WEDNESDAY JANUARY 29, 2025 www.villanovan.com @thevillanovan VOLUME 118 | ISSUE 1
STUDENT-RUN SINCE 1916
Trump’s Second Inaugural
Spring Semester Preview
Ava Petrosky Staff Writer
On Monday, Jan. 20, 2025, Donald J. Trump was inaugurated as the 47th President of the United States of America. It was the 60th Presidential Inauguration. His second term in office has officially begun. Regardless of political affiliations, many Villanova students streamed the Inauguration from campus. “As a political science major and someone who is very interested in working hands-on in politics, I watch and listen to almost everything happening in D.C.,” freshman intended-political science major, Megan Lawn, said. “Watching the Inauguration, I think, is very important just as an American. Regardless of preference, it’s an American ritual, and I think it is important to watch political happenings as they are, live.” President Trump requested his second Inauguration be moved inside the Capitol Rotunda due to the dangerously frigid temperatures outside. The ceremony has not taken place indoors since Ronald Reagan’s second Inauguration, in 1985. Throughout the ceremony, various musicians performed renditions of patriotic music from inside the Rotunda. Some of the instrumentalists and vocalists included the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Combined Choirs, the United States Marine Band, opera singer Christopher D. Macchio and Carrie Underwood. Democratic Senator of Minnesota, Amy Klobuchar, began the ceremony with a call to order. Before the Vice President-Elect was sworn into office, Cardinal Timothy Dolan; the Archbishop of New York; and Reverend Continued on p. 4
Isabella Balian Staff Writer
It’s Spring Semester once again. Villanovans are looking forward to many events this semester, both on and off campus. The start of the year brings excitement, anticipation and joy for what’s ahead. Between NOVAdance and the Winter Gala; tailgates and basketball games; and senior events, Villanovans are coming with full force of excitement in this new year. On Monday, Jan. 27, more than 250 student organizations had the chance to recruit new
members to their involvement on campus. The Involvement Fair was a chance for freshmen and upperclassmen to expand their communities. The fair takes place both semesters, with students lined up at tables, informing everyone of their student organization and its mission. In the fall, the fair usually takes place on Mendel Field, but in the winter, the fair takes place in the Villanova Room. A multitude of student organizations participated, including but not limited to academic organizations, culture and identity organizations, athletic based organizations, media organizations,
Villanova students enjoy the winter weather at Wells Fargo Center. Lauren Armstrong/Villanova Photography
advocacy organizations, music and theater activities and more. Villanova’s annual Winter Gala is set to take place on Friday, Feb. 7. The Winter Gala is an opportunity to ring in the new semester at Villanova and enjoy winter festivities. Villanovans dress up in formal attire and enjoy a night of dancing, singing and socializing with each other. After successful years of the Winter Gala, Villanovans anticipate another thrilling evening. “I’ve never been to the Winter Gala during my four years of college, and I am really excited to see what it’s like,” senior Riley
Murray said. “I think it’s great that Villanova puts on these events for students to meet new people, enjoy the winter season, and have a night of dancing.” Villanovans are also invested in service opportunities, like Special Olympics and NOVAdance. With the excitement of Special Olympics during Fall Semester, Villanovans are looking forward to NOVADance this semester. NOVAdance is a year-long fundraiser that includes a 12-hour dance marathon this spring. The dance marathon and year of planning works towards supporting the Andrew McDonough B+ Founda-
Continued on p. 4
Freedom School: Dr. MLK Jr. Tribute Cali Carss
Staff Writer
Last Thursday, Jan 23, the Center for Peace and Justice Education presented a day-long workshop entitled Freedom School in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his legacy. This expansive event consisted of four time slots, with four sessions being presented during each. The 16 total sessions were taught by an array of people, from professors to graduate
students to undergraduate students (sometimes solo, sometimes on a panel). These educators all came from a range of backgrounds, some
being in the Peace and Justice Department, but others coming in from history, philosophy, political science, VSB and many more.
The Freedom School was held in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Cali Carss/Villanova Photography
Assistant Director of Publications and Academic Support for the Center for Peace and Justice Education, Katie Lenehan, explained that a call is sent out in November for Freedom School proposals. This often includes recurring presenters, professors that have been leading sessions for years, but this call can also be answered by students, who she will often prompt to submit their ideas as a proposal. This project, according to Lenehan, is an Continued on p. 10
MLK Jr. Keynote Lecture p. 3
TikTok Banned and Unbanned p. 4
Sof Says: Ins and Outs for 2025 p. 5
One Love: Turning Taboo into Change p. 8
When Disaster Strikes, Compassion Must Lead p. 9
A Promising Young Women and Sexual Assault p. 10
Cafe Nova: Sushi Debut p. 11
Wildcat Watch: Watcke Off to the Races p. 14
Swim and Dive Focused on “Finding a Way” Back to BE Title p. 17
Setting the Standard: Villanova’s 1985 NCAA Champions p. 18