The Villanovan | Volume 121, Issue 4: September 30, 2026

WEDNESDAY September 30, 2026 www.villanovan.com @thevillanovan VOLUME 121 | ISSUE 4

Jalen Brunson Hosts SNL Premiere

STUDENT-RUN SINCE 1916

10th Annual 1842 Day Recap

Scarlet Shafie Staff Writer

This past Saturday, Sept. 26, former Villanova men’s basketball player and New York Knicks star Jalen Brunson kicked off Season 52 of Saturday Night Live (SNL) with musical guest KATSEYE. During his opening monologue, the rest of the Knicks starting lineup interrupted him with questions, featuring cameos from Villanova legends Josh Hart and Mikal Bridges. Brunson joked about Hart missing what could have been a game-losing layup in Game 4. The Knicks starting five joked with Brunson about taking a $113 million pay cut to sign many of them. Hart wanted to know if that money was still up for grabs. The first sketch, “Office MVP,” featured Brunson shooting his sandwich wrapper in the trash at the “buzzer” to impress his coworkers. He missed these shots, which behind-thescenes information says was because a blower in the garbage can made it impossible for him to score. Despite his coworkers’ attempts to dissuade him, he took one final shot. SNL reports that he missed the dress rehearsal shot, but being on air raised the stakes. The cast apparently had two sets of cue cards prepared in case he missed. In true Brunson fashion, he nailed it. Brunson appeared in a full slate of sketches. In “North High,” a “High School Musical” parody, he plays the new kid at a s \\chool where the Troy Bolton-style star and his teammates try to sing and dance their way to scores, but Brunson outplayed them. In “Airport Massage Chairs,” he and Mikey Day got a little too comfortable and lost Continued on p. 19

Margaret Miller Co-News Editor

Tuesday, Sept. 29th marked Villanova’s 10th annual day of giving, 1842 Day. The 24-hour event, named after the year the University was founded, gives Villanova community members several opportunities to donate to the causes and organizations they value most. The University’s 1842 Day website stated the importance of the fundraising that occurs during the day. “Your support helps enhance the transforma-

tional experience that prepares our students to ignite change on campus and around the world,” the website reads. Also, according to the website, all of the donations made on 1842 Day will also benefit Espiritus Nova, a $1.25 billion campaign for the University. One of the opportunities students had during the day for fundraising were “Cat Cabs.” Students rode around in decorated golf carts, answering trivia about Villanova to get donations for an organization of their choice. The more questions students answered correct-

Sept. 29 marked Villanova’s 10th Annual 1842 Day. Erick Quezada/Villanovan Photography

ly, the more points, the more money won for their organization. Students were able to buy “fast passes” for cat cabs for five dollars. Also, Power Hour, hosted 6:30-7:30 p.m., gave student organizations the opportunity to compete for donations. The more unique donors a group received, the higher the point score they got, translating into money bonuses. Many of the University’s organizations hosted tables at the Quad during the hour, encouraging community members to donate. Students, their advi-

sors, and the organizations they represent have many reasons for fundraising on 1842 day. Emelia Valentino, a member of the management team for Villanova Special Olympics, spoke on the importance of the day to Villanova and to her organization. “1842 day brings all of our student organizations out to fundraise for what they love to do” Valentino said. “For Special Olympics, it allows us to get a lot of the decorations and the supplies that we need for the venues for all of our athletes, so that when they come to Villanova, it’s the best

Continued on p. 2

‘Nova Nation Tip-Off’ Event Preview Dylan Johnson

Co-Editor-in-Chief How do you make up for no more Hoops Mania? You bring in the ‘Nova Knicks’ Villanova men’s and women’s basketball will kick off their 2026-27 seasons with an event on Sunday, Oct. 5, at 7 p.m., in the Finneran Pavilion. It is being titled the ‘Nova Nation Tip-Off,’ which will be highlighted by an appearance by Villanova alumni and current New York Knicks

players Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart and Mikal Bridges. It will also have interactive contests, giveaways and performances. The tip-off event is

taking the place of the popular Hoops Mania and last year’s live podcast taping of the ‘Roommates Show’. Hoops Mania has of-

The ‘Nova Nation Tip-Off’ will take place on Oct. 5. Courtesy of Villanova University

ficially been sunsetted and will not return. Admission will be free for the event and is open to the entire public, not just students like Hoops Mania used to be. There will be no student lottery for the event. An autograph session will take place before the event at 6 p.m. with both teams. “I’ll be a little honest. I’m a little disappointed,” Michael Paster ‘25 said. “I thought Hoops Mania was kind of iconic. Like, we’ve Continued on p. 21

CLAS Majors and Minors Fair Preview p. 3

Family Weekend Recap p. 7

Villanova Needs A Real Game Day Culture p. 8

The Importance Of Villanovans Voting p. 9

A Personal Reflection On Suicide Prevention Month p. 11

Love On Lancaster: Namesake p. 15

A Night At Pops In The Pavilion p. 18

Catching Up With the ‘Cats: Eric Dixon (‘25) p. 20

Women’s Soccer Defeats St. John’s, 2-0 p. 21

Cross Country Competes At Meadows Challenge p. 22

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Wednesday, September 30, 2026

NEWS

News 1 Opinion 8 Culture 15 Sports 20

PUBLIC SAFETY BLOTTER

VOL. 121 | ISS. 4 www.villanovan.com @thevillanovan

KAILEY FAHY DYLAN JOHNSON SOPHIE LATESSA EMMA COTE MIA GALEGO MARGARET MILLER EDEN ROSINI AVERY CHALK EMMA TAYLOR CALI CARSS MAGGIE FITZGERALD FINN COURTNEY CASEY HEALEY IRA NIDAMARTHY MASON CANTON ERICK QUEZADA CIARA DURSEE KORIN KOHEN ERIKA MASSIANI MICHAEL BRADLEY JJ Brown

Editor-in-Chief Editor-in-Chief Managing Editor Abroad Correspondent News Editor News Editor News Editor Opinion Editor Opinion Editor Culture Editor Culture Editor Sports Editor Sports Editor Copy Desk Chief Photography Editor Photography Editor Digital Editor Digital Editor Digital Editor Advisor Advisor

Intimidation of Witnesses or Victims September 23, I-1 MAIN LOT GARAGE. An interview was conducted after Title IX case manager reported intimidation of a student victim by a known actor.

her iPad Pro valued at 2500.00 stolen.

Liquor Underage / Public Drunkenness September 23, SULLIVAN HALL. A female resident student, under the age of 21, was evaluated for alcohol intoxication and transported by VEMS to BMH. Criminal Mischief September 24, SULLIVAN HALL. A staff member reported damaged property within a residence hall. Theft by Unlawful Taking or Disposition September 24, TOLENTINE HALL. A female resident student reported

CORRECTIONS

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.

1842 Day Recap Margaret Miller Co-News Editor Continued from p.1

experience possible” Hannah Sullivan, a director for NOVAdance, talked about what donations on 1842 Day contribute to the organization. “So, for us, 1842 Day means making our ‘Day Of ’ happen in March, which means changing the lives for thousands of families across the country that are currently fighting pediatric cancer,” Sullivan said. VUnited, the inclusive twoyear residential certificate program, was also fundraising at the Quad during Power Hour. Molly Shawhan, the director of the program talked about the significance of donations, especially ones made this year. “This year, 1842 day means something a little extra special to us at the VUnited Scholars Program,” Shawhan stated. “We are trying to expand to a four-year model, so we’re in a big fundraising campaign. So we’re looking to raise funds to go from a two-year residential certificate program to a four-year residential certificate program to fully support our students.” For Villanova’s chapter of Athlete Ally, 1842 Day means fundraising to further their mis-

sion of celebrating and supporting LGBTQ+ members in sports. “1842 Day is a really great way for us to tell people who we are and explain what it is we do. Also we are a very underfunded club and so this is very important for us so that we can do the activities and run the events that make our group so special” Lauren Short, a student leader of Athlete Ally stated. Also, for Alpha Chi Omega, 1842 day is a chance for the organization to make Greek life more accessible to all students. Fundraising during the day allows for the group to keep dues lower. Scarlett Quisenberry, the fundraising chair for Alpha Chi Omega spoke about the day. “1842 day is really important to me. It’s a great opportunity for us to connect with our alumni; let them know what we are doing, what we’re working on and hopefully receive monetary donations that allow us to keep our dues low and create accessibility for sorority and fraternity life” She stated.

“My Friend, Leo” Talk Eliana Rodríguez Staff Writer Eden Rosini Co-News Editor

Parents Weekend at Villanova kicked off with a talk to many by Father Bernie about Villanova’s most famous alumni, Pope Leo XIV. However, to Father Bernie, Pope Leo is more than a notable alumni. He is a close friend. Villanovans can find imagery of Pope Leo XIV displayed all throughout campus. Most noticeably is a large banner hanging on Vasey Hall sporting the Pope’s image. The shared Villanova educational experience bonds the current Pope with all Villanova students, past and present, and Father Bernie. Pope Leo XIV graduated from Villanova University in 1977 as a Mathematics major with a minor in Philosophy in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. Father Bernie shared how he believes the Pope’s educational background in those two subjects made him the 1842 day is an important best candidate to be pope. day for Villanova and all of the “I came back saying this clubs and organizations that make guy could be the next pope,” Faup the University. This day of giv- ther Bernie said. “I should have bet ing furthers the mission, the “why” money on it.” of all groups on campus. When discussing the Pope’s time at Villanova, Father Bernie reflected on what Pope Leo’s major and minor taught him beyond the classroom. He shared how Pope Leo’s mathematics major taught him how to be tactful and calculated in his actions. Father Bernie also described Pope Leo XIV as worldly and thoughtful, enhanced by his study of Philosophy at Villanova. These qualities made him a very fitting candidate to be the pope according to Father Bernie. Father Bernie walked the audience through the story of his Members of NOVAnoise gave out ducks to donors at Power Hour. Margaret Miller/Villanovan Photography and Pope Leo’s unique friendship.

Their strong dedication to the Augustinian order ignited their friendship years ago when they met in Chicago and supposedly split a pizza. In 1999, their friendship solidified when Pope Leo returned from Peru after 15 years. At that point, Father Bernie was the Pope’s boss. Father Bernie shared that he has affectionately been called “the boss of the Pope” when visiting the Vatican previously. Father Bernie continued the chat by sharing his experiences with two other popes: Pope John Paul II and Pope Francis. He met Pope John Paul II for a brief, yet memorable, 15 seconds. On the other hand, Pope Leo XIV was actually present for a more involved visit with Pope Francis. Father Bernie shared a photo with the audience of himself, Pope Francis and Pope Leo XIV when they all met. Pope Francis and Pope Leo XIV shared a deep bond, according to Father Bernie. Only a few months before his passing, Pope Francis named Pope Leo XIV the cardinal deacon, which is the third highest ranking for a bishop. Father Bernie believes that there is a special, unique quality about Pope Leo XIV that made him fit to be the pope. He described his friend as friendly, humble, intelligent and mild-mannered, despite the world’s chaos surrounding him. Father Bernie deemed all of these qualities a recipe for the perfect leader of the Catholic Church. Father Bernie put significant emphasis on Pope Leo XIV’s humanity. He shared personal memories with Pope Leo XIV, such as how they had a joint 50th birthday party and his meeting Father Bernie’s parents. Father Bernie even mentioned how he is the Pope’s cosigner on his bank account in the United States. Their friendship is a unique and special one that Father Bernie is extremely proud of. No matter the status Pope Leo XIV reaches, to Bernie, he will continue being a close friend.

Wednesday, September 30, 2026

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CLAS Majors And Minors Fair Preview

to study. “One element of the Fair that we want to highlight is that it’s okay to not always know where your path leads, and to ask quesOn Friday, Oct. 2, the Ellis tions and to see as many departCenter in the College of Liberal ments as possible,” Baker said. Arts and Sciences will host its an“Exploration is key to your undernual Majors and Minors Fair from graduate experience. It is okay to 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. in the Connelly start as something and then decide Center’s Villanova Room. that is not for you and to go someThe Fair is CLAS’s biggest where else.” event of the year and gives stuThe event is open to all students the opportunity to explore dents, no matter what college they the different majors, minors and are enrolled in. If students are concentrations offered within the considering transferring colleges, College of Liberal Arts and Scipicking up a minor or are interestences. ed in research and study abroad SaraBeth Baker is the assis- opportunities within CLAS, they tant director of Academic Adviscan learn all about different proing within the Office of Explorato- gram areas at the Fair. ry Advising. They are also serving “It is very helpful for as the staff advisor for the Majors maybe the other undergraduate Fair Committee. colleges because they are a little “[The Fair] is a chance for more prescriptive in their academundergraduates in CLAS as well as ics,” Baker said. “Maybe add on a the other undergraduate colleges minor from our college to make it to see all of the programs that our a little more well-rounded in their college offers,” Baker said transcript and what they are studyStaff from each department ing.” will be represented, alongside The Fair also counts as a upperclassmen in each major. The VSB B2B-approved event for stuevent is a great opportunity for dents in the Villanova School of first-year students to discuss acaBusiness. demic goals with upperclassmen “I went to the majors and who share similar interests. With minors Fair my freshman year just more than 40 majors and numerto get an idea of what minors are ous other program areas, students available to me as a student in have plenty to explore, especially the business school,” junior Maif they are unsure what they want rina DiCristofaro said. “I learned Mia Galego Co-News Editor

about lots of different minors, like foreign language minors, that I could pair with my business degree to pursue different opportunities.” Junior Mariana Diana is this year’s committee chair for the Fair. Diana spoke about what she hopes students take away from this event. “I was undecided my entire freshman year, so I know that you can feel pressured when you’re undecided,” Diana said. “I think it’s just making sure new students are

aware that it is supposed to be exciting. It is not meant to be an intimidating event, and that people are there to help you. Also, they should stay curious. They should ask questions. They shouldn’t just settle on one major. They should explore everything that is there.” This year’s Fair theme is “Mystery and Detective: Crack the Case of Your Future!” Food and prizes will be available for students. For more information, check out the CLAS website.

The Majors and Minors Fair will be on Friday, Oct. 2 in the Villanova Room of the Connelly Center. Courtesy of @clasvillanova

Father Peter Gives Family Weekend Opening Address Margaret Miller Co-News Editor University President Rev. Peter M. Donohue, O.S.A., Ph.D., delivered his annual University Welcome on Saturday, Sept. 27. The address took place in the Villanova Room during family weekend, bringing Villanova families together to discuss the University’s current state and future plans. He started off by addressing the overenrollment of the 2030 freshman class. With the addition of Cabrini, the University decided it would increase the school’s population by 250 students every year. This year, the expected number was 2,000, but 90 more students accepted the offer than planned. “It’s wonderful to have that many people coming to us and wanting to be a part of us,” Father Peter said. “But it also creates some logistical problems in terms of housing, but we did it. We pulled it off.” Continuing on the subject of housing, Father Peter explained that although the university officially guarantees housing for only three years, it will have more spaces for seniors to live on campus over the next few years due to the addition of Cabrini. He noted that with population increases in the next four years, Villanova will go from 7,000 undergraduates to 8,000. He said the school’s main challenge with the population increase is maintaining the faculty-student ratio Villanova is known for. Turning to Cabrini, Father Peter explained what the acquisi-

tion has meant for the University. He mentioned that some, but not many, students, staff and faculty joined Villanova after the purchase. However, Villanova has maintained the programs it was asked to: elementary education and a center for immigration. Father Peter spoke on The Mother Cabrini Institute on Immigration at Villanova University “They had a center for immigration,” Father Peter said. “We had a program in the law school that worked with immigration. So we’ve elevated that program to an institute. It is a combination of both active work in immigration as well as academic work, research work, all that kind of stuff.” Father Peter also talked about living on the Cabrini Campus and the classes available there. He mentioned that the psychology, ethics and education departments are on Cabrini. “Because those departments are over there, it’s functioning as part of the campus,” Father Peter said. “So it’s not a separate campus. It is very much a part of the campus. It’s just like West Campus or South Campus.” He briefly discussed plans for Rosemont College, saying Villanova will take control of it after the last students graduate in May 2027, but the name change will not happen until 2028. In 2028, it will become the Rosemont Campus of Villanova University. Father Peter also expressed his excitement for the opening of the new library, Falvey Library at Vic Maggitti Hall. It will open Oct. 19, with the official opening being the Friday of Homecoming

weekend, Oct. 23. He also discussed plans for what is now Old Falvey and Falvey Library. “What is now Falvey and Old Falvey, we will transform that probably into more student life things,” Father Peter said. “We’re going to make that kind of like a one-stop shopping for everything that a student needs, like student life, student development, bursar, registrar, all those things that they use all of the time.” He also noted that the building’s name will likely change. Father Peter also shared other construction updates and future plans for the University. These include adding more science teaching labs in White Hall and the Chemical Engineering Building, along with creating a new welcome center and a new bookstore across from the church. Father Peter then moved on to answering questions. When asked what the most challenging part of his job was, he said the school’s finances and the

University’s tuition concern him. With rising prices, he is concerned that future students who cannot afford to pay tuition will not be able to attend. “This school started back in 1842 as a school for immigrants,” Father Peter said. “It was founded to educate Irish immigrants who couldn’t go anywhere else to school. For many, many years, Villanova was a first-generation institution. I was first-generation.” Father Peter also mentioned that his biggest fear is safety. “We’re not a locked community,” Father Peter said. “We have two train stations on either side of the campus. We have a major Highway 10, five minutes down the road, you know, and so a lot could happen here. Thank God we haven’t had any major incident, but it’s always a concern.” Father Peter addressed Villanova families and other community members Saturday, celebrating family weekend and the year to come.

