WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 17, 2021 www.villanovan.com @thevillanovan
STUDENT-RUN SINCE 1916
VOLUME 112 | ISSUE 3
Students Report Life in Isolation
Thrift Flips and Upcycling Devin Toolen Staff Writer
Have you ever bought something that quickly went out of style, and now you don’t know what to do with it? Or maybe you purchased an item without trying it on and it doesn’t fit you. Don’t stress, because there are a lot of easy ways to revamp clothes so that they are perfect for your wardrobe. Obviously, not everyone at Villanova has access to a sewing machine, or even knows how to sew for that matter. So, let’s go through some ways to upcycle your clothes without even needing a needle and thread. One of the easiest ways to flip something that you have is to simply cut it. You can use this method with really anything. The only issue with cutting clothing is a frayed hemline. With t-shirts, a cut hem is usually fine. However, with some materials, a frayed hem might pull and ruin the entire piece, so be careful with what you cut. Another upcycling hack is the addition of elastic waists. A lot of times when you buy thrifted jeans, it’s hard to find a pair that fits you perfectly. Similarly, jeans sometimes get stretched out and just don’t fit anymore. Something that I like to do is insert my own elastic waist. This might sound complicated, but it’s actually very easy to do. Go to a store like Joanne’s or Michaels to find elastic. Look for a size of an elastic waistband that would be smaller in height than the waistband of the pants you want to fix. Make small incisions on the inside of the waistband of the pants. Make these incisions on either side of the pants opening, and make sure not to cut all the way through to the outside. Then, take one end of the elastic, attach a safety pin to it and run it through one of the incisions made. Continued on p. 8
Virtual Singing Valentines Spread Love Across Campus p. 3 The Hype Around Bullet Journaling at Villanova p. 10
Some students who test positive are quarantined at the Inn at Villanova. Courtesy of The Inn at Villanova
Garret Whitton Staff Writer
Despite hopes of mass vaccination in the coming months, the COVID-19 pandemic continues to worsen with mutated variants and limited vaccine distribution. Just six weeks into the new year, the United States has recorded the highest number of cases, hospitalizations and deaths. Though there has been a slight decline from January to February, these reports still worry hospitals around the country as they quickly near full capacity—an issue the University is facing as well. To deal with this, the University is taking any precautions necessary, including renting out another hotel for
isolation space in addition to The Inn at Villanova. Due to the frightening rise of campus cases, the University thought it would be best to acquire more space for students who must isolate themselves after being contact-traced. Doing so will help avoid the possibility of returning to fully online classes and closing for the remainder of the semester. With this concern in the administration’s minds, the University was able to rent out the DoubleTree by Hilton in Plymouth Meeting, which is about 13 minutes from campus. Upon arrival, students must sign a contract agreeing to abide by CDC guidelines. They then give their name to a University
representative, who checks them in and takes them to a room. Most suites include a bedroom, living room, bathroom and closet. Bedrooms contain a king or queen-size bed, a desk to complete schoolwork and a TV. Living rooms have a table and couch to relax on situated in front of another TV. Other amenities include a mini-refrigerator and microwave. “To be honest, it is definitely not the worst arrangement,” freshman Jeffrey Walsh said. Walsh is isolating for the second time since the beginning of the pandemic. Once students are settled in, accommodating hotel employees do everything they can to make their stay somewhat enjoyable,
starting with meals. Every morning, students receive an invitation from the hotel staff to complete a survey that provides them the option to order something to eat. Three different options for each meal are offered, accompanied by a fourth choice that reads, “No selection. Ordering out.” This allows students to use apps like DoorDash, Postmates or UberEats. Breakfast is served at 9 a.m., lunch is at noon and dinner at 6 p.m. Though they have different choices, the menu tends to stay similar from day-to-day, with changes every so often. If a student does not want a full meal, he or she has the alternative to purchase a
Continued on p. 2
Athletics and Black History Month Noah Swan
Staff Writer
Villanova Athletics kicked off its celebration of Black History Month on Feb. 1 with a message from Director of Athletics Mark Jackson and Assistant Athletic Director for Compliance Malcolm Grace. The theme for this year’s celebration is “Black Family: Representation, Identity, and Diversity,” exploring the complexities of the Black family and its importance in the understanding of Black University Introduces E-Sports to Intramural Options p. 4
How to Celebrate Birthdays While in Quarantine p. 11
history. In their address to the students of Villanova, Jackson and Grace invited all members of the community to join them as Villanova Athletics recognizes different athletes, coaches and staff who have impacted the University. The department will continue to highlight the “moments, milestones, and memories” created by Black Villanovans, contributing to the story of Wildcat sports. The pair acknowledged the shortcomings of the department and Universi-
ty in their historical treatment of diversity. They emphasized the ongoing work of the
UNITAS committee within the athletic department. This organization strives to give
The Hypocrisy of the NFL’s “Inspire Change” Commercial p. 5
Trump and Social Media: The Never Ending Saga p. 6
Letter from the Editors: Prioritize Mental Health p. 7
How the Beauty Industry Responded to Black Lives Matter p. 12
Student Business Spotlight: Peels Apparel p. 13
Softball Picked First in Big East Preseason Poll p. 15
Continued on p. 14
Danielle Burns, Zoe Barnes, and Theophilus Quartey, Villanova student-athletes spotlighted on the athletics Instagram for Black History Month. Courtesy of @novaathletics on Instagram
2 | The Villanovan
News Opinion Culture Sports
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PUBLIC SAFETY BLOTTER
VOL. 112 | ISS. 3 www.villanovan.com @thevillanovan
CATE McCUSKER JACK ROBERGE MADISON BURKE ARIANA MEGERIAN SARAH SWEENEY SARAH WISNIEWSKI TINA ARON VIVI MELKONIAN A.J. FEZZA ELENA ROUSE JULIA STANISCI COLIN BEAZLEY BILLY VINCI MOLLY BAKER
Wednesday, February 17, 2021
NEWS
Editor-in-Chief Editor-in-Chief Associate Editor-in-Chief Digital Editor News Editor News Editor Opinion Editor Opinion Editor Culture Editor Culture Editor Culture Editor Sports Editor Sports Editor Copy Desk Chief
MICHAEL BRADLEY Advisor DEENA SMITH Advisor CONTACT villanovan.eic@gmail.com
Disorderly Conduct February 11 Good Counsel Hall Four male resident students discharged a fire extinguisher inside a residence hall which resulted in the activation of a fire alarm.
Receiving Stolen Property February 11 Connelly Center Four male resident students removed a fire extinguisher from a university building. Disorderly Conduct / Ethnic Discrimination/ Harassment February 11 Whole Campus Unknown individual(s) Zoom-Bombed” an open to the public University sponsored online meeting repeatedly using racially charged and anti-Semitic speech.
Disorderly Conduct February 13 West Campus Grounds A male resident student was observed making unauthorized entry to a university vehicle. Liquor Underage February 13 Alumni Hall 8 resident students, under the age of 21, were found consuming alcohol. Liquor Underage / Public Drunkeness February 13 Driscoll Hall A male resident student, under the age of 21, appeared in public while intoxicated.
Factual errors are corrected as soon as they are brought to The Villanovan’s attention. Please send an e-mail to villanovan.eic@gmail.com to report errors.
CAMPUS CALENDAR
781 899,237 28,381,220 110,032,362 Villanova University
United States
A Discussion with Author and Historian Richard Bell February 17 3:30 p.m. Virtual
Women’s Volleyball at St. John’s University February 18 7:00 p.m. Queens, NY
Villanova Women’s Soccer vs Temple February 17 2:00 p.m. Virtual
Women’s Volleyball at St. John’s University February 19 7:00 p.m. Queens, NY
2021 Digital Seeds Event featuring Julia Lewandoski, PhD February 18 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Virtual
Women’s Basketball at Marquette February 19 8:00 p.m. Milwaukee, WI Fratelli Tutti Fridays February 19 3:30 p.m. Virtual
snack from the lobby’s convenience store, which has been paid for by the University prior to their visit. There is also water and soda in refrigerators on every other floor in case a student gets thirsty, and these have also been purchased by the University. While students spend their time at the hotel, they work on school projects and homework but may become bored. If they do, they can watch one of the two TVs in their room or take walks around the building’s perimeter with the permission of the University representative, who is present at all hours of the day. Before they leave their room, students must partake in a survey that helps self-monitor symptoms of the virus they may have. If they show signs, they must report to a nurse that is there throughout the day to receive a COVID-19 test. If they test negative, the nurse advises them to go back to their rooms and rest. If they test positive, they are instructed to pack their clothes and are immediately transported to one of the University’s quarantine locations. Though Walsh is making the most of his situation and keeping up with his schoolwork, he misses his friends on campus and cannot wait to get back. The University is fortunate to have been able to provide more beds for those who fall sick, but if there is another spike in cases, it may not be as lucky. Students and faculty are encouraged to recommit to the CARITAS Commitment every day to help slow the spread and avoid a situation like this.
CONFIRMED CUMULATIVE CASES AS OF 8:00 P.M. TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 16
Pennsylvania
CORRECTIONS
Continued from p. 1
COVID-19 TRACKER
Field Hockey at Liberty University February 20 12:00 p.m. Virtual Men’s Basketball vs UConn February 20 1:00 p.m. Finneran Pavilion
Worldwide
Men’s Tennis at George Mason February 20 6:45 p.m. Burke, VA Men’s Basketball at Butler February 18 12:00 p.m. Indianapolis, IN
Courtesy of Villanova University
Number of Tests and Confirmed Positive Cases by Day at Villanova
Travis Mills Speaks at University’s Spotlight on Leadership Jack Birle Staff Writer On Feb. 12, retired U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Travis Mills delivered a passionate speech about persistence and leadership despite difficulties in life. The speech was originally scheduled for March of 2020, but it was postponed and moved to Zoom due to the ongoing pandemic. This speech was a part of the University’s annual spotlight on leadership. Previous speakers for the spotlight have included the founder of the Me Too movement, Tarana Burke, U.S. Senator of New Jersey Cory Booker and two-time World Cup champion Carli Lloyd. Mills served three tours with the Army and was severely injured from an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) on April 10, 2012 while deployed in Afghanistan. The explosion destroyed parts of both of his arms and legs, leaving him a quadruple amputee. Mills stated he lives by the motto, “Never give up. Never quit.” During the speech, the audience listened to his life story infused with humor and honesty. The veteran told the story of his early life, how he got into the military and how he met his wife. He also told the story of the day he was wounded by the IED blast. “I took my backpack off…
and underneath the backpack was an IED, a bomb, and the bomb went off and it threw me to the left side of my face and when I rolled over my back and saw the aftermath, my right arm and right leg were gone,” Mills said. “They actually never found those pieces.” Mills then described how he did not think he would survive, but his fellow soldiers were able to save him. He was then sent to a hospital in Kandahar, Afghanistan, where doctors were able to keep him alive. “They took me into surgery and nine doctors and seven nurses worked on me for fourteen hours straight,” Mills said. “They decided that fourteen hours of their expertise was worth more to them than losing one tourniquet and letting me fade out in two minutes.” The survivor then shifted to a message of persistence and perspective on life. He detailed his rehabilitation process after returning from the hospital. “What went through my mind [the day I began rehabilitation] was I’m not alone in this,” Mills said. “I was able to meet [my rehabilitation trainer] and realize life wasn’t over.” During his time in rehabilitation, Mills and his wife founded The Travis Mills Foundation. In Sept. of 2013, the foundation kicked off with a $5,000 donation from Mills and his wife. The couple began to send care packages to
soldiers deployed overseas. According to its website, the foundation “supports recalibrated veterans and their families through long-term programs that help these heroic men and women overcome physical obstacles, strengthen their families, and provide well-deserved rest and relaxation.” The organization has supported 210 families from 46 states and aims to assist wounded veterans like Mills after returning from deployment. The foundation now runs a retreat in Maine which offers an all-expense paid trip with activities specifically tailored for wounded veterans and their families. The foundation has organized retreats in Maine for wounded veterans since June 2017. “We host eight families per week who have been through physical injuries: being paralyzed, amputation and spinal-cord injuries, due to service,” Mills said. “We show them how to do things adaptively. We also have a post-traumatic stress program we just implemented, called warrior path, and it is really changing the game for people with post-traumatic stress and showing them how to have post-traumatic growth.” Mills has also written a New York Times bestselling memoir, “Tough as They Come,” and has been a part of the documentary focused on his life story titled, “Travis: A Soldier’s Story.”
