in high school. So, no one “cool” wears those brands in middle school either.
Growing up, my childhood bedroom was littered with memorabilia from Barbie and American Girl Doll. Today, I see young girls flocking to Sephora in hopes of buying the necessary “ingredients” to make a
skincare smoothie. In preparation for Christmas, I spent hours trying to locate a sold-out WhiteFox sweatshirt for my older sister. Horrified, I saw it donned on a middle-schooler at Starbucks. TikTok’s influence isn’t only scary, it’s sad.
Have I deleted TikTok? No. I don’t pretend that my recognition of the problem has made me an inherently more virtuous person. However, the absence of TikTok - and, in turn, our reaction to it– should serve as a wake up call. Society needs to look inward at its use of time, discerning what is truly worthy of our energy.
Deleting TikTok won’t reverse the deeper issues of consumer culture and instant gratification that have come to shape our world. Regardless, acknowledging TikTok’s grasp is the first step toward reclaiming autonomy over what kind of life we want to lead.
What We Should Learn from Anthony Bourdain
Liam Foley Staff Writer
I have always been drawn to the thrill of travel and the joy of discovering new foods. The spirit of adventure has always sparked something in me. For that reason, this past year I was recently drawn to the works of Anthony Bourdain, a world-renowned chef, writer and television host who combined his love for food and travel to tell powerful stories about culture, humanity and connection.
As I delved deeper into his works, particularly his television series, “Parts Unknown,” I found myself mesmerized by something raw and captivating about Bourdain’s nature. I couldn’t immediately pinpoint what drew me in, yet I was hooked. He had this ability to connect with people from all walks of life, whether it was a West Virginia coal miner or a Shanghai noodle vendor. Despite his fame and success, Bourdain was grounded, engaging with the world not as a celebrity, but as a fellow human being.
I noticed that his shows were never about promoting himself or showcasing extravagance. They were purely about connection. When I watched Bourdain’s episode in Scotland where he joins famous writer A.A Gill for a red stag hunting expedition, I finally pinpointed the specific aspect of Bourdain that truly drew me in:
Bourdain was real. He showed up as he was: flawed and imperfect, but unapologetically himself. And because of that, he was able to forge connections with people all around the globe. His authenticity allowed him to step into unfamiliar worlds, not as an outsider looking in, but as a participant who truly wanted to understand and respect the people and cultures he encountered. He was candid about his own struggles, including his battles with addiction and his own insecurities. Instead of letting these define him, he used them to forge deeper bonds with others, transcending cultural and linguistic barriers.
As I watched more and more episodes, I found myself deeply inspired by Bourdain. He made me want to be more authen -
tic, to embrace vulnerability and to connect with people on a deeper level. Yet, this admiration was tinged with sadness. I knew that Bourdain had taken his life in 2018 at the age of 61. I was watching a man who passed away nearly six years ago.
Even years later, the weight of the tragedy is hard to reconcile with the life-loving persona he shared with the world. How could someone who inspired so many to embrace the beauty of life feel so lost and isolated? These questions linger to this day, and they cast a bittersweet shadow on his legacy.
Bourdain’s life was a paradox, one of incredible outward vibrance and inward pain. That reality has and continues to make people uncomfortable. CNN
stopped airing his shows and now every time someone says “Anthony Bourdain,” it comes with a somber tone. The focus on his struggles, while important to acknowledge, has unfortunately shadowed the more important message of his work: the power of human connection. Instead of remembering him for his powerful nature, many associate his name primarily with his tragic end.
This imbalance is unfortunate – not just to Bourdain, but to the countless people he inspired. Anthony Bourdain deserves to be reclaimed as the symbol of authenticity and connection, not overshadowed by the weight of his struggles. While his death by suicide is a tragic and sobering reminder of the complexities of mental health, it should not diminish the life lessons he offered us. Rather than striving to be like Bourdain in every way, we should focus on the best parts of his example, the way he connected with people on a deep, human level, his willingness to embrace imperfection and his relentless curiosity about the world. If more of us lived this way, the world would undoubtedly be a better place. So, I invite you to revisit his work, or discover it for the first time. If you resonate with this article, you’ll find much to admire in his stories.
We Should All Learn From Anthony Bourdain. Rest In Peace.
During the ban, TikTok displayed an apologetic message to all users. Avery Chalk/Villanovan Photography
Anthony Bourdain, a beloved chef, passed on June 8, 2018. Courtesy of Shutterstock
One Love: Turning Taboo into Genuine Change
Hudson Zivic Staff Writer
On many college campuses, sexual assault remains a difficult and often taboo topic to discuss. Resources for support and prevention go underutilized or are stigmatized. However, at Villanova, there’s a growing recognition that addressing these issues requires more than sporadic initiatives or brief mentions during orientation. Through its support of the One Love Foundation, Villanova is demonstrating that creating a safer and more connected community isn’t just a buzzword. It’s a mission.
For years, sexual assault resources on campuses have been met with discomfort or avoidance. Conversations around these issues are frequently pushed to the side, reduced to vague mentions during orientation or moments of attention during awareness campaigns. While these efforts are steps in the right direction, they often feel impersonal or inaccessible, failing to resonate with the students who need them most.
It’s time to face the harsh reality: sexual assault and dating abuse are not rare or isolated occurrences. They are sadly deeply ingrained in the college experience.
The problem isn’t just the prevalence of abuse. It’s the silence and confusion surrounding
Gabrielle Mazzini Staff Writer
As the semester begins, and students quickly return to their boatloads of work, they also welcome back their A.I. friend, ChatGPT, for help. Yes, the work decreases immensely by asking A.I. for the answers to an hourlong homework question, but at what cost? The power of A.I. is strong, with continuous improvements that fuel innovation. However, the power of A.I. also completely impacts carbon emissions and electronic waste.
A carbon footprint is a measurement of the total greenhouse gas emissions caused by an activity, person or product. One of these products is digital services, like ChatGPT. ChatGPT utilizes data centers to retrieve information when it is utilized. In turn, these data centers consume significant amounts of non-renewable energy and electricity to maintain production. The operation of these A.I. machines create extensive amounts of greenhouse gas emissions, which are detrimental to the environment. The reduction of carbon footprint is necessary to combat climate change through the limitation of greenhouse gas emissions.
Electronic waste refers to discarded electronic devices, like phones, computers and TVs that are no longer usable. Oftentimes, e-waste contains harmful materials like lead, mercury and cadmium,
it. Countless college students say it’s difficult to identify signs of dating abuse. Even when students recognize the problem, many feel unprepared to act. According to data from the National Domestic Violence Hotline, 58% of students say they don’t know how to help a friend who is a victim. Additionally, 38% admit they wouldn’t know where to go for help themselves.
This culture of uncertainty and hesitation leaves survivors isolated and critical resources overlooked. Too often, survivors are left to wonder whether their bruises—physical or emotional—will be met with empathy or dismissal.
This disconnect is where the work of organizations like One Love becomes essential. By fostering open conversations, providing relatable and current programming and reshaping how resources are delivered, One Love transforms a taboo topic into one that feels approachable.
Villanova has recognized that meaningful change requires more than just institutional efforts from staff and offices, it must actively engage the student body. By fostering collaboration between the Title IX Office and One Love, the University has embraced the power of peer-led initiatives.
Students are far more likely to resonate with and act on messages delivered by their peers, as they see these voices as relatable and authentic.
“When change is driven
by students themselves, it not only feels more personal but is also met with greater respect and receptivity,” student Maeve Sweeney said. With Villanova’s support, One Love can continue to educate peers and turn them into facilitators.
As the President of Villanova’s chapter of One Love, I’ve witnessed the variety of ways this organization breaks through the stigma and makes resources more visible. One Love doesn’t just provide education about healthy relationships. It brings the topic of sexual assault prevention and relationship health to the community.
Through Villanova’s backing, One Love initiatives have flourished on campus. The organization has held events, such as awareness campaigns and peer-led activities, to normalize conversations about healthy relationships on campus.
By collaborating with Greek life, student organizations and athletic teams, One Love ensures its message reaches a diverse audience. By focusing on education and empowerment, One Love ensures students are not only aware of the resources available to them but feel confident using them.
Villanova’s support of One Love goes beyond lip service. It reflects a genuine willingness to face difficult realities and work toward meaningful solutions. This mission
Green or Machine?
which are major pollutants toward the environment and human health if they are not disposed of properly. Naturally, the e-waste produced by A.I. poses these threats. However, does the average student know that, although A.I. is helpful for their homework, it is harmful for the planet?
“I recently learned about the excessive energy consumption and carbon dioxide emissions that each ChatGPT request brings upon, and I was shocked,” sophomore Nina Wilson said. “Based on the information, I believe that something must change.”
