WEDNESDAY September 9, 2026 www.villanovan.com @thevillanovan VOLUME 121 | ISSUE 1
STUDENT-RUN SINCE 1916
Cabrini Welcomes New Students
Father Peter Delivers 2026 Opening Address
Sophia Thomas Staff Writer
For the first time, the traditional sophomore experience at Villanova extends beyond the boundaries of Villanova’s main campus. Just a couple of miles down the road, students are settling into their residence halls, dining in new halls and learning the shuttle schedules as Villanova welcomes its first class of residents to Cabrini Campus. Following Cabrini University’s closure in 2024, Villanova acquired ownership of the institution’s former property and began preparing to integrate the transformed Cabrini Campus into daily university life. This fall, Cabrini became home to approximately 900 sophomore students, making it a central part of the Class of 2029’s second-year experience. For these students, the start of the fall semester meant navigating uncharted territory. While Cabrini offers many similar traditional Villanova amenities, students must also adjust to the distance between the Cabrini campus and the main campus. Before move-in day, Cabrini residents faced the prospect of becoming the first Villanovans to call this campus their new home. For some, a Cabrini housing assignment brought about excitement for new facilities and opportunities. For others, the assignment brought uncertainty. “My main motivation for the move to Cabrini was suite-style living,” sophomore Lyla Kirchner said. “The facilities are very clean, and it feels as though everyone is very accommodating.” As Cabrini residents settle in, they are focusing on establishing routines and
University President Rev. Peter M. Donohue, O.S.A., Ph.D spoke of new possibilities for the 2026-27 academic year. Dylan Johnson/Villanovan Photography
Margaret Miller Co-News Editor
On Tuesday, Sept. 8, University President Rev. Peter M. Donohue, O.S.A., Ph.D, hosted his annual Opening Address in the Connolly Center. Gathering mostly staff and faculty, the President spoke of new possibilities in the new school year, specifically with the opening of Villanova’s Cabrini Campus. Father Peter set the tonefor the speech, elaborating on what he sees as the start of an “extraordinary year.” “Villanova is mov-
ing forward. We are growing, we are changing and we are investing and we are doing it together as a community, united in a common mission and shared hope for our future” Father Peter stated. Father Peter began by speaking on the opening of the Cabrini Campus and the dedication of the campus. He spoke with positivity, elaborating on what the expansion means to the Villanova community as a whole. Addressing students and faculty living and working on the campus, specifically those who may feel isolated from the Villanova Campus, Father Peter framed the expansion
as a growth of an existing community, not a separate community. “Augustine believed that community is not simply about bringing people into the same place. True community is created when people are united in purpose. When they come together in friendship, mutual respect, and love for something greater than themselves. This is what we are building. Not simply more buildings, but a stronger community” Father Peter noted. Father Peter also discussed some events coming up in the University calendar. These include Pops in the Pavillon, an
event during parent’s weekend that will bring in Leslie Odom Jr., along with The St. Thomas of Villanova Day of Service on Sept. 19., the Sustainability Conference on Oct. 12-16 in Rome, and the Eternal City Tip Off Oct. 30- Nov. 1. The President also talked about the many changes occurring on the Villanova Campus. Father Peter focused on the construction of the new library, Falvey Library at Vic Maggiti Hall. This building will open Oct. 19, and the official celebration of its opening will occur Friday, Oct. 23 during homecoming weekend. Continued on p. 3
Villanova Commemorates 25 Years Since 9/11 Mia Galego
Co-News Editor
passengers aboard United Airlines Flight 93. Inside the Corr Hall
Chapel, students can find a stained glass window dedicated to those who died in
the attacks on Sept. 11, 2001. The memorial, designed by Rev. Richard G. Cannuli OSA, features an image of the Blessed Virgin Mary praying, the two World Trade Center buildings, the Pentagon and the field near Shanksville, PA, where United Airlines Flight 93 crashed. The names of the 15 Villanovans who died that day are inscribed at the
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Friday marks 25 years since one of the darkest days in American history, Sept. 11, 2001. The country and the entire Villanova community are forever impacted by the lives lost during the attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, as well as the heroic actions of the
The Story of 9/11 Survivors p. 3
Fall 2026 Semester Preview p. 4
This Week in Politics: Renewed Conflict with Iran p. 5
Exploring Villanova’s Newest Recreation Center p. 6
Students React to Cabrini Campus p. 7
What Does “Never Forget” Mean To Us? p. 9
Stop Asking Freshmen What Their Major Is p. 10
Student Panel Breaks Myths About Dating At Villanova p. 15
Villanova Football Vs. Louisville: Preview p. 18
Catching Up With The ‘Cats: Kris Jenkins (‘16) p. 18
A stained glass window in the Corr Hall Chapel is dedicated to those who past. Scarlet Shafie/Villanovan Photography
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