Wednesday, February 17, 2021
The Villanovan | 3
NEWS
Former President Donald Trump is Acquitted in Historic Second Impeachment Trial Alexandra Spath Staff Writer Donald Trump’s historic second impeachment trial ended Feb. 13 with a 57-43 vote to acquit the former president on charges of incitement of insurrection. Seven Republican senators joined all 50 Democrats in voting to convict Trump, making it the most bipartisan vote to convict in history. In order for Trump to have been convicted, 67 senators would have voted for that verdict. Trump was charged with high crimes and misdemeanors following the riot at the United States Capitol on Jan. 6, during which a pro-Trump mob stormed the Capitol building while a joint session of Congress was being held inside. With the crucial support of five Republican senators, the Senate voted to move forward with the impeachment trial, which began on Feb. 9. According to the articles of impeachment passed by the House of Representatives, Trump “willfully made statements that, in context, encouraged—and foreseeably resulted in—lawless action at the Capitol.” House Democrats prosecuting Trump argued that he poses a threat to the United States and could incite further violence if given the opportunity to hold public office again in the future. The prosecution aimed to appeal to the Senate’s sense of reason and decency, recounting the harrowing experiences
Trump’s lawyer speaks in front of the Senate during his second impeachment trial. Courtesy of AP Photo
of White House aides during the insurrection and showing alarming video footage of the event. In the 14-minute video played during the trial, rioters inside the Capitol could be heard proclaiming their allegiance to the former president. “We are listening to Trump,” rioters said. “We were invited here.” House prosecutors also preemptively rebutted an expected argument from Trump’s defense: that Trump’s words to his supporters the day of the riot are protected by the free speech clause of the First Amendment. The prosecution argued that the First Amendment does not give the president a pass to violate his oath of office, which obligates him to protect and defend the Constitution.
“The First Amendment does not create some superpower immunity from impeachment for a president who attacks the Constitution in word and deed while rejecting the outcome of an election he happened to lose,” said Representative Jamie Raskin, a Maryland Democrat and the lead impeachment manager. Trump’s lawyers laid out their defense, basing their argument on comparing Trump’s behavior to that of Democrats, disparaging the legitimacy of the trial and predictably invoking the First Amendment. The defense claimed that since Democratic politicians faced little blame for the instances of violence at protests following the police killing of George Floyd,
Trump should not be held responsible for the actions of his supporters during the Capitol insurrection. The former president’s lawyers went on to claim that the Senate lacks the authority to convict a president who has left office, despite the Senate vote on Jan. 26 that determined otherwise. As expected, following the prosecution’s preemptive rebuttal, the defense argued that the president is protected by free speech rights and that his address to the crowd did not meet the legal definition of incitement. “At no point did you hear anything that could ever possibly be construed as Mr. Trump encouraging or sanctioning an insurrection,” said Michael T. Van der Veen, a member of Trump’s legal defense team. In a statement issued shortly after his acquittal, Trump thanked his lawyers and supporters and called the trial “yet another phase of the greatest witch hunt in the history of our Country.” “No president has ever gone through anything like it,” Trump said. Despite producing a historically bipartisan conviction effort, the prosecution’s detailed and meticulous case against Trump was unsuccessful in convincing enough Republican Senators to cross party lines and vote to convict. Trump’s acquittal means he will be legally allowed to run for president again, as many have predicted he will do in 2024.
Virtual Singing Valentines Spread Love Across Campus Jackie Thomas Staff Writer Keeping with a beloved campus tradition, the Villanova Singers held their annual Singing Valentine delivery on Sunday, Feb. 14. While certain aspects of the day’s events looked different to follow Community First guidelines and maintain social distancing, the spirit of the valentine delivery maintained its usual air of surprise, love and song. The Villanova Singers, the university’s all-male choral group dating back to 1953, has been tirelessly delivering valentines on Villanova’s campus since 1979. For the past four decades, it has included countless renditions of “You Are My Valentine” (set to the tune of “You Are My Sunshine”) across campus from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. each Valentine’s Day. “Usually, it’s composed of quartets—four guys in tuxes—roving campus,” senior and Villanova Singers President Benjamin Crawford said. “We do wake-up calls, visits to faculty and staff offices, classroom visits and videos.” Singing Valentines are a tradition cherished by everyone on campus, and the annual excitement is particularly special to the members of Villanova Singers. Crawford described the delight of delivering
valentines as two-fold: spreading messages of love across the community and strengthening the brotherhood and bond of the Singers themselves. “It’s a singular, unique experience to this group,” Crawford said. For an organization centered around brotherhood and song, this event serves to celebrate the core values of the Villanova Singers. This year, due to concerns surrounding campus COVID-19 infection rates, the Singers stuck to a strictly virtual format to ensure the safety of all parties involved. Members of the community could purchase and request a song delivery to their valentine over the phone, sung by a Singer live at the time of the purchaser’s choosing, or through a video via email. Orders were accepted until midnight on Feb. 13, and the Singers set about delivering the valentine messages throughout the day on Feb. 14. Though some familiar elements of the in-person deliveries, like boisterous six-o’clock wakeup serenades or theatrical in-class performances, were missing this year, the Singers stayed true to their mission of celebrating love from a distance. “I would hope that recipients feel a little spark of joy,” Crawford said. Considering reactions to Singing Valentines, Crawford noted
the role these musical messages could play as cheerful moments amidst the stress of college life, especially during the University’s current two-week “Slow the Spread” directive. Freshman Rachel Rhee, one such valentine recipient, was impressed. “My virtual singing valentine was such a nice surprise,” she said. “I really enjoyed it, and I was so glad that they still found a way to bring people smiles through music despite the pandemic.” Typically, Singing Valentines serves as a major fundraiser for the Villanova Singers to help fund their travels across the country and internationally. The group has traveled to perform in Brazil, Italy, Austria, Germany, Spain, Puerto Rico and many other destinations in recent years. Considering current holds on travel, however, Villanova Singers leadership decided to alter the cause for this year’s proceeds. In reaction to extreme need seen in the greater Philadelphia area since the onset of the pandemic crisis, the Singers shifted focus to where help was needed—all proceeds from this year’s Singing Valentines will go toward Philabundance, the largest hunger relief organization in the Delaware Valley. Their mission is to provide nutrituous meals to those in emergency situations. Their motto is to “End hunger. For good.” This uniquely charitable
mission made the loving mission of Singing Valentines all the more powerful, arguably creating an even greater impact this year compared to more normal circumstances. Not only were melodies and love spread on campus, but families were able to enjoy meals in these unpredictable times. Although appearing in unconventional ways, love was certainly in the air on campus and beyond this Valentine’s Day thanks to the talents of the Villanova Singers.
The Villanova Singers delivering a singing valentine in past years. Courtesy of Villanovaa Women’s Ice Hockey Instagram
4 | The Villanovan
Wednesday, February 17, 2021
NEWS
Pennsylvania Resident Shares Her Vaccine Experience Lydia McFarlane Staff Writer After the deadliest months of the coronavirus pandemic, vaccination administration has been picking up nationwide. As of Feb. 9, 62,898,775 were distributed, and 43,206,190 were administered. The two vaccines that are being distributed and administered are the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines. Both are two-dose vaccines, and patients are advised to get the second dose about three to four weeks after the first. Nationwide, the first people to get vaccinated were front-line healthcare workers, with residents at long term care facilities coming in second. Now, many of the people in those two groups have received their vaccines. Even though many people are getting vaccinated every day, it is still important to continue to wear a mask once vaccinated. There is not enough evidence proving that the vaccine can prevent transmission of the virus. Dr. Anthony Fauci took to Twitter on Feb. 4 to explain why masks must continue to be worn for the time being even after vaccination. “Currently, we do not have enough data to be able to say with confidence that the vaccines can prevent transmission. So even if vaccinated, you may still be able to spread the virus to vulnerable people. Masks are vital until we learn more & significantly reduce infections,” Fauci tweeted. Rosalie Fendrock of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania recently received the vaccine. “I will still be wearing a mask for quite a while,” Frendrock said. “I would not give up the practice yet,
just to be sure the vaccine is doing what it’s supposed to do.” President Joe Biden has a goal of 100 million vaccines administered in his first 100 days in office. He entered the presidency with a three-fold plan to meet his goal. First, Biden’s administration will increase the weekly number of vaccine shipments from 8.2 million to 10 million. Next, his administration will maintain those numbers for three weeks, allowing states to plan for a month of vaccination. Finally, under Biden’s guidance, the federal government purchased 200 million extra doses of the vaccines, which ensures enough vaccines would be available to vaccinate the entire American public within the next few months. Many states are moving into the later phases of the vaccine distribution. In Pennsylvania, for example, the state is still in phase 1A of the distribution plan, while also slowly phasing into 1B. 1A is the first stage of the plan which includes healthcare workers and residents of longterm care facilities. 1B includes many other groups of people, including teachers and grocery store workers. In Pennsylvania, teachers are slowly beginning to get vaccinated. Although the vaccine is now available to teachers and those who work in schools, the vaccines are going fast. Many people had trouble registering for their first dose, as appointments to get vaccinated went quickly. University freshman Jordan Mastrodomenico’s grandparents struggled to get the shot because of how quickly appointments were going. “Their experience was relatively easy once they got the shot,” she said. “But, the hard part was
Diane McFarlane and Rosalie Fendrick receive their COVID vaccine. Courtesy of Diane McFarlane
getting them the appointments since everything booked very quickly.” Diane McFarlane, a guidance counselor in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, just received her first dose of the vaccine. Her mother, Rosalie Fendrock, received hers just days before McFarlane. While Fendrock experienced no symptoms after receiving the vaccine besides a sore arm, her daughter experienced a few. She received the vaccine on a Saturday, and by Sunday she was experiencing “tiredness, overall body aches and chills on and off during the day.” By Tuesday though, she was feeling back to normal. Both McFarlane and Fendrock are looking forward to the normalcy that mass vaccination could bring. “I can’t wait to get out of the house!” Fendrock said. “The winter months have been hard, especially with so many
holidays that we missed being together...we are a big family and you never realize what you miss until it isn’t there…looking forward to seeing everyone,” McFarlane said. As stated by the state of Pennsylvania months ago, the University will be a vaccination site when enough vaccines are available. Although there is no timeline for when that might happen, many students are getting excited about the prospect of finally being vaccinated. Students, among many others across the nation, believe mass vaccination is a step in the right direction, and hopefully back to normalcy. “I think the vaccine is definitely a step in the right direction, and I will be getting it when it’s available to me,” Mastrodomenico said. “Mass vaccination is absolutely the way to go in terms of ending this pandemic.”