Some students, after realizing the effects of ChatGPT, understand the impact that their meaningless searches create and
is deeply personal to me. Coming into Villanova, I received a call from a close friend. This call was not about a memory or a shared laugh. Through the screen, she showed me a bruise, her voice trembling as she explained what had happened. I was 500 miles away, powerless to offer anything but my words and presence. She asked me to honor her silence and keep her story between us. I did, but I couldn’t shake the helplessness that consumed me. I couldn’t stop wondering: did I do enough? Could I have done more? Those questions pushed me to use a resource in my hometown, the One Love Foundation. There, I found the tools and education to help her and better prepare myself to help others. As time passed, she began to heal and allowed me to tell her story, anonymously. Villanova gave me the platform to transform that helplessness into action. Prevention and education aren’t just optional; they’re essential.
This school’s reinstatement of One Love shows a commitment to long-term change that isn’t just about responding to a problem but about creating a campus culture that truly does follow its motto of “Veritas, Unitas, Caritas.”
By supporting this organization, Villanova proves that even the most difficult taboos can be challenged and changed. Together, we’re turning silence into dialogue, fear into empowerment and a big taboo into a salient issue.
to our environment. Yet for other students, they don’t see too much of a problem with A.I..
“I don’t think that the next step should be to stop using A.I., but it should be to invent things that make using A.I. more sustainable,” sophomore Kylah Rice said. “When used correctly, A.I. is super beneficial.”
Rice employs ChatGPT for writing emails, finding out information quickly, and learning new gym exercises. For her, it is more than just a homework helper, but assistance in all aspects of life.
choose to halt their usage. Luckily, these students put their care for the environment before their need for quick answers.
“Learning that AI hurts the environment doesn’t really affect my usage because I don’t care to use it anyway,” Wilson said. “I feel more worried about my possible dependance on A.I. and the damage to our education system.”
Wilson is troubled by the possible bond a student might have with A.I. Her worries lie within the involuntary servitude students might foster by using these A.I. tools when they are stressed and know that they can get work done instantly by this service. This process will in turn lead to over usage and thus pose extreme harm
It is necessary that students learn about the environmental implications of ChatGPT, because there seems to be a lack of transparency revolving around the tool. The words “carbon footprint” and “e-waste” might be new terms to many readers. It is now crucial to understand how our everyday activities can hurt the planet.
Additionally, with the new technological developments of A.I., the next step should be to find a more sustainable way to use it. Most students have no idea of the detrimental impact that A.I. has on the environment. But unfortunately, even the students with this knowledge will most likely not stop their usage of ChatGPT. I believe that at this point, the A.I. is too easily accessible to students to dismiss it entirely.
Now it is up to everyone else. Knowing about the ecological toll of ChatGPT, what will you choose: the A.I. machine or to go green?
Increasingly, students have increased their reliance on ChatGPT and other A.I. platforms. Avery Chalk/Villanovan Photography
Little Luxuries: How to Contend With Economic Recession
Ava Satterthwaite Staff Writer
There is a Roman cliché: “Give them bread and circuses, and [the masses] will never rebel.” A millennium later, the modern American embraces this truth. When our bread is reduced to crumbs – when affordable homes, healthcare and food become oddities – we flock to the circus. We costume wealth, feed on “little luxuries” like funnel cake. Give us Chanel No. 5 and $30 cookies, and we will never rebel.
Coined in 2001 after meteoric recession sales, Estée Lauder’s “lipstick index” is a notorious indicator of economic crisis. Picture this: funds are scarce, a mediocre latte costs $10 (fuel exhaust in the drive-thru excluded), feasible vacation destinations include the bed and the couch. You find a crumbled $20 under some Extra Winterfresh and loose hair ties. You could save $20 (that’s 0.00005% of a house) or venture elsewhere. Me? I’m taking Mr. Jackson to Sephora. When we reduce costs, we’re forced to abandon ambitions of a new car, home or child. Our sole assets are ourselves. So, in an otherwise desolate climate, acts of self-care become lucrative investments.
In 2024, Luxe Cosmetic Markets were worth an estimated $50.2 billion. Some wear elevated scents, like Versace, Gucci or Dior Miss Dior like their laurel crown. Others cake their faces with Hermès blush and D&G Luminizer (which could’ve
come from Marie Antoinette’s dresser) to deter from their hand-me-down tunic. Sure, the real bread – the Birkins and Tom Ford totes – is reserved for the elite. But us masses have little luxuries.
When asked of their cosmetic collections, one Villanovan confirmed Estée Lauder’s hunch.
“I have five lip products in my bag, most of which I haven’t touched in weeks,” freshman Emilie O’Connor said. “While some of them technically have different labels and uses, they all have very similar purposes.”
When our vanities are swimming with sheers, stains and liners and our wallets are, well, on the verge of sinking, one has to wonder: is this an absurd diversion? Is this our circus: a taste of affluence, an ensemble of brand-name breadcrumbs? It’s the colorful evasion of our unfortunate condition.
While some brand names alone emanate wealth, others retail “elevated necessities” as a hollow decadence. This is seen within cosmetic circles – whether via Rhode’s “homemade cinnamon bun” balm or Too Faced’s chocolate bar collection – and is all the more formidable under sweet-treaters’ iron fists. Since the rise of lavish confection brands like Crumbl and Milk Bar, Confection Markets were valued around $83.5 billion in the US alone.
Look, I am an avid Starbucks diner. I love wasting meals on TruFru, and I’ll never refuse a cookie from Conn. I still think we’ve taken the “ice cream index” a little too far.
“I think it’s cool [Crumbl] has new flavors each week,” O’Connor said. “But [it’s] genuinely so strange to me how people have eaten thousands of calories in one sitting for social media.”
When do we become so full of bread, we breach all efforts of reformation? Have Americans been in a food coma, transfixed to merciless economics from carb overload and the raucous sound of the circus? It’s hard to blame the masses for a bureaucratic issue. After all, Americans are conditioned to selfsoothe with consumerism. Groceries worth a fortune? Ease the after-sale remorse with a stale coffee and reheated sandwich. For those 10 minutes, we can fantasize a world where food is affordable. Stressed from work? Need overtime after the abominable Costco bill? Botox alleviates stress lines, and a
new shade of MAC will match so well with the new face!
America’s drastic measures of self-care seem beneficial. In all truth, however, our businessmen have fabricated issues and sold us the solution. When we cater to this culture of little luxuries, we lose all access to real luxuries. We have our bread and our circuses, and we will never rebel.
Like I said, the extra $20 will never inflate to a home. Our collective misfortune far exceeds immoderate acts of self-care. However, when we take self-care as restitution for our desolate state, who do we become?
Embrace the bread and circus. It’s all we have for now. When entranced in intentional distractions, however, remember the reason behind them: the loss of homes and food and healthcare. Remember, even the Romans rebelled.
When Disaster Strikes, Compassion Must Lead
Lexie Scibilia Staff Writer
The Palisades Fire, a grim testament to the intensifying threat of wildfires, has left a trail of devastation in its wake. Families have lost homes, communities are reeling and the haunting specter of climate change looms larger than ever. This disaster has spared no one, touching the lives of ordinary residents and celebrities, proving once again that natural calamities don’t discriminate. Yet, amid the ashes, the response to this tragedy reveals troubling fault lines in our society’s priorities and values.
In the wake of this disaster, aid has been rapidly mobilized through a combination of federal, state and local efforts, ensuring affected individuals and communities receive the support they need to recover and rebuild. California Governor Gavin Newsom has taken swift action to address the crisis, securing federal disaster assistance and signing a $2.5 billion relief package to accelerate debris removal and recovery efforts.
“Our deepest thanks go to our expert firefighters and first responders who jumped quickly into fighting this dangerous fire,” Newsom said. “We have secured funding from the federal government to fight this destructive, fast-moving fire.”
Disasters like the Palisades Fire should prompt empathy and decisive action, following New -
som’s example, but the reality has often been the opposite. President Donald Trump’s threats to withhold federal aid from California during his administration casts a long shadow over disaster response efforts. His baseless claims about water management and the state’s fire prevention policies weren’t just distractions; they were dangerous. When lives are at stake, aid must be above partisan games.
The human toll of the Palisades Fire is staggering. Hundreds of residents have been displaced, their homes and belongings reduced to ash. For some, this loss is material; for others, it’s the erasure of irreplaceable memories and the destruction of their sense of safety.
Even high-profile victims, such as celebrities whose names dominate headlines, have shared
their experiences, adding visibility to the disaster. While their wealth might allow them to rebuild faster, their stories resonate because they underscore the universal vulnerability to nature’s fury. They remind us that fire does not pause to check bank accounts or voting records before consuming everything in its path. Aid, therefore, is not optional. Immediate relief programs for shelter, food and financial assistance are vital to helping survivors regain stability. Long-term efforts, such as mental health support and infrastructure rebuilding, are equally crucial. Delays in these services are not just bureaucratic inefficiencies but failures that compound human suffering.