Father Peter spoke to families about the current and future state of the University. Erick Quezada/Villanovan Photography

NEWS

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Wednesday, September 30, 2026

Domestic Violence Awareness Month At Villanova Veronica King Staff Writer

October marks Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a national observance focused on raising awareness of domestic violence and encouraging prevention. At Villanova University, the Title IX Office and campus partners will host several events throughout October focused on healthy relationships, consent, prevention and recognizing signs of abuse. Villanova will officially kick off its Domestic Violence Awareness Month programming with Honoring Domestic Violence Awareness Month on Thursday, Oct. 1, from 10 a.m. to noon at the Riley Ellipse. Campus and community partners will be available to help students learn about resources and support services. The event will also feature yard signs with messages such as “Love Shouldn’t Hurt.” On Tuesday, Oct. 6, the Sexual Assault Resource Coordinator (SARC) team and the Title IX Office will host S’mores with SARC at the Grove Firepits from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. The event will provide students with an informal opportunity to meet members of the SARC team and learn more about the resources available to

them.

The month’s major event, “Can I Kiss You?,” will take place on Monday, Oct. 26, from 7 to 8 p.m. in the Finneran Pavilion. Led by Mike Domitrz, the presentation will focus on consent and communication in relationships. All of Villanova’s Domestic Violence Awareness Month events are free for students. The programming begins before October with Relationships 101 on Monday, Sept. 28, from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. in the Bartley PWC. The workshop, hosted with the Domestic Abuse Project of Delaware County, will focus on healthy and unhealthy relationships and navigating difficult conversations. Although the event takes place before October, it introduces the conversations the university hopes to continue throughout the month. Title IX Office Coordinator Ryan Rost said the workshop is designed to encourage students to actively participate rather than simply listen to a presentation. “It’s engaging, not lecturing,” Rost said. The workshop content changes each year based on issues relevant to students. This year, the discussion will include topics such as expression and accepting rejection. Rost said the programming is “student-based and customized”

to address current concerns. Title IX Case Manager Shannon Barnett said the office also hopes to make conversations about domestic violence and healthy relationships more accessible to students. Although large events can bring attention to the issue, she said awareness should not depend solely on a designated month. “It’s unfortunate that these conversations are only happening when a major event is bringing it to the forefront,” Barnett said. Rost similarly emphasized that domestic violence awareness should continue after October ends. “Every month should be domestic violence awareness month,” Rost said. “It doesn’t end when October does.” The Title IX Office hopes students leave the events with a better understanding of how to recognize red flags, identify unhealthy behavior and support others. Barnett said students who cannot attend the events can still contribute by sharing information with friends and helping make resources more widely known. “There are things that we all can do, and there are resources around to help you,” Barnett said. Students who need support do not have to wait for an event or know exactly which office

to contact. Villanova’s Title IX Office provides information about reporting options and educational resources. Students can also seek assistance from the Sexual Assault Resource Coordinator (SARC) team, Counseling Center and Public Safety. “There’s no wrong door to get help,” Rost said. “Title IX is just one of them.” Villanova also works with off-campus organizations, including the Domestic Abuse Project of Delaware County and the Delaware County Victim Assistance Center, which support victims of crime. Barnett said seeking help can be difficult, particularly when someone’s experience does not fit common perceptions of abuse. She hopes the month’s programming will help students recognize that domestic violence can take many forms and encourage them to take concerning behavior seriously. Through its October programming, the Title IX Office hopes to make conversations about consent, healthy relationships, prevention and support more common on campus. The office encourages students to use the month to learn about available resources and continue those conversations throughout the year.

This Week In Politics: United Nations General Assembly Addy McDougall Political Columnist In a week packed with diplomacy, the United Nations General Assembly High-Level Week began on Tuesday, Sept. 22, at the U.N. headquarters in New York City. In the annual diplomatic forum, all 193 member states are invited to address the General Assembly through the General Debate, while a range of meetings bring world leaders together to address topics from climate action to artificial intelligence. U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres addressed the General Assembly on its opening day. In his speech, he called for permanent African representation on the U.N. Security Council, pressed to end global gender inequality and criticized Israel for its war in Gaza. Guterres argued that the future will be shaped by how the world addresses “four great tests of power”: war, inequality, climate change and AI. President Trump also took the U.N. stage on Tuesday, and he championed the advancement of artificial intelligence, arguing that the term “superintelligence” more accurately describes the technology. He insisted that government regulations would stifle American progress. Trump also highlighted his upcoming oil deal with Venezuela and emphasized the necessity of Cuban regime change, prompting the Cuban delegation to walk out of the assembly hall. Trump also discussed his newly signed security agreement with Denmark and Greenland,

which will allow the building of two more U.S. military bases on Greenland, the NATO country he threatened to annex by military force earlier this year. Trump also defended the war in Iran and presented a decision. “Will a deal be made with Iran that lets them rebuild and create a far greater country than it ever was before, maybe one of the greatest in the Middle East or even the world?” Trump said. “Or do I annihilate the Islamic Republic and do it quickly, never giving them a chance to kill and destroy people and countries again.” The following day, Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian addressed the world, stating that Iranians were “victims of terrorism” from U.S. hostilities and had only acted in defense. Iran’s leader emphasized that his country will not tolerate Trump’s coercion, but that Iranians are “ready for dialogue and diplomacy and negotiations without accepting the language of force.” Later in the week, Iran proposed a deal to reach a ceasefire agreement with the United States before the November midterm elections, but Trump told reporters on Saturday that he rejected the deal. As Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu took the stage on Thursday, more than 100 U.N. delegates walked out of the assembly hall. “If there are any other moral cowards who haven’t yet left this hall, please do so now,” Netanyahu said. He defended Israel’s role

in preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon, claiming he and Trump have been making decisions “not only to protect ourselves, but to save civilization.” Netanyahu continued to justify Israel’s war in Gaza, claiming that his nation was forced to retaliate following the 2023 Hamas-led attack, and that Israel is now fighting a “seven-front war” to defend itself in the region. Additionally, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas delivered a speech earlier on Thursday via a pre-recorded video, as the U.S. denied visas to Palestinian officials, which Abbas pointed out “is a violation of the United States’ obligation as the host country.” Abbas denounced Israeli actions in Gaza, referring to the ongoing strikes as “a genocidal war that has created an unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe.” The Palestinian President underscored that the conflict has “come to threaten the very life and existence of the Palestinian people on their homeland.” President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine, the country stuck in conflict with Russia for over a decade now, spoke on Wednesday, characterizing the Russian-Ukrainian war as “ridiculous and never-ending.” “I do not know anyone who is openly for this war, except one man,” Zelensky said, referring to Russian President Vladimir Putin. “Ukraine deserves security just as all of you do. Every country and every nation.” Other world leaders also used their speeches to point to how Russia’s full-scale invasion of

Ukraine threatens regional and global security. Additionally, African leaders, including Kenyan President William Ruto, highlighted the injustice of Africa comprising nearly a quarter of the U.N., yet still lacking a permanent seat on the Security Council after eight decades. Leaders from small island states, including the Bahamas, Tuvalu and Solomon Islands, emphasized the urgency of climate justice to the General Assembly, calling for greater ocean protection and expanded access to climate financing, as rising sea levels pose an existential threat to many Small Island Developing States. The U.N. Security Council also met to address artificial intelligence and international security. Sam Altman of OpenAI and Dario Amodei of Anthropic addressed the Council, urging governments to urgently implement AI regulations. Amodei reiterated the importance of international cooperation in navigating AI safety. “No leader, no company, and no nation can manage this alone,” Amodei said. Many delegates throughout the week also spoke of AI’s great potential, while underscoring the security threat it poses without regulation. The High-Level Week of the United Nations General Assembly highlighted the necessity for global cooperation as world leaders navigate mounting challenges of war, climate change and the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence.

Wednesday, September 30, 2026

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NEWS

International Deaf Panel Discussion

Veronica King Staff Writer On Wednesday, Sept. 23, the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, in conjunction with the American Sign Language section of the Communication Department, hosted an international Deaf panel discussion for the Villanova community in Driscoll Hall, Room 134. Held as part of International Deaf Week and International Sign Week, the 90-minute event brought together four Deaf panelists from Colombia, Japan, Taiwan and India to discuss their experiences with Deaf identity, education, accessibility, technology and culture across different countries. The event was conducted entirely in sign language, with interpreters available for hearing and non-signing guests. The event was open to all members of the Villanova community, regardless of their familiarity with sign language. It also provided ASL students with an opportunity to fulfill one of the three events required for their coursework. The panel featured Diego from Colombia, who moved to the United States eight years ago and works with Deaf individuals and people with special needs. Akiko from Japan works in vocational services, helping Deaf people find

employment. Anette from Taiwan provides services to Deaf women seeking to live independently. Diti from India works for the United States Internal Revenue Service. One of the first topics discussed was whether countries have their own sign languages. The panelists explained that sign languages differ between countries, just as spoken languages do. “Colombia has LSC, which is different from ASL,” Diego said. He explained that while the languages share some similarities, they are not the same. The panelists demonstrated the differences by comparing signs for words including “thank you” and “Deaf ” in their respective languages. Akiko demonstrated the Japanese sign for “arigato,” while the panelists also discussed differences in signs for family members and gender. The discussion then turned to Deaf education and accessibility. Diego explained that Colombia offers several educational approaches, including Deaf schools, mainstream schools and programs that emphasize either sign language or oral communication. The panelists also discussed the role of parents in determining how Deaf children are educated. Anette explained that many parents in Taiwan initially focus on spoken language and hearing aids rather

than learning Taiwanese Sign Language. Some parents turn to Deaf schools only after other approaches fail. “Parents want their child to be hearing,” Anette said Diti shared a similar experience of growing up without sign language. She was taught through speech and auditory methods in India and relied on lip-reading and copying classmates’ notes. After moving to the United States at age 16, she encountered the Deaf community and eventually began learning ASL. Technology and accessibility were also major themes throughout the discussion. The panelists described differences in captioning, interpreting services and access to technology in their home countries.

Diego said Colombia has made progress with accessibility, including captions in movie theaters, while Diti described limited interpreting services and technological access in India. The panel concluded with questions from the audience about driving, cochlear implants, culture shock and daily life in the United States. When asked how Deaf people are treated differently in the United States, Anette said she has experienced greater respect for Deaf people in America than in Taiwan. The panel gave Villanova students an opportunity to learn about Deaf experiences beyond the United States while highlighting the differences in language, education and accessibility across cultures.

The Internation Deaf Panel took place in Driscoll Hall on Wednesday Sept. 23. Mia Galego/Villanovan Photography

2026 Study Abroad Fair Recap

education. The Office of Education Abroad offers semester, summer, yearlong and two-week intensive programs. Depending on the program, students can study alongOn Friday, Sept. 25, the side local students, join a cohort, Office of Education Abroad hostcomplete an internship or conduct ed its annual Study Abroad Fair at research. the Oreo from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. For students in the Villanova Students visited tables and spoke with representatives about semester, School of Business, international opportunities include programs spesummer and short-term programs cifically designed around business available through Villanova and its and global markets. The Global affiliated partners. Citizens Program gives first-year The fair featured programs VSB students a 16-week overseas in countries ranging from England experience that combines academic to Australia. Representatives from coursework with a practical internorganizations including Arcadia University, Boston University, CIEE, ship in London or Singapore. VSB also offers the Business and Culture DIS Study Abroad in Scandinavia, in the Italian Context program in IES Abroad, IFSA, the School for Urbino, Italy, which is designed for International Training, the School for Field Studies, University of Min- sophomores interested in international business, Italian language and nesota and WorldStrides attended culture. the event. Villanova Business School The variety of programs allowed students to consider different freshman Sienna Da Silva was ways to incorporate an internation- particularly interested in the VSB spring semester program, which inal experience into their Villanova Veronica King Staff Writer

The Office of Education Abroad has numerous programs for any student interested. Courtesy of Lily Semprevivo

The Study Abroad Fair took place at the Oreo on Friday Sept. 25. Courtesy of @goabroadnova

cludes experiences in Australia and Singapore. “I would love to spend spring semester abroad with my closest friends, especially in Australia and Singapore,” Da Silva said. “I think it would be such a unique opportunity to experience two different cultures while still being able to take classes and explore the countries together.” Other opportunities highlighted through Villanova include a semester program at the University of Galway in Ireland, summer programs in places such as Spain and South Korea and programs through partners such as CIEE and IES Abroad. CIEE offers programs in Seville, Spain, focused on areas including business, communication, humanities and social sciences. IES

Abroad offers programs in locations including Amsterdam, Barcelona, Cape Town, Milan and Santiago. The OEA encourages students to begin planning early. Most students begin preparing for study abroad at least nine months before departure, and students must attend a First Step Information Session before beginning the advising and approval process for semester programs. Spring program applications and approvals are generally due in October. The fair gave students an opportunity to begin that process while comparing destinations and programs in one location. With programs spanning different countries and academic interests, students left with a better sense of the possibilities available beyond Villanova’s campus.

Wednesday, September 30, 2026

NEWS

6 | The Villanovan

LePage Center Hosts “History Wars” historical narratives. Hartman explained that America has been contested throughout history because of its unique On Wednesday, Sept. 23, the diversity. Different groups disagree Albert LePage Center for History in about what it means to be American the Public Interest presented History and which parts of the past to emWars: When Governments Try to phasize. These debates tend to grow Control the Narrative. This online in intensity, especially during mopanel discussion focused on times ments of social crisis or shifts in hiswhen historians were under political toriography. Within the scope of fasscrutiny across the globe. cism and genocide, Stone explained Three panelists were featured, how autocrats always want to control each with different regional expertise. a narrative, highlighting the positives Marla Stone, Ph.D., from Occidental throughout society while deflating College specializes in the history of the negatives. She also explained that fascism and genocide, while Karrie teachers under the Italian regime Koesel, Ph.D., from the University of faced strong government pressure. Notre Dame, specializes in Russian “In 1931, to guarantee that and Chinese politics and authoritarthe knowledge and history being ianism. Lastly, Andrew Hartman, produced was one that they would Ph.D., from Illinois State University like, all professors were forced to sign focuses on how outside events have a loyalty oath,” Stone said. affected America throughout history. The oath contained aspects The panelists, each using like respecting the National Fascist their individualized areas of experParty and creating ‘patriotic’ stutise, discussed historical examples of dents. On authoritarianism, Koesel governments attempting to control explained how the history of retelling the work of historians, teachers and narratives extends beyond the classpreservationists in both the historical room and textbooks. and modern eras. “They’re reinforced in state The panel followed a quesmedia, in the arts and entertainment tion-and-answer format, with Dr. industry and within the museums,” Whitney Martinko from the LePage Koesel said. Center posing questions about efforts All three historians agreed to control history and the public nar- that throughout history, controlling rative. the narrative extended beyond the The first question asked education system and truly can shape where, throughout history, political an entire society’s understanding of regimes have attempted to control its past. Alee Ryon Staff Writer

Other questions included themes of state or local censorship and museums serving as places of resistance. A central theme within the panelists’ answers includes coming to terms with the past and trying to improve the future. “We will take a couple steps forward, and then there’ll be a battle about it, and maybe we’ll step back,” Stone said. “But we (America) are still very much in the process of it and in terms of historians in the United States, there’s been a really powerful production of looking at difficult chapters.” Additionally, they discussed recognizing the birth of social history and acknowledging that society will always have forms of resistance. “For contemporary historians within China and in Russia, they publish under pen names,” Koesel said. “They publish abroad in English.” Historians are politically diverse. Each panelist agreed that, given the opportunity, historians typically try to influence the historical national narrative, whether through appearances on NPR or PBS or through exhibits at the appropriate Smithsonian. Additionally, as Hartman previously acknowledged, films throughout history carried secret meanings. They were published with discreet, general themes of resistance to inspire viewers. Given the title of the event,

Martinko noted that this issue feels very present in today’s age due to the polarization seen in the federal, state and local governments and throughout politics entirely. Each panelist offered a unique perspective and advice on how to recognize warning signs in society. Stone emphasized the importance of protecting the right to vote and participate in democracy, ensuring society’s voices are heard. Koesel acknowledged that while many question government control in today’s political climate, things could be worse and America still has more freedom than many other nations she has studied. Hartman offered students several suggestions of texts to read, including “Erasing History,” by Jason Stanley, and “Road to Unfreedom,” by Timothy Snyder. Both Koesel and Stone recommended attendees read another Snyder text, “On Tyranny,” which connected numerous themes from the panel. The panel concluded with an optimistic perspective, explaining how democracies take much work and effort. The panelists emphasized the importance of staying aware and being willing to make the effort needed to maintain America’s freedom throughout future history. All are encouraged to stay engaged with the LePage Center and stay up to date on upcoming events.