University Introduces E-Sports to Intramural Options Sarah Wisniewski Staff Writer The University continues to adjust during the ongoing pandemic. The University’s Office of Intramurals and Recreation has moved intramural spring sports online to keep the health of students a top priority. In past semesters, intramural sports have included sand volleyball, soccer, flag football, indoor volleyball and dodgeball. This year, students have the options of participating in Rocket League or NBA 2K20 for both PlayStation and Xbox. More options may become available in the upcoming semesters as well. Similiar to other sports, students were able to register with their teams or join as an independent player and be added to existing teams. This spring, 30 participants have signed up for the e-sports offered. The intramural office decided to choose Rocket League and NBA 2K20 due to popularity on and off campus. The e-sports were also able to be accommodated through the University’s network. “Unfortunately, there are several popular titles that we can’t offer because our network is not currently set up to accommodate Esports although campus admin-
istrators are working to alleviate some of these restrictions,” said Michael Hay, Coordinator of Aquatics, Intramurals, and Recreation. Rocket League is a popular game that brings together sports cars and soccer. Players use rocket-powered vehicles to hit a ball into their opponent’s goal. The rules of the game are the same as traditional soccer. NBA 2K20 allows players to participate in virtual basketball games using athletes from the 2020 National Basketball Association. Top ranked players include Anthony Davis, Joel Embiid and Karl Anthony-Towns. Hay explained that the spike of cases on campus resulted in the inability to offer in-person intramural sports. However, he is hopeful that with more time and a decrease in cases, his office will be able to offer in-person sports later in the semester. The sports would have to be kept outdoors to stay in line with the University’s guidelines. “We can possibly have some more traditional offerings with modified rulesets to accommodate social distancing restrictions,” Hay said. The coordinator shared that one of the most difficult challenges faced when moving intramural sports online was getting students to participate and
sign-up. During a regular semester, thousands of students sign up to participate in the regularly offered sports. However, due to the limitations of only two e-sports, participation took a hard hit. On the bright side, the offices were able to recognize a new sector for intramurals. Now they are working to make adjustments to the current network configuration in order to better accommodate e-sports. Simon Brooks, a senior in the College of Engineering, has participated in intramural sports for the past four years and been a part of the Men’s Club Volleyball team. This year, he assisted in organizing the e-sports, specifically the Rocket League teams. Brooks explained that the Villanova Gaming Society (VGS) communicated with the Intramural Offices in order to decide on format and timing for the e-sport. VGS has offered virtual tournaments in the past, and the success of these inspired the Intramural Offices to attempt virtual sports for the spring. VGS already knew what had worked and what had not during tournaments, which made organizing for the spring semester easier. Also, the main upside to these sports is that they are essentially free. Players only have to pay for the gaming system or laptop they play on. For Rocket
League, the teams are also smaller and consist of three players each. Games only take about five minutes, which allows players to engage in multiple matches over a short period of time. Rocket League has recently become one of the most popular games online, seeing an increase in players since the pandemic’s start. International players are even able to play the game as a full-time job, due to tournaments, branding, streaming and YouTube channels. “I got interested in the game because my roommate played during my sophomore year,” Brooks said. “Now, everyone seems to be playing it and people of all ages can participate especially during COVID.” Brooks encourages all students to check out the game and stay informed about intramural sports. “You got nothing to lose,” Brooks said. “It’s free and surprisingly fun. I definitely recommend you grab a friend and try it out.” Hay also encourages students to get involved despite changes to the intramural programs. In addition, the coordinator asks any students who have ideas for new sports to contact him or the Office of Intramural Sports. “I know this is a difficult time, but we will get through this together,” Hay said.
Wednesday, February 17, 2021
OPINION
The Villanovan | 5
OPINION
The Hypocrisy of the NFL’s “Inspire Change” Commercial Joe Adams Staff Writer It’s Sunday night, and I’m watching the Super Bowl. The game cuts away to a series of commercials: one from M&M, another from Uber Eats. Then, a new commercial appeared. A narrator began preaching about football and the importance of coming together to change. Over this narrator, clips of NFL teams and Black Lives Matter protests were visible, and I began wondering who was behind this commercial. Then, I saw this message sprawled across the TV screen: “The NFL is committing $250 million to help end systemic racism. While the season is over, our fight for social justice is not.” The NFL had the audacity to say that it is fighting for social justice? I was shocked at what I had just watched. I immediately headed to Twitter, and many people shared my sentiment. How could the NFL be so hypocritical? Let’s start with this fact: in the NFL, there are only three Black head coaches and no majority Black ownership. This extreme lack of diversity is not only problematic, but completely undermines the NFL’s message of “Inspire Change.” The NFL has a diversity problem, yet told nearly 100 million viewers during the Super Bowl that they are inspiring change. No, NFL, you are not inspiring change. Your lack of diversity is
Damian Swann displays Breonna Taylor’s name on his helmet in sign of solidarity. Courtesy of NFL
inspiring viewers to move backwards, not forward. Something that really stood out to me after watching this commercial was the controversy involving San Francisco quarterback Colin Kaepernick. In 2016, Kaepernick took a knee during the National Anthem, and many people publicly condemned his actions. I remember when this was at the forefront of our news and discussed it in my U.S. History class. Our class was divided, like the rest of the country. Personally, I
thought what Kaepernick was doing was courageous and necessary for the time. However, many did not. By 2018, Kaepernick had opted out of his contract, and the NFL made a policy that kneeling during the National Anthem would result in punishment, following pressure from then President Donald Trump. At this time, it was clear that the NFL did not care about Kaepernick, social justice or the widespread racism that they were promoting.
This is why I was so shocked to see the league boasting about its $250 million being used to “end systemic racism.” Where was this when Kaepernick was bringing light to the issue? The NFL can’t just move with the trends about what seems right whenever they please. They have to get ahead of these issues, especially when players publicly express concern about how people of color are being treated in our country. It is great that the NFL is finally stepping up and committing to doing what is right. Of course, change is a good thing. But the fact that it took the NFL this long and it is boasting about all the good it is doing now as if it hasn’t taken the opposite stance is flat out wrong. It has long been part of the problem. There are so many ways that the “Inspire Change” commercial could have been portrayed to viewers. The NFL chose the wrong way. I can’t fathom the thought process behind creating this commercial. The fact that multiple people thought this commercial was a good idea and should be approved is baffling to me. We can’t pretend like the NFL’s previous actions and its lack of diversity doesn’t exist. At the very least, this commercial could have been about how the NFL is committed to doing better. A genuine acknowledgement of wrongful past actions, coupled with specific ways in which the NFL is changing, would have been a much more effective commercial.
Philadelphia Sports Dominate Despite COVID-19
nova men’s basketball team do well despite the lack of energy provided Jacob Artz by the traditionally packed venues. Staff Writer The Sixers have the making of a possible championship run as Ben Simmons continues to improve In the most anticipated at the point guard position while matchup of the young season for leveraging his defensive superiorthe Philadelphia 76ers, Tobias ity and athleticism. Joel Embiid Harris nailed a game-winning is looking like an MVP with his jumper with little time remaining silky-smooth jumper from the freeto hold off a furious Los Angeles Lakers comeback bid. Los Angeles throw line and team improving ability with his rebounding and was down 14 with just over four dishing out of a double team. minutes remaining and took the The Flyers are building lead late at 106-105. The top team a powerful force in the Eastern in the Eastern Conference took Conference (second in the East out the Western Conference’s top Division and tied for fourth in team. This was especially crazy the NHL) with the emergence of for Sixers fans, who are used to James van Riemsdyk on the powseeing their team blow colossal er play and steady presence of fourth-quarter leads. However, there are no fans Claude Giroux and Jakub Voracek. This team has the opportunity to allowed for Sixers games, Flyers build on its Eastern Conference games or Villanova basketball Semifinals exit last season. Villanogames. As of last week, Phillies va basketball has amassed an imNation and John Clark of NBC pressive 13-3 record, a first-place Sports Philadelphia reported that sitting in the Big East and a numthe Phillies will host selected fans ber five ranking in the AP Poll. for their Spring Training games All of these stellar accomin Clearwater. We saw fans, 7,500 plishments have come despite fans to be exact, for the Eagles COVID-19 impacting all three Week six, seven and eight matchups against the Ravens, Giants and of these teams’ seasons thus far. The Sixers had to play the DenCowboys, according to NBC 10 ver Nuggets, who are a formiPhiladelphia. dable team out West, with only The invisibility of fans has seven active players dressed for not impacted the play of the curthe game. The Flyers are in the rent Philadelphia teams in action. midst of multiple postponements, With this in mind, as a Philadelphia sports fan, I have been blessed as they have seven players on the COVID-19 protocol list and have to see the Sixers, Flyers and Villa-
Tobias Harris sinks a game-winner against the Los Angeles Lakers at Wells Fargo Center. Courtesy of Elizabeth Robertson/Philadelphia Inquirer
had their last four games postponed. The Villanova men’s basketball team had nearly a month’s layoff after having to go into quarantine twice for COVID-19 issues within the program. None of these teams struggled since coming out of quarantine. The Villanova men’s basketball team is playing well with its heavy, ball-moving offense under the conductor Collin Gillespie and shooting weapons Jermaine Samuels, Jeremiah Robinson-Earl and Caleb Daniels. They are rolling in conference play and gearing up towards a huge March Madness run - last Saturday’s loss at Creighton notwithstanding. The most impressive aspect of these unusual seasons is how
well these teams are navigating all the regulations and guidelines. It would be extremely difficult to not be able to see my family or be able to go places with friends. They have set the precedent that they are devoted to their craft and improving together as teams. We have seen more leadership because of this virus, as team leaders are holding everyone accountable, and if someone slips, they are reprimanded so that the team can continue to play. Players have shown they can recreate the fans’ energy to a degree by being even more engaged on the bench and in the game. While horrible in nature, this virus has certainly allowed teams to show their leadership and skill during a difficult time.