However, the distribution of aid often exposes deep inequi-
ties. Wealthier individuals may navigate recovery more quickly, armed with resources and connections, while working-class families struggle to rebuild amid skyrocketing insurance costs and bureaucratic red tape. Recovery efforts must prioritize the most vulnerable, ensuring no one is left behind in the ashes.
The Palisades Fire is more than a regional tragedy—it is a wake-up call. It urges us to recognize our shared humanity and the urgent need for collective action. When aid becomes a political bargaining chip, we betray the compassion that should drive our response to crises. Wildfires don’t pause for political debates. Neither should we. Still, amid the smoke and rubble, there are glimmers of hope. First responders have risked their lives to save others. Neighbors have opened their doors to provide shelter. Communities have come together, showing a resilience that no fire can destroy. These acts of solidarity remind us of the best in humanity and of the strength we can find in each other.
We cannot undo the destruction of the Palisades Fire, but we can learn from it. We can demand that aid be swift, equitable and apolitical. We can choose to see each other not as political opponents, but as people, bound by a collective responsibility to act. In the face of such overwhelming loss, let this be our commitment: to rebuild not just homes, but a future where compassion and unity prevail.
The Palisades Fire has plagued California, highlighting a need for community assistance. Courtesy of Shutterstock
Crumbl Cookie, and similar brands, have risen in popularity in recent years. Avery Chalk/Villanovan Photography
CULTURE
Freedom School: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Tribute
Cali Carss Staff Writer
Continued from p.1
effort to bring people into conversation; particularly throughout the day as attendees come out of various sessions, she encourages people to talk about what they have learned and create a community environment within and through Freedom School.
Freedom School is an admirable effort which has been around for decades at Villanova, and while it would be impossible to sit through every session and do each justice, one part provided a good look at the Freedom School experience.
One of the 10 a.m. sessions, the very first batch of what would be a long day, was a panel consisting of a professor and two undergraduate seniors discussing their fall semester philosophy class, which was aptly all about freedom.
The session began with a rundown from Professor Delia Popa, who taught the course, on what the class had explored and the kinds of realizations they had come to together. Popa emphasized the idea that freedom is a process of learning from others and is inherently reciprocal: we have to accept others’ freedom in order to be
free ourselves.
This focus on learning brought the class to then consider, how do we learn freedom? As an attempt to answer this, the two students on the panel each discussed the philosophers they had found most helpful in thinking about this question.
First was Daniel Gueyikian, who talked about why he was so drawn to the theories of Brazilian thinker Paulo Freire. Gueyikian was incredibly well spoken and concise in his brief presentation, presenting ideas such as our inability to think our way to freedom, and breaking down exactly why this made so much sense to him.
The other student on this panel, Colin Dowdell, followed up Gueyikian’s thoughts with his own short presentation on Immanuel Kant and Jean-Paul Sartre. Dowdell explained that he was more drawn to their individualistic theories on freedom and circled back around to the importance of action and education very clearly.
The three panelists wrapped up the session by continuing to lead the common thread of active learning through every theory of freedom they brought up, before opening the floor to questions. This session not only provided the audience with many interesting insights to the concept of
freedom in a philosophical sense, but also highlighted the uniqueness of this course and how it allowed students like Dowdell and Gueyikian to create their own opinions and ways of thinking about freedom based on a wealth of theories. After attending this presentation, sophomore Abby Contessa walked away with a heightened interest in the course and in the philosophy of freedom.
“I’m definitely interested in taking the class [now],” Contessa said, “I liked how they included the students’ perspective and not just the professors. I also really enjoyed how Daniel brought in Freire’s debate on
whether or not you can think your way to freedom.”
There is no doubt that Freedom School is an incredible event unique to Villanova, and an opportunity to get out of one’s academic comfort zone or just be in a community with others who want to discuss these pressing topics. The Center for Peace and Justice Education puts great care and effort into this all-day workshop with every intention of bringing more knowledge to students who seek it. So, next year when Freedom School opens its doors again, students can look forward to even more opportunities to learn.
A Promising Young Woman and Sexual Assault
Christopher Brown Staff Writer
“It’s every man’s worst nightmare, getting accused of something like that.”
“Can you guess what every woman’s worst nightmare is?”
On Thursday, Jan. 23, in Falvey 205, students and faculty learned the answer to that question through a screening of Emerald Fennell’s hit film A Promising Young Woman. Released in 2020, the film tells the story of Cassandra “Cassie” Thomas, a middle-aged woman traumatized by the rape and subsequent death of her best friend Nina. Throughout the movie, she walks the line between forgiveness and vengeance for the perpetrators complicit in the rape culture that caused Nina to take her own life.
Dr. Kaley Carpenter, Associate Teaching Professor in the Augustine and Culture Seminar Program, has spent a year setting up both the screening and the panel that was hosted upon the screening’s conclusion. The panelists, whose identities will be kept anonymous, graciously came together to discuss topics that would enlighten Wildcats about the pervasive issue of sexual misconduct in society.
One of the topics that the movie explores is the proverbial “nice guy.” When used in the context of relationships, it denotes a man who uses acts of goodwill so he can be “rewarded” with sexual favors. One of Cassie’s activities is to pretend to be drunk so nice
guys at clubs and bars can offer her transport before taking advantage of her in their own homes, where she then reveals her soberness and terrifies them into leaving vulnerable women alone.
Ryan Cooper, one of the film’s main characters and a former medical school classmate of Cassie’s, exemplifies a different type of nice guy. His failure to do what is right is depicted as ultimately making him no better than the men who hurt women directly.
Another important topic that the film covers are the effects of internet culture and how it can bring people to justice, but also condemn the innocent. Videos and screenshots can incriminate perpetrators and reveal who the complicit bystanders are, as well as be used to bully a victim into dropping charges, just like they do in this movie.
One of Cassie’s targets is a defense attorney named Jordan Green, who used to dig up dirt on victims of sexual assault to win whatever case he was hired for. He describes the effectiveness of this tactic in the age of the internet
perfectly to Cassie.
“In the old days we used to go through a girl’s trash,” he said. “Now? One drunk photo at a party. Oh, you wouldn’t believe how hostile that makes a jury.”
As the movie explains, this sort of tactic goes hand-inhand with slut-shaming behavior. Slut-shaming involves criticizing people, most commonly women, for exhibiting behaviors judged to be promiscuous or provocative. Nina was supposedly known for sleeping around and getting drunk in school, which led to her friends, the Dean and the jury to blame herself for being raped.
“We witness bullying, we witness harassment, we still think we are not in it,” Jordan said. “That we are removed from it.”
Yet despite Cassie’s cathartic revenge plots on each person complicit in Nina’s maltreatment, the most poignant scene for audience members and panelists alike was the same scene with Green. Having spent years doing to multiple rape victims what he did with Nina, Green has come to severely regret his actions.
“You gotta help me,” Green said. “I can’t sleep. I can’t sleep. I haven’t slept since... I will never forgive myself. I want you to know that. I’ll never forgive myself for any of this.”
Cassie’s simple response to the man who helped take everything from her?
“I forgive you.”
As the panelists explained heartfeltly, forgiveness is not about being happy with someone who hurt you, or building a relationship with them.
Forgiveness is not forgetting what someone did to you. It can be difficult, but the biggest way to overcome pain can sometimes be to forgive those who show remorse.
Villanova assures students that it is committed to fostering a community of respect. Students are instructed on the importance of consent before and during orientation, but the issue remains prevalent, as the following students can attest to.
“I can’t even count,” an anonymous student said. “I feel like almost every girl I’m friends with has a story.”
“As a male student on campus, my friends usually do not bring up sexual assault at all,” another anonymous student said. “It reminds [me] that I have do my part helping my friend.”
In the end, combating sexual assault is the responsibility of the entire community. With knowledge and empathy, anyone on campus can prevent another situation like what happened to Nina.
The Freedom School was held Jan. 3 in the Connelly Center. CaliCarss/VillanovanPhotography
A Promising Young Woman was shown on Thursday, Jan. 23 in Falvey. RyanSarbello/VillanovanPhotography
Shelf Care: Making Your Reading Resolution Last
Alexandra Pultz Staff Writer
The New Year brings excitement and new beginnings, one of them being resolutions. Each year, people make resolutions to eat healthier or exercise more, but many may set another goal: to read more. Some of the books highlighted here may seem “basic,” but they are popular for a reason. There’s nothing like a beloved book to get someone excited about reading. Each book on this list is guaranteed to captivate non-readers and might even convert some to regular readers.