Lambda Pi Eta Hosts Second Annual COMFest

it,” Kydd said. “Each table I talked to gave me a good glimpse of what each of them were about. Everyone I talked to was so nice and answered all my questions.” The most popular table On the afternoon of Sept. 23, Lambda Pi Eta hosted Villanova’s at COMFest was the ESPN table, partnered with Villanova Athletics. second annual COMFest in Garey At this table, students could look at a Hall’s basement. The event was a professional-grade camera used for big success and drew an audience of industry-level sports broadcasts. The enthusiastic first-year students and camera lens was pointed in a direction upperclassmen looking to explore where students could see themselves Communication at Villanova. on the TV monitor the ESPN emThe event included a total of ployees brought. The professionals ta14 tables, including ones for communication-related student organizations, bling shook many students’ hands and made many new faces feel welcome to the Communication major and mithe communication department here nor, study abroad opportunities and at Villanova. immersion trips. Among the student organizaPizza and light refreshments tions tabling were Villanova’s Comwere served to attendees, and those munication honor society Lambda tables specifically served as popular Pi Eta, student radio (WXVU Villaspots for conversation. nova), The Villanovan and Villanova COMFest is popular among Television (VTV). freshmen because professors often The Social Justice Documenoffer extra credit to students who attend. Each student was given a sheet tary program also had a table where of paper that had to be stamped by a students discussed their individual certain number of tables they visited. experiences with the program. Students were found visiting Another reason COMFest each table bursting qith questions was popular among freshmen is about potential involvement and what that they cannot enter Villanova as that entails. Professors were spotted Communication majors. Rather, doing a mix of tabling and socializing they are considered exploratory arts with one another. majors until they officially declare a Kalysta Donaghy-Robinson, major. This gives students a chance Villanova’s Student Media Advisor, to explore, and COMFest is a prime offered a unique perspective on the opportunity to see what the Department of Communication is all about. event, being one of the Communication department’s newest staff memMaddy Kydd, a freshman at bers. Villanova who aspires to be a Com“Something we’ve been trying munication major, had very positive to do with my position overseeing things to say about her first-ever student media groups is have first-year COMFest. students recognize that opportuni“I really liked and enjoyed Eden Rosini Co-News Editor

ties like Villanova Television or the Villanovan or any kind of student media are something that they can contribute to and get involved in immediately,” Donaghy-Robinson said. “I think it can be a little intimidating during your first year of college to feel like you can join these groups that in many ways are already established.” Donaghy-Robinson spent much of her time getting to know the various students tabling, learning what their organizations offer to the communication landscape at Villanova and how she can support them as the newest student media advisor. “I had a very positive experience at the event and was grateful for the opportunity to facilitate some dialogue and learn more about the program,” Donaghy-Robinson shared. “Especially since this is my first year at the university.” Therefore, Villanova’s second

annual COMFest appears to have been well received by students and staff alike. COMFest’s offerings have only evolved since last year’s event and the program will grow in the years to come. Divine Aboagye, who planned the event, shared what he hopes students take away from this year’s event. “The goal of COMFest is for students to get to know about the discipline of communication in general,” Aboagye said. “They can come to know the various majors we have here, the specializations, the various minors they can take and to enhance the experience.” The communication department offers an abundance of experiences for students. More information can be found on Villanova’s website regarding the plethora of programs offered.

This banner welcomed all COMFest attendees to the event. Eden Rosini/Villanovan Photography

Wednesday, September 30, 2026

The Villanovan | 7

NEWS

Family Weekend Recap Mia Galego Co-News Editor From Friday, Sept. 25 through Sunday, Sept. 27, students welcomed their loved ones to Villanova’s campus for the University’s annual Family Weekend. Despite disappointing weather, the University offered a variety of activities and events for parents and families. On Friday night, the Finneran Pavilion was packed as guests gathered to attend Pops in the Pavilion, a concert for student scholarship. The performance featured the Philly Pops, Tony and Grammy Award-winning actor and performer Leslie Odom Jr. and numerous Villanova student groups. Athenais James is captain of The Superlative, a multicultural dance team at Villanova that had the opportunity to perform at the event alongside the Villanova Band. “Performing at Pops with the VU Band was a chance for The Superlative to showcase our newbies for the year, and watching Leslie Odom Jr. was a dream come true,” James said. “We danced to BAILE INoLVIDABLE, which was a lot of fun and very special, especially during Hispanic Heritage Month.” On Saturday morning, Uni-

versity President Rev. Peter M. Donohue, O.S.A., Ph.D., gave his welcoming address in the Villanova Room of the Connelly Center. Students and families could ask questions and learn about current and upcoming university projects. While students and families looked forward to an afternoon of football, severe rain forced the University to cancel the football tailgate. “It was definitely disappointing to have the tailgate rained out after looking forward to the tailgate tradition with family, but we still tried to make the best of the weekend,” sophomore Jacob Carlin said. Although the tailgate was canceled, families still gathered to watch

Villanova play Colgate. The Wildcats fell, 28-21. On Saturday night, Villanova’s nine a cappella groups had a showcase in the Finneran Pavilion. The groups showcased their new members and performed for the first time this year. On Sunday, NOVAdance, Villanova’s year-long fundraising group that supports the Andrew McDonough B+ Foundation, hosted its B+ Brunch. Parents and families were invited to attend for an afternoon of food and celebration. At the brunch, NOVAdance also announced its theme for the year: find positivity in every rodeo. NOVAdance Public Relations

Director Liv Sallaberry spoke about what the B+ Brunch means during Family Weekend. “The B+ Brunch is easily my favorite part of parents’ weekend,” Sallaberry said. “I’ve gone for the past four years, and each time it gets all the more special. It’s a great time to enjoy food with your loved ones, learn more about NOVAdance and see some beautiful performances.” Family Weekend is all about spending time with loved ones and showing them a glimpse of student life at Villanova. Whether families enjoyed a cappella in the Finn or watched football in the rain, they made lasting memories.

For previous family weekends, the University has hosted a tailgate on Mendel Field. Graydon Paul/Villanovan Photography

8 | The Villanovan

OPINION

Wednesday, September 30, 2026

OPINION

Villanova Needs A Real Game Day Culture Kaitlin Lawrenson Staff Writer Villanova has no shortage of school spirit, but we are missing something when it comes to turning that spirit into a true game-day culture. After experiencing a Penn State football game day this past Saturday, I couldn’t help but wonder why Villanova doesn’t have that same all-day excitement around our own sports, especially basketball, the sport our university is known for. At Penn State, football Saturday starts long before kickoff. The parking lots are packed, students and alumni are dressed in blue and white, music is playing and groups of friends are already gathered around their tailgates hours before the game. You do not have to be inside Beaver Stadium to know it is game day. The entire campus feels like it is participating. Villanova has tailgates. There are tents, food and music. Students wear blue and white. But the experience feels different. At Villanova, tailgating can feel like something you do before the game. At Penn State, tailgating feels like part of the game itself. And that difference is about more than just the size difference of the schools. Penn State has a massive football culture built over generations. Villanova is a much smaller university with a completely different athletic identity. But that makes one thing particularly frus-

Villanova has all the ingredients for a great game day culture; we just need to bring them together. Cali Carss/Villanovan Photography

trating: Villanova already has the foundation for the kind of game day culture I am talking about. It’s basketball. Villanova basketball is one of the biggest parts of its identity. The program has won national championships, produced NBA players and created some of the most memorable moments in the school’s history. Yet somehow, we have not fully translated that pride into a campus-wide game day experience. Caroline Murphy, a sophomore, gave her take on this juxtaposition. “At Penn State, you feel like

the entire campus is preparing for the game, whereas at Villanova, the energy can feel much more contained to the people actually going to the game,” Murphy said. “I think we have the school spirit to create that same atmosphere. We just haven’t made it as much of a tradition.” At Penn State, the excitement is difficult to escape. At Villanova, you can walk across campus on a basketball game day and, depending on the time, have little indication that a major game is happening that night. That feels like a missed opportunity. I am not arguing that Villanova needs

to become Penn State. It would be impossible, and honestly, it would take away from what makes Villanova unique. We are a smaller school. Our campus is different and basketball, not football, is at the heart of our athletic identity. But why can’t Villanova create its own version of a game-day tradition? Imagine if a basketball game wasn’t just something students decided to attend at 8 p.m., but something that shaped the entire day. Student organizations could host pregame events. Greek organizations could gather with their friends. Campus businesses could embrace game day traditions. Students could have a reason to wear Villanova gear all day and feel like the entire campus energy was building toward tipoff. It does not need to be a football tailgate. It should not be. It should be distinctly Villanova. The point isn’t that Penn State has figured out college sports and Villanova hasn’t. The point is that Penn State understands how to turn a sporting event into a shared campus experience. Villanova has the same ingredients: passionate students, proud alumni, successful teams and traditions that people genuinely care about. We just have to bring them together. Villanova does not need 100,000 fans to create an electric game day. It needs the few thousand students it already has to feel like they are part of something. Penn State has football Saturdays. Villanova has basketball. It is time we start acting like it.

Villanova Should Expand Its Co-Op Program To CLAS

for six months, which is definitely a differentiator when it comes to their resume and the program itself.” The VSB Co-Op Program and CLAS have crossed paths before. Participating in a cooperKate Szumanski, Senior Director of ative education (co-op) semester in Professional Development and Internthe fall of my junior year was one of ships in CLAS, shared how students the most formative experiences of have interacted with the program in my time at Villanova. It guided my the past. She pointed to the Johnson decision about a full-time career after & Johnson Finance Co-Op as a spegraduation and helped me grow both cific VSB internship that economics personally and professionally. I believe majors have pursued in the past. that this structured experience should “Occasionally, a student will be readily available to more students raise their hand and indicate they’re at Villanova, starting with the College interested in a co-op experience, and of Liberal Arts and Sciences. VSB, very graciously, will entertain The Villanova School of a student from the college applying,” Business Co-Op Program lets students Szumanski said. apply for full-time, six-month posiAdditionally, even without a tions during one of two set terms: Jan. formal program, some CLAS students to June or July to Dec. Students work have carved out their own paths to 40 hours a week at firms within a net- build experiences analogous to co-ops. work of partner employers that VSB “All the time, we see science maintains across Pennsylvania and students in research roles and in roles New Jersey and earn six free elective at local hospitals, where they are gaincredits in the process. Rebecca Kozu- ing a variety of experiences in clinical bal, Associate Director of Experiential settings,” Szumanski said. “Students Education & Employer Outreach at interested in journalism have made VSB, runs the program and shared their own structures by extending her thoughts on how valuable an summer internships into the fall, opportunity it is for students. creating six-to-nine-month part-time “The clear advantage is time,” experiences.” Kozubal said. “I think there’s a high The fact that students are sense of trust in the student because already pursuing these opportunities, they’re working full time. They’re even without dedicated advising, essentially an additional employee employer partnerships or academic James Schmidt Staff Writer

credit built around the experiences, shows how valuable a dedicated co-op program could be in CLAS. Instead of replacing the initiative these students have taken, a formal co-op program could complement it by giving students the option to apply to employer partnerships Villanova has already secured, with a set number of seats reserved specifically for CLAS students. While the benefits are clear, a CLAS co-op program would still face its fair share of challenges. “If you’re working a 40-hour week, what are you not able to pursue [compared] to a student at Villanova who takes traditional courses?” Szumanski said. “Are you missing out on some great professors, on getting to know classmates for that particular moment in time? Maybe you don’t study abroad, because you’ve made that calculus. Maybe you’re not available when certain clubs are meeting.” From my experience, staying involved on campus during a co-op semester is challenging but possible. I served as a chair for the RUIBAL program, completed an Undergraduate Ethics Fellowship and routinely grabbed dinner with friends. Still, I could not consistently attend other club meetings because I had to balance a full-time work schedule with a night class. CLAS offers more than 50

majors, making it structurally more academically diverse than VSB, which offers 10. As a result, CLAS students have a less predictable, linear curriculum to build a co-op semester around than VSB students, who share many courses regardless of major. “The ability, as VSB constructs it, is to stay on track for graduation while that co-op experience is embedded into a student’s life,” Szumanski said. “A disadvantage is, do you curtail some course exploration because you’re on this trajectory? However, for students who have a firm idea of what they want to pursue, having that pathway is incredibly meaningful.” By leveraging its esteemed base of faculty, staff and alums, CLAS could secure co-op partnerships with a wide range of employers in the Philadelphia area and establish a formal program of these opportunities for students. With proper transparency and advising support on how to balance co-op experience with campus involvement, credit trajectory and the ability to explore free elective courses in the future, adding a co-op program in CLAS would be a transformative resource for students’ career journeys. “It’s not a straight arrow, or a no-brainer,” Szumanski said. “How do you give space for all of these competing advantages to make the best decision for our students?”

Wednesday, September 30, 2026

The Villanovan | 9

OPINION

EDITORIAL BOARD KAILEY FAHY Editor-in-Chief DYLAN JOHNSON Editor-in-Chief SOPHIE LATESSA Managing Editor AVERY CHALK Opinion Editor EMMA TAYLOR Opinion Editor

LETTERS TO THE EDITORS The Villanovan encourages all members of the Villanova community to voice their opinions. Letters to the editors may be submitted via e-mail to villanovan.eic@gmail.com. Letters must not exceed 500 words and must be signed. No anonymous letters will be published. All submissions become property of The Villanovan and are subject to editing for clarity and space.

POLICY

The unsigned editorial that appears is the opinion of The Villanovan as determined by the majority of the Editorial Board. Other columns, letters and artwork represent the opinions of their authors and do not necessarily reflect the position of The Villanovan.

The Importance Of Villanovans Voting Jonnie Devine Staff Writer College is a time when students learn independence and discover new freedoms. Students can choose to use this newfound independence in a variety of ways, from eating sugary cereal for dinner or taking advantage of not having a curfew. But beyond these small acts of independence, they can use their newfound freedom in a much more important way: by voting. Students at Villanova University must exercise their right to vote and strive to be informed in their voting choices. Exercising their right to vote, especially in midterm and down-ballot elections, ensures their voices are heard and helps them shape our country’s policy. As we enter this election season, exercising the right to vote is especially important given the political state of our country. The midterms are a contest for control of both the House of Representatives and the Senate, and the upcoming midterm election on Nov. 3 will determine if Republican President Donald Trump will be free to pursue his agenda during his final two years in office or whether he’ll face constraints from a Congress in which the Democrats hold new power, according to the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. Whether you seek to maintain or change the political party in power in our legislature, your vote will determine who

Villanova’s on-campus polling place is located at the Mullen Center. Emma Taylor/Villanovan Photography

holds that power. Understanding the significance of this election and future elections can make it tempting to hastily pick a side and stick with it. Do not do this. Form your own opinion and learn about the candidates and the issues they stand for. Most college students will also do this for the first time, with more distance from their parents’ opinions. Roughly 70 to 80 percent of young adults share the same core political affiliations as their parents, accord-

ing to the Pew Research Center. The beliefs you grow up around will likely still shape your perspective. However, you now have the opportunity to form a more authentic opinion without the distraction of your parents’ dinner conversations or the news channel they turn on. This opportunity is only fully taken advantage of if the opinion is formed through thoughtful research on the candidates, what they stand for and the current political state of the issue.

The Ozempidemic

potential side effects can mirror nutrient deficiencies, such as loss of muscle mass and bone density. Official GLP-1 websites define pancreatic inflammation and dehydraComing from Los Angeles, tion leading to kidney problems as I am no stranger to the various potential long-term implications. health and fitness fads that infiltrate Stomach paralysis is also a risk our society. In the past, these were associated with GLP-1s. trends like only eating when you’re The FDA approved Wegovy hungry (yes, that was a thing #intu- for weight loss in 2021. Zepbound itiveeating) and lymphatic drainage followed two years later, in 2023. (#debloating), but recently, GLP-1s Taking Ozempic for weight loss is have been at the top of the charts. still considered “off-label” use. All The problem with GLP-1s this is to say that, no substantial like Ozempic is that they’re not research confirms or denies that about health at all. I am, of course, these drugs have unforeseen effects excluding people who have legitibecause they haven’t been on the mate medical reasons for being on market long enough. Nonetheless, them. Like practically every drug people still use them. When I was on the market, GLP-1s carry side eight, my mom had breast cancer. effects. People with chronic condiAs I grew older and became more tions take market drugs because the responsible for my own health, I advantages outweigh the negative became more wary of exposing my implications. In the case of Ozembody to unnecessary chemicals or pic for cosmetic use, the only “gain” anything that disrupts a natural cyis being skinny. cle or rhythm. The concept of willBecause semaglutide and ingly assuming unnecessary medical tirzepatide suppress appetite, their risks is wildly foreign to me. Lily Yao Staff Writer

More privy to the medical implications of semaglutide and tirzepatide than I am, doctors are perhaps less attuned to their social implications, which I, as a college student, experience firsthand. Historically, beauty standards have outpaced physical possibility. The elusive 1990s heroin chic aesthetic could only be obtained by eating no more than one meal a day or doing, as the name implies, heroin. Now, people can bypass extreme measures because Ozempic offers a cop out. Two of my friends back home, with similar body compositions to me, so not medically overweight, mentioned they were going on GLP-1s purely for looks. The cosmetic GLP-1s plague impacts even the teenage population of Los Angeles, and I’m sure other parts of America. It was then that I realized that the beauty standard, that I, along with many others, try so fruitlessly to accommodate, continues to slip further and further from us mere mortals. Being skinny used to be

Two other unique circumstances put Villanova students in a position where their vote matters even more. Villanova is in Pennsylvania, a swing state, which makes voter participation especially impactful. Additionally, approximately 77 percent of Villanova students are out-of-state, according to the University’s Common Data Set. So, students from safe states can register to vote here and have a vote that carries more weight. An estimated 45 percent of 18-year-olds are registered to vote, compared to 82 percent of voters ages 45 and up, according to The Civics Center. For many reasons, this imbalance needs to change, and Villanova students can help drive it. It is especially important for younger citizens, like Villanova students, to vote not only because it creates a representative democracy, but also because younger voters will live the longest under the laws and policies being formed today. Villanova is a competitive university that is full of students who want to build successful futures. Just as working hard and getting good grades matters, using your right to vote is important in shaping your future. Villanova students are in a position to use their vote to create change. They can do this by registering to vote by Oct. 19 and voting in the Pennsylvania general election on Nov. 3 at the John and Joan Mullen Center for the Performing Arts and at other polling places in the area, if they live off campus. Villanovans’ votes can make a difference.

a status symbol because it often meant you could afford high-quality food, daily workout classes and a job that didn’t mind when you flaunted your hard work via bikini pictures on Instagram captioned something like “on island time” or “woke up like this.” We reframe privilege as discipline. How could anyone have enough time to go SoulCycle, wear an Aritzia pantsuit for eight hours and cook three high-protein, no-carb, multi-colored meals at home? All this begs the question: Without the perceived implication of self-control, what value is there in being skinny? Putting my business student cap on, demand for thinness seems almost inelastic: even as the cost of achieving and maintaining a thin body grows higher, our desire for thinness barely changes. Tools like Ozempic don’t curb the novelty of being skinny. They just push the ideal toward increasingly unhealthy territory. Skinny is no longer the goal. It is the expectation.