6 | The Villanovan
EDITORIAL BOARD
LETTERS TO THE EDITORS
The Villanovan encourages all members of the Villanova community to voice their opinions. LetEditor-in-Chief ters to the editors may be submitted via e-mail to villanovan.eic@gmail.com. Letters must not exAssociate Editor-in-Chief ceed 500 words and must be signed. No anonyous letters will be published. All submissions become Opinion Editor property of The Villanovan and are subject to Opinion Editor editing for clarity and space.
CATE McCUSKER Editor-in-Chief JACK ROBERGE MADISON BURKE TINA ARON VIVI MELKONIAN
Wednesday, February 17, 2021
OPINION
POLICY
The unsigned editorial that appears is the opinion of The Villanovan as deteermined by the majority of the Editorial Board. Other columns, letters and artwork represent the opinions of their auhtors and do not necessarily reflect the position of The Villanovan.
Trump and Social Media: The Never-Ending Saga
about a wide array of topics through retweets and, admittedly, sometimes funny tweets. However, following the horrific events of the Capitol Riot It is no secret that social on Jan. 6, Trump faced backlash media has dominated much of our from all over the political and social lives in the past few years, whether spectrum, with Twitter being one of it’s using these platforms as a means the first to announce that the former of communication, staying informed President would be permanently on the latest news or simply waiting banned from its platform. Following on the next popular meme. The this controversial move, Trump had COVID-19 pandemic has only floated the possibility of starting his served to elevate the use of platforms own platform on the basis of holding such as Snapchat, Instagram, Youtrue to the first amendment after Tube, Tik Tok and many more apps Twitter had taken away a direct form during an unprecedented time that of communication to his supporters relies heavily on the virtual format. in the blink of an eye. However, while new additions to If managed properly, I social media are not necessarily believe that this platform would uncommon or unusual given the cur- prove to be one that can surpass rent times, there is one possible plat- some major existing ones, including form that will likely take the world by and, ironically, even Twitter itself. storm if it becomes a reality. First off, Trump — whether you like Former President Donald him or not — still has quite a strong Trump has been under the spotlight group of supporters that would like no other president before him, happily join his new platform. His even overshadowing some Hollypersona of “the outsider” candidate wood celebrities. While he had been is still compelling to many, including a notable figure in the entertainment myself, as it makes him a more relatworld long before his presidency, part able candidate as opposed to those in of the reason he had received a mas- years prior. sive amount of attention was due to There is, however, another social media, notably Twitter. Trump key reason that I believe this platwas not shy of voicing his opinion form will skyrocket if made within Steven Makino Staff Writer
this year. Trump’s ban from nearly all social media platforms unknowingly set a dangerous precedent moving forward that goes beyond the former President’s lively Twitter finger. If social media corporations can censor and even remove someone like the former President of the United States from having a platform to voice his opinions, it leaves open the possibility that anyone reading this right now can be censored. A major example of this occurred days after the Jan. 6 attacks on the U.S. Capitol when a popular conservative platform known as Parler was removed by Apple, Google and Amazon based on posts that incited violence, although this issue can be attributed to most social media platforms. Due to this, those on Parler who have been essentially silenced and those merely looking for a safe place to voice their views on topics without the threat of censorship or being canceled will gravitate to Trump’s potential project. Part of the reason I voted for Trump in the 2020 election was the fact that — while not always using the best rhetoric — he challenged these Big Tech corporations as being biased towards one side of
the political aisle. While I do believe that Trump indeed has his notable flaws, his opinion on the “fake news” of today is something that I, as well as a decent amount of people, believe to an extent. This new platform will serve as the antithesis to the “Fake News” platforms that Trump had basically been fighting for the duration of his presidency, and I truly believe that if he goes through with it, in time, his platform will not only be a Republican platform, but instead one for all Americans who cherish their first amendment rights. Trump currently has been uncharacteristically silent in recent weeks, offering very few public statements. This may prove to be an effective strategy as many still are eager to hear what Trump has to say in general, and being relatively reserved for the time being will only serve for more eyes to be focused on the former President when he does have something to say publicly. Having just this past Saturday been acquitted by the Senate for the Impeachment charge of Incitement of Insurrection, this could foreshadow his social media endeavors to become a reality in the near future as he himself stated that his movement has “only just begun.”
Wednesday, February 17, 2021
The Villanovan | 7
OPINION
Letter from the Editors: Prioritize Mental Health
At the beginning of this pandemic, I strongly doubt that anyone thought it would be a persistent figure in our lives almost a year later. In some ways, the pandemic is almost harder to deal with now than it ever was before. Last spring, our expectations were clear: stay home, quarantine, and socialize virtually. Now, however, we have been stuck in this weird limbo where some of our friends have seemingly returned to normal social interaction, while others heed proper caution and stick with the same people. COVID has found a way to interfere with every decision and makes simply spending time with another person anxiety-inducing: could they have COVID? Where have they been recently? Is it weird if I keep my mask on? Human beings are social animals, and while this pandemic
has definitely made us more creative about how we see others, the lack of normal interaction has also taken a toll on our mental health. We are approaching a year since the pandemic hit, and normal life has never felt more distant. It has certainly been hard to form new relationships and grow pre-existing ones. If the pandemic has left you feeling lonely and at a loss of fun and socially distant activities, don’t worry; you’re not alone. Look out for a Thursday email highlighting weekend events from the Campus Activities Team (CAT). This Villanova club has been great at providing things to do that are COVID-safe and fun. Take advantage of their Villanova Basketball game watching supplies, and support the ‘Cats. And as always, patiently await the return of Food Truck Fridays.
It is so important to make sure your mental health is a top priority. It is easy to let different pressures (daily and societal) interfere with putting yourself first and forgetting to practice self-care. We are so used to having the classic phrase, “your college years are the best years of your life,” thrown at us. Yet, none of the people giving us this awesome sentiment have gone to college in a pandemic. If you don’t feel like you’re living out your dream college experience, it’s okay — we are quite literally living through “unprecedented” times. Right now, anything goes as long as it puts your physical and mental health first, even if that means having a chill night… every night. Despite mostly operating virtually, clubs are still a great way to safely meet people that have shared interests. “Join a club” is the most cliché piece of advice out
there, but is a great way to participate in something productive while also meeting new people and giving an opportunity for new friendships to form. And if you decide a club isn’t working out for you, then you’ve only lost an hour of your time, and at least you tried. Also, rush The Villanovan! When the pandemic is over (funny, I know), Generation Z will prevail and make up for our lost time. However, until then, reach out to friends and do your best to combat zoom fatigue. Simply practicing good communication, taking that risk to ask someone to get lunch, or expressing how you feel to your friends could make all the difference. And please, never hesitate to reach out for help; if loneliness is severely interrupting your daily life, consider booking a free appointment at the University Counseling Center (610-519-4050).
Innovative Governance for the 21st Century
fornia, while Tennessee, Texas and Florida gained the most foot votes of confidence. While these Californians weren’t escaping oppression, There are three types of many of them were surely fed up voting: at the ballot box, with your with the state’s onerous taxes, high dollars and with your feet. cost of living adjusted poverty rate, In an election, you are high rate of homelessness, increasing supposed to give your vote to your crime, rolling blackouts from failed preferred candidate. However, in energy policy, wildfires and poor recent times, it’s more likely that air quality, underperforming public you’re choosing which candidate you schools and the recent outflow of top detest less. Voting at the ballot box tech companies like Tesla. While the is the bare minimum; you show up state just reached the required 1.5 once every few years, choose a name million signatures for a recall election and leave. There is no cost to ballot of Governor Gavin Newsom, many voting aside from the opportunity cost were tired of living under Democratic of foregoing whatever activity you rule and decided to move to Arizona, could’ve done on Election Day. It is a Texas, Tennessee and Florida (all low form of committed civic engage- controlled by Republicans). Why vote ment because of the minimal effort at the ballot box in elections you will it requires, but ballot voting is still surely lose when you can move and important. If we don’t vote, we have get governance more in line with your no say on who gets to wield the fright- preferences? ening powers given to governments. For generations, Americans Voting with your dollars by have mostly thought of voting only in donating to a candidate shows a bit the ballot box variety. This is beginmore commitment. According to ning to change as our increasingly Quartz, a vote cost Donald Trump connected world allows us to leverage around $5.80 in 2016 and cost technology to gain better informaBarack Obama around $12.80 in tion and act in better accordance 2012. If in addition to voting in one with our preferences. For example, a of those elections, you also contribut- young person working remotely in the ed just $20 to one of the candidates, northeast need not stay in a locality you would’ve doubled or tripled your with strict coronavirus regulations reach by influencing the votes of and can instead get an Airbnb where others. You also exposed yourself to the weather is more enjoyable. One more risk if your candidate lost, losing co-worker originally based on the east both the election and $20. This is a coast recently Zoomed in from Dencrude metric, but the basic insight ver and Salt Lake City, working in the holds: putting your money at risk for morning and skiing in the afternoon. something, whether that is contribut Modern technology has ing to a political campaign or buying greatly improved our ability to exit a company’s stock, is a form of voting and vote with our feet. Unfortunately, that contains more signaling power this progress has not spread equally because you’re internalizing risk. across society. Not everyone can pack Voting with your feet is the up their lives into a few suitcases and most impactful way to vote. Unlike a laptop. filling out a ballot or using your As David Goodhart eloquentmoney to buy only Fair Trade prodly put it, if your life is “Somewhere” ucts, moving requires you to uproot instead of “Anywhere,” you are your life and invest significant sums grounded and have much less exit of money in order to relocate. Foot — you can vote at the ballot box and voting requires fundamentally altering with your dollars but are disenfranyour life for some reason, whether it chised at the foot voting level. be to live with a partner, find better Nevada recently took a step economic opportunity, flee violence or at rectifying this disparity and re-deescape persecution. mocratizing foot voting for the 21st According to 2020 moving century. In January, Governor Steve company data, the state that saw the Sisolak announced a new proposmost outward foot voting was Calial for “Innovation Zones.” These Andrew Ceonzo Staff Writer
Voting at the ballot box is the most traditional form of political involvement. Courtesy of Kamil Krzaczynski/Getty Images
jurisdictions would essentially be new counties founded by a tech company focused on innovative technology, governance and economic development. At first, these zones would be governed by a board jointly appointed by the company and the governor, but then would quickly become democratic once the city reaches certain benchmarks. These special zones also bear a resemblance to charter cities, which the Charter Cities Institute defines as “new cities with a special jurisdiction to create a new governance system focused on enabling economic development.” While charter cities are different from the innovation zones that Nevada has planned, they are similar enough that this new policy could serve as an early test of some key concepts and bring the charter city conversation into mainstream discourse. While limited, the Nevada model is the first step toward achieving charter cities organized around specific governance models that will compete for people to live there. Charter cities start from scratch, meaning if they don’t attract citizens, they will fail. By competing for your citizenship, charter cities are incentivized to find innovative governance frameworks and rules that
best promote human flourishing or risk people foot voting and exiting to another charter city that better aligns with their preferences. While these cities will have democratic governments, they will also be subject to greater market forces than our current systems, forcing them to innovate or decline. We are already seeing the basics of this incentive structure with Miami’s recent efforts to attract California expatriates and become a new tech hub or Singapore’s immigration-based economy. The Charter City Institute has written, “governance is the most important determinant of long-term economic outcomes.” I would extend the point further: governance is the key determinant for human flourishing. If you don’t believe me, just think of the difference between North and South Korea. They shared all of the other most important factors for development but divided 75 years ago along governance into a communist state and democratic-capitalist state. The results speak for themselves. Utilizing new models, like the Nevada Innovation Zones and charter cities, we can apply these lessons and promote human flourishing by giving everyone the right to vote at the ballot box, with their dollars and with their feet.