While January is coming to an end, it’s not too late to set a reading goal for the year.
DaisyJonesandtheSix by Taylor Jenkins Reid
If you want to start reading, a Taylor Jenkins Reid book is the way to go. Reid creates incredibly realistic worlds in her stories, so much so that they force readers to wonder if her characters were real people. (I had to look some up and was shocked to find out they weren’t). In Daisy Jones and the Six, she transports us to 1970s Los Angeles, following the rise and fall of a popular band. This story loosely resembles that of Fleetwood Mac. The novel is told through interviews, with band members and friends recounting their experiences from those years.
Finley Triano Staff Writer
It’s o-FISH-ial. On Jan. 21, Cafe Nova introduced ヴィ Sushi to Villanova students, serving a variety of fresh, hand-rolled sushi dishes.
California and shrimp tempura were among the roll options, as well as many gluten free choices, such as the spicy tuna roll and seaside roll salmon. There are many choices open to every kind of sushi-lover and even those allergic to seafood. With only carrot, cucumber and avocado, the vegetable roll is a great allergy-friendly option. The sushi also caters to gluten allergies, compete with gluten free soy sauce.
One of sushi’s biggest fans, sophomore Caelen O’Leary, was involved in this new station release.
“One day [some point earlier last semester] I had seen on GrubHub that there was a sushi option, and I was so excited,” O’Leary said. “My teammates and I went right after practice to order it, but there was nothing there.”
Turns out, this was a one day pop-up. It most likely was trying to gauge student interest in sushi.
While O’Leary was disappointed, her determination to have sushi did not stop there. She ended up directly messaging Villanova Dining, expressing her passion towards having the sushi station and wondering if it was going to
If you enjoyed Daisy Jones and the Six, try The Daydreams by Laura Hankins.
TheSummerITurnedPretty by Jenny Han
The Summer I Turned Pretty, along with its two subsequent novels, are cheesy yet addicting.
The novel follows teenager Belly as she explores her love life and returns to her family friends’ beach house for the summer. She has to make the ultimate teenage love drama choice: choose between two brothers. Written for young adults, this novel (and the aforementioned two brothers) captures the hearts of readers of all ages. This book was also turned into a Prime TV series, with its last season airing this coming summer.
If you enjoyed The Summer I Turned Pretty, try Better than the Movies by Lynn Painter to continue in the sweet young adult romance genre.
EverythingIKnowAboutLove by Dolly Alderton
I believe that every college-aged, twenty-something-yearold should read this memoir. Alderton navigates her life from her teenage years to adulthood while dealing with the ups and downs of growing up. This book made me laugh, cry and truly appreciate the value of the friendships in my life. Alderton shines a new light on
what the word “love” means and how we can find love in our everyday lives.
If you enjoyed Everything I Know About Love, try All About Love by bell hooks.
TheNightShift by Alex Finlay
A thriller like The Night Shift by Alex Finlay is sure to hook readers and bring them one step closer to becoming bookworms. An attack at a Blockbuster New Year’s Eve 1999 leaves just one survivor, forever changing the
town. 15 years later, a similar incident at an ice cream shop mirrors the tragedy from years before. The story follows the investigation of the current case while revisiting the one from 1999. With chapters that often end in cliffhangers, readers can’t help but want to read just one more chapter. It is the perfect spooky thriller to keep one on their feet.
If you enjoyed The Night Shift by Alex Finlay, try We Were Never Here by Andrea Bartz.
Cafe Nova: Sushi Debut
include it as an everyday option in one of its dining halls. While it is uncertain if O’Leary’s proactive stance towards making sushi a regular option contributed to the decision to implement it, it can be assumed
that there were many students that felt similarly about this issue. Since its opening, ヴィ Sushi has been a hit. With very long wait times around lunch and dinner, this was easily the most popular food destination on campus this week.
Many students were eager to give it a try, especially sophomore Kyra Dragan, who ordered the salmon and avocado roll, shrimp tempura and California roll.
“I think it is great that they added more food diversity to campus,” Dragan said.
Junior Nate Wamsley agreed.
“I basically tried every roll and I was very impressed with its freshness and taste,” Wamsley said. “I was very impressed with all of the options they had.”
While the sushi has been an overall success, some students were left slightly disappointed about the portion sizes.
“I really enjoyed it. I just wish there was a larger portion because I was still left hungry,” junior Danielle Cappelli, who tried the shrimp tempura roll, said. “I was given about seven rolls, but the roll itself was super small.”
With a very busy first week back, the sushi on Villanova’s campus was a popular dining option. With numerous positive reviews, ヴィ Sushi is here to stay.
“I definitely will keep going back in the future because I think it’s a good food option on campus,” sophomore Nikki Neumann said. “They had a wide variety of options and I also really liked that they had spicy mayo with the sushi.”
The next time students are hungry for some lunch, they should consider giving Cova’s ヴィ Sushi a try.
Everything I Know About Love is a great choice for getting started on your reading resolutions. Maggie Fitzgerald/ Villanovan Photography
Sushi is the newest option being offered at Cafe Nova. Graham Sukup/Villanovan Photography
VillaVogue: Bundled Up With Style
Ciara Dursee Co-Digital Editor
While I’m sure we were all expecting a warm welcome back to our beloved campus, last week’s low temperatures refuted that classic expression. The holidays may be over, but winter is just reaching its peak, putting a pause on the discussion of our exciting spring fashion finds.
What better way to start the new year than with a complete fashion revision? I don’t know about you, but my winter break was filled with scrolling through different brand websites, trying to find the perfect jacket to get me through Wells Fargo basketball season and a dress for winter cocktail. While some people may be itching for spring break shopping, I am thrilled to continue my creative choices in winter fashion.
With that being said, it’s an appropriate time to spotlight the trending seasonal clothing at the beginning of 2025, with a key focus on bundling up for the forecast. Fitting both the stylish and practical standard we aim for, the handful of options below anticipate this current arctic chill we are experiencing in late January.
Swift Scarves:
Is there a better way to spice up a winter coat? Scarves are essential for the arctic breeze sweeping through campus during our walks to class early in the
morning. From wool to cashmere, classic prints to minimalist favorites, any piece will bring more life to an outfit. You can’t go wrong with the timeless plaid print, or the neutral shade of fringed alpaca fur. The unlimited options will have you sifting through Lucky Brand’s racks for the best scarf to match your current puffer.
The Cropped Trench:
We have mentioned time and time again: the chic excellence of the trench coat ambience, but have you tried the cropped version? Groundbreaking results. The traditional full-length trench can never be forgotten, however with this chic alternative, I’m not sure I’ll ever go back. Zara offers an impeccable wool coat that can be paired with a white long sleeve tee and low-waisted jeans to make the perfect outfit going into the spring season.
Knit Headband:
We tend to overlook winter accessories, forgetting the functional value they offer and the fashionable potential they hold. Knit headbands are not only an affordable item but also have gotten me through early morning runs and long walks to West Campus as the snow begins to fall. I recommend adding this hidden gem to your winter collection when the temperature hovers below 20 degrees.
The Modern Mock-Neck: Making a sneaky comeback: mock neck style sweatshirts
and sweaters. A mock neck is a high collar that sits slightly lower than an average turtleneck. While this closet staple can be worn yearround, the Parke brand sweatshirts have been running through social media. Personally, it influenced me to purchase my first mock-neck sweatshirt, which has kept me warm through the winter as my go-to sweatshirt on cozy days off. Other brands, like Lululemon and Ralph Lauren, have a respectable collection of this style, keeping the neck warm and fueling this trending look.
Faux Fur Earmuffs: Trust me on this one. While this is not the opinion section of The Villanovan , I will consistently make the argument that earmuffs can be worn as more than just a pragmatic protectant from the bitter cold. This winter accessory provides warmth and luxury, adding a great level of glamor to any basic bundled outfit. We live in a world of evolving fashion trends, but rest assured, this versatile accessory will never fall short of fantastic.
CatAppetite: Villanova’s 2025 Food Trends
Blair Hollyday Staff Writer
You may think The Villanovan is just a group of writers, but this week, we’re looking into the future.
That’s right–we’ve got the scoop on what 2025 holds for food and beverage trends in and around Villanova. From sushi stations in Cafe Nova to dorm dinner parties, the upcoming year is shaping up to be a foodie’s paradise. So, if you’re curious about what’s next for campus dining and local favorites, we’ve got all the predictions right here.
What’s New on the Menu:
Let’s start with the star of the show: “Sushi” in Cafe Nova. This new sushi station will be serving up hand-rolled sushi every weekday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and again for dinner from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. (though it will close early on Fridays). It’s fresh, flavorful and perfectly portioned for a quick meal between classes.