10 | The Villanovan

Wednesday, September 30, 2026

OPINION

We Have Too Much Information But Somehow Know Less Veronica King Staff Writer In the age of social media, artificial intelligence and the constant stream of breaking news, information has never been easier to find. Another headline, notification or viral post is always ready to tell us what happened and what we should think about it. Despite having more information available than ever before, I am not sure we are actually becoming better informed. As misinformation becomes harder to recognize, and artificial intelligence makes convincing falsehoods easier to create, the line between information and misinformation has become increasingly difficult to see. A recent controversy involving Michigan state Senator Jeremy Moss shows just how hard it can be to tell what is real anymore. An audio recording attributed to Moss began circulating online in which a speaker, reportedly Moss, said that the primary purpose of his campaign was to ensure continued U.S. support for Israel. Moss said the recording was manipulated or fabricated, but there was no simple answer about whether that was true. Digital forensics experts who examined the audio for The Washington Post found no evidence that AI had been used to create or alter it. At the same time, they could not confirm that the recording was authentic or even definitively establish that the voice belonged to Moss. The recording was out there, people were reacting to it and political figures were responding to its contents, yet no one could say with certainty what they

were actually hearing. The uncertainty of not being able to confidently determine the video’s source is more concerning today. Usually, when we hear about misinformation, we imagine a clear answer waiting somewhere. If something seemed fake, someone could eventually fact-check it and explain what happened. The problem is that today, there isn’t always a clear answer, and AI is making that uncertainty harder to ignore. Technology can now create images, videos and audio that look and sound real even when they never happened. But as fake content becomes more convincing, it also becomes easier to question content that is actually real. When the general public can no longer tell a real photo from an AI-generated one, it becomes increasingly hard to know what information we can trust. This problem becomes even more serious during emergencies. During China’s 2026 summer flood and typhoon season, authorities reported several cases of AI-generated and manipulated disaster information spreading online. In one case, someone in Guangdong used AI to alter an official Shenzhen notice about typhoon safety and circulated the fake version on WeChat. Authorities said the false information misled the public and interfered with flood-control and disaster-relief efforts. Then there is the fact that we are increasingly asking AI to help us figure out what is true. A recent investigation by Full Fact, an independent fact-checking organization, tested several popular AI chatbots on false and misleading claims that had circulated online and

found that the systems made dozens of significant errors in their responses. The investigation also found instances where chatbots incorrectly identified AI-generated images as authentic, showing that even the technology we increasingly rely on to help us sort fact from fiction can struggle to recognize what is real. Still, I do not think AI deserves all the blame. Long before AI became part of everyday life, social media had already changed the way we consume information. We became used to getting news in seconds, often without stopping to consider where it came from or whether we had the full story. During the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing, X, formerly known as Twitter, fo and Reddit became important sources of real-time information, but they also allowed rumors and speculation to spread quickly, including false accusations against people who had nothing to do with the attack. The

constant pressure to keep up with the next post or breaking story leaves little room to check the facts and understand what we are seeing. People must understand that being informed is not the same as being constantly exposed to information. As AI continues to change how information is created and shared, that habit becomes even more important. We need to be more willing to read beyond an article’s headline and question where information comes from. The internet has given us an incredible ability to learn about almost anything within seconds, but access to information is not the same as understanding it, and seeing something online does not automatically make it true. We need the discernment to research beyond the echo chamber of our social media platforms and find reliable sources. In a world where anyone can create information that looks real, stopping to question what we are seeing matters much more than being the first person to believe it.

In the age of AI, humans must adapt to the influx of information available to them. Courtesy of Reuters Images

Panic At The Printer Qing Hu Staff Writer As we know, when we need to print something for class, we use VPrint, Villanova’s printing system. Until this school year, printing was seamless. Students could either email what they needed to print to vprint@ villanova.edu or upload their documents to the VPrint website. Then, VPrint would notify students once their documents were ready to print. To print, one simply had to locate a printer, tap their Wildcard, click “release,” and hit the print button. But now? It is unnecessarily confusing. Allow me to paint a scene: a law student got out of Criminal Procedure early and took a walk around the Villanova Campus because her 50-minute break between two classes isn’t enough time to be genuinely productive. Plus, she has a four-class gauntlet on Wednesdays, so keeping her brain refreshed and her blood flowing is critical, especially with two more classes left. The law student returns to the Law School building, Scarpa Hall, 10 minutes before her next class, Interviewing/Counseling, begins. She tries to print two documents she needs for her interviewing simulations in class that day. She emails her documents to VPrint when she returns to Scarpa and taps her Wildcard on the printer, only to be greeted by a confusing screen with no “release” button.

She clicks on “jobs,” only to see the printer’s history of what it printed that day and for whom. A line of her fellow Interviewing/Counseling students is behind her, also waiting to print. The student is stressed, sweating and desperately trying to figure out what to do. She ends up logging out of the printer and retreating to the classroom in defeat. Then, she discovers that the VPrint site has become vprintmobile.villanova.edu, and the interface and system are totally different. With sweat rolling down her forehead and her hands shaking, she uploads the two documents and manages to get them ready to print. She then heads back to the printer and hits that purple button. She stays panicked when she cannot hit the print button, until a “reload toner” banner goes away. This process would have taken her mere seconds with the old VPrint Pharos system. Instead, the shift to Vasion had her spending several minutes panicking at the printer. This scene actually happened to me on Wednesday, Sept. 16. Unfortunately, a scene like this one is far from uncommon. I spoke with junior Taylor Ulrich, who shares similar frustrations. When she tried to use the interface, she ran into some glitches. She would upload the documents she wanted to print, but they never went through. When asked whether she received notice, Ulrich says she was not made aware of the

change or sent any email about it. “It was extremely confusing trying to print something for the first time this semester and being taken to a whole new website with a whole new interface, so I absolutely felt blindsided,” Ulrich said. Ulrich had to play around with the website’s controls and endured a lot of trial and error. When asked about what she misses about the old VPrint system, she says she found it more convenient in every regard. First, she found the website much easier to navigate. Then, logging in and uploading what she wanted to print was seamless, as her documents were ready to print in seconds. When she got to the printer, all she had to do was scan her wildcard, and her documents would pop up, waiting for her to hit “print.” “I would say I miss just about everything the old Vprint system had to offer,” Ulrich said. “It was quick, easy and super convenient.” Assistant Vice President, Customer Experience & IT Support Julien Rossow-Greenberg shared why the University made the switch. “Villanova recently transitioned from Pharos, its previous printing system, to Vasion Print,” Rossow-Greenberg said. “Pharos relied on technology housed and maintained on campus, while Vasion is a cloud-based system that better aligns with the University’s long-term technology strategy, TechNova 2026, and reduces the need to maintain

on-campus printing infrastructure.” Rossow-Greenberg also explained that UTS understands that some students may not have been aware of the changes or the communications in the Wildcat Newswire regarding them. As for whether email-to-print will be back, the answer is unfortunately a no. “There are not currently plans to bring back the previous email-to-print feature,” Rossow-Greenberg said. “As part of the evaluation of student printing options, Technology Services looked at how other colleges and universities approach printing. Vasion’s web-based system gives students a convenient way to submit print jobs from virtually anywhere, with a more modern, streamlined experience.” Although the changes bring a more modern interface, they also bring inconveniences and growing pains. This raises a few questions: was the shift rushed? Why the change now? Major changes like this should be announced better. A dedicated email with a short video or links to pages that explain how to use the new Vasion system would have been more effective than posting it in the Wildcat Newswire, where it could easily have been glossed over. We must bid our goodbyes to the old system and the glorious days of email-to-print. And if you’re mourning the old system too? You are in great company.

The Villanovan | 11

OPINION

Wednesday, September 30, 2026

The Fed’s Rate Hike Was Less Significant Than It Looked Michael Barravechio Staff Writer Bond Mechanics Before understanding the complex bond market, it is important to understand what a bond actually is. A bond is essentially an IOU from the government or an institution. An investor lends money to the issuer, receives interest payments, and is paid back the principal at maturity. Maturity is when the bond’s principal is repaid. The coupon rate determines its interest payments, while the yield represents the return an investor earns based on the bond’s current price. For example, a $1,000 bond with a 5% annual coupon would pay $50 in interest per year and return the $1,000 principal at maturity. One of the most important concepts is that bond prices and yields move in opposite directions. When a bond’s price rises, its yield falls, and vice versa. This explains why rising rates can hurt existing bond prices. If new bonds offer higher yields, older bonds paying lower rates become less attractive and their prices fall. Investors pay close attention to U.S. Treasuries because they have very low default risk. Treasury yields also influence borrowing costs through-

out the economy, including mortgages and corporate debt. What the Fed Actually Controls The Federal Reserve controls the federal funds rate, a shortterm interest rate. The Fed often raises rates to cool inflation and cuts them to stimulate the economy during a downturn. The Fed does not directly set the 10-year Treasury yield. This leads to an important distinction: a Fed decision does not automatically determine the outcome of the bond market. Treasury yields are determined by investors buying and selling bonds based on expectations for inflation, economic growth and future Fed policy. Even when the Fed changes rates, longer-term Treasury yields do not necessarily move in the same direction. Investors may have already anticipated the decision, or other economic factors may outweigh it. Higher Treasury yields can also make bonds more attractive because new bonds offer greater returns, particularly compared with a volatile stock market.

investors informed about the likely direction of interest rates and allows markets to adjust before the Fed actually acts. Fed chairs can take different approaches to forward guidance. Current Fed Chair Kevin Warsh has argued for using less of it because it can limit the Fed’s flexibility to respond to changing economic conditions. When guidance is provided, investors often begin to “price in” what they expect will happen. This means bond prices and yields can move before the Fed actually changes rates.

The Recent Timeline The bond market has been extremely eventful in 2026. Throughout the summer, Treasury yields rose as conflict in the Middle East disrupted energy markets and raised concerns about oil supply through the Strait of Hormuz. Higher oil prices can increase inflation, making investors expect rates to remain higher. This contributed to the 10-year Treasury yield climbing above 5%, reaching levels not seen since 2007. This led into the Fed’s September 16 decision to raise Forward Guidance and Market the federal funds rate by 25 basis Expectations points, its first rate hike in three Forward guidance is essenyears. However, the actual hike was tially the Federal Reserve commuless significant than it looked. It had nicating what it is thinking about already been largely priced into the future monetary policy. This keeps market, meaning investors adjusted

their expectations before the Fed acted. The hike increased shortterm borrowing costs, but it did not suddenly change fundamentals for bond investors. Treasury yields have continued to move as elevated oil prices fuel inflation concerns and shift expectations about what the Fed will do next. The 10-year yield recently moved above 5.2% as oil prices rose again. What This Means for the Everyday Investor Bonds are not automatically safe from losses. Treasuries have very little default risk, but their market prices can still fall. Longer-duration bonds are particularly sensitive to changing interest rates, meaning they can experience larger price swings. Higher yields can hurt existing bondholders while creating better opportunities for new buyers. For the everyday investor, the main takeaway is not to obsess over the headline Fed decision. Pay attention to what the bond market expected beforehand. If a rate hike is already priced in, the announcement may have a relatively small effect. If the Fed surprises investors, the reaction can be much larger. Ultimately, what matters in addition to the Fed’s monetary policy is how its decision compares with expectations and what investors think will happen next.

A Personal Reflection On Suicide Prevention Month I was expecting. I made the crucial flaw in expecting that progress would be linear, placing a lot more faith in medication than I should have. I declined profoundly that fall, facing Warning: this story references an awful manic episode that put me suicide and mental health in the hospital. I would love to say September is suicide awarethat this was the absolute end of my ness month. This year, I would like to share my reflections and hopefully journey, and that I only got better after this point. spread some hope. In fact, it was a real turning I think my mental health point, but not the end of my mental story starts in high school. I was a health journey. I started dialectical varsity athlete, involved in a lot of behavior therapy (DBT), was put on clubs and a pretty good student. In different, more helpful meds, and my sophomore year, my best friend was given more accurate diagnoses. passed away and I became chronHowever, I have had to really grow ically ill within the span of a few months. I started having unexplained and adapt to other challenges, as is to be expected. I struggle with OCD-rebehavioral symptoms. Based on what I now know, I lated intrusive thoughts, dissociative episodes that cloud my mind and the had spent my high school years in a dissociative state, experiencing waves manic-depressive episodes that come along with my mood and personality of mania and depression. I had a disorders. difficult time keeping and making However, I refuse to abandon friends, doing school work, even hope. holding a conversation. The confuOne of the best choices I sion, anxiety, depression and anger have made during my time at VillaI dealt with also led to persistent nova is getting involved with Special suicidal ideation. I felt a profound Olympics. The primary objective disconnect with the world and felt of the organization is to “spread as though I lost the strength to keep the mission of inclusion” and in my going. experience, the message extends Left mostly untreated, these to all of the members of the orgasymptoms and feelings persisted nization. My “SpO” people have through my first year at Villanova. really rallied around me in some of My thoughts started to take shape my worst times. Unfortunately, my into more organized plans, and by the end of the year I reached a pretty hospitalization made me miss “Fall Fest,” the largest Villanova Special severe crisis point. In May 2025, Olympics event of the year, the event I received my first mental health diagnoses, and started the journey of I had been helping to plan for about medication management. I spent the nine months. Nine months. My summer working on getting healthier, Special Olympics people made sure I wasn’t left out. They were the ones excited to really turn the chapter. to call me in the hospital, to comfort Unfortunately, despite startme during their busiest week of the ing the year off with confidence, I was faced with more challenges than year. They have always been accomMargaret Miller Co-News Editor

modating and have always checked in on me, becoming a crucial part of my support system. I have also gotten myself involved in other organizations such as VUPride. As a queer student at Villanova, this organization has helped me grow in confidence of my identity and has given me a community. Along with getting involved on campus, I have worked on nurturing my more adventurous side, exploring Philadelphia. Getting to know myself more through exploration has been such a lovely gift. Other than getting involved and exploring, I have some quick tips to share. A lot of people will tell you to reach out for help when you need it. I completely agree but I also want to emphasize how important it is to get help before you really need it. Proactive is always best. One of the best mantras

I have ever been told is to “give yourself grace.” I carry this thought around with me wherever I go now. It is so important to remember, especially in the midst of a challenging mental health journey that it is a journey and it takes time and patience to work through. Expect imperfection and find joy through it. There’s this song called “Graceland Too” by Phoebe Bridgers. One of my favorite lyrics is “She made up her mind and laced up her shoes” I have made up my mind that I will continue fighting, evolving and traversing through this tough chapter in my mental health journey. I have laced my shoes and I am ready for the challenge. I encourage you to do the same. In summary, take care of yourself, find your people and keep going. You got this! All my love and support, Margaret

As Phoebe Bridgers says, make up your mind and lace up your shoes! Margaret Miller/Villanovan Photography

The Villanovan | 14

Wednesday, September 30, 2026

Pops In The Pavilion 2026 With Leslie Odom Jr.

Father Peter addresed the crowd and introduced Lesile Odom Jr. Dylan Johnson/Villanovan Photography

Hamilton star Lesile Odom Jr. was this year’s special performer. Dylan Johnson/Villanovan Photography

Father Peter sang after performing at last year’s concert with Sutton Foster. Dylan Johnson/Villanovan Photography

Leslie Odom Jr. performed select songs from Hamilton, including Dear Theodosia. Dylan Johnson/Villanovan Photography

The Philly Pops returned for the second year conducted by Christopher Dragon. Dylan Johnson/Villanovan Photography

Father Peter performed ‘New York, New York’.’ Dylan Johnson/Villanovan Photography

The Philly Pops opened the night with ‘Going the Distance’ from Rocky. Dylan Johnson/Villanovan Photography

Villanova plans on continuing this event as a tradition. Dylan Johnson/Villanovan Photography

Wednesday, September 30, 2026

The Villanovan | 15

CULTURE

CULTURE

Love On Lancaster: Namesake

sation with my roommates about whether we would keep our last name if we marry. Despite our modern age, this seems to be a debacle largely relevant only to my ladies. To keep it, change it or maybe even hyphenate it? Your whole life, your last name has proved either cumbersome or fitting. With a last name starting with ‘F’, I had a more than ideal spot in alphabetic classroom lineups, never sequestered to the back with the ‘Z’s’. I’ve come to love my last name, especially for the connection it serves between myself and my father. Whether to change it becomes a loaded topic for anyone considering long-term love, but the decision can be beautiful. Whatever it is, it is your choice to make.