Wednesday, February 17, 2021
Culture
8 | The Villanovan
Vibe Check with The Villanovan The Best On-Campus Date Ideas “Door dashing from somewhere both you and your partner haven’t tried before and watching a movie or a TV show, or getting Rosie’s and having a picnic.”
“Space Art Night in Cova with VAS on Saturday!” -Isabel Langas ‘22 “Villanova Observatory visit! (Once it’s open to the public again)”
-Ally Weitzman ‘22
-Lily Switka ‘22
“If you’re upperclassmen, walk back to spit for dinner and swap stories about freshman year! Walking past the church or string lights on the campus green also creates a romantic, pretty atmosphere. If you’re walking around sunset, take the bridge or go up to the top floor of the Ithan garage for an awesome view!”
“Coffee date on the steps of Dundale Mansion!” -Margot Varrichio ‘22
- Susannah McHugh, ‘22
CULTURE
Clothing Flips and Upcycling: Giving Old Clothes New Life Devin Toolen Staff Writer Continued from p. 1
By scrunching the elastic and pulling the safety pin through the waistband of the pant, you cut the elastic where necessary. Once you have your pants on and before you fully zip or button them up, pull the elastic tightly, and it will cinch the pants around your waist to make them fit properly. Then, you can tie the ends in a bow and tuck the bow inside the pants. This is an easy way to make any type of pants fit your body perfectly. Do you remember when long skirts were a popular trend a few seasons ago? One might see a lot of long skirts in thrift stores because of their gradual fade-out. If you have one, don’t get rid of it, and if you see one you like while thrifting, pick it up. A long skirt can be transformed into something new with a simple ruching hack. Put the skirt on and with a large safety pin, gather some material on the inside of the left or right knee of the skirt, and pierce
the pin through the material. Gather a few folds to give the skirt a ruched effect. Then, close the safety pin on the inside to complete the look. This is such a simple way to make an old skirt look like something completely new. Lastly, fan favorite hacks include tie dye, bleach dye or full dye clothing flip. If you have a plain piece of clothing that you want to change, or you’ve found something with a cool style but boring color at a thrift store, consider dyeing it a new color. Tie dyeing is relatively self-explanatory, as I’m sure we’ve all tied shirts in rubber bands and splashed them with various colors to make cool spiral effects. Bleach dyeing can be done the same way, just make sure to use a lot of bleach to get the full effect. As for full dyeing, go to a local Target and get the dye color of your choice. Mix the dye in a bucket of water and let the piece of clothing soak for at least a day. Then, after washing (wash alone to avoid color bleeding), the piece should be dyed a new color - this can be done with shoes as well.
Being able to revamp old pieces of clothing is exciting. Keep an open mind and be creative. When you thrift shop or even search
through your closet, think about ways you can transform pieces. You might be able to create something uniquely yours.
This sweater vest looks great over a turtleneck paired over a miniskirt and tights. Courtesy of Devin Toolen
Wednesday, February 17, 2021
CULTURE
The Villanovan | 9
Student Podcast: Grayson Pruett “Meant for Big Things” Chelsea Le Staff Writer Nineteen-year-old Chicago native Grayson Pruett’s new podcast “Meant for Big Things” inspires others to make their dreams a reality by creating the best versions of themselves. Having transferred from Franklin University Switzerland in the fall to attend Villanova, Pruett is currently involved in a cappella, Villanova Student Musical Theatre and various business groups on campus. Pruett decided to create her podcast after being inspired by self-improvement workshops and other podcasts. “Listening to a podcast is just like listening to music, you can do it anywhere, anytime you want, and I wanted to give my listeners that freedom,” Pruett said. “I also feel like podcasts are more intimate, like a phone call, where you can focus on the message at hand, versus being distracted by visuals that a typical YouTube or TikTok video has.” Pruett’s first episode featured an introduction about herself and her experience studying abroad before coming to Villanova. Described as an internal battle of overcoming her doubts and hesitation, Pruett ultimately decided that she wanted to create excitement in her life and encouraged her listeners to find it in their own lives. Fear, as she describes it, is an infinite wall that must be broken through. “Fear holds you back from being your best self, and you can create your life with the choices you make,” Pruett said. “Internal support not only generates confi-
dence, but it generates courage to take on those fears and helps propel you to where you were meant to be.” The name and slogan of Pruett’s podcast predated the start of her first recording. “I was scrolling on Instagram and came across a graphic saying something along the lines of ‘you were meant for big things,’ and it totally caught me off guard,” Pruett said. “It made me feel really powerful and I wanted to share it, so I told my friends and family about it. One of them said ‘you should start a podcast,’ and so that day, I did!” Pruett’s cover art stemmed
from a weekend trip with her friends. After renting a boat and enjoying the lake, Pruett’s roommate took a photo of her in the water. The emotions of awe and inspiration that day were ones she felt encapsulated the theme of her podcast. “Going to school in Switzerland was the most empowering thing I’ve ever done, and I wanted a picture to reflect that,” Pruett said. “I came across this photo of me in Lake Lugano, which was taken during my first weeks abroad. That moment was a culmination of me realizing the vastness of the world and feeling like I could do anything.”
Pruett’s podcast cover art is inspired by the empowerment she wants to spread. Courtesy of Grayson Pruett
Pruett’s podcast has received overwhelmingly positive reception, with over 200 downloads around the world. “I have been blessed with an abundance of support and people’s willingness to share on their social media,” Pruett said. “I have only released one episode, so it is difficult to gauge numbers for loyal listeners. However, I am so happy to say that I’ve reached 4 different continents, pulling listeners from the United States, Italy, Switzerland, Netherlands, Australia and Jordan.” Pruett uses her brother’s gaming microphone and headphones for streaming. She uses the Audacity software to edit and the Buzzsprout platform to distribute her podcast episodes. Along with the podcast available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, Pruett has an Instagram account, @meantforbigthings, where she posts motivational graphics and her ‘happy moments’ from each week. “There are some exciting things coming up and all information will be posted there,” Pruett said. “I want people to feel like they have a friend during this lonely time, so, if anyone ever needs someone to talk to, my DMs are open and I would be honored to get to know you.” For future episodes, Pruett plans to talk about whatever her listeners want to hear. “We are all trying to navigate college and life in a difficult time, so chances are, we all face similar challenges,” Pruett said. “I am going through the same things you are and I hope that by sharing my experiences of highs, lows and moments of growth, you can feel understood and empowered.”
Power Outages, Heating Issues, Icy Roads Affect Campus AJ Fezza Co-Culture Editor On Saturday, Feb. 13, at around 9:50 PM, the power went out in the residence halls on West Campus, as well as some buildings on Main Campus, like Mendel Hall and Campus Corner Pizza. Although the dormitories went dark for no more than a minute, that was long enough to cause mild chaos. In buildings like St. Mary’s Hall, some alarms blared long after the outage. Also, during the outage in Moulden Hall, there was the sound of screaming and a loud thud, prompting students to poke their heads outside their rooms once the lights went back on in order to see what happened. Sophomore Anthony Grasso talked to The Villanovan about the ordeal. “There was a loud boom, followed by screaming,” Grasso said. “It almost sounded like something blew up. It sounded like it was coming from either the second floor or the lobby, and it happened right as the lights went out. There was some commotion afterwards as people tried to figure out what it was, but no one really seemed to know.”
No Moulden students could confirm what transpired. Most likely, some students in the lobby were joking around or were simply bewildered by the outage. In addition to there being a brief power outage, the heat stopped working in Moulden Hall, causing residents to feel quite cold for the better part of the day late on Feb. 13, going into Feb. 14. Sophomore Joshua Mould, a Moulden Hall resident, spoke to The Villanovan about the matter. “[The Department of Public Safety] said that it was a full building problem, and that they’d run hot water through the building to get it up and heating again,” Mould said. These issues came on the heels of an already bizarre night. Moderate rain during the day on Feb. 13 was followed by especially chilly temperatures later that night. As a result, the roads all over campus (and all over the Greater Philadelphia area) were coated in a thick sheet of ice. Students on West Campus were slipping to the ground left and right on the way to get a late night meal at St. Mary’s Hall, only to discover that the hall’s beloved Second Storey Market closed early at 10PM due to these weather
On Valentine’s Day weekend, Moulden Hall on West Campus dealt with a power outage, heating issues and icy roads. Courtesy of A.J. Fezza
conditions. Jake Saunders, a sophomore, testified to the dangers of this ice storm. I took one step out of the door and I was on the ground,” Saunders said. “Also, a friend of mine who lives about 15 minutes away was driving and ended up sliding off the road. He’s doing
fine now, but it was definitely a terrible night to be on the road. It was a bad night to even be walking” All of these issues gave Valentine’s Day a rocky start, but ultimately, the ice melted away, the heating in rooms came back, and students became preoccupied with the holiday.