If sushi isn’t your thing, head over to Smoothitas at the Connelly Center for açaí bowls loaded with all your favorite toppings. Whether you’re fueling up for class or just want a colorful snack to brighten your day, this spot is about to become your goto.
Pop-Up Chefs and Pasta Dreams:
Remember when Napoletano Brothers set up shop outside the Connelly Center last year,
serving pasta straight out of a cheese wheel? That pop-up was such a hit that Villanova’s dining team is already planning more collaborations with local chefs and restaurants. These pop-ups bring a little change to campus and make dining feel like a special event— something students can get excited about.
Food That Fuels Both Body and Mind: It’s not just about taste. Food on campus is becoming a way to bring people together and promote healthy habits. According to Sodexo’s 2024-2025 Student Lifestyle Survey, incredible food is
the top driver of campus engagement. We see Villanova Dining leaning into this with a focus on functional foods that support both physical and mental health. Think nutrient-packed options that don’t just fuel your body but also make you feel good inside and out. Dinner Parties Are In: With everything going on in the world, students are keeping it cozy with intimate, at-home dinner parties, and Villanova’s dining options are making it easier than ever. Aneu Kitchen in Bryn Mawr now accepts NovaBucks, offering healthy pre-made meals and a coffee bar that’s just a short walk from campus. It’s perfect for hosting or grabbing a quick bite between classes, and it’s definitely going to be a favorite this year. Holy Grounds Steps It Up: We all know the struggle of trying to grab a Holy Grounds coffee and make it to class on time. Last year’s shift to mobile pre-ordered Starbucks was big, but there were a few bumps along the way. This year, expect those kinks to be smoothed out so you can snag your caffeine fix without the stress. No more running into class five minutes late - hopefully.
Villanova’s dining scene is serving more than just meals in 2025. It’s creating experiences— whether it’s sushi in Cafe Nova, smoothies at Smoothitas or dorm dinner parties. Add in the excitement of pop-ups and the promise of functional foods, and it’s clear that this year’s food forecast is looking pretty tasty.
Staying warm doesn’t mean compromising on fashion; earmuffs are a cozy but cute winter accessory. Maggie Fitzgerald/Villanovan Photography
Venture out of your comfort zone and try Cafe Nova’s Sushi. Maggie Fitzgerald/Villanovan Photography
Season Two: The Night Agent and The Recruit
Sophie Cossio Staff Writer
This January, the highly-awaited second seasons of The Night Agent and The Recruit are being released on Netflix. Both series are American spy thrillers with classic premises: lowly FBI/CIA employees are suddenly thrust into a world of danger, betrayal and action after stumbling into situations far above their pay grades. These series are new additions to the genre of American spy thrillers, following the classic tradition paved by shows and movies before them. They borrow from predecessors like The Bourne Identity movies, Jack Ryan and Mission Impossible , while updating the technology, humor and soundtracks for the enjoyment of new generations. The Recruit even boasts director Doug Liman, who produced The Bourne Identity , who revolutionized the spy thriller genre through gritty realism. The Night Agent is based on the renowned book of the same name by Matthew Quirk, which presents a fresh take on governmental conspiracy novels. Although the shows may be rife with well-established cliches, they still are enjoyable watches, which may be a factor in their popularity.
The first season of The Night Agent follows FBI agent Peter Sutherland, who after thwarting a metro bombing, is assigned to monitor a secretive telephone
line used by a program known as Night Action. One night, the phone rings, and Peter finds Rose Larkin on the other line, a former cybersecurity CEO, who is hiding in her home while her aunt and uncle are murdered by anonymous thugs. Peter and Rose resolve to find the killers, and are thrust into the midst of a plot connected to the DC metro bombing. They ultimately uncover traitors in the highest reaches of the U.S. government.
This season was released on Netflix to great acclaim, and became one of Netflix’s mostwatched series to date. Season two is out now, and follows Peter and Rose again.
This new season takes a more international focus, as Peter is now a fully-fledged spy in Night Action and takes on missions abroad. Season Two has similar themes of betrayal and corruption, with Peter spending much of the season’s 10 episodes underground and hiding from the U.S. government.
The Recruit is slightly more Jack-Ryan-esque and comedic in nature. Owen Hendricks, played by Noah Centineo, is a newly-hired CIA lawyer. On his second day on the job, he realizes that a former CIA asset is threatening to release national secrets unless she is freed from prison. Of course, fresh secrets are revealed about the asset and Hendricks is dragged into a complicated in -
ternational conflict. Season one ended on a cliffhanger, and season two, releasing on January 30th, will hopefully shed some light on what happens to Owen and the asset, Max. The trailer sees Owen team up with a new operative as once again, he is in far over his head.
The release of the second seasons of both series might be coincidental timing, considering the swearing in of a new president just a few days prior, but the popularity of shows such as these in this current political climate is no coincidence.
It is nice to escape into a world that essentially mirrors our own, with political corruption, betrayal and intrigue, but one where problems are always resolved and tied up neatly with a bow. In The Recruit and The Night Agent , our heroes, Owen and Peter, are likeable, funny and charismatic, and despite having little-to-no experience as spies, always manage to come out on top and expose the flawed systems that they are a part of. They embody American ideals, and sometimes, it’s nice to be reminded of the way things are supposed to work.
Take a break from classwork with The Night Agent or The Recruit Maggie Fitzgerald/Villanovan Photography
SPORTS
Wildcat Watch: Watcke Off to the Races
Amanda McKean Sports Columnist
Despite the frigid cold in Philadelphia to start the new year, Villanova track and field has started to heat up.
On Saturday, Jan. 18, sophomore middle distance runner Dan Watcke broke Villanova’s indoor record in the 1000 meter at the Quaker Invitational, with a performance of 2:20.10.
In just the second meet of the track and field season, Watcke beat the 46-year-old record set in 1979 by Don Paige. With this accomplishment, Wackte now holds the indoor record, as well as the No. 4 absolute record in school history.
“Coach O’Sullivan wanted to have a soft opener,” Watcke said. “He wanted me just to run a really controlled 600 [meter race] and then try to close hard. But then Monday, before we found out that [professional Josh Hoey] was going to be there, and he was going to try to go for the American record. So that kind of shifted the focus, like, ‘Oh, we should try to run fast.’”
Though Hoey did achieve the American record, with a time of 2:14.48, Watcke’s performance on Saturday comes at just the start of his career at Villanova.
Hailing from Hillsdale, IL, Watcke was a Duck before he became a Wildcat. He spent his freshman Fall Semester at the University
of Oregon in 2023. “I went to Oregon for the first Semester, and I just didn’t like it that much,” Watcke said. “When I went into the transfer portal, I had a couple of schools that I was interested in. Villanvoa was one of those, just because of the rich history. Then I came on a visit and I knew I wanted to go here within 15 minutes.”
For head coach Marcus O’Sullivan, Watcke was a key addition to the Villanova roster through the transfer portal.
“We were happy to see him come here, he appears to be flourishing,” O’Sullivan said. “We don’t do a lot of transfers and they are usually graduate students that are coming in from us. A transfer in the middle of freshman year is very unusual but he seemed very determined. It’s been good. It’s great to see him do so well last week.”
After arriving at Villanova in Spring 2024, Watcke had not officially competed as a Wildcat. He spent most of the time warming up and getting used to the new atmosphere. Though he is listed as a sophomore, in terms of eligibility, Watcke essentially started over and is now considered a freshman when he runs for Villanova.
Watcke’s training has been intensifying from the time he committed to Villanova almost a year ago. In late August, Watcke represented the United States in the 800 meter race at the U20 World Championships in Peru. He placed eighth, finishing the
race at 1:50.55.
“[Peru] was really cool, just getting that experience and representing the country,” Watcke said. “I ran pretty well there. I didn’t run as well as I would have liked to in the final, but I was really happy that I made it. There were also a lot of former Olympians from 2012 and 2008 that were on the staff, so that was cool to see how USA Track and Field is still a big part of their life.”
With the guidance of O’Sullivan, Watcke is becoming a star on one of the strongest track and field programs in the Big East and the nation.
“Coach O’Sullivan approaches [running] very aerobically, which is a system I lack in,” Watcke said. “The fall was just a building period for me and now I can just sharpen up a little bit, get to run a little bit faster and prepare for later on in the winter and then the spring.”
Watcke is on track to leave a similar impact to Don Paige and graduate Liam Murphy with a school record under his belt in his first race as a Wildcat.
“I just think he’s going to get better,” O’Sullivan said. “I’m very excited about his future, and I think he’d like to try the mile at some point. He’s got a good natural speed so you don’t want to lose that when you’re doing the slower stuff, that builds on the aerobic system. So you always want to keep him versed in all his attributes and strengths, and his strength is speed.”