Maggie Fitzgerald Co-Culture Editor You may love it. You may hate it. Regardless, you’re stuck with it. Your name is the most primitive thing about you, the first piece of yourself available to share with others. And yet, you had entirely nothing to do with it. Whether named after a great-great grandma or simply a fad of the time, this is an instance where your parents have total control over one of the most important things about you. Coming to terms with your name can certainly be a process. If you were curious, I was named after none other than the star of “Million Dollar Baby.” Thank you, Maggie Fitzgerald, for your tragic boxing career. My life simply wouldn’t be the same without you. My mom took a liking to the name after seeing the movie in theaters. Thus, here I am today. It can be that simple. And while I have nothing against my fictional counterpart, I hated my name for quite some time. I used to wish for something more exciting, potentially something less dog-like. Perhaps Willow, or I would even settle for the likes of Trinity. But no, I was good old Margaret. Often Maggie to those who knew me well. It took me some time to finally embrace my namesake. I found it paralleled the process of accepting myself in my entirety, all the little and big parts. Just like our name, there are important

Learning the meaning of a friend or family member’s name is always an interesting story. Maggie Fitzgerald/Villanovan Photography

things about ourselves that we can’t control, such as our height, smile, voice and other features that make up who we are today. Even our personalities and natural talents are things we have little to no control over, and yet, we must accept them nonetheless. In the spirit of names, I thought it would be fitting to explore them as a mechanism to love and be loved. The Nickname I am, to a fault, a nicknamer. If you are in my immediate circle, you better believe I will never refer to you by your government name. There is something so intimate about having a special

nickname for a friend or family member, especially when it’s a thoughtful variation of your own name. The loveliest of nicknames are the ones that tell stories, providing a window into the history of your relationships. My little sister, Lucy, has long been referred to by all those close to her as ‘Pants’. What once started as ‘Lulu Lemon Pants’ became ‘Lucy Pants’ and is now somehow just ‘Pants’. While patrons of Trader Joe’s are often confused when I yell “Pants!” across the shopping aisle, it is an indication of my love for her. The Last Name I recently had a conver-

The Name Story As I shared, my name was born out of an American sports drama starring Hilary Swank. However, my middle name, Clare, came from my Irish Great-Grandma. This shows that every name has a story. Asking how someone got their name is an underrated way to see into their past and to learn more about how the person you love came to be. Consider asking your partner or friend their name story. Whether it was a movie, a family member or something entirely random, it is a fascinating detail we often overlook. Our names may be the one thing we never chose, but let us embrace them all the same. With love, Maggie

Freshmen Finds: Flip-Flops Eliana Rodriguez Staff Writer Almost as soon as freshmen first arrived on campus, the shoe of the year was decided. The unknown college essential happened to be the humble flip-flop. Even with the shift to fall, people all around campus sport their flip-flops with style. With a need for an easy shoe for class or running around the dorm, freshmen across campus asked the same question: What is the best flip-flop for me? In the first edition of Freshman Finds, we make sure every freshman is bound to find the best flip-flop for them and their needs. The Affordable Flip-Flop: In a time of need, Amazon truly knows how to pull through. You can find an affordable flip-flop with one simple search. For the perfect dorm-to-bathroom look, Amazon has a wide range of options, not limiting anyone to one style, shape or color. For the best last-minute addition to an already full cart, Old Navy’s “Flip-Flop Sandal” costs only five dollars with free shipping. With such a low price, the shoe is the perfect trial run for freshmen considering investing in a nice pair

Expensive but Worth it FlipFlop: It wouldn’t be a flip-flop list without the shoe that has taken over almost every dorm and beach town: the Rainbow Flip Flop. Made from leather, the Rainbow has the largest price tag, upwards of seventy dollars. However, the shoe has the longest lifespan, making it a slightly more justifiable purchase. The shoe molds to the owner’s foot after a week or two of wear, making it a customizable fit. If you don’t want to invest in Rainbows, they have a vast kids’ section for a slightly lower price of 50 dollars, with the same materials and variety. Consider adding flip-flops into your shoe rotation for a functional and fashionable look. Maggie Fitzgerald/Villanovan Photography

for their venture into the communal bathroom. Available in five colors and partially plant-based, the Old Navy flip-flop is an affordable, reliable option. The Middle Ground Flip-Flop: For people who want a longer-lasting choice, the Havaianas flip-flop, priced at 30 dollars, is the perfect middle ground between affordable and durable. Sported by beloved model Bella Hadid, Havaianas are upscale flip-flops

for class, coming in both square toes and kitten heels. Even if not for class, Havaianas will last longer than most and can still brave the bathroom. Nostalgia also returns via Crocs, which now offer an under-$40 flip-flop. With Crocs being a childhood staple, the flipflop Crocs offer the same material and reliability as the beloved classic. The shoe is incredibly supportive, making it perfect for the long walk across campus for class or a Spit dinner.

The Flip-Flop Alternative: Even the best things must come at a price. As temperatures lower, the flip-flop may not be the most sustainable option. As the season changes, so must the shoe. A perfect slip-on shoe for the colder months could be the “Backless Back 70” sneaker. The shoe looks like a sneaker up front, with laces and all, but transforms into a shoe remarkably similar to a flip-flop, letting you slide your foot in easily. It’s also fleece-lined with the same material as a fuzzy sock, making it incredibly comfortable and warm for the cold months ahead.

16 | The Villanovan

CULTURE

Wednesday, September 30, 2026

The Curse Of Family Weekend Weather drinks for everyone is always a top concern. Order more substantial food in advance, assign multiple people to gather snacks and definitely remember to get ice. My parents and I have forgotten to stock up on ice more times than I can count, and it really does make all the difference.

Cali Carss Co-Culture Editor As a senior, I have just experienced my last ever family weekend as a Villanova student. And as a senior, I can say that I have been privy to the amazing number of rainy tailgates that have plagued the past few years. During my freshman year, it rained so often that my family and I did not brave Mendel Field at all. We did walk over to the football stadium, though, in hopes of seeing the game. I confess, we walked straight back out two minutes later and admitted defeat. Making our own plans, we ended up in Philadelphia for lunch, and I relished the time spent away from campus after the overwhelming start to freshman year. In my sophomore year, we did brave the tailgate. It was a misty, cold day. But that year, I would not be deterred. I had tents to visit, friends to introduce my parents to and it turned out to be a wonderful day despite the weather. Once September hit in junior year, I was anxiously checking the weather, hoping for clear skies and some lingering warmth. I had my own tent that year and was determined to be the ultimate host. Now, last year was the closest Villanova has come to breaking this weather curse, and most of the tailgate was unimpeded by rain. As we approached the game, the drizzle

Invite More People Than You Think: A tailgate is a moving entity. While some people might stick around one tent most of the time, most will move between the rows of tents to make multiple No matter the weather, Family Weekend is a special time to be with those you love. stops. You can’t control the flow of Maggie Fitzgerald/Villanovan Photography people around your tent or when minder that we can make our own that began to fall seemed almost they show up, so my advice is to fun, even when the weather takes a tell anyone and everyone you think inevitable. This year, my last year, was turn for the worse. might stop by. A constant flow of Ultimately, this weather supposed to be the triumphant people is the perfect way to keep “curse” is really just a case of bad finale. Again, I had a tent, hosting the uniquely stationary job of hostluck. My class has simply had the plans and had texted everyone I ing exciting. possibly could to stop by. And then, misfortune of being caught in the middle of it. We might have expeas the clock struck midnight in a Spend Time With Your Parrather comical event, I received an rienced some disappointments, but ents email announcing that the tailgate, these rainy weekends have also led This one may seem obvious. to so many stories. my final tailgate, had been canHowever, I have found that when I want to leave behind some practically everyone you know is celed. The weather curse that had Family Weekend advice I wasn’t dampened every single one of my on Mendel Field at once, it can be Family Weekends had struck again. able to put into practice this year. easy to get swept up in the exciteWinning a tent in the lottery is Thankfully, my friends ment and drag your parents along exciting, but being ready for the and I were not to be deterred. We without really spending time with tailgate is entirely different. I hope moved our celebration, and all of them. Make sure to slow down, future Family Weekends are sunny our parents, inside our apartment include them and make the most of enough to see these points through. these short visits. and enjoyed each other’s company where it was warm and dry. Family Weekend is one of Across campus, similar reimagined Have a Proper Refreshment the highlights of the semester, and Plan: “tailgates” were replacing the real no matter the weather, it is someHaving enough food and thing. It was an encouraging rething worth celebrating.

What Songs Do: Sail On Silvergirl Cassidy Niehaus Staff Writer There’s a grove in Utah that isn’t really a grove. From the ground, it looks like an ordinary stretch of aspens, with white trunks that are indistinguishable from any other stand of trees along the highway. But underground, there’s only one root system beneath it all. One organism quietly moves water and sugar to each root, up through the trunks and out to the leaves. Scientists call it “Pando,” which means “I spread” in Latin. Aren’t we the same way? Obviously, we’re our own distinct beings. We eat and drink and have our own two feet. We are individual in every visible sense. But metaphorically, we’re each our own tree, and no tree survives without its roots. ​This exhaustingly long week made that pointedly obvious, but the smallest gestures helped. My mom on the phone (she’s also a therapist, so double whammy). A 30-second text from a superior, someone I look up to, that I reread more times than I’d care to admit. My roommate telling me to yell “Hail Mary” if I needed an emergency ice cream run. None of it fixed the actual issues at hand. The plate that kept feeling heavier to carry. Yet, it made the load that much easier to hold. Listening to “Bridge Over Troubled Water” demagnified my problems and handed me

an important reminder: feeling overwhelmed, confused or tired is a state, not a sentence. That when the storm finally lifts and the water calms, people helped you get there. ​ The song makes that case, structurally, too. It opens with one voice and one piano, a private, whispered promise between two people. By the final verse, it’s swelled into a full choir, every instrument in the studio, a vow that started quietly now carried by overwhelming sound. Help, in its simplest form, holds the same shape as an ecosystem of trees. Fed by one grounding root, it works exactly the same way. For me, that’s taken the form of a handful of people who each decided, independently, that 30 seconds of checking in was worth their time. Sound advice from someone who’s watched me overthink the same thing three different ways. Company on a night I didn’t want to sit alone with my own head. Small, unasked-for kindness that added up to more than any one of them intended. And it’s never run in just one direction. On the days and weeks I’m not the one caught in the storm, there’s a good chance a friend is, and whatever’s been feeding me gets redirected their way instead. ​That’s really the whole idea. A bridge is one person laying themself down so someone else can cross. A root system, thousands of intricately small organs, stacked on top of each other, slow-

When trouble comes, turn to your friends to bear the storm. Maggie Fitzgerald/Villanovan Photography

ly becoming the thing that lets you grow, survive and actually flourish. Different shapes. Same job. ​Every tree in Pando turns gold on the exact same day, once fall arrives, as they’re all fed by the same thing underneath. Whether it shows up as a downpour, a full storm or just a tornado of golden leaves swept up in an October wind, the truth underneath stays the same: we are never really alone in it, and we were never

supposed to be. And as the third verse so beautifully reminds us, we must sail onward. And if we are lucky enough, we will have someone following behind. “Sail on silvergirl, Sail on by. Your time has come to shine. All your dreams are on their way. See how they shine. If you need a friend I’m sailing right behind.”

Wednesday, September 30, 2026

The Villanovan | 17

CULTURE

Living Well: Dorm Essentials Massimo DiLeo Staff Writer “It is not where, but how you live” I first read these words in a TikTok comment section on a video showing a woman living in Title IX housing transforming her space for autumn. Whether it was pumpkins lining the windowsill or pillows on the couch, what stood out most was how she used her space, rather than emphasizing the space itself. College students often have many ideas for their limited space and must learn to work with it creatively. Technically, students do live in dorms and apartments provided by the university, but that still doesn’t mean they’re government-owned. This simple quote can still apply to our lives as students and the ways we decorate our spaces to fit our identities. I lived in Stanford Hall on South Campus during my freshman year. The next year, I stayed in Sheehan. What these two dorms have in common is their relatively limited space for extra storage and furniture. However, living in these dorms taught me how to maximize my space before moving up to my first apartment on West Campus this year. Here are some things I have found that easily upgrade your space and make it feel more unique.

as much like a home as possible can help alleviate some of those feelings. A Floor Lamp It might just be me, but I don’t prefer using the ceiling lights in Villanova’s dorms. Often, they are too bright or lack the ‘warm feel’ I am looking for. When I adjusted to living away from home two years ago, I appreciated having warm light in my room to make it cozier. If you agree, try out a floor lamp the same way I did my sophomore year. A Plant Whether it stands on its own or sits in a pot on the counter, plants can bring life into your space. Although it’s nice to see trees blowing in the wind outside your window, it’s even better to have a piece of nature right inside your space. Research from the University of Michigan has proven that being around greenery improves memory retention by up to 20 percent. If you don’t have time to There is nothing like a plant to liven up your dorm room. maintain a plant, a fake plant can Maggie Fitzgerald/Villanovan Photography offer the same benefits without the Area Rug(s) they are the right size. I realized commitment. It seems so obvious, yet this when I accidentally ordered a The data speaks for itself, you would be surprised how many 3-by-5 instead of a 5-by-7 rug my but so does the feeling of coming students across the United States freshman year. back home to a dorm curated to don’t think this essential is necesA longitudinal study pubyour individuality. Don’t be afraid sary. lished on PMC reported that to really personalize your space A rug also lets you divide 94 percent of first-year college this school year. Dorm life might your floor space and section it students felt some homesickness not be forever, but that doesn’t off. Oftentimes, even the simplest during their first semester. I bemean we don’t deserve beauty and rugs can make a room cozier if lieve that making your dorm feel comfort right now.

Paris And Other Detours: My Soundtrack Anna Lonski Staff Writer Early Sunday evening, as we exited the plane at the Paris Beauveau airport, my friend Megan and I took a deep breath and looked at each other. “Is this heaven?” we said at the same time. The air surrounding this rural airport, that was falsely labeled Paris, was sublime and fresh. In the hour-long ride back to our apartment, I stuck my head out the window, listening to the French radio our taxi driver was playing the whole way home. That night, with no groceries and little motivation, we went down to the mini market underneath our apartment. The man who works in the store, who’s now our friend, laughed at us inspecting every foreign snack. We left with potato chips. Even though I spend all week gallivanting around Paris, it’s returning there after a weekend away that it feels most like home. We settled in again to our Parisienne routine and the week flew. Monday, I went to a funny French workout class, Tuesday, I shopped irresponsibly and Wednesday, someone told Megan and I they thought we spoke French. On Thursday, we went to a macaron making class where we learned the chocolatey cream, also known as ganache, actually comes from an old French word meaning stupid. Now it’s Friday, and time

to take off again. As we headed to the train station, I realized that this date marked exactly one month since I touched down in Paris. This timeframe feels both extremely reasonable and daunting. On one hand, I’m starting to forget the color of my room at home, on the other, I haven’t even seen the Louvre. Friday was also a big day because Taylor Swift released four new songs as the deluxe edition of “The Life of a Showgirl.” Which, I know, doesn’t excite everyone. I’m probably approaching the age where it shouldn’t excite me, but I can’t help but think about when the album came out last year. It was the beginning of fall, and my friends and I frolicked around campus singing “The Fate of Ophelia” and “Actually Romantic” as the leaves began to change color. We were tone-deaf and excited. Excited by the new season, our new status on campus, new dorms and new friends. “The Life of a Showgirl” isn’t my favorite Taylor Swift album, and I don’t listen to it often, but on the occasion I do, I’m instantly transported back to those windy, sunny days. I am usually the type of person who lives with their headphones in. I love listening to music whether I’m walking to class, getting ready or doing nothing. However, while I haven’t fallen out of love with my airpods, recently, I don’t feel myself reaching for them as much. When we first got here,

Learning to make the traditional French desert: Macarons. Anna Lonski/Villanovan Photography

the heads of our program advised that we do our best to stay present. So in place of Taylor Swift and Lorde, my ears are filled with the sounds of the city. Just outside my bedroom window is our building’s courtyard. With no air conditioning and the fall approaching too slowly, I sleep with my window wide open every night. And every morning, I rise to the hum of French conversation as the workers who we share the building with are up for their pre-work coffee. When I walk in circles around my neighborhood at night, talking to my mom on the phone, loud sing-songy police sirens circle me and challenge the conversation

at hand. I don’t think I can pick a song that encapsulates my past month here, not like my intense nostalgic connection with “The Life of a Showgirl” at least. I heard it is already Family Weekend in Villanova. While I’m somewhat envious, I’m on the train to meet my friends in Munich, watching a uniformed German soldier share a beer with a man in a lederhosen. I don’t know a hint of German, but I’m hanging on to every word of this all-consuming conversation. And when we arrive, whether the girls like it or not, I know what four songs we’ll be listening to.

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A Night At Pops In The Pavilion Kailey Fahy Co-Editor-In-Chief Villanova welcomed Grammy- and Tony Award-winning performer Leslie Odom Jr. and the Philly Pops Orchestra to a transformed Finneran Pavilion for its second annual Pops in the Pavilion performance on Friday, Sept. 25. This event, which supports essential scholarships for Villanova students, has become an “annual” Villanova tradition. Following the enthusiasm surrounding last year’s inaugural performance, Villanova expanded this year’s event by adding 1,000 tickets, according to University President Rev. Peter M. Donohue, O.S.A., Ph.D. This enthusiasm drew attendees who were not even at the event last year to attend this year’s concert. “We heard really great things about the Pops last year,” senior Maggie D’Amaro, who attended the event with her family, said. “So, we thought it would be fun to go as a family this year.” The show opened with the Philly Pops performing songs from “Rocky,” including “Going the Distance” and “Gonna Fly Now”. Father Peter then welcomed attendees and highlighted the popularity of the event. Leslie Odom Jr. was the featured performer at this year’s performance. He is best known for his role as Aaron Burr in the

The Finneran Pavilion was transformed for Friday’s event. Dylan Johnson/Villanovan Photography

original cast of “Hamilton: An American Musical” on Broadway. At the beginning of his set, he acknowledged the event’s mission and emphasized the importance of making music accessible to everyone. “Music is for everyone,” Odom said, noting how people can support and engage with music even if they are not pursuing it as a career. Scholarships that the event’s proceeds go toward help provide Villanova students with opportunities to pursue their

education while also participating in or engaging with the arts. Before the performance began, attendees were welcomed into the Finn at 6:00 p.m. with an “upscale, picnic-style meal” accompanied by soft drinks and beer and wine for guests over 21. Throughout the night, Odom performed several fan favorites from “Hamilton,” including “Wait For It,” and “The Room Where It Happens,” before ending the night with “Dear Theodosia”.