10 | The Villanovan
Wednesday, February 17, 2021
CULTURE
Villanova Law School Interpretation and Translator Program the work of interns relates to the Federal Tax Clinic, the Clinic for Asylum, Refugee, and Emigrant Services and the Farmworker To most Villanova students, Legal Aid Clinic. Under normal the undergraduate colleges and the circumstances, lawyers participatCharles Widger School of Law are ing in these clinics and their clients two different worlds with little inwould often hold in-person meetteraction, despite being just across ings, during which undergraduate the train tracks. However, for some interpreters would serve at the law undergraduates, this is not the school. However, due to the curcase. And these undergraduates rent circumstances, nearly all inaren’t pre-law students; they’re terpretation services are conducted Spanish students. via phone or Zoom. One of the special op As a result of these unportunities offered by the Spanprecedented circumstances, the ish Language and Literature program has also partnered with department at Villanova is the the Advocates for Human Rights community internship program. (AHR), a non-profit organization In partnership with the Villanobased in Minneapolis, Minnesota, va Law School clinical program, that helps with refugee resettlethe Spanish Department gives ment and cases related to immihigh-level undergraduate students gration law. The AHR also staffs the chance to serve as interpretaa National Asylum Helpline, a tion and translation interns in a legal setting. Students are tasked with providing written translations from English to Spanish, and vice-versa, of correspondences between law students and their Spanish-speaking clients, as well as legal documents, such as affidavits and sworn-witness testimonies. In addition, students have the opportunity to serve as interpreters of live phone and video conversations between student-lawyers and clients. This program provides a unique opportunity for students to greatly enhance their Spanish skills and gain exposure to various legal processes, while also making crucial contributions to the effort to defend the rights of traditionally underserved populations. The Charles Widger School of Law has six different clinics that offer law students hands-on experience in various branches of law: the Federal Tax Clinic, the Health Law Clinic, the Civil Justice Clinic, the Clinic for Asylum, Refugee, and Emigrant Services (CARES), the Clinic for Law and Entrepreneurship and the Farmworker Legal Aid Clinic (FLAC). Most of Anthony Grasso Staff Writer
techniques as well as learning about the asylum process and the environments from which their clients come. At the end of the course, students give a presentation on a related topic of their choosing and write a final research paper. After completing the course requirements, as well as 130 hours of service over the course of the semester (approximately 65 hours with both the Villanova Law School and Advocates for Human Rights), students will earn three credits, which can be used as free elective credits or counted towards a Spanish or Latin American Studies major or minor. The internship is co-led by Tomás Hidalgo Nava from the Spanish department and Caitlin Barry from the law school. Gabriela Escobar Battle, the paralegal for the CARES Clinic, plays a pivotal role as well in organizing intern schedules and serving as a contact point for both interns and law students whenever assistance is needed. Students that have demonstrated excellence and commitment throughout the course of the internship have the chance to apply to be mentors for future interns. In addition to providing translation and interpretation services wherever necessary, mentors help the interns become acquainted with their positions and serve as guides throughout the course of the semester. As a current mentor and former intern, I can say with conviction that my involvement with this program continues to leave a significant impact on my college experience here at Villanova. Not only has it helped me to strengthen and feel more comfortable with my Spanish skills and taught me the valuable skills of translation and interpretation, but it has introduced me to the complexity of the legal world, most notably in the realm of immigration law, Villanova’s Charles Widger School of Law. which is a humbling experience for Courtesy of Villanova University anyone.
confidential phone line that individuals can call for assistance in finding pro bono legal counsel for guidance in preparing for court hearings. In addition to serving the Villanova Law School, interns now also help in staffing this hotline. This internship program fits wonderfully into the schedules of students pursuing either a major or minor in Spanish Language and Literature. Accompanying the internship is a class that meets for two hours for one evening each week. The class had been taught by Raúl Diego Rivera Hernández for some time; however, this semester the course is being led by Tomás Hidalgo Nava due to Rivera Hernández’s appointment to the directorship of the Latin American Studies program. The class encompasses both practice of interpretation and translation
The Hype Around Bullet Journaling at Villanova Maddie Schieder Staff Writer The start of a new year opens up the opportunity to start a new bullet journal. For those who may not know what bullet journaling is, it essentially is a hand-made journal that can be customized as a planner to set goals, remember the best books you’ve read or to simply stay organized. Journaling is a healthy practice proven to relieve stress and strengthen emotional functions, which college students would definitely benefit from. In my own experience with bullet journaling, it helps me stay organized with a busy schedule and gives me a chance to be creative. An article from The Trinitonian of Trinity University from Feb. 6 discusses the school’s own bullet journaling club. The student members expressed that the club is a creative space allowing them to bond with others who share the same hobby. Similarly, Villanova has students who enjoy this type of creative art, yet we do not have an official club. Although
there may not be an organization dedicated to bullet journaling, there still are individuals across campus who have shared their love for journaling as it becomes more and more popular each year. Fellow staff writer Bailey Quinn stated that her method of journaling stands out from the typical pen and paper. She prefers journaling on the Notion app, which is designed for organizing, planning, collaboration, taking notes and so much more. Bullet journaling is also a feature of Notion, which allows for daily, monthly and future logging. A key feature of bullet journaling is the aspect of individuality and customization each spread comes with. Yet, Notion is much different since it is done through devices. Graduate student Averi Salvador also enjoys the art of bullet journaling. “I enjoy doing monthly spreads,” Salvador said. “Although it can be time consuming, it’s something I am very proud of.” Practicing this intricate hobby does take a lot of attention to detail and planning, but it brings joy to so
many people just like Quinn and Salvador, no matter what form it may take. Because I am not the best artist, I found that bullet journaling was perfect for me because of the variety it offers. Each month, one can come up with a theme, such as Valentine’s Day for February. However, bullet journal organization and design
is completely up to the artist. Each week, one can write out goals or to-do lists, as well as incorporate a theme. To begin, all you need is a blank notebook, a pen and some markers. Once one gets into it, accessories like stickers or washi tape come in handy for added creativity. If there is a void one needs filled in his or her life due to the pandemic, journaling can help.
A bullet journal cover page for the month of February. Courtesy of Joliecious.com
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How to Celebrate Birthdays While in Quarantine Julia Stanisci Co-Culture Editor The COVID-19 pandemic has affected every part of our lives. Quarantine and CDC guidelines have forced people to postpone weddings, cancel events and so much more. But there’s one thing that we can’t postpone: birthdays. For nearly a year now, people have had to figure out how to celebrate their birthdays in a quarantine, or even worse, isolation. Some have been lucky enough to have their birthday fall during a time of low numbers and looser restrictions, allowing outdoor celebrations with loved ones. However, others have had quite opposite luck. Senior Emily Cox spent her 22nd birthday in Moriarty Hall after testing positive for COVID-19 a few days prior. Bummed out at first, she was dreading the day. “I thought it was going to be so sad, being completely isolated in Moriarty with none of my friends and no usual birthday festivities,” Cox said. “Surprisingly, though, so many of my friends came to wave outside my window or dropped off gifts. I received so many texts and calls too. What I expected to be maybe one of my worst birthdays ever turned out to be one of the best.”
Cox’s experience shows how birthdays in isolation can be surprising and make one feel more connected and loved than being with others physically. There are so many ways to celebrate a loved one and make their day special, even if a person cannot be with them. One of the most obvious options is hosting a Zoom meeting with friends and family. Pick a theme, such as Mardi Gras, luau or roaring twenties, and encourage guests to dress up and make themed food and drinks. Another idea is to create a compilation happy birthday video or slideshow. Have loved ones send in videos of them wishing a friend a happy birthday, sharing their favorite memories, favorite things about them and more. You can also incorporate photos into the montage by having everyone send you photos including themselves and the birthday person over the years. You can then present this over Zoom for everyone to watch during the birthday party. Sending a Cameo is another way to make a quarantine birthday special. Cameo is a fun platform on which people’s favorite celebrities can make a personalized video, starting at $15. The surprise and hilarity of receiving a video message of a celebrity wishing someone a happy birthday by
name is bound to make any birthday memorable. Finally, one can drop off or order delivery for some favorite special treats. Sophomore Caroline MacLaren recalls how her mom
had a cake decorated with her favorite things for her birthday back in May. “It was so thoughtful and made the day really special,” MacLaren said.
Senior Emily Cox outside isolation dorm Moriarty Hall on her 22nd birthday. Courtesy of Emily Cox
Movie Review: A24’s Underrated Masterpiece “Waves” A.J. Fezza Co-Culture Editor Cinephiles love A24 for its award-winning releases, like “Lady Bird,” “Moonlight” and “The Florida Project.” Less widely-celebrated is the A24 film “Waves.” “Waves” premiered at Telluride Film Festival on Aug. 30, 2019, and had a limited nationwide release on Nov. 15, 2019. It was directed by the young, upand-coming director Trey Edward Shults. The film follows siblings Tyler Williams (Kelvin Harrison Jr.) and Emily Williams (Taylor Russell) as they navigate the stresses of adolescence and teen romance. The cast of “Waves’’ features a few stars. Tyler’s girlfriend, Alexis, is played by “Euphoria”
actress Alexa Demie. Other stars include Sterling K. Brown of “This Is Us” and “Black Panther” fame, and Lucas Hedges, an award-winning young actor known for his roles in “Manchester by the Sea,” “Lady Bird” and “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri.” The cast is incredibly diverse without the film centering around the background of its actors. It simply tells a story. It’s a wild and intense story that most viewers can’t actually relate to, yet it feels relatable to everyone, something made feasible only by the talent of the film’s actors. The characters Tyler and Alexis are especially convincing as a couple. We get three different views of romantic relationships in the film: Alexis and Tyler, Tyler’s parents and Tyler’s younger sister Emily and her boyfriend Luke.
Kelvin Harris Jr. (on left) and Alexa Demie (on right) star in “Waves.” Courtesy of IndieWire
In the first half of the film, we see Tyler, a successful high school wrestler, hide his shoulder injury from everyone and self-medicate by stealing his father’s painkillers in order to continue competing. Meanwhile, Alexis receives a positive pregnancy test. These stressful situations test Alexis and Tyler’s relationship, and eventually come to a head on prom night. In the second half of the film, the director turns the attention to Tyler’s parents and to Emily and Luke, relationships that have struggles but are not quite as toxic. The shots in the film (that is, the mise-en-scene) truly capture the beauty of southern Florida, with its vibrant blue, yellows and purple hues. The soundtrack was perhaps the most interesting aspect of the film. It features a mix of modern rock (Tame Impala, Animal Collective, Radiohead and Alabama Shakes), R&B (Frank Ocean, SZA, H.E.R. and Amy Winehouse), and rap (Kanye West, Kendrick Lamar and Tyler, the Creator). In most modern teen movies I have seen, the director either lazily slaps on bubblegum pop, or anachronistically inserts 1970s and 1980s music to suit his or her personal tastes. But “Waves,” showcases some of the best of the current generation of music. The instrumental score was arranged by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross from the band Nine Inch Nails. This duo has provided the ethereal scores to other iconic films such as “The Social Network,” “Gone Girl” and even the recent Pixar film “Soul.” Ross and Reznor’s otherworldly electronic
soundscapes intensify the emotions that “Waves” already induces in the viewer. All these aspects make the film not just great, but a film for the contemporary era. It is quintessentially Gen Z; it’s accurate in its music choice, as well as in its acting and dialogue, in a time when such accuracy in teen movies is rare. The themes of the film are poignant, dealing with forgiveness, redemption and healing. Without being puritanical in the slightest, the film demonstrates a fondness for God that can feel hard to find in 21st century cinema. The characters, especially Emily and Tyler’s father, turn to God when dealing with their problems. In an emotional and pivotal scene toward the end of the film, Emily’s father ends a conversation by quoting the Bible, saying, “Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all offenses.” The film covers mature themes without being gratuitously sexual and crude, which can’t be said for most contemporary teen films. “Waves” is something you can actually watch with your parents over break without constantly cringing from awkwardness. “Waves” is woefully underrated and unknown. The film can be rented on Amazon Prime Video or streamed on Showtime for free. Most University students can watch it on Showtime, given that the service comes with the Spotify Premium Student plan. In an era when superhero and action films dominate commercially, it’s important to watch your fair share of dramas, especially ones as masterful as “Waves.”