Water Polo Sweeps Opening Weekend
Madison Hodges Staff Writer
This past weekend, Villanova’s women’s water polo team opened its season with a 4-0 sweep at home, sending a statement to begin an ambitious 2025 season.
On Saturday, Jan. 25, the Wildcats claimed victories over Gannon, 16-8, and Iona, 17-5. Villanova then defeated Mount St. Mary’s, 126, and Mercyhurst, 17-4, on Sunday, Jan. 26.
“I was very impressed with how the team played,” head coach Michael Gordon said. “We had some mistakes in our first game, but the second game against Iona we really tightened it up.”
The Wildcats had a very strong start to Saturday’s doubleheader, scoring two goals in the first 3:10 of the match against Gannon.
Freshman attacker Layla Canales was able to score and extend Villanova’s lead in her first collegiate game. The Wildcats managed five goals before the Golden Knights got on the board.
Ganon would eventually cut into the Wildcats’ lead, scoring three goals at the start of the second quarter, making the score 6-3.
Villanova did not let the scoring run by the Golden Knights last for long, as the Wildcats scored several goals in five minutes to take an overwhelming, 15-7 lead. Villanova scored one more goal to make the final score
16-8.
Villanova had mutiple Wildcats on the stat sheet, with senior Emily McKenzie notching four goals, and freshman Riley Hull adding two in her first collegiate game. Attackers Sara Withers and Anna Painter also scored two goals each.
Junior goalie Gracin Kerry collected 15 saves to help in the win. The victory marked Villanova’s 11th consecutive win against Gannon University.
Villanova then took on Iona to collect its second win of the day.
Canales scored right out of the first quarter to spark an early, 4-1 lead for the Wildcats. Canales also recorded an assist and a block against Iona.
Villanova continued its momentum into the second quarter with a total of four more goals. The Wild-
WEEKLY SCOREBOARD
Jan. 22 - Jan. 28
Wednesday, January 22
Women’s Basketball @ UConn 57-100 L Friday, January 25
Men’s Basketball @ Marquette 74-87 L Saturday, January 26
Women’s Basketball vs. Xavier 67-52 W
Women’s Tennis @ Bucknell 4-1 W
Men’s Tennis @ Drexel 0-7 L
Men’s Swim @ West Virginia 92-128 L
Women’s Swim @ Duquesne
184.5-115.5 W
Women’s Swim @ West Virginia 160-140 W
Men’ Swim @ Virginia 52.5-247.5 L
Water Polo vs. Gannon 16-8 W
Water Polo vs. Iona 17-5 W
Men’s Track vs Penn 10 Select No Team Scoring
Women’s Track vs Penn 10 Select Invitational No Team Scoring Sunday, January 26
Water Polo vs. Mount St. Mary’s 12-6 W
Water Polo vs. Mercyhurst 17-4 W
Men’s Tennis @ Delaware 0-4 L
va added three more early goals before the Mountaineers started to cut into the lead, scoring two more goals, to make it 6-3. Before the second quarter ended, the ‘Cats were able to add three more goals to bring their total to nine heading into halftime. In the fourth, the Mountaineers began to catch up to Villanova’s 11-4 lead. The ‘Cats stifled the comeback attempt and closed out the match 12-6.
With the win, Kerry rose up in Villanova’s record books. She is now tied for fifth in program history in goalie wins, with 14.
cats’ defense made it difficult for Iona to score and had an 8-3 lead going into halftime.
Iona started the third quarter adding two goals. But that was the end of its scoring for the rest of the game. The ‘Cats responded with a seven-goal scoring run to end the quarter, 14-5.
Villanova started and ended Saturday with dominance. While Iona was not able to score a goal in the fourth quarter, the Wildcats were able to add three more goals for a 17-5 victory.
Day two of the season opening weekend began with a matchup against Mount St. Mary’s. The aggression from Saturday continued into Sunday, with the Wildcats scoring three times and Mount St. Mary’s scoring just once in the first quarter.
In the second quarter, Villano-
To close out the weekend strong, the Wildcats took down Mercyhurst, 17-4. The ‘Cats came out scoring three early goals before the Lakers got on the board.
Villanova then went on a 10-0 scoring run before heading into the third quarter, bringing the score to 13-2.
In the second half of the game, it was all Villanova. The ‘Cats were able to add four more goals and win, 17-4. Hull continued her dominance, leading the team in scoring with four goals, with three coming in the first half.
Next weekend, the team will be on the road in Providence, RI, to play in the Bruno Invite. The ‘Cats will take on the University of the Pacific and Marist College on Feb. 1, and then Salem University and Brown University on Feb. 2.
On Saturday, Jan. 25, the Wildcats claimed victories over Gannon, 16-8, and Iona, 17-5. Erick Quezada/Villanovan Photography
Langon Sets PR as Track & Field Competes at Penn 10 Elite
Genna Cottingham Staff Writer
On Saturday, Jan. 25, Villanova track and field competed in the Penn 10 Elite at the newly-built Ott Center in Philadelphia. Several Wildcats made their indoor debuts, and many seasoned veterans gained personal records throughout the day.
Penn 10 Elite featured Villanova athletes running, jumping, and throwing alongside some of the best collegiate track teams in the country. Harvard, Brown, Princeton and Cornell were just a few of the schools in attendance.
A photo finish for the mile unfolded after junior Marco Langon beat out teammate and fifth-year Liam Murphy with a dive for first place.
“That might be a Marco-esque signature,” Villanova men’s track and field coach Marcus O’Sullivan said. “I think he was determined to get Liam [Murphy], but I think they’ll be very good for each other in terms of boosting each other’s competitiveness.”
Langon accomplished a career best of 3:54.60, while Murphy was one-hundredth of a second behind at 3:54.61, landing him in second place. Their times placed the distance runners in the Villanova record books as the fourth and fifth-best indoor mile times in school history. Murphy now holds three out of the five
fastest indoor mile times at Villanova.
Langon and Murphy currently have the seventh and eighth-fastest indoor mile times in the NCAA this season.
For the women, a trio of Wildcats, made up of seniors Emma McGill and Emily Robinson along with freshman Bella Walsh, ran together in the women’s mile. With a time of 4:38.42, McGill fought for a career best and fourth in the race. Robinson managed a personal record at 4:44.63 to reach seventh place. Not far behind, in ninth place, was Walsh in her track debut in the mile, posting a time of 4:45.75.
Wildcats took first and second place in another race on Saturday, this time in the men’s 3,000-meter. Redshirt freshman Bailey Habler accomplished the 10th fastest time in the country at 7:49.53.
“I think he wanted to go faster,” O’Sullivan said. “But he did take control of the race from like a thousand meters out, and it wasn’t as competitive to push him on with somebody else there. Looking at him running the last five laps on his own, I think you can get lulled into a sense of it’s hard to keep pressing on your own. If you have somebody on your shoulder, it’s so much easier.”
Shaving nearly three seconds off his personal best with a time of 7:56.65, senior Devon Comber pulled off second place in
the 3k at the Ott Center. Senior Alex Payne threw for a personal best of 16.76 meters in the shot put. Her distance puts Payne at fourth on the Big East performance list, and she now accounts for five out of the 11 of the longest throws in school history. The men’s 4x400 meter relay consisting of sophomores Matthew Griffin and Ethan Walls, along with juniors Ronan O’Neill and Sal Barretta ran a 3:16.51 to finish fifth place. The performance marks the second-best time in the Big East this season.
Pulling off the third-best time in the Big East women’s 800-meter, first-year Rosie Shay managed a time of 2:11.60 in her first collegiate track race. Next to cross the finish line was junior Micah Trusty. With a time of 2:13.14, Trusty sits fourth on this season’s Big East performance list.
In the final event on Saturday, senior Margaret Carroll reached a time of 9:23.83 for the women’s 3,000-meter race. Lowering her personal best by over 13 seconds, Carroll took eighth at the meet and fifth in the Big East.
“It’s predominantly all aerobic work,” O’Sullivan said. “So coming off the cross-country, you have a lot of aerobic work. And everything from the half mile up is very, in my mind, very aerobically dominated.”
After only their third meet of the indoor season, the Wildcats are finding their footing on the track again, while still accomplishing impressive feats so early into the year. The Villanova women and men will compete in the Penn State National Open this weekend. The two-day meet begins on Friday, Jan. 31 in University Park, PA.
W Tennis Goes 1-1, M Tennis Swept on Weekend
Amanda McKean Sports Columnist
Over the weekend, the men’s and women’s tennis teams faced uphill battles in their respective competitions. The women’s team lost, 7-0, to the University of Delaware on Friday before turning things around with a 4-1 win against Bucknell. The men’s team fell in both competitions, losing, 7-0, against Drexel on Saturday and 4-0 against Delaware on Sunday.