“I would say my favorite part of the performance was definitely towards the end where he sang a couple of songs from “Hamilton,” D’Amaro said. In the first half of the show, Odom, accompanied by the Philly Pops, sang classics including “L-O-V-E” and “Fly Me to the Moon”. After a 20-minute intermission, the Villanova Voices and Singers, Band and Dance Team welcomed the audience back with performances of the University’s Alma Mater and Villanova’s Fight Song. Select members from the Villanova Band performed alongside the Philly Pops, including Sabrina Sharafi (flute), Ann Bingel (clarinet), Anastasia Westrate (clarinet), Henry Hooper (trumpet), Brendan Rainforth (trumpet), Matthew South (trumpet), Jay M. Nelson (horn), Chloe Briggs (trombone), Sam Tatum (euphonium), Jason Lauducci (percussion) and Eliana Wang (mallet percussion). During the second act, Odom took to the stage and sang some of his original songs, including “Go Crazy.” At the end of the night Father Peter took the stage and sang “New York. New York” accompanied by the Philly Pops. Building on the success of last year’s event, Pops in the Pavilion continues to grow as a Villanova tradition.

Italian Designers Showcase In Philadelphia Eliana Rodriguez Staff Writer For the past week, Drexel University’s Main Building served as a showroom for Italian designers. For its second annual showcase, Italia È Moda chose Philadelphia. With the mission to give Italian designers across the country exposure, the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation showcases the grandeur and excellence of local Italian designers. Italy is home to one of the world’s largest fashion capitals: Milan. Even with some of the most prominent brands, such as Gucci, Prada and Armani, coming from the country, many of the traditional styles and emerging artists find themselves lost on the worldwide stage. Italia È Moda challenges this disparity and aims to close the gap. For many years, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs wanted to create this exhibit to draw visitors from across the world. However, its own government has consistently blocked it. Some of the ministry’s main fears were limited exposure for young designers and the threat of counterfeits. With the emergence of fast fashion and brands such as Shein, the government wanted to protect its citizens. Without approval for this traveling showcase, designers faced increasing risk of having their designs stolen. Last year was a landmark year for the Ministry of Foreign

Affairs and International Cooperation as it signed the Memorandum of Understanding in Rome. This allowed a significant increase in foreign events that the Italian diplomatic network could sponsor, specifically to benefit Italian fashion. This event had one simple goal: to show how the traditional style of Italian design reflects the country’s deep-seated values. The generational methods of Italian craftsmanship seem to be disappearing. The Italian government wants to remind the world of the importance of craftsmanship by showcasing tailoring, lacework, draping, moulage and leather footwear. The country specifically chose to display works by 12 designers, 51 products and 28 companies, many of which are designer-label-specific. Ranging from artisan jewelry, dressmakers and tailors to nose perfumers, the exhibit encompassed all aspects of the emerging Italian fashion scene. One of the exhibit’s main features was Geotano Aloisio. Although not widely known in the United States, Aloisio is one of Italy’s most revered designers. As the president’s tailor, Aloisio is regarded as a master of tailoring, known for his specific tanning method called vegetable tanning. In this process, natural tannins from chestnut and oak bark are used to slowly create an individualized piece, meaning none of his designs can be replicated. Each piece takes an incredibly long time as it utilizes this method, which

Milan, known as the fashion capital of the world, shared some of its talent with Philly. Eliana Rodriguez/Villanovan Photography

is only popular in Italy. For his dedication to this process, Aloisio earned himself the title of master tailor, along with the adoration of all designers in Italy and beyond. However, this showcase wasn’t limited to clothing. The Italian government acknowledges that creating fashion for any event includes many aspects, including makeup. The beauty department’s main feature was KIKO Milano. Today, beauty has become one of the hardest industries to break into. With the rise of numerous celebrity brands and thousands of products claiming to deliver the best results, it is incredibly hard to find a brand that offers strong craftsmanship and real dedication to its customers. KIKO Milano

differentiates itself by touting technology-driven products. They constantly communicate with technicians and scientists to create the best products for their customers. With high-end applicators and fast, consistent releases, KIKO Milano has taken over skincare and beauty in Italy. Products range from simple skincare and cleansers to lip stains and glosses, all on display at the exhibit. Italia È Moda hopes to inspire visitors to explore Italian designers and to explore their own creativity. Fashion inspires and expresses personality. The selected work showcases the magnificence of Italian fashion and encourages viewers to find their own style.

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Jalen Brunson Hosts The SNL Season Premiere Scarlet Shafie Staff Writer Continued from p.1

all sense of airport decorum. In “Shark Tank: Respectables,” he played an investor who heard a pitch for smart glasses. In “Parent-Teacher Conference,” he played one of the numerous lovers in a woman’s life who showed up at her son’s school for a conference. In “Old Friend,” he played himself, tired after a game, when a figure from his past visits him. “Men’s Support Group” followed a meeting for men whose wives and girlfriends were brought on stage for an Usher/Chris Brown concert, and “Young Rell’s Crew” was cut for time. “The skits gave me a newfound appreciation for Brunson,” junior Ary Muniz said. “We’ve seen him compete and also literally speak to a crowd of us at The Roommates Show taping last year. It’s nice to see, though, that he’s such a naturally funny and personable guy.” Three months ago, Brunson led the Knicks to their first title in 53 years and even earned Finals MVP. As we well know, he also helped Villanova win the

2018, the second Wildcat ever to do so. He was also the Big East Scholar Athlete of the Year and earned his communications degree in just three years. Villanova retired his No. 1 jersey in February 2023. He then was drafted 33rd overall by the Dallas Mavericks in the 2018 NBA Draft. Brunson eventually decided to sign a deal with the New Yorks Knicks in what many considered an “overpay.” He was named the Clutch Player of the Year in 2024-25 after signing his four-year, $113 million contract extension. Since then, Brunson returned an NBA title to New York for the first time in 53 years alongside his Villanova teammates Hart and Bridges. “It’s always fun to see a fellow Wildcat represent Villanova, especially on a show I love,” senior Peyton Gibbs said. “It was really fun to watch Jalen Brunson host SNL.” This past Saturday was an amazing accomplishment for our whole community, as Brunson is Brunson has also hosted events on campus for Villanova Basketball. the first Villanova alumnus and Courtesy of Villanova Athletics fifth NBA player to host SNL. National Championship in Men’s From the court to the cue Rockefeller Plaza began at VilDivision I basketball in both 2016 lanova, where he scored 1,667 cards at SNL, Brunson shows how and 2018. a Villanova education can take points in three seasons and won Brunson’s path to 30 you anywhere. National Player of the Year in

The Room Where It Happens: Who Is In The Press Room? Hudson Zivic Staff Writer The phrase “history repeats itself ” is widely known and often used for various reasons. It highlights recurring patterns in human behavior, societal trends, and historical or political events. That’s where “Hamilton: An American Musical” comes in. The comparison for this analysis is: Is history really repeating itself ? By examining a quote from the musical alongside a contemporary political story, we can explore whether the ideals, conflicts and ambitions that shaped the early republic are echoing in current events, or if what appears familiar is simply history’s rhyming, not its repetition. On Friday, Sept. 18, President Donald Trump announced that CNN, MS NOW and Politico would no longer be allowed inside the White House, after he accused them of publishing false information. The next day, reporters from the outlets were denied entry and the administration disabled their credentials. Three days later, these organizations sued the Trump administration, arguing it was punishing them for reporting in a way the president disliked. The administration maintains that White House access is a privilege, not a constitutional right, and has cited concerns about inaccurate reporting and national security. The dispute raises a broader question: Can the government decide which members of the press receive access based on whether those in

power approve of what they publish? In “The Room Where It Happens,” Aaron Burr sings, “No one else was in the room where it happened.” He is referring to the private negotiations among Alexander Hamilton, Thomas Jefferson and James Madison that produced the Compromise of 1790. Burr understands that being outside the room means not witnessing how decisions are reached and depending on those inside to explain what happened. More than two centuries later, the circumstances are different, but the question of who gets to be “in the room” remains relevant. Most Americans will never stand inside the Oval Office while a president answers questions, attend a White House briefing or travel aboard Air Force One. Journalists enter those spaces and report what they witness to a public that cannot be there itself. Restricting access can therefore affect how information reaches the public. The First Amendment question is more complicated than whether reporters simply have a “right” to enter the White House. It protects freedom of speech and of the press, but does not automatically give every journalist access to every government space. The three outlets argue that once the government provides press access, it cannot selectively withdraw it in retaliation for coverage officials dislike. The administration argues that the president has broad authority over White House access and that the organizations remain free to publish. Press-freedom advocates also warn of a chilling effect: if critical reporting can cost journalists their

Access to the White House press room is currently being contested. Hudson Zivic/Villanovan Photography

credentials or access to officials, government actions could influence the press without directly censoring a story. Access itself can become leverage. That argument also has a legal history. In the 1977 case Sherrill v. Knight, a federal appeals court held that when White House press facilities are generally available to journalists, the government cannot deny access arbitrarily and must provide procedural protections. That precedent is central to the current dispute, as the Justice Department argues that Sherrill was wrongly decided. Responses from other news organizations show why the issue extends beyond three outlets. When CNN was excluded from a scheduled television pool assignment, other major networks declined to

replace it, disrupting pooled coverage. Press-freedom organizations have also supported the outlets’ legal challenge, while the White House maintains that its restrictions are justified. That brings us back to “The Room Where It Happens.” For Burr, being outside the room meant exclusion from political influence. For journalists, it means something different. Their role is not to participate in presidential decisions, but to observe, question and report on the people making them. The press is one way the public learns what happens in government spaces, making the question of who is allowed inside larger than a fight over three press passes. Ultimately, who gets to be “in the room” also shapes how the public learns what happens inside it.

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SPORTS

Catching Up With the Cats: Eric Dixon (‘25) Dylan Johnson Co-Editor-in-Chief It was Nov. 13, 2025, at the Chase Fieldhouse in Wilmington, DE. The Greensboro Swarm were taking on the home Delaware Blue Coats in an NBA G League matchup. Eric Dixon was dressed and sitting on the Swarm’s bench, wearing a pair of. Roughly 30 of his family and friends lined the seats of the fieldhouse to cheer him on. Dixon would come off the bench in his NBA G League debut to score 16 points. It was a moment of relief for Dixon, the former standout Villanova forward and the program’s all-time leading scorer, after previously spending the last five months with a foot injury that sidelined him through the 2025 NBA Summer League and preseason, derailing the start of his professional career. He was recently named the 2026 FIBA Intercontinental Cup MVP off the bench after leading the NBA G League United team to a championship. “Obviously, not the best time,” Dixon said about his foot injury. “A little bit weird. I’ll say the hardest part for me was, I’ve been home for the last 24 years, for the first 24 years of my life. And then the first four months of my profes-

sional career away from home, I can’t necessarily do what I’m used to being able to do. “So, kind of just definitely not being able to see the people that I love as much as I normally can either. And, you know, struggling to move around in a new space. Literally, I can’t get further away. Obviously, it was a tough, I guess, series of events, tough circumstances or whatever the case may be. But, you know, it was what it was. And I made it through and made the G League season that much easier.” He entered the 2025 NBA Draft after departing Villanova and went undrafted. Dixon was planning on signing with the Los Angeles Lakers as an undrafted free agent, but his foot injury had terrible timing. Dixon never got to practice or play with the Lakers. His UDFA contract turned into a two-way contract. Eventually, Dixon landed in Charlotte after being waived by the Lakers. With the Swarm, he played 27 games off the bench, averaging 18.4 minutes before being traded to the Memphis Hustle. Dixon finished the G League season with the Hustle, playing 27 games, averaging 11 points and 18.4 minutes. Dixon has spent the last 16 months preparing and adapting for professional play, which he feels Villanova overly prepared him for

what it is like. “So college to the pros definitely was not as big of a jump as [high school to college],” Dixon said. “Especially coming from a program like Villanova, where working hard and being a good person is two of the main pillars of what they’re trying to do there. So for me, I think Villanova does a really good job of helping guys do what they’re supposed to do and making sure they’re where they’re supposed to be. And like I said, I think just the amount of autonomy you have as a pro, you have free time. You can do anything you want with your time. So what do you do with it? Do you do anything to make yourself better at the sport, or do you kind of just chill and hang out?” Dixon wanted to be better at the sport of basketball. He remembers watching Jaylen Sims in Charlotte perfect his craft every day. Sims had been in the G League for four years before getting called up to the Charlotte Hornets on a 10-day contract in April 2025. Dixon knows that an opportunity can come at any time. “I think, you know, the biggest thing in the pro game is you never know when your numbers are going to get called,” Dixon said. “And when it does get called, you want to make sure that you go out there and you’re ready to perform. You know, some nights it

might be 10 minutes, other nights it might be 30.” Dixon got that opportunity these past few weeks after he was named to the NBA G League’s United team. Dixon helped bring the FIBA Intercontinental Cup championship to the United States for the first time since 1974, when the Maryland Terrapins won it. The G League United team made the final the last two years and lost. “First of all, just to get the invite was super cool,” Dixon said. “The staff they had, the support staff they had as well, was also really good at helping us get comfortable. Being in Sacramento, I’d probably say training camp was my favorite part of the whole experience, just being able to compete against some of the top guys in the G [League]. Iron sharpens iron. So you get to go up against those guys and see what those guys do, see how I’m measuring up, see how I’m squaring up.” Dixon just returned to the United States, where he will prepare with the Memphis Hustle for the start of the upcoming 2026-27 NBA G League season that begins on Nov. 6. “Can’t control everything,” Dixon said about his professional journey. “Some things are out of my control. Way above my pay grade. So just do what I can do when I can do it. That’s probably the biggest I’ll take from this year.”

Villanova Football Preview: Morgan State Casey Healey Co-Sports Editor On Saturday, Oct. 3, Villanova football will host Morgan State for the second time in program history. After falling to Colgate, 28-21, during Family Weekend, the ‘Cats will be looking to get back in the win column against the Bears, who are a member of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) and hold a current record of 3-1. Morgan State recently defeated Towson to end a 17-year losing streak versus the Tigers, putting them at 3-1. This is the first time Morgan State has started its season 3-1 since 2009. The Bears were projected to finish fourth in the MEAC. South Carolina State, the reigning champions, were projected to finish first. Morgan State has three first-team All-MEAC selections: tight end Alex Simmons, linebacker Arturo Mattocks and defensive back Aki Harvey. Running back Keith Jenkins Jr., wide receiver Justin Perry, defensive lineman Justin Dutton, defensive lineman Kristopher Boyd, punter Shane Messenger and return specialist Malique Leatherbury earned second-team selections. Quarterback Cameron

Edge has made four career starts for the Bears and was named MEAC Offensive Player of the Week after completing 14 of 23 passes for 209 yards against Towson. Perry, a sophomore wide receiver, currently leads the MEAC with 272 yards on 16 re-

Football will return this Saturday against Morgan State. Erick Quezada/Villanovan Photography

ceptions and three touchdowns. Villanova is Morgan State’s fifth nonconference opponent of the season, and the Bears are slated to play seven nonconference games before starting MEAC play in October. Damon Wilson is Morgan State’s current head coach and is

in his fifth season. He previously coached at Bowie State. There, he won three consecutive Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) conference championships. Villanova coach Mark Ferrante is in his 10th season as head coach and has contributed to 286 wins and all 17 of the Wildcats’ FCS playoff appearances. The ‘Cats currently sit in sixth place in the Patriot League and are 2-3 overall this season. This past weekend, they lost, 2821, to Colgate (4-1, 3-0 PL) after a late comeback attempt. Sixth-year quarterback Pat McQuaide went 12-of-23 for 192 yards and two touchdowns. He was also sacked six times. Sophomore wide receiver Brandon Reed recorded his first career 100-yard game with six catches, including a 17-yard touchdown reception. Villanova and Morgan State have faced off only once before, on Oct. 25, 2014, at Villanova Stadium. There, the Wildcats defeated Morgan State, 48-28, during Homecoming weekend. The nonconference matchup should not be a problem for the Wildcats. However, after a shaky start to the season and narrow wins against Long Island and Bucknell, the game may prove more challenging than anticipated. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m., and the game will air on ESPN+.

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Women’s Soccer Defeats St. John’s, 2-0 Carla Murray Staff Writer On Friday, Sept. 26, Villanova’s women’s soccer team beat St. John’s, 2-0, in the opening match of conference play, its seventh shutout thus far. Playing in front of loved ones on Family Weekend added an extra layer of meaning and motivation as Villanova (6-0-3, 1-0 Big East) set the tone early for its conference schedule. “My family’s my why,” senior defender Meredith Palmer said. “They are my biggest fans, my biggest supporters. I have no doubt that I would not be here today if it wasn’t for them, so it’s my greatest honor to play in front of them.” Villanova opened the scoring with 26:55 gone, when junior forward Gabby Koluch converted an assist from sophomore midfielder Morgan Kotch. St. John’s (35-1, 0-1 Big East) fought to break through the backline, but Villanova’s defense remained impressive and held the Red Storm to just seven total shots and one shot on goal. “It is always great when you start conference play with a win,” head coach Samar Azem said. “It’s also great when you start conference playoffs with a win against a team that historically, at least over the last 10 years, 15 years, has been very dominant

against us.” The Wildcats controlled the pace of the match, outshooting St. John’s, 14-7, and adding pressure offensively by recording six shots on goal. St. John’s stayed physical in transitions and applied pressure in the midfield, but Villanova maintained its shape. “It was more about staying composed, sticking together, holding our lines, so we can catch those balls in front of us,” Palmer said. The second half brought more successful offensive pressure for the Wildcats. At 66:23, junior

forward Dez Zapata capitalized on a passing sequence and scored off assists from Morgan Kotch and Meredith Palmer to extend the lead to 2-0. “Morgan’s a beast,” Palmer said. “When she gets the ball, it’s always magic.” The Wildcats secured the victory with strong defense. The team plans to carry this momentum into the rest of the Big East Conference. Women’s soccer will continue conference play when it visits the University of Connecticut on Thursday, Oct. 2, at 7 p.m.