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Club Spotlight: Business in Entertainment Society A.J. Fezza Co-Culture Editor The University has about 30 student business societies and service groups that delve into the role business has in various industries. The Business in Entertainment Society (BIES) focuses on the entertainment industry, one of the sectors hit the hardest by the COVID-19 pandemic. Like the industry itself, BIES has had to adjust its mode of operation over the past year in order to continue. The purpose of BIES is to provide connections and opportunities for students who want to work in the entertainment and sports industries. The club is split up into sections for sports and for film and music. Every week, the club sends out a newsletter containing links to internships in sports and entertainment, news events and a list of pertinent events students can attend. In the Fall 2020 semester, BIES had numerous guest speakers who shared their knowledge and gave students the opportunity to ask questions. Before COVID-19, BIES would have speakers in person at Bartley Hall or the Finneran Pavilion, but these conferences now take place over Zoom. Recently, BIES
brought on Tommy Monks, an Account Manager at TikTok, as well as David Quintanilla, a Remote Operations Coordinator at ESPN (working on the production side). Both individuals are Villanova alumni. Toward the end of last semester, BIES also had its first panel featuring three recent Villanova graduates who work at locations like Madison Square Garden and Prudential Center with major sports teams, such as the New Jersey Devils and the Philadelphia 76ers.
Sophomore Noah Swan, the BIES President, noted how the club is trying to build out its network. Officers schedule speakers by reaching out via LinkedIn or by working with Michelle Galloway, who is the Associate Director of Professional Development for the University. BIES has as many as 30-40 students attending each of its virtual events and is looking to expand further. “We have been shifting gears these past few months,” Swan said.
The Business in Entertainment Society is one of about 30 business societies at Villanova. Courtesy of @villanovabies
“We brought on some new executive board members. We want to be more organized, and we want to get more students involved.” Indeed, BIES brought on a sizable amount of officers. Junior Nicole Targia and sophomore Jonathan Cosmai are Vice Presidents, sophomore Skye Archibald is the Entertainment Executive Board Chair, sophomore Stephen Terry and freshmen Matt Owens and Maddy Holobino are the Assistant Events Coordinators, junior Helen Sieggreen is the Social Media Chair, Jonah Gavino is the Graphic Design Chair and Noah Shauf is the Secretary. BIES also has been expanding its presence on social, posting “What’s Happening Wednesdays” weekly on its Instagram account @ villanovabies. Each Wednesday, the account summarizes major current events in the worlds of sports and entertainment. For example, the account’s most recent “What’s Happening Wednesday” focused on Super Bowl LV advertisements. Going forward, BIES is looking forward to the remainder of the Spring 2021 semester and beyond. Perhaps speakers may once again step foot on campus, and BIES can re-establish an in-person presence.
How the Beauty Industry Responded to BLM Caleigh Beaton Staff Writer The immediate reaction of many beauty brands to the Black Lives Matter protests in our country consisted of social media posts and public announcements that stated support for the protesters. Since then, however, a lot of brands have made more significant statements and even changed how they operate. One brand in particular, Uoma Beauty, founded by Sharon Chuter, saw the issues with race within the beauty industry and set out to make change. Chuter started the Pull Up For Change campaign, which calls for beauty companies to publicize the percentage of their employees who are people of color. Some of the companies that shared these percentages included Coty, Estée Lauder and Revlon Inc. A few of these big name companies reported percentages of as low as three percent for leadership positions. Aurora James, founder of
Brother Vellies, had a similar approach to the issue. James started the 15 Percent Pledge, which urges major retailers to devote 15 percent of their shelf space to Black-owned brands. Big brands such as Sephora, Indigo and Violet Grey signed the pledge. Estée Lauder also made changes after its employees revolted against the company’s response to the protests. The workers called
for the removal from the board of directors of Ronald Lauder, who is a Republican and mega-donor for former President Donald Trump. The employees argued that Lauder’s role in the company negatively affected its race relations. The company did not remove Lauder from his seat on the board, but it did agree to donate $1 million to advocate for racial equality and justice.
The 15 Percent Pledge calls for retailers to dedicate 15% of shelf space to black-owned businesses. Courtesy of 15percentpledge.org
Many brands have since followed in the footsteps of Aurora James and Sharon Chuter, including Glossier, which donated $500,000 to nonprofit organizations fighting racial inequalities, and another $500,000 in grants to Black beauty entrepreneurs. Additionally, e.l.f Cosmetics donated $25,000 to Color of Change, an organization combating racial injustices, and Sunday Riley gave $50,000 to the NAACP for their Legal Defense and Education Fund. The Black Lives Matter protests that began in our country in May after George Floyd was killed sparked a time of reflection for those within the beauty industry. Many brands have started campaigns, adjusted policies, hired new workers, created new products and donated money with the goal of diversitizing their brands and helping combat racial injustices. These changes are steps in the right direction, but they only mark the beginning of the fight for equality within the beauty industry.
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Villanova Student Business Spotlight: Peels Apparel Cate McCusker Co-Editor-in-Chief Do you want to look good while doing good? Sophomore Kelly Ruane’s new clothing line, Peels Apparel, combines service and sustainability in fresh new streetwear. Like many student businesses, Ruane started Peels during quarantine as an effort to give back to the community during a difficult time while also combining her love of fashion with her interest in sustainability. Peels’ inaugural drop, the “Unraveled Collection,” features a black hoodie, t-shirt and bucket hat with the iconic orange peel design. “With all this time during quarantine, I created Peels Apparel as a passion project that combines my interests while also giving back to the community,” Ruane explained. “The reason I wanted to start with ‘Unraveled’ is because it represents the deconstructed approach to how I’m incorporating giving back and living sustainably into fashion.” Twenty percent of the proceeds from the collection go to Grateful Gatherings, a San Francisco Bay Area organization that helps furnish the homes of families transitioning out of homelessness or crisis. Ruane has worked closely with this organization in her hometown. “I worked with the organization a lot when I was younger, helping to move families into their homes, and those were such great experiences for me,” Ruane said. “During the pandemic, they were only accepting monetary donations due to health reasons, but I
You can buy Peels Apparel streetwear like the outfits shown above on peelsapparel.com. Couresty of @peels_apparel
still wanted to help them in any way that I could, so I brought the organization into the brand and what it’s all about.” So far, the Unraveled Collection has already raised over $600 for Grateful Gatherings. For future drops, Ruane intends to extend her reach and help other organizations. As a sustainability minor, Ruane wanted to ensure that her brand was good for the environment. To do so, Ruane focused on sustainable shipping. “A lot of times people will ship biodegradable packaging, but the tape with the shipping label
is not compostable,” she said. “I really made sure that for Peels the whole package is compostable, even down to the label, because I wanted our shipping to be 100% sustainable. I also wanted to pick high quality and long lasting clothing. I think having staple pieces in your wardrobe that you can continue to rewear is also a big part of sustainability in fashion.” Overall, Ruane is happy with the experience she has gained creating, building, and maintaining a brand. “I’ve learned how expressive fashion can be, even more than I thought before,” she said.
“Creating Peels has also introduced me to different sides of fashion and how to balance the different roles with starting a brand. I have to think on the creative side while also balancing digital marketing and the financial aspect too.” Ruane has already started working on a new collection. She has yet to reveal the new design, but she hopes to add sweats and beanies to the line. If you’re interested in checking out Peels Apparel and supporting a great cause, check out her website at www.peelsapparel.com or follow @peels_apparel on Instagram.
A Happy Healthy Plate: Small Business Review Gabby Bevil Staff Writer I think I speak for most Villanova students when I say that dining hall food gets old quickly. It doesn’t provide the same comfort of what’s at home and doesn’t always satisfy the sweet tooth. Thankfully for Villanovans, there is a new business on campus. If anyone misses the authenticity of baked treats, there is a solution. Claire Dalsass, a 16-yearold hoping to be a future Villanovan, has started to make treats that are the perfect balance between health and comfort food. Dalsass told The Villanovan why she created her new local business, called “A Happy Healthy Plate.” “I love sharing healthy recipes, because I’m a big believer in a balanced diet,” she said. “While I always appreciate a big, delicious slice of cake, I also think it’s really important to find balance in your diet.” Dalsass has recently created a “foodsta” (food Instagram) to raise awareness and bring in business. She bakes and cooks all types of fun items ranging from sweet to savory, such as cupcakes to soft pretzels. Dalsass lives by campus
and can deliver meals to students at a reasonable price. On a college campus, it is common to miss the quality of a home cooked meal, especially sweets. This business is available to drop off food and help achieve a breakfast in bed feel. “I live close - that’s why I can deliver,” she said. “But I’m only doing weekend delivery for now.” Dalsass’s business is COVID-19 safe. She has implemented a contactless drop off system. Students can pre-pay for products via mobile payment services. The day of delivery, students can wake up to warm meals dropped off outside their dorms. As unfortunate as it is that we no longer wake up on Saturday mornings and trek to Wells Fargo Center to cheer on our Wildcats, a new Saturday tradition can be hanging out with friends in a COVID-19-safe environment with the cozy feel of a home cooked meal. Dalsass’s quaint dishes give more of a homespun quality to meals as many begin to feel homesick. In order to best satisfy your craving, you can fill out an order form from Dalsass’s Instagram bio @ahappyhealthyplate and choose from an array of delicious treats.
Dalsass’s menu includes cupcakes, breads, cookies and more. Courtesy of @ahappyhealthyplate
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SPORTS
Villanova Athletics Celebrates Black History Month Noah Swan Staff Writer Continued from p. 1
a voice to all athletes while building an inclusive environment for students to thrive. Working with the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, the Office of Intercultural Affairs and a swath of other on-campus groups, the committee established partnerships since its conception in 2017 to further its goal. Despite the progress made by the UNITAS committee, Jackson and Grace recognized the importance of remaining committed and focused on creating an inclusive university.
“We must remember [B]lack history is American history, it is Villanova history,” Jackson said. The Villanova swim team, water polo team and crew team have honored some of their Black athletes. Jesse Marsh is a junior Communication major on the swim team. He left his home of Kingston, Jamaica to attend Villanova, but he has not forgotten his roots. Per his statement on the Villanova Swim Twitter, Marsh wants to provide opportunities for people in Jamaica, the same opportunity he received to swim in the United States. Joia McKinney is a sophomore Communication major from Chicago, Illinois. This is only her second year on the water polo team, but her legacy has always been on her mind. Having built tight relationships with other Black
Kenny Harrison, left, and Hubie White, right, were trailblazers for Villanova Athletics. Courtesy of @VUCoachJayWright, Twitter
athletes at Villanova, McKinney wants to help provide an open line of communication for Black student-athletes to speak about issues involving race. Zoe Barnes is a junior Psychology and Philosophy double major from Washington D.C. For her, it has always been about selflessness. From an early age, her parents taught her that caring for others is vital. As such, she has spent her time at Villanova looking to improve and “challenge the culture” of
the school, building a brighter future for Black student-athletes. Villanova Athletics has also spotlighted trailblazing Black student-athletes from the school’s past. Jay Wright has featured some early men’s basketball players who played a pivotal role in the team’s integration. Kenny Harrison was the first Black men’s basketball player to play for Villanova, featured in 65 games for the Wildcats during the late 1950s.