Going into its third and fourth competitions of the winter and spring season, the women’s team has faced some major setbacks with injuries and illnesses of its best players, including sophomore Miriam Gondorova, sophomore Lauren Monti and senior Emma Brogan. All these losses and the transition to indoor courts with a faster ball speed have taken the team time to get used to, and it went 7-0 in its first three competitions against Penn State, University of Pennsylvania and Delaware.
“It’s been a tough start,” head coach Steve Reiniger said. “Delaware is a good school and I knew it would be a tough match. We needed to be 100% and everybody playing their best for us to have a chance and that didn’t happen. But they played well.”
Despite the loss, some bright spots on Friday came from sophomore Jenna Stevens and graduate student Sophia Edwards. The duo were the only two with
three-set singles matches on the team.
The Wildcats carried these small wins and the momentum into Saturday against Bucknell, when they finally began to see some progress in doubles and singles, sweeping both categories. For doubles, the duo of junior Maggie Gehrig and freshman Olivia Corcoran in the second spot proved successful as they clinched a 6-4 win, while sophomore Maddie Hills and Stevens also earned the Wildcats a point, winning 6-4 as well.
“I thought Maddie Hills played her best match in doubles,” Reiniger said. “She returned and served very well. I also thought Maggie Gehrig played her best match, so that was helpful. We needed the doubles points. That was big. I thought we were the stronger team.”
As for singles, the biggest
standout for Villanova was Edwards who was tasked with facing off against the Bison’s toughest player, Whitney King. Though Edwards took King down in two sets, the first set finished 7-5, and in the second set, King forced a tiebreaker that Edwards clinched, 7-6.
As a graduate transfer from Boston College, Edwards has moved into one of the top spots on Villanova’s roster as she becomes a leader on the team.
“[Edwards] is a great addition and a great teammate,” Reiniger said. “She definitely represents Villanova perfectly out on the court. She has great sportsmanship and is a pleasure to have on the team.”
For the men’s team, this weekend’s season opener was also a struggle.
On Saturday, in the first competition against Drexel, the Wildcats were unable to get a
hold on doubles or singles. When it came to doubles, the only team that came close to a win was junior Cooper Gordon and sophomore Kush Anand, who forced a tiebreaker, but fell, 7-6 (7-2).
In singles, Gordon continued to be one of Villanova’s only highlights of the day, as he narrowly lost to Drexel’s Alex De Sousa in the third set, going 6-0, 4-6 and 7-5 in his match. The only other Wildcat to make it to three sets in their singles match was senior Trey Fourticq, who after dropping the first set, 6-1, came back in the second, 6-3, before forcing a tiebreaker in the third set, just losing, 10-7. The same story occurred the next day against Delaware where the Wildcats were unable to top any of the Blue Hens in doubles or singles.
In doubles, Gordon and Anand were unable to find the rhythm from the previous day, getting swept, 6-0, in the No. 1 spot while in the No. 3 spot sophomore Will Monahan and freshman Quincy Jones fell, 6-1. In singles, half of the games went unfinished as Delaware flew through Cooper, Monahan and sophomore Thomas Wakefield in the top three spots.
Next Sunday, Feb. 2, women’s tennis will head to Bethlehem, PA to face off against Lehigh at 10 a.m. The men’s team will have two weeks off before facing Brigham Young University on Friday, Feb. 7 in Bethlehem, PA at 10 a.m. and Navy on Feb. 8 in Annapolis, MD at 1 p.m.
Junior Marco Langon beat teammate and fifth-year Liam Murphy with a dive for first place in the mile. Courtesy of Villanova Athletics
Junior Maggie Gehrig worked alongside freshman Oliva Cocoran to win a doubles match, 6-4. Courtesy of Villanova Athletics
Swim & Dive Focused on “Finding a Way” Back to BE Title
Katie Lewis Co-Sports Editor
As the Big East Championships approach, the Villanova swim and dive teams are aiming to continue what they do best: “find a way” to get in the lead, no matter what it takes.
According to head coach Rick Simpson, the Wildcats maintain a tradition of high standards and late-race perseverance that has helped the women seal the last 11 straight Big East titles.
The women’s team is in a prime position to defend the conference championship this February, coming off a successful weekend in West Virginia.
“After months and months of training and racing, the hope and the goal is that they’ll start to show some of their best performances this time of the year,” Simpson said. “Just the fact that [this weekend] was probably our best in-season performance that we’ve seen all year, the timing couldn’t have been better.”
During the tri-meet on Saturday, Jan. 25, the women came away with a 184.5-115.5 win over Duquesne and a 160-140 victory over West Virginia.
While multiple swimmers set season bests, sophomore Riley Kudak set her career time of 1:49.26 in the 200 free. Her performance earned her Big East Female Athlete of the Week hon -
ors on Monday.
Sophomore Anna Farley helped the Villanova women seal first place in the 200 medley relay, with a time of 1:42.95, and the 100 fly, clocking 54.15. She also finished third in the 200 IM with a time of 2:03.37.
The men also had a promising performance, despite taking a 52.5-247.5 loss to West Virginia on Saturday.
Junior Patrick Casey set a personal best in the 1650 free, earning second in the 1650 free with a time of 15:53.96. The only Wildcat to finish first for the men on Saturday was sophomore Justin Nowicki, who clocked 1:49.31 in the 200 fly.
On the diving side, senior Nicholas Jubilee earned third in the 1 meter (275.60) and 3 meter (297.45).
The West Virginia meet, falling during the intense stretch from January to February, served as an indicator of the team’s late-season resilience.
“It’s a very difficult time of year because a lot of the athletes are really broken down,” Simpson said. “This is kind of the last big push leading into the rest period before conference championships. A lot of athletes respond very differently, but we did a really good job [in West Virginia] across the board.”
Villanova’s deep roster and upperclassman leadership have become especially valuable during
the most demanding part of the season.
“Everybody knows [the Big East] is going to be a very close race,” Simpson said. “When you approach a conference championship, one thing we really rely on is the leadership from our juniors and seniors.”
The five senior men and four senior women, as well as one grad student, Lexi Elkovitch, are teamed a sizable group of underclassmen to lead this season. The 28 women and 25 men on this year’s roster are the most that Simpson has overseen in his 25 years at the helm of the Villanova program.
But in swimming, there is strength in numbers. The Wildcats are notably well-balanced and flexible from race to race, helping them remain a formidable and sometimes shapeshifting competitor for the conference title.
Villanova faced its most difficult test of the season during a trip to Florida earlier this month.
On Jan. 8, teams took on top-25 ranked Florida State. While the women fell, 232-68, and the men were beaten, 249-51, the Seminoles provided an opportunity for the ‘Cats to raise their standards.
“I’m a big fan of putting our athletes in a position that I call ‘swimming up’ to a different level,” Simpson said. “I think it worked really well. We came out of [the FSU meet] probably the best we’ve ever swam that time
of the year. I attribute that to the athletes just stepping up to the challenge.”
The Big East Championships are less than four weeks away as the Wildcats close out the regular season this coming weekend. The men will have a final meet at Drexel on Jan. 31 before the annual Sprintfest event hosted by Villanova on Feb. 1.
Sprintfest, which started out as just another meet, has in recent years morphed into a senior celebration that the team looks forward to every season. The event involves both competitive races and community relays involving other varsity teams and campus organizations.
The swim and dive program also uses Sprintfest to highlight campus initiatives, such as NovaDance and the UNITAS program.
“[Sprintfest] is a blast,” Simpson said. “This time of the year is very high-stress for our athletes, so it’s a good stress reliever for them, to have an event that’s not about wins and losses. There’s a lot more going on there, which makes the timing perfect.”
The Wildcats will travel to Geneva, Ohio from Feb. 24 to 27 for the Big East Championships. Simpson doesn’t yet know how the wins will come, but he feels confident that this year’s Wildcats are capable of swimming back up to the conference title and beyond.
WBB to Start February with Matchup Against Marquette
Casey Healey Staff Writer
On Sunday, Feb. 2, Villanova (11-10, 5-4 Big East) will face off against Marquette (12-6, 4-3 Big East) at home in the Finneran Pavilion.
Tipoff is set for 2 p.m. and the game will be broadcast on FloSports.
Marquette currently sits fifth in the Big East conference, with Villanova right behind in sixth place. Marquette leads Villanova in the all-time series, 20-16.
This is the second meeting between the Wildcats and the Golden Eagles this season. Marquette took down Villanova, 64-59, on Jan. 11.
Villanova was without its leading scorer, freshman guard Jasmine Bascoe, due to injury. Bascoe currently averages 15.6 points, 4.3 rebounds and 4.4 assists per game. In Bascoe’s absence, sophomore guard Maddie Webber collected 16 points and six rebounds.
