WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 17, 2025 www.villanovan.com @thevillanovan VOLUME 119 | ISSUE 2
Never Forget: 9/11 Memorial
STUDENT-RUN SINCE 1916
The Origin Story: Day Of Service Celebrates 20th Anniversay
Scarlet Shafie Staff Writer
This past Thursday marked the 24th anniversary of the tragic events of Sept. 11, 2001. In remembrance of one of the darkest days in American history, the Villanova community came together to reflect and honor those we lost. Memorial tributes were held across campus as students, faculty and alumni paid homage to the countless families forever affected by that day. The Corr Hall Chapel, situated in the heart of the Main Campus, features a stained-glass memorial dedicated to the events of Sept. 11. The artwork depicts the Virgin Mary on one side and the Twin Towers on the other, accompanied by the Pentagon and the field near Shanksville, PA, where United Airlines Flight 93 crashed after its passengers bravely attempted to overpower the hijackers. The tragedy not only shook the nation but left an imprint on our own community. The stained-glass memorial honors the lives of 15 Villanovans who were lost that day: W. David Bauer (‘78 VSB), James P. Berger (‘78 VSB), Dennis Michael Cook (‘90 CLAS), Jeannine Damiani-Jones (‘94 VSB), Christopher M. Dincuff (‘92 VSB), Jeffrey Mark Dingle (‘90 VSB), Christopher M. Duffy (‘00 VSB), William F. Fallon (‘70 CLAS), Peter Gelinas (‘90 VSB), Michael Gould (‘94 VSB), Amy Jarret (‘94 VSB), Jennifer Lynn Kane (‘97 VSB), Danielle Kousoulis (‘93 VSB), Kaaria Mbaya (‘86 CLAS) and Matthew Vianna (‘00 CLAS). Their names are forever etched in Villanova’s history, honoring them and encouraging us to live with courage and compassion. Continuing this Continued on p. 13
Villanova students partake in Day of Service, helping the University advance their mission in fostering a service minded community. Courtesy of Villanova University
Brooke Ackerman Co Editor-in-Chief
“I [wanted] to do something that draws the community together,” he said. “[The inauguration] Lauren Armstrong was right around the time Associate EIC of St. Thomas of Villanova’s feast day, so I thought It was September we should do something to of 2006, and now-Univerremember St. Thomas of sity President Rev. Father Villanova and his dedicaPeter M. Donohue, O.S.A., tion to service.” Ph.D. was set to be inauFrom there, the gurated as the first new inaugural St. Thomas of University president in 18 Villanova Day of Service years. Villanova faculty was born. and students celebrated Day of Service him with formal receptions began as a small entity. at a local art museum, a There were about 1,000 student Gala and various participants and just 34 activities that would weldifferent sites. Since then, come Fr. Peter into the faculty and students alike Villanova community. But have come together to he wanted more. broaden the scope and
reach hundreds of more communities throughout the Villanova and greater Philadelphia area. “It is a wonderful way to start off the year, particularly for new members of the community that have not been fully indoctrinated,” Fr. Peter said. “I think it really helps to center that service is an important part of the University. It’s an important part of our mission.” This year, on the 20th anniversary of the Day of Service, 5,000 participants across 230 registered groups will be assigned to 125 site partnerships established by the Day of Service committee.
But Fr. Peter never anticipated this much growth. “It’s really special,” he said. “And, it’s humbling, too… [Day of Service] was supposed to be a one time deal. Nobody anticipated that we would continue doing this. I mean, Villanova has always done a lot of service across the school year…but nobody expected how big it would grow.” But it’s not just the establishment of new partnerships that has changed over the past 20 years. It’s student involvement. The first Day of Service was run entirely by the University, with all lo-
Continued on p. 11
Father Peter Delivers Opening Address Zoe Garrett
Political Columnist Last Tuesday, Sept. 9, University President Rev. Peter Donohue, O.S.A., Ph.D., delivered his annual opening address, a longstanding tradition marking the onset of a new academic year. During the event, he shared with the faculty and staff in attendance a wide range of developments pertaining to Villanova’s campus, current policies, future plans and priorities.
Father Peter opened by noting several important dates on the University’s calendar. He mentioned Day of Service– which, this year, will mark the
20th anniversary of this signature program for Villanova– as well as the new “Pops in the Pavillion” event during Family Weekend. He also called atten-
Father Peter highlighted new renovations and projects to the Villanova community. Erick Quezada/Villanovan Photography
tion to 1842 Day, Villanova’s annual day of giving. The University President also discussed the renovations made to the University’s grounds over the summer. He acknowledged the diligent construction of the to-be new library, which will be located in Vic Maggitti Hall, as a successful project thus far. The library will be located where Kennedy Hall, previous home of the University Shop and the Office of Financial Assistance, formerly Continued on p. 2
Reactions To Charlie Kirk Shooting p. 2
Father Kevin Appointed To Rome General Counsel p. 5
Behind The Screen: YikYak’s Role on Campus p. 8
Career Fair Is A Bust For CLAS Students p. 8
VillaVogue: A Look Into Fashion In Florence p. 10
Day Of Service: People Behind The Project p. 14-15
Volleyball Continues Undefeated Season p. 17
Catching Up With The ‘Cats: Brian Finneran (‘98) p. 18
Football Falls To No. 2 Penn State In Happy Valley p. 21
Weekly Wrapped: Songs Of The Summer p. 25