Wright recognized a distinguished group of players from the 1960s: George Raveling, Hubie White and Wali Jones. Raveling, a member of the Basketball Hall of Fame, impacted college basketball long after his tenure at Villanova. He broke barriers in the coaching world working at USC, Washington State and Iowa State, three schools with a high percentage of white students. Raveling was an assistant coach for the US national team, receiving a gold medal in 1988 for the team’s Olympic performance. White starred for the Villanova basketball team in the early 1960s, earning three all-Big Five player and two all-State awards. He spent four years playing professionally before turning to what his father told him was most important: education. White received a master’s degree at the University of Pennsylvania and worked for many years for the government of Philadelphia. Jones played an illustrious career for Villanova and the Philadelphia 76ers. He starred on the 1967 finals team in Philadelphia, securing the championship with a 27-point performance in game six. He shared the court with some of the greatest basketball players of all-time but also helped shape Villanova athletics into what they are today. Villanova Athletics invites all students to take part in its celebration of Black History Month, honoring Black Villanovans and their impact on Wildcat Athletics.
Record-Breaking Opener for Track and Field Program Meghann Morhardt Staff Writer On Saturday, Feb. 6, Villanova men’s and women’s track and field competed in their first dual meet of the season at Army West Point in New York. The event did not include team scoring, only individual scores for each event were counted. This was a record breaking event for both teams, with Villanova athletes setting facility and school records. For the women’s team, senior thrower Grayce French set the record for shot put throwing a distance of 14.85 meters, beating the previous record by four centimeters. This feat came on her fifth of six attempts throughout the meet. French is a transfer from Clemson, making this meet her first in a Wildcat uniform. Junior high jumper Sanaa Barnes won her event and set a facility record, clearing the bar at 1.82 meters. Along with Barnes, junior distance runner Lydia Olivere set a facility record for the mile with a time of 4:47:99, coming in first in her event. Villanova won three more events on the day for a total of six wins. The other wins came in the pole vault, 60 meter hurdles and 500 meter dash. Junior Jada Thomas won the final hurdles race with a time of 8.95. Sophomore
Madison Martinez placed first in the 500 meters with a time of 1:16:81 and junior Ashley Preston won the pole vault by clearing a height of 3.80 meters. Sophomore Anna Helwigh came in second place behind Olivere in the mile race. Helwigh recorded a personal best time of 4:48:53, trimming five seconds off her previous best that she set last year as a freshman. In her debut as a Wildcat, freshman Roschell Clayton placed second to Barnes in the high jump with a height of 1.72 meters. The women were not the only ones with an impressive showing in Saturday’s meet. The men’s team won five events and also set records and personal bests. Redshirt freshman Sean Dolan set a facility record and personal best in the 1000 meters with a time of 2:24:40, winning the race among a field of eight. Senior thrower Billy Loewen also set a personal best in the shot put, recording a distance of 15.48 meters, beating his previous mark of 15.46 meters that he tallied last season during the Villanova Invitational. Senior high jumper Jacob Kelly cleared a height of 2.03 meters in the high jump, earning a victory in the event. Junior triple jumper Malik Cunningham recorded a distance of 14.65 meters, winning another event for the ‘Cats.
The Wildcats swept the 500 meters, with a win from Keegan Hughes, tallying a time of 1:05:36. Hughes was followed by freshman Nicolas Mollica and sophomore Mac Costonis, who placed second and third in the event with times of 1:07:17 and 1:08:64 respectively. The last win for the Wildcats came from freshman sprinter Zack Novak in the 400 meters with a time of 50.53. Novak and Mollica were high school teammates who made their Villanova debuts together on Saturday. Two more freshmen competed for the first time as a Wildcat in this meet, sprinter Jace MacConnell and triple jumper
Carmen Ostrowski. MacConnell recorded times of 7.11 in the 60 meters and 23.28 in the 200 meters, while Ostrowski recorded a distance of 13.35 meters in the triple jump. Other notable performances on the day include junior middle distance runner Nick Ackerman and junior pole vaulter Jim Keys. Ackerman shaved almost 10 seconds off his personal best in the mile, placing third with a time of 4:15:34. Keys placed second in the pole vault, clearing a height of 4.63 meters. Villanova is set to have its next dual meet on Wednesday Feb. 24. The time, location and opponent are to be determined.
Lydia Olivere, left, shown running last season, set a facility record against Army. Courtesy of Villanova Athletics
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Softball Picked First in Big East Preseason Poll Sydney Sears Staff Writer The Villanova women’s softball team was picked to finish atop the Big East standings this season in a preseason poll of head coaches, which was revealed by the conference office Monday. Led by a veteran cast of 15 returning players, including 2019 Big East Player of the Year Paige Rauch, the Wildcats earned six first-place votes and a total of 62 points to come in ahead of 2019 conference champion DePaul (three first-place votes, 55 points) in the predicted order of finish. The results of the annual poll further fuels the Wildcats’ excitement for the 2021 season, which begins later this month. Villanova went 14-13 during the abbreviated 2020 season and is coming off a 2019 appearance in the Big East championship game after it upset top-seeded St. John’s in semifinal action of the conference tournament. The team was on the doorstep to begin conference play and was having one of the
best offensive seasons in program history when the 2020 season was halted. Among the highlights for the Wildcats in a 27-game slate last season were victories over No. 9 Florida State and No. 23 Baylor, which both came during a grueling five-game stretch in a tournament in Arkansas where Villanova also played two games against the 22nd-ranked and host Razorbacks. Tournament stops in Jacksonville, Orlando and Kissimmee plus a trip out west to a tournament at San Diego rounded out the Wildcats’ schedule. Villanova put up unprecedented offensive numbers in 2020, with its team’s slugging percentage (.495) and OPS (.861) each on track to set single season program records. The team was also on pace to shatter its single season home run record, which had been set just one year earlier in 2019. The driving force behind the offensive onslaught was Rauch, who had 12 home runs in 2020 and was named a Softball America shortened season All-American and was ranked No. 25 on the Softball America Short-
Kern sets up to catch a ball. Courtesy of Villanova Athletics
Rauch winds up to throw a pitch. Courtesy of Villanova Athletics
ened Season Top 100 List. Rauch slashed .405/.480/.917 with 27 runs scored and 28 runs batted in a year ago. She also was the ace of the Wildcats pitching staff and went 12-4 with a 2.25 ERA and 97 strikeouts over 90 innings pitched. Rauch had nine complete games in 15 starts and held opponents to a .217 batting average against her. Villanova is a well-experienced and battle-tested squad entering 2021, with six players returning who appeared in at least 25 of the 27 games last season. Senior infielder Angela Giampolo batted .317 as a junior and will begin this season with a streak of 125 consecutive games played. Other major contributors in 2020 were junior Megan Kern and sophomore Chloe Smith, who each made impressions in their first season with the Wildcats. Smith was another power threat in the lineup who hit .365 with five home runs and a .624 slugging percentage, while Kern
tied Rauch for the team lead with 13 walks and hit .364/.436/.494 on the year. Junior outfielder Sydney Hayes started all 27 games and hit three home runs while posting a .393 on-base percentage and a .510 slugging percentage. Sophomore Ally Jones and junior Ryan Henry split catching duties behind the plate, both returning along with senior Julia DaCosta, who has started 104 games. DePaul finished second to Villanova in the preseason poll, while St. John’s and Connecticut (43 points) were tied for third. The poll was rounded out by Creighton (40 points), Butler (30 points), Seton Hall (26 points), Providence (17 points) and Georgetown (8 points). The Wildcats are set to open their season Saturday, February 20th with a double header against George Washington in Washington D.C. They will begin Big East play on March 20th, with a three game series against Butler.
Men’s and Women’s Tennis Suffer Weekend Defeats Zac Tipton Staff Writer The Villanova men’s tennis team was swept in all six singles matches and the doubles point by Delaware on Friday. Although the team didn’t win a single match, one team member did make it to the third set. Sophomore Justin Suarez gave Villanova its only set win of the day, winning the first set of his match in a tiebreaker, before losing the next two. The women’s team lost in a narrow 4-3 match to Delaware on Sunday but were able to take victories in the number one doubles match, thanks to Lexi DeNucci and Annalise Klopfer and the number two (Claudia Althans), number four (Emily Strande) and number five (Caitlin Fisher) singles matches. On the men’s side, it was their first tournament in almost a year. “Obviously this was not the result our guys were looking for today, but it was extremely refreshing to get a match in for the first time in 11 months,” coach Brad Adams said. Freshman Anthony Prokurat got to play in his first ever match in a Wildcat uniform. He played in the number two doubles match with Sophomore Daniel Cheng and the number four singles match. Adams could tell his
guys “were a little nervous when they stepped on the court, but they competed hard and it was the first step to knocking a lot of rust off the wheels.” It was also known that Villanova would be a bit short-handed with a lot of athletes out. “We were short-handed with multiple players out, but I was very pleased with how those that haven’t typically played within the lineup performed and competed,” Adams said. On the women’s side, they were very close to winning, but fell just short at Delcastle Tennis Center on Sunday afternoon. In the doubles matches, Villanova was able to take one of the three matches after DeNucci and Klopfer, 6-4. In singles, the women came out and played their hearts out. Claudia Althans got her 40th career singles victory with a 6-3, 6-4 two set sweep of Delaware’s Isabella Montana. While DeNucci and Klopfer both lost their singles matches, Strande and Fisher came through and won both of theirs. Strande defeated Julietta Honrubia in three sets. She lost the first one 0-6, before coming back and winning the next two 6-3, 6-4. Fisher also defeated Sarah Whited in three sets. She won the first 6-1, lost the second in a tiebreaker 6-7, then won the third in a tiebreaker, 7-6. Olivia Kapp could not pull off the victory but was able to win
the first set of her match, before losing the next two. These were the first matches for the women in a year as well, and just like the men, they had to overcome a bit of rust to come back to put up a good fight in the first match of the year. The men’s team will travel to Annapolis, MD to face Navy in hopes of regaining some confidence after this week’s match. They will play next Saturday in what will be Navy’s second match of the year. Coach Adams is excit-
ed and said, “We look forward to using our practice time over the next week and making sure we are improving every day,” Adams said. The women’s team won’t play again until they travel a short distance into Philadelphia to take on Drexel on March 6. They will be looking to make a comeback after barely losing to a good Delaware team last weekend. It will be Drexel’s second match of the year as well.
Villanova men’s tennis team suffered a defeat this weekend. Courtesy of Villanova Athletics