Webber has scored in double digits in her last six games, averaging 16 points and 3.2 rebounds. During that stretch of games, Webber tied a career-high in single game three-pointers with five.
Since then, Villanova has won three of its last four games, while Marquette has won two of its last three, recently defeating Georgetown, 75-58.
Marquette is led in scoring by sophomore Skylar Forbes, who
is averaging 15.9 points per game.
Sophomore Halle Vice also stands out as a key player for the Golden Eagles, as she averages 10.6 points and a team-high 7.4 rebounds per game. Vice will likely match up inside with Villanova junior forward Denae Carter, who currently leads the Wildcats in rebounds with 6.2 per game.
The Golden Eagles have averaged 68.2 points per game while holding opponents to 57.1 points. Marquette has performed well in the paint, leading the Big East in total rebounds (39.8) and blocks per game (4.7). According to SABER (Schedule Adjusted Basketball Efficiency Ratings),
Marquette has the second-best defensive rating in the Big East, behind UConn.
Villanova, however, struggles defensively. According to SABER, Villanova has the lowest defense rating in the Big East.
Carter is Villanova’s strongest rebounder. Besides Carter, there is a lack of rebounding in the paint causing the Wildcats to miss second-chance opportunities.
Villanova will be looking to continue the momentum following its win at home this past Sunday, in which it defeated Xavier, 6752.
Despite having two key players sidelined with injuries —
senior guard Kaitlyn Orihel and graduate guard Lara Edmanson — freshman guard Dani Ceseretti was able to step in their place to assist in the win.
“We’re hoping [Edmanson and Orihel] will be back for the Marquette game,” head coach Denise Dillon said postgame on Sunday. “It’s a good time for us now to have this ‘by week’ for them to get a little more rest.”
With a possible healthy starting lineup, the Wildcats will be a different team compared to their previous matchup with the Golden Eagles. Villanova will look to grab its seventh home win of the season.
Villanova was without freshman guard Jasmine Bascoe in its previous meeting with Marquette. Courtesy of Villanova Athletics
Setting the Standard: Villanova’s 1985 NCAA Champions
Dylan Johnson Co-Sports Editor
Before the “Jay Wright era,” when Villanova won championships in 2016 and 2018, there was a group of Wildcats who did it all. Those were the men who set the standard of what Villanova basketball is today.
Members of Villanova’s 1985 National Championship team donned blue knit sweaters with an anniversary patch on the left sleeve as they stood in the middle of the Wells Fargo Center on Jan. 17. The patch symbolized the 40th anniversary of the 1985 championship.
Brian Harrington (‘85) stood at the front of a line filled with legends of the Villanova basketball program. Behind him was R.C. Massimino (‘86), son of legendary Villanova head coach Rollie Massimino. Harrington led the 1984-1985 team onto the court at halftime of Villanova’s contest against Providence, a team the ‘85 champs defeated twice during their championship season.
“We play for those who came before us” is a common phrase said by countless players and is embedded in Villanova Athletics’ history. For Villanova basketball today, the Wildcats on the 1984-85 roster are the people that they play for.
“They have really helped cement Villanova as one of the
best programs in the country,” Villanova coach Kyle Neptune said. “We’re honored that they continue to come around and take such pride in the program. We talk about this in our program all the time, we play for them.”
Villanova was an eight-seed in the 1985 NCAA Tournament. In the final, the Wildcats took down one-seed Georgetown, 6664, marking the lowest seed to win a national championship.
It was not an easy task to bring home Villanova basketball’s first-ever championship. At the time, the men’s basketball team did not have access to the resources that players have today, as the college basketball landscape has changed rapidly over the last 40 years.
Harold Pressley (‘86) fueled his playing career with Taco Bell and McDonald’s.
“They [current student-athletes] have trainers,” Pressley said. “They have chefs. They have good food. I love the game, how it has evolved with the kids.”
Ed Pinckney (‘85), one of the few who went on to play in the NBA, just wished Villanova had a training table. Those are the little things that student athletes of the current generation have easy access to.
“Well, I would have loved to have had a training table,” Pinckney said when asked about the differences in generations. “We
didn’t have one.”
Coach Massimino spent 19 seasons with the Wildcats. Until Wright took the reins in 2001, Massimino was the most decorated coach in program history. Massimino passed away in 2017 at the age of 82, two years after the 30th anniversary.
“What I loved about Coach Massimino is his grittiness mixed with style,” former Wildcat Gary McLain (‘85) said. “By style, I don’t mean clothing. I mean the way that he carried himself, the way that he attacked diversity, the way he attacked problems and coming up with solutions, and thinking outside the box. That commands a certain amount of style and I will always remember that about him.”
While change has happened in college basketball frequently, the humorous personalities of the 1985 team have not.
They constantly share laughs and poke fun at one another. Chuck Everson (‘86) created a text message thread for the entire team which allows them to constantly be in contact.
Villanova is known for its tight-knit community that gives students friendships for the rest of their lives. From the bonds to the support, they are a perfect example of what the University strives for.
“I feel lucky to have been a part of a university that provides for all of its athletes, and it’s a great place,” Pickney said. “It’s a great school, and it continues to grow. I was in Nebraska just yesterday. I sat next to a gentleman [on the plane back to Philadelphia] whose daughter went to Villanova and he had nothing but good things to say. That says enough about what kind of place it is.”
MBB Returns to WFC Against Creighton on Saturday
Jon Hunn Staff Writer
Villanova kicks off the back half of conference play with a return to the Wells Fargo Center this Saturday, Feb. 1 to host Creighton (Fox Sports, 1 p.m.).
With a midweek bye, Villanova (12-9, 5-5 Big East) enters the matchup tied with Xavier for fifth in the Big East. Creighton (14-6, 7-2 Big East) sits at third in the standings.
The Wildcats have lost four of their last five games, putting an NCAA Tournament bid in jeopardy.
Villanova is coming off a road loss to No. 10 Marquette, 87-74. The 13-point loss marks the Wildcats’ most lopsided loss of the season.
The ‘Cats were led in the game by senior guard Jordan Longino’s career-high 27 points, but his efforts were not enough. It was an unusually quiet game for graduate forward Eric Dixon, who scored 18 points on the night, with just three in the first half.
Dixon currently leads the Big East and the NCAA in scoring with 24.6 points per game. His 1,991 career points currently sits ninth on the program’s all-time scoring list. Dixon is nine points shy of eclipsing 2,000 career points. Only eight other Wildcats in program history have accomplished that feat.
Senior guard Wooga Poplar
has a team-leading 6.5 rebounds and graduate guard Jhamir Brickus is pacing the ‘Cats with 5.6 assists per contest.
Poplar could use a resurgent performance. In the loss to Marquette, Poplar came off the bench due to disciplinary reasons and managed just eight points while battling foul trouble.
Creighton travels to Villanova looking to add to its five-game winning streak. In the Bluejays’ most recent contest, they defeated Seton Hall, 79-54.
Creighton senior forward Ryan Kalkbrenner is one of the best players in the Big East. Kalkbrenner has a team-leading 17.7
points and 8.4 rebounds per game.
His 66.5% from the field leads the Big East and is fourth in the country.
Senior guard Steven Ashworth is 97.1% from the free throw line this season, which leads the nation. Ashworth has a teamhigh 6.7 assists per game.
The Bluejays are a force at home with a 10-1 record playing in front of the Creighton faithful but are more vulnerable on the road, sitting just 3-3 (.500) on the season.
This marks the second matchup between the two teams this season. Previously, Creighton defeated Villanova, 86-79, in
Omaha on Dec. 21. In this previous matchup, Dixon led all scorers with 27 points, but the Bluejays pulled away with help from three 20-plus point performances from their starting five.
Creighton shot 56% from three, draining 14 threes in all. Villanova’s perimeter defense has been a weakness this season.
Slowing down the Bluejay three-point barrage is likely to become a key factor for the Wildcats to pull out a victory in the upcoming rematch.
Villanova leads the all-time series, 19-10. However, Creighton has won the two most recent contests.
This year marks the 40th anniversary of Villanova’s 1985 National Championship. Courtesy of Villanova Athletics
Senior guard Jordan Longino comes off a 27-point performance against Marquette on Jan. 24. Courtesy of Villanova Athletics
Frames From Villanova vs. Providence
Senior guard Jordan Longino has surged through conference play. Graham Sukup/Villanovan Photography
Graduate Eric Dixon leads the country in scoring with 24.6 points per game Graham Sukup/Villanovan Photography
Longino is averaging 15.6 points over his last eight games. Graham Sukup/Villanovan Photography
Sophmore guard Tyler Perkins closes in on a shot attempt against Providence on Jan. 17 Graham Sukup/Villanovan Photography
Dixon lets out emotion after an and-one. Graham Sukup/Villanovan Photography
