WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 24, 2025 www.villanovan.com @thevillanovan VOLUME 119 | ISSUE 3
STUDENT-RUN SINCE 1916
NOVAFrom Mania To Manic: dance Roommates Show Disappoints Students Awareness Week Brooke Ackerman Co-Editor-In-Chief Emma Cote Co-News Editor
Starting on Monday, September 22, the NOVAdance Committee kicked off awareness week to spread the B+ message of the Andrew McDonough B+ Foundation. Through six different daily events, NOVAdance, and the Awareness Committee, is focused on reminding the University of why the fight against pediatric cancer matters. The Awareness Team, led by senior chair Sydney Rinaldi, is also composed of three other students, junior Audrey Kim, sophomore Paige Derwin and sophomore Sydney Jacobs. “[Being on awareness] gives me a bigger picture of what we do as a NOVAdance team,” Kim said. “I’ve been able to see more people’s whys and just the meaning behind doing what we do. I think that awareness is the backbone of spreading [our message] to campus.” The first day of awareness week has historically been “paint the town gold,” in which pediatric cancer golden ribbons are distributed around campus. As the day goes on, students, faculty and staff can be seen wearing their solidarity with the cause. In addition to distributing the ribbons, the Awareness Committee also hung up golden notecards throughout campus that share Villanovan’s “why’s”— personal statements of why each student is committed to fighting childhood cancer. “[Paint the town gold] is one of my favorite days personally,” Rinaldi said. “Hopefully all through-
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Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart returned to the Finn to tape their popular podcast the “Roommates Show.” Nick Williams/Villanovan Photography
Lauren Armstrong Associate EIC
When my mom first sent me the Instagram post that Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart would be coming to campus to do a live podcast, my initial thought was that it’s cool, but I probably will not attend. Like many Villanovans, my Wednesday nights are typically busy, and a live podcast recording did not seem to be at the top of my list. A few days later, when my friends texted me that Jason Kelce would be joining the Villanova alumni, I decided to enter the lottery for a ticket anyway. As an
avid Swiftie, Kelce more so piqued my interest. Then I found out the reason for the podcast and I knew I had to go. The “Roommates Show” would replace the beloved Hoops Mania. As a senior, I felt stripped of a tradition I had loved for the past three years, and had to see for myself what was so great about this podcast that it could replace Hoops Mania formerly the annual introduction into the basketball season, which has been run through “the Nation,” Villanova’s official student fan group on campus. “In full transparency, we were told that [the
change from Hoops Mania to the Roommates Show] was happening,” Nation President Julia Stencel said. “That was a decision strictly from athletics and marketing…with the 10th anniversary coming around it was perfect timing.” Reluctant to support the very event that was replacing Hoops Mania, I gathered a few of my friends and we headed to the bleachers of the Finneran Pavilion to see the livestreaming of the podcast for ourselves. It didn’t take long to reach a conclusion: Hoops Mania is a far superior way to get the student body excited for basketball season.
James Jackson, the emcee for the night, introduced Brunson, Hart and Matt Hillman, who was Hart’s high school roommate and the third host of the show. As the hosts were introduced, the crowd erupted in cheers and in banter with the hosts, including Brunson and Hart joking around with a student wearing a Boston Celtics jersey. Once the crowd settled down, the host gave University President Rev. Father Peter M. Donohue, O.S.A., Ph.D. a shoutout in the crowd and joked that they would be attending Kelly’s Taproom that night and paying the tab.
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A Look Into Family Weekend 2025 Ava DeJong
Staff Writer The bags are packed, the cars are fueled, tickets are in hand and of course the excitement is high. In case plans have not been made yet, I am here to help. Villanova has long been planning fun and memorable events to make the most of family weekend, and if you end up with some extra hours to spend, here are a few additional ideas to ensure it’s the best one yet.
On Campus Activities On Friday night at 7 p.m. the Philly Pops will perform with Sutton Foster in the Finneran Pavilion. At 7:30
p.m. the beloved Friday night food trucks will make an appearance on Rowen Campus Green offering complimentary food and fun for the whole
Families can look forward to partaking in the annual football tailgate on Saturday. Natalie Zickel/Villanovan Photograp
family until 9:30 p.m. Start your Saturday off right with NROTC’s 5k and Family Fun Walk. Shortly thereafter join the University Welcome with University President Rev. Peter M. Donohue, O.S.A., Ph.D at 11 a.m. Next, let the games begin (after tailgating first, of course). The football tailgate begins on Mendel Field at 11:30 a.m. in preparation for the 3:30 p.m. football game against William & Mary. It is always a great time to show your support for Continued on p. 13
SpO Unified And NOVAdance Field Day Recap p. 2
VU Republicans and VU Democrats Square Off In Debate p. 5
Day of Service Recap p. 6
Gender Separation in the Classroom Needs to Go p. 7
The Villanova Debate Showed How Students Want To Engage p. 9
DEI To UNITAS: A Symptom Of A Sick System p. 10
A Fresh Coat Of Paint: The Mural Renovation p. 13
CatAppetite: Fall Flavors p. 15
Drinks On Us: The Roommates Give 10k To Kelly’s Taproom p. 17
Women’s Soccer Defeats Seton Hall On Senior Day p. 19