WEEKLY SCOREBOARD Sept. 23 - Sept. 29

Friday, September 25 Field Hockey vs. Temple 4-1 W Volleyball @ Butler 0-3 L Saturday, September 26 Men’s XC @ Meadows 3rd of 15 Women’s XC @ Meadows 11th of 17 Football vs. Colgate 21-28 L Volleyball @ Xavier 2-3 L Women’s Soccer vs. St.John’s 2-0 W Men’s Soccer @ Xavier 0-2 L Sunday, September 27 Men’s Tennis @ Lehigh No team scoring. Women’s Tennis @ Navy No team scoring. Tuesday, September 29 Men’s Golf @ UConn 3-4 L

Villanova remains undefeated as Big East play continues. Erick Quezada/Villanovan Photography

‘Nova Knicks Set To Appear At Nova Nation Tip-Off Dylan Johnson Co-Editor-in-Chief Continued from p. 1 been doing it for so long. I thought the first thing that they did, the podcast, was a cool one-off thing. I didn’t know that it was suddenly going to become a full-on replacement for Hoops Mania. Looking at the details and everything, it looks like it’s pretty much gonna be everything that they do at Hoops Mania without the musical performer.” Brunson, Hart and Bridges all won national championships during their time at Villanova in 2016, with Brunson and Bridges winning two in 2016 and 2018. In 2017-18, Brunson was named the consensus Player of the Year. Hart and Bridges were both at one point given the Julius Erving Award, which is awarded to the best small forward in the country. All three have had their jerseys retired at Villanova. The trio led the Knicks to their first NBA title in 53 years, defeating the San Antonio Spurs in five games. Brunson was named the Final Most Valuable Player (MVP). Despite junior Alex Drake being a Boston Celtics fan, he is looking forward to seeing the trio of Wildcats turned Knicks. “It was a huge draw for me,” Drake said when asked about Villanova basketball. “It was my main sport in high school. I am from New Hampshire, so I’m a

“I probably would have gone anyways,” Drake said when asked about the “Nova Knicks” coming. “But having those guys there, it’s gonna be a huge draw, and it’s great to see them back on campus, and you can just see the passion they have for the program.” Villanova men’s and women’s basketball will open their 2026-27 seasons in Rome, taking on Notre Dame in the ‘Etnernal City Tip-Off’ on Sunday, Nov. 1 (9:30 a.m. ET, 12:30 p.m. ET). It will be aired on FOX. “Coming off of three years of not living up to the Villanova standard and missing March Madness, I was, like, starting to kind of forget what that feeling was,” Paster said. “I was still super invested, no matter what. It was just something missing, and I thought last year was a really important year to kind of get the program back on the right track. I think last year was a great stepping stone, and I think this year should be the real beginning of getting us back to where we should be in both men’s and women’s. I think they’re gonna be phenomenal, and we’re Mikal Bridges and Jalen Brunson are a part of the Nova Knicks lineup set to return to campus. gonna show the country that VillaCourtesy of Villanova Athletics nova isn’t gone.” big Celtics fan, so I don’t love the tended the live podcast taping with Before the season opener, Knicks, but I’ve learned to like Brunson and Hart. While he will the men will go on the road for that a little bit, obviously, because miss Hoops Mania, Drake is one a scrimmage against Rutgers on of the ‘Nova connection.” of the many students who plan Sunday, Oct. 11 (1 p.m.). They Drake was able to attend on trying to get into the Finneran will then host George Mason (Oct. his one and only Hoops Mania Pavilion on Sunday. He is looking 17, 1 p.m.) and Virginia (Oct. 22, event during his freshman year forward to trying to join the three- 7 p.m.). The women will hold a when Gunna was the guest perpoint contest that they plan on single exhibition against FDU on former. The following year, he atholding at the event. Sunday, Oct. 18.

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Cross Country Competes At Meadows Challenge slower than it otherwise would have been. The weather also changed how the Wildcats approached their pre-race routine, with the team coordinating its warm-up to make sure runners reached the starting line ready to race. “Being really well warmed up, I think, gives you a good chance to start off the race well,” Valeriani said. Junior Rosie Shay followed Tilly O’Connor, coming in 13th at 20:14.4. Junior Bella Walsh finished 57th in 21:09.8, while sophomore Zoe Mosher placed 88th in 21:34.2. Freshman Hannah Jicha rounded out the score five, finishing 91st in 21:35.7. Shay recorded a personal best at the 6K distance by lowering her previous mark from 20:23.2 to 20:14.4. Walsh also recorded a personal best. O’Connor’s ninth-place finish marked her fifth consecutive race as Villanova’s top finisher, dating back to last season. “I think if we can come out of it and we can have our fifth guy be a little bit closer to our fourth guy, and our fourth guy be a little bit closer to our third guy, I think we’ll be in a better spot as the fields get bigger,” Valeriani said. Villanova’s men’s team will continue its season on Oct. 2, at Lehigh, for the Paul Short run. The women’s team will return to competition on Oct. 16 for the Pre-National Invitational at Indiana State.

Mason Canton Photography Editor On Saturday, Sept. 26, Villanova’s men’s cross country team finished third overall with 104 points, while the women came in 11th with 243 points at the Meadows Challenge in Princeton, NJ. The men’s team finished behind nationally-ranked Alabama and Syracuse in a 15-team field and defeated regional opponents Georgetown and Princeton. The women came 11 in a 17-team field that included five nationally-ranked teams and four of the top five teams in the Mid-Atlantic Region. Senior Bailey Habler led the Wildcats, by finishing fifth individually in the 8,000-meter race in 23:18.6. Tilly O’Connor led the women, finishing ninth in the 6,000-meter race in 20:01.8. Senior C.J. Sullivan followed in 12th at 23:26.5, while junior Thomas McMahon placed 21st in 23:34.5. Junior Charlie Moore finished 25th in 23:39.3, giving Villanova four runners in the top 25. Junior Jack Coomber completed the scoring lineup with a 41st-place finish in 23:56.5. Associate head coach Matt Valeriani said defeating Georgetown and Princeton was one of the team’s primary goals entering the meet. “Our kind of main goal was to beat the two teams that are in

Cross Country will compete again on Oct. 2 and Oct. 16. Mason Canton/Villanovan Photography

our region that were ranked ahead of us in the region: Georgetown and Princeton,” Valeriani said. “We all kind of agreed, look, we come out of it with that. That’s a success.” The Wildcats also raced closer together than they had earlier in the season. Valerieni said the team’s pack helped the runners stay connected throughout the race. “A lot of the guys ran in more of a group, like more of a

pack than we usually would do, which was, I think, really helpful for a lot of the team,” Valeriani said. “To kind of have people around them and guys to key off of to kind of help them progress throughout the race.” The race was held in heavy rain and windy conditions, which affected both the course and the team’s preparation. Valeriani estimated the conditions made the race roughly 10 to 15 seconds

Field Hockey Beats Temple, 4-1 Sadie Walker Staff Writer On Friday, Sept. 25, Villanova’s field hockey team won, 4-1, over Big East opponent Temple. Coming off a tough loss to Drexel last Sunday, Villanova (6-3) put up a strong showing against the Owls. The ‘Cats got off to a good start with a goal in the second minute by sixth-year Ava Borkowski, her team-high ninth goal of the season. According to head coach Joanie Milhaus, Borkowski’s quick goal was the ideal scenario for Villanova. “It was great because one of our focuses this week was a strong start,” Milhaus said. “We started off slow against Drexel, so it was nice to get some momentum early today and set them back on their heels.” The Owls increased their pressure at the beginning of the second period, earning two penalty corners in the first three minutes, and Villanova senior goalkeeper Maddi Stears saved the first. Temple’s Lotje Aalderink equalized on the second attempt, tying the game at 1-1. “I think we just didn’t have the right line on the field at the time,” Milhaus said. “Maddie was doing a great job seeing the ball. It was a good wake-up call for us, and the girls got themselves together after.” Villanova made some substitutions following Temple’s goal

and raised its offensive tenacity, earning three penalty corners and two shots over the next five minutes. On the third corner, freshman Katharina Balk scored, making it 2-1. Villanova largely dominated the remainder of the second period and entered halftime with plenty of scoring opportunities. “We knew that we were playing well, but we had let opportunities slip by,” Milhaus said. “We wanted no regrets from today. We told the girls which press we were going to do, and they really implemented it in the second half.” The ‘Cats carried their momentum into the third period, with junior Molly Zimmerman scoring her first goal of the season off another penalty corner at the 31:55 mark, to increase Villanova’s lead to 3-1. The Wildcats kept the pressure up and held Temple to a single shot in the remaining 15 minutes of the period. Entering the final period, the Owls were energized and earned three shots in the first five minutes. However, freshman forward Adie Minella’s goal in the 54th minute cemented the 4-1 win. Milhaus made several substitutions to keep fresh legs on the field, and the Wildcats finished the game and earned their first in-conference win of the season. During the matchup, Villanova outshot Temple, 18-7. “Our focus this week was connecting all of our lines, from the backs to the midfield to the forwards.” Milhaus said, “Our

Field hockey now moves to 6-3 on the season. Courtesy of Villanova Athletics

attack inside the 25 was improved from last Sunday. Overall, we were more disciplined. We fought harder and were more determined. All the work we did this week in practice really paid off.” Stears performed strongly and brought her total saves to 36 so far this season. Each of Villanova’s four goals was scored by a different player.

“I think it’s awesome,” Milhaus said. “Four different goal scorers is such a high point against a strong Big East side like Temple. We have multiple threats, and it was great to see success coming from all different places.” Villanova will face Georgetown away at noon on Friday, Oct. 2, as the Wildcats look to earn another Big East win.

Wednesday, September 30, 2026

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The Villanovan | 23

Villanova’s All-Women Rowing Staff Set The Bar High

at the University of California Davis from 2006-2015 and an assistant there from 2001-2006. Waters, a former colleIn a rowing program giate rower at the University of historically dominated by men, Alabama, was lucky enough to Mary Mosier learned that, as a have a female rowing coach when female athlete, she had to take up she started as a freshman, which her space. She rowed for an elite inspired her to become a coach as team after competing as a Division well. I rower in college at Jacksonville At Alabama, Waters studUniversity, surrounded by six-feet- ied Kinesiology and was named tall, 190-pound men, and even had the Most Improved Varsity Athlete to use a weight room kept in the in 2010, she was also a member men’s locker room. Despite them of SEC Academic Honor Roll all being twice her size, she learned four years. She also earned her to make her presence known and Master of Science in Integrated take up the space she deserved. Exercise Physiology from Temple Years later, Villanova rowUniversity. ing assistant coach Mosier helps “[My coach] made me feel represent an all-female Division I strong, capable, confident and full coaching staff alongside Susanna of potential on and off the water,” Bruce and Kristen Waters. These Waters said. “Going into college, three women now teach a brandI thought I wanted to be a physnew generation of female athletes. ical therapist. But after a year of Villanova rowing’s coachworking with her, I knew I wanted ing staff is composed of head to coach. I wanted to give female coach Carissa Adams, Mosier, athletes that same belief in themBruce and Waters, who were all selves and help them grow into the collegiate rowers themselves. From best version of who they are, like their experiences navigating the she did for me.” pressures and challenges of colPrior to coming to Villanolegiate rowing, they have learned va, Waters worked for three years how to make their mark in the as an assistant coach at La Salle. rowing world, despite the extreme There, she directed recruiting highs and lows of competing and efforts for the team and worked coaching. closely with the Freshman/Novice “We are incredibly excit+8 boat, and helped coach them ed to welcome Kristen Waters to to a silver medal at the 2026 Dad Villanova Rowing,” head coach Vail Championship. Adams told Villanova Athletics in In contrast to Waters, July. “Her addition strengthens an Mosier shared that in her 12 years already dynamic staff and will aid of competitive rowing, she never in the program’s quest to up-level. had a female head or assistant From the beginning of our intercoach. After rowing for Jacksonview process, we knew Kristen was ville, Mosier went on to coach at an ideal fit for our team. Her expe- the Shipley School in 2019 where rience as a collegiate student-athshe helped the Girls’ Novice Doulete and coach combined with her ble boat win a Philadelphia city master’s degree in exercise physiol- championship in 2021. ogy will bring valuable knowledge She also helped the Womand perspective to our established en’s U23 Double to a first place staff and help keep the vision and finish at the National Team Trials continued growth of our program and even represented the United onPACE.” States at the 2021 FISA Under Coach Adams has been 23 World Championship. In the with the Villanova rowing prosummer of 2022, she coached the gram for 12 years now. Prior to team again with the Women’s U23 Villanova, she was the head coach Quad securing gold at the 2022 Lily-Kate Foley Staff Writer

Rowing will compete in October at the Head of the Schuylkill Regatta. Courtesy of Villanova Athletics

Summer National Championship. Since then, Mosier has seen even more women in rowing. “It’s exciting to witness the evolution of the sport and to see more women not only entering coaching but building careers and making an impact within the rowing community,” Mosier said. Whether it was seeing a woman in a leadership position or not seeing any, Waters’ and Mosier’s experiences led them both to pursue important roles in competitive rowing. Another special aspect of the all-female coaching staff is Bruce’s quick transition from competing for a collegiate team to helping lead one. Bruce graduated from Wisconsin in 2023, where she spent most of her time rowing in the 1V8 on their Division I team. She discussed her experience of being a recent college graduate and now a coach. At Wisconsin, Bruce earned her degree in Data Science, Computer Science and Environmental Studies. She was named Wisconsin’s Most Valuable Freshman in 2020 and was named Second Team Big Ten in 2023. She also helped the Badgers to a fourth place finish at the Big Ten Championships and appeared in the 2021 NCAA Rowing Championships, where they finished 14th. “I think my experience gives me a better glimpse on the current challenges that female athletes face right now,” Bruce said. “I think this helps me meet the athletes where they are.” When discussing the importance of seeing women in these coaching positions, Bruce emphasized that she chose Wisconsin partially because of its female coach. She felt empowered seeing this and hopes that her rowers at Villanova can feel empowered by its female coaching staff, just like she was. Waters’, Bruce’s and MosiVillanova finished fourth in the CAA Championships last season. Courtesy of Villanova Athletics er’s experiences as female athletes

affect not only how they coach rowing, but what they hope their athletes gain from being part of the program. Although this is Waters’ first year at Villanova, she has already found value in being a female figurehead for her athletes. “Working with this team has been a highlight of my career and has pushed me to elevate my standards as a coach,” Waters said. “I love having the shared experience of collegiate rowing with my coworkers, and their knowledge and insight have been invaluable. I am so grateful to be able to work with this team of women, and I can’t wait to see what we accomplish together this season.” Bruce, who has been part of this program for a few years, has a clear goal for her team. “I want the athletes to learn how to embrace hard work, navigate conflict with perspective, and build both mental and physical strength,” Bruce said. “I think these skills are not taught directly from me, but learned from all coaches on staff, teammates and situations that are challenging.” Mosier shares an important message with her female athletes. “I hope that they can see that women can take up space in male-dominated industries,” Mosier said. The three coaches all had different experiences that led them to where they are now, but they now share the same goal: inspiring and pushing the next generation of female athletes and giving them confidence in who they are. These coaches are not only leading their athletes to become better rowers, but also preparing them to take up space in the world after college and beyond. Villanova rowing will compete at the Head of the Schuylkill Regatta later in the month on Oct. 24 in Philadelphia. There, Waters will be able to apply her skills in a true competition with a new group

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24 | The Villanovan

Women’s Tennis Recap

Jean Rodriguez-Perez Staff Writer On Friday, Sept. 25, Villanova’s women’s tennis team traveled to Annapolis, MD, to compete in the Navy Blue and Gold Invitational. The Wildcats competed in both singles and doubles competition at the tournament. Of the five doubles teams, only two advanced past the round of 16, and none reached the quarterfinals. The Wildcats competed against the United States Naval Academy, George Washington, Howard, North Carolina-Wilmington, St. John’s, Richmond and William & Mary. “We have been switching partners often, so the [women] had little time to adjust,” women’s tennis head coach Steve Reiniger said. Villanova has been competing with various partners as Reiniger continues to try and find the best combinations for the spring season. Reiniger was not worried about the doubles results and believes now is the right time to experiment with the team and get over the mental block at the beginning of the season, rather than figure it out on the fly as the season continues to unfold. “It starts with Olivia Corcoran and Lauren Monti, our

Wednesday, September 30, 2026

Playing also in Flight A, De Luise earned wins over George Washington’s Solange Skeene in a three-set thriller (7-6, 2-6, 4-10) and Saint John’s Nao Kojima (5-7,1-6), before falling to Richmond’s Sofia Maria Barbulescu in straights. Sophomore Riley Cicero earned a two-set win (6-0, 6-3) in the round of 16 against Richmond’s Daniele O’Leary in Flight C before falling in the quarterfinal round. Junior Olivia Kutlova picked up two-set wins (6-4, 6-1) against George Washington’s Allison Snyder before losing in the quarterfinal. In doubles, Jenna Stevens and Lauren Monti grabbed Villanova’s only win in the round of 16, defeating St. John’s Younsoo Cho and Nao Kojima, 6-4, before losing in the quarterfinal round of the invitational. Overall, the Navy Blue and Senior Lauren Monti is one of two captains for women’s tennis this season. Gold Invitational revealed VillaCourtesy of Villanova Athletics nova’s strengths and weaknesses to evaluate and work on through the two captains,” Reiniger said. was her three-set tiebreak loss to He praised both his capWilliam & Mary’s Nicole Lukesova fall before the main season in the springtime. tains, Corcoran especially, for (2-6, 6-2, 4-10). “Our mentality was great having made it all the way to the Battling back from a set semifinals of the main draw in down, Corcoran pushed her oppo- this weekend, and I look forward to getting back to work,” Reiniger Flight A. nent to the brink. said. Corcoran started off with “She stayed positive and Villanova will look to a three-set win against Navy’s never gave up,” Reiniger said. improve this weekend as it hosts Peyton Amspacher-Philemon (7-5, “That’s what was more importDelaware, Temple and Drexel this 3-6, 11-9), before defeating Wilant.” liam & Mary’s Francesca Davis in Another standout from this weekend at the Villanova Invitational, which will begin on Oct. 2 straights (6-2, 6-1). weekend’s tournament was junior and run through Oct. 5. Corcoran’s best match Bella De Luise.

Men’s Soccer Loses To Xavier, 2-0, Outshot 25-7 Daniel Sweeney Staff Writer On Saturday, Sept. 26, Villanova’s men’s soccer team lost, 2-0, to Xavier at the Corcoran Field in Cincinnati. The Wildcats kept the match scoreless through halftime before the Musketeers scored twice in the second half to pull away. Xavier controlled most of the game, outshooting the Cats 25-7 and holding an 8-2 edge in corner kicks. Still, Villanova kept the game within reach throughout the evening thanks to disciplined defense and strong goalie play. “I think the biggest thing is just continuing to focus on having a growth mindset and trying to get better every day, and trying to implement

a different style of play than what we did last year, and continue to improve our system,” said Fetrow. Junior goalkeeper Alex Yagudayev delivered one of his better performances of his season, finishing with 11 saves. Earlier this year, Yagudayev was named Big East Goalkeeper of the Week after recording a leaguehigh 19 saves over two matches. Against Xavier, he continuously stopped quality shots and gave the Wildcats a chance to stay in the game. “Everyone feels confident when we’re defending low, and if we give up the chance or give up a shot, that he’s going to be there to make the save,” said Fetrow. “So he gives us all a big boost of confidence every time we step on the pitch.” Defender Luke Martelli once again played a key role for Villanova.

Alex Yagudayev’s 11 saves weren’t enough as Villanova fell 2-0 to Xavier. Erick Quezada/Villanovan Photography

The redshirt junior entered the week leading the team in points and was recently named Philly Soccer Six Player of the Week following his efforts in Villanova’s 4-2 win over Philly rival Drexel. His leadership and two-way play have made him one of the most integral pieces of the Villanova lineup. “Luke’s very much a lead by example type of guy,” said Fetrow. “He’s our hardest working guy.” Karson Vazquez, Jasper Zulman and Fynn Lahrsen were among the Wildcats who attempted to create offense throughout the night. Vazquez led the team with three shots, while Zulman had one on-target attempt. Lahrsen, a returning attacking Villanova’s lost four of its past five games. Erick Quezada/Villanovan Photography contributor, nearly found the back of

the net to even the score after Xavier had gone up 1-0. The turning point came at 47:13 when Nolan Brice converted a set-piece opportunity for Xavier. Beckham Williams added a second goal in the 82nd minute to ice the game for the Musketeers. “Regardless of the result, we want to keep things in perspective and understand that you know it’s going to take a lot of work and a lot of effort for us to be a completely finished project, and we just got to focus on getting better every day,” said Fetrow. Villanova will host University of Connecticut at the Higgins Soccer Complex on Friday, Oct. 2. The match is set to begin at 3 p.m. and will be streamed live on ESPN+.

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Football Unable To Comeback In 28-21 Loss To Colgate Daniel Sweeney Staff Writer

Villanova’s (2-3, 1-1 Patriot League) football team fell to Colgate (4-1, 3-0 Patriot League), 28-21, at home on Saturday, Sept. 26. Villanova tied the game three times before the Raiders pulled away for good in the fourth quarter. The Wildcats fell to 2-3 overall and currently sit in sixth place in the Patriot League, after being picked preseason to win the conference. Sixth-year quarterback Pat McQuaide kept Villanova competitive, completing 12-of-23 passes for 192 yards and two touchdowns. McQuaide also threw one interception and lost a fumble to Colgate’s impressive defense. The Wildcats netted just 68 rushing yards. After the game, head coach Mark Ferrante emphasized that the Wildcats’ lack of aggression and mental errors limited what they could do on offense. “They were more physical than we were on the line of scrimmage and we had too many penalties and too many turnovers,” Ferrante said. While Villanova’s offense sputtered throughout the game, it struck first with a touchdown on its opening drive. McQuaide

Ja’briel Mace’s late touchdown wasn’t enough to overcome a 14-point deficit against Colgate. Ella Johnson/Villanovan Photography

found sophomore Braden Reed for a 17-yard touchdown pass with 10:41 left in the first quarter, capping a nine-play, 75-yard drive to give the Wildcats a 7-0 advantage. Colgate answered before the quarter ended when Cole Naumann added a six-yard touchdown run to tie the game up at 7-7. Villanova regained the lead early in the second quarter on a 13-yard touchdown run from junior Isaiah Ragland, the Wildcats’

leading rusher on the day with 10 carries for 56 yards. However, Colgate quarterback Jake Stearney took over, throwing touchdowns on three of the next four drives to put Colgate up 28-14 entering the fourth quarter. Stearney made several impressive throws throughout the game, and his 12-yard touchdown pass to junior receiver Chief Montalvo may have been his best of the day.

Ferrante pointed to Villanova’s third-down struggles and its inability to keep the Raiders behind the chains as the main reason for their defensive woes against the Raiders. “Teams are averaging over 50 percent against us in the first five games on third-down conversions,” Ferrante said. “And too many of them are because of penalties.” McQuaide answered back, connecting with running back Ja’briel Mace on a 25-yard touchdown pass with just over four minutes to play, cutting the deficit to 28-21. The Wildcats’ defense forced a missed field goal, giving McQuaide and the offense one final shot to tie the game. However, that last drive went nowhere as a holding penalty and two sacks ended the game with Villanova turning the ball over on downs for its third loss of the campaign. The Wildcats will look to rebound and get back above a .500 record next weekend against Morgan State (3-1 overall) on Saturday, Oct. 3 at Villanova Stadium. The Bears currently sit in second place in the Mid-Eastern Atlantic Conference. Villanova and Morgan State have faced off only once before, in 2014, when the Wildcats won 48-28. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. (ESPN+).

Jada Lynch Commits To Villanova WBB Casey Healey Co-Sports Editor On Sept. 28, 2026, fourstar Jada Lynch announced her commitment to Villanova women’s basketball. The 5-foot-11 guard plays at Westtown School and is the daughter of former men’s basketball player, Brian Lynch. Lynch is also a member of the Belgium national team after representing them in Izmir, Turkey three years prior at the FIBA U16 Women’s European Championship. In Turkey, Lynch averaged 14.1 points per game and 6.7 rebounds. She began her high school career at St. Rose, and last season transferred to Westtown. Villanova is no stranger to Westtown products, as sophomore guard Kennedy Henry also is an alumni. There, Lynch averaged 14 points, six rebounds and five assists per game last season. Along with earning four stars, Lynch received a prospect grade of 91 from ESPN. At St. Rose, Lynch had 1,343 career points and averaged 19.6 in her final season with them. She was named First Team AllState in 2025. Her father, Brian, played for Villanova from 1996 to 2000, and averaged 8.5 points, 3.1 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game. He stood at 6-foot-6. He helped the Wildcats

to two NCAA Tournament appearances and had 990 career points. After Villanova, he played professionally in Poland, Israel, Portugal, Greece, Germany, Italy, France and Belgium. He also previously coached the boy’s basketball team at St. Rose’s, his daughter’s former high school and coached future Wildcat forward Matt Hodge during his time there. In Belgium, Lynch met Jada’s future mother, former pro tennis player Kim Clijsters. Clijsters was once ranked No. 1 in the world for 20 weeks by the Women’s Tennis Association and was No. 1 in the world in women’s doubles for four weeks. She held both rankings simultaneously in 2003. Lynch is Villanova’s third Class of 2027 commit, alongside Lily Fisher and Lenise Joseph. Fisher announced her commitment on June 19 and hails from Libertyville, IL. At Libertyville High School, the 6-foot-1 guard averaged 19.8 points, 6.6 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 2.9 steals and 3.9 blocks per game last season. She plays for the club Team Prime Nation. Joseph, a 6-foot-1 power forward, comes from Hunterville, NC and plays for North Mecklenburg High School. Last season, she averaged 18.8 points, 10.9 reJada Lynch became the third Class of 2027 commit for Villanova. bounds, 3.3 steals and 2.9 blocks. Courtesy of @jadalynch_ Lynch, as well as her two fellow commits show great promball will return on Sunday, Oct. open the 2026-27 regular season ise for the Wildcats with their size, 18 for an exhibition game against taking on Notre Dame in the Eterscoring ability and versatility. Fairleigh Dickinson. nal City Tip-Off hosted in Rome, Villanova women’s basketThe Wildcats will then Italy.

26 | The Villanovan

SPORTS

Wednesday, September 30, 2026

Analysis: Football’s Uneven Start Shows Room For Improvement Finn Courtney Co-Sports Editor Casey Healey Co-Sports Editor Coming off a whirlwind ride to the FCS semifinals a season ago, Villanova football has been unable to find consistency through its first five games of 2026 and already have matched its total losses from a season ago. It’s been a season of headaches, mental mistakes and shades of the brilliance from a season ago but no sustained momentum with Villanova like the 11-game win streak it rattled off after two early-season losses and in its wins, it’s been wins by one (Bucknell) and four points (LIU). Returning the majority of their roster from 2025, including graduate quarterback Pat McQuaide after a protracted legal standoff regarding his eligibility, the Wildcats entered this season ranked No. 8 in the nation in the STATS Perform FCS poll. Since beginning the season with those high expectations, Villanova has been uneven since, dropping out of the top 25 and now standing at 2-3 and 1-2 in Patriot League games, sixth in the conference it was picked to finish first in. “We’re not playing good enough to win these games that we’re involved with right now,” head coach Mark Ferrante said after Villanova’s loss last weekend against Colgate. “We need to clean up, it’s up to me and our staff to get our guys in a better position to execute better and more consistently so we can start winning these games against whomever it is we’re playing. Right now, we’re our own worst enemy.” The biggest thing holding Villanova back so far has been its own mistakes, namely penalties and

turnovers. The Wildcats currently lead the Patriot League in penalty yards (384), penalty yards per game (76.8) and total penalties with 44, the second most being Richmond with 34. Penalties have plagued Villanova game in and game out all season long, most recently against Colgate this past weekend, drawing eight penalties for 79 yards in their 28-21 loss. “We have to be smarter, we have to be more disciplined, we’re giving up too many first downs and big plays because of our penalties,” Ferrante said. “We gotta make sure, number one, we stay onside so we don’t give them a free five yards and move the sticks. Number two, during the course of the play, we gotta make sure we’re playing clean football as opposed to giving them pass interference calls and hands to the face calls and personal foul calls.” Villanova has also struggled with ball security, both in the air and on the ground. McQuaide, who was terrific at not turning the ball over last year with four interceptions in 15 games, has not been as good in 2026 with five interceptions in five games, including three in the opening game. Eligibility issues in the offseason caused McQuaide to be unable to practice and work in with the team until the middle of preseason practice. Thus far, he hasn’t quite found the impressive rhythm he got into during the Wildcats’ 11game win streak last season. What also hasn’t aided the sixth-year quarterback has been his protection on the offensive line, as McQuaide has been sacked 10 times already this year, including taking six sacks this past weekend against Colgate. His solid day (12-23 passing, 192 passing yards, two touchdowns) wasn’t enough to overcome an interception and lost fumble in Villanova’s third loss of

Penalties have been a season long struggle for the Wildcats, offensively and defensively. Ella Johnson/Villanovan Photography

Villanova is still looking for consistency after its third loss of the year against Colgate. Ella Johnson/Villanovan Photography

the early campaign. “They had more sacks than we had, they had more [tackles for losses] than we did,” Ferrante said. “They were more physical than we were on the line of scrimmage.” Fumbles have an issue as well early in the year, with the Wildcats fumbling six times and losing four of them to opposing teams. The answer back by Villanova’s defense hasn’t been able to match, only recovering one of five forced fumbles. Turnovers combining, as they did against Colgate, has been the answer for why it’s been a struggle for the Wildcats to find continuing success on both ends of the ball, in addition to their season-long struggle with penalties. “They stopped drives for us, we got the ball back with nineplus to play on basically midfield, down one score and we coughed it up and gave it right back to them,” Ferrante said. “Turnovers are always gonna be a huge part of the ballgame and if you lose the turnover battle, there’s a strong possibility you’re gonna lose the game.” That is not to write Villanova off, as there is plenty of season left and there have been flashes on both ends of the ball. Villanova’s runningback tandem of Ja’briel Mace and Isaiah Ragland have combined for 579 rushing yards and five touchdowns on the ground. At wideout, it’s been sophomores Brandon Binkowski and Jayden Reed stepping up into starring roles with 288 and 259 receiving yards respectively. Defensively, linebacker Omari Bursey has been playing the best football of his life, recording 54 tackles across five games (more than double the next Wildcat on the list). On special teams, sophomore transfer placekicker Dominic LeBlanc has impressed, going 6-of-7 on field goals and a perfect 11-of-11 on PATs. For the Wildcats going forward, it’s playing a consistent 60

minutes of action and controlling the ball, as the average pace of games thus far has been dictated by opponents who have outscored (154-103) and got more yards on the ground (averaging 111.4 yards vs opponents’ 160 per game) and in the air (averaging 216.2 yards vs opponents’ 233.4 yards per game) than Villanova. This group also, despite it being mostly returners from a season ago, is still finding its identity together as former role players are stepping into new roles and underclassmen having some trials by fire. “When you’re rolling so many different people through out of necessity sometimes, you’re gonna struggle with the constant play because you’re rotating too many guys through,” Ferrante said. “When you’re having rotation the way we are right now at some positions, they don’t get to play together long enough to be consistent.” Negating those mistakes has to be top priority as the Wildcats strive for that consistency and that starts with less mental lapses with penalties and better ball security in terms of limiting interceptions and fumbles. Doing that will hopefully turn into capitalizing on scoring opportunities offensively and creating their turnover opportunities defensively for Villanova. “There’s not a lot of room for error and unfortunately we’re making the errors that are being pretty glaring right now,” Ferrante said. From here on out, every game matters even more so for Villanova with its final nonconference game against Morgan State this Saturday (1 p.m., ESPN+) and from there, all Patriot League matchups. And if early season games against conference opponents have been any indication, it may be a gauntlet for the Wildcats down the stretch in its first year in the league.

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Wildcat Watch: Bella Panaccione

Genna Cottingham Sports Columnist Bella Panaccione spent four years at Santa Clara University and wanted a change of scenery. She wanted to move coasts and change positions on the soccer field to challenge her elite skill level. Panaccione is a graduate transfer from Los Altos Hills, CA. She is currently in her sixth year of collegiate eligibility. After a devastating leg injury, she was awarded an extra year beyond her fifth. “Every single team you play, you don’t know how it’s gonna go,” Panaccione said. “It’s like really, really competitive. Also, it’s more physical and gritty than what I had experienced before.” Upon her move from California to the Main Line, the Villanova program was missing a midfielder. Although Panaccione played defender for nearly 12 years, she made the switch. She originally played midfielder in middle school but has been a defender ever since. Panaccione had no problem starting in a relatively new position and leading the Wildcats with confidence and a high on-field IQ. The women’s soccer team is 6-0-3 this season, including seven shutouts, and Panaccione has increasingly used her versatility to help her teammates on both sides of the field. “[Panaccione] has such a

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“At the time, being so young, I wanted to stay in California,” Panaccione said. “I would travel to [showcases] with my team and a whole bunch of college coaches would come, and they would, like, you’d email them, and they’d come and watch your game.” By sophomore year of high school, she had verbally committed to Santa Clara. In her rookie season as a Bronco, Panaccione and her team reached the NCAA national semifinals in 2021, but Santa Clara lost to BYU in a penalty shootout. Once she realized she had extra playing time available, Panaccione called up her youth mentor, Bates. Bates spoke very highly of Villanova’s coach. Azem was impressed by Bella Panaccione is looking to finish strong in her sixth and final season of collegiate soccer. Panaccione’s winning attitude. Courtesy of Villanova Athletics “She did come in with the strong vision and understanding fundamental to Panaccione’s soccer experience of knowing what it takes of the game,” head coach Samar career. She spent most of her free to win and the commitment that it Azem said. “As a midfielder, you time traveling to ECNL showcases takes,” Azem said. “[Panaccione] have to have a 360-degree perspecwhile at Saint Francis High School. came in right as our program was tive of the game at all times, and While still playing varsity all starting to evolve into an identity she’s really great at ensuring the four years, Panaccione was loyal to that is based on winning, and obvipeople around her [know] what her roots at MVLA. She realized the ously that’s coming to fruition this their roles are.” recruitment process starts as soon year, and so she brought that with Starting at Elite Clubs as a player started high school, and her, and I didn’t want her to change National League (ECNL), Panaccishe focused on finding a collegiate that.” one played for Mountain View Los program close to home that could Now, in her sixth and final Altos Soccer Club (MVLA) and had enhance her athletic and academic season in collegiate soccer, she hopes the pleasure of being coached by experience. to take Villanova as far as physically Margueritte Bates, the current head Panaccione began to reach possible in the NCAA Tournament. coach of the University of Texas’ out to coaches as early as possible. And with the nearly flawless women’s soccer team and a friend Because she was on the cusp of an start to the season the Wildcats have of Azem. NCAA rule change, she could congotten off to, that hope feels entireBates coached her from tact coaches as long as she reached ly possible for Panaccione and the first through 12th grade and was out early. Villanova program.